by Chris Taylor
The door to Lily’s room opened and she looked up in time to see her mom returning from a trip down the hall in search of decent coffee. Lily smiled when she noticed a Styrofoam cup in either hand.
“You brought one for me?”
“Yes, honey. I can’t imagine how you must feel after going nearly a week without a hit of caffeine. I’m just so grateful you pulled through and are here for me to deliver one to you.”
Fiona Gibbons’ voice was husky with emotion and her hand was a little unsteady when she offered Lily the cup. A sudden surge of tears burned behind Lily’s eyes. She knew all about gratitude.
“Thanks for being here, Mom. For staying through the night. For the coffee. For…everything. I really appreciate it.”
Fiona came closer and perched on the edge of the bed. “You’re my daughter, my only child. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” She reached out and laid a soft hand against Lily’s cheek. A moment later, she shuddered.
“You won’t believe how terrified I was when I received the call from Tom. I couldn’t believe you’d been shot, didn’t want to believe it, but Tom said there was no mistaking what happened. He had no reason to lie. I could tell from the panic and fear in his voice that it was true.”
She drew in a ragged breath and clasped the coffee cup with both hands. “I told Tony right away and made him turn around. We were halfway along the Birdsville Track, but it didn’t matter. All I could think of was getting to you and seeing you before you… Well, it doesn’t matter any longer. You’re awake and the doctors say you’re going to be fine. It’s only a matter of time.”
The tears that Lily had tried to hold back now ran slowly down her cheeks. She swiped at them with her free hand, but they kept coming.
“Don’t cry, baby,” her mom whispered. “It’s all over now. You…Tom. You’re both going to be fine.”
Setting her coffee cup down on a nearby table, Fiona took Lily’s cup and set is aside, too. Then she leaned over and carefully drew her daughter close. Lily sighed and rested her head against her mom’s soft breasts, like she used to when she was a kid. Her mom had always been able to make everything right, no matter how wrong everything seemed.
“I’m so glad it’s all worked out for you, Lily. Not only this, but with Tom and the kids. You’re surrounded by people who love you. All of Tom’s family have been here, taking turns keeping you company, providing each other with support. I’m so happy for you, baby. I’m so happy you have such a good life. It’s… It’s all I ever wanted for you.”
“Oh, Mom,” Lily gasped and the tears fell even harder. “I can’t imagine what you went through before…with Dad. I was so young when we left, but I’ve never forgotten the feeling…the fear, the anxiety, knowing he could blow up in an instant. And I was only a child hiding in the shadows. It must have been so much more terrifying for you, walking on eggshells all the time.”
Her mom stroked her back and hushed her and Lily felt even worse. She should have been the one offering comfort, not her mom. Fiona Gibbons had seen the worst the world had to offer and still gave something back. Lily hoped her mom knew how much she loved her and then she made sure of it.
“I love you so much, Mom. You’ve always been there for me, keeping me safe, keeping me happy, loving me. Even when I was nineteen and single and pregnant with Cassie, you were there for me. Not once did you judge me or turn me away. In fact, if I’d listened to your very wise counsel, I would have told Tom about her long before I did.
“You tried to tell me not every man was like my dad, but at the time, I was too scared to listen. I’m sorry that I didn’t. I should have known not to doubt what you said.”
“Hey, baby, it doesn’t matter anymore. Everything turned out all right. I love Tom like the son I never had and he adores the ground you walk on. He’s a good man and you both deserve the happiness you have with one another. It brings me comfort and peace of mind knowing you’re so well taken care of.”
Once again, the door to her room opened and this time it was Tom who stood there. Lily cried out at the sight of him. He looked pale and a little unsteady on his feet, but her heart filled with love and relief.
With slower steps than usual, he closed the distance between them. Her mom stepped discreetly away.
“Lily, honey. Christ, you’re awake! You don’t know how scared I’ve been.” Tom took her carefully in his arms, mindful of the tubes that were still attached to her body. Lily clung to him and the tears that had nearly stopped came flooding out again.
