A Rough Kind of Magic

by Louise James

  She stumbled onto a bridle path, it was easier going now. Stopping to get her bearings she recognised where she was, she had walked this path before with her grandmother all she had to do was to keep going. It was no use to go looking for Rocky herself, better to try to reach the farm for help. As she reached the road her feet caught in briars, she stumbled and fell into the ditch which ran along side the road. Luckily it was full of leaves which softened her fall but she could feel mud on her hands and her feet were wet in her boots. Hurrying as best she was able, she could see a car on the yard where Ray was talking to Greg’s parents. She screamed something she didn’t know what as she reached the gate then bent to get her breath. The words came in a jumble as she tripped again measuring her length on the yard. Pain jolted through her then she knew no more.

  She surfaced slowly almost reluctantly, to find herself in bed. It was warm and secure but she couldn’t think why she was here or why it was dark. She could hear a mummer of voices but couldn’t make out what they were saying. She tried to sit up but failing finding she ached from head to toe. Her knee and wrist were bandaged and her face felt sore and stung, putting up a hand she discovered a long sore scratch running the length of her face. Her movements brought Greg and Bronwyn to her side.

  “Oh! Greg what’s happened? Oh! I remember now I got Rocky killed.” She began to cry the tears burning her scratched face. “The baby? Greg, have I hurt the baby?’

  “No Olwen sweetheart. It’s alright. It’s you we are worried about. Granny thinks the baby is alright but Dr Davies will be here any moment to check you over. He will send you to the hospital if he’s at all worried. Rocky is fine.’

  Bronwyn handed her a cup of tea propping her up to drink it.

  “Who’s a naughty girl then, racing about the countryside at seven months pregnant? How do you feel now girl?’

  “Terrible. Did you say Rocky is alright? How come? I heard a shot and he cried out.’

  “Yes.” Greg squeezed her good hand. “Someone winged him, Ray and Dad went looking but didn’t find him then he came back about an hour ago with a grazed shoulder and a pellet in his leg. Dad took him to the vet but he’s fine, it’s you that sent us off our heads with worry when you fell on the yard and wouldn’t come round. Mother panicked as usual. Ray carried you up to bed, I sent for the doctor, he was out as usual but we tracked him down and he’ll be here soon. I rang Bronwyn, Ray went to fetch her. We were going to send for an ambulance.’

  “I felt you were better kept quiet until the doctor got here. I examined you and baby is alright at the moment.’ Bronwyn took her cup.

  Greg was trembling and Olwen realised how afraid he had been for her.

  “I’m alright Darling.” She tried to sit up but pain and dizziness sent her back to her pillows.

  “No you don’t, you don’t move a muscle until doctor has seen you. You are thoroughly shocked and tired out. At the moment all is well but we are not taking anything for granted.” Bronwyn tucked her in and felt her brow. “Get some sleep if you can.’

  “How can I we have houseful of guests arriving? What are we to do?’

  “They are all capable of looking after themselves. Sally is here and coping well at the moment.” At this point Sally hurried in. “Is she alright Greg?” She crossed to the bed and bent to kiss Olwen, visibly shaken herself, her eyes searching Olwen’s face.

  “She has to take care, Mum. We are hoping that a few days in bed will do the trick’

  “I can’t be doing that. The wedding is on Saturday and I’m Megan’s dresser.’

  “They will understand Darling.” Greg soothed her. “Let’s just see how you are.’

  Later that evening Olwen started to contract. Distraught she clung to Greg sobbing.

  “If I have hurt our baby you will never forgive me, I will never forgive me. I can’t lose him now. I must not. Granny, can’t you do something?’

  “The doctor has just phoned he is on his way,” Bronwyn was stripping away the pillows as she spoke and placing them under her hips. “You must relax.’

  “I can’t” sobbed the frightened girl. To every ones relief Doctor Davies arrived. He examined her gently then turned to Bronwyn and Greg.

