Finding The Way

Chapter 12 - Rocky Road To #Her

Erica couldn’t believe what Candice had just told her. Finally she realised why Roxie hadn’t been answering her calls. As they arrived at their destination, Albee, Candice and Erica were all still in shock. They had only seen Roxie last night, they realised the true meaning of taking nothing for granted. After a silent car journey, they had reached the St. Albert’s Hospital. Candice parked the car and they all got out the car, running towards reception.

Candice: “Hi, we’re looking for Roxie Lawson”

Receptionist: “Oh yes, are you Erica?”

Candice: “No but she is” She said this pointing towards Erica, who walked forwards toward the receptionist.

Erica: “Hi, I am Erica, where is she?” The panic in Erica’s voice was evident.

Receptionist: “Right Erica…”

Erica just stared at the receptionist. She wasn’t listening to her but was more concerned with where Roxie was. She began to get impatient.

Erica: “Just where is she?”

Receptionist: “Oh sorry, everything is fine with Roxie. She’s in ward 5 in the Hayward Unit which is to the right of this building.”

Erica smiled and nodded at the receptionist as they headed towards to the unit. There was a sigh of relief for Erica knowing that Roxie was fine. When they arrived at the unit, they took the lift to ward 5 and saw through the window the room which Roxie was in. She was laying there. Her boyfriend Mick was also in the room, sitting on the chair holding her hand. As soon as they entered the room, Mick arose from the chair and gave an angry and agressive look towards Erica.

Mick: “Your finally here Erica!”

Erica: “Yeah, sorry we took so long! What happened Mick?”

Mick: “I can’t believe it! She was attacked last night. I found her at the end of our road in the early hours off the morning. I knew she was with you last night, so I called you to find out how this happened!”

Erica face fell, she didn’t know how to respond. She was trying to come to grips with what Mick had just told her, completely ignoring the looks and tone Mick was using with her. Overhearing the conversation Albee and Candice were also devastated and shocked with the news they had heard. They went over to Roxie’s bed to allow Mick and Erica to talk.

Erica: “I will kill em Mick!”

Mick: “That’s the same thing that’s going through my mind! But again where was you?”

Erica: “Mick, what do you want me to say? she came back to mine last night, but left early hours in the morning, where she went I don't know..I'm not her keeper Mick, I assumed she was going home..I never thought this would happen”

To Erica’s knowledge, she was actually telling the truth. As a more concerned friend she should have followed Roxie out of the room last night and made sure she knew how she was getting home, especially as they had been drinking, but she didn’t expect anything like this to happen. She slightly felt that she was partially responsible once putting the scenario into perspective She was beginning to question the decisions she made yesterday. Would this have happened if they didn’t kiss? Where was she going to last night? What was she thinking? So many questions Erica wanted answered from, but this was not the time for that. Erica had completely fell into a maze of thoughts. She looked over to see Mick still talking to her. She had already ignored her surroundings.

Mick: “Erica” He said as he began to raise his voice.

Erica: “Sorry Mick, I’m honestly still in shock, I don’t know what you want from me”