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NEW YEAR, NEW ME

Hugh

JANUARY 1, 2004

W HEN I WOKE UP ON N EW Y EAR’S D AY, IT WAS TO A BLACK EYE, A WICKED HANGOVER , and a surprisingly upbeat mood.

I had actually enjoyed being out with the lads last night, something I wouldn’t have thought possible two months ago.

For the first time since the breakup, I didn’t feel the immediate urge to bury my head under my pillow and sleep my life away.

Maybe 2004 wouldn’t be a write-off after all .

When I came downstairs after showering and filled a bowl with cereal for breakfast, I felt strangely calm. Like I didn’t have anywhere to rush off to or a dozen frantic text messages waiting for me.

It was different.

It was… not bad.

Tentatively basking in the peace, I sat at the kitchen table, hoofing bran flakes and staring out the window.

I was deep in my thoughts and mentally mapping out my study schedule for the next month when my sister came barreling into the kitchen.

The moment I took in her tear-filled eyes and panicked expression, my body braced itself for trouble.

“What’s wrong?” I demanded. “Claire?”

“It’s Lizzie’s mam,” she squeezed out, clutching her phone to her chest. “She had a heart attack last night.”

I dropped my spoon. “What?”

“Catherine had a heart attack, Hugh.”

“Jesus Christ,” I strangled out, immediately jerking to my feet. “Is she okay?”

“I’m not sure.” Claire shrugged helplessly and worried her lip. “She’s in the ICU.”

“Aw, fuck.” Gripping my head, I tried to steady my thoughts and remain calm , but it was impossible when panic was clawing at my throat. “Was that Liz?” I gestured to her phone. “Did she call you?”

“Oh, uh, no.” She shook her head. “It was Helen.”

“Helen?”

“A girl in my class,” my sister explained. “She’s a huge gossiper and literally hears every bit of news before—hey! Where are you going?”

“To the hospital,” I replied, moving for the door.

“How? Mam’s at work.”

“Then I’ll get the bus.”

“Do you think you should?” Claire called out, chasing me into the hallway. “You know, since you guys broke up and all?”

“Her mother had a heart attack, Claire,” I snapped back, not giving two shits if it was a good idea or not. “I’m going.”