Message to SarahBFF25June 13.27
Hi Sarah. I am so, so sorry. I’ve only just got my phone back. No need to worry about coming to visit. Flights will be stupidly expensive and it’s so far! AllOKhere. Will let you know when I’m out. Love you x
Suddenly there was a movement to her left. Startled, Alice turned and saw a hand reaching through the curtain.
She dropped the phone and grabbed it, squeezing him tightly. She didn’t even bother using her good hand.
24
Alfie
And so they lay, holding hands across the curtain. Alice hadn’t even spoken to him until a few days ago! It was funny how long ago that now felt, how quickly they had fallen into step with each other and how normal – no, not even normal – howgoodit felt to be holding her. He realized straight away that it was her injured hand clasped in his; he could feel the gauze wrapped around her, creating a rough second skin. Suddenly he was afraid – had he hurt her? Was he holding on too tightly? Then she squeezed him hard and he let the panic settle in his chest.
‘Thank you. Sorry, I just need to wipe my face,’ she whispered and then let go. ‘God, crying is disgusting.’
‘Lucky there’s this big old curtain between us so I don’t have to see it.’ Alfie let his hand linger momentarily before pulling it back across to his side.
‘One of the many benefits,’ she replied, half laughing.
They sat in contented quiet for a few minutes. Alfie’s brain was buzzing with excitement, his skin tingling from the memory of her hand in his.
‘For someone that doesn’t get many visitors, you sure have a hell of a lot of texts. You’re not hiding secret friends back there?’ He prayed he hadn’t overstepped the mark.
‘No.’ She laughed. He breathed a sigh of relief. ‘It’s only a couple of people from work and Sarah.’
‘Who on earth is Sarah?’
There was a slight pause.
‘I guess you could say she’s the greatest person I’ve ever met in my entire life.’
Why did his stomach sink a little when she said that? Surely he wasn’t feeling jealous?
‘Wow! I’m afraid you’re going to have to give me more after a statement like that! Whoisthis person?’
‘I mean, no matter what I say, it won’t do her justice. She’s one of those people you have to meet in the flesh to really get the measure of. She’s my best friend.’
‘Do you think she’ll come and visit?’ Alfie assumed this must be the mystery emergency contact Nurse Angles had mentioned, who was currently unreachable and halfway across the world.
‘She lives in Australia now so it’s not exactly the easiest trip to make. She said she’d fly in to see me but I’ve told her not to come.’ Her voice was resolute.
‘Well, she sounds incredible.’
‘She’s the best.’ He could hear her voice cracking again. ‘God, I swear I’ve never cried this much in my entire life.’
‘Spare pillows but no tissues over there? I’d complain if I were you.’
He could hear her laugh muffled by some vigorous face wiping.
‘You want to complain, honey? I’ll come and give yousomething to complain about!’ Nurse Angles’ voice rang out across the ward.
‘At last! Give him one from me too.’ Mr Peterson was clapping enthusiastically.
‘Alfie’s in trouuuble. Alfie’s in trouuuuble,’ Ruby repeatedly sang, as she danced up and down the ward. Sharon whooped and cheered her on in delight.
Alfie sat bolt upright. ‘Hold on a second, since when did it become gang-up-on-Alfie day? You’ve got to give me at least a little bit of warning, team!’
‘Let’s all gang up on Alfie. Let’s all gang up on Alfie.’ Ruby’s singing was getting louder and louder as the dancing got more and more spirited.
