by Unknown
Red wine splattered the white porcelain, images of blood pooling on the car park tarmac as I spiralled back in time.
“Steph, Steph are you alright?”
I crouched in the corner, rocking to and fro as memories of the past assaulted me. They would not stop and when I tried to stand I staggered and reached out for the wall. James caught me in his strong arms and I let him. My legs felt weak and my head throbbed. I struggled to comprehend how one woman could be so evil. James led me back to the lounge and then rushed to get a glass of water that I gulped down. His face was ashen like mine.
“I'm so sorry, I just can't believe that she did that to you, to your husband to Charlotte's father” he kept shaking his head.
When I stopped sobbing I looked into my favourite blue eyes.
“What should we do? Shall we tell them? Shall we give it to the police!”
“Let’s sleep on it, it’s been a long day” James said. He stood and held out his hand. I grasped it, holding on tightly to my rock. Under the covers he spooned up against me and held on, he didn't sleep until I drifted off.
Chapter 57
That night my usual nightmare returned except it was different this time. As Felicity unveiled her face from the balaclava I burst from the trees. I launched at her to scratch at her eyes before clamping my hand over her mouth. She stopped fighting and fell limp in my grip. I let her fall to the ground before stepping away. I woke with a start, James was holding my shoulders as I had sat up in bed.
“Are you alright?”
“Just a nightmare, my usual one but it changed this time. I won, I beat her”
“Beat who? Won what?” James asked. I didn't answer just fell into his arms. My lips stilling any further questions.
My hands ran over the familiar lines and muscles of his chest, my lips trailing after them to tease him into an erection that would satisfy my sudden craving.
“Wait” he said, feeling my deep need to slide down atop of him. He wiggled down the bed so that his mouth and tongue could lick, suck and nibble. My orgasm dripped juice onto his tongue as I shuddered for him. He didn't stop as the second wave engulfed, followed by a third that fed my intensity to take him all. I moved from his tongue and back down his body. He groaned as his cock inched inside and my mouth silenced him. Gasping and groaning we moved together until the world slipped out of sync and left us breathless. We finished in a heap of sweaty limbs that we were reluctant to untangle.
In the bath the water cleared the sweat and I leant back against his welcome bulk.
“I think we need to tell them, let them listen to the cd”
“Really, I'm not sure Mitchell is strong enough to hear the full extent of his mother's cruelty”
“I owe it to Charlotte, so at least let me share it with her” I said “I've lived with that woman's shadow almost all my life and in a way I still will but I need to let go, move on, be happy”
James's fingers squeezed my shoulders, needing out the tension that had sprung into them just from the mention of her.
“Ok, we tell everyone this morning and then we make a pact to never mention her name again”
I turned and pressed my lips onto his once more. Reluctant to leave the warmth of the water but life had to go on. Before we left the bathroom James reeled me in and hugged me.
“You are so strong and I'm so lucky to have you by my side”
“You make me strong” I smiled and watched his return, blue sparkle in his eyes and the grin on his lips just for me.
With the kettle on James helped as we cooked up a storm and waited for our children to smell the bacon. Charlotte and Mitchell were the last to appear and I was worried to see her with such a pale sheen to her skin.
“Are you alright?” I asked, passing her a tea and watching her winch as she sat down.
“Tired and achy, oh well only a month or so to go now”
We kept conversation light over brunch until Darren posed the inevitable question.
“So did you listen to that disc? Was there anything on it?”
Mitchell and Charlotte seemed to visibly tense at the question, waiting for our answer.
“Yes we did and I'll suggest that we all listen to it together after we've finished eating” James said, glancing across to catch my eye. Darren and Sophie cleared the table and then we all went into the lounge. The cd was still in the machine as James pressed play and we listened again. The shock on their faces must have matched ours from last night.
“I never liked her, she frightened me” Sophie's hesitant voice filled the silence that had stretched between us.
“I still can't believe it but I guess she wouldn't have said those things if they weren't true” Darren joined in “Are you going to take it to the police?”
Mitchell and Charlotte remained silent; Mitch with his head bowed looked like he was holding back sobs. Charlotte just smiled, a strange sort of triumphant, knowing smile. Maybe in time she would tell me, for it was like this news was old news.
“I'd rather we didn't go to the police” Mitch stuttered “it’s bad enough everyone knowing she was my mother and how she died, I don't need this hanging over my head...our heads” his eyes looked straight at James and I knew he understood.
“Yes, we know the truth, we can choose to blame or forgive. I agree with Mitchell, this goes no further” Darren said, looking over at his younger brother. Sophie nodded and so did Charlotte.
“Stephanie, it’s your choice after all she's just solved a murder from twenty five years ago”
I looked around at my family, my husband James, Sophie and Darren perched together on the armchair. Charlotte and Mitchell were sitting on the sofa, hugging each other tight.
“Yes, we keep this but it goes no further. No police and no further investigations but I do have one request of you all?”
I waited as they all looked up.
