Claude

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

WARNING :  suicide attempt. potentially triggering

I didn't go to work today. I felt like there was no point with them firm in their decision to send me to Montana.

Despite what Claude said last night, I don't think he will be able to come up with a good enough reason not to send me and just like that my fate is sealed.

I haven't seen Claude since last night either. They got up earlier than usual this morning and the thought of eating breakfast made my stomach churn. The thought of what I was going to do made my stomach churn.

At 10 o'clock, I decided to call my brothers. Leo doesn't pick up so I try Danny and he answers on the second ring.

"Hey sis!" he exclaims and I find a smile on my face despite myself.

"Hey Danny. Is Leo there?"

"Yeah, he is in his room, give me a minute."

I hear movement through the phone and then a scream and Leo's distinctive voice yelling. What the fuck is happening?

"Turns out he was in his room because he had a girl over," Danny says, sounding slightly embarrassed. "I don't know how much you heard but they weren't playing with Pokemon cards, I can tell you that."

I hear more movement behind the phone and then Leo takes the phone.

"You sure chose a good time to call," he chuckles and I smile to myself.

"Just thought I'd call to catch up. Put me on speaker so I can talk to both of you."

"Is everything okay? You don't call very often these days, I started to wonder if you might be dead," Danny jokes and my heart sinks.

"No, everything's great. I'm sorry I missed your birthday. I hope you had fun."

"Yeah, we got the card you sent. Gift cards? Really? What a lousy present," Leo says and I laugh.

We talk for an hour. They tell me all about the doctor things they've been doing, using technical words that I don't understand but sensing the excitement in their voice, I can tell it's important. Leo got himself a girlfriend apparently. I'm assuming that it's the girl he was with or at least I hope so because I'll kick his ass if he is cheating on someone.

"I'm glad you guys are doing well."

"When are you going to come visit, Di? We never see you anymore," Leo complains.

"I...umm."

"I know Mum is an asshole to you but we could keep you company. Or we could go away for the weekend. You could bring a friend. We could bring some of ours," Danny suggests and I scoff.

"I mean, when was the last time that you dated anyone? College? Come girl, step your game," Leo says.

"I almost forgot the reason I called. I'm going away."

"Away? Where? For how long? Oh my God, did you get a job overseas?"

The lump in my throat is getting bigger, choking me.

"It's for work. The amount of time is indefinite," I hesitate. I can't believe I'm doing this to them. "I don't know when I'll be coming back. I don't know if I'm ever coming back."

"Diana, what the fuck? You can't just spring that on us! Where are you moving to?"

"Montana." My voice cracks.

"Okay, damn. Just make sure you call us before you go so we can come see you."

"Have you told Mum?" Leo asks.