  “It’s mostly shock. I’m sure the baby is safe. It’s not time to send her to hospital it will only cause her more distress. I am going to give her an injection and leave one with you to give her if the contractions continue. If she starts to bleed that that is a different story, send for the ambulance at once. The contractions are very slight baby is moving about a lot and there is bruising” He turned to Olwen. Now young lady I am going to put you out until morning, the contractions should stop and you will go into a deep sleep. Will you stay with her Mrs Rhys?’

  “Of course I will and this young man won’t move far, I’ll be bound.’

  “Good call me if you need anything. I hope you all have a good night’s sleep.’ After he had gone Olwen sank into a deep sleep only waking once in the night to find Greg sleeping in the deep armchair beside her bed. She slept again until a cold wet nose on her face woke her to daylight and Greg trying to coax Rocky back downstairs.

  “Sorry Darling, bad leg or not he had to come up to see you.’

  “Is he alright?” Olwen spoke groggily licking her dry lips.

  “He’s fine. How are you? How do you feel?’

  “As if I’ve been run over by a truck but no pain thanks be to God.’

  “I’ll second that.” He kissed her tenderly. “Now you keep quiet. Here’s Granny with your breakfast. I must go down I hear people arriving already. See you in a little while and tell you all about it.” Another kiss and he was gone.

  “I must be getting up.” Wincing she flung back the bed clothes.

  “No you don’t, young lady. You stay there, you are not getting up. You will wat this egg and toast then you may have a shower and back into bed.’

  “But Granny I am fine now except for being very stiff and my knee hurts. If I have a hot bath most of it would be gone.’

  “Certainly not.” The light eyes locked firmly with the grey. “A shower only then back to bed doctor’s orders.” Olwen began to colour up. “If I don’t get on my feet to even see how I feel, how will I be getting to Megan’s wedding and I will be going.’

  “We’ll see eat your breakfast then get under that shower.” Bronwyn took her temperature and left the room. Ray stood at the foot of the stairs.

  “What’s up? Is Olwen alright?’

  Bronwyn sniffed. “She’s getting a mood on her. She will be downstairs two minutes after that shower and there’s no reasoning with her. I can only say so much. She is not a child I can’t smack her and keep her in bed. Now the contractions have stopped we can’t sedate her either.’

  “Ok then. Greg. With your permission Sir, can Uncle Ray have a go?’

  “Sure.” Greg replied worriedly. “My kingdom is yours but she has a hell of a temper if you make her mad.’

  ‘Leave her to me.’ He tapped at Olwen’s door and went in. the door closed behind him. Bronwyn and Greg looked at each other, Greg shivered. Bronwyn could see he was overtired, worried and far from well. This last drama was proving too much, He would not be able to cope much longer. They both went slowly downstairs, she sent him to sit in the lounge with his parents and guests.

  Ray crossed the room and pulled up a chair to where Olwen sat upright in her bed an angry frown on her face and a sulky pout to her lips.

  ‘Hi. How’s the invalid and junior coming along?’

  Olwen answered moodily her grey eyes stormy. ‘I feel fine, bit sore but I must get up and see everyone. My hair is a mess and it’s your wedding tomorrow.’

  ‘You look great to me except for a few bruises.’ Ray pulled a chair up to the bed. Mind it’s a good job that you turned Megan down when she wanted you to be matron of honour.’

  �
�Matron is the word with my bump, I feel like a house.’

  ‘You don’t look like one. You look a very attractive woman to me. Mind you do have a bruise on your face that suggests Greg knocked you down the stairs and you would obviously walk with a limp. I watched Bronwyn dressing that knee last night, not a pretty sight.’ He shuddered watching her under his lids.’

  ‘Have I really a bruise on my face that bad?’ He nodded slowly bringing her the mirror from the chest.

  ‘Oh! Glory, no wonder my face hurts. Why didn’t Greg tell me?’

  ‘Greg is too worried about other things. He loves you too much to risk you in any way.’

  ‘I should be knowing that but I am strong.’

  ‘You are. He’s not.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Olwen laid down the mirror and looked at him.

  ‘Have you noticed his breathing lately, Olwen?’

