The drive to Kirsty is pleasant considering the events of the last few hours. I feel bad for keeping her up waiting on me at this ridiculous time of the morning, but I do need to talk through what happened with Jeff last night. I can’t talk to anyone else about it now. Everyone has enough to deal with. I know what I need to do; I just need reassurance that I’m doing the right thing for me.
As I park the car in her parents’ drive, I’m glad they are on holiday, means I’m not disturbing them as well. Although given the circumstances, I’m sure they would understand. Kirsty comes rushing out of the house as I step out the car.
“Libby.” She grabs me in a tight embrace, and the tears that I’ve tried to keep at bay for the last few hours fall. “Come on, let’s get you inside. Why are you so wet?”
“I went to the hotel first, I needed a few moments on my own. Thanks for letting me come over,” I say as we enter the living room.
“Enough, I’m your friend I will always be here when you need me. Sit down, I’ll go and make us both some tea or would you like something stronger?”
“No I need to drive home.” Although it does appeal after the night’s events.
I sit in silence and reflect on the whole night, not just the phone call that turned my family’s world upside down. It’s a few minutes before Kirsty joins me with our cups of tea. So glad it’s in a proper cup; I have taken a dislike to the plastic ones used in the hospital.
“Okay, Libby, I think you better fill me in on Ethan and Lindsay.”
I tell her everything. The words seem to leave me in a rush. She sits quietly and listens. I can see her expression change as I tell her all the details. She’s shocked at how the events of the night unfold. She smiles briefly when I tell her about Lucy. I find myself smiling at the mention of my beautiful niece.
“So how is Ethan?” she asks.
“I don’t know. In a bad way. He wouldn’t go and see Lucy after Lindsay died. I stayed with Moria and Tom. Kirsty, you should see Lucy; she is perfect, every little thing about her is so perfect. I can’t believe my brother is going to have to do this on his own. I’m not sure how he’ll cope without Lindsay.”
“But he’s not on his own, is he? He has family and very good friends, who won’t let him do it on his own. But more importantly he has you. You are not the type of person that can sit back and watch him struggle. You and Ethan are too close for you to do nothing. Ethan is lucky to have you and Lucy will be a very lucky little girl having you in her life.” I start to cry again at her words.
She takes the cup from my hands, putting it down and engulfs me in her arms. We both cry for Lindsay, Ethan and little Lucy and what I’m sure is going to be a hard road ahead for everyone. Kirsty clicked with Lindsay the first time they met, and I’m so glad they did. It meant there was no awkwardness on nights out or days at my parents. Kirsty is very easy going and gets on with most people. Lindsay could’ve made it difficult considering my friends flirting with my brother.
“Can I ask a question?” she says pulling apart from me, wiping her eyes. I nod. “Where is Jeff? Wasn’t he at the hospital with you for support?” I shake my head this time.
I unbutton my shirt and lower it off my shoulders and turn so she can see. I lift my hair out the way so she can see clearly. She gasps. I know it looked bad earlier, but I’m sure there will be a lot more bruising now.
“What the fuck happened when I left? Did he do this? I’m going to fucking kill him,” she shouts angrily. “Let me get something to clean those up. I don’t want you getting an infection.”
She leaves me and I can hear her in the kitchen. She comes back with lotion and cotton pads to clean my back and neck.
I tell her everything, the shower and how rough he was with me. The fact that I refused to go into bed naked. How angry he looked. I tell her about his reaction to Ethan’s call, telling me I wasn’t going anywhere. I tell her about him standing in the middle of the room naked with erection in hand, wanting me to take care of it. She listens, as I tell her I hit him before leaving and I finish by showing her the text messages and his missed calls.
“Right, first let’s have a look at your arms?”
“Why?” I ask.
“Because I want to see if he’s left marks there as well, when he pinned you to the bed. Actually, thinking about it loosen your jeans, you may as well so I can look at your hips.”
