The Holly Project

by KA Sterritt

  Standing at the edge of the street-level apartment, I was greeted by a spectacular uninterrupted view of Lavender Bay and surrounds. The eight apartments were set at graduating levels going down to the water. The street level was the top, so from here I could see work happening on all the sub-levels. Leaning forward carefully, I waved to Jack, the site foreman, who was working on the next level down. He acknowledged me with a wave and a warm smile. As I stepped back from the edge, I was startled by a female voice.

  “Incredible, isn’t it?”

  I spun around.

  “Rachael?”

  “How are you, Holly?”

  Something in her tone made me glance around to see if Jack or any of the builders were able to still see me.

  “I didn’t know you’d be here,” I said, tentatively.

  “Of course you didn’t.”

  “Why are you here?”

  She took a few steps towards me and I glanced at the open drop behind me.

  “I thought it was about time we had a little chat about how you stole my man.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me, you little bitch.” She was now close enough to poke me in the chest. “Ryan is mine. He was mine before he met you and he’ll be mine long after you’re gone.”

  I really didn’t like the way she said gone. She had crazy eyes. There was clearly no point arguing with her.

  “So what’s your plan here, Rachael?” Instead of retreating, I took a step towards her. It caught her off guard.

  “My plan?”

  “Well, you lied to get me here. I’m assuming you have a plan.”

  “Of course I do.”

  “So let’s hear it.”

  She held up her left hand and waved a diamond ring in front of me. I felt the colour drain from my face.

  “Ryan and I are getting married. He proposed in London and we plan to tie the knot when we return to the UK next month. We hope to start a family – if we haven’t already.” She winked, rubbing her flat stomach.

  Nauseous and completely blindsided, I stumbled backwards. Ryan had lied to me and I had fallen for him all over again. Hook, line and sinker.

  “You’re a liar.” My voice sounded weak and unsure.

  “Look darling, you’ve been a bit of fun for him. But it’s time you stopped distracting him from his responsibilities.” She gave me a stronger push with her manicured fingers. “He belongs with me.”

  My high heel caught on the uneven surface and I stumbled backwards, knowing the edge was too close. It was a good twelve foot drop to the apartment below. Just before I fell, I saw the horrified look of the foreman watching from below. That cliché about seeing your life flash before your eyes as you plummet to inevitable doom is a load of crap. I just saw red. Then black. Then nothing.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Pain, blood, sweat, tool belt, sirens. Those were the things my brain could process as I drifted in and out of consciousness. The sirens got louder. Closer. Nothing made any sense except those bloody sirens. They made perfect sense. I was in trouble. Blackness descended again.

  When I came to, I was in the back of an ambulance. I knew it straight away. A paramedic was trying to get an oxygen mask over my mouth. I couldn’t move my neck – some sort of brace was restricting my movement. And the pain. My left leg was killing me.

  “What happened to me? Am I dead?” I asked.

  “Don’t worry. We’re getting you to the hospital, Holly. You’ll be fine.”

  “Audrey,” I whispered. “Call Audrey.”

  “The site foreman has made some calls. Just try to relax now.”

  I lifted the oxygen mask off my mouth. “So I’m not dead?”

  “Definitely not dead. You had a nasty fall. The foreman broke your fall, but you still took a fair knock to the head, and your leg is almost certainly broken. You need to lie still, though. You’ll be properly assessed at the hospital.”

  I stared at the ambulance roof. One minute I’d been staring out across the bay, waiting for Ryan to arrive. The next, I was being attacked. I closed my eyes as I remembered the flash of Rachael’s engagement ring. How could Ryan have done this to me? I had believed he was in love with me, that Rachael was a mistake he had put in the past.

  The pain in my leg was becoming more distant as I drifted off into a drug-induced sleep.

  When I woke up, I could smell jasmine. The hospital room was light, bordering on cheery. Plantation shutters are a decadent window dressing for a hospital, I thought to myself. Copious vases exploded with an array of beautiful flowers, including a large mass of jasmine. I suspected Dad was responsible for that arrangement.

  “Good morning, Holly.” A friendly looking nurse with grey hair and kind eyes stood at the end of the bed, holding a chart. “You’ve had a lot of people worried. Your boyfriend, Ryan, has barely left your side. He’ll be devastated he wasn’t here when you woke up. I think he’s getting coffee.”

  “Can you make sure he isn’t allowed back in here, please? I don’t want to see him yet.”

  The nurse looked confused, but nodded.

  “How long have I been out?”

  “You’ve drifted in and out for the last couple of days.”

  My leg was in a pretty intense-looking cast, and was suspended by some sort of contraption.

  “How would you describe your pain level between zero and ten, with zero being none at all and ten being unbearable?”

  “Four, maybe a five?” My heart is way beyond a ten.

  A handsome, middle-aged man entered the room wearing a white coat. A stethoscope hung around his neck.

  “Hello, Holly. My name is Doctor Asprey. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m a rock solid four and a half, thanks.” I held up my green button for self-administering pain drugs. “But soon I’ll feel nothing at all.”

  He smiled and took the chart from the nurse.

