Book Three: A Teacher’s Triumph
Chapter One
I could hear a distant bleeping as I began to stir. Then Wayne calling for a nurse, in a panicked yet excited voice. I opened my eyes slowly wincing from the bright lights that glared down from the ceiling. Wayne’s face came into view. Hovering over me with tears brimming in his eyes.
Moving my hand to my face, I removed the mask that covered my mouth and nose. Taking in a deep breath as I did so. Wayne held my hand tightly as he brushed some hair aside from my eyes. I smiled at him weakly as a plump middle-aged nurse bustled into the room.
Without a word she began to check the numerous monitors that surrounded me. Looking at the drip that hung at my side with a little nod of approval. She took a pen from her pocket and scribbled some notes into the file that hung at the bottom of the bed.
“Well there Amy, it is nice to meet you at last,” the nurse finally said. “I’m your nurse Gladys. You have had us all worried for the past month. And this lovely husband of yours has barely left your side he whole time.”
My mouth fell open in shock. A month! I searched my mind, trying to recall what had happened. Slowly the events of the accident came to me. I had been leaving Ryan’s. Desperate to get home before Wayne did so that I wouldn’t be caught out.
I remembered the car’s wheels beginning to spin across the icy ground as I lost control. Finally skidding into a tree. Being thrown forward in my seat before everything went dark.
Turning to look at Wayne, I could see just how exhausted he looked. His face was pale, with dark circles clearly visible beneath his eyes which were bloodshot and weary. The clothes that he wore were crumpled, and his hair was dishevelled. He stroked my hand lightly, looking at me tenderly with a gentle smile on his lips.
“I am so glad you are awake,” he whispered.
As I began to cough slightly Gladys rushed forward. Taking a small beaker of water from the table beside the bed, she held my head as she put it to my lips. Instructing me not to gulp at the drink. I sipped the chilled water, relishing in the taste as it moistened my dry mouth.
Laying my head back upon the pillow my whole body felt numb. Although I could move my arms easily, I was horrified when I realized that I couldn’t move my legs. Gladys and Wayne both tried to soothe me as tears streamed down my cheeks.
“Let me go and find Doctor Wentworth for you. He can tell you everything that you need to know love,” Gladys said gently as she patted my arm before leaving the room.
Wayne and I sat in silence until she returned, a tall grey haired man following her through the door. I clung to Wayne’s hand as the Doctor looked through my notes.
“Well Amy, you are a very lucky young lady. The impact of the accident meant that you had to be cut from the vehicle. That is why you can’t feel your legs at the moment as there has been some damage to your spine. We did some scans while you were asleep, and there doesn’t appear to any swelling to the brain. So now we just need to get you back on your feet. It will be a long process, so we do need to be patient,” the Doctor told us.
“But I will walk again?” I asked tearfully.
“We will keep monitoring your progress. Clearly it won’t be easy so I wouldn’t like to speculate at this point.”
Wayne passed me a tissue as I began to cry again. The thought of possibly being unable to walk again the only thing I could think of. I noticed a single tear trickle down Wayne’s cheek as he saw the distressed state that I was in. Yet I could do nothing to control my sobs as the Doctor sat on the edge of the bed.
“Amy, you are a strong young woman. I have every faith in you and that you will make a full recovery,” he said kindly.
Doctor Wentworth patted my hand before standing to leave. Beckoning to Gladys to follow him and give us some time alone. I looked at Wayne, seeing his weary expression as he tried to offer me a reassuring smile. My heart went out to him, thinking of him sitting here for the past month waiting for me to open my eyes. It can’t have been easy for him. Taking his hand in mine I put it to my lips, kissing each of his knuckles gently as I closed my eyes briefly.
“I’m sure everything will be fine,” I told him as brightly as I could.
Giving a simple nod, Wayne rested his head upon my chest. Wrapping an arm around me as he hugged me tightly. I ran my fingers through his hair, staring up at the ceiling in disbelief.
