The Right One

by Ariadne Wayne

The alarm on the car beeped as I pressed the button and climbed in, taking a deep breath. I had to focus on getting to this hospital in one piece. And Ruby. Shit. After everything that had happened with her mother, this was the last thing she needed to go through. Even if it was just to grab her and get out, I needed to get there. All I wanted was to wrap my arms around both of them and tell them it would be okay.

  It would be, wouldn’t it?

  I gripped the steering wheel, backing down the driveway and onto the street. It wasn’t a long drive to the hospital and finding parking would be the most difficult part of the journey, but I had to keep my mind on what I was doing and not be distracted.

  As I approached the car park, I lucked out as someone else pulled out of their spot, getting a place nice and close. I looked up at the big building in front of me and realised I had no idea where to go. Elliot hadn’t told me, and I hadn’t thought to ask. My throat tightened in panic.

  You’re not an idiot, Rebecca, you just need to ask.

  I pulled open the door and walked toward the massive reception desk.

  “Hi, I’m looking for …” My mind went blank at the thought of Elliot’s grandmother’s name. He had told me once, but I couldn’t for the life of me remember.

  Oh, for pity’s sake.

  “Becca, Becca.” Ruby’s voice came loud and clear from my right, and I turned in time to see her running toward me, her arms extended to hug me. I bent, opening my arms and grabbing hold of her, picking her up as I held her tight.

  She frowned. “Nan is sick.”

  “I know, sweetheart. I’m here to make sure you and your dad are okay.”

  Elliot arrived seconds later, hugging us both. He shook, and I dropped Ruby to the ground so I could rub his back to reassure him.

  “Hey,” I whispered.

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “How is she?”

  I let go, and he looked at his feet, sighing. “She’s alive, but lost all sensation down one side. Mum and Dad are on their way; they’ll be here any minute.”

  “You sounded terrible on the phone.”

  He gripped my hands in his. “I’m sorry. I’d just gotten to your place and put dinner on. She’d pressed her medical alarm so the ambulance was already on the way. It just all happened so fast.”

  “Oh, sweetie.” I touched my palm to his cheek and he closed his eyes. The thought of him going through this by himself gave my heart an ache. It ached even more to think of what Ruby must have seen, even if she might not have understood it.

  “I went to call you but I realised I left my phone at your place. They called Mum and Dad, but I had to get to a phone to call you. I’m sorry it wasn’t earlier.”

  He leaned into my arms again.

  “It’s okay, Elliot. I’m here now. I fed the cat if it helps. He was hanging around my place.”

  His shoulders shook as he laughed. “That’ll be my fault. He’s followed the smell of food.”

  “Maybe. Everything is okay at home anyway. It was so thoughtful of you to sort out dinner. So, where’s your nan now?”

  “They’re running some tests. I needed a break and to hear your voice.”

  “Want some fresh air? Maybe a coffee?”

  Elliot nodded, and I kissed his cheek, letting him go so we could walk down toward the coffee shop.

  “Hey, Ruby. Want to go get a drink and something to eat?”

  She nodded, grabbing hold of my hand. We were getting so close, and I loved that she just did that instinctively. My heart warmed at her acceptance.

  I linked arms with Elliot, and led them back the way I’d come through the hospital. As we entered the elevator, Elliot slid his arm around my waist. “Thank you for coming when I needed you.”

  “Isn’t that what I’m here for?”

  “I know. I just … after all the time we weren’t serious, it’s kinda weird to have an actual partner.”

  “Well, get used to it.”

  He squeezed me tight, nuzzling my neck. “I love you,” he said.

  “I love you too.”

  “At least now you get to meet my parents. And they’ll get to meet Ruby too.”

  My throat tightened as he said it. They had been planning to visit in a couple of weeks and I had looked forward to a relaxing meeting with his folks, not a stress-filled hospital meeting. But it was what it was, and all I could do was be there to support and love him.

  “Sure do. Wish it was under better circumstances.”

  “Me too. But at least it gets it over and done with. They’ll love you, Becs. I promise.”

