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Christmas

Page 9

by Emily Harvale


  Or, like Josh, had he had too much to drink?

  She didn't have time to ask him now. She'd have to wait until the 'next time' as he had said. And that couldn't come fast enough for her.

  The sound of the Christmas bells ringtone that Kyra had downloaded to Cat's phone trilled loudly. Cat pulled it from her bag and glanced at it. It was Ben Mitchell and his smiling face shone out at her from the screen, reminding her of the kiss they had also shared.

  With a final, slightly guilty look at Amias, Cat hurried after Mary, answering Ben's call as she went.

  Chapter Thirteen

  'Have you heard the amazing news that Viola is awake?' Ben asked. 'Grandfather says he's crazy with joy to see Viola's beautiful eyes again after all these years. He's still with her at the hospital and we're going to meet him back there. Will you be coming back too?'

  'Yes,' Cat said, glancing back at Amias once more as she left the lounge, and being both thrilled and surprised that he seemed to be watching her leave. As if he didn't want to take his gaze from her. 'We're just leaving the party and will hopefully be there in twenty minutes or so. Although with this weather, I'm not sure how long it may take.'

  Ben laughed. 'This is just a flurry compared to the snow we get but I'd heard that everything grinds to a halt in England if you get the wrong kind of snow.'

  'It grinds to a halt if we get any kind of snow. At least if we get more than a smattering. And this is definitely more than that. Did you and Diana get some sleep?'

  'A little, thanks. But to be truthful, I was too excited to sleep. It was so good to finally meet you, Cat. And that kiss was really nice. I'm looking forward to doing that again.'

  Cat coughed to clear her throat – and swallow her guilt. Should she say something now? Should she tell him that she was in love with someone else?

  Her mind was in a whirl. She was trying to fathom what Amias had wanted to talk about after that incredible kiss beneath the mistletoe. Could it be that he did have feelings for her, after all? Surely to kiss someone as he had just kissed her, you had to feel something for them?

  Or maybe Amias kissed all women like that. Maybe he wanted them all to know just how good he was. How he could twist them around his little finger, body, soul, heart and mind. That they were putty in his experienced hands.

  Was she being ridiculous to even have the slightest iota of hope that there could ever be anything between them?

  And what about Ben? Ben had travelled thousands of miles to see her. OK, perhaps it was Bailey's idea because he wanted to see Viola, but Ben had come too.

  Then again, so had Diana.

  They had both come for Bailey's sake. It had nothing to do with her.

  But Ben had kissed her. He'd said nice things to her.

  Nice.

  There was that word again.

  Amias never said anything nice to her. No. that wasn't completely true. Since she'd come home, he'd said a couple of nice things. But that kiss wasn't nice.

  Oh God, that kiss! She would be dreaming about that for weeks to come.

  Could Ben ever kiss like that?

  Should she tell him about Amias?

  Before she managed to find the words, Ben continued:

  'Sorry. I'm probably embarrassing you, aren't I? How was the party? I know you weren't there for long but did you have a nice time?'

  Nice? Was everything about Ben 'nice'? Even his conversation and the words he used?

  'Er. Yes. I had a good time, thanks. I'd better go because I'm just about to get in the car and it'll be awkward chatting with my mum, Jeremy and Kyra listening to every word. I'll see you at the hospital.'

  She rang off and climbed into the back seat of Jeremy's car.

  Was writing that letter to Bailey Mitchel the right thing to do? Or had she now made her life even more complicated than it had been?

  'Was that Ben?' Kyra asked.

  'Yes. He phoned to see if I'd heard about Granny Viola. Bailey called him to tell him and Diana. He says Bailey is ecstatic, or something along those lines.'

  Kyra grinned. 'I bet he is. He's just performed a miracle. We spend weeks talking to Granny Viola and playing her music, combing her hair and doing everything we can to wake her up and nothing happens. Nada. Zilch. Bailey Mitchell gets off a plane and takes her hand in his and poof! Granny Viola is suddenly and miraculously awake.'

  Mary glanced over her shoulder from the front passenger seat. 'It certainly seems like a miracle. But the nurse told me that Granny Viola isn't quite 'with it' as yet and there may be some way to go before she recognises anyone or speaks. At the moment, she seems to be staring into space. But at least she's awake. So there's hope.'

