CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (4 page)

“And I didn’t know that she was a lunatic!” I argue back. “I
was just as worried about you, you kept me in the dark’ – “You kept me in the
dark too, and you didn’t tell anyone!” he interrupts shouting at me.

“You weren’t here! How was I supposed to tell you Rob?” I shout
back.

“True, but you should have told someone,” he retorts.

“Rob, we could argue about this all day. We were both wrong,
you should have told me what was going on, and I should have told you, we both
fucked up! Now can I go back to sleep?” I huff in frustration.

“You’re right. And yes you can,” he chuckles.

“It’s not funny!” I bark, although I can't help the smile
that starts to spread across my face.

“Maybe we should call you Wonder Woman?” he laughs.

“Rob!” I chuckle.

“Or one of those female characters from X-Men...I don't know
the names,” he says shaking his head, tittering away to himself.

“Stop it!” I scold, laughing even harder.

“Or Superwoman?” He adds, really chuckling now.

“Was there ever a Superwoman?” I question, trying not to
laugh.

Rob cocks his head to the side. “I have no idea!” he laughs.
“Ooh, I have another one. Maybe you should become a private investigator with a
badge and a gun!”

“Rob!” I really start laughing now, and it really fucking
hurts!

“Yeah, I could see you doing that,” he chuckles in a high
pitched tone.
He’s so funny!

“But seriously Coral, you jumped in front of him, took a
bullet for him? What in god’s name possessed you to do such a thing? It’s
supposed to be the man saving the woman you know, not the other way around.”

My heart instantly sinks to the pit of my stomach as I
recall the event – Susannah looking so deranged, the gun in her hand, the very
thought of losing Tristan - “Hey,” Rob soothes. “Don't look so worried. I’m
sorry I mentioned it, it’s just, well, it’s just about the bravest thing I’ve
ever known anyone do,” he says.

“Rob, that’s just not true,” I say.

“Yes it is,” he argues. “If anything like that ever happened
to me, I hope I have Super-Coral around to protect me.” I chuckle at him. “Hey,
I just remembered. You’re famous!” he squeals with delight.

“What?” I frown up at him.

“You’re in The Argus,” he tells me, standing up to pick up
the local Brighton newspaper. “Wanna hear it?” he questions, I nod my head in
reply.

ROB
SMILES AT ME AND STARTS READING THE ARTICLE ALOUD.

“Mr Tristan Freeman, a resident of The Cliff, raised the
alarm when an employee he suspected of mental instability arrived at his house
on Monday night. Ms Johnson had been an employee of Mr Freeman’s for several
years, but suffered a breakdown when she learned of his relationship with Miss
Coral Stevens. According to reports, Ms Johnson had developed a psychotic
obsession with Mr Freeman and her intentions were clear, that no one was to
have him, but her.

“Once she gained access to the property, she drugged Mr Freeman
with the well known date rape drug, Rohypnol, and forced him to call his lover
to the scene. Mr Freeman refused to do so, enraging Ms Johnson, who was armed
with a small pistol. Ms Johnson attacked Mr Freeman and waited for Miss Stevens
to arrive. We now know, that moments before Ms Johnson arrived at Mr Freemans,
she had in fact, gone to Miss Steven’s studio, located on the Western Concourse
at Brighton’s Marina Village. Ms Johnson had ransacked Miss Steven’s studio and
attacked her ninety-three year old neighbour, Mr Bob Saunders.

Miss Stevens was called to the scene, and according to the
police officers on duty, she escorted her neighbour to the waiting ambulance,
came back to her studio for a moment, then fled the scene. Reports have
indicated that Miss Stevens had in fact, gone to Mr Freeman’s property on The
Cliff, to ensure his safety. Miss Stevens had been suspicious of Ms Johnson’s
behaviour and wanted to check her lover was safe.

“During her brave rescue of Mr Freeman, Miss Coral Stevens
was shot by Ms Johnson just moments before she was apprehended. Ms Johnson was
taken into custody and is reported to be staying at East Brighton Community
Health Centre for Psychiatric Evaluation where she will more than likely remain
until her trial.

“Mr Freeman is said to have recovered well, whilst Miss
Stevens recovers from her ordeal in the opulent Montefiore’s private hospital.
We’ll bring you more on this breaking story in tomorrow’s edition.” Rob chuckles
and looks down at me. “What?” he asks, his face falling at my worried
expression.

“She...she’s still in Brighton?” I ask with wide eyes.

Rob chucks the paper on the floor and grabs my hand. “She
can’t get anywhere near you Coral, besides I’m sure they’ve got her drugged up
to her eyeballs by now!” he snorts.

“Like that’s going to help her,” I snap.

“What do you care what happens to her?” Rob quizzes, his
head cocked to the side.

“She needs help Rob, not stuffing full of drugs.” I intend
to speak to Tristan about this. I know what I want to happen.

“Seriously?” he scoffs. “She tried to fucking kill you
Coral, why the hell do you care what happens to her?” he barks.

“Rob, her husband died in Iraq then she miscarried their
baby. She was so sad about it all that she tried to kill herself, twice. I...I
just want her to...” I break off.

