Chapter Text
The sound of ringing phone woke Aaron. He groaned with irritation and rejected the call not even opening his eyes. He didn’t know who was calling and he didn’t care because it was his day off and he had every right to sleep in his bed without being disturbed. But apparently somebody on the other side had another idea because the phone began to ring again after several minutes. Aaron understood that his only option was to turn it off and that was exactly what he's done. He turned on his left side, hugged his pillow tighter when another sound appeared. It was his boyfriend's phone.
“Don’t answer.” He mumbled, knowing that he probably would be ignored anyway.
“It can be something important.” He’s heard the answer and felt the movement beside him.
“Whatever.” If this guy didn’t want to enjoy his spare from the work time it was his problem, not Aaron’s.
Aaron was configured to spend at least a half of the day in the bed today, because now it's rare when he can afford himself something like that. He’s had the busiest month ever: a lot of work, a new investor, thousands of meetings, troubles with Liv and so on. His head always was filled with his life problems and the only thing he wanted was to rest. And spend all day in the bed, preferably with his boyfriend, seemed like a great opportunity to do it. But it seems that life was against him because he felt how the man lying next to him jumped out of the bed listening to somebody on the phone. Aaron opened his eyes to see what’s happening, he felt that something was wrong. And as soon as he saw Marc’s face, he realized that he was right. The man looked worried and his usually tanned face went pale.
“Ok, we’ll be there soon!” He hanged up the phone and looked straight at Aaron.
“What's wrong?”
“It was Adam. Vic got into an accident. She’s in hospital.”
Aaron didn’t need to hear anything else. He jumped out of the bed and rushed to the wardrobe. He didn’t know what has happened but surely he needed to be there.
Within one hour they’ve reached the hospital.
On the way to the building Aaron turned the phone on and saw that it was Adam who was ringing him the whole morning and Aaron couldn’t stop curse himself for ignoring his best friend. Thanks God he has Marc who always does right things like picking up his phone. Adam didn’t tell him much, only that there was a car accident and Vic was sent into the hospital. When they arrived Aaron immediately texted Adam to let him know that they were here. Aaron didn't see him anywhere around, so probably he was with Vic and it was a good sign. Marc went to the cafeteria to get them some coffee and Aaron stayed at the waiting room expecting the news.
Aaron hated to be here. In hospital. Too many bad memories. He's faced with too many tragedies in his life here. In fact the only thing he wanted to do now is to turn to the exit and run away as far as it possible. But he really needed to see Adam and Vic. Make sure that she’s alright. So he closed his eyes and tried his best to ignore his surroundings: pale-yellow walls, white ceiling and other people who were also sitting in the room waiting for the news. He tried his best to abstract from everything.
After several minutes he’s heard footsteps approaching to him. Aaron opened his eyes to see Adam. His friend was in right mess: pouches under red eyes, the clothes which were obviously put on in a hurry, tangled hair and his hands were shaking.
“Oh, mate, for a moment I thought that I’ve lost her,” he pronounced and Aaron sprung out on his feet to hug him.
He was sure that all this time in hospital Adam had to put on a brave face in front of everybody. But he knew his mate too well not to understand that he’s survived probably the scariest hours of his live. Aaron knew how much Adam loved his wife and that she meant everything to him. Aaron was perfectly aware of what it’s like to lose the love of your live, and he would never wish it to his best friend.
While they were standing here, in the middle of the room in each other's arms, Adam was sobbing on the Aaron’s shoulder. Now it was Aaron’s time to be strong, and he tried to fight back the tears till the end. His heart was aching. It was too hard to see his best mate in such a state.
“How is she?” Aaron asked when Adam moved away and began wiped the tears with the sleeve of his jacket.
“Couple of scratches and left leg is broken. And of course she’s in shock. But aside from it there is nothing serious. Thank God!”
“So what’s happened?” Marc asked, Aaron even didn’t notice that he’s already came back. He gave Aaron one cup of coffee and another one to Adam, and that was nice because he obviously bought it to himself but Adam needed it more.
“She decided to drive Lucy to the kindergarten and on her way back some drunken idiot appeared out of nowhere right in front of her so she had to pull off the road not to run into him. The car bumped into the tree. She struck her head against the wheel and lost consciousness. One woman who was driving behind her, called an ambulance but this bastard run away! Oh, man, I wanna kill him!”
