Another Chance

by Wayne, Ariadne

  “This isn’t going to help.”

  “Probably not.” He agreed and grinned again.

  She rolled her eyes, shifting her gaze to Patrick. “You’re not going anywhere tonight are you?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

  Cassie stood up. “I’ll start dinner. At the very least, I need to get some food into you two.”

  “She takes such good care of me, does my Cassie,” said Mark.

  “I can see that.” Patrick met Cassie’s eye.

  For the first time, she cracked a smile, not a small one but a grin that had them both laughing. “That’s my girl,” Mark said. Cassie shook her head at both of them before turning towards the kitchen.

  This was weird. Patrick being back her life was one thing, now Mark was bonding with him. She was glad he found some companionship. Many of Mark’s friends had deserted them since Mark had been diagnosed, not wanting to deal with his illness.

  It was difficult to leave the following day. Patrick and Mark were getting along great, and it had felt good for him to be there to support Cassie. She was struggling with what was happening, and although she tried to keep her feelings to herself, Mark encouraged her to let it out.

  Patrick watched her several times sitting in the corner, writing in her journal. He hurt for her. To see Cassie go through this was harder than he ever thought it would be. All the feeling he had ever had for her came welling to the surface, and although his head told him to keep his distance, his heart fought for him to be there for her. Patrick let his heart win.

  His house seemed empty after spending the weekend with them, and he went to sleep early rather than deal with the silence. At least work would keep him occupied tomorrow.

  It was late, and Patrick was closing up the clinic. Travelling back and forwards to support Mark and Cassie was taking its toll and he had been catching up on the paperwork he was behind on. Thankfully his workload hadn’t been too crazy lately and even though he was working his mind kept wandering to Cassie.

  Finally finished, he wandered out into the reception area of the clinic and was surprised to see Melody behind the desk. “I thought it was just me working late,” he said.

  She seemed so shy he was sure she would melt at the words, but she beamed a dazzling smile at him which for some reason made him uncomfortable. “Doctor Cross, I stayed behind to see you.”

  His mouth went dry, remembering his previous thought that the last thing he needed was another obsessed teenager. “Really? It’s time to go home, Melody. No point in hanging around here.”

  “It was the only way I could get you alone.”

  He didn’t get it, this was not the girl that was usually behind the desk, she had grown much more confident. “Now I’m going home alone so you’ll need to get out of here too.”

  She moved around the desk, and he realised the lower half of her body was already naked, and she was unbuttoning her shirt to reveal the top half.

  “Melody, this isn’t appropriate,” he said as she approached. She was gorgeous, long dark hair and those big brown doe eyes that looked straight into his right now. Her shirt was off and she was right in front of him, pressing her body to his.

  “I’m not looking for anything serious. You’re hot, and I bet you could fuck me really good.” The way she talked reminded him of Bethany Stone. She was after sex, nothing else. His body reacted to hers, it was so hard not to when he could smell her arousal.

  All he had to do was tilt his fingers, and they would be inside her, inside that wetness he knew was there. The thought of sliding into her made him hard. He closed his eyes while his head screamed to walk away, and he thought of Cassie, his beautiful Cassie and what she was going through. It was her that he wanted, not this girl and not this way.

  “No,” he said softly.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Very sure. Melody, get dressed and go home. I won’t say anything to Angela about this, it’s not worth losing your job over.”

  She pouted. “Angela said it’s been a long time since you had a girlfriend. I thought you might like to fuck.”

  “I would. Not like this and not you. It’s not personal, Melody. I’m in love with someone else, and while I’m in for a long wait for her, I’m not going to risk screwing it up by sleeping with someone else.”

  She looked embarrassed now. “I’m sorry.”

  “No need to be sorry, go and get dressed, and I’ll drive you home if you want.”

  “Thanks,” she said, sounding disappointed.

  Going home, he got straight into the shower and took care of the hard on he’d ended up with. The combination of her young body pressed against him, and thoughts of Cassie had given him yet another erection that he had no option but to sort out himself. It was Cassie who filled his thoughts in the shower though, and he swallowed his guilt at wanting Mark’s girlfriend as he called her name with every stroke.

  The phone was ringing, somewhere in the distance and he grabbed a towel on the way out to the bedroom.

  “Patrick?” Cassie’s voice wavered, and he knew instantly that there was something wrong.

  “Hey, Cassie. What’s going on?”

  “Mark’s bad, really bad. The doctor wants him to go to hospital, but he’s refusing. I’m really sorry to bother you, but I was hoping that you could talk some sense into him.” The words were almost whispered, the desperation in her voice evident.

  “Sure thing, I’ll throw some things in a bag and drive down. See you in a couple of hours.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.” The relief in her voice was music to his ears. She thought he might have some influence where she wouldn’t.

  “Anything you need, remember?”

  She was pacing when he got there, and he imagined that her nails were shredded the way she chewed them. “Where’s Mark?”

  “In bed. The doctor is in with him now organising some better pain relief, but is still trying to talk him into going to the hospital.”

  Patrick put his hands on her shoulders. “Cassie, he’ll do what he wants to do. I don’t know if I can change his mind about this.”