I take my shirt off and look at my arms to find there is bruising where his hands were pinning me down in the bed. I know I’m going to find bruising at my hips where his hands held me roughly in the shower.
“Libby, you should report this.”
“I can’t deal with this just now and I don’t want anyone else to know at the moment. Everyone has enough going on.”
“Is this the first time he’s been like this with you?” I nod. “Was he drunk?”
“No. You saw him when he came home. He was fine, he had two beers in the house and I don’t think he even finished the second. And yes this was the first time and it will be the last.”
“Drugs then?” she asks, as the thought runs through my mind.
“I don’t know, he’s never done drugs before, but it would explain it.”
“You do know you can’t stay with him now. I can imagine it would only get worse with time.”
“I know that. I had already made up my mind when I walked out my front door. But it will wait until after Lindsay’s funeral. I will deal with my life then; Ethan is my priority for these next few days.”
“So what’s the plan? When are you working and when can I meet Lucy?”
“You can meet Lucy whenever you want. Dad is arranging for as much time off as I need. But I will go back to work after the funeral. I want to get my teeth stuck in, so to speak, at the hotel. Luke is great to work with; I’ve already learned so much from him whilst studying. I know one day in the future I will be running that place.”
“I know you will and you will be the best manager the hotel has ever had. So what are you going to do about Jeff just now?”
“I don’t know. Try and stay out his way until after the funeral. He should be gone by the time I go home. I’ll be at Ethan’s most of the day. Tom and Moria are coming over about lunchtime, after they stop at the hospital.”
“Are they going to see Lucy?”
“Yes, but they are also picking up the death certificate so arrangements can be made,” I tell her. “I’m going to hospital tonight; do you want to come and meet Lucy then?”
“Of course I do. Do you need to notify the hospital you’re going?”
“No. Ethan gave permission for me to go anytime. I’m not sure when Ethan will go in today.”
I stay at Kirsty’s for another few hours, because I want to avoid Jeff at mine. Which sounds crazy, it’s my bloody house. I know he has a key, even though I’ve never actually given him one.
When I do leave, it’s just going on nine am. We’ve arranged to meet at the hospital at six thirty; Kirsty is excited to be meeting Lucy. I’m going to see if Ethan will come back in tonight, because I’m sure he will go in this afternoon to see his daughter.
When I get to my house, Jeff’s car is still in the drive. I pull up alongside it. I have a decision to make, go in and see him or go straight into Ethan’s. My dad’s car is still in Ethan’s driveway, so I know he’s not on his own.
Getting out of the car, I walk to my front door, just as it opens. Jeff comes out looking different. I can’t explain it. He’s not bothered shaving for work, which is a first for him.
“Morning babe. How are you?” He takes me in his arms and kisses my cheek.
“I’m alright, I guess.”
“About last night,” he starts speaking, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me. Let me take you out tonight. Just the two of us, spend some quality time together. What do you say?”
Seriously, what planet is he on at the moment? He really thinks this is no big deal.
“Jeff, do you really think
I’m going on a night out when my brother has just lost his wife? You do remember why I ran out the house last night?”
“Of course I remember. Just because she’s dead doesn’t mean our lives should stop or be put on hold. Life goes on.”
I can’t believe he would say that. Actually, after last night, I’m not sure I know him at all. Or maybe it’s me? Is it wrong that I should want to spend time with my family when they need me? There was me saying to Kirsty last night how sweet, caring and loving he was. Boy was I wrong.
“Jeff, you need to go to work. I won’t be going to dinner; I’m going back to the hospital tonight to see Lucy. And I will be spending today sorting arrangements with Ethan,” I tell him
“What about tomorrow, Saturday night? The function with my work.”
“What about it? I’m not going!” I shout at him, my temper now almost at boiling point. I start to walk inside because I can’t bear to be around him any longer.
“You’re making a scene. I need you with me. You will attend with me.” He grabs me roughly on my arm.
“Get your fucking hands off me. I have enough bruises on my skin that you’ve caused.” I snarl at him, before pulling free from his grip.
