The Suburbs

Chapter thirty-three

My legs are still a bit wobbly, but I do my best to pull myself together in the bathroom. As I get myself back into my clothes, my phone drops out of my jean pocket, revealing my lit screen.

Two missed calls.

They're from Alex. Shit, I've been so caught up in Jacob I had completely forgotten he was being discharged soon but surely it's not yet. I was certain it would be after the weekend at least.

I splash cold water on my face from the bathroom sink and prepare myself to call him. I creep over to the bathroom door to make sure Jacob isn't in ear shot but thankfully he is still down in the kitchen.

Before I even have the chance to call him back my phone suddenly vibrates in my hand.

"Hello?" I whisper.

"Mia?" Alex's voice sounds concerned.

"Yes."

"Why are you whispering?"

"I...I just woke up." I lie.
"Are you okay?"

"Oh. Yeah I'm okay thank you. I can come home. Well, to yours, if that's still okay?"

Oh shit.

I didn't think Alex coming to stay would be a problem considering only a few days ago I didn't think I'd be continuing things further with Jacob. I can't just blow him off now though, I couldn't do that to him. I promised him and I can't just leave him in the lurch. I mean, where would he even go?

"It's not is it." His dejected voice interrupts my anxieties.

"Shit! Sorry Alex. I was just distracted, of course it's absolutely fine. Are you ready now?"

"Yeah...if you're sure. I don't want to ruin any plans you have."

"No, you're fine! Don't worry. I'll leave in five minutes okay? See you as soon as I can." I say trying to sound convincing.

As soon as I hang up the phone I bring my hands up to my face.

"Fuuuck!" I whisper through gritted teeth to myself.

Ok. Okay, think of a plan, Mia.

I don't want to but I'm going to have to lie to Jacob, at least for now. I can't go downstairs now after our day together and tell him I'm off to pick up my ex-husband so he can come and live with me for a while. That'll will go down like the Titanic.

Fuck, but I don't want to lie either. I love what I'm building with Jacob. But on the other hand I know he won't understand. He thinks Alex is a piece of shit already from what I have told him and there's just no way he'll accept this.

Annoyingly, I pace back and forth around the bathroom, battling with my own thoughts. I hate situations like this, I can never work out what is best to do. I'm so torn.

"Mia?" Jacob calls from the bottom of the stairs.

Bollocks.

"Coming!" I call as panic sets in.

I rush down the stairs hurriedly so Jacob can see something has changed.

"I have to go." I blurt, as soon as my eyes meet his.

"Huh?"

"It's my...cousin. He took an overdose and there's no one else. I have to go to him."

Jacob stares at me bewildered. Trying to process what I'm saying.

"What? Where?" He replies.

"I have to get him from the hospital. He'll probably have to stay with me for a little while."

I feel so guilty deceiving him but it's the only way we can avoid the drama.

"Which hospital?"

"St.Andrew's..." I anxiously answer, knowing full well I'll be met with more frustration.

"You better be joking Mia, it's like 8 o'clock at night now? It's hours away! And it's pouring out. Most of the roads around here will be flooded by now! You can't drive. Not in this."

"I'll be fine, I'm sure I can find a way around any floods."

"No, it could be dangerous. I'll take you." He responds authoritatively as he grabs his jacket.

"I have to go on my own Jacob. Sorry. He is very embarrassed about what's happened and he won't be able to cope being around somebody he doesn't know right now, I'm sorry but I'm going on my own." I awkwardly reply, I can barely make eye contact now and I feel like I'm being so transparent.

"Mia, it's fucking dangerous out there. The winds are picking up, the rain is too heavy..."

"I'll call you when I'm home to let you know I'm safe." I quickly cut him off and turn to leave.

"This is bullshit! Mia! Stop." Jacob shouts behind me.

"I'll call you!" I repeat and I rush to my car as quickly as I can to avoid any further confrontation.

The guilt is unbearable as I drive away and still see Jacob stood at his front door in my rear view mirror. He looks confused and pissed off.

Just as I pull away I can see him waving his arms at me to stop, but I can't stop. I made a promise to Alex and as much as I wish he didn't, he really needs my help right now. Within seconds I pull out of our cul-de-sac and Jacob is no longer in my view.

1 new message - Jacob

Flashes up on my screen before I have barely made it to the main road but I can't open it. I have to concentrate on the roads. I'll call him soon and hopefully once he knows I'm back home and safe he'll be fine.

Jacob was right about the floods, they're everywhere and it's too hard to see them in the dark. I'm worried my car won't get through them all, but I keep going and just hope for the best.

The wind whistles harshly through the vents in the car and the rain hammers so loudly on my windscreen that it's deafening. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't scary. Thankfully, hardly any cars are on the road which makes it a little more manageable but the unpredictability of the roads are overwhelming.

I keep an eye on the SatNav and I'm grateful every time I get through another mile. The drive is taking twice as long though because I'm having to go so slowly.

Just when I think I'm over the worst of it I clock some blue flashing lights up ahead and realise I'm joining the back of a very long queue of traffic.

As my car edges closer at a snail pace, I realise there's firefighters helping stranded cars from the floods.

Ooh god. This is going to take hours.

I send Alex a quick text message to let him know I'm going to be a while because of how bad the roads have become. The traffic is a complete standstill now. I promised Jacob I would text him when I got home but at this rate it'll be gone midnight.

Reluctantly, my thumb finds Jacob's message. I'm almost worried to open it incase he is mad at me but I can't ignore it either.

Mia, I don't really understand whats going on...I'm sorry your cousin isn't well but you've become my whole world and I hate to think of you out in this. Please, please just drive safe. Call me as soon as you can.

I smile at the warmth in his words although I think they've made me feel worse for running out on him in the way that I have and only telling him a half truth.

Eventually, the traffic starts to move again, albeit very slowly but at least it's something.

Twelve more miles until I reach the hospital and I can ring Jacob and let him know he was right about the roads, but I managed half way and I'm safe.