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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza
PART 16 Tic, tok, tic, tok, tic, tok ………………… The sound of the hospital clock drummed out inside Max’s head. To him the sound was almost deafening as he sat with the others waiting for news on their friend. Glancing around the room, he saw Isabelle curled up in Alex’s arms. A bolt of anger shot through him as he though about his sister. Two hours previously she had called Brad to tell him what had happened, and ask him to join her at the hospital. At first when he’d heard where she was he’d been slightly concerned, but then, once he knew she was ok his demeanour had changed. He couldn’t see the point of coming all the way down to the hospital if Isabelle wasn’t hurt, he simply didn’t understand why she wanted him to waste his time sitting around waiting. Isabelle had tried to explain to him that she needed him to comfort her, needed to be held close and kept safe as they all waited for news on Michael. But Brad had brushed her off, telling her he had an important audition to attend and with that he had put the phone down. Max could still remember the look on his sister’s face as she handed his cell phone back to him. She’d looked totally shell-shocked, numb and extremely sad. For the first time she’d needed Brad, needed him to come to her, but he had failed, he had brushed her aside like she didn’t matter. Alex had only heard one half of the conversation Isabelle had with Brad, but it was enough for him to get the gist of what was said. Saying nothing, he’d pulled her back into his arms and held her tight, providing the strength and security she was craving at that moment. It had touched Max how kind and gentle Alex had been with his sister, his feelings so unconditional, so openly baring his soul to her in a simple embrace. Tic, tok, tic, tok, tic, tok ………………… On the other side of the room sat his parents and the inconsolable Maria. Philip had rushed to the hospital as soon as he’d heard what had happened. He was busy comforting his wife, stroking her arm and gently whispering things in her ear. Diane was in turn trying to comfort Maria. The young girl was stretched out on the sofa, her head resting on Diane’s lap. Her eyes were open, but Maria had that empty, vacant look in them, like she was there with everyone in body but definitely not in spirit. Diane gently caressed and stroked the girl’s golden locks, hoping it might sooth her worries and fears for their friend. Occasionally a single tear would cascade down Maria’s pale face, signifying everything that they were all feeling at that moment. No matter what anyone did she felt devastated; terrified for Michael, afraid that he may never come out of theatre, guilty that it had been she who had screamed and made the mad man squeeze the trigger. Knowing that if she’d just kept quiet, they’d all be ok now, and no one would be on the critical list ……... Tic, tok, tic, tok, tic, tok ………………… The other young girl clung to him tightly, every so often trembling slightly through fear and shock. She was still trying to come to terms and comprehend what had happened to them that afternoon. One moment she had been joking with Isabelle and the next there was a gun pointing at her. It had all happened so quickly, many parts of it a total blur, but the only thing she could remember too clearly was what had faced her when she had reached Michael lying on the floor. His blood had been so very bright red, seeming to cover and stain everything that got in its way. Liz could remember the feeling as she placed her hands on his open gunshot wound and directed pressure. The warm liquid still seemed to seep through her fingers as she pushed as hard as she could, there seemed to be no let up in its flow. Then the reluctance of her to remove her hands when the ambulance men had arrived. In her mind she had thought if she’d taken her hands away from Michael then his life would slip away. Totally irrational she knew, but no one was thinking rationally at that moment. Her lilac tank top still bore the stains of Michael’s blood, but somehow it didn’t even bother Liz. She looked a mess, her hair straggly falling out of the clip it had been caught up in, her clothes dishevelled, but her appearance was the farthest thing from her mind. In truth, no one waiting for news on Michael looked particularly hot. Tic, tok, tic, tok, tic, tok ………………… Closing his eyes, Max rested his head against Liz’s soft, dark brunette hair. It felt silkily against his rough cheek and he enjoyed the feel of the velvety blanket against his skin. Inside a few minutes Max had drifted into a light sleep, the events of the day finally taking