Sons Of Silence

15: Fragile feelings

By the time I woke up the next morning it was to an empty bed and my phone read 12p.m. I sighed and got out of bed, walking down the stairs to see Brooke still here scrolling through her phone.

She looks up at me and sits up on the couch while I go into the kitchen to make us some coffee. "What even happened last night." She asked holding her head and walking up to the island. "Too much." I say handing her a cup and taking a sip of mine.

After some time, Brooke left because she had a bunch of sorority stuff to do and studying I guess. I spent the rest of the day cleaning the house and just relaxing.

Later in the afternoon I ended up getting a call from the hospital saying I got the position and I'll start work on Tuesday. I'll only be working 3 day weeks with 12 hour shifts. I'm actually excited to start working in the ER, even though I do already have enough excitement in my life.

The next two days went by in a breeze and the next thing I know I'm walking into the hospital ready to start my shift. I have heard from Everest since he was in my house drunk in my bed and I'm still wondering, more curious if he actually took that guys hand.

I went through orientation and my team lead, Mason, who I'll always be working with showed me around and got me set up with my id. He was a tall blonde shaggy hair with brown eyes. He was cute and super kind and welcoming.

It's already been 6 hours into the shift and I've been on my feet non stop. I finally go to the break room and heat up a TV dinner that I brought with me. I sit down and peel the plastic wrap off when Mason comes in and sits down with me.

I smile up at him. "So you said you just recently moved here from New York. How'd you find a small town like Locus?" I kind of little out a small giggle and he gives me the amusing look.

"I actually grew up here. I moved to New York when I was 16." I say.

"Well I guess my next question is why would you ever wanna come back." I sigh and go to throw my tray away in the trash bin.

"It got just as lonely up there as it could be here. Plus my best friend is here and the little family I have left."  I wash my hands and get ready to go back onto the floor.

"I get that. I didn't live here my whole life. I went to the university and god a job here right after graduation. So, I just kinda stayed." I wait for him at the door and we both walk down the hall.

"So I guess I can ask you the same thing. What's the appeal that you stayed." This time he lets out a chuckle.

"A girl. We dated in college and she liked the small town, I hated it but she convinced me this would be the perfect place for a family. But she ended up being the one leaving, going to Miami or something because she wasn't ready to settle down."

"Oh I'm sorry." I felt sorry for him. He did have the lost puppy look and these big brown eyes saying 'take me home with you'. "Shit happened right?" And I give him and big nod to that one because indeed shit does happen.

                         ——————————————

The week actually flew by and so did the next which I was grateful for. I was finally feeling a sense of peace with my life because this is what I came here for.

Peace.

Finally getting of it was 5 a.m. I couldn't be more relieved. "Hey Avery!" Mason yells running out after me. I turn around and meet him panting out of breath.

"Everything okay." I smile and laugh. "Ya I just didn't want to miss you, I was-" he put up his had to give him a minute as he's catching his breaths "I was wondering if I could get your number and maybe we could get a drink or something sometime?" My smile gets even bigger and I hold out my hand for his phone.