The Phoenix Project

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘It sounds as if he’s lucky even to be alive,’ said Sophie.

  ‘They’re coming across the bay now,’ called Charlie. ‘I can just see them. Won’t be long now, love.’

  ‘Thank heavens,’ she breathed.

  At least the rain had stayed away though it was still fairly windy. The boat bounced over the waves and she held her breath. Poor Drew was going to be so battered about. She hoped he was still unconscious in a way, as it meant he wouldn’t feel anything. She pulled her coat round herself again, shivering both with cold and fear. At last, the lifeboat reached the shore and was pushed up onto the beach. She ran down to see what was happening.

  ‘How is he?’ … the words tumbled out.

  ‘Not very good, I’m afraid,’ said a lifeboatman.

  ‘He’s got multiple injuries as you might expect. He’d been saved by some bushes near the base of the cliff. If he hadn’t fallen against them … well, he’d have gone straight into the sea.’

  ‘Oh my goodness,’ she murmured. She leaned over his prostrate form and peered in the growing light of early dawn.

  ‘Poor Drew, he looks so ill.’

  She felt tears burning in her eyes and turned away.

  The ambulance crew came rushing forward, ready to take him to hospital.

  ‘We can’t use the trolley on the sand, so we’ll have to carry him on the sled’ the woman said to the crew.

  Together they worked to lift him from the boat and carry him across to the waiting ambulance. It was fortunate that the tide was in so close so didn’t have too far to go.

  Rosie followed them as closely as she could, reaching her hand out to touch the man she now realised she loved. She hoped it wasn’t too late to let him know.

  Once they reached the ambulance, they put him onto the trolley and wheeled it up the ramp. She stood watching them stabilise him, thinking how utterly helpless she felt. She shuddered, thinking about her parents going through similar experiences. They had both died as the result of their accident. She was begging some god or other to keep him alive. Why was it everyone she loved had to suffer some terrible drama and be hurt so badly?

  ‘You could follow us in your car,’ Sophie the paramedic suggested.

  ‘Then you can get home again when you’re ready. Or maybe you should stay at home and wait to hear what’s going on.’

  ‘Oh no. I want to be there for him. Besides, I’d go mad just sitting at home.’

  ‘As you like, love. OK, Charlie? You look after him and I’ll drive.’

  They shut the doors at the rear of the ambulance and drove off to the hospital.

  Rosie went back to her car and was just setting off, when she saw the cliff rescuers pull up in their vehicle.

  ‘Has he gone?’ Sam asked.

  ‘Yes. I’m just about to follow them. Thank you all so much for all you did.’

  ‘No worries. Bit of a steep climb back up the cliff but we’re all safe. Hope he gets on OK. We’ll find out later.

  ‘Can I ring you? To let you know?’

  ‘You might never track us down. Don’t worry. We’ll speak to someone ourselves. You get off after your man.’

  ‘I will. Thanks again. You were marvellous.’

  She drove off to the hospital, ignoring speed limits and almost driving through red lights. How is he? she kept asking herself.

  Chapter 9

  The car park at the hospital was almost empty when Rosie arrived. She parked close to the area where the ambulance had driven in, and rushed into the building. She came to sudden stop, looking round in confusion, wondering where she needed to go.

  ‘Can I help you, miss?’ said a cheerful man behind a desk.

  ‘My … er, my boyfriend was just brought in. He fell down some cliffs and was badly injured.’

  ‘Wait there a minute.’

  He picked up the phone and turned away from her. He was spoke into it, then said ‘thank you’. He turned back to her.

  ‘You can go to the waiting room in Casualty. Someone over there will tell you what’s happening. Through that doorway and follow the sign.’

  He pointed and at the same time pressed the button to the automatic lock. She almost ran along the corridor as if were a matter of life and death that she was there. She burst into the area and spoke to the first person she saw.

  ‘Can you tell me how Drew Trevellas is? He was just brought in.’

  ‘Sorry, love, I’m also waiting to see how my man’s getting on.’

  ‘Sorry. Is there anyone who might be able to tell me?’

