CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (48 page)

“Of course,” Edith replies, and busies herself in the
kitchen.

“Tristan, stay and eat. I’ll see you tonight,” I tell him. I
don't want a long goodbye, I think my heart may crack in two. Ignoring me, he
tugs on my hand and heads towards the stairs.

“I’ll be back in a second,” he tells Edith. We head up the
stairs, hand in hand, and I realise this is the first time since I came out of
hospital that Tristan hasn’t carried me up or down these stairs. Wow, what a
difference, I really do feel so much better. Maybe we should have a honeymoon? Reaching
our bedroom, Tristan opens the door and gestures for me to go first. I walk in
and spy our big bed. Hmm...

Taking me by surprise, Tristan lifts me up into his arms,
lays me down on the bed, and snuggles up next to me. “Thank you my gorgeous,
sexy girl for the best holiday I’ve ever had.” He says, his eyes glowing with
sincerity, his knuckles skimming my cheek as he hovers over me.

I grin broadly at him. “The best?” I tease.

He nods then smiles his shy smile.

“Wait till our honeymoon,” I say, even though we haven’t
booked it.

His cheeks flush. “Looking forward to it Miss Stevens, but
may I remind you we haven’t booked anything yet?” He says, spookily reading me.

“I know, but now I’ve healed so much, I think we should,” I
say.

Tristan looks a little worried. “You want to go away next
week?”

“No baby, I know you need to catch up with work. Maybe
sometime after Gladys’s wedding?” I suggest.

“Ok.” He smiles. “Where would you like to go?” He asks.

I start giggling. “Tristan, I have no idea...why don't you
surprise me,” I suggest.

“You’re sure?” He asks.

“Absolutely positive,” I say, trying to stifle a yawn.
Tristan suddenly looks serious again. He takes my face between his hands,
staring intently at me, then leans down and softly meets my lips. “Mmm...” I
murmur, he tastes so good.

“I’m so in love with you Coral,” he croaks in his low, sexy
voice, kissing my lips, my cheek and finally my forehead. “I’m a very lucky
man.” I smile goofily at him. He kisses me once more on the lips. “I’ll miss
you today. It’s going to feel very strange not being with you, he adds.

“I know,” I whisper, trying not to think about it. “But
you’ll be back for tea, right?” I add, slightly panicked.

“Yes baby, I promise.” I yawn again. “Come on, get some
sleep.” He strokes my hair, and begins humming our song, my song as his fingers
stroke my forehead, and softly run through my hair. Mmm...Some Enchanted
Evening...

And I drift....

I
HAVE HAD THE MOST WONDERFUL AFTERNOON.
It’s been great seeing Rob
and Carlos again, and Bob is in great shape too, so I feel much more relaxed
now. We ate lunch at Hotel Seattle – it has a wonderful decking area that looks
right over the Marina. Then Carlos took Bob back to his studio, so they could
play another game of checkers, while Rob and I went off to the supermarket to
get him some decent food. However, it turns out that since Susannah’s attack on
Bob I’m not the only one who’s concerned about him.

I have found out Bob’s been back in his studio for four
days, that Carlos has been to see him every day and taken him out for lunch,
that he’s dined at Gladys’s twice, and Joyce took him out for tea last night.
He seems in good spirits, and I’m grateful that my family and friends have been
taking care of him while I’ve been away.

“Hey Bob?” I say as Rob and I put away his fresh groceries.
“You thought anymore about my offer?”

“What offer?” Rob pipes up.

“Nothing to do with you Delgado!” I tease. Rob smirks at me,
then sticks his nose up in the air as though he’s not bothered, it makes me
giggle.

“Yes, I have.” Bob says.

“And?” I prompt, as I join him on the sundeck – Looks like
he’s beaten Carlos at checkers, again!

“It’s not for me darling, I like being here,” he says,
gazing out at the view – Yeah, I get that, it’s pretty awesome. “Doesn’t mean I
don't appreciate the offer though,” he adds.

I reach over and squeeze his hand. “You’re sure?” I
question.

“Positive,” he tells me.

“Ok.” I sigh inwardly, I hope he’s telling the truth and not
just saying that because he thinks he’ll be a burden. I shall ask Tristan to
talk to him, just to make sure.

“Well, we better get going,” Rob says. He’s got a client
later, and he hates being late, plus, Tristan made him promise he’d get me home
safely.

