Authors: Aleatha Romig
Blissfully, sleep took her away.
A woman must not depend on
the protection of man,
but must be taught to protect herself.
- Susan B. Anthony
Chapter
53
Claire woke to a piercing
pain in her head and a throbbing ache in her side. She tried to
keep herself still and evaluate the nausea building within. She
remembered eating with Tony on Sunday afternoon; had she eaten
since? There couldn’t be anything in her empty stomach to revolt,
yet it was. She hit the nurse
call
button and peered out the window, attempting to
divert her attentions. Her window looked over the roofs of the
sprawling hospital and beyond to Stanford’s Medical Campus. Past
the campus in the distance, she saw the mountains. The lightening
sky and lingering fog told her morning had finally arrived. It was
Wednesday and her family and friends had been waiting all night,
for multiple nights.
She needed to talk to them. She knew Harry
deserved a private discussion; hopefully, the others would agree to
a group session. Claire didn’t relish the idea of repeating her
story over and over. She turned to the sound of the opening
door.
“
Hello, Ms. Nichols, I’m
Abbey your day nurse.”
“
Please, call me
Claire.”
“
Claire, what can I do for
you?”
Claire asked about getting up and out of the
bed. After Abbey checked the chart, she assisted Claire to the
bathroom. On the way, Claire worried about her reflection. She
hadn’t seen herself yet. She knew from Tony’s reaction she looked
as bruised as she felt. Steeling herself for the worse, she bravely
faced the woman in the mirror.
Walking to and from the bathroom required
help. By the time they were done, her tubes were disconnected, she
was sponged clean, her teeth brushed, and thankfully, her bladder
emptied. Claire would have loved to wash her hair and add makeup to
cover the various shades of bruises on her checks and temples, and
the deep purple under her left eye. Nevertheless, she felt
better.
This was in many ways
easier than her
accident
. Although she tried not to
make comparisons, they were staring her in the face: injury to head
and ribs. Ironically the injuries ensued by a crazy greedy monster
were less than those obtained by the man who claimed to love her.
Claire continued to remind herself, Harry stopped Patrick. What
would have happened if he hadn’t -- if Tony hadn’t called Harry --
if Phil and security hadn’t come? With her accident, no one stopped
Tony. He stopped himself -- eventually. The most monumental
difference was internally. Following her
accident
, Claire lost all desire to
continue forward. She remembered a black hole of apathy. She didn’t
feel that way now. Despite her battered appearance, Claire’s desire
to live was stronger than it had ever been. She saw hope for better
tomorrows with every new day.
As Abbey helped Claire back to bed, she
handed Claire a folded note. “This is for you. I was supposed to
deliver it once you woke.”
Claire took the paper and opened it:
I hope you and our baby are
feeling better.
Perhaps you’ll feel up to arguing your destination
following your release.
(I am definitely ready) Claire couldn’t help but
smile.
I
want to see you.
However, I realize you need to speak to the others and
I don’t want you to overdo. I’m staying nearby.
Call me at the number below when you’re ready
for my visit. I’ll be there in minutes.
Fighting tears, she closed the note. At one
time, Tony would never have given her the time and space she needed
to deal with her family and friends. Although she wanted to feel
his reassuring embrace, at this moment, his absence meant more and
filled her heart with reassurance.
“
Is there anything else I
can get you?” Abbey asked.
“
I would love some food.
Can I eat?”
“
Yes, I’ll get you an
order card. You have many people who’ve been patiently waiting. Are
you ready for visitors?”
“
If Mr. Baldwin is here,
would you please ask him to come in?”
Claire’s pulse increased and her stomach
twisted. As Harry entered, she saw his clean shirt and freshly
shaven face. “You went home?”
He held her hand; the spark she’d seen in
his eyes yesterday was gone, the resulting dullness infiltrated his
voice, “According to the nurse you didn’t want visitors. She said
you were going to sleep. I knew you and the baby were healthy, so I
went home.”
“
Good, I’m glad you got a
good night’s sleep.”
“
I went home. I didn’t say
I got a good night’s sleep.”
Claire raised her eyebrows.
“
Tell me, Claire, what you
wanted to tell me Sunday night. It wasn’t that
we
are having a baby, was
it?”
She squeezed his hand. “No. It wasn’t.”
His face lowered to his
chest. “I knew that last night, as soon as I saw
his
face and your
expression when he arrived.”
“
Thank you for saving him
from John.”
“
I don’t think your ex
needs saving from anyone. Although you have to admit John has
legitimate reasons for his feelings.”
Claire knew Harry was right, and she didn’t
want to rehash any of that. “Still, thanks.”
“
He saved you. I don’t
want to even think about the injuries you endured because I didn’t
answer his first call.”
“
Harry, there are plenty
of medals to go around; one is definitely yours!”
“
Tell me – when?” His
voice now distant, “Was it the night of the gala?”
“
No!” She fought the urge
to be defensive. “I told you, nothing happened that night.” She
took a deep breath and continued, “It was the day he came to the
condominium. I don’t want to discuss it, but the ultrasound
confirmed the baby is two weeks older than it could be if you were
the father.”
Harry nodded. Finally, he asked, “He already
knew, didn’t he?”
“
Yes, I told him this past
weekend. I wasn’t sure I would, but I did.”
“
What else happened this
past weekend?”
Claire looked down. “Harry, I can’t tell you
how much your friendship has meant to me; you’ve been so
supportive. I understand if you want to hate me.” She looked up
into his sad expression. His blue eyes looked distant. Her heart
ached knowing she was the cause, “But, I hope you won’t.”
He stood and walked toward the door, “Are
you ready to tell everyone? They want to see you.”
