by Liz Lovelock
“When do I get to go back?”
Seth doesn’t leave my side; he stays right where he is, clutching my bandaged hand. My parents don’t try to push him away. They watch him. Sherri stands at the end of my bed, gently massaging my feet. Mum’s lips move, as do Sherri’s. I wish I knew what they were saying.
“When the time is right.”
“Will you stay with me?” The thought of being on my own panics me.
“Yes. I don’t plan to go anywhere until I know you’re back there safe and sound.” Her hand reaches for mine, and we stand there looking down at our families. Their love for each other is so strong, my heart feels like it could explode.
“You have to make me a promise.” Her quietly spoken words pull my eyes away from the scene before me and back to her.
“Sure.”
“Will you tell Seth what I told you when I first met you?” I think back to our first conversation, when Olive told me that she and her parents are proud of him, that she loves him no matter what and to forgive himself.
“Yes, I will. I promise.”
“Please make sure you wait until he’s told you about us.”
“Your family?”
“Yes, my parents as well.”
“Oh, okay.” Gosh, what has Seth been through?
“You also need to forgive your friend, Crystal.”
“Are you kidding me? I’m not ready for that.” Releasing Olive’s hand, I fold my arms across my chest.
“It’ll give you some closure. Trust me.”
Rolling my eyes, I respond, “Fine. I can’t say I’m thrilled about this part … I won’t ever be her friend again, though.”
“That’s okay. I don’t expect you to be, but a simple ‘I forgive you’ can go a long way.”
“If you say so,” I reply in response, still not convinced.
Silence falls between us. Olive turns and returns to the bench. I take one more look at Seth, Sherri, and my mum and dad.
“I’ll be home soon,” I whisper, wishing they could hear me, then turn and sit with Olive and wait. “You do look like Seth, ya know? Did you get along with each other?”
She laughs and nods. “Yeah, we got that a bit. There were times when we grated on each other’s nerves, but what are siblings for?” Her shoulders shrug.
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t have any.” I reply.
Olive’s hand takes mine, “You have a family—that’s what’s important. Don’t ever forget that.”
She’s so right. For someone so young, she’s full of wisdom.
“Well, Chloe, it feels like it’s time for you to go.”
“How do you know?”
“Look at the mist floating on the water … It’s slowly clearing.”
“Will I remember this?”
“Yes. It’s just another dream. And although we sometimes forget our dreams, this one is one you won’t forget.” She smiles a beautiful bright grin my way, and I return it.
After the moment passes between us, Olive takes my hand and walks me towards the lake. “Keep walking to the lake.”
“You’re kidding me, right? I’ll end up swimming in the lake.”
She shakes her head. “No, trust me. Walk.” Her arms wave me forward.
Hesitantly, I step down into the water and miraculously, I don’t fall in. My feet keep moving and as I move, the mist draws in closer to me, becoming thicker. I keep going because I know it’s taking me home … to Seth, Mum, Dad, and Sherri.
It’s been an agonising twenty-four hours, waiting for something to happen. I haven’t left Chloe’s side, no matter who suggested I needed to go home and rest but I can’t bring myself to leave her.
Today her parents arrived, they’re very nice people. I was sitting with Chloe when her mother walked in. Chloe is the spitting image of her.
“Oh, hello.” She paused. “You must be Seth. I’m Jodie, Chloe’s mum and this is her dad, Stanley.” I gave her a nod. She rushed around to the opposite side of the bed taking Chloe’s hand. Stanley returned a slight nod, I could tell they’ve been upset. I had some idea of how they felt.
“Nice to meet you. You have no idea how sorry I am. This is all my fault.” My words had caught in my throat as tears brimmed in my eyes. Within seconds, I’d felt arms wrap around me.
Jodie had turned to face me, her sad red eyes burning into mine. “This isn’t your fault—it’s that drunk driver’s fault––and it’s not even the fault of the second car that hit her. Don’t you ever think this is your doing.”