“She is never referred to by name again. I'd like it if we could erase her completely from our lives but I know that's not possible”
“Agreed” James said.
“Agreed” Sophie and Darren replied.
“Agreed” Mitchell and then Charlotte said.
James took the cd from the machine and filed it away in the office. Sunday spread out in front of us when Charlotte's phone rang. She looked at the screen then went into the hall to answer it.
“Zach, how are you?”
“Good thanks but I wondered how it went at the house, with the cd”
“Everyone has heard it, we're not going to the police though and we have all promised not to mention her ever again”
“Oh, I'm surprised, just thought your Mum and you might have enjoyed seeing her name blackened some more”
Charlie paused, catching sight of Mitchell watching her from the doorway. She smiled at him, covering the slight stabbing pain she just felt.
“Look I've got to go but chat soon”
“Just one more thing, how much does Mitchell want for the Health Spa business, I might be interested”
“I'll tell him” she gasped, another shot of pain ripping through her. She dropped the phone, aware that he was still speaking.
“Mitchell...Mum” she wailed, as her waters broke. Mitchell was the first to reach her, scooping her up in his strong arms.
“Don't panic, sweetheart” he soothed. James already held the car keys as I held the phone.
“Shall I ring for the ambulance?”
James shook his head and opened the front door.
“Let’s not wait, get in the car. Darren run and let your grandparents know. Sophie can you grab some of Charlie's things and then follow when you can”
I marvelled at James' calm approach and realised that to him this was like a shout at the fire station. Mitchell laid Charlie on the back seat and then eased in so that her head rested on his lap. I jumped into the passenger seat and James sped off the drive. I guess he handled the traffic as if he were in the fire engine, luckily it was not busy on a Sunday. I spent m
ost of the journey looking into the back seat, watching as Mitchell kept her calm.
Pulling up at the hospital entrance I got out and raced inside to find help. Two paramedics found a stretcher and wheeled Charlotte inside and away from us. Then the waiting started. James parked the car and then found us with coffee in hand. I paced whilst the two of them sat. I glanced at them with each passing turn and saw the similarities in their posture, despite the fact they were not blood related. I guess it didn't matter, it was the feeling in the heart that did!
A nurse appeared and came over to us.
“She's asking for Mitchell”
I watched him stand up as James clapped him on the back.
“Go and be with her” he said, I smiled and nodded. Watching as he followed the Nurse through the doors.
“Would you like another coffee Nana?” James ribbed.
“Eh less of that Grampy” I laughed, sitting down next to him. Then we waited, our pile of polystyrene cups filled the bins. Darren and Sophie joined us and added to it with theirs.
“Do you think it was the shock of the news” Sophie asked.
“I don't know but I'm sure everything will be fine. No news is good news and first babies can take a while to arrive”
We started as Mitchell appeared through the door a few hours later, he looked tired but his eyes sparkled.
“They've arrived. A boy and a girl, both are fine but on the small side so they are going to keep them and Charlie in for a couple of days”
“Is she ok?” I asked, tears shining on my lashes.
“Yes, just tired but come in and see her and meet the little ones”
Sweat had plastered her hair to her forehead but as we all entered she looked up and grinned before casting her glance back to the bundles in her arms. Mitchell stood proudly by the one side of the bed so I took the other and peeped down at the tiny babies.
“Beautiful, so beautiful” I gasped, the tears now trickling down my cheeks.
“I know, I can't stop staring at them” she said. James leaned over my shoulder to take a look.
“Can I” I asked, reaching for the nearest baby, sandy blond hair and green eyes greeted me as I cradled her.
“Here Dad, would you like to hold one?” Mitch asked, picking up the little boy, dark hair but still with startling green eyes. James looked worried as the tiny baby was passed to him and he adjusted his arms to fit the baby in snugly. My heart melted just that little bit more, seeing James holding our first grandchild.
“I bought you some things from home” Sophie said, stepping forward with the overnight bag.
“Thanks Sophie”
“I can't believe they've arrived. They are gorgeous and look just like the two of you” she cooed, peeping at the one I held in my arms.
Darren nodded and then I saw a glance pass between the two of them, plans for their future I guessed. I looked more closely at the little lives and knew that there was no mistaking the parents, Sophie was right.
Looking up Mitchell had chosen that moment to lean and plant a kiss on Charlie's lips.
“You were incredible” he whispered.
“What even when I was swearing at you”
“Especially then”
“So have you chosen names yet?” James asked, the little lad starting to fidget and cry so he passed him back to Charlotte. I watched as she pushed aside the gown.
“Here goes, my first attempt” she said. A nurse had been hovering and came over to help. Darren and Sophie had stepped out of the room so I handed the little girl to Mitchell.
“We'll give you both some time, we'll be waiting outside” I said. With James' arms around my waist we crept out just as the little girl let out a scream of hunger.
“Now that's something I'm not looking forward to” James said “crying babies in the middle of the night”
I turned to admonish him but he was trying not to laugh and I joined in with him, both of us blown away at the new additions to our family.
