Chapter 23 - Lullaby's and Panic Attacks
They arrived back at the house, Cesca just sat in the seat of the car, seatbelt still clipped in, staring into space. Jonah looked over towards her whilst Mia slept in her car seat, it had been a long day for her and it was way past her bed time. “Ces, he’s going to be okay”, Jonah knew instantly what was on her mind, Cesca looked towards him, before letting a few tears roll down her cheek, “I love you Jonah”, the tears carried on falling as she lifted up her hand, caressing his face before kissing him through her whimpers and tears. He opened up his arms, holding her tight. He knew this was going to be hard for her, everything always was, Cesca always seemed to draw the short straw. “Ces, I’m always going to be here... always”, he whispered, her head under his chin as it rested on his chest, Cesca seemed to almost nestle in closer to him, he was her back bone, he supported the three of them through the good times and the bad, he was the glue that held their family together. Cesca loved Jonah so much; she needed him more than ever and had no doubts in him being there for her. He really was her one in a million, her knight in shining armour. “Let’s go in Ces, I’ll make you some cocoa and we can phone the hospital”, Cesca looked up, giving him a faint smile through the tears, “Thank you”, was all she said. She sat back up and the pair got out, Cesca went to get her bags whilst Jonah carried in a sleeping Mia, all the talking she had been doing had warn her out. Jonah waited for Cesca to close the boot, he wanted to walk in with her, he wasn’t sure how well she was coping with everything, he figured if he stayed with her it would give her that much more of an inner strength. He smiled as she leant her head against him and his arm found its way to her waist once more, the three of them walked in. They were indestructible but needed each other to get through the tough times. Cesca placed the keys quietly in the pot, she took a deep breath, and a smile crept across her face at the idea of being home, home with Mia and Jonah. One thing the trip back to Spain had taught her, was the fact she could never be away from them for any length of time like that again. Jonah kissed her on the forehead before going and putting Mia to bed, Cesca placed the bags down in the hallway before going into the lounge and making herself comfy on the sofa, she held a cushion to her chest as she once again stared in to space, thinking about poor Tom. She still didn’t know how he was, she almost felt guilty despite it having nothing to do with her. He was her friend though and Tom had always done so much for Cesca, despite the awkwardness that was first apparent after their first date together. Cesca soon began to worry about Adanna, how was she coping, Cesca was almost a wreck once more, who knew how Adanna was feeling. Cesca reached into her back pocket frantically, where her phone still was, she began to type in Adana’s name as Jonah re-entered the room, “Ces, I think you should wait before you call Adanna, this is a shock for you, you’re not in the right frame of mind to be talking to her, it will only make you feel worse”, As Jonah spoke he had made his way to the sofa, where he held Cesca, giving her all the support he could. “Your right”, Cesca replied she stroked his arm with her fingers as she began to calm down. Cesca waited until the tears had stopped before offering her the cocoa that he had suggested in the car, “You wanting some cocoa?”, He asked sensitively, “Yes, that would be lovely”, Cesca smiled, she let Jonah go into the kitchen and begin boiling the kettle before following him in behind.
The house looked immaculate, Jonah had obviously cleaned, she couldn’t help but find a smile from deep inside her, whatever mood Cesca was in Jonah always seemed to give her this warm feeling that only ever resulted in a sincere smile. Jonah stirred the milk into the cocoa before tapping the spoon on the side of the mug and placing it in the dishwasher, Cesca picked the mug up, treasuring it’s warmth in her hands, she was careful to blow before drinking, the last thing she needed right now was a burnt tongue, that really would top it all off. Jonah placed his arms around Cesca’s waist from behind before kissing her sensitively on her neck, “He really is going to be okay Ces”, He placed his head between her neck and shoulders, “How can you be so sure, he’s in a coma, that doesn’t exactly cry out, recovery” Cesca was letting her emotions get the better of her, “Sorry”, She said trying to compose herself,” Ces, you should call the hospital, find out how he is, it might give you some peace of mind and I was thinking, tomorrow you and me should go visit him. My dad is happy to watch Mia for an hour or so”, Cesca placed her cocoa down before turning around towards Jonah and giving him a hug, he held her close before sharing a seductive kiss. “What would I do without you Jonah”, He smiled before Cesca headed off to the lounge to make the dreaded but much needed call to the hospital, Jonah cleared up her mug before joining her in the lounge, attempting to pick up some kind of idea as to what was going on. He was just as scared and worried as Cesca but knew for the sake of her and Mia that he had to be strong, they needed him!
