CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (16 page)

Ok, I got that wrong?

Why did I think there was more, that
Tristan was hiding something from me?

“Why didn’t you just say that to me
earlier?” I question, but he doesn’t answer me. “Tristan!” I prompt.

“What happened in the hospital Coral?” He
questions, ignoring me.

“In the hospital?” I ask completely thrown.

“Yes, you had a dream…I think, a nightmare
maybe, I don’t know. But you said you would tell me,” he says, finally looking
at me.

“Oh, that…” I whisper, frowning at his
chest.

“Tell me baby,” he says.

“I…I think I remember dying,” I whisper.

Tristan inhales sharply. “You do?”

I nod again. “Yeah…it was really weird, I
was at my studio. I remember it was really foggy and I couldn’t feel my feet
hitting the ground, it was like…like I was floating. Anyway, I saw this white
bright light, so I went to investigate. It was my Mom Tristan, she was there
talking to me, only she didn’t look like my Mom but I knew it was her.

“She said that she was sorry, and that
she’d been watching me, and that I had to leave her to come back here to you,
she said that you needed me, then all I remember is pain, horrific pain and
someone shouting ‘she’s back’.” I swallow hard and look up at him.

“She’s back?” He questions. I nod solemnly
at him. “Are you scared about it?” He asks his eyes wide.

“No, just a little freaked out. Do you
think it’s true, that is was my Mom?”

“I couldn’t say Coral,” he says shaking his
head. “But when Gran…right before she died she held her hand up in the air and
said hello to my Gramps.” He says swallowing hard.

I gasp. “She did?”

“Yeah…it was a very bitter-sweet moment. I
didn’t want her to go, but I also thought if that’s really true, and we meet
the ones that we loved when we die, then I should feel happy for her, relieved
even. But it doesn’t matter what I think, what do you believe Coral? Do you
think it was your mother?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Did she bring you comfort?”

“Yeah…it was weird. It felt like it did
before things got bad, when we were all happy. I remember arguing with her that
I wanted to stay, I think it’s because wherever I was, there was no pain, no
hate, no anger or rage, just peace and tranquility.”

“Then I’d stick with that baby,” he says.
“It’s late,” he adds, sliding down the bed and carefully wrapping me in his
arms.

“I know,” I say, feeling sleepy again.

“I have some more questions Coral, but this
one can wait until tomorrow,” he says.

“Ok…” I mumble.

“Sleep now gorgeous.” Tristan starts
humming Some Enchanted Evening to me as he gently strokes my back. Hmm, with a
contented sigh I drift off into a peaceful sleep…

I WAKE UP WITH THE MOST HORRENDOUS
stabbing pain in my chest.
Holy Fuck!
Am I having a heart
attack? I draw in as much breath as I can and shout for Tristan, he comes
bounding out of the bathroom, completely naked, dripping soap suds all over the
place.

“Shit Coral, what wrong?” He shouts dashing
over to me.

“I don’t know,” I pant. “Can't…breathe!”

“Fuck!” Picking up his mobile, he presses a
button and puts it to his ear. “Ambulance,” he shouts, then there’s a knock on
the door. Tristan grabs his t-shirt from the chair, covers up his man-bits, and
opens the door. I see his face fall with relief. “Terry, thank god…I’ve called
for an ambulance. Do I need one?”

Terry steps hurriedly into the room, takes
one look in my direction and dashes over to me. Within seconds, I feel the painkillers
flooding my system, I sag with relief.

“Oh thank god!” I hear Tristan say.

“Coral, what happened?” Terry asks.

“Woke up, couldn’t breathe, sharp stabbing
pain in my chest.” She nods and looks up at Tristan. “I think she’ll be fine,”
she says. “Probably slept funny.”

“You’re sure?” He questions.

“Yes, but if you disagree’ – “I’m not going
back to hospital. I feel fine now.” I interrupt.

“I’ll call Dr Green, see if she can come
here,” he says, hanging up. “I apologise for the way I’m dressed…or not dressed,”
he adds to Nurse Terry, his cheeks flaming as he walks backwards into the bathroom.

I can't help chuckling at him. “Looking
good there Tristan,” I tease, winking at him.

He stops at the door, cocks his head to the
side then shakes his head in exasperation at me, which makes me laugh even more.
Terry stifles a couple of giggles as Tristan quickly closes the door, but when
she turns to me I see her cheeks are flushed, her eyes dilated, and she seems
to be all fingers and thumbs.

“Feeling better?” She squeaks a little high
pitched.

“Yeah, the pain’s gone,” I say, trying not
to smirk at her. “So you think I was sleeping funny or something?” I question.

“Yes, that’s my guess,” she ponders. “Have
you done any physical exercise?”

“No,” I answer dryly.

