“You weren’t here! How was I supposed to tell you Rob?” I shout back.
“True, but you should have told someone,” he retorts.
“Rob, we could argue about this all day. We were both wrong, you should have told me what was going on, and I should have told you, we both fucked up! Now can I go back to sleep?” I huff in frustration.
“You’re right. And yes you can,” he chuckles.
“It’s not funny!” I bark, although I can't help the smile that starts to spread across my face.
“Maybe we should call you Wonder Woman?” he laughs.
“Rob!” I chuckle.
“Or one of those female characters from X-Men...I don't know the names,” he says shaking his head, tittering away to himself.
“Stop it!” I scold, laughing even harder.
“Or Superwoman?” He adds, really chuckling now.
“Was there ever a Superwoman?” I question, trying not to laugh.
Rob cocks his head to the side. “I have no idea!” he laughs. “Ooh, I have another one. Maybe you should become a private investigator with a badge and a gun!”
“Rob!” I really start laughing now, and it really fucking hurts!
“Yeah, I could see you doing that,” he chuckles in a high pitched tone. He’s so funny!
“But seriously Coral, you jumped in front of him, took a bullet for him? What in god’s name possessed you to do such a thing? It’s supposed to be the man saving the woman you know, not the other way around!”
My heart instantly sinks to the pit of my stomach as I recall the event. Susannah looking so deranged, the gun in her hand, the very thought of losing Tristan...
“Hey,” Rob soothes. “Don't look so worried. I’m sorry I mentioned it, it’s just, well, it’s just about the bravest thing I’ve ever known anyone do,” he says.
“Rob, that’s just not true,” I say.
“Yes it is,” he argues. “If anything like that ever happened to me, I hope I have Super-Coral around to protect me.” I chuckle at him. “Hey, I just remembered. You’re famous!” he squeals with delight.
“What?” I frown up at him.
“You’re in The Argus,” he tells me, standing up to pick up the local Brighton newspaper.“Wanna hear it?” he questions, I nod my head in reply...
CHAPTER FOUR
ROB SMILES AT ME AND STARTS READING THE ARTICLE.
“Mr Tristan Freeman, a resident of The Cliff, raised the alarm when an employee he suspected of mental instability arrived at his house on Monday night. Ms Johnson had been an employee of Mr Freeman’s for several years, but suffered a breakdown when she learned of his relationship with Miss Coral Stevens. According to reports, Ms Johnson had developed a psychotic obsession with Mr Freeman and her intentions were clear, that no one was to have him, but her.
“Once she gained access to the property, she drugged Mr Freeman with the well known date rape drug, Rohypnol, and forced him to call his lover to the scene. Mr Freeman refused to do so, enraging Ms Johnson, who was armed with a small pistol. Ms Johnson attacked Mr Freeman and waited for Miss Stevens to arrive. We now know, that moments before Ms Johnson arrived at Mr Freemans, she had in fact, gone to Miss Steven’s studio, located on the Western Concourse at Brighton’s Marina Village. Ms Johnson had ransacked Miss Steven’s studio and attacked her ninety-three year old neighbour, Mr Bob Saunders.
“Miss Stevens was called to the scene, and according to the police officers on duty, she escorted her neighbour to the waiting ambulance, came back to her studio for a moment, then fled the scene. Reports have indicated that Miss Stevens had in fact, gone to Mr Freeman’s property on The Cliff, to ensure his safety. Miss Stevens had been suspicious of Ms Johnson’s behaviour and wanted to check her lover was safe.
“During her brave rescue of Mr Freeman, Miss Coral Stevens was shot by Ms Johnson just moments before she was apprehended. Ms Johnson was taken into custody and is reported to be staying at East Brighton Community Health Centre for Psychiatric Evaluation where she will more than likely remain until her trial.
“Mr Freeman is said to have recovered well, whilst Miss Stevens recovers from her ordeal in the opulent Montefiore’s private hospital. We’ll bring you more on this breaking story in tomorrow’s edition.”
Rob chuckles and looks down at me.“What?” he asks, his face falling at my worried expression.
“She...she’s still in Brighton?” I ask with wide eyes.
