The Music or the Misery (Book 2)

A Scar Away From Falling Apart

                    

"It's... my mom. She's gone Violet, she died!"

I sit on my bed frozen in shock, unable to move an inch. My heart automatically breaks for him and I want to do anything to take away the pain he's so obviously in. I can't imagine what he's going through right now.

"Patrick, I am so sorry" I whisper as a sob breaks down the line, bringing tears to my own eyes. He's hurting and I feel his pain as if we're connected.

"I didn't spend enough time with her Violet, I should have visited more" he continues. I close my eyes knowing straight away that he's somehow going to blame himself. I hate that he always seems to think that he's the problem, it's like an automatic reflex.

"Patrick, you didn't do anything wrong, she would have known that you loved her and that's all that matters. I know that you're hurting but please don't blame yourself, please" I beg. Glancing over to my left, I find Riddly sitting up too, her eyes glued to me in question. The best I can do is shake my head, as I try to work out what I can do to comfort him. I can't take away his pain but maybe I can lessen it. It's just, this isn't something that I can fix with words.

"I can't help it; I just feel so angry at myself. I have no more time with her. I wish you had met her Violet; she would have adored you" he says as a lump forms in my throat. "I didn't know who else to call, I'm so sorry" he finishes.

As soon as he stops talking the only thought that comes into my mind, is that I need to get to him. It's a decision I make in seconds, out of my need to comfort him, it's like second nature. "I'm coming to Chicago" I state, already getting up. I catch Riddly frowning but I ignore it.

"Violet, you don't have to. I don't want you to drop everything for me" he says, although his voice is weak with emotion.

"This is more important than anything else right now. It doesn't matter what our relationship status is, I still care about you. I want to do this" I tell him. He's silent for a few seconds before he finds words.

"Violet, you don't have to-" he tries again but I cut him off.

"I'm going to get on the next plane. Just... hang on, okay?" I say, trying to keep my voice calm, in hopes of having the same effect on him.

"Okay" he whispers, one single word holding so much pain.

"Hang on I'll be there soon" I reply and he whimpers.

"Please hurry" is the last thing he says before I force myself to say goodbye. I really don't want to but I have to order to get things done.

"I'll see you soon" I state firmly and let the line go dead. As soon as I drop my phone, Riddly jumps up from her bed, obviously worried. I think she got the main topic of conversation from my end.

"What's going on?" she asks as I search for a bag to throw some clothes into.

"Patrick's mom passed away" I mumble, continuing my task. Finding a bag, I stuff random clothes into it, my mind reeling.

"Oh god, that's terrible" she says, sounding wide awake now. "You're going to Chicago?" she continues.

"Yeah... do you think it's the right thing to do?" I ask, stopping suddenly and giving her my full attention. She stands and grabs my hands, her expression sincere.

"He needs you, so yes it's the right thing to do. Go with your gut" she says and I nod, pulling her into a quick hug. Then she begins helping me pack, making the task much easier.

Considering the flights from here to Chicago are fairly frequent, I only have to wait a couple of hours once I make it to the airport. A couple of hours that are spent sitting anxiously in one spot, chewing on my fingernails. Time isn't going fast enough.