Chapter Two
After finally convincing Wayne to come home for some rest, I lay motionless in the bed. Staring out of the window, wishing that I was out there in the fresh air. The trees were bare, snow laying heavy upon their branches. The sun shone brightly from the cloudless blue sky, its warm rays streaming into the hospital room.
A young girl came into the room pushing a trolley full of goodies. She wore a candy striped uniform, smiling at me brightly as she greeted me.
“Hello Mrs Cooke. I’m so happy to see you awake. I’m Claire. Would you like anything? I have candies and chocolates. Drinks, and even magazines for you,” she said cheerfully.
“No, I’m fine thanks,” I answered quietly.
“I see you finally got your husband to go home for a while. I think we only saw him move to go to the bathroom,” the girl laughed.
I gave her a small smile, silently wishing that she would go away and leave me in peace.
“Oh apart from the times when the other gentleman came to try and see you.”
My head spun quickly to look at her, alerted by what she had said.
“Who? What gentleman?” I asked eagerly.
“He was very good looking. All the nurses were swooning when they saw him, and some of us college girls,” Claire admitted with a blush.
“What did he look like?” I pleaded.
“Black hair, and the most gorgeous blue eyes that I have ever seen,” Claire answered in a dreamy way. “Your husband wasn’t happy though. Saying that he had no business to be here. That he only worked with you so why did he think it was alright to come interfering.”
“How long ago was that?”
“The last time was just a couple of days ago. He has tried to get to see you quite a lot since you have been here, but your husband has never let him come into the room. So he just leaves again. Though he always has such a sad look on his face,” Claire finished.
Giving a sigh of relief, I thanked Claire as she left. Ryan had been trying to see me. Although I knew it shouldn’t, it made me feel so happy to know that. That he hadn’t just forgotten about me. Now aware that it had been Wayne who had prevented him from being beside me.
My thoughts drifted back to that final night that we had together. The love that I had felt when Ryan had kissed me goodbye. I longed to have him here with me now. Holding me and telling me that everything will be alright.
Tears began to stream down my cheeks as I imagined his handsome face. The way that he seemed to glide along the corridors when he walked. His strong arms holding me against his muscular chest.
I punched my fist against the bed covers in frustration. There was no way of even being able to contact him. To let him know that I was awake and desperately wanted to see him.
Sarah’s face entered my mind at that moment, and I wondered I even she knew the news. Had Wayne even been keeping her up to date with my progress. I knew that he disliked her, but surely he would have been in touch knowing how close we were.
Gladys came into the room just then. Fussing over me as she plumped the pillows and straightened the covers. Chattering away about the other nurses and a particular troublesome patient who was in a room along the corridor. I couldn’t help but smile as I listened. Gladys was so bright and cheerful, I knew that we would get along well.
“Gladys, as a young woman been to see me at all?” I asked curiously.
“Oh Sarah, yes she has been a few times. Though she never stays long. I take it her and your husband don’t get along,” she answered with a smile.
“No they don’t,” I replied.
“Well,
even when she hasn’t been in she has rung me every day. A lovely girl, and very concerned about you. I rang her a little while ago to let her know that you were awake. So I expect you will be getting a visit soon.”
Now all I could do was hope that Sarah would be here when Wayne wasn’t. Then I could ask her to contact Ryan for me. I knew that it was a big thing for me to ask her, but I couldn’t see any other way of getting word to him. With the room now in silence, I drifted off into a light sleep. A small smile playing on my lips as images of Ryan filled my mind.
Chapter Three
Waking a short time later, I was shocked to see Sarah in the chair beside me. She gave me a huge grin when she realized I was awake, a look of relief crossing her face. Jumping from her seat Sarah threw her arms around me, laughing and crying at the same time.
“Amy don’t you ever scare us like that again!” she demanded with a wag of her finger.
Smiling at her, Sarah continued before I had chance to speak.
“And this man here has been going out of his mind.”