  ‘Yes I have, it’s getting worse even though he is doing a lot less. He used to manage small jobs but now he has to use his inhaler most of the time. He is so tired a lot of the time and not hungry either. Oh! Ray, it’s so frightened that I am. That wretched bleeper stays as silent as if it doesn’t work at all. Do you think it’s working?’

  ‘Of course it is. The police would be out here and the phone ringing off its hook if it didn’t anyway he checks it.’

  ‘I don’t wish anyone to die but surely, there is someone somewhere?’

  ‘It has to be right Olwen. They can’t just use any old heart. It must be perfect for him or his body will reject it. They will call when the time and the heart is right for him. You can help in fact you have a vital part to play.’

  ‘What do you mean? How can I help?’

  ‘You can keep him free from worry, you know this baby is very important to him as well as you but if anything should happen to him(God forbid) it would be all you’d have left of him but face it Olwen, you are young and strong you could have more children, Greg may never be able to have another. You are the most important person in his life before anyone including the baby. Can you see the tonic will be for him if he can see it born and know it will inherit this place one day? He is still young Olwen but he is never going to get the chance to set the world on fire even if he gets a donor. At the moment his time is running out fast and if that donor is not found…….’ Olwen covered her face and wept.

  ‘I know I am a selfish cow, always was.’

  ‘No sweetheart never that.’ Ray put his arms around her. ‘Just give in to that good-looking hulk of a husband of yours for a couple more months. He’s got it rough, don’t make it worse.’

  Olwen wiped her eyes and kissed his cheek. ‘Thanks Uncle Ray I deserved that.’ She managed a watery smile. ‘Although I did want to be at your wedding.’

  ‘You shall see it Cinderella. We are having it videoed so you will be able to see it all while we honeymoon in Egypt, loafing about in the sun, pyramids by moonlight eating Turkish Delight, drinking coffee. We’ll bring you back some sand and sand-flies, Camel’s -–’

  ‘Oh! Do shut up; Torment.’ Olwen hit him with a pillow. ‘You had better bring Turkish Delight and Coffee. Now go and tell Granny that I am ready for my shower but please ask Greg to come to me first and tell Megan I need to see her if she has a spare moment.’

  ‘She is coming this afternoon. Oh! Lady of the fairest night. Your slightest wish is my deepest command’ he salaamed his way to the door.

  ‘Fool.’ Olwen called–- and Ray’— he turned at the door his blond curls tousled, his blue eyes glinting wickedly. ‘My Lady you called?’

  ‘Thanks.’

  He bowed ‘My pleasure.’ He left closing the door quietly.

  When Greg came slowly into her room, Olwen held out her arms.

  ‘It’s so sorry I am, I just wasn’t thinking straight.’

  ‘What did he say?’ asked Greg curious but relieved.

  ‘Told me I was a selfish old cow.’

  ‘He didn’t?’

  ‘No, silly, he didn’t, he wouldn’t but I was and I’m sorry. I will stay here and be good but tell everyone to come and see me, please don’t leave me out.’

  ‘Of course they will. Rest up then put on your prettiest nightie and hold court for everyone here this evening. Seven thirty, your room, everyone brings a bottle. Right?’

  ‘Right.’ Olwen’s eyes were very bright as her grandmother called her to the shower. Although she was still bruised and sore after a shower Olwen felt much better. Her invitation was accepted, everyone coming to her room that evening to drink the health of the bride and groom except Megan who returned home after her chat with Olwen so she didn’t run into Ray but her parents came tobe introduced along with his sister Jenny and husband Ken. Ray’s father Ralph Bowers was a large florid friendly man much quieter than his son but with the same fair features and the merry twinkle in his eyes. Jenny featured their mother Lynda both being small and dark though it was soon clear where Ray’s vivacious nature came from for Lynda was at home where ever she went and soon had every one under her spell. Jenny and Ken were very engrossed in their delightful daughter Emma who at ten months old held everyone’s attention until her father took her off to bed. Ralph took Olwen’s hand.

