“Thank you.” She said.
“You have a great voice.” The man chuckled. “You should use it more.”
“I am learning.” She struggled to speak.
“Good.” The man said. “Maybe one day we can have a long conversation.” The man waved to her and walked back to the counter.
Marie arrived in the canteen looking around for Sophie who waved to get her attention.
“Are you okay?” She signed.
Sophie nodded, eating a mouthful of cake as Marie sat down looking at the cake.
“Where did you get that?” She asked.
Sophie signed and shrugged her shoulders.
“Magic?” Marie laughed. “Oh really?”
Marie looked at the counter at the old man who gave her a thumbs up.
“Lovely man.” Marie said. “Going to share?” She looked at Sophie who was thinking about it. She then broke off a very tiny piece, teasing her.
“For you.” She signed and burst into giggles.
Marie picked up the cake and took a bite.
“Greedy!” Sophie said laughing.
“Are you sure you are okay?” Marie asked.
“Well.” Sophie paused. “A burger may cheer me up.”
“Really?” Marie asked.
Sophie pulled a face, pretending to be sad.
“Okay you win.” Marie got up and sat next to Sophie. “Give me a cuddle.”
Sophie wrapped her arms around Marie.
Kimimela sat in the passenger seat of the car which was parked in view of the hospital entrance. Jackson sat in the drivers’ seat, Elizabeth sat in the back. The engine was running and the heaters blasting hot air.
“It is so cold.” Jackson said, rubbing his hands together.
“You should have worn your gloves silly.” Kimimela said. “Then you wouldn’t be cold.”
Jackson nodded in defeat.
“What did you say to Sophie?” Elizabeth asked.
“I gave her the bear.” Kimimela said. “And said goodbye.”
“You know that you cannot see her again, don’t you?” Jackson said. “You have to move on.” He looked at her, his words were emotionless.
“I said I would see her again.” Kimimela said. “I promised.”
“You cannot.” Elizabeth leaned forward. “You know it is too dangerous to involve them.”
“Why?” Kimimela argued. “They helped me and looked after me.” She snapped. “Where were you when I needed you.” Her words harsh and angry.
“Kimimela.” Elizabeth reached forward and put her hand on her shoulder, she moved forward to avoid it.
“Leave her.” Jackson said to Elizabeth. “She needs time and she will understand.”
Elizabeth sat back in the seat.
“We are sorry we were not here, but it was unavoidable.” He sighed. “Nevertheless, we are here now.” He placed his hand on Kimimela who sobbed. “It will get better. I promise you.”
“Less go away.” Elizabeth changed the tone. “Let’s head back to the Cabin for a while, clear our heads.” She smiled. “Kimimela loves the forest and the lake.”
Kimimela turned around and faced Elizabeth.
“I dreamt about a forest and lake.” She said trying to think. “I saw a white dog and butterflies.”
“A white dog?” Jackson said and looked at Elizabeth in worry. “What else?”
“Butterflies.” She replied softly. “Lots of butterflies.”
SIX
Jackson looked out of the window at the bus stop on the opposite side of the street and sighed.
“What is it?” Elizabeth said.
“She has been sitting at that stop for over an hour now.” Jackson said.
“Why is that bothering you?” Elizabeth asked.
Elizabeth sat on the three-seater black couch in the centre of the room, in front of it was a long wooden black table with a single armchair on each end also in black. A silver circular tray sat at the middle of the table with two steaming mugs of tea. The window ran the length of the room, silver slat blinds that were closed. At the back of the room was shelving units which ran the length of the room, filled with hundreds of books collected over time. A door leading to the hall on one side and on the other were several glass frames with various designs of dream catchers. The walls were painted brilliant white, the floors polished wood. Spotlights and mood lighting lit up the walls at the edge of the ceiling, leaving the room dimly lit.
“Because several buses have been and gone.” Jackson said in frustration. “She must be here to see Kimimela.” Jackson wore blue jogging bottoms and a grey sweatshirt that was wet from perspiration.
