Silenced 2: The Overtaking (Silenced Series) (3 page)

Chapter Four

I ma
ke 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 got 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 ok
ay.

“
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 knock
s 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 st
ands with her overnight bag, crying.

“
Oh, sweetheart, come on in and make yourself at home. I’m here for you for as long as you need me.” I say trying to be supportive, and forgetting everything that happened in the past few months.

I le
ad Casey into the living room and tell her to put her bags in the hall closet. I really want to find out why she is so upset, and I figure this is a good time to tell her that Patrick’s coming over. Gosh, how did things get so messed up?

First, I find
out Mom lied about Dave. I began searching for my dad and that led to a dead end. I found out about Sarah and nearly died. Now, this happens. This is too much.

Coming
out of my jumbled thoughts I notice Casey staring at me.

“
Start talking, what’s wrong?” I say trying to get this out of the way.

“
Teddy hasn’t answered any of my calls for three days. Well, I decided to call him one more time as I was pulling out, and he finally answered.”

“
You should never call a boyfriend that much. It looks like your begging for his attention. Just think about it, maybe he was seeing how he’d feel with a few days of no communication or time spent together? Guys do that sometimes. They like to test themselves to see if what they have is really what’s meant to be.” I say hoping I sound like I know what I’m talking about.

“
No, that wasn’t it,” Casey adds. “There’s more. Come to find out, it wasn’t him who answered the phone. Some woman answered it. She said she and Teddy have been dating for about seven months.” She cries harder.

“
And how long have you two been dating?” I ask.

“
Three... which means he’s cheating on her! I don’t want to be that girl who ruins a relationship. I never knew about her. I immediately broke it off. The bad thing is Shelly told me this was going to happen. That’s what the entire fight was about. How could I have been so stupid?” She cries, sobbing harder now.

As she’
s done talking, the door bell rings. Patrick’s here and I didn’t even tell Casey. Hopefully, this will cheer her up instead of upsetting her more. I know I don’t need any more drama in my life. I feel like I’m living in a soap opera.

“
Were you expecting someone?” Casey asks wiping her tears away.

“
Actually, we were going to talk to you about that, but we didn’t get to it in time. Landon, get the door, please.” I say, trying to sound calm.

I turn back to Casey.
“Landon was talking to Patrick about the same time I was talking to you earlier. He told Pat he was more than welcome to come over as I was telling you the same thing. We didn’t know what the other was doing, until we started to tell each other we were getting company. I really hope you don’t mind.”

“
Amber, you know how I feel about Pat and don’t say you don’t know what I’m talking about! I know you do. You’re not stupid. Anyone can see I’m still madly in love with him! I can’t be here with him, and not have him. I’m sorry.” Casey says in a hushed voice.

A
s Casey stands up, Patrick and Landon turn the corner from the hallway into the living room. I know she’s speaking the truth and she’s in love with him. This is so freaking screwed up.

“
Hi Casey, nice to see you.” Patrick says trying to make the situation better.

“
Hello, now I will be on my way, Amber. Thanks for having me over. I had a nice time. I’ll call you la...”

I
cut her off. “Actually, Landon talked to Patrick and he said he doesn’t mind if you’re here. Just because you two aren’t dating, doesn’t mean you can’t be friends, right?” I ask, hopeful.

“
Well…yeah…but I really don’t know about this. I think at this moment in time, it’s still too hard for me after what I did to Pat. I’m sorry, but I can’t stay here.”

“
Casey, its fine.” Patrick says calmly. “I know you really don’t have anywhere else to go. Please, stay.”

After
a few moments of hesitation, I look over at Casey and wink. “Gosh, we are supposed to be adults, and we’re acting like a bunch of immature kids. Casey just get over yourself. You’re going to stay anyway.”

“
Now, if you don’t mind…” I continue, “Casey and I have some talking to do in the other room. Patrick just make yourself at home and you guys plan the movies. Casey and I will be out in a while,” I say killing the awkward silence.

“
Ok.” Landon says as he motions to Patrick in the direction of the television.

We go into the bedroom to finish our talk.