  “I know. I wanted you here. It makes me feel better having a doctor in the house. Especially when we’re so close to the end.”

  “Oh sweetheart.” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. “I’ll clear my schedule for the next few days, stay here if you want me to.”

  “I can’t ask you to do that.”

  “I’ll do it. I would prefer be here to support you and Mark, than you be alone.”

  “Sophie’s here too.”

  “Cassie. Do you want me here or not?”

  “I guess. I’m sorry, it must seem I’m a total flake. You’ve been so good to Mark, Sophie and me. If this is the end, I want you to be here with us.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “Then I’ll stay. If nothing happens after a few days then I’ll go home again, and you call me when you need me.”

  She nodded. “Thank you.”

  The doctor walked into the living room. “He’s still refusing to go to the hospital. I’ll give you a prescription for something to help his pain to fill in the morning.”

  “Doctor Robinson, this is my friend Doctor Patrick Cross. He’ll be staying with us for the next few days.”

  “Good to meet you in person.” Doctor Robinson shook Patrick’s hand. “I’m glad for that at least. He’s sinking fast.”

  “I know,” she whispered.

  Patrick took the prescription. “I’ll go and get this filled first thing. Will he be all right for the night?”

  “He won’t be comfortable, but he’s sleeping for the moment so he’ll be all right for a while yet.”

  Cassie nodded. “How much longer?”

  “It’s hard to say. I would estimate a few more days, but that man is so stubborn I can’t tell.”

  “Thank you doctor.”

  “Call me if you need anything.”

  She nodded again, and felt Patrick�
��s hand on her back as if he would catch her if she fell. “Good night, Cassie. Doctor Cross.”

  Cassie sat down while Patrick walked the doctor to the door. “Do you want a coffee, Cassie?” Patrick asked. She nodded and he bustled about the kitchen preparing the drinks before coming back out.

  “You know your way around my house pretty well now.”

  “I’ve been here enough times.”

  “Patrick, we had our bad times in the past, but I’m really glad we’re friends now. I don’t know how I could have gotten through all this without you.”

  He looked into her eyes, those green eyes that he’d loved so much. The pain in them was permanent now. She was hurting and needing him to be her friend, all earlier thoughts about her had to be set aside.

  “I’m glad too, Cassie, and I will be here any time you need me. I swear.”

  Patrick reached for her hand. “Those bad times in the past, I never did find out why…”

  “Cassie,” Mark called from the bedroom.

  Cassie pulled herself away from Patrick and ran. He watched as she entered the bedroom, unsure of following her. “Mark?”

  “Can you help me sit up a bit love? Doctor Robinson thought I was sleeping, but I just wanted him to leave me alone.”

  She rolled her eyes and moved to help him up. “You are a shocker, Mark Burrows. He only wanted to help you.”

  “He can stick his help. I have all I need here. As long as you’re with me, I’ll be fine.”

  “You really are such a stubborn bastard aren’t you?”

  He grinned. “Always. You should know that by now.”

  Cassie shook her head and sat on the bed beside him. “How are you feeling?”

  “As well as can be expected. Isn’t that what all the doctors say?”

  “It’s not what this doctor says,” said Patrick from the door.

  “So she called you, did she? Good to see you mate.”

  “You too. Although, I did think you’d be up and running around by now.”

  “I’m a bit too tired for that. You’re here late.”

  Patrick sat on the end of the bed. “I’m going to stay for a few days, make sure you behave and Cassie has everything she needs.”

  “I can tell you what she needs, but I’m a bit too tired to give it to her.”

  Cassie blushed, causing Mark and Patrick to burst out laughing. “This is not fair. You two were not supposed to pick on me.” She pouted.

  “You’ll miss it when I’m gone love. Though I’m pretty sure Patrick will give you a run for your money.”

  “Well Patrick is now telling the two of you to get some sleep. Mark do you need anything for the pain? We have a prescription, and I’m happy to drive around to find a 24 hour pharmacy if need be,” Patrick said.

  “I’ll be fine. All I need is my girl with me, and I’ll be good for the night.”

  “Cass, I’ll grab my bag and move it into your spare room. I’ll get my schedule cleared, and I’ll be all yours for the next few days.”

  “Thanks, Patrick.”

  “Good night you two.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  “Can you get me something while you’re out?” Cassie asked Lauren. It had been a couple of days since any of them had left the house for supplies and they needed groceries.

  “Sure, what is it?” Lauren asked.

  Cassie handed her a piece of paper and Lauren raised an eyebrow when she saw what was written on it. “Are you sure?” She asked.

  “No, that’s why I need you to pick one up.”

  Patrick watched the exchange curiously but hung back. Cassie was on a knife edge as it was and he wasn’t sure whether she welcomed his presence or was irritated by it, even though she had asked him here. It was best to observe and help if needed.

  She went back to the bedroom to sit with Mark while they waited for Lauren to get back.

  His breathing was slow, and he murmured when she lay back on the bed beside him. “Is everything all right love?”

  “You know it’s not,” she whispered. Just talking to him brought tears to her eyes, it wouldn’t be much longer until he was gone.

