Untitled Josephine Cox 4

by Josephine Cox

  ‘Oh, my God!’

  Suddenly, he rushed to take hold of Marie’s hand. ‘The family don’t know what’s happened!’ He shook his head in disbelief. ‘We have to contact them straight away! With everything that is going on we haven’t even told them.’ His voice broke with emotion. ‘Cathy is in there, probably fighting for her life, and her parents don’t even know.’

  ‘Oh, dear Lord! I haven’t been able to take everything in. My mind must have gone blank.’ Marie began shaking her head. ‘Oh, but what will it do to them? They’ll be shattered.’ She could not keep back the tears and started to cry noisily.

  ‘Please, Ronnie … will you do it, son? Will you tell them? Oh, God help us … be careful how you tell them, Ronnie. They’ll be devastated. But how can we make it any easier for them? It’s not possible. They will have to be told, but gently please, Ronnie, if you can?’

  Digging into her handbag, Marie hastily retrieved the torn-out notebook page where Anne had written the telephone number of the guesthouse. ‘Call them now, please, Ronnie.’ There was a row of telephone cubicles, she remembered, near the door. ‘You could phone from there.’ She handed the page to him. ‘Just say they’re needed. Whatever you do, you must not tell them the full truth over the telephone.’

  She dipped into her purse. ‘Here you are, son.’ She handed him some change, but then she had a thought, ‘Would it be any easier, if we asked that nurse whether we might use the office telephone? It would be much quicker and more private, don’t you think?’

  The two of them glanced over to the office nearby, to see a nurse on the telephone, and with her free hand busily writing on a sheet of paper. After a minute or so, she replaced the receiver and was heading their way.

  ‘Are you wanting to call anyone?’ she asked Marie. ‘You can use the telephone in my office, if you like. If anyone comes in while you’re on the phone, tell them that Matron Armstrong gave you permission. You can make your call in the quiet and privacy of my office.’

  Marie thanked her, quickly explaining, ‘Cathy’s parents don’t yet know about the accident and we desperately need to contact them. It would help Cathy so much to see them there when she opens her eyes … ’ Choking with emotion, she fell silent, but then recovered herself sufficiently to ask when they might know what was happening with Cathy.

  ‘I’ll try and find out what’s happening,’ the nurse promised. ‘We won’t know too much just yet, but rest assured, someone will be out shortly to give you an update.’

  As the matron hurried away to other duties, Ronnie lost no time in making the call.

  Nervous and ever tearful, Marie waited outside the office immensely grateful that he was here with her.

  A short time later, Ronnie emerged to meet a barrage of questions from Marie. ‘Are they all right? How long will it be before they get here? Oh, dear Lord, they must have been shocked to their roots.’ She began softly sobbing again, ‘It’s all such a terrible business, Ronnie. I pray to God that Cathy gets through this.’

  She glanced about her, beginning to panic. ‘Why hasn’t someone come to see us to let us know what’s happening? You would have thought that someone would update us, they must know how worried we are.’

  Ronnie gave her a reassuring hug. ‘Don’t get yourself in a state, Marie. I’m sure someone will be out soon to talk to you … update you. Meantime, let’s try not to panic. I’m sure she is in the best of hands.’

  Marie nodded. ‘I suppose you’re right. Let’s hope there are no insurmountable problems. Yes! Let’s pray that everything will be all right, eh?’ Taking out her handkerchief, she dabbed at her eyes to wipe away the falling tears. ‘I’m sorry, son, but it really is too hard to think of Cathy in there in pain. Oh, Ronnie!’ Shaking her head, she mumbled under her breath, ‘It’s all my fault … a punishment for my sins.’

  Ronnie could make no sense of what Marie was saying, and he could not envisage her ever having sinned in all her life.

  Her curious comment flew out of his mind, however, when suddenly there was a flurry of activity in the room where Cathy had been taken. Someone went in – another doctor, by the look of it, for he wore a white coat – and then someone else, who looked like a porter.