  'Hope?' Cat queried. 'Are you saying that this may not be quite as good news as we all think it is?'

  'Yes. I'm afraid so. The nurse said that the fact she's staring into the room may be a sign that her brain isn't functioning fully yet. I think she was being tactful. There may be a possibility of brain damage and as awful as that is, we have to prepare ourselves for whatever happens.'

  'No.' Cat didn't want to prepare herself for that. She wanted Granny Viola to recover. She wanted a chance to say she was sorry and to tell her she loved her. 'That can't be the case. It can't. That just wouldn't be fair. She's got to pull through. She's got to make a full recovery.'

  Kyra took her hand and squeezed it. 'Don't get upset, Mum. She's in good hands. She'll be fine. I'm sure she will. It's Christmas. It's the time for miracles. She's just taking a while to wake up properly. It often takes me time to fully wake up and realise where I am in the morning. Granny Viola's been asleep for weeks. It's just going to take her a little bit longer, that's all.'

  Cat smiled. 'You're right, sweetheart. Her brain is simply taking its time.'

  'But you do all need to brace yourselves,' Jeremy said. 'Miracles happen. I know that because Mary walked into The Hope and Anchor and fell in love with me.' He threw Mary a huge smile. 'Sometimes though, they're not always what we want them to be.'

  Mary sighed. 'Whatever happens, we'll cope. At least having Bailey here will be a comfort to Mother, I'm sure.'

  The remainder of the journey was spent in virtual silence, each of them deep in their own thoughts, save for Frank Sinatra singing Christmas songs on the in-car sound system.

  The snow was really coming down and it took twice as long as usual to get to the hospital. The roads were treacherous and despite Jeremy's careful driving, more than once, the car skidded on a patch of ice.

  But Cat wasn't concerned about the conditions, even though it was a skidding lorry that had taken Kyle away from her.

  All she could think about was Amias and that kiss.

  It had felt as if her body had been in a coma, and that kiss had finally woken her up.

  But as they dashed into the hospital and hurried to Viola's room, Ben and Diana were standing in the corridor a few doors up from that, concern etched across their faces.

  'What's wrong, Ben?' Cat stopped in her tracks. 'What's happened? Has …?'

  The shrill cry died in her throat. She couldn't bring herself to say it.

  Ben shook his head and sadness filled his eyes.

  'It's Grandfather, Cat. He's had a stroke.'

  Chapter Fourteen

  Christmas had looked so promising.

  Cat had finally been kissed by Amias. And what a kiss!

  Granny Viola had opened her eyes. OK, she was merely staring into space, but it was a step in the right direction.

  There was even snow. Too much, in fact.

  Then Bailey had gone and had a stroke. Why did life do stuff like that?

  Thankfully, he was OK. It had been a mild one and the doctor had said he was fine, and would probably continue to be, as long as he took care of himself. But it was a warning. And one that changed things more than Cat expected.

  In a way, it dampened everyone's Christmas spirit. But on the other hand, it made them realise how things could change in a second.

  'It m
akes you think, doesn't it, Mum?' Kyra said.

  Cat smiled wanly. They were sitting at Granny Viola's bedside, along with Mary and Jeremy, waiting for further news of Bailey – and for Granny Viola to do something other than stare into space.

  'What does, sweetheart? Bailey's stroke, you mean?'

  'Yeah. But not just that. All of this. The fact that we're all just jogging along and then life throws something unexpected in our paths. I know Granny Viola and Bailey are old, but it doesn't seem right that they've spent most of their lives apart and now they both end up in the same hospital, and both could … well ... you know.'

  'Die at any minute,' Mary said, glancing across the bed at Cat and Kyra. 'Don't look so surprised, Catherine. It has to be said. We have to accept it could happen. I think Bailey having a stroke has really brought that home to me. And look at Mother. Lying here, staring at the ceiling. I think I preferred it when she had her eyes closed. At least she looked peaceful. Now she looks … worse somehow.'

  'A bit like a zombie,' Kyra said, her voice no more than a whisper.

  'Kyra!' Cat gave her a look of reproach.

