Chapter 58
Chapter 58:
The bus was in chaos, with passengers standing and trying to see what was causing the delay outside. The driver had left his seat, adding to the confusion.
“What’s going on?” Hadley asked, looking out the window to see a traffic jam clogging the streets.
She turned to the passenger behind her, seeking an explanation. “Do you know what’s happening?”
“Oh my gosh! There’s been an accident!”
“A piece of the overpass up ahead just collapsed!”
“The scene looks devastating. The injuries must be severe,” another added.
An uneasy feeling washed over Hadley. Could this delay her critical appointment at the courthouse?
She leaned forward. “Any idea how long we’ll be stuck here?”
“Hard to say. They need to clear the wreckage first,” responded a nearby passenger, eyeing the chaos ahead.
Her worry deepened.
The bus driver soon reassumed his position and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, please remain patient. Emergency services are at work. This may take a while.”
Murmurs of discontent filled the air.
“This is unbelievable. How long will we be waiting here?”
“People have places to be.”
“It’s out of our hands. We just have to wait,” someone said.
Hadley shared their anxiety but knew her situation was particularly pressing. She crossed her fingers, silently pleading for a swift resolution.
Despite her hopes, the situation did not improve.
As time slowly passed, Hadley’s anxiety escalated. By one-thirty, the reality hit her.
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She had only ninety minutes left and had to act immediately. Feeling trapped, she reached for her phone with a trembling hand, inhaled deeply to calm herself, and called Eric.
The call went unanswered, leaving Hadley hanging. Worry etched her face as she speculated that Eric was likely caught up in a work-related lunch or meeting.
What were her options? All she could do was wait.
As the minutes ticked away, it was suddenly two-thirty. Only thirty minutes remained until her appointment with Eric.
Her phone buzzed abruptly—it was Eric.
“Hello?” she answered quickly, her voice edged with stress.
“You were trying to get in touch?” Eric’s voice carried a lightness, perhaps from the anticipation of finally resolving their ties. Apologizing for his earlier unavailability, he said, “Got tied up, sorry.” Then he quickly changed the subject. “Are you at the courthouse already? Just wait there, I’m on my way.”
Interrupting him, a rush of guilt in her tone, Hadley exclaimed, “Eric!” Hadley stammered, “I’m really sorry, but I can’t make it today… Can we reschedule for tomorrow? Just one day delay. I promise I’ll be there, on time!”
Eric was silent initially. Then, with a cutting laugh, he let his irritation show. “You’re still playing games, Hadley? How long do you intend to keep this up?”