Rooting for You!

by Bella Osborne

  ‘Thank the Lord,’ said Claire, clutching his hand.

  ‘And his leg?’ asked Anna.

  ‘Sorry, that’ll need to be a separate operation. Let’s get him over this first.’

  They sat at his bed watching him sleep for another hour, which was interspersed with reassurances from the nursing staff that he was fine and they should go home and rest.

  ‘Would you mind if we got a taxi home?’ asked her mother. ‘We’re both exhausted and they’ve said they’re keeping him sedated so he’s not going to wake up and wonder where we are.’

  Although it initially felt heartless, she had a point. ‘I guess we could,’ said Anna, looking tentatively at her father, almost as if she were seeking his approval to leave.

  ‘I’d like to sleep in my own bed tonight.’

  ‘Of course.’ Anna knew her mother was right but it felt wrong to be leaving her dad alone, although with nurses popping over every few minutes he was hardly on his own.

  They checked the current nurse had their contact details and Anna wheeled her mother down to the taxi rank. The sound of a car approaching at a speed inappropriate for a hospital car park made Anna look over her shoulder. Connor’s car raced off the roundabout and then came to a screeching halt next to the row of taxis. Anna was surprised to see him but oddly comforted. She’d only told Sophie and Hudson where she was.

  ‘Anna. Am I pleased to see you!’ He flung his arms around her and she tried to reciprocate the hug whilst still hanging on to the wheelchair, the last thing they needed now was for her mother to roll off. ‘I was worried so I went to see Sophie and Dave told me what had happened.’

  ‘Hello,’ said Claire, raising a hand, her shrewd eyes taking him in.

  ‘Mum, this is Connor.’ Mum, please don’t ask any awkward questions right now. ‘Connor this is my mum, Claire.’ Connor, please don’t say we’re an item or my mum will shoot me for not telling her. Anna watched Connor crouch in front of her mother.

  ‘It’s lovely to meet you at last, Mrs Strickland. I’ve been hoping to meet you for a while now but these aren’t the circumstances I’d hoped for.’

  ‘We’re off home actually,’ said Claire.

  ‘Then let’s get you in the car. Are you okay to walk?’

  ‘Oh yes, they fuss far too much in hospitals. They’re worried you’ll sue them. And you must call me Claire,’ she said.

  Anna considered protesting but she didn’t have the energy.

  It was a short journey. Anna was thankful her mum and Connor were chatting in the front. Without having to ask she’d gleaned her dad was driving them to Solihull when his tyre had punctured dramatically sending them into a ditch. Anna wanted to avoid too many details because she didn’t want to be able to picture it. She knew she could do this with a few scant details because the sight of Esme falling from the balcony was something she hadn’t seen and yet she could imagine it as clearly as if she’d witnessed every second.

  Anna helped her mum inside and settled her in the living room. Her parents’ home was cold. The weather was feeling decidedly wintry and with the temperature dropping and her dad being an advocate of ‘put on another jumper’ the house was not that welcoming. Anna turned up the thermostat whilst Connor fussed around her mother who despite her protestations was lapping up the attention.

  ‘I’ve missed you so much,’ said Connor, pulling Anna into another hug. He went to kiss her and she made it a brief one. ‘You’re tired. I’ll take you home.’

  ‘No, I can’t leave Mum.’

  ‘Then I’ll order us all pizza and …’

  ‘Connor, you’ve been really kind but I think what we both need is a good night’s sleep.’

  Connor blinked. He frowned for a moment. ‘Yeah, of course. You’ve had a long journey and a terrible shock. You’re right. I’ll feed Maurice.’ He held his hand out for her keys.

  ‘It’s okay. I’ve already asked Sophie to feed him. But thank you, you’ve been really thoughtful.’

  ‘Right, I’ll say goodbye to your mum and then I’ll be back tomorrow to take you to the hospital. About nine okay?’

  Anna hesitated for a second. She was the one who did the organising. But she was learning that sometimes she had to let go of control. ‘That’d be great. Thank you.’

  She listened as Connor had a brief chat to her mum about how he was here for them both if they needed anything before he gave Anna a fleeting kiss and was gone.