  'Sorry, Mum. But she does.'

  Cat got to her feet. 'I'm going to find Ben and see if there's any news about Bailey.'

  She trudged from the room and made her way to another, a few doors down, where Bailey was now resting. She tapped on the door, which was ajar, and waited to be invited in. Ben opened the door wider and smiled.

  'How is he?' Cat asked.

  'He's sleeping now,' Diana said, from inside the room. 'But he's determined to get back to Viola's bedside as soon as humanly possible.'

  'I'm so glad he's OK. I feel this is all my fault.' Cat gave them both an apologetic smile.

  'Your fault?' Ben queried. 'How could this be your fault?'

  She met his eyes. Kind, caring, lovely eyes, now so sad and yet at the same time, hopeful.

  'If I hadn't written that letter, Bailey wouldn't have flown thousands of miles and he wouldn't have had a stroke. He'd be at home, in a chair in front of a fire, drinking whatever he drinks and looking forward to a wonderful Christmas.'

  Ben shook his head. 'If you hadn't written that letter, he wouldn't have had the chance to see Viola again. I don't think you realise how much this means to him, Cat. As for the stroke. At his age, it's hardly a surprise, is it? As awful as it is, we're prepared. This isn't his first. He had an episode a year ago. I think that's why he was so determined to make this trip.'

  Diana nodded. 'Ben's right, Cat. You've got nothing to be guilty about. Quite the opposite. We're all grateful to you.'

  'Diana?' Ben took Cat's hand. 'Would it be OK if I took Cat to get some coffee? I'll bring one back for you.'

  Diana smiled. 'Sure thing. If there's a bar of chocolate, could you bring me one of those too?'

  'Done.' He smiled at Cat as he led her to the corridor.

  What should she do? His hand was warm and comforting. His smile was full of hope. She should pull her hand away, but she couldn't.

  'I didn't realise this wasn't the first time. About Bailey's stroke, I mean.'

  She was getting tongue-tied. Bailey's stroke wasn't the only reason she felt guilty.

  There was also Amias.

  Ben stopped and turned to face her. The corridor was empty, save for them and one or two nurses visiting each of the rooms and the wards, checking on their patients.

  'We didn't want to say anything. It didn't really seem relevant. But now there's something else, I'll tell you. And this may sound strange, given what's happened. I'm sure we'll all be going home at some stage, but I think Grandfather may want to stay a while. Possibly longer than a while.' He looked down at their joined hands and ran his thumb along her finger. 'I was with him when he wrote his will and there's a clause in it that says where he wants his ashes to be scattered. It's here, Cat.' He gave a little laugh. 'Not in this hospital, obviously. But in England. And I think you can probably guess where.'

  Cat looked down at their hands before meeting his eyes.

  'Merriment Bay?'

  Ben nodded.

  'Really?' Cat was astonished.

  'Yes. So you can see how important the place is to him. One way or another, he was determined to come back.'

  'But … what about his wife? Your grandmother? Doesn't he want to be with her?'

  Ben shook his head, slowly and a little sadly.

  'He loved her. I know he did. You could see it when he looked at her. And he was heartbroken when she died. But even so, he loved Viola more. He's always loved Viola. We had a long talk after your letter arrived and he told me that you can love more than one person, but only one person will ever have your soul. For him, that person was Viola. Is Viola.'

  'So you'd be coming back to … to scatter his ashes when … I mean if …' she let her voice trail off.

  'When he dies. Yes. But your letter, being here, and all this has made me realise something too. Life is short, Cat. It gives us opportunities but it can take them away in a flash if we don't act on them. I know we've just met, and I know the situation isn't ideal, but I really like you, Cat. Really like you. And I don't want to waste a minute. I don't want to throw away this chance. This opportunity. If Grandfather wants to stay, I'm going to stay here with him. And hopefully, see more of you. A lot more of you. And if something happens to Grandfather, I couldn't hope for a better person to be with at such a time.'

  She should have pulled away. She should have told him about Amias. But how could she do that at a time like this? He was going to kiss her again. That was obvious.

  He took her gently in his arms and this time his kiss was better than just nice.

  But it was nothing like the kiss she had shared with Amias.

  'Cat!'

