“Thanks Stu.” Tristan says.
“Can I get anything else for you?” he asks.
“Coral?” Tristan looks across at me.
“Yes, can you wait till were finished, then take Tristan home so he can shower’ – “Coral, we’ve discussed this,” he says, his eyes narrowed, a deep frown etched into his features.
“Fine!” I grumble.
“Fine!” He grumbles back at me.
Stuart smiles softly at me, nods to Tristan and discreetly disappears out the door. Tristan pulls the table closer to us. Wow, that smells so good!
“Honestly, you’re so huffy sometimes,” I say.
“So are you,” he retorts. “Can we eat now?” he adds.He looks angry, which is making me want to laugh, because he really does look pissed off – Honestly, men and no food, not a good combination.
“Eat!” I tell him, trying to hide my smirk.
“It’s not funny Coral!” he barks.
“Fine, it’s not funny!” I say, trying not to laugh.
Tristan shakes his head in frustration, removes the plastic top to each of our bowls, silently hands a spoon to me, and starts munching on his macaroni.I smile down at my poor baby, who’s been through so much, and dig into my food. I have so many questions for him, there’s so much to talk about, but this food tastes so good, I don't want to stop eating to talk.
It doesn’t take long for us both to finish. Tristan places both our bowls down and pushes the table back down the end of the bed.
“Curl up with me?” I whisper, suddenly feeling drained.
“Here?” he questions.
“Yes please,” I whimper, I need to feel him close to me.
Tristan shakes his head at me. “I don't want to hurt you.”
“How are you going to hurt me?” I huff.
“I might turn over and catch you or something’ – “Tristan please, I want to you to lay down next to me. Please...” I beg.
“Fine!” he answers frustratingly. I watch him kick off his trainers and climb in beside me – Now I’m happy.
“Bliss,” I say laying my head on his shoulder, placing my hand over his heart.
“Yeah baby, this is,” he sleepily answers and lifts his hand to cover mine.
I feel my eyes getting heavier and heavier as I try to hold onto the feeling of Tristan’s body next to mine, but sleep soon comes and I start to drift away, but just as I do, I get a really weird mental image of my Mom. She’s stood in front of my studio looking all glowing and.....Shit! My Mom!
“Tristan!” My heart starts hammering against my chest again.
He leans up and looks down at me. “What’s wrong baby?” he asks, a little panicked.
“My Mom,” I choke. “Did I miss the funeral?” I ask.His face twists with sorrow – Shit, I’ve missed it!
“There wasn’t one baby...she was cremated. When nobody turns up they...” He stops and runs his hand through his hair.
“So she doesn’t even have a grave?” I squeak.
“Baby, if that’s what you want we can do that, bury her ashes even, whatever you want, I’ll sort it,” he tells me, stroking my cheek.
A few strays tears roll down my cheeks...I’ll never see her alive again.
“Thank you Tristan, with everything that’s gone on...” I swallow hard. “You’re too good to me,” I whisper.
“No, I’m not,” he argues. “You deserve it all baby,” he adds.
I close my eyes and hold him to me. “I love you Tristan, forever.”
“And I you baby.” I feel his lips meet mine and surrender to the feeling; it’s bitter sweet.
On the one hand I feel so sad about my Mom, and gutted that Gladys has cancelled her wedding, but the absolute up has to be that Tristan is alive, that he’s here with me, that Susannah didn’t kill him, and she could have, so easily.I squeeze him tight once more and snuggle up to him, my man, my wonderful man.
I take a few deep breaths, and before I know it I find myself drifting off...
CHAPTER THREE
IT FEELS LIKE I’VE BEEN FLOATING for a long time. I’m heading down towards my studio; it’s weird how it doesn’t feel like my feet are hitting the ground. As I reach the Marina, I start to notice that there aren’t any people about, just the houses, the boats.
I stop for a moment and look out to sea, but I can't see anything except thick, dense fog. I turn and look down the concourse, the fog lifts for a moment, and in the distance, I see a figure standing outside my studio.I squint trying to work out who it is, but I’m too far away.The moment I think that I zoom forwards and stop in front of my studio.
