The Draw

29

Dan had gone back into theatre form surgery on a tear in his pancreas the next day. There had been a chance he could lose it. But now the swelling had gone, they were able to repair it. He was now all mended, stitched and his left leg in a cast. But he was in no way well enough to go home for a while. When Stacey went back the day after to see him, he was pretty out of it. The bruises had all come up on his skin, big purple stains and lots of small cuts up is arms and face. But he was wire-free apart from a drip and he'd been moved to a normal ward.

Kyle was there when she arrived, sat reading a book while Daniel snoozed away.

'Hey.'

'Hows he doing?'

'Much better. Talking about letting him out at the end of next week maybe. His mums just left. How are you? How's Evie?'

'Thats great. We're all fine. She's gone to nursery today and I've booked a few days off uni.'

'Uni again? You're a sucker for punishment! How do you manage on your own with all that and Evie?'

'Oh, well I'm married.' She flashed him her ring. 'Liam. He's brilliant. He's away this week and not too impressed with me right now.'

She recalled the second conversation she'd had with him about Dan. Though he wasn't happy about it, she'd insisted she was doing the right thing. And he could argue with her all he wanted, she wasn't going to budge on it. She just needed to talk to Dan and see what he wanted to do now. They'd been given a second chance and she didn't want to waste it for Evie.

'Don't go getting divorced on my account.' Dan said, groggily.

'Morning.' She laughed. 'How are you feeling?'

'Sore. Sort of like I've been hit by a train.'

'It was a pretty big car.' Kyle laughed. She'd noticed Kyle sitting uncomfortably in his seat. Though he'd got off lightly, no doubt he was as sore as Dan. 'The police want to talk to you at some point, cos you were driving.'

'It wasn't my fault, was it?' He asked. Worried. 'I can't tell them anything, I don't remember.'

'No, it was the other guys. He missed a red light. The police need your statement to prosecute him.'

'You might be in for a pay out.' Stacey suggested.

'Any money I get I'll give to you.' Dan said.

'No, don't do that. It's not necessary.'

'For Evie.'

'I don't think-' she looked quickly at Kyle. She didn't want this conversation with Kyle sat there. 'Can we talk about it another time?' He nodded. He attempted to sit up and reach for some water, but couldn't quite get it. Stacey shot up and helped him.

She stayed a few hours, talking about random stuff. Mostly what he had been up to. Which was a lot. She skimmed a lot of her news mainly because it involved Evie and Liam. The band had been hugely successful. Another number one album, countless top of the chart songs, tours, festivals. Kyle mostly spoke but Dan quipped up when he could. There had been a lot of drinking and parties and debauchery. Stacey was laughing along with them both, glad they'd had a good time since she'd last seen them.

'I need to go.' Stacey suddenly realised the time. 'I need to pick Evie up.' She put on her coat and picked up her bag. 'Do you need anything? Decent food?'

'Kfc would be nice.' He never changed.

'Magazines? Playing cards? Anything?'

'Could you bring her in?'

'I don't think that's a good idea...not here. But we'll talk about it, ok?'

'Do you have a picture?'

'Sure.' She searched in her bag and pulled her favourite one out of her purse. It was of Evie on a swing at the park with the biggest grin on her face. She watched Dan as he looked at it. He smiled. His eyes welled up as he traced a finger over her face.

'Shes beautiful. Thank you.'

'You're welcome. I'll see you soon.'

He'd asked to see her. That was a big step.

****

Dan was discharged two weeks after his accident. His left leg was still in a cast and he was on crutches. It had been Stacey who picked him up from the hospital as his parents didn't drive and the boys had been called into a meeting about postponing the tour. She didn't mind. It was actually a good chance to get this conversation out of the way.

She had helped him into a wheelchair, still in his pyjamas, hooking his bags over the handles and pushed him out, both of them sincerely thanking the amazing nurses for all their hard work. They rode down in the lift in silence and she helped him into the car in silence. It was only when she started to drive he spoke.

'Phew. So glad to be out of that place. I think I was going mad. Can't wait to get home to my own bed and shower and get a decent nights sleep.'

'Where is home, by the way? I don't know where I'm driving to!' She laughed. It hadn't occurred to her to ask.

'Our old house.' She glanced at him, he was already looking at her with a sheepish smile. 'I couldn't be bothered to move....'

'Ha ok, fair enough.' But she did suspect that wasn't the whole truth. Had he stayed incase she'd come back? 'Will said he'd been to the shop and got milk, bread and some microwave meals for you. And he's coming over after the meeting. Tomorrow you've got Kyle for company. And your mum can nip in and help too. You'll ring me if you need anything though, ok?'

'Yes mum.' He laughed. She playfully hit him on the arm. He called out in pain.

'I am so sorry! I forgot! Oh Dan, sorry!' But his howls of pain turned into giggles. 'Jesus. Not funny. I thought I'd hurt you!'

'You did, a little. Ow.' He over exaggerated rubbing his arm. 'Tell you what though, I'm not overly keen on being in a car right now.'

'I'm not surprised. I saw a picture of the wreak. You are so lucky.' Kyle had shown her a picture he'd taken on his phone. Dans black Audi was reduced to nothing. How either of them had survived was a miracle.

'I know right? I need to go buy a lottery ticket or something.'

He spent the rest of the journey staring out the window. He hadn't smelt fresh air in weeks. He'd been stuck in his bed the whole time. She knew the feeling. When Evie has born she had been in for four days and that was plenty enough. And now he was out and she was looking forward to introducing father and daughter for the first time.