Sliding Doors

by Karen Klyne

  Callum obviously had lots of faith, whereas she wasn’t sure. “Thank you, darling. You’re right. Everything will be okay. It’s just a matter of time.” How much more time? All she wanted to do was curl up, close her eyes, and find everything resolved in the morning. But she knew that wasn’t going to happen.

  Reece walked down the long corridor at the hospital and eventually reached the lounge. It would be nice if she found Gemma there, instead of in her room, but she doubted it.

  And yet…Gemma waved from where she was sitting next to a young woman. Reece had seen her before, but she’d never seen the two of them engaged in conversation. When she got closer, the woman nudged Gemma. She was sure she heard her say, “Your wife is here.”

  Gemma stood and smiled. “Hi, Reece.” She gestured to the woman. “This is my friend, Faz.”

  Reece smiled and held out her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Faz.”

  Faz got up and shook her hand. “Likewise. I have heard so much about you.”

  Reece stepped back and raised her eyebrows. “Really?”

  “Yes. Gemma’s told me a lot.”

  She saw Gemma kick Faz’s shin. Whatever she’d told her, it was just good to see that Gemma had a friend. It was a step in the right direction.

  Gemma picked up her Kindle. “Shall we go sit in my room? Or we could get coffee and go elsewhere?”

  Reece patted her bag. “I’ve brought a flask of freshly brewed coffee, and Mum sent you some apple crumble. She froze it and put it into a container. It’s defrosted, though.”

  Gemma’s eyes sparkled. “Hmm, apple crumble. My favourite.” She licked her lips. “Let’s take it to my room.”

  When they got there, she sat at the table and rubbed her hands together. “Hand over the goodies.”

  Reece laughed and took the container out together with the flask and a couple of paper cups. She poured the coffee and pushed the dessert over to Gemma, along with a spoon. Reece sat on the bed and watched her. Apple crumble wasn’t Gemma’s favourite dessert. She said it was too sour, so Reece had brought sugar to sweeten it. Also, Gemma drank her coffee with a ton of sugar. Now, she tucked into the crumble and coffee with no added sugar. Could someone change so much?

  She scraped the plastic container and wiped her mouth. “My compliments to the chef. That was sensational.”

  “I’ll bring you some more another day if you like.”

  Gemma beamed. “I like.”

  There was something different about her, apart from her appetite. She looked happier and as though she’d done something different with her hair. “Your hair looks great.”

  “Thanks. I thought it was about time I got it cut and styled.”

  “I like the highlights.”

  “Actually, she’s quite a good hairdresser. I might employ her on a regular basis.”

  Reece also noticed she’d got nail polish on. She didn’t say anything in case she embarrassed her. “Your friend, Faz, seems nice.”

  “She’s okay. I like her. She’s had a terrible time though.”

  “In what way?”

  Gemma gave her an account. It was like a horror story. “What’s she going to do?” Reece asked.

  “I suppose it depends on whether or not they let her stay. I hope they do.”

  “Poor woman.”

  Gemma nodded. “Anyway, how are you? They told me you weren’t well. You don’t look that great now, to be honest.”

  Reece gave a small laugh. “Thanks. Actually, I’m much better now. I was just a bit run down that’s all.”

  “I’m sorry I’ve caused you all these problems. It wasn’t intentional.”

  “I know that. You needed help sooner, and I ignored it. I blanked the signs.”

  Gemma looked down and brushed something off her lap. She pressed her lips together and closed her eyes tightly, as if she was trying to hold back on saying something. Then she looked up and nodded. She smiled, but it looked forced. “Anyway, how are Callum and Mattie?”

  Reece was startled by the question and nearly fell off the bed. “Erm, they’re fine. They send their love and hope you’ll get better soon.”

  “I’d like to see them, but I don’t think I want to see them here.”

  Reece stared. “Perhaps we can arrange something.”

  “That would be nice.” Gemma picked up a pen and twisted it around in her fingers. “And your mum and dad? How are they coping with it all?”

