The Big Blue_A horror novel by Matt Shaw

Author:Matt Shaw [Shaw, Matt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

Alex and Luke

1.

Alex entered his house via the front door. His wife, Chantal, was waiting for him. She had tears in her eyes, as did Alex. He closed the door and she immediately walked over to him and put her arms around him in a warm, welcoming embrace.

“I’m so, so sorry,” she said, holding her husband close to her.

“Me too,” he said.

It was only three in the afternoon. He hadn’t been due to come home from work until closer to six but his manager gave him permission to leave early; even take the rest of the week off - and longer if necessary. It was his manager who’d put the call through to Alex, having been told of the situation before doing so, so he could be forewarned. Alex’s sister had died. Alex’s manager hadn’t been given the circumstances surrounding the death, only that it had happened earlier that afternoon. He’d put the call on hold and called Alex through to his office in order to give him some necessary privacy. By the time the manager had walked back into the office, less than five minutes later, Alex had his head in his hands and was crying. He’d asked Alex if there was anything he could do for him. He’d even offered the use of the office phone, despite personal calls being frowned upon usually. Alex declined both.

Chantal had called Alex having been notified herself by her sister-in-law’s husband. He’d come home and found his wife, Alex’s sister, face down in a pool of vomit in the bedroom. By her side had been a number of empty prescription bottles. She’d taken her own life.

“I knew she was struggling,” Alex said, as he struggled to contain his tears, “but I didn’t think she’d do anything as stupid as that. I never thought,” he broke down into more tears. Chantal didn’t let go of him. She hugged him tighter than she’d done so before, refusing to let him pull away. “Had I known,” he said, “I could have…”

“Don’t do this to yourself,” Chantal said, “it’s not your fault. There was no way you could have known.”

Alex pulled away, “Did anyone let mum know?”

“Your brother did, it’s fine. It’s dealt with.”

Alex sighed. “I should go round there. She’ll be a mess. Is he there?”

“I believe so, yes. Look, I haven’t put dinner on yet; I thought we could get a take-away later if you fancied it so I can drive you there now…”

“It’s fine. You stay here. You have to get up early for work; I could be round there late.”

“I’ve already called in. They’re fine with me taking some time off. Work isn’t important. I’m here for you and our family. Okay?”

Alex nodded, “Okay. Thank you.”

“So let me get my shoes and coat and I’ll drive you to your mums, okay?”

Alex nodded again, “Okay.”

Chantal quickly turned and ran up the stairs towards their bedroom in order to fetch her stuff. Alex stayed in the hallway unsure of what to do with himself. He was worried for his mum.

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