“Tom, oh, Tom! You’re here. You’re okay. I…I can’t believe all that’s happened.”
He held her gingerly against his chest, mindful of their injuries. She breathed in his scent, but it was tainted with the smell of the hospital. Instead of pajamas, he was in a hospital gown and she smiled when she realized one of the ties had come loose. She slipped her hand lower and cupped his naked buttocks.
His butt cheeks flexed. He pulled slightly away and looked down on her, a smile tugging at his lips. “Lily Munro, you must be feeling better.”
She winked at him and grinned. “I feel on top of the world.”
He smiled at her again and then drew her in close for another hug. “You had me so scared. Watching you lying there so still, on the gurney at school and in the ICU, with tubes coming out every which way. I’ve never felt so helpless. All I could do was sit there and hold your hand and pray that I’d get to talk to you again. Even last night, when I came down to see you, you were asleep. I wanted to wake you, but I didn’t.”
“You came by last night? Oh, Tom! You should have woken me.”
“It was okay. I knew you were sleeping at least and not unconscious. It made a world of difference.”
“And what about you?” Lily murmured. “Your mom told me you’ve had surgery to remove a tumor. I can’t believe it, Tom. How did you discover it? How… How long have you known?”
Tom looked away and Lily saw him take a deep breath. Something stirred in her chest.
“What is it, Tom? What haven’t you told me?”
“I’ve known about the lump for a year, but I only found out it was malignant a couple of days ago. I-I’m sorry. I should have told you.”
Lily frowned and shook her head, confusion flooding her pores. “A year? What are you talking about? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Tom’s shoulders slumped and she noticed the fatigue around his eyes. She felt a stab of guilt. He’d just come through major surgery. He probably shouldn’t even be out of bed. But she needed to know how it had happened and why he’d carried the secret around with him for so long.
“Talk to me, Tom. Tell me what happened.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“How about from the beginning? How did you find the lump?”
“I’m not sure. It was a long time ago. I think I just felt something when I was in the shower. It wasn’t painful and not very big, so I just kind of ignored it.”
Lily shook her head. “How could you do such a thing? You’ve seen the TV ads, read the stories. Hell, your mom is a breast cancer survivor. You of all people know that early detection is vital.”
“I know, honey and I was stupid to ignore it for so long. I discovered it not long before Dad suffered the ruptured brain aneurysm and there were much more serious things going on in our lives. For a while, we didn’t know if Dad would pull through. A tiny lump that was giving me no trouble was the last thing on my mind.”
“But that was last Christmas, almost a year ago. Why didn’t you see a doctor when you returned to Sydney?”
He shrugged and his cheeks turned red. “I don’t know. I guess I was busy and…you know. Days turn into weeks into months…”
Lily shook her head. She wasn’t buying it. Sixteen years of marriage had taught her a lot about her husband.
“You were scared it was going to be cancer, like your mom’s, weren’t you? That’s the real reason you ignored it.”
To his credit,
he didn’t refute it. With another sigh, he grimaced and met her gaze. “Yes.”
“Oh, Tom. Why didn’t you tell me? I’m your wife! It’s my job to help you in your hour of need. We could have gone to the doctor together, I could have supported you through it. Did you even tell anyone? Your brothers, your mom?”
“I told Dad, but he was still in a coma. I don’t know if he heard. He’s never said anything to me about it, so I guess he didn’t. Anyway, it doesn’t matter now. It’s all over, thank Christ.”
“What did the doctor say?”
“I haven’t seen her, yet. She came in late yesterday afternoon while I was asleep. Brandon spoke to her. She was happy with how the surgery went and is confident she got all the cancer. She’s waiting on the results from pathology to know for sure.”
“I’m glad Brandon was with you. I’ll have to thank him.”
“Yes, he was with me all day yesterday. He even drove me to the hospital. He’s right outside if you want to see him. He came in again early this morning and brought me back down here from my ward.”
