“Sarah…Sarah…Sarah,” I yell repeatedly as tears roll down my cheek.
****
“Honey…Amber…wake up! You’re having a bad dream,” Landon says shaking me.
My hearts racing as I sit up and scream Sarah’s name. Landon pulls me close, and holds me tight. After a few minutes I realize what’s going on. I remember my mom gave me the bad news. I miss her. I want to talk to Sarah so bad that it hurts.
“If it will make you feel better to cry, baby, you can cry. I’m here,” Landon says caringly.
“I wish I could’ve talked to her one more time.” I sit and wonder why she did this to herself. Did she do it because I moved? Was she in trouble?
Landon interrupts my thoughts. “It sounds like she was using drugs. I don’t want to sound too harsh, but when people are addicted to pills…”
“She wasn’t stupid like that!” I yell, defending Sarah.
“Sweetie, it’s been how long since you two actually saw each other?”
“I know, but Landon you didn’t know her.”
We sit on the bed talking for the next few hours. Landon notices the time as he sits up, “I’ll stay awake. I don’t want you doing something stupid. I want to make sure you don’t hurt yourself again.”
When sun rises and shines through our sheer curtain, I feel Landon carefully climb out of bed. I guess he thinks I’m asleep. I can hear him breathing, so I roll over. I see him standing beside the bed with something in his hand. My eyes clear as I realize it's my razor. I completely forgot it was in my pocket.
“What are you doing with that?” I ask playing dumb.
“I found it in bed. How did it get into our bed?” he asks.
“After I finished cleaning up, I slid it into my pocket. I don’t know why. I must have forgotten to take it out last night when we laid down.”
“What're you planning on doing with it?”
“Nothing.”
“Well, if you’re not planning on doing anything with it, you won’t mind if I get rid of it; do you?”
I don’t want to start anymore problems. I really wish I would've remembered to take it out of my pocket. I want it back, but if I tell him the truth it'd cause more problems.
“Take it. I don’t care. I don’t want it anymore. After last night, I most certainly won't cut again.”
“I really hope you’re right,” he says crossing his arms.
I notice a hint of unhappiness in his eyes as he leaves the room. After seeing the hurt this caused him, I want to get rid of the darkness forever. I don’t want to lose the person in my life who makes me happy.
I should get up. The lack of sleep never essentially bothered me. Sleeping is a waste of time. I can get more done in a day if I don’t bother to sleep. As I go to the kitchen, flashbacks of fun times I shared with Sarah take over my mind.
As I watch the visions, I realize I don’t remember the last time I talked to Sarah. No matter how hard I try to remember, I can’t. Was our last conversation a pleasant one? My gut is telling me it’s not something I can be proud of. I can’t be completely sure. I make a fresh pot of coffee and get the paper.
Instead of thinking about Sarah and depressing myself more, I make Landon breakfast. Bacon and eggs sound good. The coffee is the topping to his morning. The only thing I’m lacking is energy. I have so many things I need to do today; maybe the coffee is for both of us. As I put breakfast on the table, Landon comes into the kitchen.
“Feeling better now?” I ask.
“I didn’t sleep last night, so it’s going to be a really long day. Breakfast smells good,” he says sitting down at our small round table.
“Thanks. Sorry you didn’t get to sleep. How long was I dreaming?”
“When you started screaming, it woke me up and I woke you, why?”
“Just wondering, here’s your coffee. Let’s eat.”
I can’t get Sarah out of my mind. Reading the paper will take my mind off of my dream and Sarah. I think reading the problems others have and feeling sorry for them will help. The re-election of our first African American as president is all over the paper and magazines in the world. The paper can be the source I need. As I'm skimming the paper, I arrive at the obituary column. Someone told the local paper about Sarah, and it’s printed in black and white, right in front of me.
“Landon, look at this.” I say, keeping my eyes on the paper.
As soon as Landon sees it, he decides it’s best I go to my mom’s for the day and he'll pick up my medication.
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea to go over there. I just want to be here today. I don’t want to worry my mom if she were to find out about last night.”
“Are you sure you're going to be okay?”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”
“You lost your best friend and had a bad night. I’m really concerned about you.”
“Landon, I feel fine and time will heal my pain. You need to hurry before you’re late.”
He grabs a cup of coffee to go and leaves.
Chapter Three
As soon as Landon's out of sight, I lay down on the bed, and begin to cry. So much has happened within the past day. I want to fall into a deep sleep, and let it all pass by. Perhaps when I wake, I won't remember a thing. Then, the phone rings.
“Hello?”
“Amber, hey it’s Casey. How are you doing?” she asks.
“I’m alright considering my current situation.”
“I'm making sure because my Aunt Jean was at the hospital last night. She saw you there.”
“Oh…really?” I say with a knot forming in my throat.
“Yeah, she said when she walked in you were lying on the floor and blood was everywhere. From what she saw... she said it looked like you hit your head hard. Are you sure you're alright?”
“Yeah, I’m okay. I was having a hard time dealing with some bad news I received. I went into the kitchen to make a late night snack when I accidentally cut myself with a knife.”
