Sorry, I Missed You

When I woke up this morning I was happy; life was back on track for once. Karla and I had talked last night and after I apologised quite a bit we decided that I was going to draw other things for a change, an apple for example. I know it sounds boring to draw fruit but it saves my relationship which is good. Tonight I was to have dinner with Kimberley and Tristan Hughes and would present them with a drawing Tristan had brought for his fiancee. I had never done anything like that before and wasn't quite sure what to expect but I was in a good mood when I agreed to it and thought "What the hell, let's do it". Karla had to work late tonight so I wouldn't be leaving her alone at the apartment.

 

I dressed smart for the dinner, we were going to quite a fancy restaurant and thought it would be rude to turn up in my normal jeans and jumper. At half six I was ready and raring to go.

 

---

 

"No, no. These aren't right. They don't have the style I was looking for. Take some more. Nobody's leaving until we get these right." Announced the director as I sighed and headed back to my camera.

 

It was gone six and I was having dinner at seven. I had been at the photoshoot for almost three hours and despite having taken around five hundred images none of them were good enough for the director. It was a shoot for a fashion magazine involving a rather selfish girl who probably gave up on college to pursue a modeling career that was unlikely to last longer then this photoshoot. I normally wouldn't do this sort of thing but it was last minute and they said it would be quick.

 

Oh, how wrong they'd been. 

 

I took some more photographs and showed them to the bossy director. 

 

"Almost, keep going. We're almost there." He said.

 

I sighed and looked at my watch. It was half six and I was no where near ready.

 

---

 

I arrived at the restaurant on time, just as planned. I met Tristan and Kimberley for the first time and knew I would enjoy my evening. Tristan was a tall, well built man who obviously was devoted to his soon-to-be wife; Kimberley would not stop talking and was clearly very happy that I was there.

 

"My friend, Anya Jacobs, is joining us for dinner. I hope that's ok." Explained Kimberley as we sipped our drinks. The first name hit me hard and it took me a couple of seconds to compose myself.

 

"Did you say Anya Jacobs?" I asked, trying to act normal.

 

"Yeah, do you know her?" Asked Kimberley.

 

"Err, no. The name just sounds familiar." 

 

"Both your surnames are 'Jacobs'." Pointed out Tristan.

 

"Yeah, that's probably it." I lied. I looked down at my left hand as my fingers gripped the glass a little tighter.

 

"Where is she, Kim?" Asked Tristan.

 

As if on cue a loud beeping noise came from Kimberley's handbag.

 

"Hello?" Spoke Kimberley into her mobile, "Anya?" There was that name again, "Where are you? Oh God that sounds terrible. No, don't worry, just get here as quick as you can. Alright, I'll see you soon." Kimberley closed her phone and replaced it before looking back up at Tristan and I. "That was Anya. A photoshoot's taking a little longer then it should have but she said she'll be here as soon as possible."

 

"Is she a model?" I asked.

 

"No, she's a photographer and a very good one at that." Replied Kimberley smiling.

 

Of course, this Anya girl would be a photographer. What else should I have expected?

 

---

 

At half seven the director was finally satisfied with the photos and allowed everyone to leave. I had brought my dress along with me but at this rate I'd have to change in that taxi. Something I tried to avoid but when needs must and all. I managed to grab a taxi and practically leaped into the back.

 

"The Fairway, please. Do you mind if I get changed?" I asked the driver.

 

He gave a deep laugh. "That's fine, don't worry about it. Running late, are we?"

 

"Yes, very." I admitted and pulled my dress out of the bag. Time to get dressed, only an hour and a half later then planned.

 

---

 

We had been waiting for this Anya to turn up for half an hour when I received a phone call from Karla. I excused myself and took it out in the lobby.

 

"Karla?"

 

"Joshua, you've got to come quick!" She demanded and I could tell she was crying.

 

"Karla? Karla, what's happened?" I said worried.

 

"It's mother, they think she's had a stroke. I've just arrived at the hospital, can you come?"

 

"Of course, which hospital are you in?" I asked.

 

"Carlston Hospital."

 

"Ok, I'll be there right away." I assured Karla as I ran a hand through my hair.

 

"Ok. Oh, and Joshua?"

 

"Yes?"

 

"Thank you." She whispered.

 

I returned back to Kimberley and Tristan and told them about Karla's mother. I apologised but they only told me to get down there right away and perhaps they could rearrange another dinner. I was just about to leave when I remembered the drawing. I handed it to them and they took it as if it was their first child. They promised me they would ring and hoped Karla's mother was alright.

 

I walked out the restaurant doors at a fast pace and saw a woman paying a cab driver. I jogged to the taxi and got in before someone else beat me to it. The women appeared to be taking quite a while to count out her change which wasn't what I needed when I was in a hurry.

 

"Don't worry about it, love." Said the taxi driver.

 

"Oh God, I'm so sorry for keeping you." 

 

My head shot up and I looked past the taxi driver to see the woman counting her change.

 

At that point, I had no idea what I was doing as I spoke loud enough for the woman to hear me.

 

"Anya?" 

Author's Note

Crikey! Chapter Nine (I think) already!! Anyway thank you for reading and to those who have reviewed! Its always nice to hear any comments so keep reviewing! Thank you!!! =]