Page 11 of Constantine: Britain's Story: Part 2
“Hi.” My voice falters before I can say anything more, but I don’t need to.
“What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” Jess knows me. All it takes is a change in the tone of my voice, and she knows.
“Everything is wrong, and nothing is okay.” I cry out as soon as the words leave my lips. I cry, hard.
“Oh, Britain. I’m sorry. What’s going on?” Jess’ tone is subdued and concerned.
“I,” I cry out again, “I can’t pretend like I’m fine anymore.” I keep crying.
“Then don’t. Don’t pretend to be fine. You shouldn’t be fine.”
“I…I dropped the girls off at Sandy’s this morning and she told me Liam called her. And he asked about me. Why?!” I cry, “Why would he do that?!”
“I have no idea sweetheart. Is that why you’re so worked up?”
“It’s one of the reasons.” I pause to sniffle. “Jess, I…I’m struggling…to get out of bed in the mornings, and to keep going. It just hurts, so bad.” The line is dead silent on her end for more than a moment.
“I’ll be there tonight, at the latest, tomorrow morning. Okay?” I nod to myself in the car.
“Okay.” My voice is quiet and meek. I try to calm myself down enough so I’ll be able to see the road and drive back to town.
“Everything’s going to be okay. Not right this moment, not even tomorrow, but soon. Everything will be okay, got it?”
“Yep,” I sniffle.
“I’m gonna go book a flight and pack. Are you okay to go to your appointment this afternoon? There’s nothing wrong with rescheduling it. In fact, I recommend rescheduling it. Go to the store, get some ice cream. Then go home and put on Bridgerton. Before you can even get to Queen Charlotte, I’ll be there.” Jess is right. Delaying my ultrasound a week won’t make a difference. If I’m going to stop pretending to be fine, the first step is taking the time when I need it. I don’t need to keep pushing through unnecessarily.
“Y-you’re right. I’m going to reschedule,” I sigh as my crying fades. Knowing Jess is coming here is already working on soothing me.
“Good, I’m going to let you go, but text me if you need anything. I’ll see you soon, okay?”
“Okay, and Jess?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“Of course. Love you. We’re going to be okay, okay?”
“Uh-huh. Love you, too. Bye.”
The call ends and I immediately pull up Silas’ office number. Hopefully they can get me in next week.
“Dr. Scala’s office, how can I help you?”
“Hi, um, this is Britain Scott. I have an ultrasound and check-up appointment with Dr. Scala today, but I need to reschedule.”
“Okay, well, there’ll be a $50 fee for the late cancellation.” The administrative assistant sounds annoyed with me, I don’t blame her.
“Right, of course, that’s fine.”
“Unless you’re sick, in which case we can waive it.”
“I’m not sick, I just can’t make it today.”
“Okay, well, let me see about getting you rescheduled. Hold just a moment.”
“Sure.” The line switches over to elevator music for less than a second when I hear a click.