“Good. Have you been having sex?” She asks.

“No, unfortunately not,” I mumble.

“Not that then,” she says. “Although I have
to ask; how can you resist him?” she blurts, then slaps her hand to her mouth.
I don’t think she meant to say that.

“I can't,” I laugh. “He’s denying me!”

“Ah, well probably best,” she says standing
up to leave. I think she feels a little embarrassed. “Well I certainly feel
awake now,” she adds. “That was an eye opener.”

“I think Tristan was very embarrassed,” I
chuckle.

“Yes, I think he was too,” she says. “Well
I’ll be off, see you later.”

“Bye Terry.” She smiles at me as she heads
out the door, with very red cheeks.

I look up at the new clock on the wall,
7.30am.
Great!

It’s not going to be long until the
detective is here – I suddenly feel wide awake, no point lying in bed trying to
get back to sleep; besides I’m starving!

The door knocks again, and Edith enters
with another tray. “Good morning Coral.” She says handing me a glass of what I
think is my veggie juice, and placing one on the side for Tristan.

“Wow, thanks Edith.” I say and glug half
the glass down.

“How on earth can you drink that?” She says
shaking her head.

“It’s good for you,” I say, smiling up at
her.

“Do you have one every morning?” She asks.

“Yeah…pretty much,” I say.

“Right you are.” She says heading out of
the room.

“Edith!” I call.

“Yes dear?” She turns and smiles at me. “Um…well’
– “Spit it out!” she says impatiently.

Ok, now I’m a little intimidated!
She really is a straightforward talking kind of woman! Which is
making me want to just make my own breakfast, but I know if I go down there and
try to make myself something, Tristan will go bonkers –
It’s ridiculous!

“I’m hungry,” I whisper.

She smiles warmly at me. “What would you
like?” She asks.

I think about it for a second. It’s
something I haven’t had in a while, and I feel like I’m craving it; which is
weird? –
Yep! Decision made!

“Boiled eggs?” I ask.

“With tea and toast?” Edith asks.

“Marmite soldiers?” I ask, feeling like a
child with Gladys.

Edith chuckles. “A fan of Marmite eh?” I
nod vigorously then drink more juice. “As is Tristan,” she says.
Huh! I
never knew that?

“Come down when you’re ready lass,” she
says.

“Ok.” I smile. “Oh…and Edith?”

“Yes dear?” She adds.

“Thank you…for everything,” I say.

“Everything?” She says, tittering at my
serious expression.

“Yes, for being there for Tristan when he
lost his folks…looking after us both now…Just thank you, ok.” I want her to
know how much I appreciate everything she’s done.

Edith comes storming over to me, her big
boobs and bottom wobbling as she does, then she stops, and clasps her hands
together in front of her. “I know it’s not my place to say, but sometimes these
things need to be said!” She takes a deep breath and continues.

“You’re a fine young lass Coral. I knew I’d
like you because you’ve changed him.” She says gesturing to the bathroom. “For
the first time in a very long time, he’s happy again. I knew whoever it was
that was putting such a smile on his face must be a real gem, and you are. It’s
made me very happy to see him like this, he’s been on his own for far too long,
it’s not natural,” she says shaking her head in disapproval.

Then her face softens and she takes my hand
in hers. “You’re a real sweetheart Coral…and so brave to save Tristan like
that…” She adds tears welling in her eyes.

“Well I think you’re amazing too,” I say,
squeezing her hand back.

“Ah…come one now, you’re going to have this
silly old bird crying at this rate.”

“Sorry,” I titter, and pull the covers back
to get out of bed.

“Do you want some help getting down the
stairs?” She questions.

“No, I’m ok thanks,” I say, my feet
touching the floor.

“Alright, shall I put your eggs straight
on?” She asks.

“Yes please…I’m starving.” Edith pats my
hand and heads out of the room. I put on my new, white fluffy robe that Tristan
bought for me, pick up my mobile and my mp3 player, because I feel like some music,
and carefully head down the stairs.

Reaching the kitchen, I walk straight over
to the sound system, plug my mp3 player in and choose Enya. I want some calming
music. I hit shuffle and walk back over to the kitchen as the wonderful, mellow
notes of Sumiregusa start filling the room…
ahh so nice

EDITH AND I STOP WHAT
we
are doing and stare at each other. Tristan is frantically calling for me as he
runs down the stairs.

“In the kitchen!” I shout. I crack my
second egg open and start dipping another soldier, then taking a bite.
Mmm
delicious and well cooked!

“Christ Coral!” Tristan says entering the
kitchen, running his hand through his hair. “I didn’t know where you’d gone?”