its toll on him. His heavy breathing shallowed somewhat as his body relaxed into their slumbers. Tic, tok, tic, tok, tic, tok ………………… The sound of the clock drifted into his head once again. The each tic and each tok banging out inside his head like the steady sound of a rhythm drum. With each strike the sound became louder and louder, becoming deafening inside a few seconds. Max felt like his ear drums were going to burst at any second, his head starting to spin as the clock suddenly started to move. Coming closer and closer as it continued its steady beat. Then another sound joined the drum, quietly at first but then slowly managing to rise above the beating sound and allow Max to hear it clearly. “Max?” The voice called. “Max …….. Max ………..?” “Mmm ……….. huh?” He stirred, suddenly feeling someone gently shaking his shoulder. “I’m sorry, you were mumbling something, are you ok?” Liz asked looking up at him. “Erm ….. yeah I’m ok I guess.” He said running his hand shakily through his hair. “Just do me a favour though ………… don’t ask me what I was dreaming about!” Max replied allowing a small smile to break across his face as he glanced up at the clock that was firmly fixed to the wall. “Just as long as you’re ok.” She added placing her hand on his cheek and stretching her thumb across to brush against his lips. The amazing urge to snake out his tongue to touch the pad of her thumb was almost too much for Max to resist. He so wanted and needed to be close to her at that moment, to forget, if only for a few minutes, how Michael’s life was precariously hanging in the balance. Yet inside he knew in his heart that a simple kiss wouldn’t be enough to satisfy his hunger for Liz. He knew that to feel true comfort he’d need a lot more than a kiss. But even a kiss was out of the question, there were far too many sets of eyes that could glance their way. Eyes that were innocent to the feelings he felt for his beautiful secretary. Eyes that had him down as controlled and reserved, eyes that had him as someone who wouldn’t even consider chasing after his secretary, however wonderful she was. Gently reaching his hand up, he took hold of Liz’s hand and steadied it before pulling it down to rest on his leg. “Yes.” He thought, “that is a more safer place for it.” Liz’s bewildered look startled him though, he hadn’t been prepared for her to question his motives. “Not here, not yet.” He whispered quietly, hoping no one was watching. Her solemn face nodded acceptance of his wishes, knowing in her heart that he was right. This wasn’t the time or place to drop another bombshell on everyone and openly announce their blossoming relationship. On the other side of the room though, one set of eyes had looked up and seen the exchange. Smiling quietly to herself, Diane laid her head on her husband’s shoulder once again, comforted in the knowledge that her son had at last found someone special. The seconds seemed to drag by, the minutes lasting forever, and hours an eternity, as all seven of them waited for news. None of them could even begin to imagine what was happening inside the operating theatre just down the corridor from them. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers were resting with Michael, hope, praying, pleading that he would pull through and be ok. None of them even wanted to entertain the thought of what would happen if he didn’t make it. How would they survive? How would they be able to continue with their lives in the same way. And more importantly, how would Maria cope. They could all tell she was secretly blaming herself for Michael’s injuries. She was totally devastated, how would she survive if he didn’t pull through? “How
about I get everyone a drink?” Max
suggested, breaking the silence of the waiting room. “Sure.”
Alex replied “Ok, coffee for
everyone?” “Then the walk will do her good. Let them go.” Diane replied, taking her husband’s arm and making him sit down. After watching his son disappear down the corridor, Philip turned to Diane with a questioning look. “Later.” She replied to his silent question. Escaping down the corridor, the two headed down to the coffee machine. Punching the button for the first cup of coffee, Liz turned to Max. “Are you ok Max?” “Hmm, shouldn’t I be asking you that? You really look rough Liz, maybe you should go home and get some rest?” He suggested, pushing a piece of hair back behind her ear. “No, I want to
stay here until I know Michael is ok. But
you don’t look too hot yourself, there was nothing you could have done to
prevent Michael getting shot.” “Max you stopped
the guy from doing something stupid initially, you overpowered him when he shot
the gun, there was nothing else you could have done.
