Page 21 of Lost in Life

I come to a stop outside of the old rundown apartment complex.

This is really where he lives?

I feel an ache in my chest as worry fills me. Shaking myself, I focus on why I’m here, taking a deep breath.

Can’t be feeling sorry for him. He did this to himself.

Once satisfied my head is back in control, I climb out of my car and make my way toward the entrance. As I’m about to open the door, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Slipping it out, I raise an eyebrow at the unknown number. Usually I would just decline and move on, but something urges me to answer instead. “Hello?” I say cautiously, pressing the phone to my ear.

“Hi, is this Nova Harlan?” A tired voice replies on the other end of the line.

My heart skips, a sickening feeling forming in my gut. “Yes.” My fingers tighten as the unknown caller sighs sadly in response.

“I have some bad news regarding Hollis Barlow. I’m calling from St. Anthony General and we have you listed as Mr. Barlow’s emergency contact.” The man’s voice fades as I struggle to breathe. “Miss Harlan?” I hear faintly, trying to pull myself back from the sheer panic overwhelming my system.

Past the point of being able to correct him, I respond, “Yes, I’m still here.” My voice is hollow as I beat back my emotions.

There’s a pause before the gruff voice returns. “I’m sorry for having to ask you this over the phone. But Mr. Barlow doesn’t have any next of kin. Do you know if he had any end of life wishes?” All the air is knocked out of my lungs and I grasp blindly for something to hold me upright.

“I-I’m coming there now.” I croak, dropping my arm to my side. My body shakes as I silently sob.

I hear someone approach but can’t move, lost in my sorrow. “Nova?” A familiar voice calls. I don’t respond, gasping for breath. The sound of hurried footsteps fills the air shortly before strong arms pull me into a hard body. Turning my head, I bury my tear soaked face into my comforter’s chest, not caring who it may be.

I wish West was here.

I cry harder, clinging to the person stroking my back.

After several minutes, I start to feel embarrassed. Extracting myself from their hold, I take a step back, wiping my sleeve across my face as I look up to thank the stranger. The words catch in my throat as I meet a pair of honey brown eyes.

“W-west?”

Chapter 11

West

“W-west?” Nova stammers, shock covering their face.

I reach forward and gently brush back a lock of wayward hair. “What’s wrong, peanut?” My chest hurts when they flinch from the nickname.

My mind is reeling that they’re here with me.

When I pulled up to my apartment complex, I had every intention of starting my search but, as luck would have it, the search was rather quick as Nova stood next to the dimly lit entrance. The sight of their hunched over form sent me running. The sound of their sobs as they fell apart in my arms broke me further.

Looking over their shaking body, I try to wrap my arms around them again, but Nova pushes me back. “I-I have to go.” They mutter, turning and stumbling away.

Rushing after them, I lightly grip their elbow. “Nova, what’s going on?” I ask again, concern overwhelming every other feeling. They mumble something and try to walk off again. I tighten my grip, forcing them to look up at me. “At least let me drive you to wherever it is you’re so hell bent on getting to. You’re in no condition to drive.”

I watch as Nova wrestles with themself before finally nodding. “Fine.” They grumble, shoving their keys into my hand.

Once we’re situated in the car, I turn the ignition on. “Where to?”

Without looking at me, Nova answers, their voice breaking. “St. Anthony’s General Hospital.” Taking a deep breath, they turn toward me. “And please hurry.”

“There’s no fucking way he did this!” Nova shouts at the nurse.

In a tired voice laced with frustration, the nurse tries to calm them down. “I know it’s difficult to accept when a loved one overdoses.”

“That’s what I’m trying to fucking tell you!” Nova yells. “He wouldn’t have done this.”

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