FMWL (variation) Dream keeper
Chapter 1
Henry walked away without looking back. He was angry at himself, at Frankie. He felt played with. His hand still burned where she had caressed it. Why had she done it? And all her talk about going to her house. 'Do you have to go so soon?' Her words echoed in his head. But still she had pulled back. He felt very disappointed, rejected.
He found his way back to the hotel where he was staying. The seminar and the whole conference had lost interest now. All he wanted was to leave Portsmouth as quickly as possible to go back to London and forget this painful, humiliating experience. He knew who could help him with this…
Quickly he packed his bag, brought the key back to reception and headed out to the station. Only a few days ago he had arrived here, hoping and expecting to see Frankie. To see if anything had changed. He had looked forward to spending some time in 'her' city and try to see it through her eyes. Walking around, imagining her walking at those places.
After the first meeting had been a bit cool, they had spent some nice time together and it had started to feel a bit the same again as at Mansfield. Having fun together, chatting about anything and Frankie had seemed to enjoy it! That's why he had allowed some hope this afternoon. But now that was all gone.
He walked into the station and got his ticket, only to find out once on the platform that he had just missed his train. Now he had to wait another 45 minutes! That didn't help!
All of a sudden he realised that he hadn't eaten since breakfast, so in the little kiosk he bought a coffee and a sandwich, and sat himself on one of the benches. Sipping from his coffee he took his laptop out of his bag. Maybe he could do some work, or check his email. But instead Henry started to Google Frankie. He just couldn't resist. He was very surprised to find, that the videos she made for Will, were actually open for everyone to view! He wondered if she knew.
Curious about what she'd say about him, he started watching some of them. Very soon he was engrossed. It was a bit strange seeing it from the other side. He watched her talking about life in general at Mansfield, interact with Ed and heard what her thoughts were about him and Mary. Shocked, he realised she had seen and known much more of his conduct than he realised. He cringed when he heard himself talk that first time near the water in the garden back in January and saw how ridiculous his behaviour was that day when he had helped Frankie with those heavy boxes. And saw that he was caught on camera making out with Rhea in the garden during their rehearsal of Lovers Vows.
At first he had enjoyed seeing Frankie talking about what went on in her life, but the more he watched the more he realised how she must have felt about his flirting and suddenly he understood why she had rejected him.
Somehow these videos made him see himself through her eyes and he didn't like the picture.
People walked past, trains arrived and left, but Henry didn't notice. His eyes were glued to the screen of his laptop. There were so many videos and they brought so many revelations.
Another thing he noticed was how special Frankie's relationship with Ed was. Henry saw, heard and read in between the lines that there was much more than just friendship on her side… Another reason why she didn't want him, Henry.
His laptop started to tell him the battery was almost empty. Only then Henry realised what time it was. He must have missed at least two trains! Wow, that has never happened before! He wouldn't have thought that possible, at least not when sober.
Henry wasn't sure what to do now. He was still angry, but, he realised, now only at himself! He wanted to see Frankie again, to tell her that his eyes had really been opened, to say he finally thought he understood her! But he didn't know where she lived and she was probably long gone from the spot where they had met earlier that day. He didn't want to call her.
Instead he found himself calling Ed! He might try to explain and ask if Ed could give the address. He wasn't sure if Ed would want to help. Henry had seen the last video with Ed in it and he was sure Ed would respect Frankie's choices. Still, there was no harm in trying.
Ed sounded a bit reserved when he answered his call. After some chat about how each was doing and Ed's question about how he liked Portsmouth, Henry started to try to explain why he called.
"I met with Frankie today but it didn't go particularly well! At first I was angry at her about it, I felt like she was playing with me…" Here Ed interrupted: "Frankie would never play with other people's feelings, so she probably had good reasons to act the way she did!"
"Yeah," Henry said, "I do now realise that as well. You know, the past few hours I have been watching Frankie's videos and they made a lot clear!" "Wait, what? Frankie's videos?" came the reply. "Yes, on YouTube." Before he could continue, Ed said: "Hold on, I'm getting another phone call. It's my dad. I'd better take it. Ring me back in 5 minutes ok?"