Cesca apprehensively tapped in the number that had been left by the phone on a pink post it note, named “The hospital”. She took a deep sigh before pressing the green button and placing the phone to her ear “Hello”, A lady answered, ready to answer any questions, “Hi, it’s Cesca Kirby, I’m just calling to ask about Tom Clarkson”, Cesca’s voice was shaky and she found it hard not to stutter on every other word, “Are you a relative?”, The lady asked, Jonah sat down beside Cesca and held her hand. “No, I’m a friend, a really close friend”, Cesca’s voice was fearful, “I’m sorry but we can’t give details away to anyone except relatives”, Cesca was silent, Jonah took the phone out of her hand, he wasn’t taking no for an answer besides, he had spoken to the hospital earlier in the day. “I’m sorry, but my wife is very distressed, as you can imagine, I’m not taking no for an anwser. I spoke to you this morning, so don’t give me the we can’t give you that act”, There was almost an immediate reply, one that didn’t come across as being programmed in, “Let me just go and find out”, Jonah was put on hold, but only briefly. There was a cough as the lady prepared to speak, Cesca’s face showed every emotion and every question that was running through her mind, she was turning a shade paler, as she worried about what was being said the other end of the phone, “Mr Kirby, Mr Clarkson is stable, he is still in the coma but the doctors are pleased with his progress”, “That’s good news, were thinking of visiting tomorrow, could you tell me the visiting hours?”, There was a slight pause whilst the lady checked, “The hours are from 1pm until 4.30”, “Thanks for your help”, The line went dead. “How is he? Is he going to be okay?” Cesca was panicky, Jonah held her hand firmer, “Ces, he’s stable and the doctors are pleased with his progress, they said we could visit between 1 and 4.30 tomorrow”, Cesca felt relieved she knew the worrying wasn’t over but her mind was settled and she didn’t feel as panicked or as frantic as she was before. “You're always right”, Cesca gave him a passionate kiss before the pair cuddled up on the sofa making up for the fact they had been apart, it was clear that the feeling of missing each other was mutual. It was soon approaching 11pm, it was dark outside and sleep was beginning to capture them, they decided that it would be a good idea to catch some sleep, it had been a long day and they both knew how hard tomorrow was going to be, Cesca couldn’t wait to have a carefree day. She had almost forgotten what they felt like. Cesca got into HER bed, that was such a lovely feeling gave her a slight feeling of relaxation, she rolled inwards towards Jonah, she needed to have his body close to her, and she needed to know he was there. She was exhausted and soon fell asleep in his strong, warm arms.
