The doctor begins to unhook the wires from Charlotte signalling that they’re done.
“Okay, Charlotte we’re all done. You did very well and are so brave.” The doctor says to her with a grin. She runs to us and climbs onto my lap.
A nurse knocks on the door and walks in carrying a large envelope, handing it to the doctor. I hold my breath. This is it, the moment of truth. He takes the scans out and hangs them up inspecting them.
“She is absolutely fine. There is nothing showing here and based on the ECG results as well there is no sign whatsoever of the condition, however I would like to see her again in a years’ time to be on the safe side.”
I let out a sigh of relief as I pull my daughter closer to my chest. I stand with her in my arms to shake the doctor’s hand. A huge weight and worry has just disappeared. She’s perfectly healthy.
“Thank you, Dr Gibson. You have no idea how happy we are to hear that.” I look behind me to Alannah who is crying tears of relief. Her face buried in her hands.
“Thank God,” I hear her mumble before she stands also thanking the doctor before hugging and kissing Charlotte in my arms. I can’t resist and wrap one arm around Alannah pulling her into a group hug however she pulls away after a couple of seconds. I have to admit the rejection stings but the important thing here is that our daughter is more than fine.
“We should celebrate. Who wants ice cream?” I ask to be met with a loud cheer from the perfect and beautiful girl in my arms.
Chapter 11
Nicholas
As the three of us exit the hospital Riley, the investigator I hired, makes himself known and approaches.
“Sir?”Fuck. I should just fire his ass on the spot now. He should have waited for me to call him. Needless to say we will be having words later. The last thing I need is Alannah seeing him around, then she will know exactly what he’s up to still hanging around here once I’m gone.
“Riley.” He knows I’m not pleased based on my terse voice and glare.
“Where’s Wade?” Alannah asks.
“Back in Sydney. This is Riley, another member of my security team.” It’s a small white lie to protect my ass.
“Miss Stewart.” He nods her way.
“Come on, daddy, the ice cream is waiting for us.” Charlotte pulls on my hand to get us moving.
Following Charlotte’s demand there was argument over who was driving. There was no point taking two cars when we were going to the same place. It’s obvious Alannah is reluctant to go and would rather driver herself than be in the car with me however she also doesn’t want to disappoint Charlotte. I give in and agree to let her drive us. I tell Riley I’ll call him once I’m ready to be picked up and he makes his way back to his car as I follow Alannah to where she’s parked. I really want to say something about her car and how she should have a new and safer one but I also know it won’t go down well. Pick your battles, Nick.
After an awkward thirty minute drive out of the city to Cottesloe Beach and an even more awkward lunch we’re seated near the clear, blue water on some concrete steps leading down to the beach, the large pine trees providing shade from the sun. Charlotte is seated between us enjoying her ice cream, which has run down her cone and hand. She convinced me to get the blue bubble-gum flavoured one as well because it’s her favourite so how could I refuse. She sticks her little tongue out at me to show that it’s turned blue so I stick mine out too which sets her off giggling.
“It looks like a Smurf’s tongue.”
“Oh no, is the rest of me going to turn blue?” I fake panic. Charlie only shrugs back at me.
I turn my head to the left to view Alannah’s profile. She looks miserable. We’re out in the sunshine on a beautiful day after learning our daughter did not inherit any heart condition from me but I need to admit that my presence is hurting her and that’s the last thing I ever wanted. I allowed myself to forget how much being around her affects me and how pretty she is when she’s not even trying. The familiar scent of her perfume brings back memories of when I would have my face buried in her neck. The wind is blowing her hair all over and across her face. My fingers are itching to touch her and I want nothing more than to lean over and move it for her, to feel it’s softness but I know it won’t be appreciated.
“You must be relieved.” I say over Charlotte’s head.
“I am. The worry was keeping me up most nights. How long are you staying?” She enquires without looking my way. Trying to get rid of me already I see. Well it’s not going to be that easy baby.
“I thought I would stay for a couple of days before flying back if that’s okay with you.” She’s silent for a long time giving away no clue as to the thoughts in her head until she eventually nods.
“I had a visit from Mel.”
“I know. She called me afterwards letting me know how well it went and how much she loved Charlie. I did try calling to warn you. I also apologise for anything she may have said or done to upset you while she was here.”
“It’s fine, we had a nice day together but please no more surprises.”
“You got it.”
After another quiet drive back to Alannah’s place I was going to call Riley to come collect me in order to give her some space when Charlotte insisted I watch a movie with her. That’s how I find myself on the couch with her curled up by my side watching Despicable Me.
“Who’s that? Is he the bad guy?” I ask.
“Yes but not really.”
“What are those yellow creatures called again?”
“Minions remember.” Right.
“But what are they?”
“Shh, no talking.” She puts her finger to her lip. Well I’ve been told. I kiss her on the temple and tell her I’ll be back in a minute.
I walk into the kitchen where I find Alannah seated at the table writing what looks like a shopping list.
“Alannah.” She looks up at me expectedly. “Can we talk? Please, we need to discuss some things, you know we do, stop trying to avoid me.” She bites her lower lip in contemplation and I can see in her eyes the moment she gives up the fight.
“Okay, but outside, I don’t want Charlotte overhearing.”
I nod in agreement and follow her out on to the back patio, taking the seat beside her. She stays quiet, waiting for me to begin. I lean my elbows on my thighs and glance down at the ground.
“As you can imagine, my parents want to meet Charlotte. I spoke to my mother before coming out here and told her the when and where would be up to you and she understands. I would however like to give them some sort of time frame if that’s alright with you. ”
“Of course. I just need a little more time, but I don’t think I can come to Sydney. Would they mind coming here in say two weeks’ time maybe? There are so many changes occurring in Charlotte’s life so quickly I just want to have the chance to talk to her and make sure she’s dealing with it all.”
“That’ll work. Two weekends from now I’ll fly them out here. Thank you.”
“Sure. One second.” She goes inside to quickly check on Charlie who’s still watching her movie then returns.