“Or maybe she is here by accident?” Elizabeth said. “Come and sit down. Drink your tea.”
“She must be cold.” Jackson said. “And wet.”
“We cannot get involved.” Elizabeth said. “You know how it is.”
Jackson turned and faced Elizabeth.
“Maybe things need to change?” Jackson said. “Times change.”
“This is Kimimela’s decision.” Elizabeth sat forward. “She believes this is the best way.”
“She is a child!” Jackson said.
“I know.” Elizabeth said. “I know.”
There was a click and the door opened. Kimimela walked in holding a bottle of water, closing the door behind her she walked over to the armchair and sat down. Her hair had been cut short, an inch or so in length and messy. She was wearing shorts and a large t-shirt.
“What were you talking about?” Kimimela asked.
“Nothing.” Elizabeth said, attempting to tidy Kimimela’s hair. “Why did you cut your beautiful hair?”
“I wanted a change.” Kimimela said, brushing her hair back. “How long has she been outside?” She asked Jackson.
“How do you know?” Jackson asked.
“I can see her from upstairs.” Kimimela said. “She keeps looking towards the house.”
“She will get cold and leave.” Elizabeth said.
“How did she know how to find us?” Kimimela said, drinking from the bottle.
“Marie knew where the house was from when she found you.” Jackson explained. “Maybe she gave it to her?”
“She promised she wouldn’t.” Elizabeth said.
“What do you want me to do?” Jackson said, looking at Elizabeth and then to Kimimela.
“Tell her that I have gone back to America to live with family.” She said. “Tell her I don’t want to see her anymore.
Jackson sighed.
“Are you sure?” He asked.
“Yes.” Kimimela said. “It is the only way.”
Jackson nodded.
The rain hammered down on the bus stop shelter and the wind howled. It was dark and the small light barely illuminated the stop.
Sophie looked down at the leaves that blew around her feet, she shivered at the gust of wind that nearly knocked her from the seat.
She looked at the house opposite, trying to decide if she had made the right decision by coming.
She wore a red bobble hat, a puffer jacket that came down to her knees. Black jeans under and white trainers.
The house was where she had met Kimimela for the first time, she had found details on Marie’s mobile and made her way there by bus. For the last hour she had sat at the bus stop, thinking about what to say. Under her arm she had the teddy bear that was given to her by Kimimela.
Five weeks had passed since Kimimela had left, and she had not seen her since. She had been in touch through Marie but only to be told that Kimimela was away, or too busy to meet. Marie had gone over to the house on several occasions only to be threatened with legal action and turned away. Marie had contacted Valerie who in return contacted the Browns who stated it was Kimimela who no longer wanted to see Marie or Sophie and wanted to move on with her life.
Sophie wanted to visit by Marie refused to let her, saying that it would only result in her feeling worse.
Sophie shivered in the cold
, pulling her coat tighter, she felt her mobile buzz and removed it from her pocket.
# What time are you home? # A message from Marie.
# After dinner. My friends mum is dropping me home # Sophie replied.
Sophie sighed and put the mobile away.
Looking up and down the street, she ran across the road towards the house, stepping over the chain link fence she could see Jackson looking through the window.
Sophie waved, but he closed the blind.
Sophie got to the front door and knocked.
She waited for a few minutes but there was no reply, so she knocked louder.
The door opened slightly, and Jackson stood in the doorway.
“Hello Sophie.” Jackson said and signed.
“You know how to sign.” Sophie said in surprise. “Hi.”
“Yes, I know a little.” He responded slowly. “How can I help you.”
“Can I see Kimimela?” She asked.
“I am sorry.” Jackson apologised and paused. “Kimimela went back to America last week.”
Sophie's heart dropped and her face turned to disappointment.
“What?” She said. “Why?” her voice breaking through.
