by Becca Siller
“I know. Will you try to get her up to see Miles off?” I ask hopefully.
“I don’t really want to wake her but…” he looks at me for a long moment. “Alright, bring him in there in five.”
When Miles and I creep into Charlie’s bedroom, I chew nervously on my bottom lip. I guess I expect her to rail at me and throw me out of her room. I was so hard on her last night and then earlier yesterday. I hate this whole situation. I watch as Miles silently walks around to the side of the bed to crouch in front of her. He murmurs something I can’t make out and smiles when she answers. She reaches out to cup his cheek softly but doesn’t move anything else. Her small pale hand is a stark contrast to his suntanned skin. I can feel tears and want to kick myself. Damn pregnancy hormones. Yeah, that must be it, hormones. I roll my eyes at myself.
A few minutes later Miles stands, walking quietly to me. We leave her to rest as we head for the car. Once inside the curiosity eats at me and I have to ask, “What did you two say? I couldn’t hear anything.”
Miles looks resigned, but grasps my hand. “She wants me to tell Wyatt she’s sorry and that she’ll pull herself together to take care of you.”
I suck in a sharp breath at the thought that she’s worried about me. After everything she’s been through. “I hate this. I really, really do.”
Wyatt
The tequila is still throwing a party inside my head and stomach when the cab arrives to take me to the airport. When I enter the terminal I search for Miles, knowing I’m crazy but I hope to see Charlie there waiting with him. When I see him, Riley and Skylar, I sag with disappointment. I know there was no way she’d show up here. We’d talked about it before last night and decided it’d be better if she didn’t go. With the paparazzi crazy at the hospital I know it won’t be long before they’re all over the story. I check in at the automated kiosk, then stride to the group. Skylar sees me first and lifts his chin in acknowledgment.
“Wyatt, you look like shit…” Riley’s astonishment and coarse words make my hackles rise. Miles nudges her, scowling with annoyance.
“Yeah, well a night of drinking will do that to you. Do you have everything, Miles?”
He nods but then eyes me suspiciously. “You’re not going to throw up on the plane, are you?” I shake my head, shooting him an exasperated look.
“Can we just go? I’m ready to be as far away from here as I can.” I turn but Skylar grabs my arm.
“I know you’re angry and hurt but she does love you, Wyatt. I won’t let you drag her down with your anger,” Skylar says sternly.
“Well, you won’t have to worry about that after today. I have no intention of even thinking about her once I leave this place.” Miles’ harsh glare burns into my face. I know I’m being a dick but I can’t feel sorry for her after she’s thrown everything away. When Skylar gapes at me, shocked by my vehemence, I just scoff and leave the group for the security gate. I have to swallow hard around the lump in my throat. Seeing Riley and Miles kiss and hug with such love brings my loss too close to the surface. Holding back my emotions makes the throbbing in my head worse but at this point I almost welcome the uncomfortable distraction.
Forty-five minutes later Miles comes to sit next to me in our first-class seats on the plane. He plops down, then pins me with the full force of his glare. I try to ignore him for a long time but he is a persistent bastard and the flight, including layover, from Portland to Edinburgh is nearly thirteen hours. Heaving an exaggerated sigh, I turn in my seat to face him. “Spit it out, Miles, I know you’re dying to lay into me. Get it over with so I can sleep the rest of the flight.”
“You really are the arrogant asshole everyone’s claimed you to be, aren’t you? I’ve never really witnessed it until now. I know you’re angry but you love her. How can you be so callous to her now?” he asks, seriously confused by my attitude.
“First, I’ve never denied that I was arrogant or an asshole. Second, how can I be callous to her when I’m not even near her, and third, yes I did love her and look where that got me. Now I would prefer we not talk about this anymore. You’re my best friend, man. I thought that you of all people would have my back.”