  ‘I’m not sure. Maybe you could do with a drink or something? There’s coffee in the machine over there, if you want some. Or tea, I think.’

  ‘Thanks. But I need to know how he is. I’m going to find someone.’ She went through some security doors and found herself in the treatment area.

  ‘Excuse me, but can you tell me how Drew is?’ she asked a nurse.

  ‘Sorry, you’ll have to wait out in the waiting room. Go back and I’ll see what I can find out.’

  She very firmly propelled Rosie out of the area.

  ‘I won’t be long. Help yourself to tea or coffee.’

  ‘I don’t want bloody tea or coffee! I want to know how he is.’ She turned back to look at the other woman.

  ‘Why does everyone think a cup of tea is the answer to everything?’

  ‘Maybe it’s the comfort it brings. My mum was always the same. Reached for the kettle at the first hint of anything wrong. I’m Mel, by the way.’

  ‘I’m Rosie. So what’s happened to your partner?’

  ‘Got into a fight. He got stabbed.’

  ‘Good lord. I’m sorry to hear that.’

  She was shocked at the casual way the woman had said it.

  ‘Oh, he’s a bouncer. Works at the nightclub. It isn’t the first time. Quite a dangerous job.’

  ‘I hope he’s all right.’

  ‘Oh, he’ll be fine. Keep him off work for a week or two but no doubt he’ll be back there before too long. What about your bloke?’

  ‘He … well, we think he fell off a cliff. He’s badly damaged. Unconscious. Not even sure he’s going to make it.’

  She turned away, overcome for the first time, having admitted to herself that Drew might actually die. She shuddered again at the thought. Where was the nurse? She said she’d come straight back to tell me the news.

  She wandered round the room, feet tapping and generally feeling impatient for answers. At last, the door opened and a nurse came out.

  ‘Right, well, he’s regained consciousness. He’s going to have X-rays and an MRI scan. Need to see what’s going on in his head. Fingers crossed, he’ll probably make it.’

  ‘What do you mean, probably?’

  ‘It’s hard to make statements about a long-term prognosis. We think he’ll make a recovery and the signs are looking positive at the moment. There’ll be more information after the tests. Why don’t you go back home and phone in later on? We’ll know more then.’

  ‘I couldn’t. I need to see him. Please, can’t I see him?’

  ‘I’ll have to ask. If so, it’ll only be a brief hallo. You understand that?’

  ‘Of course. I can’t imagine how he must be feeling. It’d do him good to know I’m here. Please explain that to the doctor.’

  ‘Wait there. I’ll go and see.’

  Rosie stood biting her nails. She even made one of them bleed slightly and cursed herself. The nurse came back.

  ‘OK. The doctor says you can go through and see him for just a minute. He’s conscious, but still pretty disoriented so don’t expect too much. He’s pretty battered, so try not to worry him with how he looks.’

  ‘Thank you. I won’t.’

  She followed the nurse through the double doors and into a corridor with a series of cubicles. One was curtained round it and the nurse held this open for her.

  ‘Drew. Hallo,’ she said softly.

  ‘Hi. Sorry …’

  ‘Don’t try t
o talk. I just wanted you to know I’m here, waiting for you. I know you’re going for X-rays and scans and stuff. I’ll be here when you get back. OK?’

  The nurse nodded to her and she said goodbye.

  ‘I love you, Drew!’ she flung at him as she left.

  She went back into the waiting room and sat down with tears flowing freely. The other woman looked at her but said nothing. She took some water over and left it beside her. Rosie glanced up.

  ‘Thank you,’ she managed to mutter.

  Feeling as if her life was on hold, she sat staring into space. She glanced at her watch. It was only just after ten o’clock, though she could have sworn it was the afternoon. She thought about the food she’d prepared at Drew’s place the evening before, then realised she hadn’t eaten anything since lunch yesterday, and that had only been a sandwich.

  ‘I need to get some food,’ she said and left the room to go to the canteen.