“She wanted to be with family.” Jackson said, he could feel his own heart becoming heavy. “She had too many bad memories of this place.”
“When is she coming home?” Sophie asked.
“I am sorry.” Jackson said. “She has gone for good.”
“But I wanted to see her.” Sophie wiped tears from her face. “I miss her.”
“You are better to move on with your life now Sophie.” Jackson said. “You will not see her again.”
“She lied.” Sophie said. “She promised me she would see me again.”
The door opened and Elizabeth squeezed through, holding the door half closed.
“What is going on?” Elizabeth asked. “What is wrong?” She looked at Jackson.
“She is upset about Kimimela leaving.” Jackson said.
“Can I have her contact details please?” Sophie asked. “Maybe I can email her?” She tried to speak through the tears. “Or maybe text her.”
“I am sorry Sophie.” Elizabeth said abruptly. “Kimimela doesn’t want to see you again.”
“Did she say that?” Sophie asked.
“Yes.” Jackson said.
“No!” Sophie screamed, her voice muffled and barely understandable. “No. I hate you!” She screamed and threw the teddy bear on the doorstep and ran off crying.
Elizabeth walked away and Jackson bent down, picking up the teddy bear and closing the door.
Kimimela sat on the stairs, tears running down her face as she watched Jackson approach her.
“Here.” He handed her the teddy bear. “I do not understand why you had to do this.” He sniffed. “But that poor girls’ heart has been shattered.” He walked away, following Elizabeth into the kitchen.
Kimimela cradled the soaking bear and sobbed, tears trickled down her face.
Sophie screamed out in frustration, crying as she ran down the street. Her heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to breath, the rain blurring her vision as she swerved around people to avoid them, running as fast as she could until her legs would no longer hold her.
The path ahead was blocked, and she didn’t want to stop, angry, frustrated and sad she ignored everything and everyone around her.
A moment of distraction, she didn’t think and ran into the road.
The car had no time to stop, slamming on the brakes in the rain made little difference when Sophie tried to get out of the way of the headlights of the car that came towards her, time slowed down when she closed her eyes.
She felt her legs crack when they met the front of the car, throwing her against the bonnet and into the windscreen head first. Her head was filled with a mass of stars and white pain, dazing and numbing her. She was thrown over the roof of the car and landed like a discarded rag doll in the middle of the road, her eyes wide open and her jaw twitching as she struggled to breathe. The car behind slowed down, dimming the lights. Screams and gasps filled the air as Sophie’s eyes closed and the cold and darkness enveloped her.
Tina opened the glass door to the waiting room and looked around, sighing when she saw Marie asleep across two of the chairs. One end of the room was dimly lit and the other harshly lit. There was decorators scaffolding set up, ladders and paint tins piled up at the centre of the room. Most of the seating had dust sheets draped over them.
Tina was dressed in dark red theatre scrubs and pink crocs. Her white socks were visible, and she had a white t-shirt on under the top. Her hair neatly tucked under the theatre cap. She was tall and slim, olive skin and brown hair. She held a mobile in her hand and a coffee in the other.
Walking over to the chair, she put the mobile and coffee on the floor, bending down in front of Marie.
“Marie.” Tina’s voice startled her. “Marie wake up.”
Marie opened her eyes, groaning as she sat up in the waiting room chair. She looked around in confusion at the empty room before realising where she was and stood up in a panic.
“Is she ok?” Marie snapped. “Please tell me she is ok!” Marie was in tears, hyperventilating.
“Stop.” Tina said, her hands gripped Marie’s arms. “She is stable.”
Marie gasped.
“Sit down.” Tina said, guiding her down.
“How bad?” Marie said, her voice shaking. “How bad is it?”
“She has sustained a break to her right shin and ankle, some ribs and her right arm.” Tina sighed. “She has a small pneumothorax and has swelling and bleeding on the brain, as well as a skull fracture. He heart stopped twice during surgery to stabilise her and with the current history I’m concerned it will fail again.”