You protected us all.” “So why do I feel like I’m responsible for everyone?” Max asked, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by shouldering everyone’s hopes. “Because that’s the sort of person you are. You’re too kind and caring and everyone is used to you being in control. So when we’re all knocked out of loop everyone looks to you to regain control. It isn’t right and it isn’t fair, we probably don’t even realise we’re doing it. I’m sorry.” Liz replied, seeing how the day’s events had taken its toll on her boss. Putting down the third cup off coffee from the machine, Liz turned and placed her arms around Max. Although they both knew there was the potential one of their friends could catch them, Liz knew Max needed her support also. As her arms pulled him close to her body, Max couldn’t help but rest his head on her shoulder and allow a few tears to escape. He’d done an admirable job of keeping his emotions in check, but in the quietness of the beverage room, he felt his hold slip for a few seconds. Holding him tightly, Liz tried to comfort him, trying to give him back some of the strength he’d leant her. Regaining his composure, Max lifted his head and wiped away the few tears that stung his cheeks. It was the first time he’d cried in front of a woman, apart from his mother and sister, and at first he felt weak. He wasn’t used to his emotions getting the better of him. Watching Liz’s big brown eyes stare up at him, he couldn’t help the overwhelming urge to kiss her. Pulling her flush against his body, he brushed his lips against hers. An electric current ran through them both at the merest of touches, both wanting and needing more. Seizing the opportunity, Max placed his hand behind Liz’s head, scooping up some of her hair in the process. Melting into his arms, Liz allowed him to deepen the kiss; amazed at the way her body reacted to such a simple gesture. Feeling his tongue brush against her lips, Liz sighed into his mouth, silently permitting him entry. Her lips felt like liquid gold as he caressed them with his own. The comfort he received from the feelings flooding his body was almost overwhelming. Inside he found himself wondering how he’d managed to stave off kissing Liz for so long that afternoon. “Erm …………. Excuse me.” A voice called from behind them, bringing Max and Liz back to reality. “Oh, erm ………. Sorry.” Max replied, relinquishing his grip on Liz. “I just wanted to get a coffee.” The elderly lady replied, looking at the young couple. She’d been sorry to interrupt them, it was obvious to anyone looking on that they were very much in love with each other. “Sure, no problem. Go ahead.” Max replied, stepping away from the machine and catching a glance of Liz. She was very red faced with embarrassment, her already dishevelled appearance enhanced. After regaining their composure, Max and Liz reluctantly carried the coffees back to their group. Neither really wanted prying eyes on them again, but both knew suspicions would be heightened if they stayed away any longer. After distributing the coffees, Max and Liz returned to their seats, Max placing a tentative arm around Liz’s shoulder and pulling her closer to him once more. Under normal circumstances, their friends would have been extremely suspicious of Max’s actions, but this wasn’t normal circumstances. They were all too worried about Michael to notice what was going on around them. Each person had someone to comfort them, no one batting an eyelid at Alex’s arms around Isabelle, so Max’s actions passed by unnoticed. Max was thankful for that much, he knew there was no way he could just not touch and comfort Liz in such strained surroundings. Four hours after Michael was whisked into surgery, the large doors of the operating theatre swung open and banged shut with a loud, echoing sound. The noise made everyone jump, even those who had been dozing or sleeping. The first person to react to the sound was Max, relinquishing his grip on Liz and quickly jumping to his feet. They all recognised the man who slowly walked towards them, his face looking tired and exhausted. As he reached the group, Dr Freeman looked at their hope filled faces and took in a deep breath. “Doctor? Is Michael …………… ok?” Max asked, becoming the leader of their group once again and asking the one question no one else dared breath. Taking in another deep breath, Dr Freeman ran his hands through his thick jet black hair, looking for the right words to say, knowing he’d need to choose them carefully. “Why don’t you all sit down ………..……..” He started. PART 17 “Ok, Michael suffered sever injuries. The bullet ruptured his spleen, damaged his liver and his kidney. He also lost a lot of blood. But we have repaired the damage as much as we can and I believe Michael should make a full recovery.” Dr Freeman said, watching his words sink in to each person. “Oh thank god.” Isabelle exclaimed, collapsing into Alex’s waiting arms. “Thank you.” Max whispered, pulling Liz close to him. “He …….. he’s gonna ……….. be ok?” Maria stuttered, lifting her head from Diane’s lap and sitting up. “That’s right. He’s not totally out of the woods, but baring any complications he should be absolutely fine in a week or two. He’ll be a little weak for a while, and won’t be able to do anything too strenuous, but with enough rest and recuperation he’ll be fine in time.” The Doctor said gently. “Can ……….. can I see …… him?” She asked tentatively. “Well he’s just being moved to a private room, and it will take time for the