Lost

Chapter 18 - Lifeline

+++ TRIGGER WARNING — suicide ++++

Ace was headed towards his mothers apartment, his head was distracted and he knew that it wasn't really safe to drive in these conditions, but he couldn't stop himself. Normally, he would call on Caleb to help him and drive him wherever he needed to be, but this time Cal needed to worry about Ace's little sister and no one else.

The 16-year-old needed to be on top of his game, but he wasn't. First of all he was worried about Caleb and Jodee being alone for the first time together, and secondly he was worried about his mother.

The anxiety surrounding his sister and best friend was slightly less as his heart hurt a little, but his brain told him that it would be okay. Jodee was a smart and resilient kid and would quickly try to make light of the situation as she waited for Ace to return home. And Caleb was very responsible and Ace trusted him with his life and in turn, his sisters. Ace knew that Jodee was safe with Cal.

His worry surrounding his mother, however, was far greater. Ace hated not being in control and he hated not having all of the information. So, his mind was just flooding with things that could be going wrong. Although none of his ideas seemed logical and he didn't really want to think about it too much as that would only lead to either disappointment or relief when he actually met with his mother and possibly Todd.

Ace wanted to be ready for anything.

He parked his car lazily on the side of the road and headed into the apartment building. One of the staff waved their hand in a greeting, but Ace just ignored him as he rushed his way over to the stairs. He really didn't have time to wait for an elevator or think that it could get him to his destination so he began walking up the stairs.

Ace was a sight of sore eyes today, his hands shaking, his jaw clenched and his knuckles white. Everyone that saw him quickly got out of his way, but then continued to look as they were all curious as to what the 16-year-old boy was doing here in this state. Ace ignored all of them

He made it over to his mothers room door, his hand grasping onto the handle before stopping himself.

The 16-year-old took a step back, his hand running through his jet black hair as he took multiple deep breaths in a row, his chest heaving with effort. If he was going to do this, he needed to do it right, which meant to keep a level head and not do or say something he was going to regret.

Ace decided that he had calmed down enough as he stepped back up to the door, raising his fist and knocking a few times.

No response.

"Mom? Mom? Are you in there?" He tried again, bringing his head close to the door so there was no chance someone in there couldn't hear him. He took a pause, listening but hearing no noise. "Mom? It's me, Ace ... C'mon just open up!" He called, already his patience started to wear thin. "If you don't answer I'm just going to come in there." He threatened lightly.

Ace counted — one, two, three ... yep, he's going in.

He didn't want any longer before pushing the door open. Ace didn't have to use any force whatsoever as it was unlocked and even a little ajar when he had first come up to it.

The first thing Ace noticed was that the apartment reeked. It was a combination of drugs, alcohol, sex, and something else he couldn't quite put his finger on. He briefly scanned the room, noticing that it looked quite a bit different to the last time he'd been there. Of course it was a mess both times, but this time it was a scary mess, not just a lazy mess.