LOVE STORM

by Beryl Trebble

  "Please listen to me, I'd rather be independent to drive and make decisions, because if things aren't too serious and the doctor has been there, I can come home. You can't just sit about waiting for things to happen, either way."

  "Okay, I get your point, but I insist on seeing you there. It's not right for you to drive around in your condition, by yourself, in the middle of the night." He grinned at her. "I'll just drive in and out. This is a family matter anyway, so there's no need for me to come in." He patted her arm. "And don't worry about the old man."

  That piece of advice was easier said than done.

  ...x...

  When she arrived Kris realised the doctor was with Angela because his car was in the drive. She hurried to the door but knocked softly.

  Carl was distraught as he came to greet her. Kris just held him tight. They clung to one another for long minutes before he spoke.

  "I don't think there's much chance of saving the baby," Carl said sadly. "She started hemorrhaging badly about an hour ago. Kris, I feel like I am falling to pieces. I can't stand seeing Angela like this."

  "Carl, come on, Angela needs you to be strong for her right now, and this isn't like you. What about the kids? Are they still asleep?"

  "Yes, thank goodness...and long may they stay that way." He tried to smile. "I love her so much, Kris -- I think that's why I can't handle this situation. I couldn't bear it if anything should happen to her." He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. "Oh, God, I'm glad you're here."

  "Now you know why a family needs each other, big brother." She put her arm around him as they entered the house. "I understand more than most. While we wait, let's have a cup of coffee. Lead me to the kitchen, McDuff."

  As she made the coffee, the doctor emerged to say that he wanted to hospitalise Angela. He instructed Carl to phone an ambulance.

  A little later the phone rang and Kris answered it since Carl was with Angela. Her heart skipped a beat as the deep familiar voice of her husband sounded in her ear.

  "Why am I the last to know what happens around here? I hear cars coming and going and then I get a vague message shoved under my door from Luke who has rushed off to pick up his fiancé. She's on some early flight or something.

  "And you? You're out playing Florence Nightingale with some other man's wife. You have responsibilities of your own, you know, you have a house full of guests. I'm attending a meeting with Isabella and six others at eight-thirty and I don't know how long it will last." He took a breath before he added impatiently, "Why do you have to stay there, haven't you done enough?" Refusing to become upset, she retorted, "Raoul, the woman is in trouble, she's about to lose a baby. Surely you don't begrudge her my help?" He mumbled something she didn't quite catch before falling silent. Kris sighed heavily. "I'm waiting for the ambulance to come for Angela and then I'll wake the kids. There is no point in frightening them. I'm going to bring them home for a bit, keep them out of the way. PJ will love having them around. You aren't going to argue about this, are you?" Her voice was more firm than pleading.

  "I am damn sure Almeira can't cope. She won't manage serving everyone breakfast without you, and you plan to rock up with a car full of kids. Have you taken leave of your senses? Can't the man cope with his own children after the ambulance has gone?"

  Kris' emotions swung from annoyed to full-blown anger. "How can you be so insensitive? There is a seriously ill woman and three small, scared children, and you are whining about Almeira not coping with breakfast?" Kris was really steamed up and refused to back down. "Raoul, I am all too aware of my responsibilities, and if I wasn't, you'd make damn sure I was acquainted with them in short order. I will be back before breakfast. I won't wilt on the guests, if that's bothering you. The children will be no trouble with PJ, and I assure you I'll keep them out of the way of your precious guests.

  "You seem vague enough about your plans, so I presume Luke will be back before long to step into the breach and help me - as usual. Now, I have things to do. Dare I presume you understand?"

  There was a long pause before he answered. His mind was in a turmoil. He was insanely jealous of the man whose wife was in trouble. Obviously, there was more to Kris' relationship with the couple than he realized and his refusal to listen to her had constantly pushed her away. Oh, how he hoped his boorish behaviour had not turned her away forever. He shook himself out of his reverie when he heard Kris demand, "For heaven sake, answer me!"

  His thoughts strayed momentarily to the stricken woman and the memory of his first wife struggling to give birth to PJ. His tone quieted to a near whisper. "Yes. Yes, of course. I'm sorry, I have things on my mind, too. I know you'll cope, and of course, you have to help your friends where you can." His voice took on my strength. "Just don't overdo it, you hear? Oh, if possible, let me know what's happening, okay?"

  This last request - not demand - momentarily stunned Kris, and it was a few seconds before she could respond. "Of course. I have to go, Raoul. Goodbye."

  Kris was a little bemused by his response, and as she put down the receiver she was more than surprised that he'd backed down, allowing his softer attitude to surface.

  Carl burst into the room. "Where the hell is the ambulance?" He sounded hoarse. "Angela is getting worse."

  "Carl, I'm going to get the kids up. I had thought to leave them asleep until Angela was in the hospital, but I think it would be better to get them out of the way now. We don't want to frighten them unduly. I'll put them straight back to bed, so we don't have to dress them. I can explain things to them in the car."

