Shattered Ice

When fools rush

*Virginia*

As the sun dips below the horizon, I can’t shake the gnawing worry creeping into my mind. Caleb was supposed to come over hours ago to discuss the charity event, but he is a no show and here I am, alone in my living room, staring at the clock and feeling the anxiety bubble up. Where is he? The shadows outside seem to stretch longer with each passing minute, feeding my fears that he’s once again gotten himself into some sort of trouble.

I have send a couple of text, asking him where he is, but I also did not want to seem too needy. But he has not answered… actually he has not even read them.

Finally, frustration bubbles over, and I grab my phone again, reluctantly dialing his number. I hate that I am feeling almost like a controlling girlfriend, but this is different. I need to know he’s okay, it’s my job… kinda. The phone rings, and my heart races with every ring, just as I’m about to hang up, he answers… his voice sounding off, like he’s been up to no good.

“What do you want, Virginia? Isn’t it below you to speak to me,” he says, and I can hear the slur in his words. it is so obvious that the unmistakable scent of alcohol might as well drift through the phone line, and I can almost see him swaying as he speaks

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my cool. “Caleb, we were supposed to plan the charity games… Also it’s kinda my job to make sure you don’t get into trouble. Right now, I have a feeling that getting into trouble is exactly what you are doing.”.

He laughs, but it’s a hollow sound that sends chills down my spine. “Oh, your job. Got it. I thought you might actually be worried about me. Are you sure you want to work with savages?”

What the hell? I can’t believe he’s going there. He was the one acting like it was no big deal. “Caleb, stop with the dramatics. I have no idea what youmare on about, but by Good, don’t be mad at me for trying to look out for you… someone clearly needs to.” My voice is sharper than I intend, laced with annoyance.

He sighs heavily, and I can almost sense the irritation radiating through the phone. “I do not need a babysitter… and I do not need someone who recent me to pretend to care, I have had enough of that in my f*****g life.”

“Caleb, I know you are drunk but what?” I shoot back. “I seriously have no freaking idea what you are on about… I just wanted to know why you did not show.”

Then it hits me… I hear cars zooming past in the background. My heart drops. “Caleb, what are you doing? Please tell me you’re not driving right now.”

He hesitates. “Uhh, do you believe me if I say no? Okay, okay, I’m on my way home.” But his voice betrays him; I can tell he’s lying.

I bolt upright from the couch, adrenaline kicking in. “Caleb, for God’s sake! What were you thinking? You’ve been drinking! Pull over right now and tell me where you are so I can come get you!”

“I do not need you to help me,” he huffs. “I can handle myself, I always have.”

I rub a hand over my face. “Clearly you can’t… please just stop before…”

“I’m perfectly capable of… Oh s**t…” His voice falters, and suddenly there’s a loud thud followed by silence. The line goes dead.

“No, no, please, call me back! Say you accidentally hung up!” Panic grips me, and I stare at my phone, willing it to ring again. I tap the screen, dialing him again and again, my heart racing with each unanswered call. Ten rings pass, but nothing. I feel like I’m losing my mind.

Frantically, I turn on the TV, scanning the news for any mention of accidents, my heart pounding every time I see a glimpse of a twisted wreck or a smashed-up car. What if it’s his? I should probably call someone… anyone… but I’m too consumed by fear. All I can think about is whether he’s okay.

I pace back and forth, checking my phone, refreshing the news, and every so often, I collapse into a sobbing mess on the floor. The uncertainty is unbearable. Where is he? What’s happening? And why is the idea of him dead feeling like the end of the world?

After what feels like an eternity… almost two hours… I’m on the verge of a total breakdown when suddenly, my phone buzzes to life. I grab it, my heart racing, praying to see his name on the screen. But instead, it’s an unknown caller.

I freeze, staring at the number, my breath caught in my throat. Do I dare answer? What if it’s the news I’m dreading? What if it’s bad? I hesitate, fear clawing at me, and then I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever comes next.