Page 90 of Seven Letters

‘I’m not allowed near her, remember?’ Mia said bitterly. ‘Adam was very clear on that last night.’

‘To hell with Adam. He can’t stop you seeing your own sister. Besides, I checked. Angela’s on duty this afternoonand Adam will be picking Izzy up from school, so you can slip in then. It’ll make you feel better to see her. It’ll help you get your head straight.’

Mia put down the mug of sweet tea. She reached up and pulled her husband close. ‘I love you, Johnny. You’re the best man there is.’

‘Even unemployed?’

‘Even unemployed.’ She kissed him on the lips. They held each other for a minute, each enjoying the closeness and comfort of the other’s arms.

Johnny pulled back first. ‘Much as I love you and enjoy your hugs, you need a long shower. I’ll make you something to eat and then drive you to the hospital.’

Mia smiled. ‘Thank you. Thank you for marrying me even though I can be short-tempered, bossy and a pain in the arse.’

Johnny grinned. ‘I like being bossed around and you aren’t a pain in the arse, you’re just very … uhm … decisive.’

Mia laughed. ‘How tactfully put.’

Angela came straight over to Mia when she spotted her putting on an apron and mask.

‘How are you doing, Mia? Yesterday was a very tough day. All the doctors were upset about the meeting and having to give such awful news.’

Mia sighed. ‘It was very grim. Adam didn’t take it well. He’s banned me and Dad from seeing Sarah.’

Angela glanced around and whispered, ‘He’s told us all to keep you away.’

Mia rubbed the disinfectant soap into her hands and looked into Angela’s eyes. ‘I need to see Sarah, even if it’s the last time.’

‘Of course you do. You slip in there now and I’ll keep aneye out. If I hear him coming, I’ll warn you. We don’t want a scene in ICU, but I know how much you love your sister, and sure how could I deny you or poor Charlie seeing her?’

‘Thanks, Angela, I really appreciate that.’

‘Go on in now and I’ll keep watch.’

Mia paused. ‘Does she … is she … worse?’

Angela nodded. ‘I’m so sorry, but yes. It’s happening faster all the time. We can’t prevent it, even with all the medication. You’ll find it hard to look at her.’

Mia pulled her mask up over her mouth and took a deep breath. She braced herself as she walked in.

Sarah looked truly horrific. Mia closed her eyes to block out the awful sight. Part of her wanted to run away, but then she remembered what Johnny had said: ‘Hold her hand and talk to her.’

Mia walked over to the bed. It was like another world in here. A separate universe where all the anger, angst and arguing were left behind. Here, she could talk to her sister in peace. Except for the whirring of the ventilator and the beep of the machines every now and then, it was like an oasis of calm away from the storm raging outside, with all of the people who loved Sarah fighting about her.

Mia sat down and took her sister’s hand. Avoiding looking at her bulging eyes and bloated face, she concentrated on Sarah’s hand. She took the lavender hand cream she’d brought with her out of her bag. She squirted a drop onto Sarah’s right hand and began to massage it into her sister’s dried-out fingers. The scent of lavender filled the room.

‘I miss you so much, Sarah. We all do. Things are a bit tricky, I’m afraid. Everyone’s so upset and emotions are running high. I know you’d hate to think we were fighting and arguing about you. We’re all heartbroken. We love you so much and each of us wants the best for you and the baby, butwe don’t agree on what that is.’ Mia didn’t want to tell Sarah that her husband had gone crazy and was behaving like a total tyrant, treating her and Charlie like dirt.

‘You’ll be glad to know that Rob came over from Toronto to be with Adam. He hasn’t left his side. I’m so sorry things have turned out like this. I know how much you wanted a baby. We’re all just devastated. To be honest, Sarah, my head aches from trying to know what the right thing to do is. So, I’m going to give us both a break and just sit here and read you your diary.’

Mia flicked through the diary. ‘Let’s choose a happy memory. Oh, here, look! It’s your wedding day.’

‘I cannot believe I’m marrying the man of my dreams! I’m going to be Mrs Adam Brown. Mia thinks it’s silly to take your husband’s name. She still calls herself Mia Wilson, but I want to take Adam’s name. I want to be Mrs Brown. I can’t wait to be part of a married couple. I want to make Adam the happiest man ever and have lots of mini-Adams and mini-mes to look after. I think four kids would be perfect. Two boys and two girls. I want my daughter to have a sister. Sisters are the best. Mia always has my back. She’s always been there for me, looking out for me and helping me and, yes, bossing me around too. I don’t mind Mia’s bossing, though, because she does it out of love and concern.

‘I’m so happy I met Adam. He’s perfect. I know that he will protect me and keep me safe and love me for ever. He’s so good to me and he always makes me feel like the most gorgeous, precious thing in his life. I’ve never had a boyfriend who makes me feel this good about myself or so safe and loved and cherished. I feel like I could literally fly with Adam by my side.

‘I’m so happy I could burst. I almost feel weepy about how happy I am. I have the best parents, the best sister and, in a few hours, I’ll have the best husband in the world. I am one lucky girl.

‘Oh, and the best flower girl. Riley looks adorable in her little dress. She is such a cutie although I can see Mum and Mia’s personality in her. Riley knows what she likes and doesn’t like and she’s only seven! I reckon Mia will have her hands full when she’s a teenager.’

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