Dorothy Ewels

Sheridan

Sheridan’s day was shaping up to be a crappy one. Nothing seemed to want to go as planned, and she was about ready to tear her hair out. A patient’s mom had called to cancel for the millionth time on her daughter’s behalf, and she was at her wit’s end as to how to convince the woman her daughter needed help sooner rather than later.

She’d have thought as a psychologist she’d be better equipped to deal with the daily irritations, but no. She was just a regular woman, and like anyone else, her temper sometimes got the better of her. Her father had always said it was the red in her hair. Maybe he was right.

Returning from the vending machine in the hall outside her small suite of consulting rooms, she detoured toward the reception desk as her receptionist called her over.

“Dr Daniels, your brother is on the phone for you. He says it’s urgent. I was just about to come call you, but you saved me the trip.”

“Thanks, Nancy. You can put him through. I’ll take it in my office.”

“Certainly, Doctor.”

She heard the strident sound of the ringing phone on her desk as she dashed down the passage.

Grabbing the handset off the cradle, Sheridan dropped into her chair. “Hello?”

“Hey, sis.” Something in Jarrod’s voice sounded off.

“Hey, brother mine. Everything all right?”

Instead of answering, he asked a question of his own. “Do you have a patient waiting for you?”

“I’ve actually just had a cancellation, so I don’t have anyone for another hour. Why?”

“Sheri, I …” Jarrod’s voice cracked.

Sheridan’s body stiffened, preparing herself for whatever would come out of her brother’s mouth next.

“Jay, what’s the matter? You’re starting to freak me out here.”

“There’s uh – there’s been an accident with the tour bus.”

“Oh no. Is …” The question trembled on the tip of her tongue, begging to be asked, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak the words out loud. Instead, she asked, “Is everyone okay?”

Jarrod’s harsh inhalation could be heard clearly down the line. “We lost Carter and Jesse.” He paused to clear his throat, the emotional pain evident in his voice. Sheridan wanted to scream out her frustration. What about Gabriel? she wanted to ask. “Thankfully, there were no other fatalities. Gabe and the others survived the crash, but sis, he’s badly hurt. The doctors are saying that they’re not sure they can save his arm.”

At Jarrod’s words, tears spilled over Sheridan’s bottom lashes, falling freely down her face as she struggled with the overwhelming gratitude that Gabe had survived while her heart ached. Jarrod and Gabriel’s friendship had been forged in childhood, so he’d been almost as big a part of her life.

The two boys had shared a dream of one day starting their own band and, for as long as she could remember, all Gabriel had ever wanted to do was be a drummer. He and Jarrod had worked hard to set up their band – Gabe drummed; Jay managed them. Gabe would be devastated if he lost his arm and his career ended. Her heart hurt for her brother too. His best friend was badly injured, and he’d also lost two friends.

“Oh God, Jarrod – I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“Not really. It’s chaos dealing with the fallout this side – police, insurance, and the media … Jesus, they’re all over this thing like rabid animals. But there’s nothing you can do to help with that. Where I will need your help is when Gabe’s released. I’m going to send him home to you to recuperate.”

“No problem. Just let me know what you need, and I’ll organise it from my end. How are Bailey and Rochelle holding up?”

“They’re understandably wrecked over their loss. Rochelle’s quit and gone back home. Bailey’s doing little better, but since she’s got no one to go home to, she’s offered to fill in for Rochelle. The busy work is helping her cope, I think. But it’s still hard on her.”

“I can only begin to imagine how difficult it must be for them. Let me know if Bailey would like to do online counselling sessions. In the meantime, I can start organising things for Gabe’s homecoming. Just let me know what you need.” She measured her words before continuing, “And Jarrod, if you need someone to talk to, reach out. Yeah? I know you’re not big on psychology, but don’t bottle your emotions up, okay? It isn’t healthy.”

“I hear you. Right now, I’m too busy trying to sort shit out this side to deal with the loss, but I’ll reach out if I need to talk.”

“Promise?”

His long-suffering sigh had Sheridan smiling briefly. “Yes, Dr Nag Bag, I promise I’ll phone you if I need to talk to someone.”

“That’s all I ask. I love you and worry about you, bro.”

“I know, little one. I know. I love you too. I’ve gotta dash. I need to do a press conference – the world is clamouring for news. So, before they start spreading misinformation and freaking people out unnecessarily, let me go do this. Chat soon, sis. Love you.”

“Love you too, Jay.”

Setting the handset back in its cradle gently, Sheridan gave in to the tears clogging her throat and making her nose burn. When she finally got them under control, she called for her receptionist.

The woman took one look at Sheridan’s face and asked, “Do you need me to cancel your appointments for this afternoon, Dr Daniels?”

“Yes please, Nancy. An emergency’s come up, and I need to leave.”

“No problem, Doctor. I hope it’s nothing too serious.”

“That, sadly, remains to be seen, but thank you.”

Jarrod’s news had shaken her, badly. When they’d left home nearly two years ago, she never thought about this kind of thing happening. It was an everyday occurrence – the thought had just never occurred to her. Thank God her brother hadn’t been on the bus too. Then she’d have two people to worry about. But his news had definitely made a crappy day even crappier.

She needed to get out of the office. Right this second. To go to her quiet place. The beach called to her – her place of solace and calm. Where she could quietly sort through the chaos of her feelings. She couldn’t get there quick enough.