  Reece opened her mouth and shut it again. She cleared her throat. “They’ve been terrific. To be honest, I think they’re loving it. Since Dad retired, he’s been lost, and he was always under Mum’s feet. At least looking after the kids is something they can share.”

  “I can’t remember. What did your dad do?”

  “He taught history. Mum wished he’d taught something more practical. He’s useless around the house. He can hardly change a lightbulb.”

  “And your mum?”

  “She was a medical PA.” It was like twenty questions, ones that had been long awaited, and ones Reece was more than happy to answer. At last Gemma was showing an interest.

  Gemma sighed and turned her palms up. “I can’t even remember what you do, Reece.”

  Reece tilted her head. “You’re asking the right questions, Gemma. That’s all that matters. Anyway, I’m a dentist. I specialise in dental implants.”

  “Gosh, that sounds fancy. Is that cosmetic dentistry?”

  “Not really. I work for the NHS. I do have a small private client base, but mostly I work with the university hospital and provide dental implants to patients who’ve undergone surgery for head and neck cancer, patients who have missing teeth due to failure of teeth developing naturally, and people who have been in accidents and suffered trauma causing facial disfigurements.”

  Gemma’s eyes widened. “Wow, I’m impressed.”

  Reece chuckled. “Yes. You always were.”

  “I suppose anybody would be. It’s not exactly your everyday occupation. It must have taken years to qualify.”

  “And the rest.”

  Gemma touched her tooth. “Do you think I need implants? Look, I’ve always had this bit of a crooked tooth, right at the front.”

  Reece leaned forward, cupped Gemma’s chin in her hand, and examined her front tooth. “So you have. I’d never noticed that.” Her heart skipped several beats, and her body temperature increased. She was breathless, and she was only looking at her teeth, for goodness sake. She let go of Gemma’s chin and leaned back. “In answer to your question, no, you don’t need an implant. Your teeth are almost perfect, and the one you refer to as crooked is only slightly inclined.”

  Gemma folded her arms across her chest and gave her a small smile. “Hmm. No free dental work then?”

  “Not until absolutely necessary.” Reece was still feeling a little hot under the collar. She undid the second button on her blouse and fiddled around with it. In her capacity as a dentist, she instilled the virtues of dental flossing, but dental flirting was a new one on her. The voices outside the door told her that visiting was over. In fact, it was ten minutes overdue. She stood reluctantly. “Better be off then. Are you walking with me?”

  Gemma seemed lost in thought. “Oh. Yes, sure.” She got up, and they walked together to the end of the corridor.

  Reece bent and kissed Gemma on the cheek. “Are you going to sit with your friend?”

  “I might just do that. I don’t feel like going back to an empty room.”

  “Good. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

  “As long as you feel up to it. Please don’t wreck your health on my account.”

  “Don’t worry. I feel much better now.” She waved before she pushed the double doors open, and Gemma waved back.

  As she drove back home, she thought about the visit. Apart from the civilised conversation, Gemma had seemed genuinely interested in the family. Even though she hadn’t regained her memory, she seemed to be trying really hard. As for Reece’s reaction when she held
Gemma’s chin, well…that flabbergasted her. She hadn’t felt anything like that since they’d begun dating. It was just a touch, and yet it felt so sexual. She put that out of her mind whilst she was driving, but she’d give it some thought later.

  When she got back home, she entered the kitchen to a beautiful aroma. “Umm. Something smells good.”

  Her mum closed the oven door and put the oven gloves on the back of the chair. “Spicy chicken thighs.”

  Hmm…spicy thighs. She shook her head, trying to erase the image from her mind. “Super.”

  “You look happier tonight.”

  Yes, she was. Her mood had lifted for many reasons. A flush crept across her cheeks, and she quickly walked over to the fridge and opened the door. She’d like to leave her face there and cool it down, but her mum might have questioned that. She pulled the bottle of white wine from the door shelf and placed it on the counter. “Sorry, Mum, I’m gasping for a drink.” She poured some into two glasses and handed one over. “Cheers.” She took a long gulp and leaned against the countertop. “It was a good visit. Gemma looked a lot better, and we had a normal conversation. She asked about you and the children.”

