Before I Saw You(37)

‘You should go!’ Alfie couldn’t believe she was even hesitating.

‘I’m thinking about it.’

‘No offence, Alice, but I’m not too sure what there is to really think about.’

‘You haven’t seen me though, have you?’

Her retort was quick and cutting. He’d forgotten just how easily her words could sting.

‘No, you’re right, I haven’t. I would love to though. And if I did, I’m sure it wouldn’t stop me wanting to see you again.’

Silence.

Please God, not the silence again.

‘Goodnight, Alfie.’





29


Alice





‘Alice.’ A voice drifted into the realms of her consciousness.

‘No, don’t tell her yet. She’ll refuse to see me. I need to be close enough that she can’t say no.’

‘I’m not sure that’s the best approach with a patient like Alice.’

‘Trust me. If anyone knows how to deal with Alice, it’s me.’

‘Right, OK, if you say so. Let’s go in and see if she’s up for visitors.’

Alice was vaguely aware of a conversation happening about her. It was taking place somewhere just out of reach of her full consciousness. The voices sounded familiar but they didn’t quite make sense being here. They didn’t fit. Maybe she was still dreaming.

‘Alice, honey.’

The voice was definitely louder now.

‘Alice, dear. Are you awake?’

She really had spent too long on this ward if Nurse Angles was now appearing in her dreams.

‘Alice Gunnersley! I have travelled halfway around the world to come and see you, and you can’t even wake up!’

Her eyes snapped open. Holy shit.

‘Sarah?’

‘I’m glad you haven’t forgotten the sound of my voice. Can I come in?’

She was really here.

‘No! Please. No. Sarah, what the hell are you doing here? I told you not to come!’

She was so confused. What was happening? It was only last night that she had been talking about her friend, longing for her to be here, and now she was standing just outside her cubicle. She had got exactly what she wanted, yet right now all she wanted was for her to disappear.

‘Alice, please? It’s me.’

‘If you aren’t feeling up to seeing anyone today, that’s OK,’ Nurse Angles interjected.

She appreciated Nurse Angles’ attempt at protecting her, but she knew there would be no telling Sarah to go. Plus, deep down she didn’t want her to leave – she just needed a minute to compose herself. It had been such a long time since she’d seen her friend in the flesh, but she couldn’t bear to watch her face crumble into pity as she saw her for the first time.

She took one deep inhalation and closed her eyes.

‘It’s fine, she can come in.’

Suddenly the weight of Sarah was next to her. She didn’t even think twice as they wrapped their arms around each other and Alice held her friend close.

‘There’s my Alice. God, I’ve missed you.’

Alice opened her eyes, and through the tears started to bring her best friend’s face into focus. She took in Sarah’s blonde hair, still fine and short, framing those elfin features and those eyes. The eyes that were coloured the deepest, brightest, kindest blue she’d ever seen. To look at them, you couldn’t have found two more opposite people. For all of Sarah’s lightness and brightness, Alice had an intense darkness. One of the guys at work had once kindly described Alice as ‘one of those earthy types. You know, a Stonehenge type of beautiful.’ Despite her pride being just a little wounded, she had to admit she knew what he meant. Still didn’t stop Dan from Accounting being an absolute arsehole though.

The thing was, Alice had a presence about her. Her frame was strong and sturdy, and standing tall at nearly six foot there was no hiding her. Sarah, on the other hand, was small in all directions. Barely tall enough for her head to graze Alice’s armpit, she was slight and dainty.

‘Sarah. Why the hell di—’

‘Don’t even start. My best friend in the entire fucking world has been badly injured, in fact nearly killed, and on top of that isn’t replying to one single message I send her. Obviously I’m going to fly to be by her bedside. And don’t bullshit me, because I know you’d do exactly the same for me.’

Like she said, there was no way she’d want to go up against Sarah in a fight.

‘Now, move up and make some space for me on this tiny piece-of-shit bed, and tell me what the hell happened.’

‘Jesus Christ. You’re literally here for less than a minute and you’re already telling me what to do.’

‘Yes,’ she said defiantly, swinging her legs up on to the bed without waiting for Alice to move. ‘What did you expect?’

Alice looked her friend square in the face and was filled with such affection it made her heart want to burst.

‘Absolutely nothing less.’

‘I thought so. Now please move up, my arse is hanging off the side here.’

Oddly, considering that Alice had not voluntarily let anyone this close to her since the accident, it didn’t feel uncomfortable having Sarah lie next to her. It felt like coming home.