Yesterday - Now Complete

Part 14

Paul continued to visit Annie throughout her three month hospital stay. Usually he arrived mid afternoon on most days and would stay til the end of visiting if there wasn't a session planned at  Abbey Road. John had come to visit her twice but he was normally alone. There had been an awkward moment when Paul arrived whilst her parents were there. However they accepted his presence without comment and seemed genuinely pleased when they just how much his presence raised Annie's spirits.

During each visit he helped her slowly rebuild her strength once her casts were removed. She began to relearn to walk and he would be seen walking slowly up and down the corridor outside Annie's room with Annie linking him for support. He encouraged her when the weak muscles hurt and noticed that as she recovered her physical strength, she became emotionally stronger despite periods of intense grief over Anthony's death. During one visit, all Annie wanted to do was tell him about Anthony and, even though it hurt to hear her describe how she loved another man, he comforted her and let her talk.

Annie knew that Paul cared for her and knowing that yet still listening to her as she poured her heart out about Anthony made her realise just how much Paul meant to her in return. She looked forward to his visits, knowing that he would help her smile but comfort her tears. He listened and was always there for her which, at the moment, was exactly what she wanted.

He arrived one afternoon to find Annie sat on a chair, staring out of the window, deep in thought.

"You OK Annie love?"

She didn't reply. He walked across the room and tapped her gently on the shoulder. She jumped,startled and turned around to face him, an alarmed look on her face.

"Hey, I'm sorry!" He soothed, immediately realising how much he'd frightened her. "You were miles away! Are you OK?"

She nodded, still looking at the floor.

"Annie, what's wrong?"

She looked at him. "The doctor told me this morning that I can go home on Friday." 

"Hey, that's good news isn't it?"

"I suppose." 

"Annie?"

"Annie, what is it?"

"I wondering what to do now. How I'm going to live."

Paul looked puzzled. "I don't understand."

"Well I'm going to mum's for a while but I don't know how long for. But I need to start making plans."

"Plans?" Paul looked confused. "What kind of plans love?"

She studied his face. Did she trust him as much as she thought? WOuld he just walk away from her once he knew? Annie knew she needed to be honest with him.

"There's something I need to tell you."

"OK."

"But before I do, will you promise to keep it to yourself? Not even mum knows yet!"

"You can trust me Annie, you know that!"

"You won't tell anyone. Not until I'm ready?"

"No, of course not!"

She patted the bed next to her. Paul sat next to her and took her hand. 

"What is it Annie?"

"When I was first admitted into hospital apparently I suffered some internal injuries, mainly to my kidneys."

"OK."

"Part of my treatment meant I had to have regular tests, to make sure they were still functioning properly." She looked up at. A worried expression crossed his handsome face. She smiled at him. "Anyway, about three weeks after the accident, the test revealed something unexpected. They repeated a series of tests. The same thing was still there."

"And what was it Annie?"

"It seems that I'm pregnant Paul." She looked into his eyes, trying to read his expression. "I'm carrying Anthony's baby."

"And the doctors have said that's definite? That you're pregnant?"

"A very definite four months pregnant Paul." She placed her hands on her now more rounded stomach."

"How do you feel about being pregnant Annie love?"

She shrugged. "To be truthful with you, I really don't know. At first I pushed it from my mind. The doctors were concerned that the trauma of the accident and the drugs they had to give me could have caused me to miscarry. However I was checked over this morning and according to the doctor and a midwife, I'm now four months pregnant. Four months pregnant and very scared and confused Paul. I don't know how I'm going to cope." Tears began to role down her face which she wiped away quickly. 

"Hey, come on." He pulled here into a hug. "You're a strong woman Annie. You've got through the last three months since the accident, you can do anything!"

"Can I?" She looked at him doubtfully, "Can I really have a baby and bring it up on my own? I don't think I can!"

"Annie, you would be an amazing mum. You could do it plus you wouldn't be on your own."

"Wouldn't I?"

"Well there would be your parents for a start and I'm here for you as much as you need me. I don't want to impose on you and your life, but I'm there if I can help. I'd love to be honorary uncle Paul to your baby if you'd let me!"

She looked up at him. He was smiling back at her.

"You mean that don't you?" she asked softly.

He nodded. "Without a doubt. Why?"

"Because I want you to be part of our lives too Paul. Very much so"