Chapter Five
As he wondered through the village trying to make sense of all that had happened, Jake knew that there was only one thing that he could do that would help to dull the searing, deep reaching pain he was feeling right now. He knew Drive 'N' Buy would still be open at this time of night so he headed off in the direction of the shop, hoping he had enough money in his pockets to wash his pain away, at least for a few hours anyway.
Half an hour passed and having finished off the cans of beer he had brought, Jake closed his eyes, trying to block out the world as best he could. He just couldn't believe what was happening. How could he have been so happy just a few hours ago, to feeling like he did right now, like his insides were on fire, his heart was shattered, and his mind confused and in turmoil. Suddenly a noise woke him from his thoughts and his eyes snapped open. Jake's younger brother, Craig, was walking towards him, his eyes firmly on the now empty cans of beer that Jake had chucked on the ground in front of him.
"Jake, what are you doing?" inquired Craig, sensing Jake might not be in the mood for small talk.
"Just leave me alone, Craig" snarled Jake. He knew it wasn't Craig's fault but he couldn't help the tone of his voice, he was angry and he wanted to be left alone.
"Don't you think you should go home, Jake, Becca will be wondering where you are"
"I don't think so" Jake muttered quietly, thinking that Becca was probably too busy enjoying herself with him to care about her own husband.
"Look, come back to The Dog, yeah, it's better than staying here on your own" Craig said, hoping that mum might be able to work her magic and find out what was bothering Jake so much.
"Fine" Jake muttered again, so Craig could barely hear him. Leaving the empty cans by the bench, Craig grabbed hold of Jake, pulled him up, and began to walk towards the direction of the village pub.