It was soon morning and the Kirby couple were woken up by the sounds of Mia “Mummy.....daddy”, Cesca opened her eyes, a smile on her face as she remembered how Mia had learnt to say mummy, Jonah was just about to roll out of bed when Cesca said “It’s alright, I’ve got this”, She smiled before kissing him on the cheek and went to see what Mia was up to. Cesca walked into Mia’s room surprised to find her 1 and a half year old clinging to the bars of her cot, “mummy”, She shouted in her utterly cute voice,”That’s right Mia, mummy’s here”, Jonah grew a smile as he heard Cesca and Mia talking, it was beautiful, he closed his eyes and slowly took the opportunity to catch a few more minutes sleep or possibly hours but he knew that was a bit to presumptuous. Cesca lifted her little girl, who really was beginning to become their little girl, out of her cot, Mia rested her head on Cesca’s shoulder and slid her thumb into her mouth, Cesca walked past the mirror on the way out of the room, but couldn’t help but admire how cute and grown up Mia looked before saying “Mia, what have I told you about your thumb”, Cesca carefully pulled Mia’s hand away from her mouth, Mia accepted the fact that she wasn’t allowed to do that and re positioned herself on Cesca’s shoulder, they left the room, “She has finally learnt she doesn’t always get what she wants”, Cesca felt rather proud of herself and couldn’t help but rub it in Jonah’s face. Mia stuck her tongue out over Cesca’s shoulder, “Mia”, Cesca laughed as she caught her doing it, “Right missy, tickle time”, She sat down on the sofa in the lounge tickling Mia to death, Mia loved it, she was giggling and smiling and squirming as Cesca tickled her endlessly before sitting her up and having a cuddle with Tilly. Mia didn’t go many places without Tilly. It was a Saturday so Mia got her favourite breakfast of bananas on toast; Cesca went and clipped Mia into her new big girl’s seat that strapped on the back of one of the dining room chairs. Mia looked so grown up as she was able to sit and feed herself. Cesca went into the kitchen; she looked as radiant as ever despite the worry for Tom that had been placed at the back of her mind. She made the toast then chopped up the banana and then drizzled it with some honey, it smelt so yummy! Mia began to bang the table, “Mia, wait”, Cesca called through as she cut the toast up into manageable pieces for Mia. She carried the plate, which was pink and spotty, through to Mia who was elated to see her favourite. She got stuck in straight away, “Is that yummy Mia” , Mia looked up at Cesca and smiled, banana all around her mouth, “You got nana all round your chops monkey”, Jonah had come in, “Morning beautiful”, He said giving his wife a kiss, “You wanting a coffee?” “Yeah, thanks”. Cesca sat down watching as Mia lapped up her breakfast, despite the mess she was making as the banana was smeared round her face or fell off landing on the table. Jonah walked back in, he was topless and looking rather lush. “here you are”, he said in a chirpy voice, they both looked at Mia eat, “Ces, it really is all going to be okay”, She turned and smiled, “I know”, Cesca had begun to think positively, now that she had slept she had a different perspective on it all, she wasn’t a wreck like she was last night and she wasn’t missing Jonah, so they hole had been filled, therefore she wasn’t feeling as lonely as she was before, “Mummy... daddy”, Mia lifted up the pieces of banana, offering them to Cesca and Jonah, who both smiled, “No, you eat it, you’ll be hungry”, Jonah said, “Glad she gained your gene of generosity” , Cesca smiled as Mia finished the banana “All gone”, She said, Cesca kissed Jonah before saying “Well done Mia. Right I’m going to get ready”, “Okay Ces, Come on then rascal, your all mucky”, the pair shared a loving glance as they both began the day. Jonah cleaned Mia’s face and the table before lifting her out and getting her dressed, she was put in a pair of short dungarees, it was a lovely day and a yellow spotty top, which was matched with a yellow spotty bow, Mia’s hair was quite long now and thick and curly, just like Cesca’s. “You are a spitting image of your mummy you, your beautiful”, He picked her up kissing her on the stomach before resting her on his hip and carrying her downstairs, passing her to Cesca who he passed on the way down, “come on then sausage, we need to get you ready to see granddad”, “granna”, Cesca was loving Mia’s attempts at new words, “That’s right, Granddad”, Mia began to suck on her thumb again, Cesca once again took it out, Mia once again