Marie whimpered, breaking into sobs.
“Her cardiologist is with her now, accessing her printouts. How has she been generally?” Tina asked.
“She has been fine.” Marie stuttered. “No health issues, other than shortness of breath and tiredness. Which is normal.”
“Okay.” Tina smiled. “I know she is on the register.”
Marie nodded.
“We are doing out best for her.” Tina took hold of Marie’s hand. “I promise you.”
“When can I see her?” She asked.
“She is in recovery at the moment, I am waiting for the paediatric team to transfer her up to the intensive care unit when I am happy.” Tina said. “This may not sound much, but she is very strong.”
“What are her chances?” Marie asked.
“You know I don’t believe in commenting.” Tina said and sighed. “As I said she is a strong girl.”
“How did this happen?” Marie said. “Where?”
“Have you not been updated?” Tina said, picking up her mobile. “Have you seen the police?”
“No. I arrived here and was told by a nurse to wait, that was hours ago.” Tina said, her voice becoming frantic. “I cannot believe I fell asleep!” She was angry with herself.
“Okay stop that.” Tina said. “You have had one hell of a shock, no one blames you for falling asleep.” Tina unlocked her mobile. “Okay this is the information I have.” She scrolled down and then bent down, picking up the coffee and handing it to Marie. “Drink that.”
“I am okay thanks.” Marie ignored the coffee.
“That wasn’t a request.” Tina said abruptly. “You are no good to anyone if you go into shock. You have been here for hours with no food or drink.”
Marie took the coffee and smiled reluctantly.
“This is what I have.” Tina read the information off her mobile. “She came in yesterday at fifteen twenty-seven, road traffic accident off the high street, near the new shopping mall.” She continued to scroll. “According to eyewitnesses she was agitated and upset prior to running into the road.”
“She knew better than that.” Marie scoffed. “Why would she run?” She shook her head. “Let alone run i
nto the main road.”
“Is it possible she was being chased?” Tina asked. “Then again that would have been reported.
“Wait.” Marie was thinking. “Is that near where the old Victorian buildings are?”
“The pricey area?” Tina opened the maps on her mobile and scrolled into the area. “Here?” She showed Marie the screen.
“I know where she has been.” Marie scoffed. “I need to make a call.” She pulled her mobile from her pocket.
“Ok I am going to grab some food for us both, and some fresh coffee.” Tina got up, putting her mobile away. “Stay here please and I will take you up after.”
Marie nodded, dialling her mobile and walking over to a window, leaning up against the wall she placed the mobile onto the ledge and put the loudspeaker on.
The line rang out for a couple of minutes and was eventually answered by Jackson.
“Do you have any idea on the time?!” Jackson was angry. “And I thought we made it clear not to contact us!”
“Wait.” Marie snapped. “I need to ask you a question and it’s important.”
“What is so important it couldn’t wait?” Jackson said.
“Did Sophie come to the house yesterday.” Marie asked softly.
There was the sound of Jackson moving around and sitting up in the bed.
“She did. Did you not know?” Jackson whispered.
“No.” Marie said. “What happened?”
“She turned up out of the blue and wanted to see Kimimela.” Jackson sighed. “She was quite upset when we explained that she couldn’t see her anymore. She stormed off before I could say any more.” Jackson said. “Did something happen?”
“She was hit by a car.” Marie said, her voice wavering.
“I am sorry to hear that. Is she okay?” Jackson said.
“No.” Marie grit her teeth. “No, she isn’t okay. She is fighting for her life because none of you could appreciate how much she loved Kimimela.” Marie punched the wall. “You know what. You can all go to hell!” She snarled. “I am going to make it my personal mission to see the police deeply look into what messed up bullshit you have going on!” Marie grabbed the phone, screamed in anger and hurled the mobile across the room. The phone hit the wall with a thump, denting the newly painted plasterboard and then landed on the floor.
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