A Fractured Echo

Chapter 27

I don't remember falling asleep, but I woke up on my bed, still fully clothed, and covered with the pale blue cashmere throw I'd found in a charity shop on Westbourne Grove. The ache of bone deep exhaustion was still with me, as was the stinging reminder of my stupidity thanks to the tender flesh on the soles of my feet. Shuffling myself up to rest against the nest of pillows behind, my eyes did their best to adjust to the faint glow from the bedside lamp, but a residual heaviness lingered, served as a timely reminder of my earlier freak out. Bringing one foot to rest across my knee, I carefully inspected the surface for damage. Someone had carefully cleaned the open cuts, and applied some antiseptic cream, leaving me wondering who I'd need to thank for taking care of me. As I stretched my arms out to appease my aching joints, the creak of the door hinge alerted me to having company, and the answer to my question.

In the doorway, bathed by a luminescent glow from the landing light, stood an angel in human form. As he stepped into the room bearing a small tray, he wore a look which implied he might be carrying the weight of the world, rather than two steaming mugs of what smelled suspiciously like cocoa.

The closer Jackson got to the bed, the more the intensely rich aroma invaded my nostrils, causing my stomach to growl loudly in anticipation. Outside the windows it was dark, and I had no idea how long I'd been out for.

I reached for my phone, which someone had thoughtfully placed on the nightstand, the clock read just after eight o'clock, which explained the wild animal which had taken up residence in my abdomen.

There was also a message from Jodie.

Hear him out. xx

Three simple words, which brought about an overwhelming level of guilt and regret over my earlier behaviour, when most likely, the intention was an understanding plea. Placing the tray down in the middle of the duvet, Jackson picked up the blanket that had been covering me which was in a messy heap at my feet, and folded it neatly before placing it at the foot of the bed.

Unsure how to break the choking silence threatening to engulf the room with its ominous presence, Jackson finally spoke with a hint of a nervous concern. "I thought I was going to have to wake you. Constance always says sugar is good for shock, so I went all out. Hot chocolate, marshmallows, whipped cream, one of those flake thingies, and an appropriately sized piece of cake from the tin."

Jodie's request echoed loudly in my head, making me scoot sideways to make room. Patting the still warm spot I'd just vacated, Jackson accepted the invitation, easing his tall frame down, and shuffling up against the nest of cushions I'd created.

"I don't deserve you being so kind after such a ridiculous performance." Even saying the words out loud, didn't make me feel any better about how I'd treated him.

Offering me one of the drinks, he picked up the other and leaned back, stretching his long leg out, the tray providing a buffer between us.

"No, I was an idiot for the way I just dropped it on you. I should have been more careful in my delivery. I just got so caught up with the idea of being able to fill in one of those blanks that's been evading you all this time."

"I could have reacted better. Maybe a little less...Forrest Gump." I cringed, before taking a tentative sip of the warm creamy drink. Intensely rich liquid bathed my tongue as I swallowed, before greedily going back for another taste.

"I'll admit, I wasn't quite expecting that. Although, I think you secretly enjoy me chasing after you." He flashed a sly grin.

"You didn't follow me the whole way, did you?" My eyes went wide at the idea of Jackson trailing half way round Notting Hill just because I'd developed a flair for the dramatic. Mortified, didn't even begin to cover it.