“You and I really haven’t talked in months, and here we are in the same room. It’s awkward.”
“Oh…how’s life for you?” Patrick says trying to make conversation.
“It’s going. I’m working, getting ready to go to school, and single.”
“Single? I thought Amber said you’re with someone.”
“I was, until this afternoon.” She answers.
“What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“He had a girlfriend during the last three months he and I were together. Pretty much, he was cheating on her with me. I never wanted to be the type of girl that ruined someone’s relationship.” Casey says in a saddened voice.
“Sorry to hear that.” Patrick replies showing Casey he still cares.
“It’s alright. He and I were close, but we still had our problems. He’s in college so that consumes more of his time.”
“Yeah, I understand.”
“How are you and your girl doing?” Casey asks.
“You heard about her? From who?”
“Amber and I were talking, and she said you’re taken. I was curious and asked questions.”
“Oh, Stacey and I are doing all right.”
“That’s good. I was told you’re no longer doing drugs?”
“I’m proud to say I got away from that.” He brags.
“It makes me happy, but what made you want to quit?”
“I was in the hospital for so long. By the time I was released, I had gone through the withdrawals and figured the hardest part was over. So, why not keep going?”
“I like that.” Casey says.
“How’s your baby sister doing?”
“He’s doing well.”
“He? I thought she said she was having a little girl?”
“The doctors were wrong. She had a little boy right after Christmas. He was a very healthy baby when he was born. They named him Nolin. Now, he’s the center of attention. He got my old room and my dad made a room for me in the basement.”
“That’s cool”
“At first I wasn’t really thrilled of the idea. Nolin gets most of the attention. My dad constantly spends time with him when he’s in town. He used to be like that with me, but I’m lucky to even get him to glance in my direction when he’s home. I really don’t care, because I’m saving for my own place.”
“I’m sorry things at home are still messed up.”
“I’m used to it. It’s been this way since my mom died.”
“I remember you telling me. I hope the best for you. Where are you working now?”
“Oh, I work at Hot Topic. It’s not hard. My boss is really nice. The people that come in on occasion keep me laughing by the way they dress.”
“I bet. That place gets some really weird people.”
I slowly drift off to sleep.
****
I wake to the phone ringing. I really didn’t remember what happened last night. As I get out of bed to answer the phone, my foot sends a shocking pain up my leg, and this reminds me. Ignoring the pain, I limp to answer the phone.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Amber, how are you doing?” The voice is familiar. It’s Sarah’s mother, Donna.
“Oh, hey Donna.”
“Did your mom call you yet?” Donna asks.
“Actually, she did. I just missed her call. Why, what’s going on?” I ask, as worry fills me.
“We got the report back. Are you ready to hear this?”
“I’ve been ready. What did they find?”
“It’s official…she…overdosed.” Donna says in a shaky voice.
“What did she overdose on?”
“Hydrocodone.”
It’s the same drug that I stole from Dave. Wow, this is scary. I didn’t realize how deadly they could be.
“Oh my goodness, I know what they are because Dave takes them for his back.” I say surprised.
“The doctor says there’s an unusual amount in her system. It looks like she was taking them for a while. Did you know she was abusing drugs?”
“Honestly, no I had no clue. We were scared to death to even try it once. I’m still scared to this day. I guess Sarah felt differently.”
“The viewing is the day after tomorrow and the funeral is Friday morning. Are you coming?”
“I’m not saying this to be smart but she’s my best friend. I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t.” I answer.
“I guess you’re right. Do you have the means to take this trip? Because if you don’t, I’ll help you. I’ll send you money.”
“No, Donna, I can cover it. It’s not a problem.”
It’s not a problem because I’ll just use the bonds my real father sent to me. I wasn’t expecting to use them for my best friend’s funeral but Sarah’s worth it. I’m not going to miss seeing her family again. I wish I could be going to see her...alive.
“As long as you’re sure darling. If anything comes up and you think you can’t make it, please call me. I’ll help you out.” Donna says.
Chapter Seven
I can’t get Sarah off of my mind. I want to talk to her one more time, but this feeling just wouldn’t go away. To make matters worse, my foot’s really sore from the glass. Trying to ignore the pain, I call my boss from work and tell him what happened. This isn’t a good way to start off a job. Well, that is if I still have my job.
“Thank you for calling Target, my name is Sherry, how may I help you?” The woman on the phone answers.
“Sherry, this is Amber, is Nathan in today?” I’m hoping Sherry realizes who I am.
“Yes, he’s in the main office. Hold and I will transfer your call.” She replies.
While waiting for Nathan to pick up, I think of a million ways to try to get the time off while saving my job. So far, Nathan has been pretty nice about this entire situation. If he won’t agree to give me time off, I have only one option in mind and that’s to give up the job.
“This is Nathan. How may I help you?”
“Hey Nathan, it’s Amber. I know this isn’t the best time for me to do this, but I need a week before I can start.”
“What is going on Amber? Are you sure you even want this job?”