  “You’re one very lucky girl. If your fall hadn’t been broken by the foreman, this could be a very different conversation.”

  “I know. Jack saved my life. I’d really like to thank him.”

  “You’ll be able to do that soon. I’d like you to stay in a few more days for observation. We’ve done a CT scan on your head and spine and there are no fractures. You’re a tough one. There’s no swelling on your brain, just a nasty bump on your head that will go down soon. The haematomas will disappear in time, too. Your pain medication should take care of any headaches, and the nurses will take care of your post-traumatic stress evaluation.”

  “And my leg?”

  “It was a compound fracture, so we were able to operate without your consent. Your femur broke the skin, exposing you to air, dirt and bacteria. We needed to set the bone and close you up to avoid septicaemia. You’ll be in a cast for at least six weeks, then we’ll reassess.”

  “Thanks, Doctor.”

  “Do you feel strong enough to talk to the police?” asked the nurse. “They’re keen to get your statement.”

  “Sure, I guess. Can I see my family and friends first, though? But please, keep Ryan away. I’ll talk to him in my own time.”

  “Okay. I don’t think he’ll take the news well, but it’s your call.”

  She disappeared out the door and I sank back into my comfortable pillows – another thing I didn’t expect in a hospital. Breathing in the jasmine, I closed my eyes, realising how lucky I’d been. My number obviously wasn’t up.

  Audrey barrelled through the door first, closely followed by Zara, Jason, Dad, April and Jamie.

  “Why won’t you let Ryan in?” Audrey asked. “They had to physically restrain him out there.”

  “He and Rachael are engaged.” Saying it out loud, the pain was indescribable. I took a deep breath before explaining what Rachael had told me.

  “Oh my God.” Audrey looked stunned, as did everyone else in the room. “Did you know it was Ryan who had you transferred to this private hospital?”

  “No, I didn’t.” That explained th
e fancy room. “Not sure why he bothered.”

  I spent the next twenty minutes being interrogated, hugged and fussed over. Trying to convince them I was okay was no small feat.

  “Has Rachael been arrested?” Zara asked.

  “No idea. I’m seeing the police after you lot.”

  “Right. Then we’ll get out of here,” Dad said, herding everyone out. “We’ll be back later, sweetheart.” He kissed my cheek. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Once they were gone, two police officers approached me.

  “Hello Holly,” the policewoman said. “I’m Sergeant Piper and this is Constable Hanrahan.” She took out a black notebook and pen from the inside pocket of her leather jacket. “We have Ms Rachael Woods in custody. The foreman on site witnessed the incident. We’d just like to take your statement.”

  There wasn’t much to tell. I told them about our conversation and Rachael’s threatening words. They seemed to ask the same questions over and over, but eventually they seemed satisfied.

  “Thank you, Holly. We’ll be in touch.”

  I was startled by a commotion outside my room. The police officers walked towards the door just as Ryan burst in.

  “Holly. Oh my God. Holly.” He looked shattered. Stubble covered his usually clean-shaven face. His general appearance was dishevelled.

  Two men, who looked like security guards, were hot on his heels. “She doesn’t want to see you.” They seemed frantic. “You have to leave.”

  The police officers acted quickly, taking him by the arm.

  Despite my heartbreak, seeing him so distraught was unsettling. After all we’d been through, I’d let him tell me himself about his engagement. I could probably do with the closure.

  “It’s okay,” I called. “He can stay.”

  “Are you sure?” Constable Hanrahan asked. “We can stay if you need us.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be fine. He won’t be staying long.”

  Ryan looked relieved, yet confused and dejected.

  When we were alone, he approached my bed. I held my hand up. “That’s close enough.”

  He sat down on one of the seats and ran his hands through his messy hair. Then he looked at me with bleary eyes.

  “What’s going on, Holly? Why wouldn’t you let me see you? I’ve been losing my mind ever since I heard about your accident.”

  “It wasn’t an accident, Ryan.” I stared at the ceiling. I couldn’t look at him. “Your fiancée pushed me.”

  Ryan pulled his chair closer and reached for my hand. I pulled it away so he couldn’t touch me.

  “What? What fiancée? What are you talking about?”

  “Rachael has been arrested. She pushed me off the ledge.”

  “Holy shit, Holly. I’m so sorry. Thank God you’re okay.”

  “Yes, well, I survived. You can go now. You have a wedding to arrange.” I couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of my words.

  “What has that psycho said to you? She isn’t my fiancée. There is no way I would marry her.”

  “Words, Ryan. They’re just words. I saw her ring. She told me she might already be pregnant with your baby.”

  “Jesus Christ.” He stood up and paced the room, his fingers laced behind his neck. He turned suddenly. “And you believed her? You didn’t even think to ask me if it was true?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I was busy being pushed off a ledge.”

  Ryan slumped back down in his seat and put his face in his hands.

  I lay back on my pillows and stared at the ceiling. Niggling doubts were starting to seep into my consciousness.

  Eventually, he stood up again, closed the distance between us and gently picked up my left hand.

  “There’s only one woman for me, Holly, and I’m looking at her.”

