Rooting for You!

by Bella Osborne

  After their meal Hudson took her to the Empire State Building. It was somewhere she had always wanted to go and it didn’t disappoint. She was beginning to master the super-fast lifts and was feeling quite brave until they were ushered out onto the chilly viewing platform and she froze. The breeze and the sight of the city stretched out below made her body go rigid. She couldn’t move a muscle.

  ‘Anna, it’s quite safe.’ Hudson held out his hand. She stared at it and marvelled at the speed of her racing heart.

  She shook her head. She couldn’t do this. She wasn’t even sure if she could make it back into the lift.

  ‘Anna.’ His voice was soothing. ‘You have conquered so much. You can’t come this far and then not see the view from up here.’

  ‘I can see it. Thanks,’ said Anna, darting a glance behind him and feeling her stomach flip.

  ‘But there’s something I want you to see.’ He tilted his head onto one side and beckoned her with his outstretched fingers. ‘Come on. You can do this.’

  Anna closed her eyes. She trusted Hudson. He hadn’t let her down. Logically she knew she wasn’t going to fall but the fear was still there. She relived the screams that woke her the night Esme fell. She imagined herself falling as Esme had done. Perhaps this was always to be her punishment for not being sober enough to stop it happening?

  Her eyes still shut, she felt Hudson’s hand close around hers and grip gently. His thumb bumped over her knuckles. ‘Anna? Are you ready? It’ll be worth it, I promise.’

  No, she was not ready. She would never be ready but if Hudson said it was worth it then her curiosity would pull her through. She opened her eyes and his smile encouraged her further. ‘Okay.’ Her voice was wobbly.

  Hudson pulled her gently forward and she took a tentative step. ‘What did you think of the creamed onions with dinner?’ he asked. She knew he was trying to distract her because she’d already tried to compare them to bread sauce, which was something her mother always made at Christmas but nobody really liked. ‘I preferred the creamed asparagus.’ She gave a quick look up and could see a brick wall with diamond-shaped mesh above it and then high metal railings. There was no way she was falling over the side. She kept repeating that in her head in an attempt to convince herself.

  ‘Really? I used to have it on toast as a kid.’

  ‘You’re quite posh then. I used to get excited when we had baked beans that weren’t supermarket value ones.’ She chuckled and realised they had now moved slowly round to the side and were away from the entrance.

  ‘And did you like the pumpkin pie?’

  ‘It was a bit sweet for me. And you can stop trying to distract me with questions about the food because I’m feeling less panicky now.’

  Hudson laughed. ‘You got me. Just a bit further and then I’ll show you what you’ve faced your fears for.’

  It was quite busy but they found a spot to stand in. The light was fading. It wouldn’t be long before it was dark; they wouldn’t be able to see much then. Not a great time of day to do this, she thought.

  ‘We’re going to be here for a while. I want you to lean against me and relax. Can you do that?’

  Leaning she was fine with. Resting her whole body against his she wasn’t sure about. Her pulse started to increase again and this time it had nothing to do with a fear of heights. She tried to be nonchalant. ‘Sure.’

  Hudson was standing behind her. She took a deep breath and let her body relax against his. There were a few people about but as the light faded they began dispersing. ‘Watch the streets and buildings,’ said Hudson, his voice hushed and close to her ear.

  She wasn’t sure what he meant. She didn’t like looking down so she’d focus on the buildings. But buildings weren’t going to do anything. This wasn’t Disney – they weren’t likely to pick up their lower floors and dance a tango. But then she saw it. Just a few at first. Lights were coming on all around them. It was like a show. Her eyes darted about trying to catch each new light when it appeared. She steeled herself and spied the street lights come on below her, followed by more and more.

  ‘Can you see Broadway? It’s the one not on the grid system.’ Hudson’s cheek brushed against hers as he drew a line in front of her.

  ‘Wow. Yes, I see. Why is that?’

