Fraser Mountain - Living the snow life

Chapter Twenty Seven

‘Come in.’ Aaron’s voice is thick with medication, but he sounds more awake than yesterday.

‘I hoped you’d be back.’ He smiles as I lean against the wall, brandishing a large bunch of flowers and an Overwaitea carrier bag. ‘I wondered if I dreamt the whole thing.’

‘Dreamt the avalanche?’ I ask, walking into the cubicle and putting the flowers down on a spare chair.

‘No. That you were here. Nurses said you left late. I appreciate you staying… it was real kind.’

I blush. ‘Don’t be daft. I didn’t want to leave you alone in case you woke up again and freaked out about Lisa and Mojo. They’re both fine, by the way. I brought these for Lisa before you get all huffy.’ I point at the flowers as I pull another chair over. ‘Knowing what a macho Canadian you are, I figured you’d probably prefer chocolate.’

‘Yeah, Lisa’s husband popped in earlier. Whose watching Mojo? Pierre?’

‘Actually, Mojo stayed with me last night. I left him curled up on my bed, being fed bits of bacon by Jenn and Terry. I think they love him even more than I do.’

He looks shocked. ‘Wow…. Thanks. Sure it’s okay?’

‘It’s totally fine. Terry was very cool about it.’

When Travis and Taz dropped me off last night and I managed to coax Mojo inside, Jenn was so full of questions that she forgot to notice I had a dog cowering behind my legs. When she did, we soon got him settled in my room on a pile of blankets in front of the wood burner. Terry put a can of minced beef in a bowl as an improvised dinner, which was wolfed down appreciatively. He settled in pretty well, all things considered.

‘You might have to watch him tonight too? Doc’s said I would probably be good to leave tomorrow though?’

‘It’s really fine.’ I grin. ‘He seems happy enough. Little bugger crawled up onto my bed last night and hogged all the covers but hey…’

He chuckles, before clutching his side and wincing in pain. He still seems a little drowsy but he’s sitting upright and he looks a million times better today. There’s more colour in his cheeks, even if they’re partly covered in bandages. I can’t get over how different he looks without his beard.

‘Sorry… I shouldn’t be making you laugh.’

He takes a deep breath and lies back against the pillows. ‘You know what they say – laugher is the best medicine.’ He sighs, giving me a weak smile. ‘That dog is playing you, Lex. He knows getting up on the bed’s totally against the rules.’

‘If he gets too big for his paws, I’ll let you know…’ I grin, taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. ‘Enough about Mojo… How are you feeling today? The ribs are obviously sore. How’s your leg? Still dead?’

I let go of his hand and rummage in the carrier bag, pulling out the treats I bought. Judging by the amount of sugar he puts in his coffee, I’m guessing Aaron has a sweet tooth.

He runs his hand across his face, feeling his jaw. ‘I’m doing fine.’ He looks over at the selection of goodies I’ve put on the side table. ‘You’re like my angel of mercy. You look after my dog and then you bring me chocolate. You’re totally spoiling me. What did I do to deserve this?’

Oh, aside from being utterly fanciable, funny and lovely to hang out with, not much, I think to myself.

‘That’s what mates are for.’ I shrug. ‘Is it weird without your beard?’

‘I can’t get used to it, eh.’ he smiles. ‘I haven’t even seen what I look like in a mirror yet.’

‘Take it from me, it’s definitely a big change.’ I say, handing him a packet of M&Ms. ‘I should have brought you a Curly Wurly. They rock.’ I add.