Avery

~12~

My hands rub my eyes as I start to wake up and I notice instantly the empty space beside me.

Just as I suspected.

I reach for my phone the bedside table and my hand lands on a sheet of paper.

Pulling it into my line of vision, I read the words scribbled on an old envelope.

Sorry, I got called into work. Come see me. Don't go ignoring me, dumbass.

The word 'dumbass' is crossed out but I can still read it.

My nerves sink in and I really don't want to go and see him.

How am I supposed to act now?

My eyes widen when I realise it must be late. I must be late.

I scramble out of bed, tripping over the cover that's wrapped around my legs.

Landing face first on the floor, I just lay there for a few seconds, wishing a hole in the floor would open and swallow me.

I slowly stand up, the ache in my forehead easing.

10:30am 

I drag my eyes away from the clock and look in the mirror.

Wow, its laughable.

Quickly brushing my hair, I attempt to change at the same time, which ultimately fails and I hit my funny bone on the counter top.

Not funny, if I'm being honest.

No makeup, hair still messy, boring outfit.

Wonderful. On brand.

I run out the door, rushing down the stairs.

I catch a glimpse of myself in a window I pass and the redness on my head is getting worse.

Gosh that's embarrassing, I have to think of some elaborate story.

My house got broken into and I got injured performing my professional fighter moves.

Let's be serious, who would believe that.

The bakery door is still closed, so Amy hasn't turned up, today, shocker.

Bursting through the door, I grab ingredients and drop them on the counters.

There's not enough time, I'm screwed.

I rub my forehead, my headache worsening.

Giving up, I slump myself into a chair and throw my head back.

How could I forget to set my alarm? I never do that.

I can hear the phone ringing over and over, but I block it out, dropping my head onto the table.

After a while, I force myself to stand up, pulling the apron I managed to put on back off, hanging it up.

Picking up my keys, I walk back out, preparing to just leave for the day since there's no point.

The phone rings one final time and I grow frustrated.

What could possibly be so important? 

I compose my self, taking a deep breath and pick up the phone just to stop the jarring ringtone.

"It's about time you picked up." Adam's voice grumbles through the phone.

"I'm busy." I take the phone away from my ear until I hear him speak again.

"You never came to see me. It's 1 in the afternoon. What's wrong?"

I don't say anything.

"Stay there." Is the last thing I hear followed by the long beep.