KILTED DESIRE 2 - Russian Roulette

by A. B. McKINLEY

  “Scared.”

  “I understand. Let’s get yer tae yer appointment and hopefully yer can have one less thing tae worry aboot.”

  “I’m glad you’re coming with me Scott. It means a lot to me,” she said as she placed her hand on his leg.

  “Aye, let’s just take things one step at a time.”

  A few minutes later they arrived at the hospital. Katie knew exactly where they needed to go and led the way. When they arrived at the right department Katie checked in and was given a form to fill out. They sat down in the waiting area and Katie proceeded to fill in the medical form. Scott thought it was strange that she seemed to be hiding the form from him. She tilted it away from him so he couldn’t see what was written on the pages. He wasn’t really trying to look but it was very noticeable to him that there was something she didn’t want him to see.

  After about fifteen minutes Katie’s name was called. Scott was about to get up to go with her but she told him to stay there. She said he would not be allowed to come into the actual appointment with her and she would be back soon. Scott picked up a couple of magazines and waited. After twenty minutes she returned.

  “How did it go Katie?”

  “It was okay. I just have to wait now.”

  “When will yer know anything?”

  “They said they’d contact me as-soon-as possible.”

  “So, did yer have a biopsy? Are yer hurting?”

  “It’s fine. I will tell you as soon I hear from them,” she said, sounding much more composed than she had seemed earlier.

  “So where was the lump?” Scott asked, as they walked back through the hospital corridors towards the parking lot.

  “I really don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Okay. But, aye, let me know when yer hear anything.”

  “Do you want to come in for a while when you take me home. Maybe we could have lunch and talk.”

  “Aye, sounds guid. We do need tae talk.”

  Scott knew he needed to be honest with her. He needed to tell her that he would be there for her as a friend during her health problems. But, he wasn’t going to promise anything more than that.

  When they arrived back at her house, she told Scott to make himself comfortable in the living room, while she went and prepared a quick lunch. After they ate it was time to talk. Katie made herself a cup of coffee and asked Scott if he wanted one too, he declined and waited on the couch for her to join him. Before she could sit down there was a knock on the front door. It was Katie’s Mother. She seemed happy and talkative as she came into the house; she said a very friendly ‘hi’ to Scott. He wondered if Katie ever told her that he had moved out. From the way the conversation was going, it didn’t sound like it. She also commented about Katie being off work today because of her appointment. Scott figured that meant Katie didn’t tell her about losing her job, either. It seemed strange to him, but it was really none of his business anymore. She said she only stopped by to borrow a necklace from her daughter. While Katie went upstairs to find it, her Mother chatted with him.

  “So Scott, how are you feeling now?

  “I’m nae too bad, thanks.”

  “That’s good. Did you drive Katie to her appointment today?”

  “Aye, we were nae there fer long. I expected it tae take longer. I really hope everything turns oot okay,” Scott replied, sounding concerned.

  “Oh, they don’t take very long. And, it was just a routine breast screening, so there’s nothing for you to worry about.”

  “Och okay.”

  Scott was shocked and angry! He was genuinely concerned about her. But, it looked like there was actually nothing wrong. Had she really made this up to try and get him to feel sorry for her? Was it just a trick so he would come and see her? The more he thought about it, and with the way she acted, it all made sense.

  “I have tae go now. Can yer tell Katie I will call her later? Bye.” Scott said, as he walked towards the door.

  “Okay Scott, bye,” her mother responded, sounding a little surprised.

  Scott got into his car and drove home. If he did have any doubts he was doing the right thing by leaving Katie, they had all just disappeared.

  Chapter 3

  Scott kept very busy over the next few days. Virtually all of the rooms were now re-painted or updated in some way. The house was quickly being transformed into his own. His attorney and realtor called with details about the home and property being purchased. Scott gave them the go-ahead to get all the paperwork prepared. He wanted to buy the house outright and start a new life on his own.

