She runs down the corridor, huge smile on her face. She's happy to see me. And for a split second I forget everything and remember how beautiful she can sometimes appear. But as soon as she screams my name I remember why I am here.
I have spent twenty minutes sat on the floor by her dorm. I have spent one too many times sat here waiting for her to come home. This is the last time.
She bounds towards me, kissing my cheek before opening the door in a typical dramatic way. I close it quietly behind me, for me the drama comes once the door has closed.
I sit on the end of Joey's bed. She dances around the dorm, acting normal. I call her name over the music blaring.
She faces me, all smiles. I lay it bear. I know. I know about the other guy. It's all rehearsed in my head. I've had enough of being fucked about. Being sent on while goose chase trying to find her around town. I have more important things on my mind. I don't think this is working.
I shout and yell. I'm pretty sure I call her some names that I know I'll live to regret in the end but seem fitting in the heat of the moment. I don't even recall what they are seconds after saying them. They just roll off my tongue like they've been sat there, just waiting to be heard.
In return a barrage of equally insulting names flies back at me. I am accused of ignoring her. Of taking her for granted. Of never being there for her when she needs me. She screams she decided to seek affection elsewhere, in the arms of the guy she called Marcus.
I think it was at that point that we both mutually decided it was never going to work. I turned to leave, having already risen to my feet in anger. Before I finally leave I turn and coolly tell her, "you never asked how she's doing". I leave the statement hanging in the air for a second. I see her face drop with realisation before dropping to her bed. I can leave now. I have said what I needed to say. It's over.
I run my hands through my hair. The radio plays quietly. I run my hands over my face, wiping the way the tears. The engine purrs, waiting to move. Here in my car I cry. The tears are not of sadness because of the end of my ill-fated relationship with Audrey but of relief. The frustration inside of me is gone. I know we are both going to hurt for a while, maybe even regret how things have ended, maybe even think of trying to work things out. But for now I can focus on Joey, making sure she is well. My tear blurred vision clears and I pull out of Worthington Campus.
Once at home I only want to leave again. Jack isn't in, I imagine he's at the hospital with Jen. In my closest, on the top shelf and right at the back is an old shoebox. A girly thing to do I know, but in it is every little present or note Joey ever gave me. A memories box if you will. In here is something I need. Something that will cheer her up.
I had to use all of my Witter charms on the night nurse to see her. Apparently 11pm is outside of visiting hours. But lucky for me no woman can resist my charms so I sneak into her dark hospital ward. It's the only place that doesn't smell of disinfectant, probably because of the overwhelming amount of flowers the room is holding.
I pull up a chair and sit next to her bed. I've been here before. Ok so not exactly like this, not in this location before but in a similar situation. Sitting in a dimly lit room late at night watching her sleep. Back in the days when things weren't as complicated between us. And I miss those days but I don't regret our relationship. I watch her for a moment before pulling out the book and starting to read.
"The little mermaid could not take her eyes from the ship or from the beautiful prince. The colored lanterns had been extinguished. No more rockets rose in the air and the cannon had ceased firing. But the sea became restless and a moaning, grumbling sound could be heard beneath the waves. After awhile, the sails were quickly unfurled, and the noble ship continued her passage…"
As I read she slowly stirs. I pause and wait for her to wake. She blinks a few times, adjusting to the dark, then rests her eyes on me and smiles. I smile back at her. A comfortable silence lingers between us for an extended moment. There's nothing either of us can say. I don't think even she knows how her surgery went just yet. Her hand reaches over to mine and gently prises the book from my fingers then takes over the read in a small tired whisper.
"But soon the waves rose higher. Heavy clouds darkened the sky and lightning appeared in the distance. A dreadful storm was approaching. Once more the sails were reefed and the great ship pursued her flying course over the raging sea. To the little mermaid, this appeared pleasant sport. Not so for the sailors."