"I will," said Henry. He stood up and looked out of the window. He had a majestic view on the HMS Warrior but didn't see it.
Barely two minutes had passed when Ed rang him back. He sounded upset and agitated:
"My dad just rang to say Tom has had a very bad car accident and is rushed into hospital right now! I seem to be closest so will drive there straight away. Could you please tell Frankie and see how she is? I won't have time to come and pick her up, and since you're there anyway… Thanks!"
"Ok, will do. But I don't know where she lives." Ed told the address, but before he hung up, Henry said quickly: "By the way, I had some texts from Mary. She was a bit upset, I think, because you hadn't answered her calls or so?" Ed sounded distracted, but said: "Yeah, things are not going too well between us, but I'll give her a call! Thanks again." With that he hung up.
Henry didn't know what to think. Tom was a nice bloke, but the accident was probably his own fault. Drunk driving was plain stupid, so he couldn't feel too sorry for him.
But then he thought of Frankie. He had seen how much she cared for Tom and this must be awful news for her to hear.
Before rushing out of the station he sent a quick text to Mary: 'Was planning to come home tonight, but plans have changed. Talk to you soon! Btw. Bertram has had a bad accident.'
Then he found his way to Frankie's house.
Henry was let in by a curious looking guy, who must be her mum's boyfriend. "Frankie, there's a bloke for you at the door!" was shouted up the stairs. "Ok, send him up!" he heard Frankie calling back. "First door on the left," pointed the man.
Henry hesitatingly went up the stairs. He hoped she wouldn't be angry at him being back so soon. The door was open and the first thing he noticed was the camera. "Frankie?" "Henry! Why? What? I thought you went back to London!" She looked confused.
"No, I missed my train," he said hurriedly, "but I've got some bad news to tell you. I just had a phone call with Ed and…" "Is he alright? What happened?"
"He told me Tom has had an accident and is in hospital! Ed was going there straight away and asked if I could tell you." "An accident?" she repeated.
Henry could see she was upset. She sat down on the sofa, hands in front of her face. "Could this day get any worse?" he heard her mumble. "I am really sorry for my part in that!" he said, but she didn't seem to hear. Henry felt awkward; he didn't know what to do. He wanted to comfort her, but wasn't sure if she'd allow him to.
He sat down next to her. She didn't seem to notice.
After a few minutes Frankie sat up straight and then stood up. "Sitting here like this isn't going to help. I need to get there as quickly as possible. They will need me!" Henry looked amazed at her. That girl was strong!
"Ehhm, Henry, did Ed mention where he is?" She turned to him.
He could still see tears in her eyes, but somehow she'd gathered herself and it was clear she now was only thinking of Tom and Ed and their family.
"Oh, eh, I think he said Basingstoke? If you get your stuff together, I'll check with him and then we can take the first train in that direction."
Frankie agreed, hurried downstairs to quickly tell her mum she was leaving and to pack a bag. Henry called Ed, asked how things were, told about their plans and noted down the address. Just when he was checking when the next train would be leaving, Frankie came to tell she was ready.
Only then, Henry realised the camera was still there. He pointed at it.
"Oops! I'm very sorry. I'm so used to the thing I forget it's there sometimes. I'll see if it's any good later and if I will post it."
"Please don't delete anything on my account," said Henry reassuringly. She nodded.
After also packing the camera, they walked to the station. Henry offered to carry her bag and was surprised she accepted. They hardly talked, both deep in thought.
At the station, after buying Frankie's ticket, the train was already waiting. They found a seat and sat down.
Frankie looked at him. "I'm sort of glad for not having to travel alone. I think I need some distraction! I assume you will go on after Basingstoke to London? It's on the route after all."
Henry was happy she didn't seem to despise his company. He said: "If you want I can go with you to the hospital, see how things are and if I can help out or something."
Frankie looked a bit surprised, but then smiled. "That is very kind of you!"
The train left the station.
"You know," said Frankie. "When I was here I wanted to go back to Mansfield, but now I'm leaving, I wish I didn't have to."
"You didn't have time to say goodbye to Will!" She nodded.
"I will text him now. And maybe I can upload the video so he can hear the details."
She sat to work, first on her phone and then on her laptop.