“I know I had the last few days off because of being in the hospital. I just found out my best friend…”
Finishing this sentence is hard. My voice keeps letting out every time I try to finish it. After so many tries, it finally comes out the best it can.
“My best friend who lived in North Carolina passed and I really need to attend the funeral.”
“When is the funeral?” Nathan asks as he inhales.
“The viewing is tomorrow and the funeral’s Friday.” I inform him.
“Amber, this is such short notice, especially because you haven’t come in since I hired you. I had your schedule changed from your last call off. What am I going to do with the new schedule now? You’re needed this week. That’s why I hired you. We have many orders to fulfill, and this is your area.”
“Nathan, I understand the importance of my job. I totally understand that I really haven’t even shown up for the job I was hired for. But we can’t control when someone dies or when you get sick. All I’m asking you to do is find some kindness in your heart, keep my position for me, and approve of my time off. Please, I’ll work whatever hours you want me to when I get back. Please. It’s a week.”
“Why a week? You said the next two days is when everything is going on,” he says, agitated.
“Have you ever lost someone who was very close to you? Someone who’s always been there for you, no matter what problems came up?” I ask, hoping he understands.
“Yes, I have.” He paused. “I’ll keep your position for one more week. But, keep this between me and you. Amber, the only reason I’m doing this is because I do understand. But you need to realize that if it were anyone else, your position would have been replaced with someone else, and you wouldn’t have it anymore. Promise me it will be for one week,
and you’ll be here on Tuesday?”
“I promise. Promise me again that my job will be here when I get back.” I ask.
“I promise.” Nathan replies.
****
“Mom, it’s me.”
“Amber, how are you?”
“I could be better. I talked to Donna this morning.” I say getting the conversation started.
“Is she holding up alright? I’m worried about her.”
“The best she can. The viewing is Thursday and the funeral is Friday.” I say as fast as I can. I still don’t want to believe what I’m saying.
My mom exhaled, “This is short notice. I don’t think I can make the trip.”
“I’m going. Nothing will stop me. I’d rather have someone come with me, but if you don’t think you can get yourself together that quick, then I’ll go by myself.” I say.
“I’m sorry, honey. I can’t ask that of my boss when I go in this afternoon. He’s nice enough to let me take this morning, and come in late.”
“How long have you been working for them?”
“Fifteen years. But, only about a year with this branch.”
“Oh”
“What about your job, Amber? Did you talk to your new boss? I’m afraid you’re not going to have one by the time all this is over.”
“Nathan, my new boss, gave me a week and he promises my job will be here when I get back.”
“Awe, that’s very nice of him to do.”
I continue talking with her. She gives me a driver’s safety lesson on traveling, and ways to get help if I end up needing it. After the safety lecture is over, I call Landon to leave him a message asking him to call as soon as he can.
While I’m waiting for Landon to call, Patrick stops by.
“Pat, did you forget something this morning?” I ask, confused.
“No, I wanted to come by and check in on you,” he replies, and glances around the room. “What are you doing?” He asks.
“Packing for my trip to North Carolina.” I say.
“I’m guessing you found out about the funeral?”
“Yeah, earlier this morning.”
“Does Landon know you’re packing to leave?”
“I left a message for him about an hour ago, but he still hasn’t called.”
“I’ll go with you, if no one else can. I have nothing but time right now. This’ll get me away from Stacey.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“She’s not Casey. I’m in love with Casey, but I don’t want to hurt Stacey. I need some time to think, and this is my ticket. Well, that’s if Landon doesn’t mind.”
“You’re more than welcome to come with me, even if Landon can’t.”
“Why wouldn’t he be able to?” He asks.
“Work has him busy. I think his boss is looking for the right reasons to promote him, but needs to see what he’ll do under different situations.”
“Wow, that’s harsh but understandable.”
“My opinion on your little love situation; I think you should be honest with both of them. Stacey cares so much for you, but from how she talks, I don’t see her being with you for the rest of her life. Well, on her end anyway. She has never told me that she’s totally crazy in love with you like Casey has.” I say, hoping he’ll understand what I’m getting at.
Patrick looked sad. “I kind of figured Casey still cares. When we were talking last night, I could see it in her eyes. She didn’t seem to shy away at all. When we talked about what happened, I saw hurt in her eyes. I just don’t know if I could forgive her for cheating on me when I was having a hard time.”
“I wish I could help you out with that, but you need to decide for yourself.”
As we are talking, Landon calls me back.
“What’s up? Is there something wrong?” Landon asks.
“Nothing new, I talked to Sarah’s mom, Donna. She told me the funeral arrangements have been made.” I say in a shaky voice.
“Ok, what’s the schedule?”
I fill him in on the dates and times.
“Weekdays…I don’t know if I’ll be able to go during the week. I honestly don’t think I’m going to feel comfortable with going anyway, because I didn’t know Sarah. I’d like to go, because of the ride, but I don’t think my boss will let me. We have such a busy schedule this week. I’ll ask, but I’m not promising anything.” Landon says.
“Patrick’s here with me. He said if you didn’t mind, he’ll ride with me.”