“
I can’t believe it,” Casey says. “I’m here in the same house with Pat in the next room, and I can’t do a damn thing about it. Amber, you don’t know how much I care for him, and how badly I realize I messed up.”

“
From what I’m hearing from Landon, Patrick’s having problems with Stacey. They’re together but if things keep going the way they are now…” I say giving Casey a mischievous look.

“
I want to know this but honestly, then again, I don’t. I don’t want to have false hopes. I want to be back with him but I don’t think he’ll ever forgive me.”

This entire day
my mind was kept from Sarah and from my cut. The bad part is with all the drama, I forgot to take my pain medication. I didn’t realize it until a throbbing pain begins by the stitches.

“
Oh, I’ll be right back. I’ve got to go get a drink. Can I get you anything?” I ask trying to hide the pain.

“
What do you have?”

“
I just went shopping. There’s water, soda, tea, juice, and beer.”

“
I’ll take a soda.”

I
walk out to the kitchen and grab my pain medication. I wish I didn’t forget about the pills. I don’t need this right now. Casey needs me.

As
I am putting my glass in the sink, Landon looks over. The look on his face shows he noticed what was going on. I watch as he jumps up off the couch and runs over to me. Then, just as I feel his hand, everything goes black.

Chapter Five

I wake up and look around. I try to sit up but the stinging pain in my arm stops me.

“
Amber, tell me the truth. What happened to your arm? I’m worried about you.” Casey demands when I look up at her.

Landon jump
s in. “She doesn’t take too well to pain. No matter what level of pain she’s in, she always passes out.”

It look
s like Patrick and Casey believe him. This is a relief. After a few minutes, I’m able to sit up. It takes about half an hour for me to be able to stand and move around.

We all go back to our conversations.

“What’s she like?” Casey asks.

“
Who?” I ask confused.

“
Stacey.” Casey replies.

“
Oh… I’m not really sure you want to get into that. Why don’t we talk about something else?” I suggest, trying to avoid the subject.

“
Amber, come on, we’re all adults and I want to know what this girl is like. If we are supposed to be friends, I have to know what I’m up against.”

“
I’ll tell you but don’t let it get you down. She’s very nice. Patrick seems happy with her, and she treats him very well.”

Casey frowns.
“I thought you said they’re having problems.”

“
I did, and they are. But, it’s nothing really big. I only said they were on the outs to make you feel more comfortable with him.”

“
That isn’t right. There’s no need to lie to me. I’m a big girl, and I can handle the truth. I know I screwed up with Pat. But, I’d like to know exactly what’s going on with him.”

“
Patrick left his drugs alone as you already know.” I answer. “When he got out of the hospital, he had to have a nurse come to his house and help him with his recovery. Mainly, to help him get out of bed and move around. He went through the healing process quickly. The doctors were even surprised how fast.”

“
So, where does Stacey come in?” She asks.

“
She’s the nurse; actually the student nurse. He was asked if he cared if they had a student accompany the nurse to his house for a learning experience, and he agreed.”

“
He met Stacey, and they immediately hit it off?” Casey asks, rolling her eyes.

“
Kind of. Landon and I went over for a visit while the nurses were there. Stacey and I started talking first. She and I hung out a few times. To this day I still don’t know her like I know you. I don’t know if the plans are still on for this weekend because I don’t really know what’s going on with…well… you know.”

“
North Carolina?”

“
Yeah,” I say taking a deep breath. “Anyway, Stacey is really easy to talk to. I think if things were different, you two would be friends.”

“
I don’t see that happening. She has one thing I badly want.”

“
Give it time. Time will heal your heart.” I tell her trying to give her hope.

“
So, what does she look like?” She asks.

“
She’s about five feet tall, long blonde hair, baby doll looking face, and she wears glasses when she works. I’m seriously beginning to hate her because she’s so perfect. Well, looks wise anyway. We all went to the pool and let me tell you, I was so jealous. She has the perfect body all guys want.” I say laughing.

“
Now you’re rubbing it in.” Casey says chewing on her nail.

“
Anyway, she’s attending West Virginia University for nursing.”

“
How old is she?”

