Crash (Sequel to Unexpected)

The Call

***Gavin's POV***

My phone starts vibrating in my pocket. I set my beer down on the counter, pulling it out of my pocket.

"Who is calling?"

I don't even register my brother's voice as I stare at the screen.

"Gav, are you going to answer it?"

I look up at him, my mouth slightly open in shock.

"It's Skye."

"Answer it!"

He sets his beer down and I quickly answer the call.

"Hello?"

"Hi Gavin."

I want to cry. Hearing her voice is so soothing.

"Skye! Where are you? Why haven't you answered my calls? Are you safe? Do I need to come get you?"

"Relax, baby. I'm safe. No, you don't need to come get me. I am at a resort that helps with focusing on mental health and they took my phone away at check in."

"Who checked you in?"

"I did."

My chest constricts, making it hard to breath. She felt so broken and displaced that she needed to go to a mental hospital? And I didn't see the signs?

"Are you coming back?"

"Yes, just not right now. I need to spend some more time getting acclimated to life again. I'm not gone forever though. I promise."

"Can you at least give me a time frame?"

"No."

That simple two letter word is crushing.

"But I will keep you in the loop, okay? I'm not leaving you in the dark anymore."

"Thank you."

The silence is deafening. I want her to keep talking. I silently beg her to say something. To say anything. Just to hear her voice again.

"I have to go now. I have to get back to life here, okay?"

"Wait, Skye."

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Silence in return. One second. Ten seconds. Thirty seconds.

"I love you too, Gavin. I really need to go. Stay safe, okay?"

"Yes. Same to you, Skye. I love you."

She hangs up without saying it again. It feels like a boa constrictor is wrapped around my chest, preventing me from breathing. I brace my hands on the counter, leaning my head down and taking deep breaths.

"What did she say, Gavin?"

Haley's voice is not the voice I want to hear right now. I want to call Skye back and hear her again.

"She's safe and she doesn't know when she is coming back yet."

I don't know why Haley and Sonny both sigh with relief. I mean, I guess I can understand Sonny, but Haley hasn't know Skye as long as I have.

"Are you going to call Andy and give her the news?"

"I wasn't given any instructions to, so no. She doesn't seem worried that Skye is gone anyway."