Regrets

6

As his mind did its best to shut it out, the sound of his phone kept ringing. Reaching out to the nightstand, Edd grabbed his phone and answered it quick as to not wake anyone. He got out of bed and went to the living room as the call connected.

"Hello?" 

"Hello! Uh- apologies for calling at this time but uh-"

He heard him whispering to someone. Edd rubbed his eyes and sighed. He thought the call was pretty sketchy. "Look mate, if you're looking to get money from us for the cell, just pawn it or something. We don't have money to get it back so do as you please with it."

"Edd!"

He froze. That accent.

"Who is this?!"

Silence.

"Well, I suppose it has been a while, old friend."

Gasping for air, Tom did his best to catch his breath and reached for the glass of water on his nightstand. It had been a week since he'd first gotten sick and it didn't seem to get any better. His eyes hung dark bags under them, he couldn't sleep most nights, and he couldn't keep food down for long. He should really book a doctors appointment.

Setting the glass down, he laid back down and stared at the ceiling. He was tired, so tired. Nightmare after nightmare was destroying his sleep. So when I finally felt himself drifting off to sleep, his door flew open and slammed against the wall.

"GOOOOOD MORNING TOM! Well more like evening because BOY DO YOU SLEEP A LOT!"

Groaning, he covered his head with his pillow. "It's too early Matt, and where's Edd?"

"Well Edd said he had something to take care of so he left an hour ago to go do whatever he was going to do which I'm not too sure what it is because he didn't say what he was going to do but it sounded very important because he left so soon and at this time of night? Must've been very very very important and blah blah blah blah-"

Tom zoned him out. He sat up and saw Matt had a bowl of soup for him. Thanking him, he began to eat while Matt sat on the edge of his bed and continued talking. Although he wouldn't stop, Tom wasn't so bothered by him this time. Looking outside, he could tell that his shift would start soon.

"Matt, did Edd call in for me today?"

Matt stopped for a moment. "Hmmm, I don't think so? But I'll get right to that!-"

"Nononono! That won't be necessary!" Jumping out of bed, Tom put the empty bowl on his nightstand and went for his work clothes.

"I think I'm alright to work now. Do you happen to know the time?"

"Of course! It's....." Matt dragged on the S while he pulled his phone out. "11:25!"

Shit. Guess I'll have to catch the bus.

Buttoning up the last few buttons on his shirt, he grabbed his work bag and wallet. "Thanks for the soup Matt, very much appreciated as well as your company but I'm afraid I must go to work." Being as dramatic as he could be, he walked out the room and out his apartment.

He ran to the bus stop and was able to catch the bus on time. While on his way, he took some pills to keep his soup down. Although he was feeling better than before, he was still very much sick. He never got motion sickness, that is, he never got it when he wasn't sick, so he was very much fighting to not throw up. He knew he should've stayed home but he was sick of just laying in bed and doing nothing. Without his phone, he'd rather be at work.

Once he arrived at his stop, he rushed up and took a moment before finishing his trip to work. When he finally got there, he said a simple 'Hey' to his coworker and went to leave his stuff in the back.

"So, you're finally back?" His coworker joined him as the store was empty.

"Yup. Got sick of being home so why not be sick at work."

"Just don't throw up. And if you do, you know where the mop and bucket are."

And so went the same old shift. Lucky for him, he made it to the restroom each and every time. Although he was able to not make a mess, he was dizzy and on the verge of passing out. Having to run to the restroom didn't help at all.

I'm fine. Just... glancing at the clock, he took notes of how much longer he needed before he could leave. 4:57. Alright, not too bad. Just need to shake it off.

Yeah, I've got this.

I don't got this. Gagging, he ran once more to the restroom. He heard someone walk in.

"I take it you want me to phone Edd?"

Quickly gathering himself, he opened the stall door and faced his coworker. "Please."

Nodding, he went to call Edd while Tom stayed behind to wash up. As he walked out the door, his coworker handed him the phone.

Sighing, he reluctantly spoke. "Hey Edd."

"Tom? What are you doing out of bed!? Are you sick?"

Tom shrugged. "No I just called to let you know that I was all better now."

"Don't take that tone with me." Tom chuckled. "Well, I can be there in, maybe half an hour? Just sit tight and try not to throw up."

"On it."

Putting the phone back in the receiver he peaked his head out to the main area. "Hey I'm gonna take a nap. That cool?"

He only got a thumbs up in response. He went towards the back and got comfy in one of the chair. Shutting his eyes, he let a long desired sleep take him.