To Harry’s credit, he didn’t let on to the
others that there were issues, or that he wasn’t the father of
Claire’s baby. Immediately, Emily embraced her sister and began
crying. Next it was Amber’s turn. Besides telling Claire how happy
they were she was all right, they both told her how delighted they
were about the baby. Both couldn’t wait to be aunts. After enduring
everyone’s good wishes, Claire braced herself for comments about
Tony’s visit.
She decided it was better to allow everyone
their say. The comments started slow and continued with increased
velocity. Finally, Harry stopped the barrage, “Are any of you
interested to hear Claire’s point of view?”
Although she was grateful for his support,
in a way, it made her feel worse. “I let him in. I wanted him here,
because things have changed.” How could Claire make her chess
pieces understand? “I’m not denying any of his past sins. However,
some of what we’ve assumed were his I’ve learned weren’t. But,
nonetheless, I’m very much aware of all he’s done. With that said,
the baby I’m carrying isn’t Harry’s.” She waited while realization
came to those around her. Amber went to Harry’s side and put her
arm around him.
“
I’ve known since last
night,” Harry told his sister, “but I thought Claire should be the
one to tell everyone. I’m disappointed, but listen; she’s still
having a baby, that’s a miracle.”
“
Anthony’s baby?!” Emily
exclaimed. “How could you?!”
“
Yes,” Claire replied
defensively, “
your
niece or nephew.”
John didn’t speak. His eyes sent daggers
toward anyone willing to look his way. Finally, he walked from the
room. When the door shut, Claire exhaled.
Emily used the moment to
attack, “I don’t know why you’re relieved John left. I’ll have you
know, your attack, injuries, and probably your pregnancy would be
all over the internet and television if it weren’t for John. He
immediately set about with a
do not
disclose order
against the hospital. Your
newly found friend – lover – ex-captor -- I don’t even know what to
call
him
, took
away John’s life and law license, but your brother-in-law still
managed to be here for you.”
“
Please, tell him thank
you. What does the press know?” Suddenly she thought of Meredith.
Claire didn’t want her book under production.
Harry sounded as though he were describing
an unknown news story. “The police and ambulance were called to
your condominium. You went to the hospital in an ambulance. An
intruder was taken from your condominium after suffering deadly
gunshot wounds.”
“
Could someone bring me my
phone? I need to call someone.”
“
It’s at the condo.” Amber
replied. “You’re probably coming home today, can it
wait?”
Claire didn’t know. She didn’t want Meredith
publishing anything prematurely.
Their conversation was interrupted by the
delivery of Claire’s breakfast. She opened each plate with reserved
anticipation: eggs, orange juice, toast, and tea. As she inspected
the food, Abbey reentered.
“
Ladies and gentleman, I
understand how happy you are to have Claire and baby Nichols doing
well. But, she needs her rest. I’m restricting her to two visitors
at a time.”
Harry spoke first, “I need to get to work.
Claire, I wish you well, and I‘m trying. We both need some
time.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.”
Amber came forward and hugged Claire. “I’m
disappointed and confused. But more than anything, I’m happy you
and your baby are safe.” Her smile sparkled, “I guess it wasn’t
food poisoning, was it?”
Claire shook her head and smiled. “No, it
wasn’t.”
“
I don’t know your plans,
but you can stay with me as long as you want.”
Claire remembered her impending argument
with Tony. “I really don’t know what I’m going to do, but thanks
for the offer.”
Once Amber left the room and Emily and
Claire were alone, Emily spoke first, “What do you mean you don’t
know what you’re going to do? Are you seriously considering moving
back to that prison?”
Claire closed her eyes. “I don’t know. Tony
wants me to move back to Iowa. I was resisting, but, after Patrick
Chester, I just don’t know. At least on his estate, I’m safe and so
is my baby.”
“
Safe? Is that what their
calling imprisonment these days?”
Claire regretted telling
Emily the truth of her and Tony’s past. She thought of Tony’s
recent words:
You may think you’re ready
for answers, but you’re not. Bits and pieces may help you
understand. But, the blatant truth is too much.
Claire tried to explain, “I can’t make you understand, but
when I was there last week, things were different.”
“
Right -- and once you
decide to stay, I’m sure it will stay that way.”
“
I’m going to call him.
He’ll be here soon. The nurse said I can have two visitors. Emily,
the choice is yours. When he arrives you can stay or go, but he’s
coming. I want him here.”
The next time the door opened, an orderly
entered carrying two large bouquets of flowers. The first one had a
card which simply read: Tony. The second bouquet was from Courtney
and Brent, with wishes for fast healing. Claire wondered if Tony
told them about the baby.
Emily stayed until Tony arrived. When he
did, she kissed Claire on her cheek and said, “We have more places
to see today. I’ll check on you later.” She turned, made eye
contact with Tony, and left.
He immediately went to Claire’s bedside,
“Well, I seem to have that effect on all of your family.”
Claire’s eyebrows rose, “All? Did you see
John again?”
“
Briefly, he’s in the
lounge down the hall.”
Wrinkling her nose in anticipation, “Did you
two speak?”
“
No.” Tony grinned, “I’m
pretty sure if you ever decide to accept the ring I offered,
he
won’t
give you
away –
again
.”
Claire sat taller, “I’m not anyone’s to give
away. And I don’t care any longer what others think.”
“
Does that mean...” His
brown eyes twinkled as he lifted her hand. When she smiled in
response, she winced at the pain near her swollen eye. Tony’s voice
hardened, “I wish that ass hole were still alive, so I could kill
him.”
She rested her head against the pillows and
closed her eyes to the pain. “It means ... we’re dating.”
Looking around the small room, Tony
whispered jokingly, “This hardly seems public.”
Claire’s eyes sprang open. “I need to
contact Meredith. I don’t want her to misconstrue this and think it
means she can publish her book, but my phone is at the condo.”