The Pursuit

Twenty Nine

TWENTY-NINE  

Who would have ever thought that on the very first day of the new year, I would be stuck in a hospital's waiting room? As soon as I recovered back all my senses and energy, I rushed to the hospital the police officer gave me. I was a total mess then, and tears couldn't stop from falling down my cheeks. It was an embarrassment, but I didn't care at the moment.

Officer Mike had a quick discussion with me when I arrived. I was afraid that the accident might have been Caleb's fault, but I knew better. Apparently, a speeding and slightly intoxicated driver ran through a red light which ended in colliding with Caleb's car. Most specifically, the driver's side. Thank goodness he was wearing his seatbelt or the damages would have been much worse, the police told me. 

He gave me back Caleb's belongings including his wallet where he was able to identify him, and the cell phone that broke the news to me. 

I was alone in the waiting room. I felt lonely. How selfish would it be of me to wish for someone else in my place instead of me? I didn't want to go through this. I never asked for it. The angst ate away at my insides as I waited for the doctor to give me news. Anything. 

I stared at Caleb's phone in my hand. The officer instructed me to call his family. He left an hour ago, and I still couldn't bring myself to do it. I knew it in my heart that the blame would go to me. Caleb left my place. He got in an accident. It was enough for his mother and sister to hate me more; maybe even his entire family would join in.

With shaky fingers, I scrolled through his contacts. I didn't know if his phone had international calling just in case his parents were out of the states, but I had to try. I gently clicked on the contact labeled 'Mum' and heard the ringing. 

"Caleb, honey, hello." Sophia's ever refined voice gave me chills. If she talked this way to her children, how would she react to me telling her the bad news? "Caleb?"

I realized I haven't answered her yet. I cleared my throat before talking. "Hello, Mrs. Wilkes."

"Who is this?" A sharp retort backfired. 

"Sophia, it's Bethany. Caleb's girlfriend."

A noise of disgust came from her. "What is it that you want? Why do you have my son's phone?"

"Caleb's in the hospital," I blurted out. I didn't want to linger any longer. Straightforward is just how to handle this lady. "He's been in a car accident tonight. I'll send you a text of the information of the hospital, so you can get here quickly. Please tell me you're not out of the country."

I didn't hear from her in one long minute. "Don't play with me, girl. This is not something to joke about!"

"I wish I was," I said softly, "but I'm not."

Silence, then an outcry. "Larry!" I couldn't comprehend the rest she was saying. She was too busy sobbing just as I was in the taxi cab on the way here. I most likely scared the driver and didn't demand for tip when I shot out of the car. 

"Hello? Bethany?" A clear male's voice replaced the cries of Sophia.

"Hi Larry," I said. 

"Can you tell me exactly what happened? My wife mentioned something about Caleb dying."

Despite the situation, I cracked a smile. "No. At least, not that I know of. He's in the hospital after a car wreck. A drunk driver hit him. Badly. All I know is that he hit his head pretty hard. I don't know the details yet. I'll send you the information of the hospital's location."