accepted. Cesca laughed before putting down her little angel so she could go and find Tilly to play with whilst Cesca finished her cup of tea and finished packing Mia’s bag for Marcus’s. Jonah was soon down, smelling of Cesca’s favourite fragrance, “You smell nice”, She said with a flirtatious look upon her face. She swigged her last sip, “Right, we better get going” Jonah picked up Mia putting on her coat that was covered in an umbrella print, it was so cute. He placed her blue converses on her feet and then held her hand to walk out to the car with her. This was the first time Cesca had seen this and couldn’t help but beam , “oh Mia, your such a big girl”, Cesca grabbed hers and Mia’s bags before walking out to the car, she pressed the car key, they loaded up the car and all got in. “Mia, you ready to see granddad and auntie Ruth”, “Grana . Ruufff”, Jonah smiled “that’s my girl”, he laughed, they all set off to Marcus’s, Mia was particularly fidgety so when they arrived, they couldn’t wait to let her out and walk, which was great, meant they didn’t have to get the buggy out the boot. Marcus opened the door before they even reached it. “Mia, aren’t you a clever girl” Mia ran up to Marcus who picked her up, Cesca and Jonah were behind her, “grana”, Marcus smiled, “when did she get so clever”, “That was Jonah”, Cesca added, she was so proud of him for getting her to walk and talk. Ruth suddenly appeared “Ruff”, Mia said. Ruth smiled to; it turned into a beam when she saw Mia wearing the converses for the first time now that they fitted properly. “Right, you two better get off, we can have her as long as you want, and it’s not a problem. Send our love to tom”, Cesca handed Ruth Mia’s bag before the pair walked back to the car hand in hand. They each got in their sides of the car, buckling up before they left. “Ces, you’re doing great”, He was pleased with how she was holding up, “That’s you and Mia”, She said, smiling, she put the car into gear and headed for the hospital a place they hadn’t been to since having Mia.
They parked up the car in the multi-storey car park and headed of once again hand in hand to the entrance of the hospital. Jonah led the way still holding a tight grip on Cesca’s hand, “excuse me, do you know where we can find Tom Clarkson”, “Right this way”, the lady directed them to the intensive care unit. They could see him through the window, wires everywhere and a ventilator in his mouth. His eyes were swollen to the size of golf balls and his arms were severally bruised, Cesca broke down in tears, Jonah held her close “Ces, we have to be strong... for Tom”. Cesca was comforted by Jonah as they walked in together. They sat on the seats next to his bed, “What do I say”, Cesca asked, she felt so bad for everything that had happened to Tom and seeing him, in the state he was in only made her feel worse, “Tell it from the heart”, Jonah said holding her hand once more. “Tom, I doubt you can hear me, I can’t believe this has happened to you. We’re all here for you and hope you get better soon” Cesca moved her head towards Jonah’s chest as she once again began to sob. The door swung open and in came a frantic Adanna. “Were so sorry” Jonah said. “Sorry” Adanna sternly worded. “Why you sorry, he’s fine. He’s going to be fine”. Her words were blunt and worrying her reaction was anger and frustration, her loved one was in a coma and she wasn’t exactly the sort of person to sit around crying. Instead she found it best to almost kid herself that it hadn’t happened. Ignore the seriousness of Tom’s situation, she sat down the other side of Tom’s bed, she reached out holding his hand, “You’re going to keep on fighting. Cause I love you”, Cesca looked up, her face was tear stained, Jonah brought his arm around her, reassuring her. He was pretty shaken up himself but was doing a good job of being strong. “AHH” Adanna screamed, Cesca looked up towards Adanna, Jonah repositioned himself in his seat, it had made him jump. “Adanna, what is it?” Cesca and Jonah were worried, why would she scream and then they saw it. Tom’s fingers began to twitch. Cesca shared a look with Jonah, it showed shock but also relief. Adanna wasn’t sure whether to believe it the first time but when Jonah and Cesca had seen it, she knew she wasn’t dreaming. They were all feeling slightly overwhelmed “Tom, can you hear me?” Adanna said once composing herself after the screaming. His fingers began to twitch as Tom began to come round. His eyes opened and the three of them found comfort in knowing that Tom had fought and come through this. He had survived, he was a fighter.