Rob shakes his head at me. “You’re crazy,” he says with wide
eyes. “I wouldn’t give a fuck what happened to her,” he spits.

“Rob, my Mom died in a fucking mental institution. I don't
want that to happen to Susannah, she....” I break off trying to fight back the
tears.

“Coral!” Rob gasps squeezing my hand again. “I’m so sorry,
that was completely insensitive of me.”

“No, it wasn’t. I understand your point of view, I just’ – “Shh,
it’s ok. You don't have to explain to me,” he softly says.

The door suddenly opens, we both look up at the same time
and see Malcolm walk through with Gladys right behind him, his whole body sags
with relief when he sees me.

Gladys hasn’t looked up at me, which I’m glad of, it gives
me a second to study her...and she looks terrible! She looks like she’s dropped
a stone in weight and she’s so pale and gaunt, her eyes are all puffy and red
and she has deep, dark rings underneath them; she looks likes she’s aged ten
years!

And for some strange reason – maybe the death of my
biological mother – I suddenly realise that Gladys is my Mom, she always has
been, always will be – She is everything a good mother should be, and in that
moment I know, I feel the fundamental shift – I don't want to call her Gladys
anymore –
How strange!

“Mom!” I choke. Gladys looks up and stares back at me in
disbelief –
Oh Mom!
– Our eyes reflect one another as we both start
crying, I cannot stop the tears from cascading down my cheeks.

“Coral!” she wails and comes rushing over to me, knocking
Rob out of the way. Gladys leans down and tries to hug me as best she can. “I
thought I’d lost you,” she cries, gently stroking my cheek. Rob laughs, steps
over to the chair in the corner, sits down, pulls out a magazine and winks at
me.

“I know, I’m sorry but I’m ok Mom,” I choke out and hug her
to me, we both cry some more –
God I love this woman!
“Mom, I’m ok,
don't cry,” I say trying to soothe her, so she’ll stop crying, which means I’ll
stop crying.

She sits back up and sniffs several times. “Really Mom,
you’re worrying me, you look terrible,” I croak. Her bottom lip starts wobbling
again. She lifts her hand to her mouth and chokes back more tears. Then she
takes a deep steadying breath and pats my hand.

“Oh darling, it’s so good to see you awake,” she chokes. “I’m
going to go clean myself up.”

I smile up at her. “Ok.”

She leans down and kisses my forehead, then scuttles of to
the en-suite bathroom. Malcolm comes over, sits on the edge of the bed, then
leans down and kisses my cheek.

“Hello Coral.” He takes hold of my hand and squeezes it
tight between both of his; he looks really upset.

“Hey Malcolm...” I say, tears falling down my cheeks again.
Malcolm picks up the box of tissues pulls several out, and taking me by
surprise again, he gently dabs the tears away –
Oh...what a sweet thing to
do....

I smile tentatively at him. “Gave us all a fright their
Coral,” he says smiling gently at me. “How are you holding up?” He softly asks.

“I’m good,” I say smiling back at him –
I really do like
him.

“That’s good to hear,” he says his eyes glistening over –
Oh
Malcolm, don't cry for me!
Gladys comes back into the room, sits on the
other side of the bed, and takes my hand in hers.

“How are you feeling sweetheart, are you in any pain?” she
asks patting my hand.

“No, they’re keeping me pretty doped up,” I say taking a
deep breath and trying not to wince, it doesn’t feel too good when I breathe
deeply.

“Ok darling,” she says.

“Is Bob ok?” I ask, remembering what happened to him.

“Yes dear, he’s doing fine. He wanted to come and see you
but I told him to rest a few more days, get his strength back.”

“Good, that’s good,” I say. I start to choke up again,
seeing them both...knowing their wedding could have been and gone. “I’m so
sorry, to both of you. Tristan told me you cancelled the wedding, I’m so sorry,”
I sniff.

“Don't be,” they both say. “Darling, it’s absolutely fine,”
Malcolm tries to assure me.

“But you’ll have lost the deposit and’ – “Coral, get some
perspective,” Malcolm scolds – I shut the hell up, he doesn’t look happy. “You
nearly died,” he reminds me...
ok that sounded like Tristan!
“Getting
married has been the last thing on our minds. Seeing you healthy, and back on
your feet is our main priority now,” he adds.
Oh!

“Oh Coral!” Gladys starts wailing again. Malcolm smiles
tenderly at me then rests his hand on Gladys’s shoulder, she places her other
hand in his and squeezes it tight. I’m so glad they’ve found each other.

“Are you thirsty darling?” Malcolm asks.

“A little.” Malcolm stands, pours me a small glass of water
and passes it to me. “Thanks.” I take several sips. “Mom, you shouldn’t be here
you look tired,” I tell her.
I don't want her to worry herself to death.

“I’ll be here whenever I want to be,” she argues. “Besides, I
can’t sleep, so it doesn’t make any difference anyway,” she says, choking up
again.

“Mom,” I take her hand in mine. “Don’t worry, I’m ok. The
doctor said I’m doing well and Tristan’s here, you know if anything happened
he’d call you straight away,” I tell her.