anaesthetic to wear off. But sure, I don’t see why not.” He replied, realising she needed to see him. “I’ll get someone to show you where he is shortly.” He added before disappearing back down the hallway. Each and every one of them let out a huge sigh of relief as they sat down once again. The previous hours had been like torture, but now that Michael was going to be ok, they could all breath normally again. The small group headed down the hallway into the room at the end. Diane and Philip pulled back and stayed outside, allowing their children and friends some space. Michael was extremely pale, tubes coming out of various places, but no obvious scars from the operation. Of course, the bullet wound was hidden from view by the cover of the bed, but apart from the lack of colour in his cheeks, he didn’t look too worse for wear. Silently, Maria walked over to his bedside and took hold of his hand, the distraught look on her face softening slightly when she felt his warm skin. The group stayed there for a while, wanting to be close to their friend, until Diane and Philip suggested they all go home for some much needed rest. It was a little after 9.00pm and it had been a very long day for everyone. “I don’t want to leave him.” Maria insisted. “Philip and I will stay here with Michael. Maria darling you need to get some rest. I promise that if anything changes we’ll call you straight away.” Diane offered trying to persuade the young girl to go home. “No ………….” Maria started “Diane’s right Maria, you are dead on your feet. Come home with me, you can stay at my house, then you can come back tomorrow morning.” Liz offered. “Ok ……….. but promise you’ll call if anything changes. “I promise. Now off you all go.” Diane insisted before the small group headed out of the hospital and out into the cool evening air. “I don’t think any of us want to be alone tonight, how about we all go back to Isabelle’s and my place instead?” Max offered. “Sure, I don’t mind.” Liz replied grateful at the prospect of being near Max that evening. “Sounds ok to me.” Alex added with Maria nodding her acceptance also. Although they had all been very reluctant to leave their friend, each one knew it was the right thing to do. None of them would be any good to Michael if they were too tired to function properly. After arriving back at Max’s house, Isabelle set about busying herself by preparing some nibbles and drinks for everyone. Now that the crisis was nearly over, everyone had suddenly realised they’d hardly eaten anything since lunchtime, and hunger was catching up fast. Placing cheese, crackers and chips down on the coffee table, Isabelle picked up a plate and piled some food on it before sitting down next to Alex. Following her suit, Liz picked up two lots of food, one for Maria also, and sat down on the sofa. “Here Maria, you need to eat something.” Liz said offering her friend one of the plates. “I’m not hungry thanks Liz.” Maria replied, hugging a cushion that had been behind her. “You’ve got to eat something, you’ll be ill otherwise.” Liz encouraged, silently pleading with her friend. “Ok, ok.” Maria said admitting defeat, giving in and taking the plate. The room became quiet for a while as all five people munched quietly on their food. As he glanced around, Max could see how much the events of that day had taken its toll on his friends. They had all been through so much, no least being held at gun point. Then the waiting, the terrible, awful feeling of not knowing how Michael was. Max knew there was no way he wanted to go through something like that again in a hurry. “I can’t believe all that’s happened today.” Isabelle said, breaking the silence of the room. “I know what you mean. When I think about it, everything seems like it was just a dream, or perhaps I should say nightmare.” Liz replied. “It still makes me shiver when I think about that guy and that gun. I keep thinking about how it could have been different, what I’d of done if he’d pointed it at me.” Isabelle said. “I think we’ve all gone through that today.” Alex added, placing a supportive arm around Isabelle’s shoulders. “I know it was a really horrible experience for everyone, but it’s over now and Michael is on the mend. We’ve got to try and put it behind us. A good night’s sleep should help.” Max said, sounding the voice of reason. “I know I should be exhausted, but I really don’t think I could sleep right now.” Isabelle said, putting her plate down on the coffee table. “I know that feeling. I’m so glad Michael’s ok, but every time I close my eyes I can see that guy again.” Liz replied. “Well all I can see is blood when I close my eyes. Michael’s blood and lots of it.” Maria added quietly, as her friends looked at her. “He is gonna be ok Maria.” Max said, putting a supportive arm around his friend. “I know he is, but …………… but in my heart I know it’s my fault he’s in that hospital right now.” She replied, finally admitting to her friends what they’d all suspected over the previous few hours. “No Maria, you mustn’t blame yourself.” Max insisted. “But it is my fault. If I hadn’t of screamed out like I did then that guy wouldn’t have pointed his gun at me, and then Michael wouldn’t have jumped in to save me.” She replied sadly. “Your reaction was only natural Maria. Hell I wanted to scream when he burst in!” Isabelle replied. “But you didn’t Isabelle ………. I did.” “Ok Maria, think
of it this way. If you hadn’t of screamed, you wouldn’t have distracted
him and I wouldn’t have been able to get the gun away.