"Does it take you long to edit a video?" he asked.
"Not much. After making these for so long I've got used to doing it, so it's not too difficult anymore."
"May I watch how you do it?"
She looked at him quite embarrassed.
"Ehhm, I'm not really sure. You're in it, you know. I don't think I feel comfortable with that."
Henry nodded. "I understand!" He looked out of the window for a while, but then turned to her again.
"Frankie, I have to confess something." She looked up in surprise.
"This afternoon, when I left you I intended to leave for London straight away. However, at the station I missed my train and had to wait for quite a while. I got on my laptop to do some work or so, but instead I found your videos on YouTube…"
Frankie changed colour and lowered her head.
"Oh no, not you as well!" was her reply. "Henry, I'm so sorry for everything I've said about you and for all the times you were in it. I only know since a few days that it's all public. I thought Will had sorted the privacy of the videos but apparently not well enough. I'm so sorry!"
"Please, don't be sorry, Frankie. I am not angry at you for it! I knew you made them. And by watching them today I started to understand a bit how you feel about me. Also I am very ashamed of how I behaved. Somehow I could see myself in those videos through your eyes and I have been awful to you and to the others! I am the one who has to say sorry! I don't know what I can do to make amends!" He looked earnestly at her.
He could see a whirlwind of emotions going on inside her. He was a bit surprised. Since when was he so discerning as to what she was thinking? He had thought he could before. Thought she had returned his feelings. But how wrong was he then!
Instead of saying anything she returned her attention to her laptop to edit the latest video. But he could see she was a bit distracted. He could hear the sounds softly and heard his own voice. She had recorded their conversation that afternoon as well. She looked very embarrassed, but said: "Henry, maybe you should see it after all, before I post anything!"
Henry quickly got up and sat next to her. Without a word they watched the video.
"You know Frankie, when I walked away then, I was angry at you and thought you were playing with me. It seemed so contradictory. You sort of invited me to your house but then still pulled out. But now I'm only angry at myself. I took advantage of you. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry!"
Frankie looked up. "I can understand you were confused and angry. I was just as confused and angry as you. You heard my last bit before you came in at home. I think my anger has subsided, but I'm still confused. I have seen you change the last few weeks, but I'm still not sure. This last hour you have proved your change even more! Thank you for your help and for being there! I really appreciate that!"
With some hesitation she added: "Since you've seen it all, there is another reason I couldn't accept you. There is… someone else."
Henry looked at her with compassion. "I know, it's Ed, isn't it?" He felt for her. It must have been so difficult these last months! He had seen Ed fall for Mary and he hadn't thought much of it. But now he could see how it had affected Frankie.
"Yes," was her simple answer. "I don't think I can talk about it at the moment, not with you. I'm sorry."
"Not a problem. That would be your decision!" Henry got up and moved back to his seat. "Oh and, I don't mind you posting that video. Leave it all in, if you want to."
She nodded. "Thank you again for being there for me!"
For ten minutes she was busy on the laptop and then with a sigh she said: "Well, it's online now." Then she closed her laptop and put it away in the bag.
"So, now I do need some distraction! Did you like your time in Portsmouth? Have you seen much in the time you weren't at the conference or hanging out with me?"
"Ah yes," Henry smiled and sat up straight. "I actually enjoyed being there! It was nice to see it all, after hearing you and Will talking so much about it. I sort of regret not having seen Will though! I was wondering how he was doing in his new place."
Frankie laughed a bit. "Don't worry. He is doing really well and thanks you again for your efforts towards it!"
"Well, I'm glad to hear that!"
Henry looked on his watch. "We should be there soon now."
All of a sudden Frankie looked worried again.
"I guess Mr. and Mrs. Bertram should be there already. It's a good thing it's quite near home."
Ten minutes later they got off the train. When outside the station Henry looked for the best way to get to the hospital. Luckily there was a bus waiting for them which would bring them near the hospital.
"I'm glad internet exists," Frankie said. "I've never been here and it would have been difficult to find the way! Also, I sometimes find it a bit daunting to be in a place I've never been before. Therefore, it's nice to not be on my own! Thanks again!"
