Page 78 of A Festive Surprise

‘I used to be like that. But once I tried, I never looked back. I realised life isn’t static. Changing things doesn’t have to hurt. I just hope I can make the next step.’ She rubbed her tummy. ‘I can’t bear going through that again.’

‘Come on, let’s get inside. The sooner they check it, the better.’

Holly dallied alongside Robyn, eyeing her in case she collapsed or shattered. As Robyn explained the problem to the triage nurse, Holly backed off. Where was Carl? She didn’t mind waiting but this was a job for Robyn’s husband.

The nurse sent them to the waiting area.

‘They’re going to do a scan straightaway.’

‘That’s good.’ Holly rested her head on the wall behind the soft seats. Music played from a tiny TV screen. ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ What did she hear? When she closed her eyes, all she could hear was Farid’s voice. Exactly what she wanted to hear right now. He always knew what to say to make her feel better.

‘Why are you leaving?’ Robyn asked.

‘You know.’ Holly opened her eyes and shrugged.

‘Not really. I thought you and Farid were together, but he’s not leaving, is he?’

‘No, he’s not and we’re not together.’

‘Oh. You seemed so happy together. I was sure…’ She stopped and looked up. ‘Carl!’ Getting to her feet, she embraced the curly-haired bear of a man. He held her close, rubbing his hand down her back.

Holly curled into herself as he quizzed Robyn. Before she’d answered all his questions, they were called.

‘If I have to go to the mainland or anything, can you look after Florrie?’ Robyn asked Holly. ‘Carl’s mum will take her if you can get her there.’

‘No problem. You go and see what they say.’

Holly closed her eyes and leaned back again. Farid’s voice whispered in her imagination. ‘Bahebek, jamiliti.’ All those times he’d been saying, ‘I love you.’ Not love. She shook her head. It couldn’t be love. Why not? What had Robyn said about life not being static? Have I got set in my ways? Was there harm in trying something different? If being with Farid brought her so much joy, why wasn’t she embracing it? Hanging about here wouldn’t be any harder than looking for a new place every few weeks. Maybe there was joy in stopping and being still. And how much more enjoyable would it be with Farid at her side?

Her heart squirmed when she opened her eyes and remembered where she was. What was happening to Robyn? Holly wasn’t religious but she pressed her hands together. ‘Please, god, universe, anyone, please let Robyn be ok. Please let the baby be ok.’

The door Robyn and Carl had gone through opened and closed several times. People went in and out. Holly watched it. Even when she was focused elsewhere, she had it in her peripheral vision, waiting. Waiting for the moment when—

The door swung open and they stepped out. Holly’s chest caved. Carl was supporting Robyn and her eyes were puffy and red. She held her hand to her lips. Holly wanted to vanish into the floor, not to be a spectator to their private grief. What would happen now? Would they airlift Robyn to the mainland and have an operation that wouldn’t just ruin her Christmas, but her chances of ever becoming a mum?

Holly got to her feet. ‘Hey.’ She kept her gaze low.

‘Oh god.’ Robyn’s fingers slid away from her lips and she blinked away tears.

‘I’m sorry.’ A lump swelled in Holly’s throat.

‘It’s twins,’ said Robyn. ‘And they’re both fine. It’s all fine, just growing pains.’ Tears streamed down her face and Carl laughed through his own as he hugged her.

‘What?’ Holly found herself wiping her eyes. ‘Oh, thank god. And twins? No way.’

‘I know. It’s unbelievable.’

‘Wait until I tell Mum,’ said Carl.

‘And Magnus.’ Robyn chuckled.

‘Oh, hell, yes.’ Carl smiled at Holly. ‘Magnus married a twin and got caught up in one of the most bizarre twin swaps ever.’

Holly beamed between the two of them. ‘Well, these two appear to be troublemakers already.’ She eyed Robyn’s tummy. ‘Now, are you both ok?’

‘Never been better,’ said Carl.

‘Excellent,’ said Holly. ‘I’ve got your dog in the car, so let’s get her back to the two of you.’

‘Thank you so much,’ said Robyn.

‘I would say anytime, but I’m hoping it doesn’t happen again.’

‘I agree,’ said Carl. ‘But thanks a million. You better get back. Dad said he sent Farid home early so you guys could enjoy Christmas Eve together and here’s us stealing it from you.’

Holly didn’t reply but something seismic had shifted in her rock-hard, unrelenting heart. Farid had started the quake but now the walls were crumbling. Once her heart was free, it would lead her straight back to his arms. The only problem was, would he have her? She’d been such a crazy bitch, he’d have every right to send her packing. Somehow she’d make it worth his while.

---