Something Wonderful Page 13

  “I think I’ve aged twenty years in the last twelve hours.”

  “You look damn good for it if you have.”

  “Let’s get inside and order some food. I’m starving. Then you can tell me this news.”

  We settled on the sofa with our food.

  “So, are you going to tell me what’s going on, or do I have to guess?”

  She placed her fork on the plate while I tucked into an onion bhaji.

  “I’ve been offered a new job.”

  “Oh, that’s nice,” I said, my mouth half full. “Where?”

  “The Gold Coast of Australia.”

  “You’re kidding me?”

  “I wish I was. But the contract is initially for two years with the option of staying on if I want to.”

  “Well, that’s amazing.” I felt totally deflated, but didn’t want her to see that. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “It’s a fantastic opportunity, and the pay I’d receive for my grade more than I ever dreamed of earning, plus I’d be able to live by the beach with all year-round sunshine.”

  “When do you leave?”

  “I haven’t accepted the job yet.”

  “Why not?” I put my fork down too, my appetite suddenly disappearing.

  “Why do you think?”

  “Won’t Kevin let you take Jamie?”

  “He wouldn’t care either way, not now he has his new life down in Bournemouth.”

  “Then what’s stopping you?”

  “You’re stopping me because I don’t want to lose you.”

  “Don’t pass up that opportunity, just for me. I couldn’t stand it.”

  “I love you, Michelle, and I know I’ve never told you that, but I do.”

  “I love you too.” It felt good to finally tell her, but the timing couldn’t be worse. “And now I’m going to lose you.”

  “Come with me,” she blurted out.

  “What?”

  “Come with me.”

  “I can’t go to Australia, not with Mags poorly, and what about Hope, and then Dillon too?”

  “I know, I’m a selfish bitch for asking, and totally understand why it’s not possible.”

  “Any other time, I would have considered it, but I just can’t, not right now anyway.”

  “Timing is shit, huh?”

  “Yeah, but there’s nothing saying I couldn’t ask to defer for a year or so. If they wanted me that badly and everything was settled here, and you’d consider coming, I’d wait for you.”

  “You’d really wait for me?”

  “Of course I would. I don’t want to go anywhere without you, but think about it please, and if the answer is no, we’ll sort something out.”

  I picked up my fork and stabbed at a piece of chicken. Popping it into my mouth, I wondered what other curve balls the universe would throw my way.

  An hour later, we were tucked up in bed.

  I was exhausted, physically and mentally, but wanted to make the most of the time together.

  Dillon had arranged to stay the night at his friends, relieved his aunt and new baby cousin were going to be okay.

  I snuggled into Carol, taking in her delicious scent. I wanted to make love to her, but something stopped me. Don’t get too close, my inner voice said. She’s going to break your heart.

  I kissed her goodnight and rolled over and despite my brain not wanting to shut off, I soon drifted off to sleep.

  ∞∞∞

  The phone woke me the following morning.

  I grabbed it in a panic and noticed Carol had already left.

  “Hello,” I barked into the receiver.

  “It’s only me,” Maggie Jane said.

  “Gosh, what time is it?”

  “Just gone nine.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, but I just wanted to let you know, they let me see Hope. She’s the most beautiful little girl in the whole world.”

  I was so happy for her. “You don’t have to tell me that. How you feeling?”

  “I feel so good, Shell. Like I can take on anything and win.”

  “That’s the Mags I know.”

  “Are you coming in today?”

  “Of course, do you need anything?”

  “A change of clothes and clean pyjamas, plus some women’s bits if you wouldn’t mind?”

  “Of course not. Text me what you need, and I’ll swing by the shops on the way.”

  “Thanks, Shell.”

  ∞∞∞

  I couldn’t focus my mind.

  Carol had dropped the bombshell about the job offer in Australia, and I felt like I was stopping her from doing what she really wanted to do. It was too good an opportunity to dismiss, but I had a lot of thinking to do. No way would I leave Dillon and Maggie Jane behind. Or little Hope either, but I still felt torn.

  I resolved to call Carol after visiting and hash it out with her.

  She never usually left without waking me and kissing me goodbye. Maybe my distance last night has upset her?

  Chapter Thirty one - Decree Absolute

  Where did the time go?

  The months flew by in the blink of an eye and suddenly my house was full once more. I didn’t mind because my sister was finally home and with baby Hope in tow as a bonus.

  I didn’t want her to go back to her own house and asked her to stay with Dillon and me until she had finished her treatment at least.

  Cuddle time with Hope was a joy and for the first time in years, I felt broody.

  Maggie Jane had surgery to remove her breast and as discussed it was rebuilt using her own nipple. She sailed through it with ease, her daughter the source of her determination.

  Chemotherapy was over and done with. Now the next hurdle to overcome was radiation therapy. Her living with me was a blessing in disguise because I could take care of them all and play the devoted sister and aunty.

  Dillon was thriving in school. We were getting on better than we ever had done. I felt close to him for the first time in my life. He no longer kept me at arms-length and even accepted Carol into his life.