  She bought a roll and took it back with her. She wanted to be there when he came back from the various tests. She unpacked it and began to eat. It tasted like cardboard but she managed to finish it.

  ‘You feeling better now?’ asked the other woman.

  ‘I suppose so. I just feel so bloody helpless.’

  ‘He’s in the best place. They’re all ready to help him.’

  ‘I’m just so afraid he’s damaged something internally.’

  ‘How long have you been together?’

  ‘Oh well, I don’t know. I suppose we met about a year ago.’

  ‘We’ve been married for about fifteen years now. I suppose I’ve got used to this sort of thing.’

  ‘You can come through now. Your husband’s only had to have a couple of stitches put in, as it was more superficial than it initially looked. He’ll be ready to leave in a few hours.’

  ‘Thanks, nurse.’

  Mel got up and collected her bag.

  ‘Hope your bloke will be all right. Bye for now.’

  ‘Bye. Nice to have met you.’

  Rosie continued to wait, not exactly patiently. How long did they take to do an X-ray and a scan? It was almost midday when the nurse came back to her.

  ‘Sorry to keep you. Right now. One leg is broken and the other has been badly twisted. One arm is also broken. But the bump on his head is not too significant. Not saying it won’t hurt. He’ll have a blinding headache for a few days, no doubt. We’ll have to keep him in for observation, and until he can move around on his own.’

  ‘Thank you. Can I see him now?’

  ‘A few minutes. He’s being plastered at the moment. I just popped out to let you know what’s going on. You’ll be able to come through before he’s moved up to the ward. Then I expect you’ll need to go home and get some rest yourself. I don’t suppose you got much sleep last night?’

  ‘None at all. I do feel pretty weary, I must admit.’

  ‘Yes well, you’ll need to bring his shaving stuff in, and some toiletries. Perhaps something for him to read?’

  ‘All right. When he comes home again, will he be … well, sort of mobile?’

  ‘Depends on how he manages. He’ll need quite a bit of nursing, you realise. He won’t be able to do a lot for himself.’

  ‘Right. I’ll need to get myself organised.’

  Her mind raced through a string of options. The nurse went back to the ward and she was left on her own again. Perhaps she should move to the new house. It wasn’t quite finished but apart from some painting, it was almost ready, and could be used to live in. She needed to sort out the furniture. She probably had a few days and, with some persuasion, she might get the minimum basics delivered. She’d be happy to pay extra to get it there as soon as possible.

  Mentally, she made endless shopping lists of all the things she would need. Why on earth had she abandoned everything from her parent’s house? It would at least have done for the time being. A great start to her new home. She didn’t even have a bit of paper to make some notes.

  She decided to wait for a while to see him and then she’d go back home and begin to sort out their move. She assumed everything in Drew’s place belonged there and so wanted to make a fresh start.

  The nurse came back and said she could go through to see him.

  ‘Hope you’re a bit more comfortable now,’ Rosie asked him.

  ‘I think so. I’m sorry.’

  ‘Why on earth are you sorry? Don’t be silly.’

  ‘I was so clumsy. I should have been aware of someone behind me.’

  ‘You mean you were pushed over the cliff?’

  ‘Yes. Well, I think so. There was someone there and he stood close to me. He told me to get lost and then … well, I can only assume he pushed me. I don’t remember anything until it was dark. Then I thought I saw the light moving around at the top. I called out and obviously you heard me.’

  ‘You must have fallen at least forty feet. Luckily there were some bushes that broke your fall. Otherwise … doesn’t bear thinking about.’

  ‘I was still pretty stupid.’

  He closed his eyes. Rosie didn’t know if he was tired or reliving his experience.

  ‘I’d better go now. They’re going to move you up to a ward soon. I’ll come and see you this evening. And bring stuff with me. Anything special you’d like?’

  ‘My laptop would be good. Whoever would have thought an ordinary day out would end like this?’

  ‘I know, love. I’d better ask if you’re allowed to have the laptop. They may not like you to have to use it.’

  ‘OK. I must admit, I am pretty tired now. Thanks for being here.’