  ‘It’s believed to be the oldest path on Manhattan. Originally it was called the Wickquasgeck Trail by the Native Americans. It actually ran the entire length of Manhattan, following an original ridge of land snaking through swamps and rocks. When they introduced the grid system they let Broadway stay as a grand boulevard. Probably to placate those who hated the rigidity of the blocks.’

  ‘I love history like that,’ said Anna, stifling a sigh.

  ‘Me too. I wonder about the people who were here all those years ago. If they could even begin to imagine what they were creating when they first started to build Manhattan.’

  They both drifted off on their thoughts and watched the lights sparkle below them as the night claimed the last of the day. Anna could feel the warmth of Hudson’s body behind her own and she felt safe. It was absurd being eighty-six floors up and yet she did feel safe. It was a sensation she wanted to hang on to.

  Anna felt oddly elated to have stood on the viewing deck and apart from her initial wobble she had enjoyed it. Perhaps at last she was leaving the past behind her and with it some of her guilt, fears and insecurities.

  Once back on the ground she could barely strain her neck back far enough to see the top of the building and she wondered at having been up that high. Her phone buzzed into life and she almost didn’t answer because it was a number she didn’t recognise although it was a country code she knew. It was the UK. Most likely a sales call but she took it anyway.

  ‘Hello. Is this Anna Strickland?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said, expecting the sales patter to follow.

  ‘Hi, I’m Greg. I’m a nurse from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Your parents were admitted earlier today and your mother is asking for you.’

  Anna struggled to take in what she was being told. Hudson was looking concerned, most likely at the shock on her own face. ‘What happened?’

  ‘They were involved in a car accident. Your mother has minor injuries but we’re keeping her in overnight as a precaution. Are you able to visit?’

  Anna’s eyes scanned around her. Taxis scooted by on one side and a throng of people on the other, the bright lights of New York all around her. ‘I’m in New York. I don’t know how quickly I can get a flight home.’

  ‘Oh, I’m sorry.’

  ‘No, it’s fine. Is my dad all right?’ There was a brief pause and Anna’s stomach lurched.

  ‘He’s in a different unit. I don’t have an up-to-date picture for him I’m afraid, but I’m sure they’ll tell you more when you get here.’

  ‘Which unit?’ Anna struggled to get the words out.

  ‘Critical Care.’ Anna stifled a sob.

  Hudson was already hailing a cab when she ended the call.

  ‘Let’s get you back to the hotel. We can check for flights on the way,’ said Hudson, opening the cab door and slipping in behind her.

  The next few hours had been a whirlwind. Hudson had got her booked onto a flight out of Newark, helped her pack and came with her to the airport. She’d given him a fleeting kiss before she’d entered security and she’d handled the flight like a pro. Nothing scared her more than the thought of her parents being hurt – getting to them had been all that mattered.

  The flight was long forgotten by the time the taxi deposited her at the hospital entrance. Once inside the hospital she was soon in a waiting room feeling like she’d been on fast-forward for the last eleven hours and now everything had come to a screaming halt. She watched the minutes tick by slowly on a white plastic clock. She was about to go in search of someone when a young man with a staff badge came in. ‘Anna Strickland?’ She nodded. ‘I’m Doctor Purcell.’

  Even in her distressed state she was still tempted to
ask how old he was. Wasn’t it a sign you were getting old if doctors and policemen looked young? ‘I’m a junior doctor here and I’m treating your father. Firstly, let me say your mother’s brain scan results are clear. She’ll likely be discharged later today.’ Anna didn’t even know her mum was going for a brain scan. It was like being in a soap opera. He continued. ‘Your father has sustained crush injuries. We’re keeping him sedated while we ascertain the damage.’

  ‘What does that mean?’

  ‘There’s significant damage to his right leg and he’s lost a lot of blood. There’s also a possibility of some internal bleeding, and if that’s the case we’ll need to operate to resolve that first.’

  ‘What are you waiting for?’

  ‘We don’t want to operate unless we have to. He has suffered significant trauma. The paramedics had to resuscitate him in the ambulance. And there’s still a lot of work to do to save his leg.’