  ‘My dear if we had known of your accident sooner we would not have come here to worry you. We should not be here it is too much. It was that husband and that boy of ours that insisted that we come to see you this evening. Are you sure you are up to all this?’

  ‘Sure I am. I am fine. Please sit down and have a beer, tell me all about tomorrow. Is everything ready?’

  ‘Yes and Sally has been showing us the flat.’ Lynda sat on the end of the bed. ‘It’s gorgeous Pet. I wish we’d had one like that when we were first married.’ She passed her glass to John who was acting barman. @We had to live with Ralph’s mother until Jenny was born. We have a lovely house now. Greg must bring you down to see us later on. He is like a second son to us. We have been so upset that he is ill but I’m sure he will have a heart soon. Mind living with Granny was good she was a dear. I was rather sorry that Ray sold her house but the money is better invested here, she would have liked that. It’s is a fantastic idea, Greg what made you think of it?’ She chattered on and no one noticed that Ray was missing until Greg turning to thank him for talking with Olwen realised that he and Rocky were missing.

  He slipped down to the kitchen where rocky was shut in whining at the door but no sign of Ray although all the outside security lights were on. As he opened the back door Rocky rushed out passed him barking running for the gate but was grabbed by Ray who was coming back through.

  ‘Thanks, old boy but I don’t need you now.’ Ray was panting so hard he could scarcely hold the dog. Greg took Rocky by the collar and pushed him back into the house. He could see the state of Ray.

  ‘Good God Ray! You are bleeding man. What’s happened, have you been attacked?’

  ‘No I was doing the attacking. Let’s get in, it’ll be alright now.’ As they came into the kitchen Greg could see the state he was in. ‘Hell! Ray. Are you hurt bad? Why didn’t you shout? There are enough blokes here tonight. Who was it? I’ll ring Jeff.’

  ‘I’m not hurt as much as that fucking bastard Luke. I only busted my fist on him but he kicked me in the ribs when I slipped over then I grabbed his foot, that’s when he kicked me in the face but I got him and I don’t care whether he’s got home or not.’

  ‘We’d better make sure. We don’t want him to go and die on us. What sort of shape is he in? It’s bloody freezing out there.’

  ‘Sod the bastard. He was out there with all these people in here creeping around the wall of the house with a shotgun. So you tell me what he’s up too, he could have killed any of us not just Rocky. Some one needs to go and round up the chickens, he’d let them out first. Don’t know why he hadn’t killed them?’

  ‘How did you hear him? I never
heard a thing.’ While he was talking Greg had poured warm water into a bowl, grabbing lint from the medicine cabinet above the sink and began bathing the cut on Ray’s face and his swelling hand.

  ‘God! My ribs hurt.’

  ‘You’ve probably cracked one. Let’s take a look, better still I’ll call Bronwyn down.’

  ‘It’ll be a weight off if that lunatic never comes here again. Just give me a minute and I’ll ring Jeff. He must go and look for him but I have to tell him what I’ve done and why. Bye the way, the gun is somewhere in the garden. I just threw it. The police had better have that.’ Greg lifted Ray’s shirt to inspect his ribs and the discolouration already forming.

  ‘I came down because I thought I had left my keys in the truck, Rocky was growling in the porch so I brought him through and shut him in the kitchen, went out through the garden door and crept around the wall. As I came past the sitting room window there was a dark shape of someone crouching and waiting so I jumped him, then I realised that he had a gun so I got that off him and chucked it as far as I could while still holding on to Luke but he gave me the heave ho and legged it through the orchard. Well I can run a lot faster than him so I caught him and hammered him good but I slipped and that’s when he got me.’ Ray regarded his battered knuckles with relish. ‘I thought if I didn’t give him a hiding that he wouldn’t forget, any time Megan or Olwen might be here alone for some reason, it may not be Rocky he’d go for. He is queer enough for anything.’

  Greg’s face was ashen as Ray spoke. He went to the phone and dialled the number handing it to Ray going to the stairs he called Bronwyn. Ray explained what had happened. Jeff promised to find Luke and call at the farm later.