  We made our way across the foyer to the coffee shop, and I found a table in the corner to sit. “Stay here. I’ll get the coffee,” I said, rubbing his back as he sat.

  “Thanks.” He ran his fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated about his situation. This would mean the loss of his grandmother’s independence at the very least, and Elliot looked lost.

  “Two lattes please,” I said to the server. “Can I also get a lemonade and a cheese and bacon muffin?”

  She nodded as she put the transaction through the till and I handed over my cash card. As I glanced toward Elliot, I spotted an older man and woman coming toward our table. He stood and embraced the woman.

  That must be his mother.

  His head drooped as he let go, misery pouring off him and my heart just ached to watch it.

  I was so busy watching him I didn’t notice the man walking toward me and looked up to find myself looking into eyes identical to Elliot’s.

  “Oh. Hi. You must be Elliot’s father,” I said.

  He nodded. “Call me Lucas. You must be the famous Rebecca.”

  My cheeks burned as I nodded. So Elliot had told his parents all about me.

  “It’s good to meet you. I’m so glad Elliot has you. He’s so close to his grandmother; it’s a tough time for him.”

  “Whatever he needs.” His eyes were so kind. I could see where Elliot got it.

  I looked back at the counter. Ruby's muffin and drink were ready, and I grabbed them, smiling at the server and nodding and Lucas.

  He moved past me to order and I took a deep breath, heading toward the table. Elliot and his mother had sat down and were deep in conversation. Ruby sat further around the table, swinging her legs and looking bored. I looked around, not wanting to interrupt, but he looked up at me and smiled. “Hey babe, come and meet my mum.”

  I grinned, and sat down between Elliot and Ruby, holding my hand out for Elliot’s mum to shake. “Hi. I’m Rebecca.”

  She had such a sweet smile.. “Hi. I’m Carmen. I’m sorry we couldn’t meet under better circumstances. Elliot has told us so much about you.”

  I cocked an eyebrow at him as he grinned back at me.

  “We kept telling him to bring you to meet us, but he was so shy about it. I was beginning to think you were a figment of his imagination.”

  Laughing I shook my head. “Well, I’m very glad to meet you now. I hope Elliot’s grandmother will be okay.” I said.

  Elliot leaned back and put his arm around my shoulder, kissing me on the cheek. “Hey, can Ruby stay with you tonight? I don’t know how late everyone is going to be here and I need to know she’s okay.”

  “Of course she can. I’ll stay home as long as you need me to.”

  “YAY!” yelled Ruby.

  I ruffled her hair. “Oh, you like that idea, do you?”

  She nodded enthusiastically. Wonder if she wants to stay with me, or just wants to get out of here. She must be so bored.

  “Hello, Ruby,” Carmen said, waving from across the table.

  “Oh, Mum, sorry. This is Ruby. Ruby, this is my mum and dad. So that would be your grandma and grandpa.”

  Ruby’s eyes widened, and she snuggled into my side.

  “She’s a bit shy at first, but we’re getting there,” Elliot said.

  “I can see that.” Carmen smiled, that same gentle smile that Elliot had, and
Ruby lessened her grip on my waist just a little.

  “So, Rebecca, I understand you’re in finance,” Lucas said.

  I nodded. “Mostly small business loans and investments.”

  “Find it interesting?”

  I think he was the first person to ever ask me that. “It’s not that exciting, but I work for my dad. He’s the big numbers guru.”

  He grinned. “Maybe we’ll get to meet him. We’re going to be here for at least a few days.”

  “Sounds good. Maybe we can all have dinner one night.” Awesome. Yeah dinner with my dad and his girlfriend who is one of my best friends.

  “That’d be great. Elliot has raved about you, and I think you’ve handled the whole situation with Ruby so well. Elliot says she adores you.”

  “The feeling’s mutual.” I looked down at Ruby, now snuggled in tighter. She smiled up at me, her fingers digging into my side.

  “You okay?” I whispered, bending down so no one could see her.

  “I want to go home,” she whispered back.