  Anna gasped and felt warm tears run down her cheeks. It was the first time she’d cried. ‘Is there a possibility he could lose his leg?’

  ‘We hope it won’t come to that but we need him stable before we can undertake surgery. Then we’ll know more.’

  Thoughts buzzed around inside her head like angry bees. ‘Can I see him?’

  ‘Of course.’ He led the way through the warren of corridors.

  A swipe of his card had the double doors opening into a large ward. They passed lots of beds before finally stopping. Anna had to do a double take at the man lying motionless on the high hospital bed. It hardly looked like her father. He was surrounded by a great deal of monitoring devices all bleeping at different rhythms. She was overwhelmed with emotion.

  ‘Can I touch him?’ she asked.

  ‘Watch out for the cables. Otherwise it’s fine. I’ll leave you with the nurse – she’ll be able to answer any further questions.’

  Anna sat on the edge of the chair next to the bed and gripped her father’s hand. A young nurse stepped into view. ‘Try not to worry about all the machines. They’re here to help him. He’s doing fine.’

  Anna could barely drag her eyes away from her father’s pale battered face. It was like a horror film where you don’t want to look but something compels you to.

  ‘When will he wake up?’

  ‘He’s only asleep because of the medication. We need him to stay still until they’ve finished all the tests. Then he needs to go for surgery.’

  Anna swallowed. She couldn’t begin to think about what it might mean if he was to lose his leg. All the things he and her mum had planned for their retirement. She couldn’t bear the thought of him not being able to walk or worse.

  She stifled a sob and the nurse passed her a tissue box. ‘Press the red button if you need me or if there’s anything you’re concerned about.’ Anna nodded. Anything she was concerned about?That would be everything then.

  ‘Actually, my mum is in the hospital too but I don’t know where.’ Her voice broke and Anna knew she sounded pathetic but she couldn’t help it.

  ‘I’ve got a note about your mother. I’ll ring her ward and get an update for you. They might be able to wheel her down.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Never before had Anna meant those words more. She was totally helpless and at sea in this situation. Her parents were her rock; they were always there for her. Always the ones she turned to when the seas of life got rough but this was the one time they couldn’t help her.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Once Anna had fired off quick messages to Sophie and Hudson she switched her phone off again. She was about to ring the buzzer to get back into the critical care unit when her heart leaped at the sound of a familiar voice. ‘Anna!’

  ‘Mum.’ Anna couldn’t stop herself hurtling up the corridor and embracing her mum.

  ‘Ow, careful, love. I’m a bit sore.’ Her mum was in a large black wheelchair that made her seem small. Her temple showed a small graze but otherwise she looked fine.

  ‘Sorry. I’m so pleased to see you.’ Seeing her mum in better shape than her dad was a huge relief.

  The orderly pushing the wheelchair smiled. ‘She’s been discharged but she’ll need to take it easy for a few days. We’re on our way to CCU.’ He set off again and Anna walked alongside clutching her mother’s hand, which meant she was walking at an odd angle but she didn’t care.

  ‘Have you seen Dad?’ asked Anna.

  Claire shook her head. ‘But they’ve been wonderful at keeping me updated. I know he’s not out of the woods yet.’

  ‘But what if …’ Anna’s sentence was lost in fresh tears.

  ‘Now, now. You’re not to think like that. He needs us to be positive.’

  They reached the ward and the nurse came over to them. ‘Hi, Anna. And Mrs Strickland?’

  Claire nodded and the nurse crouched down in front of her. ‘Don’t be alarmed. They’ve taken your husband down to theatre.’ Anna could see the shock on her face and suspected she looked the same.

  ‘What happened?’ Claire’s voice was croaky.

  ‘His blood pressure took a drop. He’ll be in theatre for a while. Why don’t you go home and get some rest?’

  ‘No,’ said Claire and Anna together.

  ‘We’d rather be here,’ said Anna, gripping her mother’s hand.

  Sophie was busying herself with unpacking the pit that was Arlo’s school bag when Dave arrived home, gave her a kiss on the cheek and hung up his laptop bag. ‘Dave, you’ve not shaved again. What’s going on?’