“Please, send him in.”
Tom left the room and Lily’s mom stepped forward and pressed a kiss against her cheek.
“I might leave you to it, honey. It seems like everything’s going to be okay. You get some rest now, you hear me? I’ll see you a little later.”
Lily smiled. “Thanks, Mom. You go home and get some rest too, okay? And thank you again, for everything.”
“There’s no need for thanks, Lily. I’m just glad you’ve pulled through. Tony will be thrilled to hear it. He’ll want to take you out to Watsons for dinner to celebrate, just as soon as you’re able.”
Lily smiled again and nodded. “Tell him I’ll keep him to it.”
The door opened and closed behind her mom and a moment later, it opened again. Tom walked in, closely followed by Brandon. Knowing that he’d spent all day with her husband just because he cared, brought tears to Lily’s eyes.
“Brandon,” she murmured.
“Lily. It’s good to see you awake. You look almost as good as new.”
“Thanks, Brandon,” she said with a smile. “I don’t feel that way, but I’m grateful just the same. It’s good to be awake.”
“You can say that again. You had us all worried there for a while. And then this one books himself in for surgery—hell, there’s never a dull moment in the Munro family.”
He laughed and Tom and Lily joined in. It felt good to make light of their serious circumstances. It felt normal.
“I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for Tom,” she said sincerely, holding Brandon’s gaze. He turned his head and scuffed his boot and suddenly found something fascinating on the floor. His embarrassment only served to endear him to her further.
“It was nothing. Any of us would have done it. It was just that I had a few rostered days off and Alex had her mom to help take care of the kids. Declan and Riley have been calling around the clock and Clayton will drop in after work. Chanel flew in from Brisbane last night and Josie’s on her way down from Grafton. They knew you were in the ICU and the hospital staff were restricting visitors, but they’re about to arrive en masse—so brace yourself.”
Tom chuckled and Lily grinned. This was what their family was all about. People who loved and cared deeply for one another and who were willing to put themselves out. She loved every member of the Munro family and wouldn’t trade her life for anything.
“Where’s Chanel staying?” Tom asked, interrupting her reverie.
“I think Mom said she’s staying at your house. She wanted to help out with Cassie and Joe. It’s been awhile since Mom and Dad had anything to do with teenagers. She didn’t want the kids wearing them out. She keeps reminding me that Mom and Dad aren’t getting any younger and Dad did have that scare last year…”
Tom nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s good of her to come.”
“Anyway, now that I’ve done my bit, I might leave you to it. The kids were in bed asleep when I got home last night and I haven’t spent decent time with Alex in what seems like forever.” Brandon stepped closer and pecked Lily on the cheek. “She sends her love, by the way. It’s good to see you awake, Lil. Take care.”
He turned to Tom and shook his hand. “Will you be all right getting back to your ward? If you want, I can stay until you’re ready to leave.”
“No, go. I’ll be fine. The nurses know where I am. I’m sure they’ll come looking for me when it’s time to head back. Right now, I’m going to enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife.”
* * *
Chanel Munro pushed back a loose strand of blond hair and climbed the stairs up to her niece’s bedroom. She’d arrived late last night and both children had been asleep. But it was now going on for eight-thirty in the morning and Cassie still hadn’t made an appearance. When she’d questioned Joe about it over breakfast, he’d shrugged and muttered that he didn’t know what was up.
Her mom had spoken to Lily earlier and her sister-in-law was understandably eager to see her kids. The rate Cassie was going, it would be lunch time before they arrived. Reaching the top of the stairs, she walked down the carpeted hall and came to a halt outside the door with a colorful, handpainted, carved wooden sign announcing it was Cassie’s room. She knocked quietly on the door.
“Cassie? It’s Aunty Chanel. May I come in?”
She was greeted with silence. It was way past time when Cassie should be up. On a normal day, the teenager would already be at school. Wanting to make sure she was all right, Chanel slowly turned the knob and opened the door.