  Kris made it sound like an adventure when she went in to wake them. There was no point in upsetting them before they left the house. The quicker she got them in the car the better, because she had heard some heart-wrenching moans coming from Angela's bedroom.

  "Just grab your blankets, say goodbye to your dad, and run to the car before you get cold. I'll tell you all you need to know when we drive off. PJ will be thrilled to see you. She has no idea you are coming so early. Now, get on with you. Chop, chop!"

  Bundling them into the car, she bade a quick goodbye to Carl. "I'll pray for that miracle to save your baby, Carl. It's not over yet, so don't lose hope, and don't give the kids another thought. They are in good hands. You just give Angela all the support she needs, and I know the two of you will come out of this just fine. Cheers."

  She jumped into the driver's seat and accelerated away. She told the children all she thought they needed to know without alarming them. When they arrived, a delighted PJ burst out of the front door. She had woken up and had gone to the kitchen for a glass of milk only to find her father already there. He was in the process of writing a note for Almeira. He told her that the children were coming back with Kris, and that she should go back to bed. But she couldn't sleep, she was too excited. When she heard a car pull up, she knew it had to be them and rushed down to greet her recently acquired friends.

  "Shh, you lot, everyone's sleeping. Just go quietly to PJ's room and snuggle up. You can whisper for a little while and then you must try and go to sleep again, okay?" They nodded at various times then tiptoed out with muffled giggles.

  Kris was alone again -- at last. She looked around and felt a sense of pleasure. It was so peaceful here. She was tired, but she was home. Putting her hand on her stomach, she felt something like a butterfly kiss.

  Then it happened again -- her baby moved. She stiffened as she glanced up. Raoul stood at the top of the stairs, watching her intently. Realizing that she had seen him, he walked nonchalantly onto the landing.

  "The good Samaritan has returned." He smiled slightly. "You look whacked. Are you going to be able to sleep after all that excitement? It's a good couple of hours before the household will stir. I left a note for Almeira that you might be late to help with breakfast, so she will at least be getting things going."

  For a second, she questioned the concerned expression on his face.

  He stood by her door and she wished she could think of s
omething to say, but her thoughts left her at the wonderful sight of him standing only a few feet away.

  Raoul opened the door and half-filled the entrance as he stepped in front of her. Putting his finger under her chin, he tilted her face then traced the lines beneath her eyes. "You look awful."

  She pulled away and muttered, "Thanks a lot."

  "I'll get you a cup of cocoa and hopefully you will get a bit of rest." He was clearly embarrassed by his concern. Trying not to show it, he continued in a more abrupt manner. "I did tell you I have a meeting, didn't I? I've also called Luke on the cell phone and he will definitely be back to help you. It's not that important that he is at the meeting. Besides, the ladylove is arriving, and I know he wants to be with her for a bit. I must say, I'm glad everyone will be gone by teatime."

  He gave her a long speculative look. "You also have a baby to look after, you know?" His unexpected gentle tone flawed her.

  Then with his characteristic little nod, he left the room, leaving her wondering at his mercurial ways and moods.

  ...x...

  Kris slept soundly and felt much better when she awoke two and a half hours later. Quickly, she dialed Carl's number only to get the ringing tone denoting that no one was home. She tried the hospital and after what seemed like ages, they told her they could not give her any news because the doctors were still with Angela. She put down the receiver, lost in thought. On impulse, she called again and managed to locate Carl.

  He sounded dreadfully weary. "It's been pretty rugged, Kris. We've lost the baby and things have been touch and go for Angela. The next few hours will be critical as she's dreadfully weak, but the doctors are cautiously optimistic. I won't be moving from her side once they let me in with her."

  "Oh, Carl, I am so sorry. What can I say? I'll not move from here in case you need anything. Don't worry about the kids; they're fine. I must confess, I had a good sleep. The kids are in Almeira's capable hands now. Luke will be back in a moment. He followed me to your place last night, which was sweet of him. I'll see Angela as soon as she is allowed visitors, but I'm afraid she might be upset when...."

  Her voice trailed off as she realised what she'd nearly said. This subject would mean treading on soft ground with Carl.

  "When what, Kris?"

  She remained silent. Her mind worked overtime thinking about what to say next.

  "I was going to say, I have to leave tomorrow for a while and--"

  "Kris, you're lying. I know you, tell me. Has it to do with what you wanted to talk about earlier? Don't mess about, I'm not in the mood -- be honest with me."

  She stood silent, gripping the receiver. "I'm pregnant, Carl." Weariness was in her voice. "I didn't want to tell you, especially now that you have both lost your own baby, one which was so joyfully anticipated." She tried to stop herself from crying, but he heard it in her voice. "Please go to your wife, she needs you. I'll see you later."

  "Kris, you don't sound too happy about it. Tell me, what is the problem? There's nothing I can do yet for Angela -- they'll call me when they want me. It sounds as though you don't want your baby. Please tell me I'm wrong. It is Raoul's, isn't it? Can't I help, Kris?"