  My son had grown up so much in the last year, but what did surprise me was how much love he had for Hope. I felt guilty I had never given him a sibling, but he would guard her with his life.

  About a month ago, Richie had called me late one night and told me about a girl called Jemma. I was thrilled for him. He really seemed to be taken with her, and rather than feel pangs of jealousy, I felt elated he was able to move on and talk to me about it. It might have taken time for him to pluck up the courage to tell me, but he needn’t have worried. If he was happy, I was happy. We really were the best of friends.

  Carol deferred her offered position and move to Australia, and I promised to think about going with her. I loved her so much and I was lucky to have found somebody so understanding.

  I’d finally met Jamie, and while it was difficult at first, we’d grown close, and I began to see him as an extension of my own family.

  My divorce was finalised today, but rather than feel jubilant, I was sad. I’d been with Richie since I was a teenager and didn’t regret our time together.

  Now it was about moving forward, but a nod back to the past, and more than a few tears was allowed.

  We met in town for a celebratory drink. Neither of us were actually celebrating the end of our marriage, but the fact we managed to do it in a civilised manner. In fact, our friendship remained intact and was stronger for it. I loved him very much, but only as a friend, and I felt pretty sure he felt the same way.

  “Here’s to the future,” he said as our glasses clinked, and a lump formed in my throat.

  Tears stung my eyes. “I’m sorry, Rich. I didn’t want to get emotional.”

  “Don’t be. It’s a sad day but also a happy one, for both of us. You’re happy with Carol and I’m gonna be a daddy again.”

  I nearly dropped my glass as he dropped the bombshell. “What? Jemma’s pregnant?”

  “Yeah, four mo
nths gone now. I would’ve told you sooner, but we wanted to get past the first trimester.”

  “Congratulations, I couldn’t be more pleased, for the both of you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, you were always a good dad, just don’t spoil your new one like you did with Dillon or else.”

  “Thanks Shell, and don’t worry, I learned my lesson there.”

  “Does Dillon know yet?”

  “We’re gonna tell him tonight. If it’s okay with you, we thought we’d take him to out for dinner, drop the news then.”

  “Fine by me.”

  “How’d you think he will take it?”

  “Oh, he’ll sulk, stick his bottom lip out, worry he won’t get spoiled anymore, then love the idea of being a big brother.”

  “It does worry me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t want him to think I’m swapping my old family for a new one.”

  “I don’t think that will be an issue. In fact, I love the idea of having a new baby in our blended family.”

  “You really are an amazing woman do you know that?”

  “Hush or you’ll set me off.”

  “A part of me wishes we could have made it work, but then I wouldn’t have met Jemma.”

  “She’s the one for you, just like Carol is the one for me.” I smiled and took his hand. “We lasted as long as we were meant to, I truly believe that, and now new adventures are on the horizon for us both. The wicked side of me is thrilled you get to change shitty nappies and do 2am feeds.” I erupted into laughter.

  “Cheers, you really know how to put a dampener on things.”

  “You’re gonna love it.”

  “You know what, this time I’m older and wiser and want to do things right.”

  “Then you’re already halfway there.”

  I raised my glass again. “To family.”

  “To family,” he said, his glass touching mine.

  Chapter Thirty two - The Winner Takes It All

  I was sat with my sister in the oncologist’s office.

  Maggie Jane was wig free and the hair on her head, and her eyebrows and eyelashes had grown back towards the end of her treatment. We both rocked our shorter hairstyles and I was tempted to keep it, but Carol loved me with longer hair.

  Today was the day.

  “Positive thoughts, Mags.”

  “I’m positive when I say if you don’t stop squeezing my hand, I’ll have to book myself into the fracture clinic while I’m here.”

  “Oops, sorry.”

  Doctor Mao rushed into the room carrying a file. “So sorry to have kept you waiting Margaret Jane.”

  “It’s fine but call me Mags, please.”

  “Okay then, Mags it is.” He opened the file.

  My heart skipped a beat. This is it, I thought. If you’re listening to me, Mum and Dad, a little bit of help now would be appreciated. “I have your results here and it’s good news, very good news in fact…”

  I held my breath and squeezed her hand again.

  “Is the cancer still there?” Maggie Jane asked. “Just tell me.”

  “I’m pleased to say there is no trace of cancer anywhere.”

  I don’t know what possessed me, but I jumped to my feet and squealed, fist pumping the air. “Yes, yes, yes,” I yelled.

  My sister burst into tears and slumped forward.

  “Mags, are you okay?” I sat down again, feeling foolish.

  “Yeah,” she said through sobs. “I feel like I can breathe again for the first time in eighteen months.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Mags,” Doctor Mao said, smiling from ear to ear. “It really is the best news, but we will still need to see you for regular checks. For now though, you can relax, take a break somewhere and live your best life again with that little girl of yours.”

  “Thank you so much, Doctor,” I cried, rushing around the desk to throw my arms around him.

  He patted my back. “It is my pleasure, now if you don’t mind, I have other patients to see.”

  He walked over to Maggie Jane and shook her hand. “I’m so happy for you. Take care of yourself and get out there and ring that victory bell.”