  The intensity of his words annihilated me.

  “When I buy an engagement ring,” he continued. “I can assure you I won’t be putting it on anyone’s finger but yours.” He gently lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed it reverently.

  I was the world’s worst girlfriend. What was wrong with me? Was it my lack of relationship experience?

  “I’m sorry, babe.” Tears blocked my vision. “She was so convincing and I just… I just…” The lump in my throat was making it hard to speak. “I… I believed her. It made sense.”

  Ryan kissed me on the lips, caressing my head gently with his hand. “How could that possibly make sense? Crazy girl.”

  “I don’t know. I guess I should have waited for you to confirm or deny.”

  “I wish you had just known it couldn’t be true, but I guess we’re not there yet, are we?”

  I pulled him down so I could kiss him again. The relief I felt at having him so close was overwhelming. Thinking I’d lost him again had been so horrifying, and yet I could have resolved it so quickly. Clearly I had more to work on with my counsellor.

  “I spent over ten years convincing myself I didn’t have a future.”

  Ryan sat back down but didn’t let go of my hand.

  “Relationships weren’t something I ever entertained, for fear of anyone else going through what we went through when Mum died. I guess when I saw Rachael, I just reverted back to the old me, the one who always expected doom and gloom.”

  “I get it. I do. But we’re in this together now, you and me. Remember, until recently, I never thought I’d want to fully commit to a woman. My parents had pretty much seen to that. You changed all that for me. You are my future and I want to be yours.”

  The pain in my heart had subsided but the pain in my leg was becoming unbearable. I reached for the green button and gave it a few hard presses. Ryan’s concerned look was endearing.

  “Do you need a nurse? What can I do?”

  “I’m okay. The drugs will kick in soon. I’m getting a bit tired, though. It’s been a big day.” The afternoon sun was streaming through the windows, filling the room with light. I couldn’t help remembering the tiny, windowless room my mother had been in when she died.

  “I’ll let you get some sleep then, beautiful.” He stood up and kissed me gently.

  I grabbed his shirt and pulled him back down, demanding a better kiss. He obliged.

  “I’m sorry I doubted you, Ryan,” I whispered against his mouth.

  “It’s okay,” he replied. “You can make it up to me when you’re all fixed up.” His chuckle was infectious.

  “I look forward to that.” I kissed him again quickly.

  He walked towards the door, then glanced back. “I’ll be back a bit later, okay?”

  “I love you.”

  Striding with purpose back to my bedside, he cupped my face. “I love you too, Holly Rose Ashton. Don’t you ever forget it.”

  Epilogue

  “Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and to savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.” – PAPYRUS

  “Are we going by boat?” I asked, smiling broadly.

  “Of sorts. Hope you’re not afraid of heights?” He winked and I laughed.

  “I’m pretty sure heights aren’t an issue at sea level.” Squeezing his hand, I felt the warmth resonating through my body, knowing we were going back to the place it all started.

  “I remember that day so clearly,” he said, taking his hand from mine then wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

  Being late July, the cold winter winds were biting. Nestling into his side, we walked the short distance along the jetty to where Gary was waiting with his seaplane.

  “Feels like another lifetime.” I glanced down at my charm bracelet, where the tiny hu
mmingbird swung alongside the oyster.

  “How’s the leg? You know I’m more than willing to carry you.”

  “My leg is fine, but thanks for the offer.” I nudged him and he pulled me in closer. “I’m really looking forward to going back to the Hummingbird.”

  He kissed my head. “Me too.”

  Gary helped us into the seaplane and before we knew it, we were airborne. I was still blown away by the beauty of the city seen from above, but I think I might have squealed less than I did the first time. I was content to enjoy the fact that almost a whole year had passed since we last took this journey, and we were still together.

  The difference this time was that we were officially together, madly in love and deliriously happy.

  Six months had passed since the horrible incident at the building site. Thanks to a gun defence lawyer, Rachael avoided a criminal record – it couldn’t be proven that she meant for me to fall. I refused to spend any time worrying about whether justice had been served. It was of no consequence to me. She was back in London, out of the picture and I had the man.

  The cast came off my leg in early March, six weeks after leaving the hospital. The bone had healed well and after a few months of hydrotherapy, I now felt completely back to normal.

  Ryan had been my rock. At times, his overprotectiveness had irritated me. For several weeks after the cast was removed, he wouldn’t let me carry my things or help out around the apartment – our apartment. When I first left the hospital, he had insisted I move in with him so he could take care of me. I never moved out again. We were going to spend every night together anyway, so it made sense. I was sad to leave Audrey and Zara, but they were happy for me, and we saw each other all the time anyway.

  When the Aqua Vue project was completed, Ryan sold all the apartments, abandoning his plan to keep one for himself. The incident with Rachael had tarnished the building for him, and there was no way in hell I was going to live there. I still suffered nightmares. At first, I would wake up in a cold sweat almost nightly. Ryan would sit bolt upright, as if he had been waiting. He would talk to me until I was relaxed enough to fall asleep again. He loved me with everything he had, and for the first time in my life, I felt I had everything to give in return.