The house looked immaculate, Jonah had obviously cleaned, she couldn’t help but find a smile from deep inside her, whatever mood Cesca was in Jonah always seemed to give her this warm feeling that only ever resulted in a sincere smile. Jonah stirred the milk into the cocoa before tapping the spoon on the side of the mug and placing it in the dishwasher, Cesca picked the mug up, treasuring it’s warmth in her hands, she was careful to blow before drinking, the last thing she needed right now was a burnt tongue, that really would top it all off. Jonah placed his arms around Cesca’s waist from behind before kissing her sensitively on her neck, “He really is going to be okay Ces”, He placed his head between her neck and shoulders, “How can you be so sure, he’s in a coma, that doesn’t exactly cry out, recovery” Cesca was letting her emotions get the better of her, “Sorry”, She said trying to compose herself,” Ces, you should call the hospital, find out how he is, it might give you some peace of mind and I was thinking, tomorrow you and me should go visit him. My dad is happy to watch Mia for an hour or so”, Cesca placed her cocoa down before turning around towards Jonah and giving him a hug, he held her close before sharing a seductive kiss. “What would I do without you Jonah”, He smiled before Cesca headed off to the lounge to make the dreaded but much needed call to the hospital, Jonah cleared up her mug before joining her in the lounge, attempting to pick up some kind of idea as to what was going on. He was just as scared and worried as Cesca but knew for the sake of her and Mia that he had to be strong, they needed him!
Cesca apprehensively tapped in the number that had been left by the phone on a pink post it note, named “The hospital”. She took a deep sigh before pressing the green button and placing the phone to her ear “Hello”, A lady answered, ready to answer any questions, “Hi, it’s Cesca Kirby, I’m just calling to ask about Tom Clarkson”, Cesca’s voice was shaky and she found it hard not to stutter on every other word, “Are you a relative?”, The lady asked, Jonah sat down beside Cesca and held her hand. “No, I’m a friend, a really close friend”, Cesca’s voice was fearful, “I’m sorry but we can’t give details away to anyone except relatives”, Cesca was silent, Jonah took the phone out of her hand, he wasn’t taking no for an answer besides, he had spoken to the hospital earlier in the day. “I’m sorry, but my wife is very distressed, as you can imagine, I’m not taking no for an anwser. I spoke to you this morning, so don’t give me the we can’t give you that act”, There was almost an immediate reply, one that didn’t come across as being programmed in, “Let me just go and find out”, Jonah was put on hold, but only briefly. There was a cough as the lady prepared to speak, Cesca’s face showed every emotion and every question that was running through her mind, she was turning a shade paler, as she worried about what was being said the other end of the phone, “Mr Kirby, Mr Clarkson is stable, he is still in the coma but the doctors are pleased with his progress”, “That’s good news, were thinking of visiting tomorrow, could you tell me the visiting hours?”, There was a slight pause whilst the lady checked, “The hours are from 1pm until 4.30”, “Thanks for your help”, The line went dead. “How is he? Is he going to be okay?” Cesca was panicky, Jonah held her hand firmer, “Ces, he’s stable and the doctors are pleased with his progress, they said we could visit between 1 and 4.30 tomorrow”, Cesca felt relieved she knew the worrying wasn’t over but her mind was settled and she didn’t feel as panicked or as frantic as she was before. “You're always right”, Cesca gave him a passionate kiss before the pair cuddled up on the sofa making up for the fact they had been apart, it was clear that the feeling of missing each other was mutual. It was soon approaching 11pm, it was dark outside and sleep was beginning to capture them, they decided that it would be a good idea to catch some sleep, it had been a long day and they both knew how hard tomorrow was going to be, Cesca couldn’t wait to have a carefree day. She had almost forgotten what they felt like. Cesca got into HER bed, that was such a lovely feeling gave her a slight feeling of relaxation, she rolled inwards towards Jonah, she needed to have his body close to her, and she needed to know he was there. She was exhausted and soon fell asleep in his strong, warm arms.
