Chapter 65

This was not like him at all. If there was a reason for him going off the grid, he would normally prewarn me. To not only go off grid but to then miss my birthday plans which had been arranged for weeks was not like him at all. I decided to put my phone down and try not to worry for a while.

I managed to stomach some toast to try and mop up some of the alcohol still in my system. By 10am I was feeling a little better, but the hangover was still strong. I continued to drink water, take painkillers and try to stomach more food. A little at a time was the best way to go. By lunch time there had still not been a response from Brax. I decided to try and call him.

The phone rang twice before someone answered. “Hello.”

It was a female voice that I did not recognise; I felt my gut twist. “Is Brax there?”

“He’s a little busy at the moment,” I heard a snigger under her voice, “Can I take a message.”

I heard Brax in the background, “Babe, who is it?”

I quickly hung up the phone. The realisation hit me like a truck. I grabbed the back of the sofa to steady myself as I began to shake with rage. Tears filled my eyes; I couldn't have heard what I thought it was. I can’t jump to conclusions; there must be a reasonable explanation.

Seconds later my phone was ringing in my hand with Brax’s name flashing on my screen. I watched it ring off. Immediately, his name flashed on the screen again. After 4 missed calls, a message pinged through.

‘Leah, please answer the phone. I need to explain.’

I ran to the bathroom; I managed to get to the toilet in time before I threw up. I had to be wrong. Brax started blowing up my phone. Once I was certain I was not going to throw up again, I sat to try and gather my thoughts on the side of the bathtub. Brax started phoning me again; I mustered enough strength to answer the call this time.

“Leah, I promise you it is now what you think it is.”

I had no words; I wasn’t sure what to believe let alone think. I sat with tears streaming down my cheeks silently while my spare hand covered my mouth to contain my cries.

“Please talk to me.” He begged.

“Where were you last night?” I scraped the words together shakily.

“Something came up, I’m sorry for missing our date.”

“Check your calendar, Brax.” I snapped.

I waited in silence. “Fuck, Leah I'm so sorry. Can I come over I will explain everything.”

“It doesn’t matter Brax. Forget it.”

I hung up. My mind felt like a whirlpool. He tried calling me again, but I turned my phone off. I couldn’t deal with whatever this was. The last two months flashed through my mind. I felt dizzy and sick again. After hugging the toilet for a while longer, I dragged myself downstairs. There was an unexpected knock at the door. I refused to answer it.

“Leah, It’s Brax. Please open the door.”

I froze in place.