The Holly Man

Aftermath

Amy had a pounding headache as she opened her eyes. Seeing the unfamilar room, she jerked in panic, trying to sit up, and Will came into view from a doorway holding a glass, his still wet hair looking almost black. "Hi, it's okay Amy. Here, take this water." He had taken the seat positioned alongside the sofa as he held the glass out." She took it, looking around in confusion, and he added, "You're in my house. How are you feeling?" He saw her searching the floor in panic, and he picked the her small cross body bag he'd removed from her, passing it over. She took some paracetamol out,

"I've got a terrible headache. Why am I here Will? What happened?" As she knocked the pills back, he helped her free her legs from the throw he'd covered her with,

"I don't know what you remember, but you had your drink spiked. When I found you in the bar, everyone else had left, and you passed out. If I'd have thought you were in any danger, I'd have taken you to hospital, but I was worried it would be on your record, and to be honest Amy I was concerned they might assume it was me who'd drugged you."

"I remember feeling ill, but then nothing. I'd only had one cocktail, I swear." she gasped, "What were you doing there? "Did you change your mind and decide to come for a drink."

"No, Raj came back to the office to collect his bag." he said, shaking his head, "He said you were the only one left, and you were very drunk." As she put her hands over her face, he moved to sit alongside her, "I knew that wasn't you. I had a gut instinct you were in trouble." He peeled her hands from her face to see tears spilling down her cheeks. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to his chest, "I'm sorry that happened to you Amy, but I promise I just brought you here to keep you safe. I checked on you every thirty minutes while you were sleeping it off." He waited until the heaving in her chest subsided then drew back, "Why don't you go and use the bathroom. There's one just across the hallway over there. I'll make us some coffee." She nodded, and he watched her small feet padding on the wood floor.

***

Amy slipped into the bathroom, noticing it clearly had never been used since what looked like a fairly recent refurbishment. There was a bar of soap on the side of the modern white sink, along with a soft white flannel. Someone had also placed a tube of toothpaste and a new toothbrush in a blister pack that had gone yellow with age. She sighed at her appearance in the mirror, feeling the tears start to rise again. "Pull yourself together Amy and clean yourself up. You haven't even thanked him."

When she emerged feeling at least slightly fresher, Will was coming back into the living space from the kitchen she could see through the other doorway carrying two mugs. She retook her previous place on the sofa, and he placed his own mug on the side table next to the chair where he'd clearly spent the night watching over her. He passed her a mug, and she smiled, "Thanks, and not just for the coffee." her eyes filled, and Will spoke quickly,

"You're very welcome. Just give me a second." He disappeared back into the kitchen, and Amy sipped the hot, rich liquid while she waited. He came back carrying a plate, "I made you some toast. You'll feel better if you eat something."

"Thank you," she said, taking a slice of the thick buttered sourdough to please him. As she nibbled, he leaned forward,

"Amy, you said something last night, do you remember?" She shook her head, and he looked away slightly, "You said I was the Holly Man." Amy put the crust down on the plate and sat back, curling her feet up underneath her.

"I think I've known that for a while, but my subconscious wouldn't let me acknowledge it." He nodded, and she continued, "It was the smell."

"I smell!" He couldn't help but smile, and she mirrored him.