So sorry for the delay in releasing the final chapter, I've been distracted of late with little time to dedicate to writing but i'm happy to share the conclusion. Thank you for your kind reviews and following the story.
Chapter Six
Alan sat on the end of the bed watching the nurse wrap his hand absentmindedly. Now he was on better painkillers it was a dull ache rather than all consuming agony. They'd checked his vitals and given him a good meal and drink to rehydrate, which eased his light headiness to a degree. All in all, he knew he'd gotten off lightly.
"Are we done here? I have a friend who was caught in the avalanche with me, and I'd like to check on her as soon as possible." Alan checked his watch but there were no notifications. The last he'd heard from John on the way over was that she was critical but stable. Which was a relief but still a concern. He rubbed his wrist above the watch.
"All done. You'll need to keep this dry until its healed and your skin is likely to be tender for some months as it regenerates. Moisturising and massaging the site once the skin has sealed over can help. Make sure you avoid the cold and keep your hand well protected from the elements with gloves." The nurse spun her chair over to the pedal bin where she peeled her gloves off, dumping them in the bin with the clang of the lid.
"Shouldn't be a problem when I return home, the climate is somewhat more temperate than here."
She smiled warmly, her hair flipping over her shoulder as she swivelled back over the desk. "Good. Well, it will need redressing and assessing every three days, so you'll need to head to your nearest clinic."
"Ah; that could be a problem. Nearest mainland is a forty-minute flight and with the festive season that might be difficult. I usually pilot myself, we live on an island."
"Hmm, then I would recommend you stay on the mainland where you can be attended to. You also ideally shouldn't be piloting or driving until you regain full use of your hand. You also need to practice the exercises I mentioned earlier at least four times a day. I'm sorry if that ruins your Christmas plans." Her voice laced with sympathy.
Alan broke into a wide grin, hopping off the couch. "Not at all! Might I get that in writing for my employer? I was due to do some test racing between now and Christmas day."
"Sure; what's your messenger code and I'll get something sent across now."
Alan reeled off his details as he shrugged on the parka that Virgil insisted on leaving with him. "Swell thanks! I'll be staying here a little longer, so I guess I'll check back in here?"
"That would be fine."
"Great thank you!" Cradling his hand to his chest, he nodded in thanks before exiting the room and pulling the door to.
She began typing up her medical notes shaking her head to herself. She'd never had someone quite so excited for their Christmas plans to be derailed by treatment.
Alan passed the crowded hallway where the walking wounded or ill sat waiting for treatment. The coughs and groans of pain followed him down the corridor as he headed back towards the main reception. In the wider atrium a queue of people straddled out towards the main entrance, looking through the glass prism above he realised that twilight had well and truly set.
Zoning in on the department he wanted, Alan headed towards the ward that was located on the other side of the hospitals expansive ground floor. The corridor seemed never ending as nurses and the occasional visitor flitted past, shoes squeaking on polished floors. He figured to be stable meant her vitals had settled but was she breathing on her own or with aid? Was she conscious? He worried about permanent damage and if she would even be awake. He just wanted to see the little folds between her brows crimp or that dead pan glare with those ice blue eyes, just something to say she was still kicking. It wasn't till he got to the next junction in the corridor that he realised he must have really picked up the pace.
He turned right, surprised to find himself at the reception desk to her ward. He approached the counter where a gentleman with glasses that could rival Brains' tapped away on the touch screen. Alan waited, one foot tapping out a steady beat as he cradled his hand. Eventually the older man's gaze flicked away from his screen, towards Alan.
"May I help you?"
"Yes, I'm here to see Maddie Johnson. She was brought in earlier."
More silence (Alan glanced at the name tag) as Jordan looked up her records. "Ah yes. Restricted visitors only due to her condition. What relation are you to Maddie?"
Alan lied smoothly "Partner, we were together when the incident occurred." Well not a lie, maybe a half truth? Alan thought to himself distractley.
"She doesn't have any next of kin currently registered, do you know any of her family?"
"No, her parents passed away and she has no immediate family or guardian's."
"Ok; well she was in respiratory distress on arrival but they've managed to stabilise her since but its unlikely she'll wake today. You can visit for thirty minutes but she needs her rest."
"I understand. Could I speak with her doctor afterwards?"