Rob chucks the paper on the floor and grabs my hand.“She can’t get anywhere near you Coral, besides, I’m sure they’ve got her drugged up to her eyeballs by now!” he snorts.
“Like that’s going to help her,” I snap.
“What do you care what happens to her?” Rob quizzes, his head cocked to the side.
“She needs help Rob, not stuffing full of drugs.” I intend to speak to Tristan about this. I know what I want to happen.
“Seriously?” he scoffs. “She tried to fucking kill you Coral, why the hell do you care what happens to her?” he barks.
“Rob, her husband died in Iraq, then she miscarried their baby. She was so sad about it all that she tried to kill herself, twice. I...I just want her to...” I break off.
Rob shakes his head at me. “You’re crazy,” he says with wide eyes. “I wouldn’t give a fuck what happened to her,” he spits.
“Rob, my Mom died in a fucking mental institution. I don't want that to happen to Susannah,” I break off, trying to fight back the tears.
“Coral!” Rob gasps squeezing my hand again. “I’m so sorry, that was completely insensitive of me.”
“No, it wasn’t. I understand your point of view, I just’ – “Shh, it’s ok. You don't have to explain to me,” he softly says.
The door suddenly opens, we both look up at the same time and see Malcolm walk through with Gladys right behind him, his whole body sags with relief when he sees me.Gladys hasn’t looked up at me, which I’m glad of, it gives me a second to study her...and she looks terrible!
She looks like she’s dropped a stone in weight and she’s so pale and gaunt, her eyes are all puffy and red and she has deep, dark rings underneath them; she looks likes she’s aged ten years!
And for some strange reason – maybe the death of my biological mother – I suddenly realise that Gladys is my Mom, she always has been, always will be – She is everything a good mother should be, and in that moment I know, I feel the fundamental shift – I don't want to call her Gladys anymore – How strange!
“Mom!” I choke. Gladys looks up and stares back at me in disbelief – Oh Mom! – Our eyes reflect one another as we both start crying, I cannot stop the tears from cascading down my cheeks.
“Coral!” she wails and comes rushing over to me, knocking Rob out of the way.
Gladys leans down and tries to hug me as best she can.“I thought I’d lost you,” she cries, gently stroking my cheek.
Rob laughs, steps over to the chair in the corner, sits down, pulls out a magazine and winks at me.
“I know, I’m sorry but I’m ok Mom,” I choke out and hug her to me, we both cry some more – God I love this woman! – “Mom, I’m ok, don't cry,” I say trying to soothe her, so she’ll stop crying, which means I’ll stop crying!
Gladys sits back up and sniffs several times.“Really Mom, you’re worrying me, you look terrible,” I croak.Her bottom lip starts wobbling again. She lifts her hand to her mouth and chokes back more tears, then she takes a deep steadying breath and pats my hand.
“Oh darling, it’s so good to see you awake,” she chokes. “I’m going to go clean myself up.”She leans down and kisses my forehead, then scuttles of to the en-suite bathroom.
Malcolm comes over, sits on the edge of the bed, then leans down and kisses my cheek.“Hello Coral.” He takes hold of my hand and squeezes it tight between both of his; he looks really upset.
“Hey Malcolm...” I say, tears falling down my cheeks again. Malcolm picks up the box of tissues pulls several out,
and taking me by surprise again, he gently dabs the tears away – Oh...what a sweet thing to do....
I smile tentatively at him. “Gave us all a fright their Coral,” he says smiling gently at me. “How are you holding up?” He softly asks.
“I’m good,” I say smiling back at him – I really do like him.
“That’s good to hear,” he says his eyes glistening over – Oh Malcolm, don't cry for me!
Gladys comes back into the room, sits on the other side of the bed, and takes my hand in hers.“How are you feeling sweetheart, are you in any pain?” she asks, softly stroking my hand.
“No, they’re keeping me pretty doped up,” I say taking a deep breath and trying not to wince, it doesn’t feel too good when I breathe deeply.
“Ok darling,” she says.
“Is Bob ok?” I ask, remembering what happened to him.
“Yes dear, he’s doing fine. He wanted to come and see you but I told him to rest a few more days, get his strength back.”