The unearthly figure is hard to look at, there’s a bright white light surrounding it; it’s almost blinding, suddenly the figure turns and stares at me, and I realise it’s a woman.
“Hello Coral,” she says, but her lips don't move.
I stare back at the woman. I think I recognise her, but I’m not sure.
“Mom?” I question and notice that my voice doesn’t sound like me.
“You have to go back Coral,” she tells me.
“Go back?” I question.
“You can’t come with me,” she says.
“Come with you? What do you mean?” I question.
She floats towards me and presses her hand against my cheek.“It was my time darling it’s not yours. Tristan needs you.”
I frown back at her. “But I want to go with you,” I tell her. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too darling, and I’m sorry. So, so sorry I didn’t make it work for us.”She opens her arms, and I fall into them.
“Oh Mom!” I’m instantly flooded with a feeling of peace and absolute, unconditional love.“I don't want to go,” I whisper. “If I do, I won't see you again, will I?” I look up at her.
“No baby girl, you won’t see me again, not like this. But I’ll always be with you, even if you can't see me, I’ll be there.”
“How do you know that?” I question.
“Because I’ve been watching you for a while now,” she says smiling softly at me.
“You have?”
“Yes, I have.” She takes my face in her hands. “Go now Coral, before it’s too late,” she says.
“No! I like it here.” I don't feel any pain, or hate or sorrow – just love.
“Baby, it’s time. I love you Coral, please forgive me.” I try to hold onto her, but she takes a step back from me.
“No...Mom...” In the next instance, she’s slammed her hands against me, one across my heart and the other under my rib – My god that hurt! – She does it again – Fuck, that really hurt, what’s going on?
Suddenly, my whole world shifts, and I feel like I’m being pulled through a vacuum.
“She’s back!” someone shouts. Back? Where have I been? I question, but no words come out.
I hear more voices, people shouting at one another, I try to hear what they are saying but they seem so far away. I try to open my eyes, but I feel myself slipping, the fog washes over me. I let it take me, hoping I’ll see my Mom again...
“SHIT!” I’M STARTLED AWAKE – I feel like I’ve just popped into my body...how odd?
“Baby, what is it?” Tristan asks, hovering over me.I look around the room in desperation...I'm in hospital? Oh yes, I remember now.Its pitch black outside, god knows what time it is? I turn back to Tristan who’s lying next to me on the big hospital bed.“Baby, tell me,” he pleads. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head, trying to understand. “Just a dream Tristan...I think?” I add.
Tristan wraps his arms around me, warming me up, I feel so cold. “Want to talk about it?”
“Yeah...no,” I shake my head feeling unsure. “That was weird,” I mumble.
“Tell me,” he says. But I still feel so tired, so sleepy.
“I will,” I whisper and I drift off again...
I BLINK MY EYES OPEN AND take a quick look around the room. There’s a hazy, lemon light bleeding through t
he blinds at the window; it’s dusk or dawn I’m not sure which. I close my eyes and frown, I'm so disorientated, is it still last night? Have I slept through another day?
I can hear the bleeping of the machines behind me and try to sit up. Pain – my body still hurts so much, I squeeze my eyes shut trying to block it out.
“Coral, can you hear me?” I groggily open my eyes. “Over here sunshine...” A soft voice chuckles, I turn my head and see Rob smiling down at me, then I look down at the bed, then to the small chair in the corner of the room – Tristan’s gone!
“Where’s Tristan?” I croak, feeling slightly panicked.
“Oh that’s nice!” he scoffs jokingly. “I come to see you but all your interested in is Mr Fancy Pants!” he teases.
I start chuckling – Ouch that really hurts! – “Don't make me laugh!” I chuckle.
“Oops! Sorry, does it hurt?” he questions.
I cock one eyebrow up at him.“Seriously?” I say as sarcastically as I can, Rob chuckles some more.
“Hey, I was thinking, should I call you Cagney or Lacey?” he jokes.
“Oh very funny,” I scoff. We both start laughing again, but I wince and close my eyes for a second trying to control the pain.“Rob...seriously, where is Tristan?” I say breathlessly.