It was soon morning and the Kirby couple were woken up by the sounds of Mia “Mummy.....daddy”, Cesca opened her eyes, a smile on her face as she remembered how Mia had learnt to say mummy, Jonah was just about to roll out of bed when Cesca said “It’s alright, I’ve got this”, She smiled before kissing him on the cheek and went to see what Mia was up to. Cesca walked into Mia’s room surprised to find her 1 and a half year old clinging to the bars of her cot, “mummy”, She shouted in her utterly cute voice,”That’s right Mia, mummy’s here”, Jonah grew a smile as he heard Cesca and Mia talking, it was beautiful, he closed his eyes and slowly took the opportunity to catch a few more minutes sleep or possibly hours but he knew that was a bit to presumptuous. Cesca lifted her little girl, who really was beginning to become their little girl, out of her cot, Mia rested her head on Cesca’s shoulder and slid her thumb into her mouth, Cesca walked past the mirror on the way out of the room, but couldn’t help but admire how cute and grown up Mia looked before saying “Mia, what have I told you about your thumb”, Cesca carefully pulled Mia’s hand away from her mouth, Mia accepted the fact that she wasn’t allowed to do that and re positioned herself on Cesca’s shoulder, they left the room, “She has finally learnt she doesn’t always get what she wants”, Cesca felt rather proud of herself and couldn’t help but rub it in Jonah’s face. Mia stuck her tongue out over Cesca’s shoulder, “Mia”, Cesca laughed as she caught her doing it, “Right missy, tickle time”, She sat down on the sofa in the lounge tickling Mia to death, Mia loved it, she was giggling and smiling and squirming as Cesca tickled her endlessly before sitting her up and having a cuddle with Tilly. Mia didn’t go many places without Tilly. It was a Saturday so Mia got her favourite breakfast of bananas on toast; Cesca went and clipped Mia into her new big girl’s seat that strapped on the back of one of the dining room chairs. Mia looked so grown up as she was able to sit and feed herself. Cesca went into the kitchen; she looked as radiant as ever despite the worry for Tom that had been placed at the back of her mind. She made the toast then chopped up the banana and then drizzled it with some honey, it smelt so yummy! Mia began to bang the table, “Mia, wait”, Cesca called through as she cut the toast up into manageable pieces for Mia. She carried the plate, which was pink and spotty, through to Mia who was elated to see her favourite. She got stuck in straight away, “Is that yummy Mia” , Mia looked up at Cesca and smiled, banana all around her mouth, “You got nana all round your chops monkey”, Jonah had come in, “Morning beautiful”, He said giving his wife a kiss, “You wanting a coffee?” “Yeah, thanks”. Cesca sat down watching as Mia lapped up her breakfast, despite the mess she was making as the banana was smeared round her face or fell off landing on the table. Jonah walked back in, he was topless and looking rather lush. “here you are”, he said in a chirpy voice, they both looked at Mia eat, “Ces, it really is all going to be okay”, She turned and smiled, “I know”, Cesca had begun to think positively, now that she had slept she had a different perspective on it all, she wasn’t a wreck like she was last night and she wasn’t missing Jonah, so they hole had been filled, therefore she wasn’t feeling as lonely as she was before, “Mummy... daddy”, Mia lifted up the pieces of banana, offering them to Cesca and Jonah, who both smiled, “No, you eat it, you’ll be hungry”, Jonah said, “Glad she gained your gene of generosity” , Cesca smiled as Mia finished the banana “All gone”, She said, Cesca kissed Jonah before saying “Well done Mia. Right I’m going to get ready”, “Okay Ces, Come on then rascal, your all mucky”, the pair shared a loving glance as they both began the day. Jonah cleaned Mia’s face and the table before lifting her out and getting her dressed, she was put in a pair of short dungarees, it was a lovely day and a yellow spotty top, which was matched with a yellow spotty bow, Mia’s hair was quite long now and thick and curly, just like Cesca’s. “You are a spitting image of your mummy you, your beautiful”, He picked her up kissing her on the stomach before resting her on his hip and carrying her downstairs, passing her to Cesca who he passed on the way down, “come on then sausage, we need to get you ready to see granddad”, “granna”, Cesca was loving Mia’s attempts at new words, “That’s right, Granddad”, Mia began to suck on her thumb again, Cesca once again took it out, Mia once again