"Hey, it's nothing! You have been thanking me all day for stuff! That's not good for my ego you know!" Henry winked.
"All right then. But I do mean it, Henry!" "I know, I know!"
Finally they arrived at the hospital. Ed had been warned that they were coming, so when they entered, he was anxiously waiting for them.
Frankie almost ran into his arms and hugged him.
"I'm so glad you're here!" said Ed.
"Me too!" Frankie looked a bit relieved. "What is the latest news?"
"Well, Tom is still unconscious. They need to operate him, but because of his current condition they can't yet. Mum and dad are here and so is Mary. Julia said she is on her way. I don't know about Rhea and Rory."
"So, do you know how it happened? Was he alone in the car?"
"No, apparently someone else was driving. There were four others in the car, but Tom was the only one who needed to go to the hospital. We haven't seen or heard anything yet from his friends!"
"That's awful!" Henry said, silently wishing he hadn't been so harsh at first about Tom.
Ed turned to him. "Thanks for bringing Frankie here!"
"I didn't bring her here. She allowed me to accompany her, which I'm quite surprised about still."
"Ah, yes, I forgot you were coming by train and not by car. Still, thank you!"
Ed went ahead of them through various corridors to a waiting room where they found Mary sitting all by herself.
"Are my parents still with Tom?" Ed asked her.
"Yes, they haven't come out yet." She looked like she had been crying a lot.
Henry was really surprised to see her here and in that state. He hadn't thought her capable of such strong emotions and especially not for Tom, whom she wouldn't think much of.
He saw that Frankie was also very surprised and not very pleased to see his sister here.
"Didn't expect to see you here sister!"
"And I you!" She said a bit defensive. "It's your fault really Henry, for not being more clear! When you sent that text I thought you were talking about Ed. I was mortified about the idea that he might die! I only found out that it was Tom, when I arrived here."
"I am really sorry about that! I was in a hurry, that's why I probably forgot to be more specific!"
Ed took Frankie into the room where Tom was. They were in there only a very short time, for the doctors and nurses were busy with him.
Henry saw the shock on her face when they came out again.
"How is he?" he asked.
"He looks absolutely awful. A scary sight to see him like that! They say it's a miracle he came out alive!"
She sat down next to him.
"Everything considered it looks like Mrs. Bertram is doing quite well. I really feel for them! This must be so awful!"
"And what about you? How are you doing at the moment?" Henry saw that she was struggling, yet keeping it together for the people around her.
"Me? I don't yet allow myself to take time to think about that. I must be strong! What use is there to sit here and cry?!"
"Frankie!" He put his hand on her arm. "No one expects from you to keep it together. You are allowed your emotions! I can see you are struggling. I think it's good for you to express what you feel!"
Frankie didn't need more encouragement. She started to cry. It seemed all emotions of the day were released and for a while she couldn't speak. Henry carefully put his arm around her shoulders. She let him. She must need someone to care for her. Ed was sitting on the other side of the room, talking in a whisper with Mary.
Henry was still surprised to see them being so close! In the whole of their relationship they hadn't talked that much seriously as now, at least as far as he'd seen. He had been there some days ago, before he had left for Portsmouth, seeing them engaged in yet another argument. How that relationship had worked at all until now, was a complete mystery to him. They were so different!
Yet everything that had happened today seemed to have brought a big change and they finally seemed to really be talking!
Henry returned his attention to Frankie, who gradually became a bit calmer.
"You ok?" He asked.
"A bit better I think." Her voice was shaky. "But…"
Ed interrupted: "We're gonna get a drink. Do you guys want anything?"
Frankie looked up. "I think I can do with a cup of tea!"
"Will do! What about you Henry?"
"I think I need a strong coffee, please."
Ed and Mary left the room, hand in hand.
Frankie stared at them leaving and then turned away, with another burst of tears.
"I feel awful," she sobbed. "I'm such a bad person! All that time I had hoped something would change and now…" Her voice wavered.
"It's totally understandable, Frankie! Don't beat yourself up for it please! There's enough going on already without you also feeling a load of guilt!"
"I've been trying so hard!" she cried. "I'm so exhausted!"
She leaned towards him and he embraced her.
