Snowed In

December 23rd

When I wake up the next morning Jack isn’t in the bed. He’s also not in the bathroom, living room, or kitchen. I don’t see him in the back yard either. His truck is till here though and the snow is still thick so I know he has to be around here somewhere. I decide to sit and read while I wait for him. The hours begin passing by my anxiety rising with them. Worry takes over me so I stand and begin to pace. Just as I’m about to put my jacket and shoes on Jack walks through the door. He doesn’t say anything he just goes straight to his room and shuts the door. I sit on the couch playing with my fingers until he returns.

“Are you ok?” I ask him

“Fine” he says as he walks to the kitchen

When he comes back he only has one beer. He sits on the opposite end of the couch and starts drinking it. I’m growing more uncomfortable.

“Are you sure you are ok?” I ask again

“I said I’m fine” he snaps

The tone of his voice makes me jump and tears prickle in my eyes.

“I.. I’m sorry” I say

Panic begins to take over, I want to leave but I don’t have anywhere to go. The place is small and the only room is his. I fell closed in, my chest starts feeling tight as I try to get air into my lungs.

“Camry, I’m sorry..” he starts

“I’m going to go outside and call my mom” i say standing up form the couch “She asked me to keep in touch with her and I don’t want her to worry” i tell him grabbing my coat and shoes.

When the cool air outside hits me its forces to breathe. I hate panic attacks, it feels like a boa constrictor is wrapped around your chest. I pull my phone out of my pocket with shaky hands to call my mom. She answers on the second rings.

“Hey sweetheart” she says

“Hey mom” i say

“Is everything alright?” She asks

“Yeah, how is it over there?” I ask her

“Oh you know, your brother and sister can’t stop fighting and your father is instigating it” she says annoyed and it makes me laugh

“I wish I was there with you guys” I say

“We do too sweetie. Unfortunately, it does look like it’s still gonna be a few days before you can get to us” she says

“I’ll be there as soon as I can” I say

“Love you honey” she says

“Love you too” I tell her before I hang up

I stay outside for a bit not wanting to return to the awkwardness inside. When I can’t feel my toes I decide it’s time to go back in. Jack is in the kitchen, on the table is two plates of grilled cheese with two bowls of tomato soup and a beer beside each.

“I made some lunch” he says

“Thank you” I tell him as I sit at the table

We eat in silence for a bit until Jack speaks.

“Did you pick a movie for tonight?” He asks

It surprises me because he didn’t seem happy about the idea last night.

“We don’t have to watch one tonight” I tell him

“I want to” he says even though I know he’s lying

“Ok, I’ll find something” I tell him

We finish our meal in silence then wash the dishes together. This time he washes while I rinse.

“What do you want to do now?” He asks

I shrug my shoulders as I go to walk into the living room. He grabs my arm and spins me back around to him.

“I’m really sorry about getting loud with you earlier. You saw me in a very vulnerable state last night and I’m not used to it but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you especially when all you did was help.” He tells me

I nod my head at him and smile.

“I think we should watch something funny tonight” I tell him