Who knows, maybe we’d all be still holed up there now, held hostage by
him. There is only one person to
blame all this on, and that’s Damien” Max
insisted. As Maria rested her head on Max’s chest, she suddenly realised how all the day’s events had changed each one of them. She considered whether something was going on with Max and that he perhaps had feelings for a certain secretary. He’d hardly let Liz out of his sight since they’d got to the hospital and his insistence that she get checked over also bordered on the possessive. They’d sat together while they all waited for news on Michael, both seemingly comforting each other. Then there was Isabelle. There was no question that Maria had seen a side to Isabelle that day that she’d never seen before. Her normal frosty personality had completely melted, it was as if Isabelle had forgotten to keep her front up. She also looked very tired as she laid her head on Alex’s shoulder. Maria had heard snippets of the conversation Isabelle had with Brad at the hospital, and she, like the others, had pieced together what had been said. Maria felt that Isabelle must be teetering on the edge of insanity after all that had happened. Although she’d never met Brad, Maria knew instantly that she didn’t like him at all. Any guy who would put his career before the welfare and being of his girlfriend wasn’t worth wasting time over. Of course Maria could also see Alex’s glee at how Isabelle was with him. They, like Max and Liz, had been almost inseparable since arriving at the hospital, Alex being the pillar of strength that Isabelle needed to get through the ordeal. It was the first time that Maria saw Isabelle through Alex’s eyes. Not the glamorous, fiery lawyer who sauntered around the office, but a normal woman who needed comforting, who got scared like everyone else, who wanted to just curl up and cry her heart out. It was a huge eye opener for Maria, and she had a feeling she’d never look at Isabelle the same again. Gently stoking her hair, Alex took in every perfect moment of having Isabelle in his arms. In his heart he knew that once the crisis was over, she would be the strong, wilful Isabelle that everyone else knew. But until that moment, he was more than happy to protect her from everything. He treasured and savoured each touch, the feel of her soft hair in his fingers, how right it felt to have her close to him. Alex knew it was all a pretence, but for a few hours more he knew he could trick his mind and pretend that the beauty was his. Everyone was pensive and thoughtful as they finished off their food. Each one knew they couldn’t sleep, and also knew the last thing they wanted was to be alone that night. Just as Isabelle got comfortable on the sofa next to Alex, the telephone began to ring. Sitting up and reaching beside her, Isabelle took hold of the receiver. “Hello.” She said. “Is, it’s
Brad.” “Look, I’ve been asked out to dinner with a really hot director, who has a potential part in his new film for me. This could be my big break babe, the one that gets me to Hollywood.” He said enthusiastically. “Right …….” Isabelle replied, not quite grasping his meaning. “The only problem is the dinner’s tonight. I know it’s really short notice, but I know you’re a wiz at making yourself look glam really quickly. How about I pick you up in 30 minutes?” He bantered on. “What?” She replied sharply “Please Is.” “Oh come on babe,
you know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.” “Don’t be like
this Is.” “Isabelle………” “Forget it Brad,
just forget it. You definitely need to get your priorities straight, maybe
then you’ll be able to categorise important.
