Standing Still - Twenty-eight
Driving towards the large iron gates of the Grey's home I'm suddenly struck by their wealth and instantly I feel out of place. Our small family car soon swallowed up in the grounds of the estate as I manoeuvre up the extensive driveway.
We're buzzed through the gates without much inquiry then Allison and I proceed to gawk at the aches of land and long sweeping lawns.
"How the other half lives," says Ally rather taken aback.
"It looks like a luxury hotel not a family home," I remark uncomfortably.
As we draw closer to the house a man steps towards us and shows us where to park. He has the look of a bodyguard but in spite of his imposing stature he's friendly and instantly puts me at ease.
He politely opens Allison's car door and walks us up to the house while making inquiries about our journey.
Opening the front door he shows us inside and instantly we're greeted by the Grey's. I'd know Mrs Grey anywhere her face has been etched on my mind for months now. It's been a constant presence, taunting me and preventing me from forgetting that horrible day. I'm thrilled to see her looking so well and can only hope that this new face helps to blur the one I saw that day.
"Mr Fletcher, it's a pleasure to meet you. I know we've met before but your face is still rather hazy I'm afraid."
"Very understandable," I reply.
Mrs Grey walks closer than suddenly opens out her arms to me.
"Thank you for saving my life," she says solemnly.
"Do you think your wife would mind if I gave you a hug," she continues.
"Not at all," both Allison and I echo.
She's quick to pull me into her embrace then follows by holding my hand briefly and affectionately patting my arm. I feel strangely shy in her presence as I chastely kiss her cheek.
"Thank you," she repeats softly. I nod my head then slowly look up at my wife and Mr Grey, he's smiling and Ally's wiping away a tear.
"I'll second that Mr Fletcher, thank you so much for giving me back my wife."
Shaking his hand he pats my shoulder enthusiastically then reaches out for Mrs Grey who returns to his embrace.
Once the somewhat awkward greeting is out of the way Mr Grey takes us further into the house. We end up in a cosy and very sunny family room where both Ally and myself finally get to sit down.
Drinks offered and accepted we're soon discussing our interests and quickly I start to feel more comfortable. Once the formality of introductions are over we're soon on a first name basis and I'm glad to be rid of Mr Fletcher status.
Chatting for over an hour I'm distracted by a sudden peel of laughter. I look up and see a rosy cheeked little lad running towards Ana.
"Mommy look," he says pointing to a shiny sticker on his shirt.
"Wow did Gail give you that for being a good boy."
He nods proudly then jumps back a little when he notices our presence. He pulls up and sits on Ana's lap then causally surveys us from his safe place.
"Teddy this is Jim and his wife Allison, they have come to visit with Daddy and me. Can you say hello," asks Ana.
"Hello," he says softly.
"Hello," both Allison and I reply.
We both smile as Ally asks about his sticker. He smiles back but shyly hides his face against his mother.
"I promise our boy is a lot of things but shy isn't one of them. He's never this quiet, it's almost eerie," remarks Christian smiling at Teddy.
"Mr Grey I'm sorry, he got away from me," says a kind faced woman who suddenly appears at the doorway.
"Not a problem, Teddy was just showing us his sticker."
"Lets hope he gets to keep it," Christian jokes.
"My sticker," remarks Teddy holding his hand over his chest.
"Yes, your sticker sweetheart," coos Ana.
I watch smiling at the interaction between mother and son then notice a new addition as a baby toddles over. She doesn't look very old and is reaching for the woman to help keep her balance.
"Sorry for the invasion, but seeing as how they are both here it seems another introduction is in order. This is Phoebe and she just celebrated her first birthday," says Christian proudly as he picks up the baby.
Both Ally and I stand up to greet the baby in Christians arms, she's beautiful.
"Hey sweetheart," coos Ally.
Phoebe smiles back at my wife then looks at me with her fathers steely grey eyes.
"Hello," I enthuse.
She smiles at me too then looks towards Ana, who's still seated. Struggling from her fathers arms Christian sets her back down on the rug and she crawls over to her mother.
"Hey baby girl," says Ana reaching her hand towards Phoebe.
Phoebe makes a grasp for it then pulls her self upright and with cautious steps walks towards Ana.
I love it when they're at this age and think back to when are own sons were babies. I enjoyed every minute of it and almost can't wait to be a grandparent just so I can enjoy this stage again.
"You're making me jealous," I add as I watch the interactions.
"How so," asks Christian swinging Teddy onto his knee.
"Mine are practically all grown up and you are both at the beginning. Enjoy it, sadly it's over before you know it."
"We intend too, thanks to you," replies Christian sincerely.
I smile not sure how to respond then Ally breaks the tension as she asks to hold the baby. Ana passes her over instantly and soon my wife is happily rocking baby Phoebe on her hip.
Christian's POV
I can tell that they're nervous as they enter our home so instantly I try to make them feel more relaxed. After both Ana and I have personally thanked Jim for his actions that fateful day we move into the family room.
As we get more comfortable our conversation eases and before I know it I feel like I've known Jim and Allison for years. Though older they live a family life much like our own and we find much in common as we move on in our discussions.
I think the children's arrival helped our guests the most to feel more at home and soon we were all laughing at Teddy's antics.
Once the children left for their naps I wanted to ask Jim how we could help support the emergency services. Both Ana and I had talked before and Ana especially wanted to contribute in someway.
I felt with Ana's poor health that financial support would be the best option but I wanted to ask Jim how best to go about helping.
"Jim, Ana and I have been talking and we both want to support the emergency services in someway. After the wonderful people who helped my wife that day, we both wanted to help give back," I explain.
"Christian you don't have to do anything, it's our job to help people and it's certainly a very rewarding occupation."
"Rewarding yes but I'm sure it's also incredibly difficult at times. Please we want to help, how can we help," I question.
"Well, I'm not sure really but the air ambulance could defiantly do with additional funds. They're always fundraising and it's certainly expensive to keep the helicopter in the air."
"Great that's a start and we would be thrilled to help them. Who knows where I'd be now if not for their swift action in getting Ana to the hospital."
"They would really appreciate the help I'm sure," says Allison excitedly.
"What else," I ask just as enthusiastically.
"I don't know Christian," Jim ponders.
"Support," says Allison, jumping in.
"Yes support, but where," I ask.
"Support for paramedics, volunteers, fire fighters and the police," she replies looking at her husband.
"You mean with counselling," I reply.
"Yes, God knows where a lot of families would be without it."
"Ally I don't think..." says Jim but is instantly interrupted by his wife.
"It's important Jim and you know it. I might not have helped you but it helped me and the boys. You've been so distant sweetheart, it helps to talk to someone who's not directly involved."
"It does," says Ana softly and I look up to see her pale face.
Jim looks up at Ana too and soon she's telling our guests how counselling has helped her to come to terms with the accident and her subsequent health issues.
I go to sit a little closer to her and hold her hand as she tells us how grateful she is to have such wonderful support.
"Not everyone is as fortunate as our family, but counselling should be available for anyone who needs it," explains my amazing wife.
"You're right but I didn't give it much thought until now. It didn't really help me at least not as much as seeing you right now has."
"So maybe we could fund a support system to enable counselling where needed," I announce.
"I think that would be wonderful and it will help a lot of people come to terms with an upsetting event."
"Well that's where we can and will help and if anything else comes to mind please don't hesitate to call me," I ask.
"We will," replies Allison still smiling.
I smile back and can't wait to start something in motion and really give back to the people who gave me back my wife. I only wish that Matthew Reynolds could have lived to benefit from their help and support.