  Katie called him several times. She also left many messages. She asked him to call her; but as of yet, he was not ready. He realized at some point, he would have to call. If he didn’t, she knew where he lived. She would just come to the house. He wouldn’t be able to leave the situation or her alone much longer. As much as he despised what he knew she had done, he wanted to hear her side of the story, even if, only for closure. He needed to talk to her, so he decided to make the call.

  “Scott, thanks for calling,” she answered.

  “Hi.”

  “Why did you leave the other day without saying goodbye? And why didn’t you return my calls?”

  “I think I should be asking the questions. Why did yer nae tell me the truth aboot yer hospital appointment?”

  “What are you talking about?” she replied, sounding shocked by his question.

  “Yer Mom said something aboot yer appointment tae me. And, she did nae seem tae think it was anything serious.”

  “I don’t know what you mean. What did she say?”

  “It does nae matter Katie. Even if yer are telling the truth aboot this, there’s still a trust problem. I should nae have tae worry that yer may be telling me lies. The fact that there was any doot tae me at all means I dinnae trust yer. I cannae have a relationship withoot trust.”

  “So, what are you saying?” she asked, sounding nervous.

  “It’s over Katie. I really loved yer. Yer know, I would have done anything fer yer and the girls. But, I dinnae feel the same way aboot yer anymore. I really do hope things work oot fer yer. I’m sorry Katie, take care.”

  “Scott, don’t do this. We can get through this,” she said. He could hear her starting to cry.

  “I’m sorry. Bye, Katie.” Scott said, and hung up the phone. He was upset. He really loved her and planned to spend the rest of his life with her. It wasn’t an easy thing to do, but he was left no choice.

  Scott kept busy over the next couple of weeks. He tried to take his mind off everything that happened. While he searched for employment, he worked on plenty of odd jobs around the house.

  It was a Friday evening near the end of January, and winter’s icy grip still had a hold of the area. Scott was in the kitchen. As he washed up after dinner, he looked out of the window at his backyard. It was covered with a blanket of snow and the temperature outside was well below freezing.

  Everything seemed peaceful and quiet. Scott thought it was a good night to stay inside in the warm. The details of purchasing his new home were all arranged. He was to sign the papers and buy the house outright the following week. Katie continued to leave him many voice messages, texts and emails but he opted not to respond. He needed to make a clean break.

  Scott finished up in the kitchen and went into the living room and sat down with his laptop. As he checked his email he expected to see more messages from Katie but instead, a surprise waited for him.

  He received an email from one of his old military buddies, Chris Walker.

  Scott and Chris met when they played for the same Soccer team in Glasgow, in their late teens. They remained friends ever since. They even joined the army at the same time. They went through basic training together and served for about a year before Scott left the regular army to join the S.A.S. Shortly after, Chris moved on too, becoming a Communication Systems Engineer in the Royal Signals. The last time Scott talked with Chris was just before he moved to th
e United States.

  When he moved from Scotland, Scott left his car in Chris’ garage. Then, when he decided to stay stateside, Chris handled the sale for him. They swapped an occasional email, on occasion, but the messages were very few and far between. It was quite a while since they talked properly. But, Scott had been busy and he figured Chris was too. Chris’ email was brief. It stated that things were not going well. He included a phone number for Scott and asked him to call when he could. Scott checked his watch and it was nearly 7:00 p.m., E.S.T., therefore, it was nearly midnight in Glasgow. He knew Chris had a young family, so he was reluctant to call so late. But, the email sounded urgent, so he decided to call. The phone rang out for a while and just as Scott was about to hang up, a familiar voice answered.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey Chris. How are yer, mate?”

  “Scott! It’s guid tae hear from yer!” Chris replied, excitedly.

  “I hope it’s nae too late. I only just got yer email. I did nae wake up the kids, did I?”

  “Nae, it’s fine. They’re nae here. Sharon and I split up. I’m staying at my Mom’s fer a while.”

  “Damn. Sorry tae hear that mate. Is there any chance of working it oot? Do yer still get tae see the boys?”

  “Nae chance. We’re getting a divorce. We’ve been arguing a lot since I left the service. We both think it’s the best thing tae do. We did try fer a while. But, it was nae working oot, and the boys were always seeing us fight. Neither of us wanted that. I do get tae see them on weekends, but they’re both at school, so they stay with Sharon at the house.”

  “It must be hard fer yer,” Scott said, sympathetically.

  “Aye, I’m having a hard time. We have a lot of things tae sort oot. Are yer still with Katie? And, did yer ever take the Baghdad job?”

  “Wow. We really have nae talked properly fer a while, have we? I did take the Baghdad job. It was hard work. I had tae look after a posh bird. It was going okay… until I got blown up.”

  Chris was left speechless after that last statement. But, Scott filled him in on all the details about his Baghdad adventure and his recent break-up with Katie. They talked for over an hour and caught up on each other’s lives and recent hard times.

  Scott learned that Chris now worked as an IT consultant since leaving the army and he really did not enjoy it. Chris was sure that contributed to his upcoming divorce. Scott agreed. They both knew how hard it was to transition to normal life after leaving the military. Just before they finished talking, Scott asked Chris if he wanted to come over to the States and stay with him for a while. Chris had never been to the United States before. He was excited at the prospect and said yes. All he would need was his airfare, which wasn’t too expensive. He told Scott that he would see what he could get worked out and let him know as soon as possible. After they finished their call, Scott turned on the television and relaxed on his couch. He was happy to hear from his old friend again and hoped he would get to see him soon.

  Later that evening, just before midnight, Scott was tired and about to turn off the television and go to bed. He sat and watched a basketball game which was late into the 4th quarter. He tried to decide whether to watch it until the end, when someone knocked on the front door. Scott was shocked! He quickly sprang to his feet. As he moved cautiously towards the door, he paused a moment to look out of the living room window to see if he could make out who it was. It was Katie. She knew he was home, so he would have to answer it. Scott opened the door, not looking forward to the upcoming conversation.

  “What are yer doing here?” he asked, when he saw her.

  “I needed to talk to you, face-to-face, it’s important,” she replied, not sounding herself. Her voice was slurred and Scott smelled alcohol.

  “Have yer been drinking?” Scott asked, looking at her car, which was parked on the street.”

  “Yeah, just one glass of wine. I need to talk to you Scott. Can I come in?”

  “Katie, yer have drank more than one glass of wine. And yer have driven all the way doon here. Do yer know how dangerous that is?”

  “Stop acting like my Dad. I have something important to tell you, and you are going to want to hear it. Can I come in?” she repeated.

  “I suppose so, just fer a minute though,” Scott said, reluctantly. He was angry that she had driven after drinking. That was something that really bothered him for obvious reasons.

  Katie stepped in, walked past Scott, straight to the couch. She was wearing jeans, that were tucked into her black, leather, knee-length boots and a white coat. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail and she wasn’t wearing much make-up, which was unusual for her. Scott thought she did not seem well. She appeared pale and drawn. He thought she looked about ten years older than she did just a few weeks ago. He decided it was wise not to share that thought with her. He no longer wanted to be with her, but he did not want to see her like this.

  “Say, what yer need tae say Katie. Then, I’m going tae call yer a taxi tae take yer home.”

  “I don’t have a home anymore. We moved in with my parents,” she stated.

  “Well, I’m glad there was somewhere fer yer tae go. Yer will get through this Katie, yer will find a new place tae live.”

  Katie laughed.

  “You just really don’t get it, do you? I have no income. Not much chance of getting another teaching job. I have nothing. I am a loser. I am going to be living with my parents for the rest of my life,” she said, angrily. She appeared to be desperately trying to hold back tears.

  “Yer will be fine. Yer are strong. Is that what yer needed tae tell me?” he asked.

  “No. I want us to get back together,” Katie pleaded.

  Scott noticed she was still wearing her engagement ring.