  ‘He’s lovely,’ said Claire, giving Anna an old-fashioned look. ‘Where’ve you been hiding him?’

  ‘Nowhere – I have talked about him.’ She knew she was being a little defensive.

  ‘You mentioned him, yes, but he seems pretty serious about you.’

  Anna didn’t like the way her mother was looking at her. ‘I think we both need to go to bed.’

  ‘I need a decent cup of tea and a cuddle with my girl first.’ Anna went to put the kettle on and prepare for an interrogation by her mother.

  Connor arrived on time the next morning and walking back into the hospital Anna felt like she’d never left. Her mother had come to visit too despite vehemently denying she was in any discomfort even though she was visibly wincing with pain when she walked. Anna had expected Connor to drop them off and go but he’d insisted on staying with them despite her explaining that only two people at a time were allowed at the bedside in CCU.

  Anna gripped her mum’s hand and braced herself for seeing her dad looking pale and powerless as he had the day before. Her mother’s gasp gave her a jolt and they both stared at her father. A nurse was filling in a sheet on a clipboard. Terry was sitting up in bed. It felt like a dream. Her mother let go of her hand and embraced her husband, while all Anna could do was stand and stare as happy tears flowed down her face. She watched him hug her mum. He had more colour and looked alive again, not a hundred per cent but so much better than the wisp of a man he had been only hours before.

  Her mother gave him a playful swipe as she wiped away tears with her other hand. ‘You gave us a fright, Terence Strickland,’ she admonished.

  ‘Anna?’ Her father’s voice was soft. He held out a hand to her and at last she could move her feet. She sat at the side of the bed and wept. ‘Oh, Anna. I’m fine.’

  ‘Apart from the fractured tibia and fibula,’ said the nurse, raising an eyebrow at her patient.

  Terry waved her comment away. ‘That won’t stop me. It’s our party in a couple of weeks’ time and I guarantee I’ll be there with my beautiful girls.’ He held both their hands.

  ‘And that’s how you’ll break the other leg,’ said the nurse. ‘The surgeon will be down later to assess you. Until then, no more promises.’

  ‘Yes, boss,’ said Terry, with a weak salute.

  ‘I’ve already had to put off a surly policeman who wanted to speak to you about the accident, but he can wait too.’

  Anna learned he’d come round in the early hours and they were hoping to operate on his leg later that day and it would likely take six months to fully heal. A member of staff had to tell them off twice for being too lively so after lunch they decided they would leave him for what the ward called quiet time. Anna needed to track down Connor and get herself home.

  Connor was waiting outside CCU and greeted them with a head tilt and a commiserative smile. Anna beamed back at him and she could see the confusion on his face. ‘He’s fine. Dad’s going to be okay.’ She threw her arms around Connor and hugged him tight.

  Connor faltered, surprise etched on his face. ‘My God, that’s brilliant.’

  ‘I know!’ Anna couldn’t hide her joy.

  ‘Claire, I’m thrilled,’ said Connor, giving her mum a hug. She seemed taken by surprise but welcomed the embrace all the same. ‘You must come to our party, Connor. Three weeks today, it’s our thirtieth wedding anniversary, and we would love you to be there.’ Her mum glanced at Anna who nodded her agreement. Of course she wanted Connor to come. He’d proved himself – he’d been there when she’d needed h
im most. A nice reliable man who cared about her was what she needed.

  Anna felt like she was still on a high when she entered the office on the Monday morning. The news of her parents’ accident was top of the office discussion list and a small crowd soon gathered round her desk for an update, which she gladly gave now the dramatic story had a happy ending. The operation to pin her father’s leg had been successful, so it was now all about him healing. Perhaps that was the difference with accidents: maybe they lodged in your mind if there was no recovery at the end?

  ‘Hudson covered for you,’ said Roberta, appearing and instantly breaking the good vibe.

  ‘Great. He said he would.’ At the thought of Hudson she realised she had only sent him a couple of texts since she got back. Everything had been overtaken by the accident. ‘He’s usually in by now,’ she said, noting the time.

