Aiden Lewis Octet Book 2 - Reminiscence: Aiden Lewis Octet, #2

By Yvonne Marrs

As the idea of a third book is in Aiden's mind, once Nicole suggests it, and Justin's memoirs also in the pipeline, it is time for reminiscence of his career. With a new publisher to please, Nicole is working on her next book once she has shaped her brother-in-law's work.

Tentatively planning a book tour for the famous brothers, and herself also, everything comes to a halt as Aiden's health problems increase. The more he struggles, the stronger the foursome become.

Gradually as Aiden recovers, the two couples return to their separate lives. They all know that it is a matter of time until the next episode with Aiden's health, and that support from Justin and Lynn will be necessary long term.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Jan 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9798201479084

Yvonne Marrs

Invernesian Yvonne Marrs (1982-present day) has loved writing for as long as she can remember, moving to the London area at the age of 19 to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Yvonne graduated from UHI (Inverness College) with an HND in Administration and Information Management, a set of skills she puts to good use to organise herself and her work - especially as she has her own publishing company, WTSMP Publications. Currently Yvonne has published several fictional series - the 'When The Sax Man Plays' series, the 'Football Crazy' series, the 'Aiden Lewis octet', 'Can't Buy Health' series and 'Undeserved'. Yvonne dreamt up the idea that formed the "When The Sax Man Plays" (WTSMP) series after falling in love with saxophone music, and being inspired by Leona Lewis' dream X Factor win. To throw an ordinary person in an ordinary job, with an extraordinary talent into superstardom is the story behind WTSMP. The central character, Jason Bottelli is such a person, although we soon discover he is far from ordinary! If you like your fiction easy going, entertaining, enthralling and heart-warming, you'll fall in love with the musical romance that is the WTSMP series. The ever popular "Football Crazy" series follows our central character, Aiden Lewis, as he rises through the football ranks. From club player to International sensation; through to his management career, leading England into the World Cup and then his brother's local team, the London Giants, from nowhere into the Premiership as the series progresses. Aiden's story continues with the 'Aiden Lewis octet', finishing with 'Undeserved'. There are standalone books as well as those in a series: 'Castiliano Vulgo' - a fictional work on 16th Century London life written using both Elizabethan English and Modern English. 'Inexorable' - a murder erotica written as part of the NaNoWriMo challenge in 2016. 'Putting the Visible into So Called Invisible Illnesses' - a work of 50 poems about living with invisible illnesses, as Yvonne does. 'Harbourtown Murder' - a murder mystery set in fictional Cornwall where a stray cat is the only witness.

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Aiden sighed, but quietly so as not to disturb his sleeping spouse. He had thought his suggestion had been a good one, but the turn of the wintry weather had given Nicole her regular chest infection, months before she usually fell ill.

The idea of the walk to blow away the cobwebs had the best of intentions; he shook his head. She had been under the weather recently, having three severe migraine attacks in relative succession, but those had been exceptional circumstances.

Putting the plan into action, he'd soon picked up their respective medications, following procedures that would hopefully mean he too wouldn't succumb to the virus. Over recent years, this had proved relatively successful; working most times. While Nicole had improved over this time, her illness was limited to between 7 to 10 days, and not three weeks like she usually suffered, he had only got worse.

Lynn was putting her part of the plan into action, having received the call. Justin had a busy weekend schedule coming up at the soccer school, so that ruled him out of helping her. If she was honest, she was relieved that he'd be preoccupied, and therefore wouldn't have too much time to worry.

How is she? She greeted Aiden as she let herself into the apartment.

Not too bad, at the moment.

Each year, he seemed to get better at reading the signs, sharing Nicole's theory that this was what prevented her from suffering so much.

Have you given her the first dose yet?

He nodded, stirring the two mugs in front of him, handing one over when he'd finished. He now knew almost to the minute when Lynn would arrive, and was always prepared.

She's not asleep. You can see her.

Lynn nodded, thanking him for the tea. It had taken a while but she'd convinced him to get regular tea bags, so that she didn't have to pretend to drink his awful caffeine free tea.

How are you feeling, Nic? Perching on the edge of the bed, she rested her mug on the bedside table.

Nicole shrugged, more annoyed than anything else. Tomorrow was Aiden's assessment with his new cardiologist in Brighton, and she hadn't wanted him to go alone.

He handed over her mug, kissing her as he too sat on the edge of the bed. Don't worry, sweetheart, it'll be fine. He was reading her mind, she knew.

I'll stay with you while Aiden's gone. Lynn continued.

