Page 68 of Fame & Chaos

“Just leave quietly, sir.”

I roll my eyes and head out of the emergency room feeling like a complete fucking idiot.

Jesus Christ. I have probably just made things ten times worse. And knowing my luck, that receptionist will absolutely tell Indi I came looking for her.

Fucking perfect.

By the time I reach my car, my pulse is pounding violently, and a headache is throbbing behind my eyes. I rub my temples while frustration and anger crash through me so hard my entire body overheats. My muscles lock tight and sweat prickles across my forehead.

I need some kind of release before I completely lose my shit.

Without thinking, I lash out and kick the tire of my car as hard as I can.

“Ow… fuck!”

I start hopping around, clutching my foot while pain shoots through my toes.

“For fuck’s sake,” I groan bitterly.

Still limping, I make my way to the driver’s side and collapse into the seat before leaning forward and resting my forehead against the steering wheel. I just embarrassed myself, got kicked out of the hospital, and injured my foot all in one night.

I’m such a fucking dickhead.

Leaning back into the seat, I force a deep breath into my lungs while trying to calm my racing heart. “Get a grip, Caleb,” I mutter to myself, closing my eyes briefly.

After another long exhale, I finally start the car, reverse out of the parking space, and drive home knowing I seriously need to sort my shit out before I completely spiral.

When I get home, I make a conscious effort to keep myself busy. Sitting around thinking about Indi is clearly dangerous for my mental state, so I stay planted in the living room with my guitar for most of the day, singing through Staked songs and losing myself in the music.

It helps.

Not completely, but enough that the ache in my chest dulls a little.

Two days pass after seeing Indi again before my cell suddenly rings. I glance at the screen and see Dad’s name flashing across it, so I swipe to answer.

“Hey Dad, what’s up?”

“We’re all heading down to Oxfordshire for a meeting. You want us to pick you up, or are you driving yourself?”

“A meeting about what?”

“It’s a surprise,” he says smugly. “So what’s it gonna be?”

I shake my head at his cryptic bullshit even though he can’t see me. “I’ll drive. What time are we supposed to be there?”

“We’re leaving now.”

“Okay, no worries. I’ll head off too. See you there.”

I hang up, still wondering what the hell this is about. If I am being honest with myself, I’m not in the mood for socializing, but clearly something important is happening, so I drag myself off the couch, grab my leather jacket, and head out the front door after snatching my keys off the bench on the way past.

The drive to the manor goes surprisingly fast thanks to the music blasting through my speakers. I’m really feeling it today, and for once, the songs aren’t just noise. They’re helping.

I thought about calling Indi again.

About driving back to the hospital.

About trying one more time to explain myself.