Page 72 of Only You

Ana opened her eyes and grimaced at the light shining through the window, cursing the fact she had forgotten to close the curtains before falling into bed. Not that she could really remember getting into bed. She had a vague recollection of Millie and George sandwiching her between them as they semi-carried her giggling body up the stairs. Ana groaned and buried her head deeper into the plush pillow under her head. What a disaster! Her friends had decided alcohol was the only way forward and had kept her glass topped up for the entire evening and into the early morning.

Julie had turned up after her shift had ended and jumped straight in. A smile formed on Ana’s face as she lay back against the pillow, memories of the previous evening flooding her aching brain. Her chest felt loose for the first time in what seemed like forever. She had found her people in George, Millie, and Julie. They accepted her and supported her when she needed it. She’d had no one to lean on before, and it felt good. They had been willing to assist her, not out of any obligation, but because they were kind people.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” Millie said, popping her head around the door, “Or should I say, afternoon!”

Ana sat up too quickly, instantly regretting the move as her head pounded and the world swam. “Oooow!” she said, clutching the side of her head.

Millie grinned at her. “Yep, those final B52s finished everyone off,” Millie said, plopping herself down on the bed next to Ana, before handing her a cup of steaming black coffee. “I’m glad I refrained.”

Ana groaned, “You life saver,” and took a long sip of the black gold she had been handed.

Millie grinned at her. “George and Julie just left. They send their love and want a repeat as soon as you are up for it... preferably New Year’s Eve!”

Ana groaned at the thought of any more alcohol. She was sure her face must have turned green especially when Millie’s smile widened. “I’m pulling your leg, but New Year’s Eve sounds like a plan, if you are up for it,” she added.

Ana nodded. Not wanting to let her friends down, but she needed to check with Andrew. Her stomach sank at the thought. She needed to speak to him. It had been very childish of her to turn off her phone, but she had needed time to process. She hadn’t been able to handle him or Eva yesterday. She just hoped Olivia had accepted her excuse. Hopefully, they could laugh and swap stories of their sleepovers later that evening, although Ana would need to shower and PG her outfit first.

Ana looked around for her phone.

“It’s still downstairs,” Millie said. “Why don’t you get showered and changed? I’ve put you a fresh set of clothes on the chair.” Millie pointed to the chair in the corner, “No offence, my friend, but you stink,” she said, laughing before heading to the door. “I’ll make us both a big bacon and egg bap—the best hangover cure.” With that, the whirlwind that was Millie Danvers was gone.

Ana staggered out of bed, reaching for the pain relief Millie had left behind. Downing the two tablets, she made her way into the en-suite. It was clear Millie’s family was wealthy. Not that Ana had really questioned it after their initial meeting. Her friend was genuine and warm, and having met her mum the previous day, she understood where Millie got her kindness. Ana would make sure she sent flowers to thank them for opening their home to her, especially on a day that was designed for families.

Ana felt more human after her shower. Following her nose she found the kitchen, the smell of the bacon and eggs making her stomach growl with appreciation. Millie’s mum greeted her as she entered, kissing both her cheeks before grabbing her handbag.

“I’m off. Lovely to meet you Ana. See you soon.”

“Thank you Mrs Danver’s,” Ana said, as Millie’s mum exited the kitchen.

“Don’t mind, Mum, she’s off for an early supper with the girls.” Ana glanced at the large kitchen wall clock and blanched. It was nearly four in the afternoon. Talk about overstaying your welcome.

Ana groaned, “What must your parents think of me?” Ana shook her head in despair. This was not the impression she wanted to make to her friend’s parents.

“A brilliant one,” Millie said, dropping an enormous bap filled with bacon and egg in front of her. “Mum was worried about you. She also said, if you need to stay any longer, the spare room is yours!”

The hangover and kindness were too much, and Ana’s eyes welled up. She took a bite of her bap, swallowing past the enormous lump that had wedged itself firmly in her throat.

“Don’t go getting all emotional on me,” Millie said, rubbing her shoulder. “This is what friends do. You are my friend and I look after my friends. Mum is no different. I get it from her.” Millie grinned. “You can blame my entire personality on her!”

Ana chuckled and tucked into her sandwich, her swirling stomach appreciating the sustenance after a night of abuse.

Once she had finished, Millie passed Ana her phone. She stared at it. A heavy feeling returned to her stomach, her heart having moved to her throat. What must Andrew think of her? He probably thought she had acted like an immature little girl walking away and hiding. He would also be worried sick. She had left home over twenty-four hours ago.

Switching her phone on, Ana watched in horror as her phone exploded with missed messages and calls. Her phone pinged rapidly, letting her know she had voicemail messages waiting.

Ana’s eyes flew to Millie before flicking open her text messages. Her eyes widened in horror as she began to read the ever-growing number of messages. Millie moved behind her reading them over her shoulder.

“Grab your bag. You can call him from the car. I’ll drive. I stopped drinking earlier than you.”

Ana’s heart was pounding in her chest, her breathing shallow and quick. Millie guided her to the car, Ana felt like she was choking as she fastened her seatbelt.

“Ana,” Millie said sharply, “You need to breathe! You can’t help Olivia if you don’t hold it together! Call Andrew, find out what’s happened.”

Millie’s tone snapped Ana back into the present. She was right; she needed to get her act together. Hitting redial on her call menu, Ana waited for Andrew to pick up.

“Thank God,” he said, answering. “Ana?” Ana heard him speak to someone else in the background. “Yes, it’s Ana... Ana? Are you there?”

Ana felt herself nod before she realised, he couldn’t see her, “Yes Andrew, I’m here. What’s happened?”

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