The room was dark, despite the early morning sunshine that did its best to push through the closed blinds. It also smelled musty. The window was shut tight and dirty laundry was piled all over the floor. The scene was so different from the last time Chanel had been in her niece’s room that she was taken aback.
She understood that Cassie was going through a difficult time, with her mom being shot and her dad undergoing surgery for cancer, but this drastic change was unexpected. As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she made out Cassie’s form in the bed.
“Cassie? Are you okay?” Chanel moved forward and reached out toward her niece. She gently turned her by the shoulder to face her and was overcome by alcohol fumes. Cassie’s eyes were closed.
She shook her niece harder. “Cassie? Wake up! What the hell is going on?”
Her niece remained silent and limp and Chanel’s panic ratcheted up another notch. Racing across the room, she pulled up the blind and turned on the light. Prying Cassie’s eyelids open, she was stunned to see her niece’s dilated and unfocused pupils. She slapped the girl against the cheek and called out louder.
“Cassie! Can you hear me? Wake up!”
Still the girl remained unresponsive and Chanel’s medical training kicked into gear. She’d seen enough people affected by drugs to know what it looked like. Mixed with the alcohol, it could be a deadly cocktail.
Turning Cassie onto her back, she quickly checked for a pulse. The slightest fluttering under her fingers sent a surge of relief flooding through her, but the danger was far from over. She held her hand above Cassie’s mouth and was grateful to feel warm breath. Cassie was alive, but unconscious. Chanel was worried her niece’s condition had been caused by something far worse than alcohol.
Tugging her phone out of the pocket of her jeans, she called for an ambulance, stumbling a little when she tried to remember Tom’s address. After what seemed like a lifetime, she got the information right and then checked Cassie’s pulse again. It was faint and erratic, but it was still there.
She set Cassie’s hand down gently on the sheet and started searching the room. The necks of at least two empty rum bottles poked out from under the bed. Plates and bowls and coffee mugs littered the floor and desk, most of them covered in remnants of dried food. It was no surprise the place smelled so bad.
On a sudden hunch, Chanel returned to the bed and pulled open the drawers of Ca
ssie’s nightstand. She searched through a collection of junk: notebooks, pens, an iPod and earbuds; candy wrappers, half a stick of gum, an old copy of Wuthering Heights.
“I know they’re here somewhere, Cassie,” she mumbled. “It would be a hell of a lot easier if you woke up and told me where.”
Knowing no answer would be forthcoming, Chanel gritted her teeth and kept looking. She picked up the novel and flipped through the pages. Almost instantly, a small plastic bag fell out of it and tumbled onto the floor. Chanel bent down and picked it up.
Three small, white tablets lay in the bag. Ecstasy. She was sure of it. She blew her breath out on a heavy sigh.
Shit.
Though she’d suspected as much, to have the proof in her hand was a tough blow. This was her niece. Her brother’s daughter. The very brother who was recovering from surgery. How could Chanel burden him with the knowledge his little girl was taking drugs? He’d be devastated, and Lily, too. What if it set back her recovery? She’d been shot, for goodness sake.
But their daughter was lying unconscious from an overdose of alcohol, drugs, or both. They were her parents. They had a right to know. Besides, assuming Cassie was going to pull through, she’d need a lot of support if they were going to break the cycle of dependence.
Chanel had no way of knowing how long her niece had been getting high, but the fact that she still had three pills stashed in a book in her nightstand was telling. Most kids experimented with one tablet at a time. Having a stockpile told her this probably hadn’t been the first time.
Getting hooked on illegal drugs was easier than most people thought. It often started with a less ominous “party drug” like speed, but very quickly it could escalate to a whole lot more. Chanel had seen her fair share of ice—or crystal meth—addicts to know the total dependence it demanded in a very short space of time and the effects of an ice addiction were heartbreaking for everyone. She couldn’t help but send up a silent prayer of thanks that Cassie’s curiosity hadn’t extended that far.