“I am, and I do. You should’ve seen Riley rip into Charlie after you left. I’m just saying there’s a lot more to all of this than meets the eye. You haven’t even asked if she’s ok, for God’s sake,” Miles drops his voice to a more compassionate tone. “I can’t imagine how badly you’re hurting, Wyatt. But I’m begging you, don’t do or say anything you can’t take back.”
I watch Miles for a long time, our eyes intent on each other. Miles is my very best friend and I know without a doubt he would do anything for me. I know our dreams came true, finding love with girls that were like sisters, but I am so angry and hurt by Charlie’s dismissal. I don’t see us being able to fix this…even though with everything that’s happened, I wish we could.
Riley
It’s been four days since Wyatt and Miles left. Charlie still hasn’t left her room. She’s so depressed that I’m really starting to get worried. Dad left to get back to work but Mom is staying nearby to help with Charlie and me. She and Scott are the only ones who can get Charlie to drink anything, but forget about eating. I’ve tried to go sit with her but it hurts me to see her in this state so I just steer clear. Dr. Iverson has been coming by every day to see her. The first day he came I railed at him for probably about twenty minutes. That man has to be a complete idiot if he actually thought having Charlie leave Wyatt was going to be beneficial to her well-being. But he explained it to me and I get it. She needs time to heal, emotionally and physically. That made me feel worse about the things I said to her.
“Mom, Riley, come in here quick, something’s wrong!” Skylar yells from Charlie’s bedroom door.
I scramble off the couch and Mom comes running from the kitchen. “What is it, Sky?” I ask, rounding the bed.
“She’s moaning and clutching at her stomach. I touched her head and she’s burning up. I think she’s sick,” Skylar explains, his face full of worry.
“Charlie, sweetie, what’s going on? Are you in pain?” mom asks, leaning over her. When her hands touch Charlie’s head, her eyes go wide. “Riley, how far is the hospital?”
“I don’t know, maybe twenty minutes away?” I tell her, starting to panic.
“Call an ambulance and get Scott in here!” she shouts.
Skylar darts from the room and comes back with a clearly worried Scott. I grab the phone and dial for an ambulance.
“Get her into a cold shower. She’s burning up with fever. I’ll get her a bag ready, I don’t know what’s causing it but she hasn’t eaten in days,” mom says, scrambling around.
Scott nods his head and starts to strip her clothes off, then drags her limp body into the shower. “This is going to be cold, Charlie,” he says as he steps under the icy spray. I’m expecting her to howl or scream but nothing, she just curls into him and moans a little more. A very frightened Scott looks up at my mom, who stares back in horror.
I feel the room tilt and spin slightly, then my body goes limp. I vaguely remember Skylar shouting at me. His face is a hazy gray color but then nothing else.
Wyatt
It’s been, I think, four days since we got to Scotland and started filming again. The landscape is beautiful here, the smell of fresh green grass and wildflowers with the thick brine of the ocean makes for a serene state. Too bad I’m too damned depressed to enjoy it. The set doctor prescribed me an antidepressant and a sleep aid but they haven’t really helped so far. I know my initial plan was to drown myself in booze and women but when getting out of bed is difficult, being charming proves impossible.
Miles and I are on set this morning and thank heavens we’re filming inside. We’re in a replica of an old castle. We do film at the castle but for this scene we’ll need to fight and destroy things. I can’t imagine the curators being too thrilled with us damaging such a historical site. Filming has helped me stay busy. Ot
herwise, I don’t know what kind of state I’d be in. One thing I’m greatly thankful for is the director has picked some of the most violent scenes to film first, like battles and hand-to-hand combat. Miles and I do a lot of our own stunts, and the physical demand of it is a relief. If I had to do any sort of love scene right now I think I’d lose my shit.
We’re all standing around on the set snacking and chitchatting when a production assistant comes running in with a satellite phone. “Mr. Porter, you have an urgent phone call from your mother-in-law,” she says, sounding out of breath.