I walk inside. I don’t close the door because I can hear his footsteps behind me. Oh well, maybe I should get this over with. What’s the point of dragging it on?
“Libby, I can’t believe you would speak to me like that? And in public as well.” His voice is soft, but he’s not fooling me. No, I think he’s been fooling me for months, with his sweetness routine, he’s starting to show his true colours.
“Believe it. Because after the way you treated me last night, it’s no less than you deserve.”
“I’ve said I’m sorry. What else do you want from me, blood?”
“I don’t want your blood. I don’t even want YOU. Anywhere near me.” I’m trying not to raise my voice, but it’s proving difficult, because I’m aware my parents are next door with Ethan.
“You don’t mean that.” He looks surprised at my outburst.
“Jeff, I do. After what you did last night.”
“So you have a couple of love bites on your neck.”
“Seriously, that’s all you think is wrong?” I loosen my shirt and take it off and loosen the jeans, pulling them down so he can see my hips. “Have a good look at the damage you caused last night.” I can see him looking over my injuries. He shrugs his shoulders.
“We had rough sex, so what? Plenty of couples do much worse.” Rough sex, seriously that’s all he thinks it was. It’s a lot more than just the sex. It’s in the way he spoke to me. The look in his eyes as he prowled toward me, with his manhood in his hand. The constant phone calls all night, those text messages. His cruel words. He’s not the man I thought he was. I’m just glad Ethan didn’t see the messages from him, about Lindsay; those were so cruel.
“Jeff, please go to work. I can’t discuss this. I have other pressing matters to attend.” I turn my back to him as I pull my jeans back up and close my eyes. I flinch when his hands delicately touch my shoulders; he presses a kiss at the side of my neck.
“I love you, Libby. I will see you tonight,” he whispers before walking away. “Don’t bet on it,” I mutter.
The front door closes and I let out the breath I’ve been holding. I put my shirt back on, no one else needs to see these.
ETHAN’S HOUSE IS REALLY QUIET when I go in.
“Libby, is that you?” my dad calls from the kitchen. I walk through and find him and my mum sitting at the table.
“Hi. Where’s Ethan?” I ask.
“In the front room,” my mum tells me. “I’ve phoned for a doctor to come out and see him. He’s not in a good place.”
“Is he sleeping or should I go and see him?”
“You can try; he’s not spoke since leaving the hospital. Not one single word to either of us, but he might talk to you.”
I walk back down the hall to the living room. I stop at the doorway and watch my brother. He’s sitting on the couch, staring into space. God, I don’t know what to do for him. I want to ease his pain, but I have no idea where to start. Walking over, I sit down beside him. He lifts his head, acknowledging me, before looking away again.
“Ethan, do you need me to organise anything for Lucy coming home tomorrow?” I ask him. Nothing. “Ethan, we have to discuss this. Lucy has to come home to you.”
He turns to face me. I know exactly what he’s going to say. He can’t do this. I see it. I see it in his lost expression.
“Libby, I can’t. I just can’t bring Lucy home.”
“You have to. You’re all she has.”
“What do I know about bringing up a baby.” The tears start to slowly trickle down his face.
“None of us know how to bring up a baby. We all learn along the way. I’m here to help.” I wrap him in my arms, providing comfort. I try telling him everything will be alright, but as I say the words, I’m not even sure I believe them.
We sit on the couch. He lets his tears fall. For the loss of his beautiful wife and for the future, that he is now scared of. The chime of the doorbell distracts me. I hear talking in the hall. My parents enter the room with our family doctor, Doctor Stevens.
I smile weakly; Ethan doesn't even make an attempt to move. I let go of him and stand up. He grabs my hand. “Please stay with me? I need you.” I look at the doctor and she nods her head. Mum and Dad leave the room again.
It turns out Doctor Stevens is very aware of the situation Ethan is in. The hospital got in touch with her to see what assistance Ethan could get with Lucy. She spends a lot of time talking with him, but he only has yes or no answers, she does seem to be concerned about his lack of emotion for bringing Lucy home.
