It feels as if there is no time to lose now, they’ve got to get Angus to the hospital urgently. I watch as he’s carefully scooped up off the ground with minimal movement, and is now lying on a stiff yellow board. His neck is in a collar, his head protected on either side by two orange blocks and he’s strapped on to this board. I watch as they lift him into the back of the ambulance. I put an arm around Laurie, telling her it’s going to be OK. Angus is a fighter; he’s not going to give up. I rush forward, asking one of the team if I can come with him.
‘Of course, but probably best if only one of you comes,’ he says when Laurie approaches.
‘I’ll call the moment I have news,’ I promise.
‘I ain’t waiting for a call,’ she says, ‘I’ll get a bus. Where we going?’
The doors shut and the siren blasts as we head, at full speed, towards St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.
As the ambulance careers towards the hospital, I look down at Angus, less alert now and so vulnerable, his life in their hands. At least he’s been given some morphine for the pain. Never before have I felt this powerless, and it’s terrifying. All I’m good for is keeping his belongings safe. I have his jacket, his wallet, his mobile. I pick up the mobile and search in his contacts to find her name. The most painful call I’ve ever had to make was ringing Jamie’s mother to tell her that her son had died. This comes a close second. I hear the ringing tone, my heart thumping in my chest. To think that only a couple of hours ago I thought my biggest problem was untangling the mess Angus and I created last week. She picks up instantly. ‘Angus?’
‘Sophie, this is Holly.’
‘Holly?’
‘I’m Angus’s friend, I’m calling from his phone.’
‘What’s going on?’
‘Angus has had an accident.’
‘What?’
‘I’m in an ambulance with him.’
‘Is he OK?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘You don’t know?’
‘He was hit by a car.’
‘How bad is it? Where are you?’
‘They’re taking him to St Mary’s Emergency department.’
‘Is he going to be all right?’ Her tone is frantic. ‘I’m on my way. What happened?’
‘He was knocked unconscious, and he’s hurt his leg, his foot, but they’ve given him some morphine.’ I hear her running. It sounds as if she’s racing down a flight of stairs.
‘How did this happen?’
Briefly I explain.
Her voice softens. ‘Oh Angus.’
‘I’m so sorry, Sophie.’
‘Thanks for letting me know and being with him…’ She trails off. ‘Sorry, who are you again?’
‘Holly.’
‘Holly. Right.’ I hear her slamming a door, turning on an engine. She must be in her car.
I feel an overwhelming wave of guilt. ‘We met at Soul Food. I’m a volunteer,’ I say, as if that somehow makes our friendship more innocent. Then I feel even more guilty for feeling put out that Angus hasn’t mentioned me to Sophie. It sounded as if she had no idea who I was.
Upon arrival at the resuscitation area, a whole team of doctors and nurses gather round Angus. There must be about ten of them. Clearly, they were expecting him.