  ‘No worries. I’m pretty tired too. And I didn’t spend half the night semi-conscious!’

  She leaned over and kissed him. He looked a bit startled but made no comment.

  With a small sigh, she left him and went out of the Cubicle. She looked for a doctor, or at least a nurse, to ask a whole series of questions. She saw a doctor and pounced.

  ‘Excuse me. Can I ask you about Drew Trevellas?’

  ‘Oh, the guy who fell down the cliff?’

  ‘Yes. Only he didn’t fall, he was pushed. Anyway, that’s beside the point. I’m wondering how long you’ll keep him here and how much nursing he’ll need.’

  ‘He’ll be here for at least a couple of days. Maybe more. Depends how he gets on.’

  ‘Only a couple of days?’

  ‘Why? Is there a problem?’

  ‘Well, yes. He lives in a small house … well, more of a chalet, really. We’ve just built a new house but it isn’t totally finished yet. I wanted to move him in there straight from here. Trouble is, I need everything. Furniture, kitchen stuff, you name it. It’ll take me a few days to set it all up.’

  ‘I see. Well, maybe we can keep him a little longer. But he’ll want to get home again, won’t he?’

  ‘I’m sure he will. Please, can you consider it?’

  The doctor smiled.

  ‘We could keep him for around three or four days but, as I say, it really depends on how he progresses.’

  ‘OK. Thank you. The other thing I wanted to check. He’s asked me to bring his laptop. Is that all right?’

  ‘I can’t see why not. He might have headaches and not be able to read much but, yes, bring it in. He’ll have been moved to Ransom Ward when you come in later.’

  ‘Thank you very much.’

  ‘You look shattered Go home and get some rest.’

  ‘I may not have time, but thanks for the thought.’

  As Rosie drove away, she turned back towards the main town. She needed to buy a bed and a chest of drawers for each of the two bedrooms. At least the kitchen was now completed, and a cooker and fridge were in place. Heavens, she realised. I need two complete sets of bedding, too. She parked outside a furniture shop and went in. An hour later, she came out having secured a whole range of goods, promised for delivery in two days. They’d complained they would have to order it in specially, but she insisted on saving time by buying some of t
he stock they had. She then drove to a large store selling more gear she needed. She spent a small fortune in there too and came away with a car piled to the roof. She now felt much happier about moving into her new home. It had been a long time coming but she couldn’t help feeling excited. Weary, but excited.

  It was, by now, almost five o’clock and she felt as if she might fall down with tiredness. Realising she was hungry again, she looked in the fridge, found some eggs and made a quick omelette. She polished it off, then, resisting the temptation to fall asleep, drove round to her house. She hoped desperately that there were no more problems with it. She went inside and, apart from needing the odd touch of paint here and there, all seemed well. She dumped her latest purchases in their various rooms. It was actually rather exciting! Tomorrow, she decided she would come and finish off the painting – between visiting Drew, of course. The day after, the furniture was being delivered. Once it was in place and the beds made up, she would be ready for Drew to settle in. He would be so surprised when she drove him here instead of his own place. Happily surprised, she thought – and hoped.

  Evening visiting was at seven o’clock, so she went back to Drew’s and picked up things he might need. It was well after seven by the time she got back to the hospital. She found out where the ward was and walked what seemed like endless corridors. He was lying in bed, propped up on a heap of pillows. Oh crikey, she thought. I didn’t buy enough pillows.

  ‘Hi there, you,’ she said.

  ‘Rosie. Lovely to see you. I didn’t think you’d come back tonight. I thought you’d be fast asleep.’

  ‘Course I was coming. I’ve brought various things you might need, including your precious laptop.’

  ‘You really are a star. Thank you. I’m not sure how long they plan to keep me here. I hope it won’t be too long. It depends on how well I can cope with moving around.’

  ‘I expect it will take a few days. You’re restricted, what with having a broken arm as well as a leg. At least the head injury is nothing too serious or permanent.’

  They chatted about inconsequential things for a while until he said suddenly,

  ‘I’m wondering who it was who pushed me over the cliff.’