  I nodded. “Not much longer, okay?”

  She smiled, taking another bite of her muffin. We could hang out for the night; there was plenty of room at my place. Maybe tomorrow I could call someone to fill the pool. I’d drained it when it became just me in the house; I got all my exercise at the gym. But Ruby might get some use out of it and we could all use it for cooling off in the upcoming summer.

  Before I knew it, Ruby’s muffin had disappeared and she’d drained her drink.

  “Let’s go through and see what the doctors say,” Lucas said.

  Ruby and I trailed along behind the group. I didn’t want to disappear too soon, and I really wanted to know what was happening with Elliot’s grandmother. We’d lived next to one another for a few years before Elliot had appeared on the scene. Besides, I had to get the car seat out of Elliot’s car and into my own. Maybe I should look into getting a second one.

  As we drew close, I grabbed Elliot’s hand. “I’ll stay out here with Ruby. She doesn’t need to be in there.”

  He nodded. “I agree.”

  “I’m going to need to get the seat out of your car too.”

  Elliot pecked me on the lips. “I won’t be long.”

  I took a seat in the waiting room, patting the chair beside me. “Come on. Elliot won’t be long and then we’ll get out of here.”

  Ruby looked at me from under those long eyelashes of hers. “Can we get ice cream?”

  “I’m teaching you my bad habits, aren’t I?” I sighed. “Tell you what, there’s yummy casserole at home, but we can stop on the way and get a tub of ice cream for afterward. You can choose the flavour. Deal?”

  She grinned, nodding enthusiastically.

  As the minutes ticked by, I handed her my phone to play with. She was smart; she’d have Angry Birds sorted in a short amount of time.

  “What’s this?” she asked.

  I looked over her shoulder and laughed. The Facebook app was open and she’d carefully typed her name. It was the only word she knew the letters for, and following that was a whole bunch of gibberish letters she’d just posted.

  “Now you’ve said hello to all my friends.” It was okay; they’d all think I was drunk. And possibly that I’d gone home with a girl named Ruby. Stranger things had happened to me.

  I tapped my foot without thinking about it, impatient to get Ruby home, frustrated not to know what was going on. What Elliot must be going through, I didn’t know. Maybe Ruby being with me meant he could spend the whole night at mine and that I could keep an eye on him.

  “Can we go?” Ruby asked, tugging at my hand.

  “Just a little bit longer, sweetie. We’ll wait until Elliot comes back out and lets us know what’s going on, and then we’ll get out of here. Are you hungry?”

  She nodded. That muffin had barely touched the edges as she’d wolfed it down. It was time to get out of here and get her some real food and sleep.

  “Okay, I’ll stick my head in the door and grab Elliot.”

  I stood, moving toward the door. It opened, and Elliot appeared, looking shaken, his face speaking volumes. His eyes were sad, as if he was about to cry, his lips in a straight line, as if he didn’t want to let whatever was going on out.

  “Hey.” I wrapped my arms around him, giving him a hug.

  “She’s going into a home, Becs. All movement down one side is gone. She needs rehab, and someone to look after her. I won’t be enough.”

  “Oh, babe. I’m so sorry.”

  He shook his head. “I came here to look after her and I haven’t done that great a job. I disappear for weeks on end, and come back with someone else to look after.”

  I glanced back at Ruby. She sat looking up and down the corridor, swinging her feet back and forward. “Elliot, nothing you did made things worse for your nan. It would have happened regardless.”

  He shrugged.

  I sighed. “I’ve got to get Ruby home. She’s hungry.”

  He nodded. “I really need to grow up, Becs. I can’t just say the words; I have to do it.”

  I squeezed his hand in mine. “Do what you need to do. You know whatever happens I’ll support you.”

  He looked at me, his brows knitted together in concern. “I don’t want you to support me. I want to find a real job, earn decent money. Be able to support my family.”

  I laughed, and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I wasn’t necessarily talking about financial support. I mean I’m behind you. Whatever you decide to do. You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for. I’m pretty sure you can do anything.”