However I have an ulterior motive, a plan. I know Tristan
won't like it, but after saying my goodbye’s to my mother, and feeling relieved
because of it, I feel like I really need to get this over and done with too. I
want a clean slate. I want to be able to marry Tristan without anything hanging
over my head, my decision on the beach includes this too – I need a fresh
start!

“I want to stay,” I say, looking up at him. “You and Carlos
go, I’ll be fine.”

“Coral!” Rob bites. “Do you want Tristan and I to get on?”
he says, his hands on his hips.

“Of course I do,” I choke.

“Then why are you doing this? He’s going to bite my head off
if he finds out I didn’t get you home!” I roll my eyes at him, pull out my
mobile and call Tristan, it’s answered on the second ring.

“Hey baby.” He sounds busy.

“Just wanted to let you know Rob is leaving but I’m staying
on with Bob for a while, I’ll get a taxi back later.”

“Don't do that Coral, just call Stuart and he’ll come and
pick you up.”

“Ok.” I walk away from everyone so they can't hear me. “I
know you’re busy, but want to tell you how much I’m missing you. I hope you
haven’t made any plans for tonight.”

“Why?” Tristan asks, I can tell he’s smiling.

“Because I plan on having my wicked way with you,” I
whisper.

“I’ll hold you to that,” he growls sexily. “Baby, gotta go.”

“Ok, bye!” I squeak and hang up. I don't want to be the
girlfriend – no wife – that constantly bugs him at work. I walk back over to
Rob and smile smugly at him. “See, there’s no problem,” I say.

“Evidently,” Rob snorts – I bob my tongue out at him. He
chuckles at me then he and Carlos get up to leave. I hug them both, hard.

“See you both tomorrow then,” I say. Pre-wedding checks
apparently.

“Nervous?” Rob asks as he hugs me.

“No, not at all,” I softly say.

He pulls back and assesses me. “Oh god! Look at the dreamy
loved up look in her eyes Carlos, it’s sickening!” He teases.

“Hey!” I scowl at Rob. Carlos pulls me in for a hug. “Ignore
him, he’s just jealous!” he sniggers, making me chuckle. Rob pouts at us. I
wave to them both as they head down the concourse.

“Hey Bob,” I say, sitting next to him. “I wanted to ask you
something,” I add, feeling nervous.

“You can ask me anything,” Bob says sweetly.

I take a deep breath, I hope he says yes. “Well, I wanted to
ask...will you give me away on Saturday?” I swallow hard, and wait for his
answer.

“Oh Coral,” Bob chokes then grabbing my hand, he squeezes it
tight. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure darling.”

I blink back the tears that have pooled in my eyes.
“Thanks,” I croak.

“Coral, I’m sure it’s not something you want to talk about,
but I wanted to say, I’m so sorry about your mother. Carlos told me all about
it while you were away.”

“Oh,” I whisper, feeling surprised.

“Can I ask
you
something?” Bob says.

“Of course,” I whisper, my heart speeding up.

“Well, it’s a bit delicate,” he says, hesitant.

“It’s ok Bob, you can ask me,” I tell him, trying to ease
his discomfort.

“You’re adopted,” he states.

I nod once. “Is...is your father still alive?”

I nod once more. “Are you in contact with him? I only ask
because of what you’ve just asked of me,” he says, his voice soft.

“No, I don't see him Bob...he...well he left when I was
four. I haven’t seen him since,” I whisper, remembering the sound of his voice
when I recently spoke to him, how it called to me on a such a deep level – I
didn’t think that would happen, it’s been so long.

“I’m sorry Coral, but I’m sure if he knew you, he’d be very
proud of who you are,” he says, patting my hand. “I am,” he adds.
Oh Bob!

“Thanks Bob,” I squeak, trying to keep the tears at bay.
“How about another game?” I add, trying to get off the subject.

“Double or nothing?” Bob smiles.

“Yes,” I giggle.

Bob sets up the game while I head back inside and get us
some more lemonade...

MY
HEART IS HAMMERING AS I WALK DOWN THE STARK, WHITE CORRIDOR
This
place looks just like the hospital my mother was in, and just like before I can
hear the cries, screams and delusional mumbling’s of the other patients – I
shiver internally, it gives me the creeps!

The male nurse guides me through a set of doors and down
another corridor. Susannah has been in solitary confinement since her attack on
Tristan and I, and if I don't drop the charges, she’ll go on trial for
attempted murder – I wonder if she knows that?