  ‘Didn’t you know?’ Roberta pulled back her shoulders. ‘He’s staying in New York for the time being.’

  Anna knew she was blinking fast but it was hard to control. ‘Right,’ said Anna. She hadn’t expected that but of course it made sense. She hadn’t specifically thought about it but now she did she wouldn’t be going for the New York job. She needed to be here for her father and she had Connor. This was how things were to be. The thought was more upsetting than she’d expected. She swallowed hard. ‘When New York comes on stream, I’ll give him a call,’ she said, checking her watch.

  ‘The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity,’ said Roberta. Her expression told Anna it was another quote.

  ‘Princess Jasmine?’ offered Anna.

  ‘Amelia Earhart,’ said Roberta. Anna gave a little frown. She wasn’t sure what Roberta meant but she marched off looking pleased with herself.

  ‘You sure you’re okay?’ asked Karl, being uncharacteristically sympathetic.

  Anna tried to paste on a smile. ‘Yes, it’s just I’m all over the place what with Dad … everything.’

  ‘Or it could be early menopause,’ said Karl, and she was grateful for the opportunity to take a swipe at him and forget how she was really feeling.

  Hudson had done a good job of finishing off the New York office review; he must have put in a lot of hours since she’d left. It was all factually correct with an unmistakable Hudson edge to it. Despite having loads to catch up on she found she was watching the clock this morning. For one thing her father was being moved out of CCU and she was expecting a call from her mother about which ward he’d moved to but she was also waiting for when she could feasibly ring Hudson without waking him up.

  When she figured it would be eight in the morning in New York she sprang on her mobile and dialled his number. He answered straight away. ‘Hey, you. How are your folks?’

  Hearing his voice made something twist in her stomach. ‘They’re okay. Mum has broken a few ribs and Dad needed a couple of operations but they’ll both make a full recovery.’

  ‘That’s good to hear. I’ve been worried for you.’

  ‘Thanks for getting me to the airport and everything else in New York.’ Her mind drifted back to ice skating in Central Park and watching the lights come on across Manhattan. They were memories she would always cherish as time spent with a good friend.

  ‘And you flew home on your own. Get you, you’re a seasoned flyer now.’ There was laughter in his voice.

  ‘Not quite, but I wouldn’t be as terrified if I had to go again. I hear you’re staying in New York.’

  There was a moment’s silence before she heard him sigh and then speak. ‘I think it’s probably for the best.’

  What did that mean? ‘Really?’ It was out before her brain had vetted it.

  ‘I think maybe it’s time for me to come home. I’m talking to Dad about buying the old house.’

  ‘You’re definitely staying then.’ She was shocked. Something in her gut tugged hard at her. She was losing someone she cared about and it hurt.

  ‘I guess. Mom understands my reasons and of course I’ll visit.’

  ‘That’s good.’ She nodded to reassure herself. She might see him again. It just wouldn’t be every day. But his life was there and hers was here. She didn’t know what to say and was glad when Hudson filled the silence.

  ‘I hear Connor came to the rescue.’

  ‘How did you hear that?’ she asked, puzzled by the connection.

  ‘Sophie has been keeping me up to date. I wasn’t checking up on you. I was worried … Okay, you got me, I was checking up on you but she said Connor had it all covered and you two were …’

  Anna clutched the phone. What had Sophie said about her and Connor? She wasn’t even sure herself. Connor had been brilliant over the last few days and still something was missing.

  ‘What did Sophie say?’ she asked.

  Hudson cleared his throat. ‘She said he gave you what you needed right now. She said he’s reliable and good for you.’ The tone of his voice changed. ‘He sounds like a keeper.’

  A weak smile rested on her lips. ‘I guess you’re right. I’ve a few work things I want to go over, do you want to call me back when you’re in the office?’

  ‘Sure thing. You have a nice day now,’ he said in an American drawl full of overenthusiasm.

  ‘You too.’ She was smiling when she put the phone down but that didn’t reflect the sadness inside. She couldn’t help feeling Hudson relocating to New York meant she was losing something very special indeed.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Anna left the office just before five and visited the hospital. It was a tonic to see her dad on a normal ward and no longer connected to a myriad of machines. He had more colour to his cheeks and was chatty. He’d turned a corner and a weight had lifted from her. She had never been so scared as when his life had hung in the balance. When visiting hours were over, Anna was tired from a long day but had one more stop to make before she went home.