  Soon afterwards the door flew open and Cathy was being wheeled at a fair pace down the corridor and away. Marie and Ronnie had time to see that Cathy was fixed up to drips and was still unconscious. No one stopped to speak to them and, desperate for news though they were, they knew better than to delay what was obviously the journey to an operating theatre. After that, Marie again took to walking up and down, and Ronnie let her go without comment. Maybe she needed to keep moving, he told himself. He went to look out of the big window, growing concerned that there was no sign of Dave and Anne.

  Marie also was beginning to grow concerned, but she told Ronnie when he came wandering back to her, biting his nails, ‘The roads may still be impassable in places. Maybe they’ve been diverted and it will be taking a bit longer for them to get here than we would expect. Don’t worry, son, I’m sure they’ll be here any minute.’

  ‘Yes, I’m sure they will,’ Ronnie agreed and sat down to wait with ill-concealed impatience, gazing tearfully down the corridor where Cathy had been taken. Beneath his breath he said a little prayer for her to be brought back to them safely.

  ‘Marie?’

  ‘Yes, sweetheart?’ For the umpteenth time the two of them glanced along the corridor. ‘How long will it be before someone comes to tell us what’s happening with Cathy?’

  ‘I don’t know, Ronnie. But I’m sure they’ll come and tell us as soon as they can. Until then, we have to be patient. We must stay here, where they can find us. I know it’s not easy, but try to think the best – that they are doing all they can. They will bring her back to us, we have to believe that!’

  Her voice melted into sobs, and now she was in his arms. ‘Oh, dear Lord, Ronnie, I’m trying hard to be brave, but I’m so afraid. So frightened for my lovely girl!’ Clinging to him, she quietly sobbed, and he heard her muttering that she’d left it too late and she’d never forgive herself. But it didn’t seem the right moment to ask her what she meant.

  Suddenly, Anne and Dave were rushing towards where Ronnie and Marie sat huddled and crying, and their faces were a picture of emotion. Marie got up and hurried to meet them, and they all hugged and cried together.

  When everyone was seated and calmer, Ronnie answered their questions as best he could. ‘All we know so far is that she was rushed to the operating theatre. The matron told us that we should get some feedback on her condition soon.’

  Just then the matron arrived to see them.

  She explained that Cathy had been treated for broken limbs and other injuries. ‘She’s only just awake and no doubt she will be feeling uncomfortable and anxious. The nurse is reassuring her now. For the time being, please be patient. Someone will come and take you to her, in due course. The doctor has suggested only one visitor at a time, and for no longer than a few minutes. She needs the quiet for now. I’m sure you understand.’

  Everyone readily agreed, greatly relieved that Cathy was out of surgery and they might be allowed to see her if only for a moment.

  Ronnie offered to wait until each one of the family had seen her and then – if they were all right with that – he would then go in to see Cathy for a minute or two. Of course that was absolutely fine with everyone, and they thanked him for his thoughtfulness.

  It was not long before Matron returned, and Anne and Dave were the first ones to be taken to see Cathy. And though in her heart Marie knew that it was right, it cut her to the bone to be left waiting in that corridor with no right to see her Cathy, her girl.

  Marie saw how lost and lonely Ronnie was as he paced up and down, seemingly deep in thought.

  For a moment she was reluctant to disturb him, but then he turned to look at her, he gave a slight nod of the head, along with a sad little smile.

  In that moment Marie thought of Ronnie’s si
ster, Beth. The two of them had always been close, and just now he really must be missing her. Beth would have known how to reassure and comfort him. Marie was reminded of the worrying sight of Beth that morning, there in the cold, without even a coat on. Just why was she out there like that, and so very early in the day?

  Was her sour-tempered husband the cause of it? Had there been a row and he had actually shut her outside on purpose?

  With Cathy to worry about, Marie tried her best to block out the sorry image of a sad-looking Beth shivering on the doorstep of her house. But her thoughts went back to Dave and Anne, who were in with Cathy at this very moment, and she was deeply torn as to what she should do about her own dark secret regarding Cathy. She’d burdened them all with her secret for so long and relied on their support while she did nothing but dither about what was right or wrong. God, should Tony know that his daughter was lying here helpless in a hospital bed?