Finally, the male nurse stops and points to a door. It has a
tiny window with metal bars across it. I step forward, and look through. The
first thing I notice is that Susannah is sat on the wide window ledge, her arms
wrapped tightly around her legs, as she stares despondently out of the window
that has metal bars in front of it. It’s a very bright room, which I wasn’t
expecting. The walls are white, as is the bedding on the small single bed in
the corner.

“Am I allowed in?” I ask, stepping away from the window.

“No. You can speak to her in the visitor’s room,” he says,
looking me up and down.

“Ok.” I frown at him. He doesn’t seem very nice, not the
kind of guy I would expect to be working here. He’s tallish, with a belly
that’s bulging over his trousers, has small beady eyes that are framed with
thick glasses, and thin lips, and he seems like he’s depressed – Maybe it’s the
only job he could get?

“I’ll show you where it is,” he says in a not so nice
manner. He reaches out to take hold of my arm. I step out of his reach –
Ugh!
Creep!

“You carry on,” I say, gesturing for him to go first. “I’ll
follow you.”

He grimaces at me, sniffs as though he’s displeased and
walks ahead. I follow him down another corridor and into a small room, it’s
very bleak. Grey walls, grey desk and chair, with a large window dividing the
room in half, in the centre is a round grate – I guess that’s so I can hear her.
“Take a seat, I’ll bring her through,” he says, smiling down at me. I shudder.
Somehow, I get the feeling he likes this part of his job, manhandling the
patients –
Don't think about him Coral, concentrate!

Moments later, he shuffles Susannah into the room. Keeping a
firm grip on her arm, he practically shoves her into the chair opposite me.
This doesn’t seem to bother her at all, she’s seems completely despondent, and
she hasn’t looked up at me, but I’m guessing that’s because she’s so knocked
out from all the drugs swishing round her system.

I feel a twinge of sadness, she looks a right mess. She’s
wearing a light grey baggy cotton top with matching bottoms, her hair is greasy
and lank, and her face is pale and sunken with dark grey rings underneath her
eyes.

I should be feeling weird about this, I should be freaking
out – after all, this woman tried to kill me – but the only emotion that’s
coming to the surface is sorrow – and I know, in that very moment – I was right
to come here.

The male nurse nods to me then stands over in the corner,
watching Susannah.

“Susannah?” I softly say.

Her eyes slowly come up to meet mine, and when they focus on
me, they fill with tears, which quickly overflow, and begin spilling down her
cheeks.

“Hello Coral,” she whispers, then looks down and her twisted
hands on the table. “I’m glad you have come,” she adds.

“You are?” I say, surprised.

“Yes. I wanted to write a letter to you, but they won't let
me,” she says, her voice full of anguish. “I know what I did was unforgivable.
Every morning when I wake, I thank god you did what you did and stopped me from
harming Tristan, he’s a good man.”

“He is,” I agree.

“I wanted to tell you I’m glad you survived too and I’m
sorry, sorry for trying to hurt you.”

I swallow hard, fighting the tears. “Are they treating you
well Susannah?” I ask, glancing at the pervy nurse.

Susannah shrugs, then sighs heavily. “Doesn’t really
matter,” she whispers, her eyes meeting mine again. I can’t help frowning,
wondering what she means by that. Has she been mistreated? Abused in some way?
You hear about that kind of thing all the time –
Concentrate Coral!

I take a deep breath. “Susannah, I came here to ask you a
question,” I softly say.

“Did you?”
Christ!
It’s like there’s no life left in
the woman!

“Yes. Do you want another chance?” I ask.

“Another chance?” she asks her voice grim.

“Yes, a chance to love again. Have a husband, a family, do
you want that?”

“There’s only one thing I want now,” she answers morosely.

“And what is that?” I whisper.

“Peace.” She blinks back more tears.

“Peace? Do you need forgiveness Susannah?”

“You want to forgive me for what I did?” she questions
impassively.

“If it helps you, then yes, you have my forgiveness.” She
winces at my words as though she’s in pain. Does it hurt her to have my
forgiveness? “Has that helped you?” I softly ask.

“I don't deserve your forgiveness,” she says, her voice
bleak.

“Well you have it,” I tell her. “Susannah, please answer my
question. Do you want to get better? Have a second chance?”