Do You Know Indigo?

Chapter Thirty Nine

"I'm going to get coffees, does anyone want anything?" That was Ross, the first voice I heard in my consciousness.

"I'll have a tea please Ross," Mum murmured from my bedside, the stiff sheets and creaky bed only that of a hospital. I felt the draft as the door was opened and I smelt something that sent my senses into frenzy. The machine monitoring my heartbeat started pulsating out of time.

"Get a doctor, get a doctor!" Mum cried, pushing her chair back with a horrendous squeak. A cool hand slipped into mine. I opened my eyes to look up into the face of my hero, the foiler of the schemes of Red and Devon.

"I don't think a doctor will be necessary Vanessa. Want anything Kieran?" Ross asked, grinning uneasily. It was a mix of relief for my safety but acute fear of the building surrounding him. At least he was here.

"I'm fine Mr Evans but thanks for the offer," Kieran replied. Ross nodded before disappearing out of the door. Kieran took a step back, letting go of my hand. I reached out for him but was stopped by Mum grabbing my hand in hers. I looked past her to glower at Kieran. He was too smooth.

"Oh Christine I was so worried about you. I knew when you didn't come home something was wrong. I only wish we'd found you sooner." Tears fell down my mum's cheeks, mascara already smudged in rings beneath her eyes. I leaned over to wipe them from her exhausted face.

"It doesn't matter. I'm safe now." Despite the objection if the wires binding me, I pulled her into a weak hug. My body still reeled from being smashed against stone walls. My eyes found Kieran's. "Thank you," I mouthed while rubbing my mum's heaving back. He just smiled.

Later, after various tubes were removed and I had taken a drink for myself I tried to reconfigure myself. My morning could have been the night for all my body could comprehend.

"What time is it?" I questioned.

"Quarter to three - ish." Kieran reported, glancing at his watch. I was desperate to talk to him on his own. Kieran was the keeper of the secrets I longed to know.

"Really? Is that the time?" Mum started, moving stiffly from her chair. "Ross and I had better go pick up Jackson." Of course, why hadn't I thought of that? Though I was bothered by it, I could not mistake that Mum and Ross were reluctant to leave me so soon.

"Yes of course, you'd better go," I said, tired, confused and admittedly relishing the chance to get Kieran alone.

"I'll be back tomorrow sweetheart." Mum promised, leaning in and kissing my bandaged forehead. Ross repeated the sentiment, needing no excuse to leave the hospital immediately.

"See you in the morning Chris," he said before following Mum out of the room. I stared at the door, actually rather saddened. Kieran came and nestled himself next to me on the bed. He pulled me into a gentle hug, aware I was still bruised all over.

"You know I could stand with a gun to my head and she'd still go running to him," I said.

"She just doesn't understand how you feel. If she knew you felt second best-"

"Third," I replied. Ross always came before me too.

"OK, third best then but if she knew you felt that way then perhaps she'd do something to change it," Kieran suggested.

"Bigger miracles have happened," I supposed, leaning into his shoulder. Kieran chuckled.

"I think you underestimate your mother Christine. Have you ever thought that maybe she feels unappreciated by you?" I'd never thought about that. I groaned knowing Kieran spoke sense.

"OK, point taken." He smiled smugly, not needing my words to confirm his wisdom. "Will you tell me what happened? I mean I know you can't know everything but anything you know, tell me?" He rolled his head, this was the conversation he had been avoiding.