Forked Roads Back

107 - ARCHIE

I'VE SEEN TESSA EVERY day since we parted ways at Christmas, only it's solely in my dreams.

It's been four months since I last saw her, I last spoke to her, and I truly miss her. It felt unfair to miss her, because she had finally told me she knew exactly what she wanted, and I wanted to be happy for her... but that selfish part of me really wanted to tell her she was wrong. And even though it's stupid, part of me just wants to know if she misses me too.

Millie knows more than she lets on, I know she does, but after Danny's admission a few months ago, I've stayed alert.

I keep getting mixed signals, mixed messages, and I feel like something is building. Two months ago Millie told me Tessa had moved back to Andy's, because they'd had an argument. But then a couple of weeks after that, I'd heard it was because Andy had a relapse in Pneumonia, and was back in the hospital. A week or so after that, when Andy was home again, I then heard that Jamie and Tessa had never been better.

So I ignore the signals. I ignore the messages. I just try not to think too much about it, because knowing she's happy and living her life the way she wants is all I want.

But today... something feels wrong.

I hadn't felt this way in a long time, where I feel something is off,  but I know it wasn't about me. Something was wrong with Tessa.

I felt sick, and given how the two of us seem to have this unspoken connection, it was hard not to believe something had happened to her.

As the day went on, the feeling gets worse. It's like I'm completely overcome by an intense feeling of dread, like I was about to stand up to my worst fears. I was pacing, unable to sit still, because if I sat still, I'd break and drive round there to check if everything was okay.

An hour later, I can no longer take it. I have to get out of the house.

Grabbing my car keys, I look outside at the sky. It's sunny now, but distant clouds tell me it'll storm by later. Grabbing a coat, just in case, I head out to the car, knowing that Millie had left a shopping list. I figure the mundane visit to our local store will help keep my mind off Tessa, or at least for a few hours before Millie gets home, so she can check.

The drive does help, but just as I get to the shops and park the car, the in-car phone rings, and it's Andy.

"I thought you were supposed to be resting," I answer with a smile.

He chuckles, sounding a lot more like himself compared to how he sounded last week.

"If I have any more rest, I'll turn into a bedsheet," he jokes and I laugh.

"How are you doing?"

"I'm doing much better, thanks, but I thought Tessa would be back by now?"

My chest freezes and I suddenly can't breathe. "Is she okay?"

"I think so. She left a note saying she was with Charlotte, so I don't want to disturb her if she's having a lovely time."

His voice doesn't sound quite right, but I'm too focussed on the fact she's not with Jamie. My heart almost collapses in relief knowing she's with Charlotte.

"I hate to ask, Arch, but would you mind-"

"Taking you to your appointment?" I finish his sentence. "Yeah, of course." I put my hand on my chest, trying to slow down my breathing as the relief threatens tears in my eyes.

"It's at Whipps at about three, is that okay?"

I check my watch and it's about two. "Yeah sure. I'm just in Epping, so I'll be over to yours shortly."