“
She’s twenty-five.”

“
Oh, so he likes them older? That could’ve been one thing that was wrong with our relationship.” she says sarcastically.

We finish our conversation
, and head to the kitchen for a snack. While eating, we overhear Landon and Patrick talking.

“
Did you and Stacey get things worked out yet?” Landon asks him.

“
Not really. She likes to party all the time, and she messes with drugs. Landon, you and I both know that’s my weakness. I don’t mind if she wants that life, but I just left that part behind.”

Landon looks at him sternly.
“She needs to learn to respect you for what you want, and she needs to start thinking about how hard those parties are for you.”

“
Don’t get me wrong,” Patrick says. “I love parties. The drugs are at different places at each party. I stay away from them, and enjoy all the beer. I don’t want to take the chance. Man, that’s part of what happened to me and Casey.”

“
What do you mean?”

“
I know what she did to me in the hospital was wrong, but I can’t get her out of my mind. I know she’s sitting in that room, behind that door, and there’s nothing I can do.”

“
Even if she was sitting here, Pat, you still wouldn’t be able to do anything. You’re with Stacey. Dude, she’s hot.” Landon says, trying to talk sense into Patrick.

It f
igures, guys only look at women by their body, and not what is in their hearts.

“
Which one...Casey or Stacey?” Patrick asks.

“
Stacey. I don’t look at Casey that way for several reasons. One, she’s Amber’s friend, and it’d be wrong. Two, if Amber found out I said her friend was hot, there’d be war. She’s the jealous type.”

When they’
re done talking, Casey and I join them in the living room and get ready for the movies. Landon finishes up the popcorn, and Patrick gets the soda. I put in the first movie and Casey turns out the lights. When everyone’s comfortable, we begin the movie.

The first movie
is a bad choice,
“My New Best Friend.”
Seeing the main character doing the drugs and overdosing isn’t what I need to see. This immediately brought back the reality of Sarah. I try hard to hold back the tears, but the pains too much.

I
run to my room. That part of the movie keeps running through my mind. I sense the darkness lurking up on me and try to fight it. Pain starts throbbing through my arm where I cut last night. As the pain grows stronger, the pain in my heart from Sarah doesn’t diminish. My heart beats faster and it’s hard to breathe.

“
Amber, are you ok?” Landon asks.

“
The movie… it… the darkness… Landon help me!” I reply in between gasps of breaths.

“
Help you? What’s wrong? What are you talking about with the darkness?”

“
The pain is too much!” I manage to get out in one breath.

“
You need to calm down. I can’t make out what you’re saying. I can’t help you until you calm down!”

I
try to regain control. The darkness is more powerful than ever. I begin to sweat as I pace the room, trying to shake the feeling and still this doesn’t work.

“
Is everything ok?” Casey asks looking worried.

“
Yeah.” I manage in a raspy voice.

“
Oh…okay…well, I’ll be out here if you need me.” She says as she walks out of the room.

“
The movie brought back reality with North Carolina. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be fine.”

Landon wait
s until he hears the movie playing again.

“
Try to explain this to me. I don’t understand and I want to understand so I can help.”

“
You can’t help me.
I
can’t even help me, Landon.” I reply, noticing I’m beginning to regain control.

“
What do you mean by the
darkness
?” Landon asks again.

“
I’ll explain when I’m not trying to fight it, and when we don’t have company. I’m going to take a shower. Go ahead and go back out there with them. I’ll be fine.”

“
I’m not leaving you alone until I know…”

I
try to make it look like I’m fine but I’m far from being okay. I gain enough control to be able to breathe normally. Deep down inside I know the darkness is simmering, waiting for the right moment to attack me again.

“
Well…all right…if you need me, don’t be afraid to yell. I’ll be in as quickly as possible.”

“
That’s fine.” I say as he goes to leave the room. “Oh, and Landon…”

“
Yeah,” he says turning around quickly.

“
I love you.”

“
I love you too, honey. Go get your shower, and I’ll see you when you’re done.”

I
just need to get a shower to try to relax. As they finish the movie, I go in the bathroom and lock the door.