“That’s what I keep telling him.” All heads turned towards the doorway where Nan stood. She has been telling me this nonstop since I called her last night. “Hello, I’m Sherri, Seth’s Nan. You must be Chloe’s parents.” She’d greeted them both with hugs, then silence.
“How is she going?” Jodie asked as she ran her fingers through Chloe’s hair.
Before I responded, Sherri answered for me. “She’s a strong girl, the doctors said she’ll recover, but she has some serious bruising. I’m sure they’ll tell you more, since you’re her parents.” Sherri smiled. Stanley didn’t respond, but stood there looking at his daughter.
“Chloe told me about you.” Looking up, I’d seen Jodie’s eyes focused on her daughter, but she was talking to me. “You make her happy.” A smile had touched her lips.
“She makes me happy as well.”
“She’s a tough girl, Seth … She’ll wake up soon. Why don’t you go get something to eat and come back before she wakes?” Nan had asked me to do this numerous times, and I’d left once to have a shower and change my clothes. It was only for a few hours, but it felt longer.
I’d shaken my head. “No, I’m not leaving. I need to be here when she wakes up.” I’d bowed my head and pressed my lips to her hand that was clutched in mine.
Since the first meeting, there’s been some small talk. I’m surprised Jodie and Stanley haven’t tried to kick me out. I realise I’m not family, but she’s a part of me now and I can’t let her go.
Time ticks by painfully slow. The sun has begun to set, and an orange tinge shines throughout the room. My head rests on Chloe’s hand that is entwined with mine. Jodie sits on the opposite side, on another chair, while her father sits in the far corner. Nan left about five minutes ago to get us some food. I’d be lost without her; she always thinks of everyone else first. She gave up her café of her own free will to look after me when I had nowhere else to go. I was seventeen and could have looked after myself easily, but Nan felt it was better she was at home to help me through my grieving period.
“Olive …” a low voice whispers.
My head whips up to find Chloe’s mouth moving. She’s awake! Relief floods through me. How does she know that name though? “Chloe? It’s Seth.”
She smiles, and her hand grips mine. “Captain America.”
My chest explodes with love for this girl. She’s awake. She’ll be okay, I hope. There’s still doubt filling my mind, but right now because she’s here. “Yeah, it’s me, pretty lady.” I stand and lean over her, placing a kiss to her forehead.
Chloe’s mum is up and standing with her dad beside her, his hand on Chloe’s leg. “Chloe, honey, it’s Mum.”
“Hey, Mum,” she answers, her voice so soft it can barely be heard.
“Press the buzzer, Seth,” Sherri says. I didn’t even notice her walk back in. Her hands were full of bags of Thai.
And without another word, I press the red button on the wall.
Moments later, the nurse walks in.
“She’s awake,” I announce excitedly.
The nurse give me a grin. “I’ll get the doctor.”
My tear-filled eyes fall back to Chloe, and her eyes slowly open and fall on mine. Releasing a sigh, the tension I’ve been holding onto rolls away when I fall into those chocolate eyes.
“Hey,” is all she says, but her smile says so much more.
“Hey, pretty lady.” We repeat our greetings.
She’s home
. She’s my home.
My body aches all over, but it’s nothing compared to the bubbling emotions of love coursing through me for the guy standing before me with his devilish smile and tears in his eyes. His kisses are delicate, as if he doesn’t want to hurt me.
“How are you feeling, honey?” Dad’s familiar voice fills the room.
I slowly swing my head in his direction, and two sets of worried faces look down on me. “I’m okay, Dad. A bit sore, but nothing I can’t handle.” Clearing my throat, I’m about to ask for some water when Seth holds out a cup and straw for me. I’m grateful for him. Our timing always seems to be wrong. One day it will happen. Watching his face, I see Olive in his features. My dream, vision, or whatever it was, starts filtering through my mind in small pieces. I want to ask Seth about her and his family but I can’t. I made a promise, and it’s one I intend to keep.