“I'm sure the police will find him. The most important thing is that Vic is alright.” Marc squeezed Aaron's shoulder showing his support. He knew that Vic was like a sister to him.
“You know, you can go and see her. Diane and Andy are with her right now but I'm sure she'll be happy to see your faces. And I'll go and take Lucy home, she needs to know what have happened to her mum.”
“Give you a lift?” Marc asked.
“Nah, thanks, mate, I’ve already asked Doug. You go and make sure that she’s fine while I’m not here, Ok?”
“No problem, bro.” Aaron smiled and hugged his friend again and then Adam left.
Marc and Aaron went to the Vic’s room immediately. They couldn’t wait to see her.
“You shouldn't have done this. You know he will probably drop everything to come here and laugh at my inability to drive! I love him, but...” Vic stopped when Aaron and Marc appeared in the doorway. “Oh, look who’s finally decided to answer his phone!” she exclaimed with wide smile on her face.
“Oh, look who still can't drive!” Aaron answered in the same tone.
“Shut up! I'm in the hospital bed so show a little bit of respect, please!”
They both burst out laughing and Aaron came closer to give her a kiss on the cheek. Her smile was so bright that for a moment he forgot why she was here in the first place. He sat down near her bed next to Andy, who was typing something on his phone, probably to Bernice. Diane was sitting on the other side, holding Vic’s hand. Her eyes were also red of the tears.
Actually Vic didn't look so bad. And Aaron was happy to notice it. Couple of scratches and bruises on the face and a cast on the leg. But still she looked as beautiful as always.
“So now you have to find a new best man, right? Don't think she's in right state for this right now.” Aaron turned to Andy. The man took his attention off the phone and smiled.
"Yeah! I was dreaming to get rid of her and look what's happened! I feel like I was blessed!" Andy played along. Marc giggled, obviously having seen the girl’s facial expression, and Aaron was trying hard to hide his smile.
Bernice and Andy’s wedding is in a few weeks and Andy’s made Vic his best man again. After Katie it’s going to be his first wedding. He’s nearly married Chrissie once but then understood that if he does it, it will be a mistake so he's broken up with her. Bernice also wasn’t really happy back in those days. She had some marriage problems and at the end her husband's cheated on her with his old lover Ronnie. Luckily he was decent enough to tell her about it right away . Aaron wasn’t in the village then but he knew that there was a big scandal at the Home Farm which's ended up with a great disaster. There was a fire and this guy Ronnie and Chrissie’s son, Lachlan, have died. For Whites it was a real tragedy so they left the village in grief. Bernice and Andy were free again but it was only one year ago when they decided to give their relationships another go and it's worked out amazingly well. Now they were preparing to their wedding and were truly happy. Aaron often heard how Vic and Bernice were sharing their bright ideas of the big wedding with each other and from their words he knew that it’ll be something really unforgettable. But now with Vic in this position it seems like big changes are coming.
Suddenly Andy’s phone rang. He looked at screen and then at Vic. They both looked at each other for a moment, and then he apologised and left the room. Obviously Diane and Vic knew who was ringing and judging by their happy smiles Aaron could suggest the name of the caller too. But he didn’t want to.
“You know, we've watched this film which you’ve advised us and now I have several questions...”
He began to ask some questions the answers on which he didn’t really want to know. His main aim was not only distract her from the thoughts of the accident but also not to let himself thinking about him. Five years he managed to live without mention of his name and he definitely didn’t want to remember it now. Past needs to stay there where it belongs, in the past.
Robert didn't need to read Andy’s message to the end to sit in the car and drive. The words “Vic” and “car accident” in one sentence were enough for him. His little sister was in hospital and he needed to be there with her. He was at the meeting when Andy rung him first time but he didn’t pick up the phone. But then Robert’s got a text from the brother and he immediately left his office and went to the car. While driving he phoned Andy to know all details.
It turned out that this morning Vic pulled off the road and smashed into the tree. The reason was some drunken pillock who managed to run away. Andy tried to persuade him that Vic was out of danger, couple of bruises and broken leg, but it didn’t satisfy him. So he came home, packed his bag, booked the flight and through several hours he was already rushing through the hospital hall looking for Vic’s room. He didn’t notice anything around him until he reached the right door. Without any hesitation he opened it and came in.
