𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

chapter 43

ISABELLE

Muttering a, "thank you." I grab the to go cup, and move towards the other end. My phone vibrates in my hand, causing me to juggle my keys, the cup, and my bag that's slipping of my arm, all at once.

Rolling my eyes, i shuffle to one of the tables and free my hands, taking a seat at one of the chairs. My phone vibrates again, and then it starts to buzz constantly, indicating someone's ringing.

It's an unsaved number.

"Hello?"

"Hello, sorry to disturb, is this Isla Chilton?" I furrow my brows, sitting up straighter at the unfamiliar voice.

"Isabelle Chilton?" I correct, eyes darting around the cafe. Who the hell is this? The woman doesn't reply straight away, and instead talks to someone in the background. All i can hear is muffled muttering. "Hello?" She doesn't answer.

I purse my lips. Grabbing my coffee, i smell it, take a small sip to make sure it's not to hot— it's not— and then take a few more sips. Smelling the coffee before taking a sip has become a habit. I like the smell of fresh coffee.

"He— okay yes. Sorry about that. Yes, is this Isabelle Chilton?" My eyes widen and i quickly swallow my coffee. Wiping my lips, i nod, even though she cannot see me, and answer. "Yea— yes. This is i— she?." What am i doing!?

A polite laugh leaves her mouth. "Sorry Miss Chilton if i've caused an disturbance or inconvenience, but this is regarding a Mr Kane Reed West."

My eyes widen and i quickly blurt whatever falls out my mouth. "Yes— no, it's not causing any disturbance, and yes, what's wrong with Kane? Is he okay?"

"He's very well, dear." She replies softly, but it does nothing to soothe me. "I'm just calling on behalf of Kane's team to inform you he's doing well and improving. Very well i might say."

A sigh of relief leaves me.

"T—that's good. It's wonderful. I'm so glad you've called." I rush out, hoping she can help with a problem that i've been having. "I've been trying to get into touch with Kane. I use to send him letters the first few weeks he was admitted, and he replied, but after that it was quiet."

The woman is quiet and then i realise she's put me on mute. I stare at the table, listening to the static sound, and wait for her to answer me.

And then i hear a click, followed by her voice.

"Right yes, that is one of the reasons we've decided to ring."

My throat suddenly begins to feel dry. I take another quick sip of coffee.

"What do you mean?"

"Well," She starts to say, "We normally don't ring the patients family unless there's a problem, but in this situation we've decided it's best we do."

"Oh." I don't know what to say. Where is she going with this?

"Kanes been receiving your letters, love." I hate the way my heart starts to feel hope at her words. "You haven't been receiving any replies because Kane has chosen not to answer them."