“No! You will let me in!” A familiar cry coming from the hallway has all heads turned.
“That’s Janie,” I tell Seth, who goes out and walks in with a red-eyed Janie, Chance following closely behind.
“So, he’s allowed in, but I’m not?” she calls back to the nurse, gesturing towards Seth.
I wince at her loud voice. It’s then I notice the large white cast on my leg. Oh, this is going to be fun.
“Janie, keep your voice down,” Seth practically growls at her. Chance slips his arm around her shoulder and whispers something to her. She blushes.
What’s going on between those two? “Okay, how long have I been out?”
“Just over twenty-four hours,” Seth answers promptly.
“Really? So, what’s going on with you two?” I point at Chance and Janie, who step away from each other within seconds.
“Nothing,” they respond in unison. The room erupts in the sound of laughter, but I quickly stop when pain shoots through my stomach, and I wince. My body throbs with so much soreness.
“Well, things are light-hearted in here, aren’t they?” A doctor walks into the room, greeting us all with a brilliant white smile. Her beautiful face moves to Seth and Chance. “Boys, what trouble are you into now?”
“Nothing,” they reply instantly.
“Hello Chloe, I’m Doctor Bentley. How are you feeling?”
She’s a mature lady, but I wouldn’t say as old as Sherri. Doctor Bentley still has colour in her hair, a light brown with specks of silver through it. She has kind green eyes, and a brilliant white infectious smile.
“I’m a little sore all over.”
“Yes, that’s bound to be how you feel after coming off a bike and getting hit by cars.”
“Cars?” After I say that, I recall that part of my conversation with Olive.
Everyone in the room gives me a sullen look.
“Yes,” Dr Bentley answers. “Now I’ll check everything and we’ll see about discharging you in the next few days.” She walks around my bed and writes notes on my chart. The room is silent as she does so. I feel overwhelmed with everyone watching me.
“How about we give you a minute?” Seth asks. Seriously, can he read my mind or something? A moment ago, it was the drink, and now this.
“Thanks,” I whisper. He leans over to kiss me again, this time on my lips. The gentle touch brings swirls of delight alive within me. He turns and leaves the room.
Janie’s beside me immediately. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here sooner, my phone was off,” she cries, quickly wiping the tears from her eyes. Chance stands behind her, his hand resting on her back as she leans over giving me a hug.
“It’s okay; I’m alive. Come back and see me later.”
She nods and turns to leave.
“Feel better,” Chance says as he leans over, placing a peck on my cheek.
Sherri walks over to me. “I knew you’d be alright, you’re tough.” With a kiss on my forehead, she also leaves.
Now the room is much emptier; Mum, Dad and the doctor remain. I feel much better without all eyes on me. I wish Seth had stayed though.
“That young man really cares for you,” Dad says.
“Oh, Seth and Chance are wonderful. Been brought up to respect people.” Doctor Bentley puts in her two cents’ worth. She looks around at Mum, Dad and I. “Sorry didn’t mean to intrude.”
“That’s okay. It’s good to hear that coming from someone who knows him,” Mum replies.
My life is full of amazing people. Only weeks ago, I was questioning so much and now none of it seems important.
“Now your parents tell me you’d like to get a paternity test done, for yourself and your father. This isn’t something I specialise in, but if you like, I can organise a blood test which would need to be sent away for special testing.” She looks at me, waiting for my response. Do I still want to go through with it? Mum and Dad watch and wait.
“Umm … I’d rather not now.”
Doctor Bentley smiles and gives me a nod. “Things are looking good health-wise, but you’ll need to take it easy. You have a fractured leg, that will be in a cast for the next three to six weeks depending on how it heals; other than that, you’ll need to rest and the other bruising will eventually disappear.”
Well, that’s a better outcome than I expected. I could have easily died. She walks around to the side of the bed where Seth was sitting, taking hold of a button in her hand. “This here is morphine for your pain. It’s only a very low dosage. It will make you sleepy though; don’t press it too much. If the pain doesn’t go away, then please call the nurse.” She gives it a push.