She looked up into his eyes with tears on her cheeks. How beautiful she was and how he loved her!
Then, all of a sudden she leaned further towards him, eyes on his lips.
A bit uncomfortable he slowly moved back, not wanting to scare her. She looked confused.
"Now is not the right time, dear," he said softly.
She backed away, embarrassed. "Sorry Henry, I couldn't help myself. You must despise me! I'm so inconsistent!"
"No, don't ever think that! Your emotions are all over the place and it's easy to get confused. I do not blame you! Just give yourself time to get yourself together.
Oh, and I promise I won't tell anyone!"
She smiled through her tears.
"Thank you for that! It would ruin my reputation you know." All of a sudden she laughed. "And what to think of your own reputation! A girl tries to kiss you and you won't even let her! That's unheard of!" He laughed with her. "You didn't feel my struggle just then! But I'm sure I'll get over it!" He winked.
She looked up at him. "Is it really you, Henry? I hardly recognise you anymore. You're definitely the stronger one right now! I really admire you!"
Her praise made him blush.
"I must admit, I'm a bit amazed too! I bet Mary wouldn't recognise me like this!"
Her face darkened at the mention of Mary.
"Sorry. But I do want you to know that if you allow me, I'm there for you when you need a friend. But it's your decision! If you want me to back off, I'll do that. I leave it to you!"
"Thank you!" was her answer. "You have proved yourself already as a good and caring friend and I really value that!"
Chapter 2
They sat up straight when Ed and Mary came back again.
They were having their drinks in silence, until Ed got a message. "Julia is downstairs! I'll go and get her!" And with that he walked out again.
A door opened and Mr. and Mrs. Bertram came out. When Mrs. Bertram saw Frankie she hurried towards her. Frankie stood up and embraced her.
"Frankie, I'm so glad you're here! I'm really worried about Tom, you know!" Mr. Bertram embraced Frankie as well. "Thank you for coming! Both of you!"
Then he turned to his wife. "They are taking good care of him. I'm sure he'll be alright! Come, Maria, let's get ourselves a drink!" He continued to Frankie: "They're doing all sorts of tests at the moment, so we needed to leave."
Mary stood up: "I'll get you a drink! What do you want?"
Mr. and Mrs. Bertram gratefully accepted and sat down near Frankie while Mary rushed off to get two cups of tea.
"That girl has been surprisingly supportive!" Mr. Bertram said. "I didn't take her for that sort of a person! Oh," he continued looking at Henry, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say anything bad about your sister!"
"Don't worry sir, I'm just as surprised as you are!"
Ed and Julia entered. Julia ran to her parents into their arms. "How is he doing? Is there any more news? I tried to be here as quickly as possible, but the trains were a nightmare!"
She looked around and first saw Frankie and then Henry.
Her face reddened and the glance she shot at him was plain hostile.
"What's he doing here?"
Right at that moment Mary entered with the drinks. Before she could give them to Mr and Mrs Bertram, Julia turned to her.
"And she? Why are they here? This is none of their business!"
"Julia!" tried Mr. Bertram.
"No dad, tell me why they're here. They've been trying to ruin our family and yet here they are. I bet inwardly they're celebrating their triumph! I can't bear to see them! Get the * out of here!"
She was seething.
Ed quickly got to her and made her sit down.
"Listen Julia! We know you're as upset as we are about Tom! But that is no reason to accuse Henry and Mary of all sorts of things! Please try to calm down and then explain what you're talking about!"
"Really, does none of you know? Mary, tell them about your videos! And Henry, what about your adventures with Rhea? Please enlighten them all before you leave!" She sneered.
Henry recoiled as if he had been slapped in the face! Mary didn't look any better. He looked at Frankie! She was as white as if she was about to faint.
He wanted to support her, but with a shock he realised that this probably had become impossible all of a sudden! The trust, slowly built during this day, the openness between them, all were shattered in one instant!
He was furious at Julia for barging in and causing even more chaos!
Then he heard Mary speak. Everyone looked at her, when she was trying to put some words together. She was really struggling.
"I… Julia is… I can't… not now… Ed?" She almost collapsed. Ed caught her just in time.