  Juggling two takeaway coffees and a gift bag Anna knocked an elbow on Bert’s door. She knew he was inside because she could hear the news blaring out.

  ‘Come in,’ said Bert.

  ‘Hiya, Bert, how are—’ But Anna didn’t get to finish the sentence.

  ‘Anna! You’re back. This is the most wonderful surprise. Sit down, and switch off that miserable bugger,’ he said, pointing at the newsreader. ‘Nothing but doom and gloom. Now tell me all about America.’ He shuffled himself upright in his chair.

  ‘Hang on a second, take this,’ said Anna, placing a travel cup in his hands, which contained his coffee. She waited a moment until she was sure he had hold of it.

  ‘What’s this?’

  ‘It’s a travel cup. It says I heart NY on it.’ It had a grippy bottom and non-spill top, which she hoped would be helpful too.

  Bert chuckled. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘I got you this too,’ she said, putting the gift bag on his lap. Bert felt for his side table and put down the cup. ‘You shouldn’t have,’ he said, reaching in the bag eagerly. ‘It’s a key ring,’ he said, feeling it carefully with his fingers. ‘Does it have a picture of New York on it?’ he asked.

  ‘No, but it’s in the shape of a big apple. A red one. Press the little button on the side.’

  Bert’s old fingers fiddled until he located the button. ‘It’s seven thirty-four. Good evening,’ said an automated American voice. Bert jumped and they both laughed.

  ‘That’s splendid. I often wonder what time it is. Thank you, Anna.’ Bert reached for her hand and squeezed it. She could see he was dewy-eyed.

  ‘You’re very welcome. What’s been happening here?’

  ‘Not a lot. There was nearly a punch-up over the bingo and Rosie and I had a little walk round the garden together. She was just watching I didn’t trip over, you understand.’ He gave a little cough and reached for his coffee. ‘Right, now I want to hear all about what you’ve been up to.’

  It took Anna a while to go through everything she’d done in her short trip to New York and explaining it al
l to Bert without the use of her photos on her phone was like reliving every tiny detail. She checked her watch. ‘Bert, I have to go, but Maurice and I will visit soon.’

  She stood up and Bert reached for her hand. ‘I’ve no right to be, but I’m so proud of you for getting on that plane.’

  ‘Thank you, Bert. I’m pretty proud of myself.’

  ‘And I’m glad you and Hudson had such a good time together.’

  Anna was about to protest but Bert was right.

  The house was almost peaceful. Dave was in the shower and Sophie was putting the finishing touches to her make-up. She looked good and she felt good too, a little tired from the night feeds but Dave was doing two nights a week, which was definitely helping. Karen was due to arrive for babysitting duty in twenty minutes and they had a dinner reservation at the gastro pub a taxi ride away. Date night had become sacrosanct and they both looked forward to it. The children were generally in a better routine, which made escaping the house easier and Karen took pride in always being able to cope with whatever the children threw at her, even if sometimes that was literally.

  Sophie was putting in an earring when the doorbell went and she hurried downstairs. The Kraken was early. She opened the door wide and was surprised to see Liam standing on the doorstep.

  ‘Oh. Hi, Liam.’ She didn’t want to invite him in but couldn’t think of a suitable alternative. ‘We’re about to go out. I thought you were the babysitter but do come in.’

  ‘Sorry, Sophe. I went to Anna’s but she’s not in.’

  Sophie wondered if he’d come to complain about her not passing on his last message. ‘Probably at her parents’. They’ve …’ She felt she shouldn’t share too much detail about their accident – it wasn’t any of his business any more. ‘They’ve not been too well. Did you want me to give her a message?’ Sophie fiddled with her other earring. She always struggled without a mirror.

  Liam pulled a face. ‘It’s not really a message, more of a warning.’

  Sophie stopped fiddling with her earring, straightened her shoulders and gave him her best Paddington Bear stare. ‘And what does that mean?’