If I Fell

~52~

Visitors

Finally, a steady stream of important visitors to my heart were allowed to take turns in the square, pale lemon, hospial room. The doctor stood in the corridor debating with Brian over the logistics of my staunch want to be back in London and not wanting to be languishing all alone in Swindon.

"Hello Miss Abigail" George walked in wearing a black turtleneck shirt and dark pants looking dashing as ever "Got the lot of us fussing over you I see. Your grand master plan" George smiled broadly and sat on the chair beside the bed.

"Can I go home yet, Georgie?" I tried to rise on my own but it was hard with my shoulder so "Help us up George, I'm sick of lying down like a sloth"

"Such a bother you are. Have a bloody nap. I would" But he helped me anyway, arms around my waist like a gently hug then pillows sorted by my back "Better?"

"Ahuh, ta. So, home?"

"Brian's trying to get you out of the prison as we speak, media got wind too so the hospital is in lock down presently. Don't right cause half a stir luv"

"Richard come in here" I spotted Richard hovering by the door but not entering, waving my good hand for him to come in "Come on"

"Arrr one at a time, luv" Richie muttered leaning in the doorway.

"Blah come on, save me from George"

"Hey! I just fluffed your pillows and gave you an uplifting hug" George stood and let Richard move closer to kiss my forehead. "So, he's your favourite then, blue eyed devil Ringo"

"You're all my favourite, like bloody children you lot, I can't pick just one"

"Not what John said" Richie teased as he stole George's seat. "Nor Paul, the very wistful one"

"Don't you start, I've had it up to here with those two. Paul's with Jane, I'm with John, Paul and I are brother sister slash friends" I turned my face away from them and hid for a few seconds, the fraying bandages on my shoulders a good escape. I'm being daff and emotional, a tear slid down my cheek.

"Abbs don't cry, please luv. Com' on" Richie scooted up closer.

"I don't want to cause fights, I'm not that important in the scheme of things. I shan't see them feuding, Richie" The hug he gave me was warm and tender, strong though, like an anchor. I sniffled disgustingly and broke away from him.

George woodenly patting me on my arm made me gingerly smile at his attempt to stop my tears, Pattie said he wasn't good with girl's emotional breakdowns. "Miss Abigail, you're very important. I would most probably fade away without your nourishment"

I pushed him gently "You and your stomach Georgie"

Where would I be without them all... likely back at Jim's wasting away my life. Don't get me wrong, it was a good life- safe, secure, loved by Da but these last few months I've awaken, grown, loved; and it's  been wonderful, so wonderful. I would miss it if I were to go away.

"Looks to me like you have a decision to make or a conversation or two to have" Richie spoke quietly, sitting by my shoulder. I turned to him, his blue eyes holding mine "Call John out on his jealous act, you don't deserve it. Tell Paul what you really feel and decide whether you can deal with the two of them" He took my hand gently fingers stroking over my knuckles "Those two are a lot! Me and George have a hell of a time with their egos, their big personalities, so a little sparrow like you; Well it's going to need a herculean effort to manage"

George butted in on Richie and put a funny cod wash on our moment of reflection "Put it this way Miss Abbs, you have to man up to be woman for them men to respect" George smiled shyly at his sentence then Richie and I giggled at it, making him join in.