"Julia, see what you've been doing now! You certainly know how to choose your time!" He sneered at her.
Julia was now crying and so were Frankie and Mrs. Bertram.
"But if you really demand we sort this out now, I can give you the answer Julia!" Ed looked at Mary who couldn't speak but nodded.
"Mary has also been making videos for a while now. She has posted them for everyone to see. I haven't had time yet to watch them, but she told me she's been saying some awful things about us and had also been encouraging Henry to go after Frankie." Here he paused to look at Frankie, who looked ill.
"So, Julia, I don't know what you know, but I do know Mary is very sorry about all she'd said."
"I really am, Julia!" came Mary's unsteady voice. "Today somehow turned my life upside down! Through some miscommunication" here she looked at Henry, "I thought Ed was the one who had the accident and I was so terrified he might die that I rushed here. The last few weeks I have been awful to him and I was afraid anything I had said had caused the accident. Seeing Ed here alive and well nearly knocked me out! Of course I am worried about Tom and have tried to be of use here for your family. Ed and I have already been talking quite a lot and so I also told him about the videos. Now I don't know if he'll still have me, but I'm willing to change! I am really sorry for all the unrest I've caused in your family and hope that through time you'll be able to forgive me. You too, Frankie!"
Ed looked at Mary. "I am proud of you, you know!" he said. "I forgive you and I love you! I know I'm not a saint in all this and I have to change a lot as well. But together we'll try to get back to our feet again!" He kissed her.
Julia looked still upset, but a bit less agitated.
Henry was amazed at his sister! He hardly recognised her! This really must have been a shock for her!
Then he heard a small voice next to him.
"And what about you Henry?" Frankie didn't sound angry. There was just pain in her voice. He looked at her and saw that pain mirrored in her eyes. He felt all of a sudden very weary.
But instead of answering her, he turned to Julia.
"Yes Julia, you've seen it all. I have to confess I did have an affair with Rhea. And have long since regretted it, especially since I've started to fall for Frankie. I have tried to avoid Rhea as much as possible after that. You know that. You also know that Rhea kept seeking me out. This doesn't release me from my part, but there are two sides to the story. I am very sorry for the part I played and I really wish it undone! There is a lot more to say, but I prefer to do that to the person concerned in private!"
He sighed deeply and then looked at Frankie. He could still see the pain in her eyes, and sadness, but also some relief it seemed. She leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment.
Julia now just looked like a deflated balloon. Her father tried to comfort her.
A door was opened and a doctor came out. They all sat up straight.
"Relatives of Tom Bertram? I can say he is so far stable that we're going to try to operate him. This is of vital importance, because we have to stop some internal bleeding. Once we've sorted that out, we can look to what has to be done next! As soon as there is news, someone will come and tell you!"
In a moment he disappeared again.
They were all silent for a moment. The gravity of the situation became clear again! For the moment all the struggles and other problems were forgotten.
Later Henry couldn't remember how they got through the next two hours, but they somehow managed. Mrs. Bertram was dozing and Julia had her eyes closed. Mr Bertram was pacing the room and Ed and Mary seemed to need to be alone with each other, so they frequently went off somewhere for a little while and then return to see if there was news.
Frankie looked like a ghost, but she wasn't crying.
He himself felt exhausted and suddenly got up. He was longing for some fresh air.
When he walked out he felt Frankie's gaze follow him.
The fresh air did him good. He revived a little bit. What a weird day this has been and it seemed it wasn't over yet. He thought about that morning. Although the conference hadn't been that bad, it was a distant memory now. It seemed so trivial.
He felt years older! Not only his body but also his mind was exhausted. Too many things had happened.
His meeting with Frankie he really had looked forward to, but that had ended in disappointment; watching her videos. Seeing her again so soon. Their trip on the train and then the time in this hospital.
Although he was worried about her etc. he had felt some hope inside, more than he had when he had left her the first time that afternoon. Her feelings for him seemed to be deeper than even she had realised, but he wasn't sure now how this ever could be mended again. Maybe he needed to leave to give her the space she needed.
He hadn't paid attention to where he was going, but when he looked around him, he found himself very near the A&E entrance and, although it was 10 o'clock in the evening, it was quite busy with people walking in and out and ambulances coming and going.