  She knew now that she could not leave it for much longer to tell Cathy the secret of her birth … but not just yet. Not until Cathy was strong enough. Thinking back to Beth and her earlier worries about her friend, Marie thought to broach the subject of his sister with Ronnie. Maybe he’d have news of how Beth was coping with her husband’s moods lately, and if it was good news she’d be pleased to have her mind put at rest when she had so many worries.

  ‘Have you heard from Beth recently?’ she asked.

  ‘No, I haven’t been in touch for a couple of weeks now,’ Ronnie said, ‘what with the new job and all …’

  ‘I can understand that,’ Marie sympathised. The last thing she intended was that Ronnie should see her enquiry as any kind of criticism. ‘I’m just thinking that maybe, what with her being the only family you have, and because she and Cathy get on so very well, you may want to call her and fill her in on what’s been happening. I think she’d want to know, even though the accident is such terrible news. It wouldn’t be fair to keep her in the dark.’

  She deliberately didn’t mention that she was worried about Beth and wanted to know if she was all right. If Ronnie telephoned he’d find out anyway, she hoped. It was no use planting more worries in his mind if all was okay with Beth. There was every chance that once Ronnie had spoken with his sister, and Beth had calmed him with her wise and supportive words, then Ronnie would feel better, too.

  ‘Maybe I should call her now, while I’ve got the chance,’ Ronnie said.

  Marie agreed. ‘Well, you’ve probably got time enough to do it before they let you go in to see Cathy. But don’t worry her, just say Cathy’s had an accident, and that she’s in hospital. She’s now back from surgery and, even better, we’ve just been told that she’s awake. We’ll be allowed to see her in a little while. But it might be best if you don’t tell Beth about the accident in detail. It might worry her even more.’

  ‘Beth will be upset though. She always was quick to tears, and as you probably know, she doesn’t get much love and care from that no-good husband of hers.’ His voice hardened. ‘Why she ever married him in the first place, I will never know.’

  He fell silent, as though he was thinking what to do for the best.

  ‘Look, Ronnie,’ Marie said, ‘I do understand what you’re saying. If you would rather not contact Beth until we’ve seen Cathy then I shall leave the decision to you. Where your sister is concerned, you know best.’

  Ronnie thought a moment longer.

  ‘No, Marie, I’ll call Beth now. I promise not to say anything that might alarm her unnecessarily.’

  Seeing the matron’s office was empty, Ronnie sneaked in and vowed to make it a quick call. He didn’t fancy feeding coins into a public call box and speaking to Beth where anyone could hear, especially as he didn’t trust himself not to break down.

  It was Beth who answered the phone and Ronnie was glad he didn’t have to speak to Mike. He really did dislike that man.

  Beth’s voice was small and nervous as she gave her name, as if she had shrunk and her confidence had evaporated, but when she heard Ronnie on the other end she rallied.

  ‘Oh, Ronnie, I am so pleased to hear from you … so pleased. I’ve been thinking about you lots and keeping my fingers crossed that things were working out for you.’

  ‘Well, kind of,’ said Ronnie. ‘I’ll tell you about me another time but I’m afraid I’m calling now with some bad news. It’s about Cathy …’

  He told Beth briefly what had happened and she was very upset, just as he had predicted. Then it was Ronnie’s turn to put on a brave face and try to reassure her, and talking up what little he knew of Cathy’s progress helped to bolster his own spirits. By the time he had finished speaking he was feeling stronger himself, but Beth was still tearful and back to the tiny little nervous voice.

  ‘You are okay, aren’t you, Beth? I mean, I have to go now – I’ve borrowed the matron’s phone and I shouldn’t really be in here – but I don’t want to leave you feeling bad. I’m sorry to have to ring with such awful news.’

  ‘It’s not your fault, Ronnie. Don’t be silly,’ Beth said, sniffing.

  ‘But you are all right?’

  ‘Yes … yes, of course I’m all right—’

  As she broke off, Ronnie thought he could hear Mike’s voice in the distance, bellowing for attention in his usual overbearing way.

  ‘Look, Ronnie, I have to go now. Please give my love to Cathy, and let me know how she is when you’ve seen her, if you can? And kisses to Cathy and Marie from me.’