“I was hungry,” I say between mouthfuls. He
takes a deep breath in relief, I think, then smiles, leans down and kisses my
temple. Man he smells good, and he’s dressed smartly too, suit trousers and a shirt,
he looks so sexy –
I guess that’s for the Detective
? I quickly push that
thought away – I don’t want to think too much about that.

“Who’s this?” He asks as he takes a seat
next to me. Enya is now singing On Your Shore – It’s a very moving, soulful
tune.

“You don’t know?” I say, surprised.

“No…should I?” He laughs.

“Ok, if I said Caribbean Blue’ – “Like your
eyes,” he interrupts.

I swallow hard and chuckle nervously. “Or
Book of Days?” I ask.

“Ah, I remember that one coming out,” he
says. “This is Enya?”

“Yes.” I giggle and carry on with my
breakfast.

“Breakfast dear?” Edith asks Tristan.

“Please…” Tristan says looking down at my
plate. “Is that marmite soldiers?” He asks, grinning widely. I nod as I’m busy
eating.

“Would you like the same dear?” Edith asks,
tittering to herself.

“Yes, I would.” Tristan says, his cheeks
flaming. “I called Dr Green, she wants to see you at ten thirty,” he adds.
God
damn it!
I decide not to let it spoil my good mood.

“Ok,” I take a sip of tea. I feel very
happy today. Relaxed and content, I guess that’s because I’m in love. “Do you
have any idea how much I love you?” I ask.

His cup of tea stops at his lips, and I
hear Edith make a strange squeaky sound. “I’m betting I love you more,” he says
taking a sip.

“I very much doubt that,” I banter, eating
more soldiers.

Edith places Tristan’s breakfast in front
of him just as I’m finished. I decide I want a bath. Sliding off the breakfast
stool, I pick up my mobile.

“Where are you going?” Tristan asks,
stopping me by placing his hand on my arm.

“Upstairs to take a bath,” I say, entwining
my fingers with his.

“Don’t go,” he pleads, his eyes wide and
round.

“You want me to stay while you have
breakfast?” I ask. He nods, smiling shyly at me. I simply cannot resist him,
besides we have plenty of time. “Ok.” I kiss his cheek and sit back up on the
breakfast stool.

Tristan may have asked me to stay, and he
hasn’t let go of my hand, but he seems very quiet and distant again. So I
decide to go through my mobile. I haven’t looked at it since what happened with
Susannah…I smile widely as I see I have several text messages from Rob.

The first one is asking me about dancing. Rob
wants us to go out and shake some moves when I’m better – Haven’t done that in
a while, and I think with everything they have gone through, and Tristan and I,
we all deserve it!

I instantly picture Tristan and I dancing in
a dark, nightclub; getting all hot and sweaty as our bodies grind against one
another –
Ok stop!

I blow out a deep breath. I can't think
about that because it’s just making me want to strip him and shag him senseless
– So, to try and take my mind of those thoughts, I text Rob back. Letting him
know how much of a sexy dancer Tristan is and that we’re in, as soon as I’m
better we’ll go dancing! I can’t help smiling, I’m really looking forward to
that!

Then I open the second text. Rob is asking
me about the house, and how I want it decorated for the wedding? I roll my eyes
and text him back. Letting him know that we’ll discuss that when he gets here –
I think he’s stressing! Which makes me feel bad. I don’t want him to be
stressed, not with everything he and Carlos have been through.

I will make it my mission to reassure him
that is doesn’t have to be a perfect day, that even if things go wrong, it
won’t matter – Marrying Tristan is my only concern, as long as the right person
turns up to do that, I’ll be happy!

Then I open the third text, and my heart
sinks. Rob wants us to spend some time alone, just the two of us – he wants to
catch up, like old times!

I can't help worrying. I hope he and Carlos
really are ok, and he wasn’t just saying that? I text back, letting him know he
just has to say when – It’s not like I have a job anymore!

I suddenly feel really glum. I’m really
going to have to give it some serious thinking, I can't hang around not doing
anything; it’s going to drive me crazy.

“Secret admirer?” Tristan says. I look up, he’s
grinning widely at me.

“Yes,” I tease.

His face falls. “Who?”

“Joking Tristan, there never will be anyone
else for me,” I say.

“Me neither…so?” He prompts.

“Rob,” I giggle.

Tristan rolls his eyes. “You’re seeing him
this lunchtime?”

I shrug. “I know, he just…”

“He just what?” he asks.

“Are you jealous?” I ask.

“No. But I am worried,” he retorts.

“Worried?” I half-laugh.

He turns and glares at me. “Is he a bad
influence on you?”

“No.” I answer, my voice low.

“Well, he let you get really drunk that
night you were out’ – “Stop right there.” I interrupt. “I am a grown woman
Tristan, and if I want to get drunk, I’ll get drunk. Besides, Rob would never
let anything happen to me, he and Carlos are very protective of me.”