I looked in the direction that she was pointing, a gasp escaping my throat as Ryan appeared at the foot of the bed. Immediately I burst into tears at the sight of him. Holding out my arms as he took me in a passionate embrace.
“Amy I have been so worried darling,” Ryan whispered as he kissed me full on the lips.
“Ryan I am so happy that you are here,” I murmured.
“I have been trying to see you for so long, but your husband wouldn’t let me anywhere near.”
“I know, one of the young girls told me,” I replied with a smile.
“Sarah has been keeping me informed. And she rang as soon as Gladys had been in touch to say that you had woken up. So we drove straight over together, but you were asleep and we didn’t want to disturb you,” Ryan explained.
“Ryan, the Doctor said that I have to learn how to walk again. That there has been some damage to my spine. What if it never gets better?” I said desperately.
“Quiet my love. The most important thing is that you are back with us. We can worry about that later,” Ryan reassured me.
Even though I should have felt comforted by his words, it still prayed on my mind. How could I expect Ryan to be with a cripple? There was no way that I could put such a burden on him. He had enough to think about keeping the family safe and hidden from danger. I knew that my life would be empty without him, but if it came to it I would have to leave. Not for my own sake, but for Ryan’s and the family he had vowed to protect.
The thought filled me with dread, but I tried to remain cheerful as we all chatted together. Sarah and Ryan telling me of all the gossip from the past month. Tales of the students, and how they all sent their love.
It was lovely to have them here. To be able to think of other things other than the situation I now found myself. I caught Sarah glancing at me with concern a couple of times, and tried to give her a smile of reassurance. Yet Sarah knew me so well. She would know that I wasn’t going to be able to cope well without the use of my legs. But that was the last thing I wanted to think about at the moment. Simply enjoying finally being able to laugh about the smallest thing with all worries pushed aside for the time being.
As the door to the room opened we all turned to see Wayne standing there. A frustrated look on his face as he scanned the room. Clearly not happy to see Sarah and Ryan there. We fell silent as he entered, making a point of kissing me hard before pulling up a chair.
“I suppose the hospital rang you,” Wayne grumbled.
“Yes they did. Though it would have been nice to have heard the good news from you,” Sarah replied harshly.
“Well I will be speaking to them about their policies. It is meant to be relatives only. Not some friends, and a mere colleague,” Wayne stated cruelly.
“Please Wayne, don’t. I’m glad that the hospital got in touch with them both,” I pleaded.
Wayne merely sat there sulking. The atmosphere in the room now altered beyond repair. I saw Sarah roll her eyes at Ryan, and understood her despair. Not even my accident had mellowed how Wayne thought of her. And he clearly didn’t appreciate Ryan being around either.
I had hoped that the one good thing to come from me being in a coma for the past month would be that it had brought Wayne and Sarah closer. Sadly I realized that nothing had changed between them. Wayne was still being his arrogant self, not even giving Sarah a chance. Although he knew how much she meant to me, he remained determined not to get along with her.
The awkward silence grew longer as we all struggled with what to say. Wayne’s arrival had spoilt our joyous mood. I watched as Ryan wrung his hands together, knowing from the expression on his face that he felt desperate to say something about Wayne’s attitude. Only keeping quiet for my sake.
It wasn’t long before Sarah and Ryan rose to leave. Both of them giving me a brief hug and peck on the cheek. I tried hard not to cling to Ryan as he leant over me. Wishing that he didn’t have to leave but not wanting to make my feelings obvious to Wayne. I could tell from the look in his eye that he felt the same.
“Thank goodness they have finally gone,” Wayne spat angrily.
Unable to find anything to say in reply, I remained silent. Staring up at the ceiling as despair overwhelmed me. How could I possibly tell Wayne that I wasn’t in love with him anymore when he had been at my side for the past month?
Chapter Four
Laying in the hospital bed a couple of days later, I turned my head as I heard the door open quietly. A large smile spread across my face when I saw Ryan standing there. I took the large bouquet that he handed me, taking in a deep breath to smell the sweet scent of them.
