In that moment I felt my blood run ice cold. I didn’t recognise the person in bed. He looked, old and so, so sick. His skin was grey and pale, the dark strands of hair stick to his head. An IV line snakes out of his arm releasing fluids into his body, the only sound in the room is the periodic dripping of the medication. It’s silent, but the looks exchanged between the three of us are screaming.
“Detox did that.” I whisper, looking in Ian’s eyes.
“Yes. It hit him hard..”
“Why now? He’s been off alcohol for two months and it’s just hit. There’s got to be more than that?!” my voice cracking as I try not to explode. My hands shake over the soft leather of the chair I sit uncomfortably on next to Glen’s bed.
“Honestly Evie, I don’t know. But that’s not what matters, what matters is that it’s happening to him and now it is, it’ll be easier for him to get over this hurdle. I’ve spoken to the staff and he’s doing well..” I listen intently, watching him twiddle the gold band on his finger a few times.
“But? I feel like there’s one in the works?”
“I also spoke to the staff about his time here, what’s best for him. They think it’d be good for him to start adjusting back to daily life once he’s better.. I had a thought about him going to stay with someone for two days a week depending on...”
“No. Nope sorry.”
I start to panic, I know he wants me to do it. I’m not a baby sitter, qualified nor do I have the mental capability to deal with living with Glen...not right now.
“Evie, please just think it through.” The slight wrinkles around his eyes team up into a stressed grimace as he runs his hands through his hair
“He can stay with Mark or Danny. Not me, you don’t understand. Not after everything, I’m still dealing with this you don’t know anything...” I can feel the anger boiling up beneath my skin sharp and hot.
“I know.”
“Excuse me?” I almost get up and go, I’m too fragile for this.
“I’m his counsellor as well as a doctor. He told me about the episode on the bus and everything else..”
My heart leaps at the possibility of him knowing all our business... his feelings too. He’s not always been the most open of person
“Everything?”
“I know it’ll be good for him.. and you too.”
“You don’t know anything about me.” I grumble
“I know that you’ll kick him into shape and give him that tough love he needs to get better! I’ve got to know you Evie and from what he’s told me you’re not a push over. You’ll help him, if you give it a go.” He laughs slightly, looking at me right in the eyes. I know he’s right somehow, tough love was my plan from the start but living with me?
“I’ll only be two days a week. You don’t even have to come here the rest of the time, he needs to learn to be alone too. I’m sure this will be good. Danny and Mark agree too...”
I stand abruptly;
“Mark and Danny?! They knew, they didn’t even give it a thought... oh yeah lets rely on poor Evie living with her drunk ass ex after what happened. Yeah!! Let’s make her feel even more guilty and drive me insane!” Launching forward I try to leave but I’m stopped in my tracks from a retching by the bed.
A dark liquid pours out of his mouth into the large bin, narrowly missing the floor. Groans break the awkward silence. It’s a grim sight but there’s no getting away from it. Ian’s standing by the door, sneaky bastard knows full well if I could I’d leave and run but I can’t.
“Evie...”
That still makes my stomach flip, the sound of his voice saying my name.. saying anything still makes me smile but right now it just makes me sad. He’s not the same, life isn’t the same as it was back on tour.
“You look like shit..” I grunt angrily in his direction, using all my anger for this tough love malarkey
“I feel worse. Jesus my head hurts..” he groans painfully, sitting up.
“You’ll feel like that for a while” Ian cuts in walking to the side of the bed to sort another IV
“when will it stop?”
“When your body gets used to the absence of alcohol Glen, in a day or two you’ll feel better, good enough to go do things. Counselling and 12 step meetings will be held individually here for the time being.”
“Ok. Evie, are you ok?”
I was hoping I’d be left out of this conversation and I could go home but no such luck... I turn my head to him trying to show no emotion.
“I’m fine. Just angry with you as usual Glen. I’ve got errands to run and Danny and Mark to speak to so I’m going.”
“Evie. Don’t you have something to tell Glen..” I swear Ian wants me to punch him..
“No. That’s not my job.. or my responsibility. Bye Glen, feel better.”
I don’t look anywhere but Ian before I’m out the door, stupid man. I didn’t ask for him to be in my house two days a week, nor do I want that to happen... well. No I don’t.
This time I’m allowed to leave and I make for my car double time, Mark and Danny are going to get it in the neck for this.
**
“Jesus Evie! Calm down, it’s not like we had much of a choice. Now Glen’s getting back on track we’ve got things to sort. We’re still a band, we’re not baby sitters!”
Mark yells at me as I pace up and down slowly, concocting a plan to get me out of this. But nothing’s happening. It’s like my brain’s all clogged up.
“He needs a support system Evie and right now you’re the biggest one he’s got. I feel like shit for putting this all on you especially after everything but you’ll be good for him and despite my feelings I think he’ll be good for you too.”
“I’d really rather not do this. But it looks like I’ve got no choice in the matter either so I guess I’ll put up and shut up. But if this goes tits up I’m blaming you ok?” I smile, slapping Mark playfully on the arm
“So is that a yes? If it is you have to ring up the place and tell...” Mark mutters flicking through papers
“Yeah, yeah it’s alright. It’s only two days a week until he finishes his time in rehab.. what is it a couple months. Well once that’s done...”
“I know what you’re going to do when it’s all done with, you’ll leave again and start a life in London. Rina told me, well you have my blessing Evie.”.
“To fresh starts?” Mark laughs as we clink cups of tea
“To fresh starts!”
Ugh, I just could get this chapter right. It still doesn't feel done or good enough to post but I couldn't really leave it forever. Let me know what you think and all that jazz :) xxx
YOU ARE READING
Fire and Fury - Book 2 COMPLETE.
Romance"Your addiction was that...mine was you...funny how things change isn't it?" A year after Fire and Rain he's broken on the edge of oblivion and drowning in drink. She's happy, successful and living a life she's always dreamed of. Will they find t...
