FANFICTION

Chapter 11: It's Called Rubbernecking

Last night

My phone buzzed, causing me to wake up with a start.

'Just when I thought I'd be getting to sleep tonight.' I thought to my self.

I flipped my body over to face my nightstand. I had to make an effort to reach my aching arm out to grab the illuminating device. I made sure to turn down the brightness so I wouldn't blind myself.

I squinted, looking at the notification on my phone. The bar that appeared was a message from a number I didn't recognize. I swipe on the tab and unlock my phone in order to read the contents of said text.

Unknown:
Hey Zoey, it's Jacob.
I asked Sally for your phone number when you left so I could make sure you were alright. I wanted to know if James was going to be okay.
How are you doing?

I must be dreaming. I scramble to sit up and lean back on the headboard of my bed. I quickly texted him back.

Me:
Hi.
Yeah, James is in the hospital, I'm going to visit him tomorrow. Apparently someone drugged him.

I sent the message. As I waited for a reply, I made sure to add Jacob's contact info into my phone.

By the time I was done with that task, my phone buzzed again. I returned back to my text page to read his next message.

Jacob:
Shit. That's what I thought.

I don't know what else to type... what should I say? I didn't really feel comfortable talking about this situation at the moment but I didn't want to stop talking to him!

I didn't have James.

I needed someone to talk to.

Before I could type anything, I noticed he sent me another message.

Jacob:
The cops were still here until about midnight, questioning a bunch of people.
They think it might have been Brock who slipped the drug into your drink.

What?!

Me:
Really?! How do they figure that?

Jacob:
Apparently the guy ain't as clean as I thought. Has been dealing with a lot of people in town.

I put my phone down.

This makes sense now. I left the circle with my drink sitting on the table. Brock could have easily dropped something in my drink, waiting for my return. Brock must have given it to James, and James, unconsciously thinking about it, took a sip of the contents.

Jacob:
Hey, are you okay?

Me:
Not really tbh.

Jacob:
I don't blame you.

I thought the conversation was over until I received another message from him.

Jacob:
Listen. How about you and I go grab some lunch tomorrow after you go visit James? We can talk more about stuff then.
I would really like to know if James is okay.