“I know,” she squeaks, squeezing my hand in hers. “But
I....” she drifts off.

“What is it?” I ask.

“When we came by last night, I...I wanted you to wake up so
I could talk to you and you were just, so still,” she shudders. “Malcolm took
us home and I fell asleep on the sofa...I had this awful nightmare...” She
stifles a couple of sobs back.

“Oh Mom!” Her face suddenly looks thunderous –
Uh oh!

“Why on earth didn’t you tell anyone what was going on?” She
shouts. I’m about to answer her, but she continues her tirade. “Tristan
explained it all to us, it was very silly of you to not tell anyone what was
going on with
that
woman!” she spits, her eyes nearly popping out, her
cheeks going from light pink to bright red.

“Mom, don't say that,” I argue.

“Why ever not!” She shouts.

“Darling,” Malcolm softly says. “Don't get upset with Coral,
we’ve talked about this,” he adds.

“Yes, well...” Gladys huffs, sitting back on the bed. I can
tell she really wants to bollock me and Malcolm has told her she can't.
Good!

“Mom, she was sick, she couldn’t help it. She lost her
husband then her baby. I think that would be enough to push most people over
the edge.” I mumble.

“Coral!” Gladys bellows, jumping up of the bed again, her
hands flying in the air –
Oh no! Now I'm in trouble!

“She tried to kill you,
and
Tristan. When I think of
what might have happened...what
could
have happened?” She screeches then
slaps her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the sob from escaping her.

“Mom, I think you should go home,” I say, frowning at the
floor – I don't need reminding that she could have killed Tristan. I don't need
reminding of how scary it all was
...jeez!

“You want me to leave?” She says, blinking back tears.
Now
I feel guilty!

“No, but you’re getting yourself all worked up. Which is
making me feel anxious, you need to relax, I’m going to be fine. I didn’t know
she had a gun, I wouldn’t have...” I break off thinking about what I’m saying
and I have to question – Would I have still gone to find Tristan knowing she
had a gun? I already know the answer to that one –
Yes, without doubt I
would have.

“Mom, I love Tristan and I would do the same thing again,
even if I knew she had a gun. I’ve never loved anyone like I love him, and I
would give up my life for his, but isn’t that how it’s supposed to be when you
love someone? ” I say.

Gladys is speechless...
well that’s a first!

“Tristan proposed to me Mom,” Gladys and Malcolm both gasp.
“I said yes. I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else
but him. He’s everything to me, I love him so much.” Gladys starts crying
again.

“Congratulations.” Malcolm offers and leans down to kiss me
again.

“Thanks.” I squeak with tears in my eyes.
I guess it’s
official now!

“You... you really love him that much Coral?” Gladys asks.

“Yes. I do.” I can see she looks worried and I can
understand her apprehension, Tristan and I have only known each other for three
weeks – well four with the one I’ve missed.

“Mom, I know I’ve only known him a short time...” I stop
talking because Gladys has a Cheshire cat grin starting to appear across her
face. “What?” I chuckle.

“You knew the moment you met him, didn’t you?” she
questions. I look away not wanting to share. “I knew it,” she says. “Love,” she
adds holding her hand to her heart. “When it hits you, you just have to fall.”

I smile back at her with a stupid loved up grin on my face.
I can't believe I’ve told her how I feel about Tristan, and that we’re getting
married, which makes me think of Gladys and her wedding.

“Mom, you have to get the Hilton on the phone.” I turn to
Malcolm. “Get another date Malcolm maybe they’ll have a cancelation? I don't
want you putting this off for ages because of what’s happened to me.” Malcolm
makes no move, so I know I have to push. “Malcolm, please...” I beg. He looks
across at Gladys, then back at me.

“We are not booking anything until you’re better.” Gladys
tells me firmly.
No!

“Tristan said I’m coming out today or tomorrow, if I can
walk out of here I can get to the Hilton, sit in a chair and watch you two say
‘I do’ so there!” I look across at Malcolm again.

“Please,” I beg again. “I’ll be there, I know I will’ – “Oh
Coral! Don't be so silly, there’s no way you’re going to be out of here that
soon.” Gladys chides.

“Yes I will,” I scoff. “Look, I have every intention of
seeing you two get married, even if I’m only there for a few hours, then go
home, you are making another booking today!” I bark. If I could stamp my feet I
would.

“But darling, I don't think we’ll get another date,” Gladys softly
says.

“But you don't know that?” I argue. I turn to Malcolm cock
up one eyebrow and give him a look that says
what-are-you-still-standing-here-for? Malcolm smiles, then stands up and takes
his mobile out of his pocket.

“I’ll sort it Coral,” he says and walks out the room. I
really hope they can get another date, sooner rather than later.

“Mom, you shouldn’t have cancelled it without speaking to me
first.” I admonish.

“And how was I supposed to do that with you lying here...in
this bed...unconscious, so still...” She starts choking up again.
I guess
she has a point!

“Well, let’s hope they can get you another date.” I say
feeling guilty. After a few minutes Malcolm walks back in the room looking
downhearted –
Great, no dates left!