  “Well, that’s something. Maybe she’s on the road to recovery, whatever that might entail.”

  “I guess it’s a question of one day at a time.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Her mother didn’t look convinced. There was no love lost between her parents and Gemma, and she wasn’t altogether sure if they’d ever welcome her back home. Still, she’d cross that bridge if she came to it. Reece put her glass down on the table. “I’ll just pop up and plant a kiss on the little cherubs’ faces.”

  Her mum huffed. “Not so much of the cherubs tonight. They were fighting like cats and dogs.”

  Her parents spoiled the children. What they really needed was a little discipline, but Reece wasn’t around enough. She’d have to work something out on that score. “Why? What happened?”

  “Your dad asked them to sit and draw a picture for you. Callum decided to add something to Mattie’s picture, and she was none too pleased. She retaliated.”

  “What did she do?”

  Her mum cleared her throat. “She kicked him in the balls.”

  Reece put a hand over her mouth. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. But the thought of it brought tears to her eyes, as it no doubt did to Callum. “She’s never done that before. I’ll talk to her. I wonder though, if it’s something she’s seen at school…I’d better make time and go talk to their teachers.”

  Her mum nodded. “That might be a good idea.”

  It was a bad sign. Just when things were improving in one area, they deteriorated in another. She looked in her diary. She had a free hour tomorrow. She’d have to nip it in the bud before it got serious.

  The following day, she saw Mattie and Callum’s teachers. They told her that Mattie had become a little withdrawn recently. One of the children had found out that Gemma was in a psychiatric hospital, most likely from gossiping parents. Her friends accepted Mattie had two mummies, but a boy had taunted her about the hospital. Neither teacher had any proof, but rumours spread that Mattie told Callum, and Callum had kicked the boy in the testicles.

  Good for Callum. No, she shouldn’t say that, even if it were true. It was a path that could lead to a slippery slope. The school assured her that they were dealing with the matter and would keep an eye open for any further problems. Now that she knew, she’d be able to address the issue with both children. She should have thought about it before. She should have explained to them in more detail about the type of hospital Gemma was at, but she doubted it would have made any difference. God, they were only kids. But kids could be so cruel.

  She made the decision not to visit Gemma that evening. The discussion with Callum and Mattie took priority. They came first…and they always would.

  Chapter Twelve

  Alex strode confidently into the TV lounge. No sooner had she entered than Faz jumped up from her seat and went to greet her. She slipped her arm through Alex’s and led her out of the lounge to the area they’d sat in before.

  “How was wifey?”

  Alex nudged her in the ribs playfully. “Less of the bloody wifey. Anyway, it went okay.”

  “Just okay?”

  She shrugged. “It went well. I did as you said and asked all the relevant questions. Actually, I learned quite a lot. And don’t worry, I’ve made notes, so I won’t forget. Little by little.”

  “So, you know more about Reece now, do you?”

  “A little bit.”

  “Could you go on that gameshow, Mr & Mrs?” Faz laughed. “Or Mrs & Mrs in your case.”

  Alex raised her eyebrows. “I’ve never heard of it.”

  “Well, one woman sits in the studio and the other leaves. Then the quiz guy asks questions.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like what’s your wife’s favourite colour?”

  “No idea. I’d guess blue. She wears a lot of blue.”

  “Well done. Next question: does she like vanilla sex or kinky?”

  Alex felt her cheeks colour. After the brief touch from Reece, she’d like to know the answer to that too. She kicked Faz’s shin beneath the table.

  “Ouch.” Faz grabbed hold of her ankle and rubbed it. “You see, you don’t know anything about her.”

  “Do they really ask those sorts of questions?”

  “Doubtful, since it’s a family show. All the same, it’s an interesting question.”

  Alex folded her arms across her chest. “It’s not one I’m going to be asking.”

  Faz wiggled her eyebrows. “I’m not into women, but she is one hot lady.”

  “Is she?” Alex agreed with Faz, but she wasn’t about to let on.

  “Yeah. She has a great physique. I like tall women, and those broad shoulders sit pretty well on that gorgeous body. And that pixie cut so suits her, particularly the way she always flicks that longer bit of hair to one side.”

