A Summer of Discovery

Chapter Twenty Four

Reading Lucy's articles the past week had forced me into the realization I wasn't part of her life anymore. Lucy was moving on with her life, dating even and I was stagnant. It was Wednesday morning and I was walking around my apartment in a robe with a huge trash bag filling it with the garbage that had previously filled my apartment to busting. I was still feeling raw but I was determined I wouldn't and couldn't do this anymore, by the time I flung open my curtains it was the afternoon. I took the sheets from my bed and made it up fresh and clean with new bedding followed by a trip out to get groceries, all of which were fresh fruits and vegetables, I needed to get back to healthy.

I had called Caroline to wish her a good week with Sam in Fairview. It would be Jacobs first time meeting Sam's Mom and Car was 'crapping her pants' as she so eloquently put it. Our conversation was caught short by the beeping of my other line.

"Have fun Car... I got to take this call" I said clicking off. My heart began to thump in my chest as I noted the area code. I took a deep breath and clicked the receive button. "Emery thank god you answered its Jane"

"Jane hi I'm so sorry I've not been returning your calls I've just not felt good" I responded. I could hear a lot of commotion in the background as I switched off the gas from the grill I had been cooking on. I pulled myself up onto the counter listening as Jane spoke to others in the background.

"Emery you need to come home it's your Pops" She said returning her attention to the line with panic in her voice.

"What's happened is he okay?" I asked jumping to my feet.

"He's had a heart attack sweetheart. We think he will be okay but I need you to come. We are in the city. The hospital here has a great cardio team"

"I'm coming I'll get the first flight. Tell him I'm coming Jane."

"I will sweetheart I'll text you the details. See you soon" She said before clicking off.

I stood there unable to move not knowing what I should do first. I decided to call work and tell them I would be away for at least a week before throwing clothes into a bag and grabbing my leather jacket. I threw it on and raced out to get my car. I drove to the airport going ninety on the freeway until I arrived at JFK. I paid for someone to park the Merc and ran into the check in.

"First flight out to Huntsville Alabama please" I said to the girl behind the desk. She had a neat bun of dark hair and thick eye liner for such a pale complexion, I couldn't help but watch her facial features closely ready to jump at her words. My eyes fixated on the gloopy mascara on the ends of her fair lashes.

"Sure" She replied checking her computer screen. "Looks like there's one leaving within the next hour ma'am you're lucky"

"I'll take it" I replied grabbing the ticket.

"Any luggage" She asked.

"Only this carry on" I said showing it quickly and then rushing off through the crowd.

As I sat at the gate my phone buzzed in my pocket. I reached for it and picked up "Emery its Sam just heard about Pops are you okay" He asked.

"I'll be okay as soon as I'm down there with y'all"

"I just landed with Caroline and Jacob, we are halfway back to Fairview but I can make it back to the city in the evening to see you all. We can leave Jacob with my mom" Sam replied.

"I will keep you updated as soon as I get there. Don't rush back to the city, it's too far. Enjoy your time with Car and Jacob. I will be back in town this week. I took some time from work."

"I love you Em call if you need us okay" Sam said before clicking off.

I folded the phone and placed it into my pocket. "I love you too" I mouthed looking out at the planes on the run way.