She nodded, having a sip of honeyed tea, feeling it soothing her sore throat. Her voice hadn't gone completely, but she knew better than to push it.

Thank you. She whispered, looking between the two of them.

Hopefully you'll sleep all morning, so you won't even notice I'm not here. Aiden continued, taking the mug from her when she held it out to him. Are you warm enough?

She nodded as she shivered.

Oh Nicky, you poor thing. He kissed her again, making sure she wasn't burning up as he tugged the duvet higher. We'll stay until you're asleep, but I won't be far away.

She nodded, smiling as he hugged her. In his arms it was always the same, she always felt safe, reassured and loved. There was nothing better than being held close to him. There and then, she prayed he too wouldn't fall ill, hating the idea of making him worse.

Her mouth was dry, her throat raw when the coughing fit woke her. She hadn't been asleep long, she saw to her dismay.

Last night she'd had an awful sleep, her insomnia worse since the terrible news about losing Ken, barely two hours in total she had managed to drift off. Against her best intentions, she knew she had woken Aiden a lot too. This would only stack the odds of him being susceptible to the virus himself.

Nic? Lynn was first to her, and immediately Nicole wondered why Aiden wasn't with her. Are you okay? She passed her the glass of water as she spluttered again.

Thanks, she whispered, what's...

Aiden's on the phone, he'll be in soon. Nicole frowned. Pauline was looking for you, so Aiden's taken over. She saw the relief in Nicole's face turn to worry. He'll tell you about it when he comes in.

Right on cue, Aiden arrived, coming straight to her side. How are you feeling, Nicky?

As if to answer him, she coughed - hard. It scraped her raw throat and pulled on her sore stomach muscles. Her head throbbed too. As Aiden hugged her, she moaned against him.

My poor, poor Nicky. He kissed the top of her head. Maybe I should cancel my appointment tomorrow.

No. She coughed again with the effort of speaking. No, what if you...

Okay, sshh, save your energy. He gave her a gentle squeeze. We'll see how you are. He kissed her again. Pauline will email you the details of her findings. I told her you wouldn't be able to look it over for a while, and she said for you not to worry. She wishes you better. Nicole nodded weakly, closing her eyes against him. Rest, sweetheart. He laid her back against the pillows, taking her hands in his. Your next lot of pills are due in an hour, I'll wake you then.

She nodded again.

––––––––

Nicole was safely asleep, or so he hoped. He now couldn't get up, the improvement made from using the inhaler was almost eradicated in the last few minutes. He tried to imagine what Lynn would be saying if she was here. Being permanently hooked up to the wrist health monitor all the time, in a situation such as this he didn't have to do anything. The emergency services would come to his aid, knowing where he was and what state they would find him in.

Leaning back, that felt a little better. There was no need to try to grapple with his phone, Lynn would be here soon enough. She was brilliant, helping him look after Nicole; and in the last few days, looking after him as he too fell victim to the virus. What did surprise him was how calm he felt. With his heart pounding; his pulse throbbed through his head. The sound of his wheezing was taking over the blood pounding in his ears. He tried to get his shoulders to relax, all of a sudden Lynn's usual words in his mind: 'deep breaths, take it easy'.

The tightness in his chest was squeezing, but it wasn't painful: breathing was getting harder though. His strength was dissipating by the second. Now it was starting to hurt, badly. He could see the flashing lights, even with his eyes closed. He heard the footsteps coming nearer, many voices around him - and then, over it all, Lynn.

Aiden!

As she touched him, her hand on his shoulder, he was aware of the mask over his face. Lynn was talking to the paramedics, or at least he thought she was, she sounded too far away to be talking to him.

I'll look after Nic, don't worry, Aides. She wiped at the tears trickling down her cheeks. I'll call Jay, he'll go with you. He was losing her now, her voice fading into the background.

Shivering as she stood watching them take him away, the thought struck her - Nicole. Instantly, she spun on her heel, running through the apartment, stopping by the bed seeing she was fast asleep, no doubt in complete ignorance of the situation.

Her next thought was Justin. Leaving the room, she took her phone from her pocket with shaky hands. Seeing his face on the screen brought tears flooding down her face once more.

Lynn, what's wrong? His body language changed the second he saw her. She cried harder. I'm leaving, I'll be with you soon, are you with Aiden?

Sobbing now, she crumpled to the floor.

She was always the calm one; the one with all the answers. He'd never seen her like this. It terrified him.

Lynn, speak to me, please.

Managing to choke out her words, he got the gist of it, saying he would be with her soon, ignoring her instruction to go straight to the hospital, unable to do anything until he'd seen her.