Miles frowns, then takes the phone. I see his hand shake slightly as he reaches for it. I set my cup down and take a few steps toward him. His rigid back gives me pause. I hope there isn’t anything wrong with the baby. He told me when Riley went to the doctor yesterday. He said everything looked good and their baby was due on Valentine’s Day. He was so happy when he told me that I actually smiled for the first time in what feels like forever.
“Calm down, Gina, tell me what happened, you’re really starting to worry me.” Miles rubs the back of his neck. I can’t hear Gina’s side of the conversation but I can tell she’s frantic. “Do they know why she fainted? Did she get hurt when she fell?” I see his shoulders sag with relief. “Good, good, and what about Charlie?” My back straightens. “Surgery, Jesus, as if she hasn’t dealt with enough.” His hand drops to his side and his voice softens. “I know, thanks for calling me, Gina. I’ll tell the director what’s going on, so I can keep my phone nearby. Please call me the second she wakes up and when Charlie gets out of surgery, ok?” He pauses for a long moment, then says his goodbye and hangs up but just stands there for a moment composing himself. When he turns, he practically runs into me.
“Is everything ok, man?” I ask, putting my hand on his shoulder.
“Yeah, well, no. Riley fainted because Charlie got really sick and had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance. She’s ok, but Gina was worried because of the baby. Riley is resting now, and the doctor said she and the baby are fine.” His smile is warm and happy but the lines of worry around his eyes give him away.
I raise my eyebrows at him imploring him not to make me ask, but he just looks at me. “And Charlie?” Her name comes out rough.
“They don’t know much. They took her in for emergency surgery. Do you really even want to know?” he asks harshly.
“Just because I’m pissed doesn’t mean I’m heartless, Miles.” I glare at him, then turn to head back to my solitary spot by the back table.
“You’re right, I’m sorry, Wyatt. I’m just worried and I hate being this far from Riley when she needs me. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you,” Miles apologizes. “I’ll let you know when I find out anything, ok?”
I nod but continue walking back to my spot. I need to get over this and just move on. I swore I wasn’t going to give Charlie another chance, I need to get on with the moving on, but it’s so damn hard. I know in my heart if I get with another woman, I’ll be saying goodbye to Charlie completely, and that is just too hard right now.
Charlie
The pain in my abdomen is almost gone but there is still a dull ache. I shift uncomfortably and realize I’m no longer in my bed at home. I crack one eye open to find Skylar sitting next to me watching the crappy TV. I reach out to touch his hand. He jumps but smiles warmly at me.
“Hey, Sis, how are you feeling?” He stands, then sits on the side of the bed next to me.
“I feel okay. What happened – how did I get here?” I ask, still a little hazy for some reason.
“You were really sick – we couldn’t wake you up. The rest of the details are beyond my pay grade. Mom will tell you when she gets back. Riley passed out and is on another floor,” Skylar explains.
“What? Is she alright – how’s the baby?”
“They’re both fine. She freaked out and fainted is all, but they’re making sure there isn’t anything else going on because she’s prego.”
“Good,” I chew my lips for a moment and look around. “What day is it?”
Skylar looks down and sighs heavily. “It’s Saturday…”
My eyes widen with surprise. “Saturday…gosh,” is all I can manage to say.
We watch ridiculous television for a while before Gina comes in. Her face lights up when she sees me. “You’re awake, oh sweetie, I’m so glad.” The relief in her voice is evident.
“How’s Riley?” I ask her, anxious to know she’s okay.
“She’s fine. She just got a little worked up by all of the commotion. How are you feeling?” Gina asks kindly.
“What happened?” I ask but am worried to hear the answer.
“Well, the doctor will be here soon. I think she can answer those questions better.” Just as she finishes, a female doctor strides into the room.