  It all started to come out, at the worst possible time, and in the worst possible way. "Of course it's Raoul's baby, but he doesn't think so. Once he knew I was pregnant, he didn't want anything to do with me. I can't talk to him to straighten things out because he cuts me off immediately. And when I wrote him a letter, he returned it unopened. I haven't seen him in weeks. This is the first time he's been back here."

  There was a catch in her voice. "It is such a messy story, Carl. He doesn't even know you are my brother. Oh Lord, I can't be seen crying. I've a house full of guests, and they'll all be getting up any minute. I'm so sorry to have blabbed this out over the phone with your problems hanging heavy on you. I'm so sorry, Carl...."

  "Kris, don't fret yourself on my account. We will sort something out when I have the time. That bastard needs his head read! The damn fool doesn't realise what a gem he's married. I never took to him from the start, you know. We never received a proper introduction either. I guess the feeling's mutual. Cheer up; we'll sort it out somehow. I must go, someone's calling for me. Thanks for looking after the kids. I'll call as soon as I know how Angela is doing...promise. 'Bye."

  The receiver clicked in her ear, and she felt like running away.

  ...x...

  The day turned out to be overcast. Rain clouds mounted in ever-increasing blackness out at sea. With the wind gusting wildly, some of the guests decided to leave before the storm arrived. By lunchtime, only six guests remained.

  The children, of course, were undeterred by the weather. They romped amongst the shrubs playing catch, rode their bicycles and begged to swim in the pool.

  Luke and Kris had an amiable lunch with the remaining visitors. He made plans to drive two of the guests to the airport later. The rest decided to stay on another night. His fiancé had prior engagements that she had to keep for her father, and he would return to the house until she called him.

  When everyone retired to their rooms for a while, she found Almeira. "I hate asking you to do this, but I am so tired. I feel I need an hour's rest, too. Would you mind keeping an eye on the children? They are not really into mischief, but I don't want them going near the pool until I give them permission, and you know what kids are like."

  The old lady had no problem with her request as she planned to spend most of the time cooking in the kitchen where she could see into the garden where the children were playing.

  Later, when she awoke, Almeira gave her a note from Luke: Didn't want to wake you. When the master calls, I go. I'll be back tomorrow, but Raoul says he'll be at the house soon. Just as well, Marie Louise won't be around.

  Take care,

  Luke

  She heard Almeira calling the children as the storm closed in. Thunder and lightning made for quite a show over the sea. It was quite a spectacular sight as the wind whipped the trees around wildly.

  She glanced outside and felt that the wildness of the evening storm matched her mood. On impulse, she stepped onto the lawn. The rain had not yet started, and she enjoyed the cool air against her face. She decided to go to the beach for a short time and watch the wind slap the waves.

  As she felt the sand between her toes and the wind whip her clothing around her, she started to cry. She started walking blindly across the sands. Stinging tears coursed down her cheeks as she let go completely. She felt as though her heart would break. Her life felt like a rollercoaster ride, constantly going up and down. It was a shambles, and here she was bringing a baby into a loveless relationship.

  It was only when the rocky headland stood in front of her, and the rain started to pour, that she realised how far she had gone. She started running to the small craggy overhang of rocks, the thin cotton of her dress clinging to her body as she reached the rough shelter.

  Aghast, she looked down. The Indian cotton had become transparent, as had her skimpy underclothing. The pink nipples of her breasts pressed against the thin cloth, her bra of gossamer lace almost invisible. My goodness, she thought, how on earth will I return to the house like this? She shivered from the cold brought on by the heavy wind and driving rain.

  Cowering against the rocks, she became aware of the wind that was rising alarmingly. To her horror, she noticed the tide moving in fast. The expanse of beach she had run along so uncaringly was nearly under water, the waves crashed closer and closer. Only now did she realise her way back was about to be cut off. She started to panic and then thought she heard her name echoing in the wind.

  She shook her head in disbelief and stared hard through the driving rain. Don't be ridiculous, no one even knows where you are. Your mind is playing tricks on you.

  She heard it again, more distinct this time, and as she peered into the gloom, she thought she saw a figure coming toward her, straining into the wind. Who could it be? Not Luke, he had written the note saying that h
e wouldn't be back. A gust suddenly cleared the air for an instant and her heart stood still.

  Raoul? Raoul! How on earth had he known she'd be here?

  She shouted, "I'm here! Oh, Raoul, please hurry, I'm here!"

  He obviously heard because he waved an arm wildly in acknowledgement. As he drew closer she rushed out impulsively and threw herself into his strong arms.

  "Oh, Raoul, Raoul, thank God you're here." She could only sob. Strong arms forced her back to the meagre shelter of the rocks.

  "Shh, there, there." He cradled her against his body while she sobbed in relief.

  After a while, his fingers threaded themselves into her hair, lifting her face up so his mouth could crush onto hers. Raoul wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer. She clung, responding to his passion as she pressed herself against him, melting into him. Her mouth parted, waiting for his lips to touch hers, and a flooding sensation swept through her body. For a moment, their bodies locked together, oblivious to the tempest around them.