Arriving at the apartment, he found the door still open, closing it behind him and seeking them out, following the noise through the apartment to find the two women clasped together sobbing.

Chapter 2

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What was that? Nicole looked up at Lynn first, then at Justin.

They both shrugged: she looked again into Aiden's face, seeing he was now at peace. Quietly exhaling, she let go of his hand, gently resting his arm beside him once more.

It must be an effect of the infection. Lynn spoke into the silence, hugging Nicole's shoulders.

Aiden's pained groans reverberated in her head. It was bad enough he had caught her infection; worse still he'd been hospitalised, his breathing haphazard. Knowing he needed her almost made her feel worse.

Lynn had taken her for visiting during the day for a few hours, starting two days ago, and he had been doing better with a hefty dose of steroids and antibiotics. Justin had spent the nights with him, with Lynn looking after her. Nicole knew she would be lost without them. She wasn't 100% herself yet, but she didn't want to leave.

I'm going to have a word with the doctor. Lynn gave her a squeeze. Will you two be okay? She looked between Justin and Nicole, receiving nods.

Nicole's gaze returned to Aiden's face. She understood why he hated the oxygen mask, it seemed claustrophobic even to her. He had struggled so much without it, she'd hardly believed the difference in him after Lynn had slipped it over his mouth and nose, taking over her reassurances until he'd calmed. That and the painkillers had kicked in, dulling the pain across his chest that spiked his every breath.

Nic. Justin moved towards her, seeing she hadn't moved since Lynn had left. Carefully, he put his arm around her. He'll be okay. Shaking her head, Nicole couldn’t find her voice. He will. He put both arms around her, gently kissing her head.

She fought back her tears, her resolve cracking when Lynn returned and hugged both of them.

We should go, Nic. She said after a few minutes, pulling away from them.

No. Nicole shook her head again.

Yes. Lynn spoke firmly. We can't do any more to help him. Jay will be here.

Still Nicole shook her head.

You know I promised him I'd look after you. Lynn spoke softly, knowing it would likely upset her further. We’ll come back later if you're up to it.

Slowly, Nicole nodded.

I'll call you in a while, once he's woken up. Justin added. Go and rest, let Lynn look after you.

Thanks, Jay. Nicole's voice was a whisper.

He smiled at her kindly, kissing Lynn goodbye before they left.

Nic, Lynn shook her arm, we're here.

Nicole stirred drowsily, unaware that she'd fallen asleep in the car.

Are you okay? Lynn paused, minutes after she'd let them in. Perhaps you should lie down.

Nicole nodded, knowing better than to argue.

I'll ask Jay what's going on later. Lynn added, seeing her fading fast. Let's get you comfy.

She sat on the edge of the bed, watching as Nicole took only a few minutes to settle down and fall asleep once more.

It was about an hour later when Lynn's phone flashed with a message from Justin: Aiden was still safely asleep, how was Nicole? She sent her reply straight back, smiling to think how well Justin was coping with the situation. Thankfully. It wasn't so long ago that he was frightened to be alone with his brother in case something happened. He then called her, and they spoke for a while before returning to their respective posts.

Aiden was moaning when he returned to the room. His expression, what of it he could see, was pain-wracked.

Aides, hey, it's alright. He gently squeezed his shoulder so Aiden knew he was there. His eye picked out which machine was doing what, they all seemed to be working.

It wasn't long before the consultant arrived to check on him, no doubt alerted by one of those high-tech machines.

Slowly opening his eyes, after detecting there was more than Justin in the room with him, Aiden smiled when Nicole leant over him. She kissed his nearest cheek, returning his smile.

How're you feeling, honey? She paused as if waiting for his reply. Jay's done a great job of looking after you for me. She glanced up at Justin, smiling at him and Lynn. You sound better today. She paused again, gently touching and then starting to rub his delicate chest. It's not sore?

Not yet, Aiden thought to himself, but it will be. He grimaced with the thought.

Immediately Nicole withdrew her hand. I'm sorry, honey. She kissed him again, pulling away slightly.

He gave her hand a weak squeeze, as if to forgive her and tell her not to worry. The tiredness was creeping up on him again; he could curse, wanting to stay awake while she was there.

Sleep, Ady, she kissed him again, Lynn and I will be here for a while yet.

As instructed, he closed his eyes.

Lynn leant forward, putting her hand over theirs. Don't worry about anything, Aides. You'll be okay. I'm looking after Nic for you.

He nodded, but the movement was slight.

Chapter 3

––––––––

Aiden woke up with Nicole lying beside him, and Lynn on his other side.