“Good, that’s good,” I say. I start to choke up again, seeing them both...knowing their wedding could have been and gone. “I’m so sorry, to both of you. Tristan told me you cancelled the wedding, I’m so sorry,” I sniff.
“Don't be,” they both say. “Darling, it’s absolutely fine,” Malcolm tries to assure me.
“But you’ll have lost the deposit and’ – “Coral, get some perspective,” Malcolm scolds – I shut the hell up, he doesn’t look happy. “You nearly died,” he reminds me...ok that sounded like Tristan! “Getting married has been the last thing on our minds. Seeing you healthy, and back on your feet is our main priority now,” he adds. Oh!
“Oh Coral!” Gladys starts wailing again.Malcolm smiles tenderly at me then rests his hand on Gladys’s shoulder, she places her other hand in his and squeezes it tight. I’m so glad they’ve found each other.
“Are you thirsty darling?” Malcolm asks.
“A little.” Malcolm stands, pours me a small glass of water and passes it to me. “Thanks.” I take several sips, Gladys is still crying!
“Mom, you shouldn’t be here, you look tired,” I tell her. I don't want her to worry herself to death.
“I’ll be here whenever I want to be,” she argues. “Besides, I can’t sleep, so it doesn’t make any difference anyway,” she says, choking up again.
“Mom,” I take her hand in mine. “Don’t worry, I’m ok. The doctor said I’m doing well and Tristan’s here, you know if anything happened he’d call you straight away,” I tell her.
“I know,” she squeaks, squeezing my hand in hers. “But I....” she drifts off.
“What is it?” I ask.
“When we came by last night, I...I wanted you to wake up so I could talk to you and you were just, so still,” she shudders. “Malcolm took us home and I fell asleep on the sofa...I had this awful nightmare...” She stifles a couple of sobs back.
“Oh Mom!” Her face suddenly looks thunderous – Uh oh!
“Why on earth didn’t you tell anyone what was going on?” She shouts, getting to her feet. I’m about to answer her, but she continues her tirade. “Tristan explained it all to us, it was very silly of you to not tell anyone what was going on with that woman!” she spits, her eyes nearly popping out, her cheeks going from light pink to bright red.
“Mom, don't say that,” I argue.
“Why ever not!” She shouts.
“Darling,” Malcolm softly says. “Don't get upset with Coral, we’ve talked about this,” he adds.
“Yes, well...” Gladys huffs, sitting back on the bed. I can tell she really wants to bollock me and Malcolm has told her she can't. Good!
“Mom, she was sick, she couldn’t help it. She lost her husband then her baby. I think that would be enough to push most people over the edge.”I mumble.
“Coral!” Gladys bellows, jumping up of the bed again, her hands flying in the air – Oh no! Now I'm in trouble!
“She tried to kill you,and Tristan. When I think of what might have happened...what could have happened?” She screeches then slaps her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the sob from escaping her.
“Mom, I think you should go home,” I say, frowning at the floor – I don't need reminding that she could have killed Tristan. I don't need reminding of how scary it all was...jeez!
“You want me to leave?” She says, blinking back tears. Now I feel guilty!
“No, but you’re getting yourself all worked up. Which is making me feel anxious, you need to relax, I’m going to be fine. I didn’t know she had a gun, I wouldn’t have...” I break off thinking about what I’m saying and I have to question – Would I have still gone to find Tristan knowing she had a gun? I already know the answer to that one – Yes, without doubt, I would have.
“Mom, I love Tristan and I would do the same thing again, even if I knew she had a gun. I’ve never loved anyone like I love him, and I would give up my life for his, but isn’t that how it’s supposed to be when you love someone?” I say.
Gladys is speechless...well that’s a first!
“Tristan proposed to me Mom,” Gladys and Malcolm both gasp. “I said yes. I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else but him. He’s everything to me, I love him so much.” Gladys starts crying again, and turns away to compose herself.
“Congratulations.” Malcolm offers and leans down to kiss me again.
“Thanks.” I squeak with tears in my eyes. I guess it’s official now!
“You... you really love him that much Coral?” Gladys finally asks.