  Oh God. Was she even hearing Amias' voice in her head now? She must be, because it couldn't possibly be him in the flesh. He was at Amelia and Will's party.

  'You certainly don't waste time, do you?'

  Cat pulled away from Ben and glanced along the corridor.

  Natalia was glaring at her.

  And unless Cat's eyes deceived her, Amias was striding away from her, along the corridor, as fast as he possibly could.

  Chapter Fifteen

  'Natalia!' Cat screeched as the look of contempt on Natalia's face burned into Cat's brain. 'What are you doing here?'

  Natalia scornfully raised one brow. 'I might ask you the same question. Except it's obvious what you're doing. Amias and I are here because my darling husband tripped and fell. He gave himself a nasty-looking cut on his head. While they're stitching him up, Amias suggested we should come and see how you were. And Viola, of course. It seems you're enjoying yourself, so I suppose that means Viola's doing well. I'm glad, Cat. But I have to say, I'm a little disappointed in you.'

  'Excuse me.' Ben stepped forward, a protective arm around Cat's waist. 'We haven't met. I'm Ben Mitchell. And you are?'

  Natalia looked him up and down. 'I thought I was a friend of Cat's. It seems I was mistaken. It seems I was mistaken about a lot of things. Merry Christmas to you both.'

  She turned and marched away.

  'Natalia!' Cat called after her. 'Sorry, Ben. I need to have a word with her.'

  Cat chased after her but Natalia was almost running and it was only when she stopped in the Accident and Emergency Ward that Cat caught up with her.

  'What?' Natalia glowered.

  'Why are you so annoyed?'

  Natalia raised both brows. 'I'm astonished you need to ask. Oh look. Here's Amias. Won't this be jolly?'

  Amias didn't even look at Cat. He looked at Natalia. 'Josh is ready to go. I'll get the car and meet you at the front entrance.'

  'Amias?' Cat reached out her hand and caught the sleeve of his jacket. He looked down at her hand, but not at her. 'Amias, speak to me. Please.'

  'I don't think we've got anything to say. Oh. But Merry Christmas, Cat.'

  'I can explain. It was just a kiss, Amias. It didn't mean anything.'
<
br />   Now he did look at her. 'Like the kiss we shared? That clearly didn't mean anything either. And I was stupid enough to think it did. My bad, as Lucas would say.'

  He shrugged her hand from him and walked towards the exit.

  'Amias!' She ran after him, taking two strides to each one of his. 'Amias. Stop! Your kiss did mean something. It did. Honestly. You must believe me.'

  'Must I? Why? I believe my eyes, Cat. You and that man, who I assume must be the Ben Mitchell I've heard about, looked very cosy to me. Why should I believe that our kiss meant something but that kiss just now, didn't? I'm not an idiot, Cat. Even if you think I am. You've led me on before and then dropped me stone dead. I thought this time was different. I thought … It doesn't matter what I thought. It's clear that nothing's changed. That you haven't changed.'

  'What? I have no idea what you mean by that. I've never led you on in my life. And I certainly would never – and have never – dropped you like a stone. Dead or otherwise. You were the one who did that. You came to the hospital and made me believe you cared. You cuddled baby Kyra as if she actually meant something to you. And then, when I went home from the hospital, you stopped calling me. You didn't bother to come to see us. You told my mum and Granny Viola that you had no interest in me or my child and when I came to see you at the bay to ask you why, you were so busy with yet another stunning girl, that I decided there was no point in asking ... because it was obvious.'

  He looked stunned and he blinked several times as if he were trying to comprehend everything she had just said.

  'I didn't do anything of the sort. And I definitely didn't tell Mary or Viola that I had no interest in you or Kyra. Quite the opposite. I called you but you'd clearly changed your number. I came to see you but Mary and Viola wouldn't let me in. They said you didn't want to see me. You returned my notes and letters. And then you threatened to tell the police I was a stalker or something. That's what they told me. And I have no idea what girl in the bay you're talking about. But you did the same thing a few weeks ago. Just when I was getting up the courage to talk to you, you ignored my calls. You stopped answering my texts. I got the message. But then that kiss tonight made me think …' He ran his hand through his hair. 'It doesn't matter. I was wrong.'

 

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