  “Oh Cassie, you will be okay. Don’t you dare stay alone. Be good to yourself and fall in love again, it’s the least you can do.”

  “How can you talk about something like that at a time like this?” she whispered, trying hard not to cry.

  “Because I love you and you’re the strongest person I know. Look at everything you’ve been through Cassandra. Your mum and dad, Sophie, putting up with me.”

  She laughed at the last one and sniffed as the tears rolled slowly down her cheeks and her nose ran.

  “That’s better. Nothing like the sound of my girl laughing.” Talking was a big effort for him now and Cassie stroked his forehead with her hand, kissing it.

  “The easy part was putting up with you,” she whispered between sobs, “I don’t want you to go.”

  “I don’t want to go either, but I’m leaving you in good hands. Patrick will take good care of you Cass, maybe he should have been doing that all this time, and I was lucky to get just a little time with you.”

  “I love you.” This was almost too much to bear, and a part of her wanted to run and get out before the inevitable happened but she couldn’t. This was her love, her life.

  “I love you too,” he replied breathlessly, “and Patrick loves you. You don’t need to take my advice, Cassie, but he is Sophie’s father. It’s time he learned that.”

  “You are driving me crazy to the end.”

  “I intend to haunt you, Cassie Warren, you’ll not get rid of me that easily.”

  She laughed again, and guilt washed over her. “Stop making me laugh, Mark, this is so hard.”

  “I don’t want it to be. We’ve had some good years. I should have put a damn ring on your finger. I knew it would make you happy, but I was stubborn. Instead, I’ll make do with having the love of the most beautiful woman I could have met. Inside and out, Cass, you’ve been perfect.”

  “You were pretty amazing yourself,” she whispered. She let out a loud sob before clapping her hand over her mouth.

  “Let it out love, it’s only going to hold you back if you keep it in. You’ve never been afraid to show your emotions before. I need to get some sleep now.”

  She nodded and sat with him until his breathing slowed even further. Cassie lowered her head to his chest and listened to his heart beating before Lauren appeared at the door.

  “Did you get it?” she asked anxiously.

  Lauren nodded. “Here.” She held out a bag, “you go check it out, and I’ll sit with him.”

  “Thank you,” Cassie whispered.

  Patrick watched as Cassie crossed the living room, heading for the bathroom. He had no idea what was going on, but there couldn’t be much time left for Mark and his heart ached for both of them. Being with Cassie again, even as a friend had been amazing and if Mark had been well he might have tried to compete for her heart.

  Instead, he had watched Mark deteriorate and Cassie’s heart break as she watched the man she loved dying. He kept reminding himself that he had to stay strong for her, it had been tempting to get in the car and drive away rather than watch her fall apart, but he couldn’t do that to her. Either as a friend or as a man in love with her.

  The wall clock ticked the seconds by, and a few minutes passed before Cassie's voice could be heard from the bathroom. “Shit, shit, shit,” she exclaimed.

  Patrick knocked on the door. “Are you all right, Cassie?” he asked, concerned.

  A sob let him know she wasn’t, and he tried the door handle. The door swung open, and there she sat on the lid of the toilet, a pregnancy test in her hand. “Oh sweetheart,” he said, kneeling beside her and taking it out of her hands. It was negative.

  “I’m late, I thought…” her voice trailed off sadly and she stared at the test in his hand.

  “It could be the stress love.”

  “Don’t call me t
hat.” She growled at him.

  “What?”

  “That’s what Mark calls me, don’t call me that.”

  “I’m sorry, Cassie, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “I thought he might find a way to stay with me if I were pregnant.”

  “Oh, Cassie.” He pulled her down and into his arms.

  She held tight while she sobbed before he gently pulled her upwards and out into the living room where he sat with her in his arms on the couch. “I don’t want Mark to hear me,” she whispered.

  “Is he awake?”

  Cassie shook her head. “He fell asleep when I was in there before, Lauren is sitting with him while he sleeps.”

  “Cassie, it’s not going to be much longer.”

  She nodded. “It’s not fair, but I know. I love him so much, Patrick, I hate this.”

  “Remember I’m here for you too, I’m not going anywhere while you need me.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  A door closed in the distance and Sophie stood in front of the couch. “What’s going on, what’s happened?”

  Cassie reached out to her, and Sophie went to her mother’s arms. “I’m just sad.”

  Sophie eyed Patrick suspiciously. “Is Lauren in with Dad?”

  “She is, I just needed a break and a cry. I don’t think he has long to go, Soph.”

  Sophie’s bottom lip trembled, and Cassie held her tight. “We’ll get through this baby, somehow we’ll get through it together.”

  “I don’t want him to die, Mum.”

  “I don’t want that either love. I wish he could be with us forever, but it’s not going to be that way. He wants us to be strong, Soph, just like we were when Grandma died, and it was just the two of us.”

  “Only this time it’s not just the two of you,” said Patrick over Cassie’s shoulder.

  Sophie looked at him curiously.

  “There’s Lauren too, she’ll need you. I’ll be there for whatever you all need.”

  “I might not sound it at times, but I do appreciate it, Patrick. We need all the support we can get, and you have been wonderful to Mark.”