Hey honey, how are you feeling? Nicole kissed him.

Okay, he closed his eyes again.

That's good. Nicole kissed him again.

Anything you need, Aides, just say. Lynn reminded him.

He nodded, remembering her saying that before. Now it was different, now they were home.

Nicole managed, somehow, to edge closer. The warmth from her body pressed against him was reassuring, she had her head on his shoulder; now he felt relieved to be home. That dull background pain was sharpening, and coming to the fore.

Lynn was watching his face, wondering if she should step in before he spoke. I've got your painkillers here when you need them.

Please.

You can have tablets, or I've got some syringes if it's really bad.

She was asking him to choose?! He could hardly think straight.

It's alright, Aiden. The injection will work quicker, and that's what the doctor suggested we do, at least for the first few times.

As she talked, she had everything prepared; Nicole marvelled at her calm precision, taking note of how and where. Oxygen was easy, Nicole reflected, ease the mask over his mouth and nose, turn it on and continue talking to him calmly. Generally, 10-20 minutes restored control to his breathing. Lynn gently rubbed his arm after she'd injected him, amazed that he hadn't even flinched. It was testimony to her skills - but also how much out of it he was.

I'll get Jay, she leant over him, kissing his cheek, let yourself relax. It won't take long.

Nicole was aware Lynn didn't leave until Aiden’s face relaxed. She wasn't alone with him for long, as Lynn soon returned, telling him that Justin would join them as soon as he'd finished making calls. He was expected at the soccer school's AGM today, but under the circumstances he wasn't going.

One glance at him told Justin he'd made the right decision. Aides, he sat on the edge of the bed, beside Lynn. It's okay, I'm not going to leave you.

You're awfully wheezy, honey. Nicole frowned, she looked up at Lynn, who nodded.

You'll be alright, Aides. Put the mask on for a while, that'll help you. Lynn coaxed him.

On his opposite side, Nicole rested her head against his, listening as the calm returned to his breathing. It's okay, honey, sleep if you want to. We're here. Gently she kissed his cheek, even more gently rubbing soothingly at his chest.

Nicole was with him when he woke up, but she wasn't lying beside him. That confused him.

Hey. She leant over him seeing he was awake. How are you feeling, honey?

He took his time answering, something she knew was not a good sign.

I'm here for you, honey, whatever you need.

For a moment she worried about being by herself, Justin had nipped home for a few things and Lynn had gone out for supplies. Neither of them would be long; in fact, it had already been only ten minutes.

What is it? Hmm? She stroked her fingers through his hair.

He felt her check the wrist monitor. It gave every reading: heartbeat, blood pressure, blood glucose; everything they would need to know. Steadily, the struggle was returning to his face.

I have your pills when you need them. She frowned, wondering how she was going to help him sit up in order to take them.

His grip on her hand tightened. Nic, he grimaced as he began to cough, unable to hold it back. He coughed repeatedly, getting more breathless as the minutes passed.

Steady, Aiden. Her movements were automatic: before she could think, she had the oxygen on, and the syringe in her hand. Telling him what she was going to do, he let her do it. He flinched as the needle scratched his arm: forgiving her the second she apologised.

Nic, are you... Aiden!

Nicole looked up as Lynn rushed to her side. He's better now.

In the last few minutes, Aiden had calmed considerably, the combination working well.

Nic, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so long. Lynn sat on the chair beside Nicole, putting her hand over theirs. I thought Jay would be back by now. She frowned. How are you feeling, Aides?

He nodded.

There was still no sign of Justin twenty minutes later, heightening Lynn's concerns. She rang his phone, getting - as she suspected - no reply. Half of her instincts were screaming at her to go after him, but the other half dared not leave. Please may nothing have happened to him—-

Where the hell have you been?! Lynn greeted him, hearing Justin enter the apartment quietly almost an hour later. Easing himself into the nearest chair, she caught sight of his pained face. I've been worried sick, why didn't you answer any of my calls?

His side still throbbed, even sitting down.

Jay, you...

He held his hand up for quiet, a gesture that infuriated her. Then Nicole arrived. The sight of her confirmed Aiden was fine, or at least enough to be left alone for a few minutes.

Jay, what happened? She manoeuvred between them, touching his knee, which made him jump.

I got hit. He looked at Lynn, who came nearer then, horrified.

Are you alright? Didn't they call the emergency services?

He shook his head. I said I was fine.

Lynn and Nicole shared a look of disbelief as he pulled the mangled remains of his phone from his pocket, placing it, unsteadily, on the table.

But you're not. Nicole shook