My Better Half

Chapter 13- Overwhelmed

Jack Third Person POV

Jack ran up to a perplexed looking Josh and he looked around. He struggled to catch his breath and his chest seemed unusually tight considering he was in good shape and only ran a little.

Jack: "Hey Josh, did you see where Maria went?"

Josh: "I dunno, dude, she just took off, saying she had to go home. Rachel went after her. What's going on?"

Jack: "I think I might've really done it now."

Jack groaned and put his face in his hands, a pain behind his forehead. Yes, okay, maybe they didn't know each other quite well enough to make those types of jokes yet, but he didn't expect to have screwed things up so badly. Josh looked concerned and tried his best to help out.

Josh: "Come on dude, you're not gonna find her now and clearly you're not really in the mood to talk about it right now. Do you wanna maybe go for a swim or grab another drink with me? Calm down a little before doing anything."

Jack: "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not really in the mood anymore, I think I might just leave now."

Josh: "I'll come with you."

Jack: "Josh, there's no need, please just stay and have fun."

Josh: "Please, I just wanna help-"

The pain in Jack's head grew, and he rubbed his temples, muttering. Why was he feeling so hot and dizzy?

Jack, now a bit irritated: "There's no need-"

Josh: "No dude, you're clearly worked up right now. Besides Rachel's left anyway so-"

Jack, angrily: "Oh, so that's how it is now? Rachel this, Rachel that? God's sake, I've had a longer relationship with the spoiled carton of milk in the back of my fridge, but you two are acting like you're married or something. What's the matter with you!?"

Jack immediately clapped a hand over his mouth. Oh God, oh God, oh God, what had he just said? He hadn't meant to snap like that, he didn't know why he did that- his head was pounding like crazy. It was so hot out-

Josh, quietly: "Ok, have it your way, man"

Josh's face contorted in hurt and he turned and marched away. Jack tried to go after him, but he couldn't. He felt tired and sick, like his feet were glued to the floor. How badly could he mess stuff up? Idiot, idiot, idiot, he was such an idiot. By the time he reached the changing room, Josh had already left. Jack fumbled to put on his clothes and left.

He remembered stepping onto the bus, but all of a sudden, he was in front of his flat. Then he was at his front door. Then he had his phone in his hand... when did he take it out? It was still roasting indoors as well.

He decided to text Maria quickly and then Josh.

Jacks text to Maria: look I dnt wan to say sory over phon see u at wrk latr

Jack squinted his eyes, he hardly ever got headaches but this one was terrible. He went to call Josh to say something similar but just as he hit the dial button, the heat and the pain in his head became overwhelming and the room started to spin.

Jack hit the floor, the phone still dialling out.

Maria Third Person POV

Maria had just gotten home with Rachel. Maria still didn't want to talk about what was going on with her. Rachel didn't insist or pressure Maria to speak right away but she did try to start up a conversation.

Rachel, worriedly: "Hey... Mari, tell me, what is it? Is something wrong? Can I help-"

Maria, not even looking at Rachel: "No Rachel, I am fine... it's just... I need some time to think things through is all. So, don't worry-"