"Of course, I'll let them know. Head through those doors she's number 202 on the left. Please take this visitors badge and sign here." Alan complied with a brief thanks before heading straight through the doors. Her room was second on the left. He slipped into the half-lit room, quietly sidestepping the end of the bed to sit next to her.
She wore an oxygen mask, her finger and chest covered with tell tell wires that were monitoring her vitals closely. Alan assessed the monitors carefully, pleased to see that they were with the parameters of normal compared to when he last took them. Her hands rested on top of the heavy linen blankets. He noticed the one closest to him was curled loosely hanging off the edge of the bed. Not wanting her to get cold, he gently lifted it and placed it closer to her side. She looked peaceful at least, her golden tresses flared around her chin and neck like a halo. Alan noticed a small but long scar just under her hairline which he realised she obviously styled in that way to disguise it, he wondered how she got it? Maybe the motocross accident she alluded to as a teen.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. After a few moments he tore his gaze away from her to fish it out. glancing down he huffed when he saw it was a missed call from his father. He thumbed off an awkward hasty reply before tucking his phone back once more. He flexed his fingers on his bad hand as they started to twinge again, the pain creeping back now he'd allowed himself to stop for a moment.
He pondered if there was anyone he could call for her, but he figured by now most people would know where she was, the media coverage in the wake of their disaster had been headline news. No doubt as soon as his team realised he was well enough they'd be after him to release a statement. He sighed. He couldn't believe they were out for the count race wise. He'd just started to relish the challenge of the course and they'd been progressing so well, now it was all for nothing. He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze resting on Maddie's prone form once more.
Oh well he thought, the most important thing is we're safe and the money will still be donated to help the children. He'd just have to content himself with that knowledge, and technically he didn't lose the race, it was a freak accident. He was still gutted to be losing that beautiful trophy he'd caught site of on the podium before they started out though.
There was a soft tap at the door before it opened. A young woman in blue scrubs with a stethoscope looped around her neck popped her head round. "Time's up I'm afraid but if you'll follow me I can update you on her condition?"
"Sure."
The door clicked shut behind them before they took a slow walk up the corridor, falling into step with each other.
"Pretty rough day for you both huh?"
"I'll say; luckily I fared better than poor Maddie. How is she?"
"Well her attack was quite advanced but the steroids have combatted the inflammation however it will take some time for it to settle. She'll need to use her medication for at least the next three weeks till she recovers. We are keeping her here for now till we're confident she won't relapse."
Alan came to an abrupt halt, glancing back down the corridor "So she could be in here for Christmas?"
"It's a possibility yes."
"Well; that's a crying shame. Am I able to visit tomorrow?"
"Of course."
Alan left his number at the desk in case of an emergency before heading out to meet his scheduled cab ride. Thirty minutes later he was back at the race complex and hotel where he would have been staying the night had he completed the race. Flashes and the muffled shouts of reporters announced his arrival. Taking a deep breath he pushed the door open with one foot to the kerb before smoothly heading into the fray.
"Hey everyone!"
"Alan! How are you? Must have been a pretty daunting experience."
"Indeed. Look guys, as you can imagine I'm fine but pretty tired as you can imagine. It was quite the ordeal. I just wanted to say that although naturally I'm gutted about the race, I'm also saddened that the race had to be terminated and that our amazing charities didn't get the show they deserved. At least the money raised will still benefit them directly and support those in need. My co-driver and I made it out and that's the most important thing. Maddie is still in a critical but stable condition and therefore I'd ask you to respect our privacy during this time. A statement will be issued in due course. Good day to you all."
With a cheerful wave he rocked up the steps and into the lobby. He cricked his neck as he stood in the elevator, catching himself in the mirror for the first time. His eyes were a little shadowed, his face worn. It had certainly been an exhausting day. The doors pinged as he stepped out, wearily lumbering towards his room. One swipe of the fob and he was in. Chucking his coat on the sofa he immediately hit the button on his watch.
"Alan calling home."
"Alan. I was starting to worry."
"Hey Dad. I'm sorry it took longer than expected and Maddie is still unconscious. Critical but stable."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope she gets better soon. How are you?"
"Very tired and sore. I'm on hefty painkillers and need my hand redressing every three days." Alan cradled his hand to his chest once more, observing his father's assessing gaze.
"Hmm. Well maybe you should rest tonight then look at getting that flight tomorrow. We can get the Doctor to come here to redress your hand."
Alan realised he was scowling and did his best to smooth his face into something more passive. "But father even if I do come back I've been advised not to pilot or drive and I'm on painkillers that could knock a horse out. I'm not going to be much use operationally I'm afraid. I have a letter from the hospital."
"I see." The tell-tale tick in Jeff's jaw appeared. Alan waited patiently, one false move and it would blow up in his face. "Well you have forty eight hours then i want you back regardless, you can be treated here. Understood?"
"Perfectly father. Thank you." He replied stiffly. Forty eight hours was something he guessed.
"Don't thank me, thank your brother whose already offered to take an extended tour knowing you were injured."
"I will."
"Well rest up and stay indoors where its safe – and let me know how you are in the morning." He added gruffly but his eyes were lit with a warmth that softened the gruffness of his words.
"Sure thing. Goodnight dad."
"Goodnight son."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
She'd awoken sometime in the morning groggy and feeling like she'd done nine rounds in the ring. Her chest ached with every breath and her lips were cracked from the oxygen mask. Maddie grabbed at the mask pulling it down, she noticed the IV in her hand and sighed. It was a bad one then and she'd been stable for so long.
Hauling herself up painfully against the pillows she scanned the room for a clock, her phone or something that might tell her what time of day or indeed what day it might be. She twiddled the edge of the blanket replaying the last time she was conscious. She remembered his light touch as he stroked her hair, strong arms keeping her pulled into his chest, what little body warmth he had radiating up her back. The way he shared the memories of his mother, reviving her in such a way that Maddie felt how much he must have been loved. She couldn't remember the last time she'd talked about her parents, the fear of remembering what she lost was unbearable, she felt guilty like she'd cut them out of her life. With no family she was the only one left to keep their memory alive, she shouldn't be afraid to talk about them.
Christmas was meant to be a time to spend with family and loved ones but she'd just spent them running from one care home to another, failed foster after failed foster. Multiple school placements and colleges till she met Penny. Penny was the only one who had made her want to stay. Penny invited Maddie over for Christmas dinner, festive trips to the mall and the cinema often with her own sisters and family. She was the only one who'd made the effort to get to know her when over students whispered about her in corridors or laughed out loud at her.
Maddie hadn't felt that familial connection to anyone in so long that initially she would make excuses as to why she couldn't go but in time she grew to trust that Penny's friendship was genuine and she would never abandon her. The more time Maddie spent with Penny and her family the more she wished they really were family. She'd even at one time hoped they would adopt her as their own, but they never did.
Now, dejectedly she realised she'd be alone for Christmas, probably stuck in this hospital with terrible food and TV she'd have to pay for. Alan was obviously long gone, she guessed he'd return home to his family after his ordeal. Her eyes burned as she stared at the visitor's chair pushed back by the wall. Granted; she hadn't liked him to start with but he had treated her with nothing but compassion and kindness in the end. She wanted to thank him; how could she do that now?
The door opened admitting a rather harried looking nurse into the room. "Maddie, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
The stout nurse checked her vitals against the charts, busying herself with recording figures.
"Tired and achy but fine. I can breathe well enough but I'm thirsty."
The nurse bent over the bedside table where she decanted some water from a jug into a square tumbler. "I should imagine you are, you've been out for twenty-four hours." She helped Maddie to take a small sip. "I'll ask the Doctor to come and see you in due course, meanwhile you need to rest and if you feel you're struggling put the mask back on and press the button here." The nurse drew Maddie's hand to the button.
"Ok thanks."
"Right now; do you have anyone we can call for you? We were struggling to identity your next of kin."
"It's ok there isn't anyone except a friend but she's away right now. Where did my phone go? I had it on me when I arrived, I ought to contact my team manager and see if they can bring me my stuff.
"Someone already dropped off you're bag, I'll get it for you, I think your phone is in there too." She bustled out of the room, tucking her pocket watch back on her bosom. Maddie waited, her gaze flicking around the room where they noticed the large bouquet of chocolate Hershey bars. She noticed a small card, reaching out she read: Figured flowers would be no good for your chest and hospital food is dire so figured this would be more appropriate! warm regards, Alan.
She smiled, tracing the indent of his script with her thumb. His handwriting was surprisingly neat but large with short spaces between the words, the letters heavily slanted.
The nurse bustling back in broke her out of her reverie. "Here you go honey."
"Thank you." The nurse fluffed her pillows once more. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes" Her stomach was riding waves.
"I think we can still catch breakfast, I'll go and arrange for some to be brought to you."
"Thank you."
"Erm could I use the bathroom?" Maddie lifted her arm attached to the IV.
The lady smiled, crows' feet creasing at the eyes. "Of course." The nurse capped off the IV for her having checked her vitals and being satisfied with what she had seen. With one last smile she retreated from the room.
Maddie dragged the bag towards her. Inside she found her clothes, charger and her phone. She glanced at her notifications but there was nothing but emails and several missed calls from Penny. Maddie hastily reeled off a message to let her know she was alright before hauling herself out of bed to use the rest room. She grabbed her PJ's on the way to change into, the gown was already making her itch.
A short while later, she exited the bathroom, swaying slightly on her feet. Her heart caught in her chest as she realised she was going to fall before a well-defined arm caught her.
"Whoa steady." The youthful voice warned above her. Glancing up she caught sight of cerulean eyes sparkling with concern. A small crease of worry between his brows. She remained frozen for a moment leaning into him whilst her heart steadied, and her mind caught up.
"Alan." She tried to untangle herself suddenly very self-conscious in her floral PJs with her un-styled haystack of a mop. A subtle flick of her tongue confirmed her worst fears that her breath was far from fresh, and she was close enough to smell the woody fragrance of his aftershave. Only once he was sure she could stand, did he let her go. She made her way back to bed as quickly as she could pulling the covers up whilst hastily pushing her hair behind one ear.
Alan brought over a bag he'd dropped in his haste to support her before awkwardly lowering himself onto the visitors chair, his back had seized terribly.
"Your hand, what happened?" She leaned forwards in concern.
"Just a bit of frostbite. Luckily mild so it should heal in a month or so. How are you?"
"Much better, the steroids seem to be working. Thank you for the stash." She waved a hand towards the chocolate.
"You're welcome."
Silence fell between them with Alan still sat in his coat because removing it would be hell on earth. He thought this would be much easier but now he was here he realised, well he didn't really know her well enough to know if she'd appreciate what he had in mind. He had ran his idea past his old acquaintance Penny who seemed to think she would like it but it was just so hard to tell. Even now she sat with a small crease between her eyebrows, looking straight through him, her pretty face stoic. He coughed.
"Well I'm glad your awake, I was worried and I'm sorry to hear your going to be in here awhile."
"Last time I had an episode it was two weeks. I'd planned to stay here over Christmas anyway, I just thought I'd have a hot springs and snowboarding to look forward to."
He huffed a short laugh, though his gaze was heavy with sympathy. "Well, I can't take you for a drift down the slopes but I didn't arrive empty handed." He indicated to the large glitzy red bag on the floor.
Maddie peered over the edge of the bed; her interest piped. Seeing curiosity bring that spark back to her was worth the pain of lugging it all up here. Alan bent down and placed it on the bed. "Open it."
Glancing at him warily she opened the paper tape sealing the bag, peeking inwards before gently placing hers hands inside and pulling out a gift wrapped wicker hamper. Inside was two mugs with hot chocolate bombs, a gingerbread house complete with gum drops, roast turkey chips, cinnamon and maple popcorn and reindeer shaped chocolate cookies with frosting.
"Cinnamon maple popcorn is my favourite!" She exclaimed surprised, her voice giving out at the end with a soft wheeze. She coughed heavily before recovering.
"Lucky coincidence" beamed Alan whilst making a mental note to thank Penny once again later.
Maddie removed the green tissue paper to reveal some fluffy grey snowflake slippers. "I figured you might not have packed any and their useful in hospital." A slight blush crept up his collar.
"Thank you." Again, she was surprised at his thoughtfulness, it would save have to put her boots on all the time.
There was one more gift box at the bottom, lifting it out of the bag she carefully set it on her lap before tidying up the paper and popping it in the bag which she then placed on the floor. Alan tried not to sigh in exasperation, it seemed she was a careful unwrapper like Virgil which drove him to distraction when he just wanted to see how they would react to their gift. He watched attentively as her delicate hands untied the bow before lifting the lid of the box. She gasped before turning her attention to him slack jawed.
"Well, I figured if we couldn't do Christmas then we could have some fun today and I'm keen to see what you're like as a driver pitted against me."
Maddie set the games console on the table as Alan drew his chair closer to fire it up. (He'd spent the better part of the morning setting it up and charging the controllers), Maddie grabbed the lap table from her other side, shimming it across the bed. He handed her a small half steering wheel akin to something you might see in an F1 car. She gave him a tentative smile behind a thick curtain of hair.
"Think you got what it takes?"
"I'm going to whip your ass." She growled softly, already focused on selecting her ride.
He gave her a side glance. "I don't think so, maybe I'll go easy on you."
She huffed sticking her elbows on her crossed legs as she made her final selection.
The day passed in a blur. Chasing each other around virtual tracks, goading each other's losses and celebrating victories loudly with mouthfuls of popcorn and chips between the medical checks and medication. Her breakfast never did arrive. By the afternoon Alan was squeezed on the bed next to her, both of them unaware they were leaning into the virtual corners physically, far too engrossed. Maddie won the most races, but Alan argued that was only because he was battling on one handed. As the sun went down, they turned to the hospitals short supply of board games, playing a rather competitive game of battleships. Alan had even brought crackers; they'd forgotten they were wearing their hats long ago.
Eventually one of the ward nurses came in to tell them visiting time was over in five minutes. Nodding that he understood, the nurse withdrew. Together they began to clear up and pack things away. Maddie pushed the console box towards him. "Thank you for today, I've not had this much fun in ages."
He grinned, his boyish features coming to light once more. "Neither have I and you're welcome. I hope we can have a rematch sometime."
"Sure. Look before you go I… well I just want to say thank you, without you I wouldn't have survived. I was an ass at the start of this and I'm sorry that I was so rude... I struggle with new people." She twisted the bedsheets with her fist, adverting her gaze.
"It's quite alright, at first I did wonder if we'd ever get on but I'm glad we met and I hope you may count on me as a friend and not a pompous stranger now."
She laughed the sound filling him with joy. He'd not heard her truly laugh before; it was like her soul blooming in his ears. She had finally dropped her guard which made the next bit even harder. He didn't want her to feel abandoned. "I'm sorry to say I have to leave for home tomorrow, father's quite wound up about the whole me being buried alive scenario and wants me back in the confines of safety but I hope we can at least stay in touch? He tentatively held out his number.
"Sure." Maddie said taking it as she tried not to let the disappointment show. The day had gone so fast and now she would be alone again. She handed him his console. To which he shook his head. "It's yours."
"No its too much, your very kind but I can't accept this and I have one at home."
"Yes, but that's at home and you're here. Take it. Honestly, I brought it with you in mind. If i'd thought to pack mine I would have given it to you."
"But, but no one buys this for someone they've only just met."
"Well, I do."
"Now your being pompous." She scowled. It was borderline charity, and she wouldn't have it.
Seeing her trail of thought he conceded. "Fine. It's a loan and I want it back when you're out of here."
"Seems fair." She replied haughtily as she eyed him warmly, a smile playing on her lips once more.
He stood shrugging on his coat over his shoulders unbuttoned before turning to face her one last time.
"Merry Christmas Maddie."
She beckoned him forwards with a gesture. Tentatively he leaned in closer.
"Merry Christmas Alan." She whispered before placing a soft kiss on his cheek. He pulled away, colour flushing his cheeks.
"Bye." He fumbled for the door handle. With one last smile at the door he turned and left leaving her feeling empty once more.
Later on that evening as the lights dimmed down and she got ready for bed, she placed her phone in the cubby hole on the bedside cabinet when her hand grazed something bulky. Frowning; she pulled out the offending item, sitting up in bed once more and turning on the lamp. In her lap was a diorama of a wood cabin in the snow surrounded by a thicket of pines. Outside in the snow were two sets of footsteps that led from a red and white toy rally car (Obviously stuck on and not part of the original design) to the wooden front door. The cabin was in darkness until she felt the nub of a switch on the front and flipped it across. A warm, tawny glow lit up the scene inside, the detail was incredible. You could see the Christmas tree beside the fireplace with a festive garland running over the mantelpiece and a double seater with two people cuddled up enjoying the warmth of the fire in their Christmas sweats with mugs in hand. One was a honey blonde female and the other a bright blonde haired male. The melody to we wish you a merry Christmas played softly in the gloom of the hospital room, the light from the lamp illuminating the soft smile on her lips. It was a beautiful gift, for when she observed the scene before her, she knew she didn't have to feel alone. Especially at Christmas.