Vic was lying on the hospital bed and speaking with Adam who was sitting near her bed. They were so occupied with their conversation that didn’t even notice Robert at first. So he had to knock the door, being already in the room, to attract some attention. And finally his goal was achieved.
“Robert!” Victoria screamed. “You’ve made it! Oh God! You’ve really came! Come here! Come here!”
Robert came closer and wrapped his arms around his little sister. He buried his nose into her hair. Strangely but he couldn’t believe that he was here, holding her in his arms. He hasn’t seen her for a half of a year now. They were always talking on the phone or by Skype but it wasn’t enough. He missed to see her in the life, missed her touches and smell, missed her laugh and voice. Actually it was his fault that he’s fell out of the Vic's life like this. This year was extremely hard for him, he’s nearly lost his place in the firm so he had no time for families meetings and parties. And he almost never visited his relatives himself especially if they were in Emmerdale.
“I’m so happy to see you!” Victoria was as bright as a sunshine. Robert felt how warm spread through his body. He’s already forgotten how easily she can bring light into everybody’s lives. “See, I just needed to get into the accident for my brother finally to visit me!” She said to Adam.
“Yeah, great.” Adam didn’t even try to hide his irritation. “I better leave you both alone then. Bet you have a lot of to catch up on. I’ll go home, take shower and come back. You’ll sit with her, right?
“Yeah, of course.” Robert smiled but Adam didn’t even look at him. He kissed Vic and left the room. Robert wasn’t surprised.
“You know, I’m still missing the times when you two were friends.” Vic said when her husband closed the door behind him. Robert moved one of the chairs to her bed and sat down.
“And when exactly was it?” He asked. “When I tried to ruin your wedding day or send him to the prison?” Robert laughed.
“Well, he's the one who has problems, not me."
Robert didn’t want to continue this conversation and Vic knew it. Five years ago he and Adam have really managed to get along but then Robert left the village without saying anything. And only after a year of his absence he finally contacted with Vic again. He knew that she's reacted very badly at his leaving, he didn’t even say goodbye to her and she was suffering a lot because of it. Robert hated himself for it but at that moment that seemed like a right thing to do. And of course Adam wasn’t happy with the actions of his brother-in-law, so they’ve became enemies again. Robert made his wife miserable and Adam loathed him for it. But also Robert understands that there is another reason of his hatred here but he tried not to think about it a lot.
“And where is Lucy? I hoped to see her too.” Robert changed the subject.
He was speaking about his beautiful little niece. She was a little angel with brown hair and big green eyes and Robert loved her like a crazy. She was Vic’s daughter. Vic’s gotten pregnant four years ago and through nine months this little baby girl appeared. Robert didn’t see her a lot when she was only born, but when she celebrated her first birthday, Victoria decided that it was necessary for her to know her uncle Robert. Back then Robert only settled in Germany when his family (Vic, Diane, Lucy, Doug and even Andy) flied to him and they spent together couple of good weeks. Lucy was one year and two months when Robert saw her at first time and it took him a couple of minutes to completely fell in love with her. After that Vic and Lucy visited him every couple of months (without Adam of course) and he had an opportunity to spend some time with his niece. She was the most adorable child he’s ever met.
“She’s staying with Bernice and Andy tonight.” Vic replied. “She will be over the moon when she’ll see you. And Andy will be happy too. You know I asked him not to disturb you but it seemed like he wanted you to be here more than I did. And Diane... you need to go and see Diane too! Oh, Robert, we missed you so much!”
“And I missed you too. Promise first thing in the morning I’ll go and meet all of them.” Robert tried to convince his sister. He knew how much family meant for her and how happy she will be if it’ll reunite at least for a moment.
“So it means you are staying?”
“Yeah, but don't become too enthusiastic. It’s only for a couple of days. I’ll make sure that you’re alright and leave."
He understood that he needed to say it at once. She could raise her hopes too high and it’ll bring her only pain at the end. He hated to come to leave again but he didn’t see another choice. He knew that this is the best option for him. If it was not for Vic’s accident he’d probably never return in the village again.
“But what about Andy and Bernice’s wedding? It’s in two weeks! You could stay for two weeks and come! It’s already bad enough that I can’t attend it properly now,” Vic pointed out on her leg “Wouldn’t it be nice to become a family again?»