  When he left the room we embraced, crying happy tears. “Come on, let’s go outside and put Richie out of his misery.”

  I felt like I was floating on air.

  “I feel a bit silly ringing this bell,” she said.

  “Ring the bloody bell and stop dithering. You deserve it as much as the rest of them who have stood up to cancer do.”

  Ding went the bell.

  A round of applause and a roar of cheers went up around the room. I cheered along with them.

  I looked at the other patients, wishing and praying they could also one day ring the bell.

  “Good luck to you all,” Maggie Jane said as she took my hand, marching triumphantly out of the oncology department and into the sunlight.

  We stepped into the fresh air, savouring the moment. Tears ran down both of our cheeks.

  Richie must have spotted us and jumped out of his car and rushed toward us. “Oh, God, it’ll be okay, we’ll get a second opinion, go private, money can buy the best doctors…”

  “Richie…” Maggie Jane was trying to speak but he talked non-stop.

  “When we get home, I’ll make some phone calls, we’ll go to America, anywhere–”

  “Rich, listen…” He looked at me and I could see he was trying to hold it together.

  “You’re gonna be fine, Mags, I promise.”

  Maggie Jane raised her voice to stop him. “It’s gone, Richie. The cancer is gone.”

  “Yes, that’s what I’ll do… I’ll get on the phone as soon as we get home and… and…” He looked confused. “…it’s gone.”

  “Yeah, I’m gonna be okay,” she replied. “The cancer is gone.”

  Without warning, she was swept off her feet and into his arms. “YESSSSSSSSSS!” he bellowed, as other people in the car park looked his way. “OH, YESSSSSSSSSSSS.”

  He shouted so loud, I jumped.

  “Put me down, right now,” she protested. “You fool.”

  He lowered her to her feet then embraced her. “I was terrified it was going to be bad news.”

  “Didn’t I tell you, there was no getting rid of me?”

  “You did.” Tears ran down his cheeks.

  The three of us hugged it out as the sun shone brightly in the sky.

  Chapter Thirty three - Back to the Future

  I lay in Carol’s arms, feeling weightless for the first time in months.

  “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  “You would’ve got through it because you’re made of strong stuff.”

  “You kept me going, Carol, even when I’d lost hope Mags would get better.”

  “Was there ever any doubt she was going to beat it? I’ve never met somebody as iron-willed as that one.”

  “I love you so much.”

  “Where did that come from?”

  “I don’t think I say it enough.”

  “Whether that’s true or not, I know how you feel and only have to look into your eyes to see it.”

  I leaned in to kiss her lips.

  “Now I feel like we can plan for our own future.”

  “Have you given any more thought to Australia?”

  “Funny enough, it’s all I’ve been thinking about since we got Mags’ news.”

  “Do you want to come with me?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  She squealed and threw her arms around me. “I can’t believe it.”

  “I don’t want to be without you.”

  “It’s a long way, you know. Are you sure you’ll be able to leave Dillon, Mags and Hope behind?”

  “No, but I have to think of myself sometimes.”

  “Will Dillon come with us do you think?”

  “I don’t know, but I’ll need to speak to them all and tell them my decision and the sooner the
better.”

  “What if Dillon says no?”

  “He’s old enough to do as he pleases, but if he wants to come too, I’d love it. What about Jamie?”

  “Kevin is still being a dick, so he comes with us. I wouldn’t go without him.”

  “So, we’re really doing this?” I was getting excited.

  “Yes, we really are.”

  ∞∞∞

  I sat down with Dillon, Maggie Jane and Richie.

  “You’re moving to Australia?” Dillon looked more upset than I thought he would.

  “Not permanently, but for two years at least. Who knows though, if we like it, we might decide to stay.”

  Maggie Jane and Richie remained silent.

  “What about me?” Dillon asked.

  “Come with us.” I looked to Richie, waiting for him to object but he never said a word.

  “I don’t wanna go to Australia, and I don’t want you to go either. Tell her Aunty Mags.”

  “I can’t ask her to stay, love, not after the last eighteen months.”

  “Dad, please.

  “If she wants to go, Dillon, we can’t stop her, but if you want to go, I won’t stand in your way.”

  “I’m not going to Australia, end of.” He stormed out of the room as all eyes fell on me.

  “Why didn’t you mention it, Shell?”

  “You were going through treatment. It wasn’t an option, Mags, but now it is. I don’t want to leave you behind, but I owe it to myself to see if Carol and I work together.”

  “I don’t want you to go, but I want you to be happy, so go with my blessing, but you better come back or else I’ll fly over there and drag you back.”

  “And what about you?” I looked to Richie.

  “We’re divorced now, but I want the same for you as Mags does. Be happy.”

  “What about this place?” I would have sold long before now, but we needed stability.

  “Sell it. I don’t care.”

  “And the company?”

  “You’re still a Director, Shell. That won’t change.”

  “Is it really so easy?”

  “Saying goodbye is never easy.” Maggie Jane looked like she wanted to cry. “But it’s not forever, so get out there and enjoy yourself.”

  “Thanks, both of you.”