“Thank you so much darling,” I smiled.
Moving forward Ryan gave me a deep lingering kiss. I moaned with passion as I felt the warmth of his lips pressed hard against mine. His hand cupped my cheek as he gazed at me tenderly. A single tear ran from the corner of my eye. Ryan wiped it away gently.
I loathed the fact that I couldn’t be free of the confines of the hospital bed. Alongside being unable to walk, so going to explore the many corridors of the building was not even an option. The days were beginning to feel longer and longer when all I longed to do was be with Ryan.
“Amy please don’t cry. I promise that this will not be forever. That one day soon we will be together, talking long walks in the woods,” Ryan said softly.
Unable to stop myself I began to sob, burying my face in my hands. Ryan took them down and looked deeply into my eyes. Kissing each one and holding them to his chest.
The feel of his muscular chest through the material of the t-shirt that he wore caused my loins to grow damp. I longed for the feel of his hands roaming my body. Noticing my look of desire as the image ran through my mind Ryan began to slowly caress my breasts.
Biting my bottom lip I gave a low groan. As he began to run his thumb across my nipple, Ryan moved to kiss me gently. Flashing his tongue into my mouth eagerly as his own desire grew.
A sudden thought jumped into my mind. Would I even be able to orgasm in my condition? I wouldn’t be able to feel Ryan’s touch. Pushing it aside I continued to enjoy the moment. Any type of sensation that I may feel was reassuring.
I watched as he slid his hand under the crisp white hospital sheets. Reaching across the bed I tugged at the zip on his pants. Releasing his hard member from their refines and licking my lips eagerly.
Beginning to stroke him while running my tongue along his fullness I heard Ryan’s breathes quicken. A tender smile played on his lips as Ryan caught my eye. The fact that anyone could walk in at any moment heighted our lust. My hand caressing him faster, I could feel Ryan throbbing with desire.
As I wrapped my lips around Ryan’s hardness I watched as he threw back his head. Both of our chests were heaving as we panted for breath. I clung to the sheets tightly, my own loins damp with the erotic feel of what we were doing.
Tasting the warmth of Ryan’s juices in my mouth thrill
ed my to reach my own orgasm. Pushing my head back into the pillow I allowed the liquid to trickle down my throat. Opening my eyes to see Ryan’s smiling face above me.
“That was intense,” I gasped.
“I know. What would we have done if someone had walked in?” Ryan asked.
“I don’t know darling, but at the time I didn’t care,” I laughed quietly.
Ryan nodded in agreement as he passed me my hand mirror and hairbrush. I smiled at my reflection as I began to tidy my dishevelled hair. As Ryan opened the window a cold winter’s chill filled the room. The snow was still falling hard, which at the moment I was grateful for. In weather like this, there was no chance that Wayne would risk the journey to the hospital. Especially after what had happened to me.
I shuddered as the cold air hit me, grateful when Ryan closed it again. Though no-one had caught us, we still needed to make everything appear as normal as possible. Straightening my covers, Ryan kissed me softly.
My heart ached as I watched him preparing to leave. The night was drawing in, and Ryan should be back at the house with the family. So I understood that he needed to get on his way. Even so, the thought of having to say goodbye to him again filled me with sadness.
“I will get back as often as I can my darling Amy,” Ryan whispered before his lips met my own.
“I love you Ryan,” I replied with a slight hitch to my voice.
“I love you too.”
Tears began to stream down my cheeks as Ryan blew me a kiss as he slipped through the door quietly.
Chapter Five
Thirty minutes after Ryan had left, Gladys opened the door. Crossing the room and checking all my medical readings. Noting her findings in my file before sitting on the edge of the bed. I frowned as I waited for her to find the words that she was clearly looking for.
“Now, don’t you go interrupting me young Amy. I know that if I lose my flow I will get everything muddled,” Gladys began.
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