“Vic, I don’t know. I have a lot on my plate right now. I’ve already cancelled one important meeting to come here. And I’m missing another one tomorrow. I have a business, Vic!”
“Yeah! And also you have a family, Rob!” Vic cried out with the tears in her eyes. Immediately Robert felt the guilt. He should have been softer with her, especially now. He understands her feelings and wants to change situation but he can’t. He’s too weak but she doesn't see it.
“Look, I promise to think.” He took her hand and squeezed it slightly. “I don’t promise anything, but I’ll call Dieter and speak with him. If he says that I can stay for a little longer and he manages without me, then I’ll stay. But if he says that he needs me there then I’ll leave, ok?»
Vic nodded in agreement still being sad. Rob smiled lightly. Of course he was lying. Of course he’ll find thousand of other reasons not to stay as he always does, but right now Vic doesn’t need to know it. It was cruel to give her this hope but he just can’t see her so frustrated with him. It was breaking his heart to stay away from his family, and seeing them suffering because of it hurts him even more.
“So are you gonna tell me what’s happened?» Robert decided to change the subject again. “I knew that you and the car are dangerous mix but this... well, you surprised even me!”
“Oh, shut up!” Vic slapped his hand and they laughed together.
During the next hour she was telling him about the accident and how it gathered all close to her people together and how she was secretly happy about it. Then they began to speak about Lucy. Vic told him that her daughter even has a boyfriend now, Tom. He kissed her on cheek several days ago and since then they’re always together. Robert couldn’t stop smiling while listening about it. That seemed so cute and innocent. Then Vic told a little about preparations to Andy’s wedding, about Bernice’s wedding dress and amazing menu which she’s created especially for the occasion. Robert just sat there and listened, he simply enjoyed the moment.
He has some mates in Germany, sometimes he goes out with them and has some fun, but it is not enough. They’re always discussing their work and business, their plans on the future. There are some of them who really like to tell about their wives and children, and another part like to shout that they're going to be bachelors forever, but Robert didn't belong to any of them. He didn’t feel safe to speak with them about his family or love life, which didn't even exist. It seemed to him too intimate. Some guys tried to make him open up to them about his personal stuff and past but he made it clear that this subject's never gonna be discussed. They accepted it and stopped their attempts. So Robert was the one who always listening to them, but in reality he didn't care about their stories either. He calls them his mates but the reality is that he has no real friends. He's alone and he's kind of used to it. But sitting here with Victoria and listening all her stories about her friends, neighbors and family was such a pleasure. He felt like he's finally there where he belongs. Finally he feels himself safe. Well kind of. He still only listens, but now he wants to do it. He wants Vic never to become silent, to keep talking and talking and Robert would just nodding his head and smiling. But at the end she got tired and fell asleep.
He covered her with the blanket and came back on the chair. He didn’t want to leave her. Not now. So he was sitting and watched her sleeping. He remembered the times when they were children. Some nights Vic came to him because of nightmares, and he had to go with her in her room and to sit near her bed until she fell asleep. He promised her that he would chase all monsters away and she always believed him. And now he felt like they’re children again and he’s sitting here to make this world a little bit safer for her.
Suddenly the opened and Robert saw how unknown to him man entered the room. Tall skinny guy with black hair dressed in jeans and sweater froze and stared at Robert.
“Sorry, do you want something?” Robert whispered trying not to wake Vic.
“Yeah.” The guy replied uncertainly. It was obvious that Robert confused him somehow. “I was here earlier and forgot my jacket.”
He looked around the room and his gaze stopped at the chair on which Robert was sitting. Robert turned his head and saw that there was a black leather jacket on its back.
“Yours?” Robert asked. The guy nodded. Robert took it off and gave it to him.
“Thanks. I actually hate this thing, but my boyfriend will kill me if I lose it. He has a soft spot for it. Don’t know why, really...”
“You’ve got what you needed so you can go now. Vic needs to rest.” Robert didn’t even try to be nice and hide his will to get rid of the stranger. Probably it was some new bloke of Finn, he doesn’t really care. He just wanted to be with his sister alone.
“Charming...” The guy mumbled and left.
Robert rolled his eyes and returned his attention to Vic.
While watching her he didn't notice how fell asleep himself.