  He leaned in and rubbed his stubble against her neck.

  ‘Gerroff,’ she said with a chuckle. She followed him through to the kitchen where Petal was in her high chair and she swapped an empty yogurt pot for two plastic Peppa Pigs.

  Dave blinked at them. ‘Two Peppas?’

  ‘In case she loses one. It’s okay, she probably thinks one is an evil twin.’

  Dave laughed. ‘Anything to report from the home front?’ he asked, pulling her into a hug and giving her a long slow kiss.

  When they pulled apart she had a think. ‘I went to buy Christmas cards and while I was choosing some nice family ones Arlo licked and stuck down pretty much every envelope within his reach.’

  ‘Does that mean we’re banned from the card shop?’ Dave said with a chuckle.

  ‘I think we need to give it a miss for a while at least. And Petal and I made Christmas decorations out of paper plates and foil.’

  ‘Excellent.’

  ‘Shizz,’ said Sophie, reading the message that popped up on her mobile.

  ‘Homemade stuff always is but the grandparents love it—’

  ‘No, not the decorations.’ She waved her phone at him. ‘Anna’s mum and dad have had an accident.’

  ‘Shit! Shit! Shit!’ shouted Petal happily as she bashed both Peppa Pigs on the high chair. Perhaps that alternative word wasn’t far enough away from the real thing, thought Sophie.

  Sophie filled up Maurice’s bowl and leaned against the cupboard while he ate. She wanted to call Anna to find out what was going on but she knew the last thing she needed in the middle of a medical emergency was people asking for an update. She was pleased to be able to help, even if it was only feeding Maurice. Sophie sat on the kitchen floor and gave the cat a stroke while he crunched on his food.

  ‘Anna will be back soon. I promise,’ she told him. He didn’t seem interested. She wondered if animals ever worried about anything or if they sailed through life simply living in the moment. She could see the benefits of the latter. When he’d had his fill he climbed onto Sophie’s lap and began kneading his claws into her jeans.

  ‘You’ve missed a bit of fuss, haven’t you, boy?’ He head-butted her hand in response. ‘In case you are worrying, don’t. Because—’

  She was interrupted by a tap on the door. Sophie lifted Maurice into her arms and tried to stand and realised for the first time how heavy he was. ‘Blimey, Maurice, you need to come to slimming club with me. You weigh a ton.’ Maurice gave her an offended
look as if he understood exactly what she’d said.

  Sophie struggled to the door and opened it. ‘Liam. Hi.’

  Liam didn’t appear impressed with how close Sophie was holding Maurice. ‘Is Anna in?’ He was already peering past Sophie into the flat.

  ‘No, she’s away on business.’ She wanted to keep things formal.

  ‘Right. I really need to speak to her about … some stuff.’ He looked cagey and Sophie wanted to know more.

  ‘She’s got a lot on right now, Liam. You turning up isn’t going to …’ She watched a lone tear slide down Liam’s face. ‘What’s wrong?’

  He hesitated before he spoke. ‘I’ve done something really stupid and I need to put it right.’

  ‘Come in,’ said Sophie, staggering backwards with the weight of the cat. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’

  After a few hours at the hospital Anna’s system seemed to run out of adrenaline and the fact she’d hardly slept in the last twenty-four hours made her eyelids heavy. It was dark outside and she could feel herself nodding off in the chair.

  She became aware of nursing staff on the move and she came to as a bed was wheeled in. Her father looked the same as he had done before – battered and bruised and with an almost grey tinge to his pallid skin. Claire struggled to her feet and Anna held her steady.

  ‘He’s fine,’ said a fresh-looking nurse. Anna assumed there had been a shift change at some point but the last few hours were a blur. ‘They’ve removed his spleen. That was what was causing the bleed.’

  ‘What does a spleen do?’ asked Claire.

  ‘It helps fight infection and make blood cells but it’s not essential. He’ll be able to function perfectly well without it. He’ll probably never notice it’s missing.’