Page 28 of Straight to Me

Driving on the slower country roads helps lift my mood, my numb bum slowly forgotten. A warm, happy feeling surrounds me as I contemplate my life’s new trajectory, despite what’s led me here.

It took him eight days, but my dad did eventually reply to my message. He was pleased I was getting on with my life and that I was no longer upset about Chris. But at the mention of me moving north he back tracked and asked me to reconsider.

Considering Jess was doing so well up here in her new job for the NHS, why wouldn’t he want me to be closer to her? I get the feeling he thinks he’s losing me, which is ridiculous.

Normally I would stew over it, but all things considered, fresh start and all that, I pluck up the courage to call him when I stop at the services.

After some argumentative words on why he should be happy for me to get this opportunity, he apologises, saying he’s been busy with work and the stress is making him miserable. I tell him it’s okay and to take it easy, suggesting he visit once I’m settled. He doesn’t make any commitment though.

Not surprising.

The little gem of a village where Jess and Max live is picturesque. I pull onto their road where my car bobbles up and down the cobbles. I’d messaged her my arrival time after calling dad and spot her waving her arm like a mad woman down the street. I pull up to their house, park behind her army green Land Rover, swing the car door open as soon as all four wheels stop, and run to her.

Our embrace is emotional. God, I’ve missed her so much. We share happy tears at the sight of each other before I snatch my favourite little man from her arms and hug him with all my might. Before long we’re inside, settled on the sofa.

“Do you fancy dinner, just you and me tomorrow? Once you’re back from your interview,” Jess asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Yeah sure, why not,” I say, turning off the telly that put me in a trance. The thick northern accent of the news reporters had me daydreaming about VP.

“Perfect. Daddy can look after you little man, can’t he,” she coos to Axl, who waddles behind her into the kitchen.

I close my eyes briefly, tired from the long drive.

My thoughts then drift to flats. What was taking them so long? Hopefully, I’d hear soon about whether or not I could see it. I also need to get my bags out of the car, hang my clothes up before my interview tomorrow…

“Madison. Madison, wake up, your phone keeps ringing.”

“What?” I blink my eyes open as Jess passes my phone to me. I groan. “It’s Chris.”

“What will he want?” Jess asks, annoyed at the sound of his two-timing name.

“Guessing divorce is done? Probably needs me to sign some paperwork to release my money.”

“Just answer it,” she says.

Not really feeling up to it, I let it ring. We haven’t spoken since he left, everything is done through solicitors. It rings out then starts again until it rings out again, over and over until it drives me crazy. “What?” I answer the phone as offhandedly as possible.

“Finally. It’s me, Chris.”

“I know.”

“Oh. I assumed you would have deleted my number.”

I sigh wishing I had. “What do you want?”

“I need you to sign some paperwork. The solicitors have finalised everything.”

“Great. Can you send it by email? I’ll electronically sign it.”

“Why not by post?”

“I’ve moved. Email is better.”

“You have? Where are you now?”

I don’t have to tell him anything anymore, but I still say, “Um, I’m staying with Jess for a bit.”

She stands in the background gesturing that he’s a cock, making me laugh. I have to swipe her away so I can pay attention to what he’s saying.

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