‘There are so many things about what you just said that need addressing, but firstly I want to know who this Alfie is?’
Alice gave a deep belly laugh. OfcourseSarah would latch on to that.
‘Alfie is the lucky son of a bitch who gets to lie next to your friend every day and night! Hi … I’m guessing you’retheSarah?’
A familiar hand shot through between the curtains. A smile of sheer delight erupted across Sarah’s face. Alice groaned. She knew that smile meant one thing and one thing only. Trouble.
‘Pleasure to meet you, Alfie,’ Sarah smirked as she shook his hand.
‘Come by any time, Sarah, my cubicle is an open curtain.’
‘I’ll be sure to, don’t you worry.’
Alice practically disappeared under the covers as Sarah flashed her a knowing wink.
30
Alfie
As much as Alice had tried to convince him that Sarah wouldn’t come for her, Alfie had known deep down it was only a matter of time. A part of him thought he might be jealous that Sarah was allowed inside Alice’s cubicle, but all he felt was relief that someone was going to be by her side. He tried so hard not to listen to their conversation. It felt intrusive and inappropriate. At one point, Alfie was tempted to turn the TV up as loud as possible, but then he thought that in itself was intrusive, so he turned to his faithful puzzle books. He managed quite well for a while, engrossing himself in a particularly hard Sudoku, but when he heard his name mentioned he couldn’t help but listen in. How could he not? They were talking about him!
After their brief introduction he forced himself to remain quiet. He knew they needed space, and luckily he had another physio session in the afternoon to take him away from any further temptation to make conversation. Just as he was making his way out of the ward, he heard someone running up behind him.
‘Hey, hold up a second, will you. It’s Alfie, isn’t it?’
‘The very one.’
Sarah looked him up and down, cocked her head to one side and then gave an approving smile. He appreciated how she barely blinked when she saw his missing leg. No lingering stare, no quick aversion of the eyes to pretend she hadn’t seen what he was lacking; just a steady gaze, taking him all in. Apparently he’d passed the test.
‘Do you want anything from Pizza Express?’
‘Pardon?’
‘Pizza Express. I’m going to get some food for Al – did you want anything? I’m hoping you’re the kind of guy that knows exactly what he wants, or equally can make a decision in about thirty seconds.’
Wow, this woman took assertive to the next level. He definitely approved.
‘I’ll have the American Hot, extra pepperoni and a share-size plate of dough balls.’ He couldn’t help but smile a little smugly at her. ‘Please.’
‘Nicely done.’ She nodded, turned, and walked off without saying another word.
*
His physio session with Darren turned out to be extremely successful, which did nothing to put Alfie in a good mood. He knew he should be celebrating his achievements, but every ounce of progress took him closer to leaving the ward and re-entering the reality of the outside world. Darren wanted to talk about it. What plans was he putting in place, how were his parents preparing for his return? He knew he’d have to face it soon, but every time he began thinking about it, he conveniently found something much more important andinteresting to focus on. Although, he had to admit, seeing that pizza box by his bedside when he arrived back on the ward helped cheer him up a lot.
‘Sorry, we ate the dough balls – we got hungry and you were taking ages!’ Sarah called out.
‘Are you kidding me?!’
‘Obviously she’s joking. They’re in the box.’ There was a hint of exasperation in Alice’s voice, as if she was dealing with two unruly children.
‘Thank God for that. Don’t you underestimate me, Sarah. I may only have one leg, but you get in between me and food and there will be trouble.’
‘Don’t play the one-leg card with me. It won’t get you anywhere!’
‘Doesn’t get me very far now anyway, to be frank.’
‘Ha! Touché.’
