Unforgivable Lacerations

Chapter Seven

As an Englishman, I am unsure completely how the American system (you'll know what I mean when you further read) works. Please, if any mistakes, don't hound me like a hound dog. - A little bit of Elvis there.

The video is Yiruma Moonlight. When Bella says about playing a simple melody, it is optional to imagine that song; however, when writing, I was thinking of it.

*_*_*_*_*

Each day melted into the next, and by the next week, Charlie was too weak to walk upstairs unaided. We had to buy a temporary stair lift and have hospice nurses care for Charlie, even if I was there, as I was not qualified to help Charlie fully. I didn't mind, though, as I was offered advice and guidance. A male nurse would come around every morning at seven and every night at eight to help Charlie get dressed, then different nurses would arrive at noon and in the early evening to make sure Charlie was comfortable.

It was heart-breaking seeing Charlie like that and I helped him as much as I could, even by the little things like trying to stay strong in front of him- to ease his worry of my wellbeing; but it was tearing me up seeing him like that. I tried to hold myself together when he would talk about his early life, meeting Renée, and the first time he held me, but I would then sob in his arms like a child as he would also shed soft tears.

"You were so tiny, adorable. Your mom and I had no experience with children and were nervous holding you. Renée held you for a few minutes after they gave you to her, as soon as you were in her arms you fell asleep. You were then passed to me, your little snores are something I would never forget. You were in my arms for an hour before you awoke. It was the first time I saw your eyes, Isabella. From then on I knew I would protect you with my life. My little girl." Charlie's lips turned into a smile after he said that, mine were too- despite my eyes pouring out tears. 

That night had been an emotional one.

I had always wondered what happened with Mom and Charlie. Mom told me reasons like the weather was depressing her- to which I understood why- but Charlie told me more in detail- something Mom tended to avoid. 

"I was looking after your grandparents or working, especially when your mom was pregnant with you. Even after you were born I had to carry on looking after my parents and work, I noticed a slight change in Renée, I knew she was one for adventures and the sun, but I couldn't leave. She pleaded for us to move, I wanted to but I still had some business here. Then one night she left, you in her arms." Charlie then looked away from me as he told this. It obviously still hurt him, and I felt slightly guilty, since, although I didn't have a say in Mom's leaving, I had caused Charlie pain. 

"I'm here now dad," I comforted him softly, my eyes averting to the floor. 

"I know, Isabella, I just wish I had more time with you. I'm going to miss so much of your life and that's the hardest part. I've already missed most of your childhood and now I won't be here for your adulthood." I had already thought about that, Charlie had too obviously, but that was life. It was so cruel and unfair, but there was nothing anyone could do. 

*_*_*_*_*

Later on, after watching one of the tedious sport channels, Warren, a regular carer,  knocked on the door, right on time, to get Charlie ready for bed. While the two were upstairs, I stayed downstairs and sat at my piano, practicing. I had bought books on how to improve and also sheet music books, and slowly improvement was becoming clear. 

"Okay, Charlie's in bed. He's had his medication so he should be alright for the night," Warren informed me after he finished walking down the stairs. I stopped playing and turned around, glancing at the fifty-year odd man, with a broad biker build and fascinating tattoos, giving anyone who didn't know him, the impression that he was some stereotypical criminal, but he was far from it. He had to be one of the kindest people I knew.