“Oh what bad news? Are you okay? What about your mom and Dave? Please, tell me nothing happened to them?”
“It’s nothing like that. I lost my best friend from North Carolina last night. Do you remember me ever mentioning Sarah?”
“Um… not that I can remember. Do you need me to come over? I’m getting off of work and I can be there in ten minutes.”
“Sure.”
I really don’t want to be alone and spending my day crying. I need to get motivated again. So, maybe if Casey comes over, she can cheer me up a bit and this would make Landon believe me.
“Ok great, I’m on my way!”
I set the phone down, and look around. The apartment is a mess. I begin cleaning the mess from breakfast while I wait for Casey. As I finish the living room, she knocks on the door.
“Who is it?” I yell towards the door.
“Oh, come on it’s your worst nightmare.”
“It’s open.”
I sit on the couch, and act like I'm reading a book.
“How are you doing?” She asks.
“Things could be a lot worse, but I’m making it.”
“So, what do you want to talk about first?”
“Neither.”
“Oh, come on Amber, I’m your best friend. You used to tell me everything. Why can’t we go back to that?”
“Why don’t we start with you? You haven’t called me for days, and now here you are showing up when I really need you. I have to ask...why do you care?” I ask confused.
“Don’t start this again,” she said. “I’m here because I’m your friend. I want to help you. I’m really worried about you. Last night was really hard on you, and I want to make sure you’re okay. I can tell you’ve been crying.”
“What do you expect? I just lost my best friend.”
I’m not sure why she showed up. All she’s doing is stating the obvious, and it’s getting on my nerves.
“Let’s stop talking about me and my sorrows. How ar
e things for you?” I say.
“Well, let’s see... the job's going great. I’ve gotten a raise.”
“That’s great. I’m still waiting for Target. Things are pretty good there. I was supposed to work today but Landon called my boss on the way to work, and told him what happened. So, he gave me my first day off.”
“Well, that’s good. It’s surprising to hear your new boss gave you the day off. So, how are things with you and Landon?”
“Great. He’s wonderful. I can’t say how much help he's been since last night. I’m happy he and I met that night at that party. The bond we share is indescribable.”
Casey looks down. “It’s great to hear you guys are still strong. I want to clear it up... I’m not jealous you got prom queen. I'm happy for you.”
I don’t know if I believe her. She didn’t act very happy that night.
“I’m happy to hear that. So, what’s with your college friend?”
“Oh, you mean Teddy?”
“Yeah, I guess that’d be him. I don’t remember you telling me his name.”
“Oh, well… his name is Teddy. He and I are dating. Everything's going well. He took me to a surprise dinner and movie. It was so romantic.”
“He sounds romantic.”
“So, how’s Patrick?” She asks.
“He’s finally out of the hospital. He recovered well. You’d never know he spent most of this past school year in the hospital.”
“That’s good to hear.” She says as her cheeks turn pink.
By the way, she says that I can tell she still has strong feelings for him.
“I don’t know if you heard, but he quit doing drugs.”
“That’s a surprise. I figured he’d get his fix as soon as they let him go.”
“No, he didn’t want to deal with that anymore. He totally let it go.”
“That’s great, but hard to believe. He was totally stuck on it.”
“Casey, people change for the better. There are people out there all the time that are stopping nasty habits they're addicted to. I see him just about every day, and I see a huge change within him. It’s great, and I’m proud of him.”
“I’m not saying I don’t believe he stopped. I’m glad he did. The drugs were one of the main things in our relationship that bothered me. Hopefully, he can keep himself away from them and find a decent woman that'll treat him well.”
“I’m taking it that you didn’t hear he found a woman, either?”
“He what?” Casey says surprised.
“He’s dating a girl named Stacey. I met her a few times. He’s supposed to be bringing her over this weekend for a movie night.’
“Why wasn’t I invited?”
“I didn’t think it was a good idea, seeing how you and Patrick aren’t really talking.”
“Oh… look at the time, I have to go. I have to get home and get some clothes washed. Then, go shopping for my lunches for next week. I hate being out after dark. I better go.” She says jumping up from the couch, and heading towards the door.
“Yeah, me too. I need to get to the store to get my meds filled. You take care and thanks for coming over.”
“Oh, anytime. Take care and if you need someone to talk to, you can call me anytime. Later chick!”
I know Casey may feel like I’m leaving her out, but that’s what Patrick wants. He doesn’t want to be anywhere near her, because he doesn’t want her dragging him down again. As soon as I hear her pull out, I dress. Landon will be home in a few hours, and I want to be back before then.
While I’m out, I decide to stop by Mom’s.
“Mom, are you sure you’re all right?”
“Oh, Amber, you worry too much about me.”
“I don’t want anything to happen to you. I love you and I’m glad we worked out our differences.”
“I agree. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, why do you ask?”
“I went to the store, and I saw Casey’s Aunt there. I didn’t know who this woman was when she came up to me and started talking.”