  He hugged me tight. “Love you.”

  “I love you too,” I said.

  “Hey, Ruby,” Elliot said.

  She looked up, beaming a brilliant smile at him. He let go of me, kneeling in front of her.

  “Rebecca’s going to take you to her place now and get you some dinner. I’m coming too, but later. I’ll see you in the morning if I don’t see you before you go to sleep.”

  Ruby nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  “I’m sorry you had to sit and wait for so long. Nan’s really sick, but she’s okay. Love you.”

  “I love you too, Daddy,” she said.

  Tears welled up in his eyes. This was something new; she hadn’t called him that before, and as far as I knew she hadn't told him she loved him either.

  He kissed her, rubbing his stubble against her cheek and she giggled, pushing him away.

  “Have a good sleep. I’ll come and give you a kiss before I go to sleep.”

  He stood, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her onto her feet. “Come on, let’s go get your seat out of the car and then you can go home.”

  “We’re having ice cream,” she announced proudly.

  He smiled, and it was like the clouds breaking apart. It wasn’t forced; she had done that for him.

  “Sounds awesome. Save some for me?”

  Ruby shook her head. “I don’t think there will be any left.”

  “We’re buying a two-litre tub. There had better be,” I muttered between my teeth.

  Elliot grabbed my hand too, kissing it with a grin. He led us out to the car park, where his car wasn’t too far from my own, and pulled the seat out from the back. “Here, I’ll help you put it in. It’s a bit tricky.”

  “I was thinking I might go and get another one tomorrow. You know, it’d be handy instead of moving it back and forward.”

  “That is the best idea I’ve heard all day.” He sounded so tired. This whole thing must be so mentally exhausting. “Mum and Dad are going to stay at Nan’s place. I’ll come to yours when we come home. I just want to curl up in bed with you.”

  “I’ll be waiting,” I said.

  He leaned in the back door of my car, buckling the seat in and helping Ruby into her harness. “Be good for Rebecca.”

  She nodded, looking at him solemnly, as if he’d entrusted her with the most important job on the planet.

/>   “You’re a good girl, Ruby.” Elliot stood up, facing me. “So are you.”

  “Not all the time.” I smiled innocently.

  “That’s what I love about you,” he replied.

  * * *

  We indulged in cartoons and ice cream after a big dinner for Ruby and a third helping for me. We sat in front of the television and found a cartoon channel where a cat was chasing a mouse. Ruby lasted about five minutes before crashing.

  I tucked her into the spare bed, kissing her good night and brought in the lamp from my bedside cabinet. The last thing I wanted was a frightened little girl waking up and not knowing where she was. As the soft lamp light filled the room, I sat for a moment and watched her sleep. So calm and peaceful.

  When I got to my room I stripped off and fell into bed, wondering how long Elliot was going to be. He arrived a short time later, quietly undressing and slipping into bed beside me, wrapping those big, strong arms around me and holding me tight.

  “Love you,” he whispered.

  “I love you too. How is everything?”

  “Mum and Dad are next door. They’ll stay a few days, or however long it takes to arrange for them to move her into a home. They’re taking her back with them rather than having her up here by herself. I mean, she has me, but Dad wants her near him. I’ll stay in the house while they work out what to do, but they’ll be putting it on the market at some point.”

  I sighed. “It all just seems so final.”

  “They’ve had this all planned out since Poppa died.” He kissed me tenderly, lifting his hand to my face to stroke my cheek with his thumb. “So while we’re taking things slowly, Ruby and I can stay next door and come over to visit. If that’s what you want.”

  “I guess you have to look after the house.”

  He nodded. “I mean, we’ll spend more nights over here obviously, because I don’t have anyone to stay with Ruby, but …”

  I shrugged. “We’ll make it work.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  In the morning, I was the one cooking bacon. I made eggs too. Elliot and Ruby needed taking care of now more than ever, and anything I could do for them I would.

  Ruby woke first, climbing up onto a chair at the dining table and grinning up at me. She wore the same clothes she had the day before, and her hair hung in scruffy plaits.