“He might have to. Honey, I know this is hard on you, and I know you want me to be there with you. I’ll talk to my boss. Either way, Patrick’s welcome to go. I don’t mind. If I can’t go, I’d feel better if he went.”
“I’ll tell him.”
“Well, my lunch is about over,” Landon says. “I’ll see you when I get home. We aren’t working late today. We’re actually ahead of schedule.”
“All right. I have to get the rest of my clothes packed and talk to Pat about the trip. I’ll pack a bag for you in case. That way when you get home you won’t have to worry about it. I’m leaving later tonight or early tomorrow morning.”
When we hang up the phone, I explain everything to Patrick and he decides he’s going with me. He heads to his place to start packing. It takes me an hour to finish my own packing. After both bags are packed, I call Donna and to tell her we’ll be down tomorrow.
I put my cell phone to charge, and decide to take my car to the garage to make sure everything’s in good condition for the trip. I pull in to the apartment parking lot just as Landon pulls in.
“How was your afternoon?” Landon asks, placing his keys on the table.
“It was busy. I had the oil changed in the car and finished packing. Patrick should be on his way back over soon. He decided earlier he was going with us.”
“That’s good. I talked to my boss, and he gave me until next Monday to be back. I have almost a week. Even though I don’t feel it’s my position to be there, I decided I would go to be there for you.”
Hearing how much Landon cares for me, I can feel a knot in my throat as I hold back tears. I thought he wasn’t going to be able to go with me.
“That’s good to hear,” I say trying to make my voice sound normal.
Patrick comes back as I finish dinner and Landon begins to set the table.
“Hey Pat, you hungry? You’re more than welcome to join us. There’s plenty.” Landon invited.
“Yeah!” Patrick says sitting down at the table.
While Patrick and Landon talk in the dining room, Casey calls me.
“How are you?” Casey asks as I answer.
“The best I can be. Why?” I ask her.
“I’ve been so worried about you. Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yes!” I reply trying to hide the agitation in my voice.
“I don’t believe you. Is Landon home from work yet?”
“He just got home. Why? What’s with all these questions?” I asked her getting infuriated.
“Well, as long as he’s there I know you’ll be okay,” she replies sounding less anxious.
“If it makes you feel better, why don’t you come over and hang out.” I say trying to make her feel better.
“Sounds good. I’ll be right there.”
I know that’s what she wanted to hear. I think she may have heard the guys in the back ground. Lately, Casey hasn’t really been around or called much. I imagine it’s her way of being around Patrick without looking desperate.
I might as well break the news to the guys. I don’t care if they don’t like it. Casey’s my friend and has been even before they came into my life.
“Hey guys, umm, Casey called and she’s on her way over.”
***
Dinner is over as Casey knocks on the door.
“Come in.” Landon yells towards the front door.
That’s just like him. Lazy when he wants to be, but that’s one thing that makes him so cute. I love how he acts like he’
s the shit in this apartment, and no one can beat it.
As Casey comes in, I yell from the kitchen so I can tell her Patrick’s here. Therefore; she won’t be surprised or uncomfortable.
“Hey.” I say as she walks into the room.
“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asks, taking a seat by the island.
“I’m doing the same from the last time we talked. I’m running round this apartment making sure I have everything I need and cleaning up from dinner.” I explain to her with a smile. Hopefully, this will make her feel better.
“Packing?” She asks, looking confused.
I forgot I haven’t told her I decided to go to North Carolina. “My trip to North Carolina.”
“Oh, for the funeral. How long will you be gone?”
“I’ll be down there at least until Saturday. I’m really not sure though. I took a week off of work.”
“Your boss let you take a week? How long have you been working there?”
“Yeah, he did. Actually, I haven’t started yet.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t fire you.”
Casey’s all right with the trip, until she finds out Patrick’s going. She hints that she wants to go too. I knew she’d want to come as soon as she heard. I don’t mind but this is hard on me. It’s not a vacation and I hope they aren’t thinking of it that way.
I finish double checking my bags and add in a few things I forgot. I can’t believe I forgot to pack the razor I found in my bedroom closet under a shoe box. I honestly thought Landon would’ve gotten rid of it. If I knew it was there sooner, my foot wouldn’t be sore from stepping on glass.
Landon and Patrick head to the store for snacks so we would spend less time stopping. The only reason to stop now would be for gas or a bathroom stop. While the guys are out, Casey asks me if she can go. I think it’s pretty obvious her true reason to go is not to help me. I think she wants to go because of Patrick.
This is wrong. I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but this isn’t the time to take a road trip to North Carolina for a romantic getaway. I don’t understand why they don’t talk this out and get the hell back together. I’m tired of their relationship drama, and being used so they can see each other.
I answer her. “I really don’t know if it’s a good idea. I mean, I don’t want to be mean or anything. But, this isn’t the time for anyone to be playing matchmaker. I know the only reason you want to go is because of Patrick, and not for me.” I blurt without realizing having time to stop myself.
Silenced 2: The Overtaking (Silenced Series) Page 4