“She did? What did she say?” I ask while my heart skips a beat.
“She told me she saw you at the hospital last night, and she wanted to be kept updated. Amber, what happened last night when you left here?”
My mouth goes dry as I’m thinking of what to say, “Oh, nothing major. I was cooking dinner, and when I went to put the knife in the sink I cut my arm. It was deep, and needed stitches.”
“You know you don’t have to be there. You can come back here where your dinner is prepared for you every night.”
“Oh, no Mom, it’s fine.”
“Why did Jean say you bumped your head really hard, and it was bleeding badly?”
“It’s nothing, Mom. I didn’t hit my head. I’m fine. There’s nothing to worry about.” I said trying to get her to believe me.
Man, word travels way too fast. I hope she doesn’t hear the true story. She'd kill me. I continue talking with my mom, until I realize time has gone by quicker than what I thought.
“Oh crap, I have to go.”
“What are you in such a rush for?”
“Landon’s at work, and I want to make him a special dinner. He’s getting off in an hour, and will be home in two. I need to get back and get started.”
“That’s so sweet. I don’t want to hold you up. Call me tonight, and let me know how dinner turns out.”
“I will Mom. I love you.”
Chapter Four
I make it to the pharmacy, get my medication, and make it home before Landon. He walks through the door as dinner is finishing.
“How was your day?” I ask trying to be casual and calm.
“All right. I was late this morning.”
“Why?”
“An accident on the interstate. Took an hour to get away from it.” He replies as he notices dinner.
“Did your boss say anything about you being late?”
“He didn’t like that I was late but there wasn’t anything anyone could do about it. How was your day? How are you holding up?”
“I’m holding up the best I can. I saw Casey today. She stopped by for a few minutes, and after she left I went to visit my mom.”
“How’s Casey doing?” He asks. “I haven’t heard from her in a while.”
“She’s good. She’s working, getting ready for college, and dating a guy named Teddy.”
“Did she ask about Pat?”
“Yeah, I told her he put the drugs in his past and has a girlfriend. She got really jealous, and all of the sudden she had to go.”
“How’s your Mom?”
“She’s doing the best she can. You can tell she’s been crying a lot. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you… she knows we went to the hospital last night.”
“I thought you didn’t want her to know?”
“I didn’t tell her. Casey’s aunt told her.”
“Aunt?”
“Her aunt was in the emergency room while we were there. She walked in as I was waking up from passing out.”
“So, she really doesn’t know the full story?”
“No,” I reply, “I told both my mom and Casey; I was cooking and accidentally cut myself with a knife. No big deal.”
“Did they buy it?”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t they?”
As usual, when we're having a great conversation, his cell phone goes off. He completely drops the conversation, and answers his phone. Shortly after, my phone goes off too. I immediately dial my voicemail to make sure it wasn’t Mom. The voicemail is from Casey.
“Who’s texting you?” I ask wondering if she texted him too.
“Patrick.” Landon replies.
I had to call Casey, because her voice doesn’t sound good. She sounds like something’s wrong.
“Casey, hey it’s me, you called?”
“Do you have room on your couch tonight?”
“Why? What’s going on?” I ask confused.
Casey explains. “Shelly and I g
ot into a fight. She’s mad that my dad’s been giving me permission to spend a few nights with Teddy. She doesn’t like him, and she doesn’t want me to see him. My dad doesn’t seem to mind him, and disagrees with Shelly. She told me to get out for the night, and that I can come back when I have some sense.”
“She can’t do that. What did your dad say?
“He’s out of town. He left this morning. I tried calling Teddy but for some reason he didn’t answer.” Casey says with sarcasm in her voice.
“Why did you say it like that?”
“Normally, he always answers my calls. But lately, we really haven’t been talking as much as we used to. I really need a place to stay. Do you mind?”
“No, I don’t mind. I don’t see where that would be a problem. Do you work tomorrow?”
“No, I have the day off. I will see you soon.”
This is going to be fun. I haven’t talked much to Casey, so it’s going to give us some good time to catch up, and have some girl time.
“Amber, can you come here?” Landon yells from the kitchen.
I wonder what’s going on with him. I hadn’t realized he was on the phone too. I hope everything’s okay.
“Yeah.” I say as I walk into the kitchen.
“Patrick’s coming over tonight to use our couch.”
“What! Oh, crap, this isn’t cool.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I told Casey she could use the couch because Shelly kicked her out for the night. She doesn’t really have any where else to go.”
“Pat said he needs a movie night.”
“What are we going to do?”
“They both are our friends, and if they can’t handle being under the same roof for a few hours, then they both need to grow up.” He says.
“You have a point... Casey still loves him. Both are with the totally wrong people. So, maybe this’ll turn out to be a good thing.” I say smiling.
****
About an hour later, Casey knocks on the door. Landon and I look at each other as we stand up at the same time.
“I’ll get it.” I say exhaling a deep breath.
As I open the door, Casey stands with her overnight bag, crying.
Silenced 2: The Overtaking (Silenced Series) Page 2