  ‘Of course I will. And you take care, Beth.’ At the sound of Mike shouting again Ronnie rolled his eyes. It wasn’t hard to guess that Mike was continuing to give Beth a hard time. ‘And if I hear Mike’s been causing you any grief I’ll be down there and sorting him out. So just you tell me about that. Promise?’

  ‘Look, Ronnie, I really have to go. Love to Cathy. Love to everyone. Ring me soon … bye.’ And she rang off.

  Ronnie replaced the receiver on Matron’s telephone and hurried out of her office, his mouth tight at the thought of his lovely sister being bullied by that vile man she’d married. But when he saw Marie sitting where he had left her he painted on a smile for her.

  ‘Ronnie, how did Beth take the news?’ Marie asked worriedly.

  ‘As you might expect,’ Ronnie told her. ‘But she was much relieved that Cathy was out of the operating theatre. Oh, and she asked me to give you and Cathy a kiss from her … which I will be happy to do.’ And he promptly hugged Marie as hard as he could.

  ‘I can’t recall ever having prayed before – I mean really prayed – but I’ve been praying for Cathy ever since it happened.’ He closed his eyes for a brief second. ‘Seeing her lying there, broken and unconscious was something I will never forget as long as I live.’ He sucked in a tearful sigh. ‘I really thought I had lost her, Marie.’ As though ashamed, he turned away. ‘I’m sorry I should not be talking like that.’

  ‘You must not be afraid to say what’s in your mind and heart, Ronnie,’ Marie told him. ‘It was a shocking thing for you to witness, and I think you are both brave and strong of heart. I’m so very proud that Cathy has someone like you to love and be with … hopefully for a very, very long time.’ She gave him a motherly hug. ‘If ever two people were meant for each other, it’s you and Cathy.’

  Ronnie gave another big sigh. ‘I can’t help thinking that Cathy was lucky. She must have had a guardian angel looking after her.’

  He could see it all over again in his mind’s eye. ‘That horse could so easily have killed her. I daren’t even think of it. Honestly, Marie, I swear I shall have nightmares for a long time yet … seeing her being kicked like that. I was helpless, it happened so fast and the crowds were pushing and shoving, desperate to get away. I swear I will be forever grateful that Cathy was somehow snatched away from worse peril in time.’

  Too choked to answer, Marie acknowledged his dark memories with a nod of the head, and her strong arms about his broad shoulders.

  ‘You’ll get through it,’ she murmured.
‘We all will. I promise.’

  Ronnie was grateful for her wise words and the prospect that very soon, they would be able to see Cathy, even if only for a moment or so.

  Marie’s thoughts momentarily fled to Tony who, unknown to the poor girl lying unconscious in the next room, was Cathy’s rightful father.

  For the next few minutes Marie tried her best to push Tony out of her already troubled mind, but it stayed with her, niggling and worrying her. Should Tony know that Cathy was lying in hospital after such a horrific accident? The thought of Cathy caught up in all that panic, the horse bolting, the traffic in confusion, Cathy being surrounded by doctors and rushed into hospital and into surgery, it was utter mayhem. She knew Cathy was a fighter but she looked so small and broken. And the dilemma would not leave her. She tried to devise a situation which might let Tony know of Cathy’s predicament in a roundabout way, and leave it open for him to follow his own conscience. All manner of concerns and alternatives tore through her mind about how to tell him, without making it widely known.

  She knew that he loved Eileen, and that he would be deeply torn as to what he should do. In her heart, she believed that he should know, because at the end of the day he was Cathy’s father, and nothing would ever change that.

  But the truth was, Marie knew now that, before she told Tony, she would have to tell Cathy. But, supposing that Cathy survived this horrific ordeal, she could not risk a further shock to her system until Cathy was strong enough to learn the secret that had haunted Marie for all these years.

  And so Marie decided that since it was in the hands of those doctors, and the Good Lord, as to whether Cathy would ever come home again, she would just have to wait for Cathy to give her a sign that she was ready to hear the terrible truth.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  AFTER TALKING WITH Ronnie on the telephone, Beth sat on the arm of the chair, the telephone in her hand and her head spinning at the shocking news of Cathy’s accident in Blackpool.