“Can I speak with you, Libby?” I nod at the doctor as she leaves the room. I reluctantly leave my brother on his own. We make our way to my parents in the kitchen.
“How is he, doctor?” Mum asks impatiently.
“Right, I’m not going to lie to you all. He is in a bad way, which isn't a huge surprise. He’s in shock. I am going to leave a prescription for sleeping tablets and also a mild anti-depressant.”
“But surely he can’t take sleeping tablets with Lucy,” I say with concern.
“No that’s why I’m going to suggest a short term foster home, until he’s more accepting of Lucy. He’s going to need a lot of help and support.”
“You will do no such thing,” I snap. My mum and dad look at each other, puzzled and shocked at what our family doctor is suggesting. “She has family here; I’m more than prepared to look after her.” My mum smiles. “What, it’s true, surely you both agree with me. Lindsay wouldn't want this. I know she wanted Ethan to bring her up, but right now he’s not fit to do that. So we will do all we can to help him. To help them both.”
“Do you realise how hard this is going to be?” the doctor asks me.
“Yes, I do. But I can’t let you put her into care, albeit temporary.”
“What about work?” my dad asks.
“I’ll manage and I’m sure you are both going to help, along with Tom and Moria.”
“Of course we are sweetheart,” says Mum with a huge smile.
“So, Doctor Stevens, what happens now? Ethan was meant to be bringing her home tomorrow, and I’m going tonight to the hospital. Could it be arranged for me to bring her home tonight?”
“I don’t see why not. By all accounts she is healthy; there’s no reason for her to be in the hospital. Would you not like an extra day, Libby?”
“No, the sooner she’s home where she belongs the better, for everyone.”
We spend the next thirty minutes going over all the care for both Ethan and Lucy. Doctor Stevens assures me a midwife will visit for the next few days, before handing her care over to the health visitor. She also reminds me that if I have any concerns, about either of them, just to call the surgery and she will arrange a visit. She also speaks with the hospital before leaving so they a
re aware that I will be bringing Lucy home tonight.
My dad sees her out when we are finished talking. “We’re both really proud of you,” Mum says.
“You would’ve done the same. So looks like I’m moving in for a while then.”
“Yes, I would and are you sure about this?”
“Yes, I am. I’m not saying I will do a great job. God, what do I know about babies? But I will try my best for the two of them. I would still like to get back to work after the funeral.” I tell her.
“We will work something out. With Moria and me helping, everything will be fine. Now, did I hear you and Jeff arguing next door?” My mother and her super-strength hearing, not much goes past her.
“Yeah, but it’s fine,” I tell her, but I can see she’s not really buying my short response.
“Libby? Will you staying here cause problems?”
“Why should it? We don’t live together.”
“What are you two talking about?” Dad asks, coming back into the kitchen.
“I’m just asking if Libby staying here will be okay with Jeff.”
“And why wouldn’t it be?” he asks.
“Mum, I’ve told you it’s fine.” Dad glances between Mum and I, and he knows there’s more to it. But he doesn’t push the subject. “Right, I better tell Ethan I’m moving in.”
“I will make up the spare room for you and put the crib in there as well, then we can see what we need for Lucy. I’m sure there’s plenty of nappies here, but we should go to the shops and get milk and also some pink clothes,” Mum says with a smile.
“I’m sure Lindsay has a few pink things, in the room,” I tell her, before leaving and going to Ethan. It’s true, she desperately wanted a girl, so I am certain she bought some girl clothes, just in case.
“Ethan, can I talk to you?” I ask him as I sit beside him. He doesn't turn to me. “I’m going to move in for a bit.” Still nothing. “I will go to hospital tonight and bring Lucy home; do you want to come with me?” Still nothing. I leave him alone, because I know it’s what he’s wanting. Seeing my brother in so much pain is breaking my heart.
Family Ties: A Captured Series Novella Page 3