“Guess I'd better let Sarah and Chris know”
“Yeah, I'll give Mum and Dad a call”
Chapter 58
Mitchell watched as Charlotte and the babies learnt to breast feed. She closed her eyes while he sat and held her hand. When he had seen the babies his first feelings were joy and then as he held them and looked into their tiny eyes he knew they were his. He guessed that if Zach really felt the need they could do the test but after spending time with the guy he guessed he'd be happy to let it go. Watching Charlotte in pain though had torn him up as she had gripped his hand and yelled and cried, but it had been worth it.
“You'll probably have to supplement them with bottles so at least Dad can get involved” the Nurse said, smiling at Mitchell.
“I plan too”
Settling them down to sleep the Nurse left them alone.
“Oh Mitchell, how can it be possible for me to love them so much”
“I feel it too, I just want to stay here and guard them, watch them” he said, both of them looking over in awe at the twins.
“They're perfect and I just know they are yours”
Mitchell nodded, finding a lump in his throat that just would not budge. Instead he turned to Charlotte, who held out her arms to him. She moved over so that he could climb on the bed beside her.
“So what shall we call them?”
“I hope you won't think this is corny but I want to name them after the characters in Dirty Dancing, especially since we have a boy and a girl”
Mitchell turned to look at her, his heart filling with even more love.
“So Francis and Johnny it is, we can decide middle names at a later date”
“Francis and Johnny Cooke” Charlotte confirmed “I know we're not married but....”
She never finished the sentence as Mitchell pressed his lips to hers again, then he kissed up to her ear and whispered.
“Marry me Charlotte, you're my world and I can't lose you again”
“Yes Mitchell, yes” she cried, tears of happiness spilling over to soak them both as their tongues entwined.
One of the babies murmured and they broke apart to watch as a little tongue stuck out of Johnny's mouth, he snuffled and then went back to sleep. Charlotte yawned and tried to hide it but Mitchell saw and climbed off the bed.
“I'm going to let you rest and I'll come back tomorrow, I guess with more visitors in tow”
“Thanks Mitch, I love you” her voice trailed off as she pulled the cover up.
“Night honey, take care” he whispered. He brushed a light kiss on her cheek, then very carefully a tiny one on each of the babies. Then he crept from the room, also feeling weary.
“So Dad, how are you feeling?” James joked, as the three of us left the hospital.
“Shattered, but over the moon. I just can't believe it. Charlotte's amazing and the babies are just” he couldn't finish the sentence, overcome by all the emotions.
“Come on, let’s get home. I believe some excited Great Grandparents are looking forward to hearing all about the new arrivals”
“Good job I took a couple of photo's on my phone then” Mitch said, opening it up to look again at the two of them. Then at the one he took of them with Charlotte, she had warned him not to share anything on Facebook until they were home.
Sophie and Darren had left a note on the table, as they had to drive home. Pam and Peter were waiting and I smelt the soup bubbling away on the cooker.
“Thought I'd do something useful and make supper” Pam said, taking in the tired but happy faces.
“Do you want to see them Nan?” Mitch asked, stepping forward with the phone.
“Real little beauties” she cooed.
“I can see they get their looks from their parents” Peter joined in.
“You can come and meet them tomorrow, think they want to keep them all in for a day or two”
“Try and stop us”
I checked the time and saw that it was late enough here for a call to New
Zealand so I stepped into the hallway.
“Dad”
“Stephanie. What a lovely surprise. You just caught me before I went to see your Mum”
“Dad, just wanted to let you know that Charlotte gave birth today. We have two beautiful babies in the family, a girl and a boy”
The line was silent for a minute before he spoke.
“Wow, I'm a great grampy now, can't take it in. Are they all ok?”
“Yes Dad, about a month or so early but small and perfectly formed. I don't know what they've decided to call them but as soon as they are home you can see them on Skype”
“Great idea, look I'd better go she gets agitated when I'm late”
“Bye Dad, give her my love”
“Will do, same back to you and everyone else”
The leek and potato soup was delicious and Pam insisted on putting a portion in a container for Charlotte.
“So did you decide upon names?” I asked.
“Yes, Francis and Johnny” Mitch replied, he was about to add something when I laughed.
“Trust my daughter to name them after film characters from Dirty Dancing”
“Well, I guess she thought it was a good idea after you named her after a character in Top Gun” James joked, I playfully nudged his arm.
“Think you're guilty too”
The phone ringing interrupted us and James went to answer it. He returned to the doorway holding it away from his ear.
“There's a mad woman squealing loudly, wanting to speak to you” he said, passing me the phone.
I spent an hour chatting to Sarah about the birth and everything before she rang off, promising to visit the following weekend if Chris let her get off the sofa. When I returned to the lounge Mitchell was head deep in the catalogues.
“I need to get some cribs and other stuff sorted, and can we dismantle the bed in Darren's old room. I thought I'd have more time to prepare”