The only good thing about today is that I’ve finally seen your true
colours, and the fact it’s always about you.” “Yeah, I get the message.” He replied. “Good!” She yelled before slamming the phone down. As she turned back, Isabelle was suddenly aware of four pairs of eyes staring at her. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry guys. I erm, need a moment.” She said getting up and running out of the room. “I should go and check on her.” Max said starting to get up. “Please, let me.” Alex insisted, jumping to his feet and following Isabelle’s trail. It didn’t take long to guess which room was Isabelle’s, her quiet sobbing was a clear indication. Gently pushing open the door, Alex found her stretched out on her bed, crying tears into her pillow. “Isabelle?” He said softly. “Please, I just need some space.” She mumbled through the tears. “But I don’t want to leave you alone like this.” He said. “Alex ………” She started. “Please Isabelle. You’re really upset and I know you want to be alone, but I’m not gonna leave you like Brad did. I don’t know what he said on the phone to you, but he’s a bastard plain and simple. You don’t deserve someone who won’t be there for you when you need them like you did today.” “You’re really sweet Alex, but ……….” “But nothing. I just want to be here for you, that’s all.” He replied sitting down on the edge of the bed beside her. “The others must
be wondering what on earth is going on.” “Thank you ………… for caring.” She said as he brushed her hair away from her face. She looked so vulnerable as she laid on her bed, so scared he just wanted to scoop her up into his arms and hold her forever. Stroking her cheek with his fingers, Alex stared straight down into her crystal clear blue eyes. They didn’t hold their normal twinkle, the events of the day causing that, but there was a slight glistening in them. She held his stare unwaveringly, for the first time seeing a handsomeness in his face that she hadn’t noticed before. Placing her hand tentatively against his slightly rough cheek, Isabelle slowly lifted her head off the bed and moved towards him. Not thinking of the consequences, purely of his own desires, the close proximity of her face was too much for him to bear. Leaning in towards her, Alex ever so gently placed a feather light kiss on her waiting lips. It was only the merest of touches, but they were totally obliviously to anything around them. At that moment, the only person who existed to them in the world was the other. Moving close to him again, Isabelle returned his gentle kiss, with a stronger, more passionate kiss. Her lips were so soft against his, Alex felt like he was melting in front of her. For a split second, he was grateful he was sitting down, knowing it would have been very hard to stay upright if he was still standing. Isabelle, the goddess, the woman who had invaded so many of his wondrous dreams, was kissing him back. Wow! She’d never been kissed like that before, she thought to herself as they finally broke their clinch. With Brad it was always what was the fastest way to get his tongue down her throat, but Alex was different. There was no violation of her mouth, only pure emotion, pure passion and a very strong giddy feeling. “Where did you learn to kiss like that?” She said breathlessly. “Erm ………” He replied, dipping his head in embarrassment. “I think maybe we should go and find the others, they’ll be getting worried otherwise.” Isabelle said, slowly getting up. Taking a deep breath, Alex followed her padded feet, desperately struggling to get his mind and breathing under control. As they walked into the living room, Isabelle found Max asleep on the sofa, with Maria and Liz either side of him, both resting against his chest, also out for the count. Smiling to herself, pleased they’d been able to fall asleep, Isabelle sat down on the opposite sofa. “Aren’t you going to join me?” She said, seeing Alex still standing in the doorway. “Is that a good idea?” He countered. “Right now I don’t care what’s right or good. All I know is I need you to hold me, tonight, all night.” She pleaded. “Sure.” Alex replied, his resolve crumbling very fast. Sitting down beside her, Alex placed his arms around her back. Isabelle scooped her legs up onto the sofa and leaned into his embrace, grateful for his strong arms. Sleep came remarkably easy for all five of them, the events of the day eventually taking its toll. They had been through so much, and each one knew a bond had been born that would last for a very long time. For Alex, sleep took longer to come, but he didn’t care. Isabelle was encased in his arms, something he never thought would ever happen. He knew her boyfriend, or ex-boyfriend, had been a very big jerk, and he also knew he was determined to be there for Isabelle, every step of the way until she accepted him for what he was, and realised he was exactly what she was looking for. TBC ……………………?
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