Quickly he turned around and found his way back to the main entrance.
A little blond figure was standing under the light of a lamppost. She only saw him when he was nearby.
She looked agitated.
"Where were you? You weren't thinking of running away now, were you?"
"You thought I would do that without telling you?" He asked.
She was hesitant in her answer: "Well, you have done that before."
"I know. But I told you earlier on that I'll stay as long as you want me to. And I intend to keep my word!"
He changed the subject.
"It's nice to be in the fresh air for a bit, isn't it? You've got some more colour on your cheeks now."
"Thanks, I do feel a bit better!"
"Do you want to go for a little walk?"
They set off, leaving the hospital premises and found a park nearby. It was dark, but that didn't really matter. It was nice to be in the open air. First they were silent for a while, enjoying the surroundings. Suddenly Frankie stopped to look up to the sky. "I'm surprised how many stars are visible here, even though we're in the middle of a city. At Mansfield I always love to look at the stars! It's such a remote place, so there are loads of stars visible."
Henry looked up with her and was surprised how beautiful it was.
"You know, because of living in London, I don't think I ever was really interested in nature. The city is always so full of light, so I doubt you'd see any stars at all. But I've never checked to be honest."
He vaguely remembered ridiculing Mary for watching the stars with Ed at the beginning of their stay at Mansfield.
It was strange how trying to look through another person's eyes made you appreciate more of your surroundings.
"Will once told me about the first time he was at full sea at night. He said that was one of the moments he felt he definitely made the right choice for a job!" She smiled as she thought of her brother.
"Has he reacted yet on your video?" He asked.
"No not yet. I know he was quite busy today, so he probably hasn't seen it yet."
Her face changed again.
"Do you think they're finished with Tom yet? Maybe we should go back."
"I honestly don't know, but I am sure that Ed would text us if there was any news." She nodded.
"Let's walk until the end of this path then and then go back."
They walked on.
"I am really tired, but I sort of do feel refreshed a bit. It was a good idea to go outside."
"Yes, I agree!"
"Henry?" she turned to him. "You said there was more to be said. You know, about the whole thing with Rhea. I don't know if you meant to me or if I'm ready to hear it, but anyway…"
"Yes, I did say that. It's mainly that I wanted to apologise to you for my behaviour! I know you've seen a lot of it, but also for the things you didn't see. Even after Rhea was married, we kept seeing each other secretly when I was in London. At the time I thought there was nothing wrong with it. I could see she wasn't happy in her marriage and I somehow thought I was helping her by giving her some adventure. Since I genuinely fell for you, Frankie, I have tried to avoid her as much as possible, although I did see her a few times. And sometimes it was really tempting you know! Especially when I was frustrated about my feelings for you and about your lack of feelings for me.
I also have to tell you, when I left you this afternoon I felt wounded and it really was my intention to go straight to her when I would arrive in London, in an attempt to forget you and the pain I felt. But it seems Providence had other plans and made me miss my train and, well, you know the rest. I am really, really glad I missed that train!"
He looked at her to see her reaction.
She stopped and grabbed his hand.
"Thank you for your honesty! I have been angry at you for messing things up, not just with Rhea and Julia but as well for messing up my feelings and my sanity. I was conflicted all the time. I couldn't trust you after all I had seen, but I did enjoy spending time with you and I was angry at myself that I allowed myself to enjoy your company!
I am starting to trust you more now, but I feel it will take some more time to forgive you completely! I am sorry about that, but I am slow to change.
Also, Ed and Mary is still a raw thing and I don't know how long it will take to grieve over that or for my feelings to subside if ever. I think I've been in love with Ed for about 3 years now you know…" Her voice trailed away, apparently caught up in memories.
Henry was moved!
"Now I have to thank you for being so honest and trusting me by telling me all this! I promise you I will keep trying to prove and improve myself. I want to become a better person, not just for you, but for myself! I don't want to go back to the way I was before!
I realise we have talked a lot about serious things today and at different times we have told each other how we feel. Earlier today I said that I was willing to wait as long as needed until you say you love me back. I think that was not the right thing, because it puts you under pressure! But I do want you to be a guide, so to speak. I won't talk about my feelings, unless you ask. I will try to become a good friend first which is probably more important right now!