“Relax, Gladys practically frogmarched him out of here so he can shower and get a meal inside him, he looks terrible. I’m so glad you met him Coral, he’s got it so bad for you, aren’t you the lucky girl!” He gazes down at me with a smug satisfied smile, I grin back at him.“I said I would stay till he gets back,” he adds.
I reach for his hand, my wonderful best friend is here, and he’s ok. He grabs hold of my hand and squeezes it tight.“Thanks,” I close my eyes again. “Is Carlos ok?”
“He’s fine, worried about you but I sent him home, he’s knackered. Everyone’s been here since it happened.”
“Wish I was home,” I grumble, looking up at him.
“Relax, Tristan’s taken care of it. But seriously, what did you expect? Get shot and walk out of hospital the next day? Honestly woman, you need to get a grip!”
“Shut up!” I titter. “So what day is it?” I ask.
“Friday. Oh yeah...happy birthday for yesterday! Carlos and I came by with your present last night, but you and Tristan were both sleeping,” he says.
“You did?” I say, I instantly feel cheered up.
“Yes, I was going to give it to you today but-” Rob stops, slapping his hand to his mouth.
“What?” I chuckle.
“Bollocks!” he hisses.
“Tell me Rob,” I chuckle.
“I can't, it’ll spoil the surprise,” he says with a guilty look.
“I don't like surprises,” I grumble. “Besides, I know there is one now, so spit it out!”
Rob sighs deeply. “Gladys is going to kill me,” he moans.
“No she won't, because she won't know I know. Come on Rob, tell me!”
“Well, when we were all here yesterday, with presents I might add, Gladys said we should give them to you when you get home, you know have a little surprise celebration.”
I smile up at Rob. “She did?” I squeak.
Rob smiles back at me.“Yep, then Gladys came by this morning, spoke to Tristan, he had a-” Rob slaps his hand to his mouth again.
“What’s Tristan up to Rob?” I chuckle.
“Stop asking me, you’re going to get me in trouble!” he scolds lightly.
“Ok, but I get the gist of it!” Hmm, I wonder what Tristan has planned? Then I remember about Gladys’s wedding.“I can't believe Gladys cancelled her wedding,” I groan. “I feel so guilty that she has, if I hadn’t have got shot she would be on her honeymoon by now,” I sniff.
“I know,” he says squeezing my hand again. “But don't feel guilty about it Coral, you didn’t know this was going to happen, and there’s not a chance Gladys would have married without you being there!” He smiles, and shrugs his shoulders.
“I guess,” I grumble suddenly feeling ravenous. “What time is it?” I ask.
“Seven thirty,” he chuckles. “Why?”
“I’m hungry,” I answer. “Hey, don't you have a client this week?” I ask, wondering why Rob is here, he should be working.
“No, I cancelled it,” he tells me.
“Rob’ – “My best friend falls in love. Is stalked and broken into, she then quits her job and gets shot by some crazy psycho chick. The last thing I’m going to do is bugger off,” he argues. “Besides, you want Tristan helping you with bathroom breaks and showering while you’re like this?” He questions, his head cocked to the side.
Showering–Yes, absolutely! Bathroom breaks–No, no way!
“I didn’t think so,” he says reading my wide eyes. “So, I’m here like it or not.”
“’K’ fine!” I relent. “Not that you’ll need to, Tristan’s getting me a nurse,” I say a little smugly.
“Posh bastard!” Rob chortles.
“Hey!” I squeak.
“Only kidding!” he laughs. “Now, I woke you up to tell you something very important.”
“You have?” He solemnly nods his head. Uh-Oh! Then a stupid ear to ear grin spreads across his face.
“I’ve found your wedding dress!” he says clapping his hands together in excitement. Wedding?
“I...I told you about that?” I whisper.
Rob frowns. “Er...no, Tristan did.”
“He did?” I say surprised.
“Well...kind of,” Rob says, biting his bottom lip.
“What’s going on Rob?” I ask, feeling anxious.
Rob debates for a moment. “I guess I should tell you,” he says, his face falling.
“Tell me what?” I whisper.
“Well...Tristan and I...sort of...well, we had an altercation.” He says, guilt written all over his face.
“What?” I bellow.
“Relax,” he coos. “It was just a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding?” I question, he nods sheepishly at me. “Tell me everything!” I add.
“There’s not really much to tell. We just...I was mad, he was livid. We got into an argument about you’ – “Me?” I interrupt.
“Yeah,” Rob sighs. “I just...at the time, I didn’t know he’d been drugged. I was mad that he’d let you...” Rob stops and takes a deep breath. “I thought he’d let you take that bullet and that’s not right, that psycho woman would never had come into your life if it wasn’t for him, it was his shit, he should have dealt with it.” Rob stops short and stares out the window for a while.
“Rob, Tristan coming into my life is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, I wouldn’t change a thing.” I softly say.
“I know,” he sighs.
“So, what happened? Why did you quarrel?”
“Like I said, I was blaming him for what happened to you, I didn’t know...” he shakes his head. “I'm sorry I argued with him. Anyway long story short, in his furious rage, he sort of let it slip that well, he’d proposed, that you mean the world to him and, well to be honest, he was in such a rage, I didn’t get everything he said to me.”
“Think hard Rob, I want to know.” I can't believe they’ve argued!
Rob sighs again. “Um...well, he was angry that you did what you did, angry that you didn’t tell him or anyone else what was going on, he wished he’d have been able to protect you, he was angry with himself for not believing you-Look Coral, the point is, I didn’t know all that, I didn’t know you two were that serious. I can't believe you said yes,” he says, staring down at me with wide eyes.
“Oh!” I look up at Rob, my eyes reflecting his worry.
“What’s wrong sunshine? Don't you want to marry him anymore?” Rob asks, looking a little worried at my wide-eyed expression.
“Yes, of course I do. I...I just, with everything that’s gone on...I haven’t really thought about it,” I say feeling shocked then I panic – What if he’s said something?
<
br /> “Rob, you haven’t told anyone have you?” I ask my mouth going dry.
“No, only Carlos,” he softly says.
“Oh, good,” I breathe – Then something comes to me...a conversation....? Then I remember it. “Tristan’s hiring a wedding planner,” I say.
“What!” Rob bellows. “Well you can tell him to cancel it,” he scoffs. “Honestly woman! How could you let him do that to me?”
I shrug then regret it, that hurt.“Rob, you buggered off, I couldn’t get hold of you. I couldn’t talk to you about all the...” I stop and shake my head. What’s the point?“Do you want to be my wedding planner?” I ask.
“Of course,” he snorts, rolling his eyes at me. “Who else would you choose?” he bites.
“No one,” I say, smiling up at him, feeling totally relieved. Rob will sort it all and it will be magical, I know it will.I involuntarily yawn, which hurts like hell – Ok this ‘everything hurts thing’ better stop soon!
“You really are out of it,” he says, I nod my head in agreement.
“Think it’s the painkillers, I keep falling asleep,” I grumble.
Rob leans over to me and kisses my cheek.“Ok, you sleep sunshine. I’ll look through more wedding magazines...Oh, we’re going to have so much fun!” he says with animated glee, a slight chuckle escapes me – Ouch, don't laugh Coral!
I grab hold of him. “Rob,” I take a deep breath. “Thank you, for everything...for being my best friend, for putting up with me,” I stop and sniff. I'm so glad he’s ok.
“Coral,” Rob leans down so he’s inches from me, wide black eyes to sleepy coral blue. He clutches my hand in his again then starts to choke up – Oh Rob! No, don't cry for me!
“Don’t ever do that to me again,” he croaks. “I...I was so scared. For a moment, when you were down in surgery, I....I thought I would never see you again...” he breaks off and sniffs loudly.
“Now you know how I felt when you disappeared,” I retort.
Rob looks guilty for like a nanosecond. “Yes, but I didn’t have some lunatic trying to kill me,” he argues.
“And I didn’t know that she was a lunatic!” I argue back. “I was just as worried about you, you kept me in the dark’ – “You kept me in the dark too, and you didn’t tell anyone!” he interrupts shouting at me.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 91