“Charlotte, it’s good to see you awake. Do you remember anything?” she asks brightly. I shake my head. “Well, I understand you went through some trauma recently.” I nod my agreement. “Well there was some damage done internally. Your IUD was dislodged and you have a pretty serious infection, it was held at bay by the IV antibiotics you received last week. We were able to do a procedure called a dilation and curettage. A curette, a metal rod with a handle on one end and a sharp loop on the other, is inserted into the uterus through your dilated cervix. The curette is used to gently scrape the lining of the uterus and remove the tissue in the uterus that was damaged. We also removed your IUD. We can send you home with some more antibiotics and pain medication. You should make a full recovery. There is one complication I need to discus with you. The infection may cause scarring that can affect you long term.”
“What does that mean?” Gina inquires.
“It means I may not be able to conceive,” I reply despondently.
The doctor leans forward to pat my hand softly. “We won’t know for a while. If you are sexually active…”
“I’m not,” I interrupt.
The doctor nods her head and continues on about other things but I’m not paying any attention to. My chest aches and I feel my sanity slipping back into darkness again. First I lost Wyatt and now I might not be able to have children. Wyatt will never want me now. The thought is depressing. I just want to be home in my bed with my dog.
“When can I go home?” The doctor looks at me, confused. “I’d like to go home,” I reiterate to her. Gina looks at me with a sad expression on her face.
“I can let you go home in the morning,” the doctor says softly.
“I’d like to be alone if you don’t mind,” I say flatly. I have no emotions left in me.
Gina and the doctor stand to leave the room, talking quietly to each other. Skylar clicks the TV back on, sitting back in his chair. I roll onto my side, trying to blank my mind, taking myself into nothingness.
Riley
“Hi, babe,” I say to Miles over Skype. “I’m feeling much better. I got to come home right away. Apparently I can’t skip breakfast anymore,” I tell him. His beautiful face smiles back at me.
“I told you that you had to eat better. Are you sure everything is ok?” he asks again.
“Yes. Oh wait, I have something for you to listen to,” I grab my phone, quickly thumbing through my recordings to find the one I am looking for. “It’s quiet so you might have to turn the volume up,” I explain and watch him shift forward to touch something next to his laptop. The light sound of a rhythmic whoosh-whoosh starts to play, making my eyes tear up.
“What is that?” Miles asks, smiling.
“That’s the sound of your baby’s heart beating,” I say softly so I don’t blow out his eardrums.
His eyes widen with surprise. “Really? It’s so fast, play it again,” he directs excitedly. I play it back again and watch the love shine across Miles’ face. “Wow, that’s amazing. Did you get a picture too?”
“I did. I sent you an email with the picture and the file with the heartbeat before I called.”
“I’ll listen to that eve
ry night before I go to bed. Babe, they’re calling me. I’ve got to go. I’m glad you and my little one are ok. I love you so much. That made my day,” he says hurriedly.
I blow him a kiss as I sign off. I shift on the couch and set my laptop on the coffee table as Scott opens his bedroom door, strolling out into the living room without his shirt on. “Must you always be half naked?” I ask him with a sigh.
Scott looks down at his bare chest and shrugs. He ambles into the kitchen, then comes out with a big plastic cup of water. He plops down on the couch next to me, rubbing his hand over his face. “How are you feeling, doll?” Scott asks.
“Better. Are you ok? You seem run down,” I query.
“I am but I have to go to a few casting calls the next three days in a row. I need to get back to work, play time is over. Darius was given a local charge for a week so he’ll be gone. I’m worried about who can keep an eye on Charlie. And no, you aren’t going to do it. You need rest and have things to do yourself.” I feel bad for Scott. He and Darius have taken care of Charlie and me since we got back from Vegas. I never imagined they’d have lives of their own. That is so selfish of me.
“I’ll work something out with Skylar. And you never know, maybe she’ll be ok when she gets back,” I tell him hopefully.
“Not likely,” my mom says from the door. Scott and I both turn to look at her expectantly. “She got some pretty bad news from the doctor. And before you ask, no, I won’t tell you what it is. If she wants to talk about it, then she will. She’ll be home in the morning. Skylar is staying with her, even though she’s refusing company.” Mom slumps into a chair, looking down and weary.