Right Place Wrong Time

chapter 20

My eyes began to peel open as I lifted my head off the pillow I had subconsciously made with Matt’s arm and my own. I didn’t mean to fall asleep but the beeping of those machines is hypnotising.

“Hey,” Grace said, rising from her chair as I stepped out into the corridor, “I didn’t want to wake you, you both looked so peaceful.”

“Thanks,” I smiled, “If it’s ok I might go home and freshen up.”

“Of course, we’ll call you if there’s any change.”

I felt the warmth from the water rush through my body. I’d timed my trip home perfectly; mum, Pete and Alex were at work and the twins were in the crèche so I didn’t have to face any form of questions or general conversation.  I dried myself off, pulled on a pair of leggings and a knitted sweater, pulled my wet hair back into a messy bun, grabbed my keys and headed for the door.

As I opened the door I was met with my mother, she let out a shrill scream before hugging me and continuing into the house. That woman gets more and more abnormal every day.

“I’ll see you later mum!” I shouted after her.

“No you will not.” She stated, bustling out of the kitchen, “I haven’t seen you in 3 days, you don’t look like you’ve slept. Have you eaten? Would you like a cup of tea? Sit down and let me cook you something.”

I hesitated, trying to take in the bombardment of words that had just drowned my overly tired brain.

“Thanks mum, but I need to get back.”

“That wasn’t up for negotiation.” She stated, turning to me with her hands on her hips and one eyebrow raised.

“But…”

“No buts, just the one you’re going to sit on whilst I make you some brekky.”

 She started fussing around the kitchen, mumbling to herself and cluttering around with pots and pans. After a while she presented me a plate piled high with pancakes and bacon. What a legend.

“You look awful honey.” She observed.

“Thanks mum!”

“Have you slept at all?”

“I slept a bit last night,” I said quietly, cradling my hot mug of tea in my hands, “I’ve been trying to help Grace, she’s really struggling.”

“Don’t blame her, poor woman.” She looked up slowly, making sure she gained my eye contact before carrying on, “have you spoken to Jacob?”

I didn’t reply.

“Tia, that’s not fair on him, at least give him a call; let him know you’re safe!”

“I told him where I was going when I left, he knows where I am.”

“How do you think this feels for him?” she continued, “you dropped him without a single hesitation and ran straight back to your ex; your ex who, may I add, cheated on you.”

“It’s not like that.”

“Then what is it like?”

“What else was I supposed to do?” I asked desperately, cracks starting to sound from my throat.

“I don’t know Tia, but I think you should speak to him.”

“Grace called me because she needed my help; I wasn’t going to just ignore her.” I argued.

“It’s not the fact you went that’s the problem sweetie, it’s the fact you stayed.”