“Yes. I do.” I can see she looks worried and I can understand her apprehension, Tristan and I have only known each other for three weeks – well four with the one I’ve missed.
“Mom, I know I’ve only known him a short time...” I stop talking because Gladys has a Cheshire cat grin starting to appear across her face.“What?” I chuckle.
“You knew the moment you met him, didn’t you?” she questions. I look away not wanting to share. “I knew it,” she says. “Love,” she adds holding her hand to her heart. “When it hits you, you just have to fall.”I smile back at her with a stupid loved up grin on my face. I can't believe I’ve told her how I feel about Tristan, and that we’re getting married, which makes me think of Gladys and her wedding.
“Mom, you have to get the Hilton on the phone.” I turn to Malcolm. “Get another date Malcolm. Maybe they’ll have a cancelation? I don't want you putting this off for ages because of what’s happened to me.” Malcolm makes no move, so I know I have to push.“Malcolm, please...” I beg.
“We are not booking anything until you’re better.” Gladys tells me firmly. No!
“Tristan said I’m coming out today or tomorrow, if I can walk out of here, I can get to the Hilton, sit in a chair and watch you two say ‘I do’ so there!”
I look across at Malcolm again.“Please,” I beg again. “I’ll be there, I know I will’ – “Oh Coral! Don't be so silly, there’s no way you’re going to be out of here that soon.” Gladys chides.
“Yes I will,” I scoff. “Look, I have every intention of seeing you two get married, even if I’m only there for a few hours, then go home, you are making another booking today!” I bark.If I could stamp my feet I would.
“But darling, I don't think we’ll get another date,” Gladys softly says.
“But you don't know that?” I argue.I turn to Malcolm, cock up one eyebrow and give him a look that says what-are-you-still-standing-here-for!
Malcolm smiles, then stands up and takes his mobile out of his pocket.“I’ll sort it Coral,” he says and walks out the room. I really hope they can get another date, sooner rather than later.
“Mom, you shouldn’t have cancelled it without speaking to me first.” I admonish.
“And how was I supposed to do that with you lying here...in this bed...unconscious, so still...” She starts choking up again. I guess she has a point!
“Well, let’s hope they can get you another date.”
I say feeling guilty. After a few minutes Malcolm walks back in the room looking downhearted – Great, no dates left!
“No luck?” I grumble.
He looks across to Gladys then back to me. Taking a deep breath, he walks over to Gladys, gets down on one knee and takes her hand in his.“We have another date Ms Stevens?”
Gladys gasps with glee.“Oh Malcolm!” She cries and falls into his arms.
The biggest smile spreads across my face. I look across at Rob, who rolls his eyes at the whole situation, then throws the Hello magazine on the floor that’s been hiding the Wedding magazine he’s been secretly reading.
He casually flicks a page and winks at me – Git! I want to know what dress he’s found.
“When?” I ask Malcolm.
“In a month’s time,” he beams. “Cancellation, just like you said Coral.” I better be back to normal by then!
“Right, well now that’s all sorted. I would like to know the whereabouts of my fiancé?” I’m missing him so much.
“He should be here shortly, we’ve only just had dinner. Tristan said he was going back to his to shower and change.” Gladys says. – Hmm, maybe he’s fallen asleep?
“I made my famous steak and ale pie,” she adds rubbing her stomach.
My mouth instantly starts watering.“With puff pastry?” I question.
“Of course darling,” Gladys beams.
My face falls. I could really eat that right now – I’m ravenous!
“Could have bought me some,” I grumble.
“Are you even allowed it?” Malcolm questions.
I cock one eyebrow up at him.“Malcolm, right now I wouldn’t care what was put in front of me.” I look across at Gladys who is hiding a smile. “What?” I smile back at her.
“Well, when Tristan had dinner, he said he wanted to bring some here for you, surprise you with it.” Her eyes glow with love.
“He did?” I swallow hard at the lump that’s formed. I miss him so much. I want him here with me now, my wonderful sweet, caring man.
“Yes darling, he did,” she softly adds. “He really is a lovely man Coral, I hope...” she breaks off.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 92