“Okay, thank you, Doctor,” Mum says.
“Thank you.” I add as the doctor leaves.
Eyeing Dad, I see tears in his eyes.
“Honey, are you sure you don’t want to do the test?”
I nod before he even finishes the sentence. “No. You’re my dad as far as I’m concerned, and that’s what’s important. Nothing else.”
Dad leans over, wrapping me in his familiar bear hug; it hurts a little, but it’s worth it. His embrace comforts me.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Mum cries as she enfolds me after Dad steps away. “We were so worried when we got the phone call.”
“It’s alright, Mum … I’m okay.”
“Seth is a wonderful young man, too. He never left your side, except when he had to change after he first got here. Sherri said she had to push him out the door to get him cleaned up. She’s lovely. They’re really looking after you here, aren’t they?”
Stifling a yawn, I reply, “Yeah, they took me in. It’s a great feeling.”
Mum’s hand glides down my cheek. “You need to rest, honey. We’ll go back to the hotel and return in a short while.”
“Okay.” I barely get out the word before darkness takes over.
Flashbacks of the accident invade my dreams and I wake with a fright. The scariest dream was about never waking, never seeing my family and never seeing Seth again. I suck in a deep breath to calm my hammering heart.
“I’m here, I’m alive, and it was just a dream,” I whisper to myself.
“Yes, it was just a dream.” I practically jump out of the bed at the voice coming from the chair beside my bed. Seth takes a hold of my hand resting over my heart.
“Are you trying to kill me? You scared me half to death, which wouldn’t have been hard considering I nearly died,” I joke. I reach for the light switch so I can see his beautiful face.
“That’s not a joke,” he responds, his tone dead and cold. When the light flickers on, I can see my near-death experience wasn’t something I should joke about, especially to Seth.
“I’m sorry.” I give his hand a squeeze. “Come sit up here with me … I want you close.” The need to have him near me, is very strong. I need to know this isn’t a dream, that he’s real, and we both survived.
He climbs up on the bed with me, and I move slowly on to my undamaged side and press my body against his.
I look up at him, and his worried eyes burn into mine. “I don’t want you to be uncom
fortable.”
“Trust me, I’m fine. I want you right here.” Laying my arm over his chest, I breathe him in. His casted arm rests over mine, his fingers tickling my skin.
He leans down and claims my lips. Fireworks explode within me. Everything about him is perfection. He’s mine—I want him in my life.
“I’m so relieved you’re alive. I don’t think I could live with myself if you weren’t here.” He continues to touch my face and my skin as if to remind himself I’m really there.
When I shift my body as close as I can to his, he holds me tightly. “Do you remember what you said when you woke up?”
His question confuses me. “Umm … no. Should I? I was pretty foggy.”
“You said a name.”
A name? “What name?”
He pauses for a moment. “It’s not important—don’t worry about it.”
Thinking back to what I could have possibly said, nothing stands out. My dream or vision or whatever it was with Olive is all I can think of. Did I mention that?
“I didn’t get a chance to ask how you are—how rude of me. How are you?” I hadn’t thought to ask until now.
His grip on me tightens. “I’m okay. It’s you I’ve been worried about.”
“How long do you need to keep this on?” I ask, touching his cast.
“Six weeks at least, I think.”
Being near Seth, breathing in his clean scent calms me. “Will you stay here with me?”
“I don’t plan on going anywhere. I’m right where I want to be.” His words settle my nerves that have been pouring through me from the moment I woke up.
Tilting my head up, he looks down at me and places his lips on my forehead. Closing my eyes, I lay my head back down on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. A sense of calm fills me, and my eyes drift closed.
Three days later, and I’m finally getting discharged. Mum and Dad are still in town. Janie has been helping Sherri with the final touches to the café. Seth hasn’t left my side, except for maybe an hour each day to grab a shower and bring back some food and sweets from Sherri. That woman is going to make me fat with all her sugary goodness.
