The Tragic Life

Chapter 34

The room falls dark as the clouds disappear into the ebony sky. Jamie is in my arms on the bed with his sister outside on the phone to the doctors surgery. Apparently, they can refer him to an inpatient stay at the local medical centre, but want to avoid it if they can.

This is usually a last chance solution for the extremely vulnerable. It can be more distressing to be around the other inpatients than it would be to work on yourself at home. It makes sense, but if he feels that he needs the extra support then he should be given it.

My fingers work into the hair at the top of his head as his body sinks further into my chest. "Just try rest a bit," I whisper.

After Mr McCabe dropped us back here, he kindly organised for Jamie's broken car to be toed back to my house. As soon as we stepped through the door, Jamie asked if he could take a nap, or at the least rest his eyes, which I of course, encouraged before sneaking off to call Abbey.

He wraps his leg over me so he can bring us closer together now we're back on the bed together. "I feel a bit too wired to sleep."

I kiss the top of his head which smells of the minty body wash always in his shower. "Just take a few deep breaths then."

I plan on closing my eyes too when he's settled down as the feel of him next to me calms every racing thought or feeling. Is this how it feels to him too? I sure hope so, because I would give anything to make him feel something other than the crippling pain running through him right now.

"I maxed out a credit card I just paid off," he says sounding bone-tired

"We can sort it. I'm going to send back all the stuff you got me, okay?" My gaze flicks over to the doorway where Abbey appears with a wary look on her face.

He sighs. "I want you to have the stuff, though."

Oh, Jamie. "And, I'm grateful that you do, but I want you better more. You were doing so well in paying your debts off. I'm not going to ruin that, okay?"

The moisture from his lips touching my shoulder causes me to snuggle closer to him, almost protectively. He speaks over my skin. "I can't deal with anything. I'm so messed up."

"You're sick," says Abbey and I nod. "It's not like you have a choice about it. The doctor said on the phone that they're going to make you an appointment to see the psychiatrist on Monday, and we'll go from there. In the meantime, you need to be taking your meds, and resting up as much as you can. Someone needs to watch over you, so do you want to come stay with us for a bit?"

"No," he groans, tucking himself closer to me.

I grab onto his elbow that's sitting on my hipbone. "He can stay here with me. I can look after him."

Abbey's smile could cure even the worst diseases. "Good. I'll have to leave you guys to it. The kids are at drama class tonight. I'll check in later."

"Okay." His words are muffled by my skin.

She hesitates back and forth, choosing to stay where she is when she sees him push even closer to me. "See you later then. I'll lock the door on the way out."

I give her a little wave. "Drive safe."

"Look after him," she mouths, blowing me a kiss after it.

The floorboards creek underneath her weight as she takes the staircase at a slow pace, then the slam of the front door rocks the frames on the wall with the vibration of it.

"Hmm," he says low in his throat. "This feels so right being here."

The warmth from his body and the bed covers are bringing tingles to my fingers and toes as he moves his hand to settle on my thigh. I move instinctively to kiss his forehead where his overgrown fringe sits to cover his eyebrows.