Now, shall we be done with confessions and serious talk? Let's walk on."
Although it was dark, he could see she looked a bit happier. "Yes, I think that's a good idea! As friends we could face the battles of the future!" she said with her funny dramatic voice! She giggled. For the first time today.
They started walking again, but she didn't let go of his hand. It felt… good! Henry felt a bit more optimistic. Becoming good friends sounded for the moment more exciting than trying to win her heart.
Chapter 3
After about 20 minutes they arrived, hand in hand, back in the waiting room.
They were met with some agitation! Ed hurried towards them.
"Where have you guys been? I've tried to contact you!"
Both Henry and Frankie reached for their phones and discovered some missed calls.
"So sorry," Frankie stammered with a blush. "What is the matter?"
"Well, the doctor came to tell that the operation went well and that until tomorrow they'll let him recover from this, before they move on to a next operation. He is still unconscious but stable."
Frankie looked relieved. "That is good to hear!" she smiled.
Ed continued: "We are now discussing who should go home and who should stay, since there is no need for us all to stay here. It's better for us all to take some rest. So we best take it in turns to be here. We sort of decided that me and my dad will stay, but we have a slight problem with transport for the rest of you. Mary doesn't feel like she can drive yet…"
"Well, I can drive," Henry interrupted. "Only. Mary, you came with my car right?" And when she nodded, "My car is too small for all of us to fit in. Ed, could we borrow your car?"
"Excellent idea, Crawford!" Ed looked relieved. "Well that's sorted then. I think you guys should go now. Please take your rest. And mum," he looked at his mother, "do not worry! Tom will be alright and we will be here with him."
Mrs Bertram nodded. "I won't worry. And I have Frankie with me. She will help me." Ed smiled and then looked at Frankie. "You don't mind?" He mouthed at her. She answered reassuringly.
Before they left, Ed took Frankie aside.
"You ok?" He asked.
"Yes, I'm fine! Why?"
"Well, with the Henry-stuff etc. I was worried about you, you know!"
"Thank you! I was pretty distressed at first, but much better now!"
"Good to hear!" He gave her a quick hug and then saw Henry looking at them.
"Well, goodbye to you and see you tomorrow I guess!"
After hugs and goodbye-kisses all around, Henry and the ladies set off to get back to Mansfield Park.
When they were only ten minutes on their way, Mrs Bertram had nodded off on the passenger seat and Julia was also fighting against her sleep.
Mary leaned over to Frankie.
"Frankie," she whispered, "again I'm so sorry for everything. Please can you forgive me? I have been so selfish and although I've said that earlier without any regret, I am sorry about it now and really want to change!"
Frankie gave her a quick hug. "I can't forgive just yet but I will do my best. And I appreciate your efforts! I still count you as one of my good friends!"
Mary sounded relieved when she said: "Thank you for that. I really need good friends now you know, to keep me on the right path."
"And I will be glad to help you with that." Frankie laughed.
Henry was happy when he heard all that! To have the two girls he valued most in life, be good friends!
Soon it seemed everyone, except Henry, was fast asleep. Henry didn't mind the quiet and the dark. He enjoyed the drive and having time to think uninterrupted.
After about half an hour he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Henry, how far is it still?" Frankie whispered.
"I thought you were asleep." He replied, smiling. "But we're about a quarter of an hour away from Mansfield now."
"You ok?" she asked. "Or do I need to keep you awake?" She rubbed his shoulders.
He laughed softly. "Please don't distract the driver. I need all my attention to the road you know."
"Well, I'm very sorry sir and it won't happen again." She giggled.
"Shh, don't wake the others!"
She giggled again.
Henry was happy.
After the promised fifteen minutes he drove the car until the front door and they all got out. Frankie had to support Mrs Bertram and Henry gave Mary an arm. Julia managed on her own. Luckily Mrs Norris was nowhere to be seen so everyone got to their rooms without interruption.
Just before Frankie went up to her own room, she turned to Henry to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Henry! Good night!"
Then she walked up the stairs and Henry went to his own room and fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow!