Good Luck Anna

The Whole Story

TW: parental loss, drowning

We finally have a release date for Alex, the doctor has agreed to discharge him on Saturday which boosts everyone's spirits. It also a relief as Thomas' gran's funeral is on Friday so I will be able to help him out before we head back.

I've still to ask if I can go, a guilty knot fills my stomach at the prospect of leaving Alex for an hour never mind a whole afternoon.

"So, Thomas asked me if I could go to his gran's funeral tomorrow for moral support is that OK? Its only half an hour away..."

Alex's jaw hardens when he says, "you want to go alone?"

"Yes, Edward can stay with you, and I can get a bus..."

"What the fuck Anna, you are only fifteen. You are not taking a fucking bus alone to some random persons funeral. Edward can go with you. I don't need a babysitter. I will be fine."

Alex has always been protective of me. He would rather drive to collect me from a friends at two in the morning -even when he has work four hours later- than have me walk home. I love that he never tells me not to do things just to be safe about it.

It comes as no surprise to me that this is his compromise on the funeral, if he can't be there, he will send the only other person he trusts to keep me safe.

I should be happy that he has said more words in the past minute than the last two days, but I get the feeling that he just wants to be left alone for a while, so he doesn't have to fake it for us.

"Alexander," Edwards tone is sympathetic, and Alex literally flinches from it.

He waves his hand as if to shoo us away, "You have both fussed over me for long enough, go look after someone else for a while." His eyes scan over us then he adds "You can't go dressed like that, go get something black." Alex's voice is completely unreadable, it makes me uneasy not knowing what he is thinking or feeling.

"OK if you insist Alexander but text us if you need anything."

Alex nods "will you two go now."

Getting to my feet while Edward joins me, "you sure?" is all I say. Alex nods again not looking at my face, causing an invisible fist to squeeze around my heart. I wonder if he will ever be able to look at me again.

A few hours later Edward and I are leaving the elevator on Alex's floor when turning toward his room, we are met by two police officers entering his room.

They have tried to talk to him about the accident twice already, Alex was in such a mess that the nurses refused to let them in but now he is being released the police have no obstacles in the way.

My feet instantly break into run until I am in the room, Alex is sitting in my usual chair his eyes are so wide that look like they are about to fall out of his face.

Crawling across his bed to plant myself firmly at his side. The two officers are accompanied by a skinny little old guy in a badly fitting suit. He must be the interpreter for this interrogation.

"What is this about?" I use my poshest voice that me and mum would use to mock the country club ladies when dad used to force us to play tennis with his friend's wives in summer.

The small guy rattles off French and the officers respond, "We are here to request information about the accident that occurred on the thirteenth of August" he sounds beyond bored by this whole situation.

Edward answers before I can, "As you have just said it was an accident" his professional voice just emphasises how juvenile mine is in comparison. They barely spare him a glance keeping their focus on my brother who is already breathing hard beside me.