  “Katie, yer have nae idea how much I wanted tae spend the rest of my life with yer. But, things have changed. And, yer know why.”

  “I’m pregnant,” Katie announced. She looked down and put her head in her hands.

  Scott was shocked. He didn’t really believe her. He thought it was just another way she was trying to manipulate him to get back together. But, then again, it was possible. They did sleep together less than a month ago. So what she said couldn’t be completely ignored.

  “Katie, yer are a guid mother. I have seen what yer have done fer yer girls. I know yer would nae ever drink if yer were pregnant. So, please dinnae say things like this.”

  “It’s true Scott. I just found out a few days ago. I don’t know what to do,” she said, breaking down again.

  “I dinnae know what tae say Katie. I just dinnae trust what yer say tae me anymore. I’m sorry.”

  “Come to the doctors with me if you don’t believe me. I need you Scott. Do not leave me now, please.”

  “We’ll talk aboot this tomorrow. Yer need tae sleep.”

  “Can I stay here?”

  Scott was torn. He didn’t really believe her. And he definitely didn’t want to encourage her. But, if she was telling the truth, he would want to be involved. Plus, he didn’t want her driving, or to put her in a taxi. It was a journey of forty miles.

  “I dinnae think it’s a guid idea. I will drive yer haem tae yer parent’s house and yer can come back fer yer car tomorrow.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll drive myself,” she snapped at him.

  “That’s up tae yer. But, as soon as yer start yer car, I’ll call the police and tell them yer driving drunk.”

  “You’re a bastard! Do you know that?”

  “I’m nae going tae argue with yer, Katie. I’m driving yer haem and that’s final.”

  Scott took her hand and led her to his car.

  It was cold outside and had started to snow. He didn’t really want to be heading out on an eighty mile, round-trip after midnight. But, he felt it was the right thing to do. He knew he’d never forgive himself if she drove and got into an accident and hurt someone else or herself, especially, if she really was pregnant. Scott helped her into the car. She stopped obj
ecting very quickly, she was tired. He got in the car, and had driven only a few minutes when she fell asleep. When they arrived at her parent’s house, she was still asleep. Scott tried to wake her gently, but she didn’t respond. He doubted anyone would still be awake in the house, but he knocked on the front door, anyway. After a few seconds, Katie’s mother came to the door. It was late and she was wearing a dressing gown.

  “Scott, is Katie with you?” she asked, frantically.

  “Aye, she’s asleep in the car. She came tae my house drunk and I would nae let her drive herself haem.”

  “Oh thank goodness. I have been so worried. She went out earlier and said she wouldn’t be gone long.”

  They returned to Scott’s car and helped Katie out of the passenger’s seat. She stirred, but still didn’t really wake up.

  “Do yer want me tae carry her tae her room?” Scott asked.

  “That would be great, Scott. Thank you.”

  She opened the front door of the house and held it open while he made his way up the driveway with Katie in his arms. Soon, Katie was safely in bed, and Scott was on his way out of the house.

  “What’s going on, Scott? Why are you doing this to her?” Katie’s mother asked, just as he was about to open the front door to leave.

  “What has she told yer?”

  “That you’ve left her, and she doesn’t know why. She was so distraught when you were hurt. And I’ve never seen her as happy as she was when you came home at Christmas. What has changed in just a few weeks?”

  “It is up tae her tae tell yer. But she knows why. It’s nae a trivial matter, it’s pretty serious. It really is honestly nae my place tae talk tae yer aboot it.”

  “She is so depressed. Can you please give me some idea of what has happened?”

  “Did she tell yer aboot her job?”

  “No. What about it?”

  “She needs yer support. She is having a hard time at the moment. She lost her job, and obviously yer know aboot her house. Plus, with our splitting up, I just dinnae think she’s herself at the moment. She’s making some pretty bad decisions. I’m just glad yer able tae put a roof over her head until she gets back on track. I do still care aboot her, and the girls.”