  “Bloody hell, Faz, I’ve hardly noticed any of that.” It had taken a while, but she’d certainly noticed tonight. “Are you sure you haven’t got a crush on her?”

  “Maybe a little one. Seriously, I’m only into men. But I do appreciate beauty, and I am just telling you how attractive she is.”

  “Thanks. I’ll take a better look next time.” She was fully aware that Reece was attractive, but she’d been so busy wrapped up in herself it hadn’t gone beyond that. She thought again about how soft Reece’s hands were when she’d held her chin. An explosion of tingles had spread throughout her body.

  Faz leaned forward and tapped the table with her hand. “I’m enrolling in the gym tomorrow. Apart from being out of shape, my social worker says it’s good for the mind. Do you want to come along?”

  “Gym? Here? You are joking?”

  “Okay, so when I say gym, I mean there’s a couple of rowing machines, a few bikes, treadmills, and some leg machines and stuff. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing.”

  Alex sat up straight. “Count me in. What time are you going?”

  “After the group therapy session. I have been told I’ve got to do that to get involved more, and so should you.”

  “Okay, I’ll do that.” Alex tilted her head. “You’re becoming quite the little mentor, aren’t you?”

  “I do not like doing things on my own. Anyway…I figure it’s essential for both of us. We have to get fit mentally and physically. We don’t belong here, and we need to get out and get on with our lives.”

  Alex jumped up and threw her arms around Faz. “You are one little gem. We’re like blood sisters.”

  “Exactly. We should have a ceremony. Do it properly and mingle our bloods together. They still carry out this ritual in many countries, particularly amongst tribes.”

  “Are you sure this isn’t an excuse to slit your wrists again?”

  “No way. I was thinking more of a pin prick on our thumbs.”

 
“Shucks. We don’t have any pins.”

  Faz smirked. “I have a few pins. My jeans hem came undone, and I had to pin them. I still have them. Are you game?”

  Alex laughed. “Sure. Why not.” Once upon a time, she’d have thought it a bit childish, but there was nothing wrong with playing along. She hadn’t known Faz long, but she had that feeling they would develop a close friendship.

  Faz jumped up. “Follow me.”

  Alex followed her down the corridor. Her room was at the bottom near one of the nurse’s stations. She hoped they wouldn’t hear.

  They sat on the bed together, and Faz took a bottle of anti-bacterial spray from a drawer, put some on a cotton wool ball, and scrubbed the pin. She repeated the procedure and wiped both their thumbs.

  “Have you done this before?” Alex asked.

  “No, I have not. I have never met anyone who I would remotely consider as a blood sister.”

  “Good. I feel honoured.”

  Faz gently pricked Alex’s finger, wiped the pin, and did the same to hers. She placed her thumb on Alex’s and pressed and held them together for a few seconds. “Blood sisters forever. My life mate.”

  Alex repeated the words, then laughed at the solemnity of the moment.

  Faz smiled. “Okay, you can go now.” When they got up, she kissed Alex on the forehead. “See you tomorrow, Sis.”

  Alex gave her a big hug and left. She chuckled all the way back to her room. It was good to think there’d be someone watching her back and vice versa. The little ceremony had revitalised her and given her a sense of belonging, perhaps even a new beginning.

  ***

  Alex awoke with a smile on her face. She couldn’t remember the last time that happened, but it was many moons ago.

  Later, she met Faz at the therapy group.

  “Make yourself heard. Let them know you are in recovery,” she whispered in Alex’s ear.

  Alex winked. “Yes, Sis.”

  Quite a few people in the group spoke about themselves, and many contributed with words of encouragement. When it went silent, one of the therapists looked across at her.

  “Would you like to say anything, Gemma?”

  Alex cleared her throat. “My name is Gemma Tennant. I’ve suffered a trauma. I’m not sure what’s happened to me, but I’ve blanked out my whole past. I have no recollection of my wife or children.” She paused and stared down at her hands on her lap. Then she looked up. “I’m trying really hard now. I know my memory will return.”