accepted. Cesca laughed before putting down her little angel so she could go and find Tilly to play with whilst Cesca finished her cup of tea and finished packing Mia’s bag for Marcus’s. Jonah was soon down, smelling of Cesca’s favourite fragrance, “You smell nice”, She said with a flirtatious look upon her face. She swigged her last sip, “Right, we better get going” Jonah picked up Mia putting on her coat that was covered in an umbrella print, it was so cute. He placed her blue converses on her feet and then held her hand to walk out to the car with her. This was the first time Cesca had seen this and couldn’t help but beam , “oh Mia, your such a big girl”, Cesca grabbed hers and Mia’s bags before walking out to the car, she pressed the car key, they loaded up the car and all got in. “Mia, you ready to see granddad and auntie Ruth”, “Grana . Ruufff”, Jonah smiled “that’s my girl”, he laughed, they all set off to Marcus’s, Mia was particularly fidgety so when they arrived, they couldn’t wait to let her out and walk, which was great, meant they didn’t have to get the buggy out the boot. Marcus opened the door before they even reached it. “Mia, aren’t you a clever girl” Mia ran up to Marcus who picked her up, Cesca and Jonah were behind her, “grana”, Marcus smiled, “when did she get so clever”, “That was Jonah”, Cesca added, she was so proud of him for getting her to walk and talk. Ruth suddenly appeared “Ruff”, Mia said. Ruth smiled to; it turned into a beam when she saw Mia wearing the converses for the first time now that they fitted properly. “Right, you two better get off, we can have her as long as you want, and it’s not a problem. Send our love to tom”, Cesca handed Ruth Mia’s bag before the pair walked back to the car hand in hand. They each got in their sides of the car, buckling up before they left. “Ces, you’re doing great”, He was pleased with how she was holding up, “That’s you and Mia”, She said, smiling, she put the car into gear and headed for the hospital a place they hadn’t been to since having Mia.
They parked up the car in the multi-storey car park and headed of once again hand in hand to the entrance of the hospital. Jonah led the way still holding a tight grip on Cesca’s hand, “excuse me, do you know where we can find Tom Clarkson”, “Right this way”, the lady directed them to the intensive care unit. They could see him through the window, wires everywhere and a ventilator in his mouth. His eyes were swollen to the size of golf balls and his arms were severally bruised, Cesca broke down in tears, Jonah held her close “Ces, we have to be strong... for Tom”. Cesca was comforted by Jonah as they walked in together. They sat on the seats next to his bed, “What do I say”, Cesca asked, she felt so bad for everything that had happened to Tom and seeing him, in the state he was in only made her feel worse, “Tell it from the heart”, Jonah said holding her hand once more. “Tom, I doubt you can hear me, I can’t believe this has happened to you. We’re all here for you and hope you get better soon” Cesca moved her head towards Jonah’s chest as she once again began to sob. The door swung open and in came a frantic Adanna. “Were so sorry” Jonah said. “Sorry” Adanna sternly worded. “Why you sorry, he’s fine. He’s going to be fine”. Her words were blunt and worrying her reaction was anger and frustration, her loved one was in a coma and she wasn’t exactly the sort of person to sit around crying. Instead she found it best to almost kid herself that it hadn’t happened. Ignore the seriousness of Tom’s situation, she sat down the other side of Tom’s bed, she reached out holding his hand, “You’re going to keep on fighting. Cause I love you”, Cesca looked up, her face was tear stained, Jonah brought his arm around her, reassuring her. He was pretty shaken up himself but was doing a good job of being strong. “AHH” Adanna screamed, Cesca looked up towards Adanna, Jonah repositioned himself in his seat, it had made him jump. “Adanna, what is it?” Cesca and Jonah were worried, why would she scream and then they saw it. Tom’s fingers began to twitch. Cesca shared a look with Jonah, it showed shock but also relief. Adanna wasn’t sure whether to believe it the first time but when Jonah and Cesca had seen it, she knew she wasn’t dreaming. They were all feeling slightly overwhelmed “Tom, can you hear me?” Adanna said once composing herself after the screaming. His fingers began to twitch as Tom began to come round. His eyes opened and the three of them found comfort in knowing that Tom had fought and come through this. He had survived, he was a fighter.
