Second Chances

Chapter Fifteen

Tanya is released from hospital at 11am the next morning and everyone is relieved.  She's still on pain relief and will have to wear her leg in a cast for 6 weeks but she's alive and she's on the mend which is the most important thing.  Knowing what this means for me, I say goodbye to my family and head to my hotel to pack way my things before settling the bill and getting a taxi back to Lilyath House.

Tim has organised for the same driver to collect me and I'm grateful: we're able to talk amicably and although he notices that Paul isn't with me, he doesn't ask.  As we approach the house though, I grow more and more nervous.  I know I need to talk to Paul about what happened the other night and see where I stand, but I'm scared of what he'll say.

"Here we are," the driver says as we pull into the grounds.  "It's like you've never been away!"  I smile wistfully in agreement but I know that so much has changed in the space of a few days.  Collecting my things and paying him, I head inside.  I'm hoping that I can sneak upstairs and unpack before facing everybody again.

"What do you mean she's not here?  Of course she's fucking here!" I hear as I open the door.

Shit.

I know that voice.

I know who it is and he sounds drunk.

"I've told you, she's not here.  You need to leave the premises now before I call our security team to remove you."  Poor Tim - he's trying to calm him down but I know it won't work.  I can't leave Tim to deal with him, it isn't fair.  Stepping into the corridor, he sees me and we briefly make eye contact.  It's not much but it's enough for Adam to realise someone is behind him and he turns to face me.
"I told you she was fucking here," he says under his breath before walking towards me, "fucking asshole."

"Apologise."  I say when he's in front of me.  I'm not having him talking to people like that.
He scoffs and it's clear what he thinks about my order.
"I said apologise to Tim now."
"Fine.  Sorry."  He says after turning back to face him.  He's insincere  but at least it's something.  I can't believe he's come here.

Actually, scrap that.  I can believe it.  I just wish he hadn't.

"Why are you here?"  I ask, resigning myself to my fate.  I know he won't leave unless I agree to talk to him.  Tim realises this too and walks into the office though he does keep the door open.  I guess it's in case I need him.
"We need to talk babe.  I love you."  He tries reaching for me but I brush him off.  He's not as drunk as I first thought but he's definitely had too many.
"We're over Adam.  You know that," I reply.
"Please baby," he begs, reaching for my hand again.  I can't do this here, not in the open where everyone can hear us.  I know there's a bench just outside the front door so I head towards the large oak doors.  I know he'll follow me.
"You need to leave Adam.  We're over and you know it."
"We can't be babe.  You're everything to me.  I wanted to marry you!"  I inwardly cringe.  I know it's true but I can't tell him what I'm thinking...I had a lucky escape.  It's only now that I'm starting to realise that.
"You can't leave me!"  He cries grabbing on to my arms.  Fear is starting to rise inside me.  I shouldn't have come out here.  I'm alone and starting to feel vulnerable.  He's never been violent towards me but I know he's strong and can lash out.  With alcohol fuelling his anger, I'm starting to worry what he might do.  I take a deep breath and try to steady my heartbeat.
"Please let go of me Adam," I say, trying to stay calm.  "You're hurting me."

He doesn't, and I briefly close my eyes.  I'm beginning to get scared now and I wish I could shout out.  Everything goes blank though.  I can't speak.  Can't move.  All I can hear is the sound of his breath against my cheek and I'm scared.  Genuinely scared.