Aiden Lewis Octet Book 8 - Denouement: Aiden Lewis Octet, #8

By Yvonne Marrs

The last book in the octet finds both brothers struggling with their medical conditions, even with their family around to help and support them through their battles.

Charlotte is still helping Nicole, Harry and Ann to look after Aiden. When her annual hospital appointment occurs while Aiden is suffering particularly badly, she attends alone - but Nicole has a plan.

Will the end of the series signify the end for one or both of the brothers?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Jun 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9798201037611

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

––––––––

It was Bobbie Leigh's 16th birthday, and Aiden was determined that it would be one of his better days.

While Ann's miracle cure hadn't entirely worked, he didn't need to be hooked up permanently to the oxygen anymore, instead having between two and four sessions in a day depending on how he felt. It had cured his sleep apnoea, so that was one great advantage.

Over the last few months, Ann and Harry had regularly brought their brood for visiting. Sadie and Ella were also due round to celebrate Bobbie's special day.

Bobbie had taken well to her Grandpa's medical conditions, calling him Papa and helping out where she could. She also helped Ann and Harry with the twins, keeping an eye on her younger brother, Christian, in and out of school. Despite the upheaval of starting a new school in a difficult year with exams around the corner, she was doing well in her classes too.

Once they arrived at the house, Bobbie went straight to Nicole and Aiden's room to see how he was. Finding him sitting upright, she hugged him delightedly. He smiled at Christian and Harry behind her.

How are you, Dad? Harry asked quietly.

I'm okay. Aiden replied equally as quietly.

When Bobbie let go of him, Harry took her place. We're going to do everything.

Aiden nodded.

You can rest, Papa. Bobbie told him, taking his hand in hers.

Aiden nodded again, suddenly feeling tired.

Rest. Bobbie repeated, squeezing his hand. I won't let anyone disturb you.

His smile was a flicker.

It's okay, honey, I've got you. Nicole said in his ear, cuddling into his side. Bobbie is right. We'll look after you. She kissed his head tenderly, closing her eyes as she rested her head gently on his shoulder. Following his calm, even breathing she sent a silent prayer heavenwards.

We'll give you peace. Harry said quietly, waiting until Nicole nodded before he, Christian and Bobbie left.

Ann's gaze was questioning when they arrived in the lounge.

He's very tired, so we told him to rest. Bobbie said before Harry could open his mouth.

Ann's brows knitted as she frowned.

He said he feels okay, apart from that. Harry added.

Her expression relaxed then.

Bobbie had made Aiden's tea with one of his caffeine free tea bags, and had brought through the cupcake she had made him minus the sugar. They were all having afternoon tea and cake, but that didn't mean Aiden had to miss out.

Keeping a space for him on the sofa beside her, Bobbie's eyes lit up when Aiden and Nicole joined the group. Cuddling him when her Papa sat cautiously beside her, she got up a moment later, encouraging Nicole to take her place.

Smiling at her, Nicole did as she was bade. Hugging him, and checking he was okay, she rested her head against Aiden's shoulder, as she usually did, knowing it brought him comfort. Sadie and Ella were first over to see him, both questioning him and hugging him.

Charlotte had been making herself useful as Ann's second in command: when her eyes met Nicole's, she knew that she'd made the right decision to give the couple peace for a while. Peace was so rare in their lives now. She returned Nicole's happy smile, pouring a fresh mug of tea for her, as well as another for Ann and Harry.

Sadie and Ella left an hour later before the rush hour on the motorway, leaving Bobbie and her brothers with Harry, Ann and Charlotte. Ann was determined to tackle dinner for all nine of them, so Aiden stayed where he was.

He watched his newest grandsons while they slept, part of him wishing he could do so too. Nicole must have read his thoughts in his face, encouraging him to close his eyes for a while - dinner wouldn't be for another hour yet and nobody minded him having a rest. Nodding with her common sense, he closed his eyes.

Wakening some time later to the burble of voices around him, he realised the pain was sharpening with every passing minute. He groaned.

Ady, what's wrong? Nicole asked, kissing his cheek. It's alright, Char and I are here. Looking into his face she saw the pain in his expression. Oh honey, it's okay. Your back is sore, isn't it? I kept one of your shots with me in case this happened. Kissing him again, she briefly let go of him to retrieve it from her bag.

Charlotte was watching his face the whole time, knowing any second now the struggle was going to start. She talked to him, as Nicole was while she gave him the injection. Getting out of him how he felt, she left for Ann's assistance. Returning with her, she saw Nicole already had his inhaler and his GTN spray in her hand as she tried to get Aiden to relax.

Ann's frown spoke volumes, telling him she would return with the oxygen. Nicole was talking to him, running her fingers through his hair, but he wasn't taking it all in.

In the kitchen, left in charge with Bobbie and Christian, Harry's ears had tracked Ann's movement out of the room, and that meant only one thing. Making an excuse to leave his oldest two for a moment, he arrived at Aiden's side at the same time Ann returned.

Dad? He squeezed Aiden's shoulder. I'll help you lie down when you feel a bit better, okay?

Faintly, Aiden nodded.

Ann not only had the oxygen, she had his insulin as well, quite sure he would need it in the next few minutes. She joined in their reassuring, watching him closely while she rigged him up to the equipment, almost without looking.

Aiden moaned, and Nicole kept talking to him, gently rubbing his rattling chest. The more uptight he became, the worse his wheezing was.

Aiden, it's alright. Deep breaths for us. Ann spoke calmly and soothingly, hoping the twins wouldn't wake up any time soon.

Easy, Aiden. Charlotte tried, his hand in hers, realising his grip was loosening.

Hang on, Ady. Nicole told him, kissing his head. You're alright.

Within minutes of the painkillers kicking in, the shaking took hold.

It's okay, Aiden, that's natural. Ann reminded him. You'll feel better when the insulin works. She talked as she injected him. It doesn't take long, you know it doesn't.

Aiden? Nicole felt his body weaken, but before she could say anything else, he'd passed out.

Ady, honey, it's okay. Nicole was repeating, gently stroking his face, her grip on his hand tight.

Woozily, Aiden groaned.

Papa, take it easy. Bobbie told him.

He was shaking and dizzy, those were the first two things he was aware of. Groaning, he heard Bobbie say that she was going for Ann: he tried to tune in to Nicole's soft, soothing words.

Allowing her comfort to wash over him, he tried to relax. Aware then that he was wearing the oxygen mask, and he was lying down; Nicole was on her side beside him, he knew they were in bed. But he had no recollection of getting there.

Easy, Aiden. Charlotte warned from his other side.

Aiden? The question was in Ann's voice. How is he? She asked Nicole. Has he responded to you?

Nicole shook her head. My poor Ady. She delicately kissed his head. Ann's here, honey. We're all looking after you. She saw Bobbie was hovering behind Ann, unsure of what to do.

Ann talked to him while she checked him over. Everything, she was relieved to find, was normal. She couldn't hold back her sigh of relief.

Nicole smiled. That's good, Ady. It's okay to feel washed out and out of sorts. You've been through such a lot. She kissed his head then. Rest, honey. I'm going to be right here with you.

I’ll stay with you both. Charlotte told him.

Ah, Charlotte. He'd forgotten about Charlotte. Smiling as she took his hand and gave a gentle squeeze, he was relieved she was there to comfort Nicole. What would they have done without Charlotte in the last few months, he didn't know.

Bobbie and I will stay with you awhile, Aiden. Ann told him. Harry will take the boys home, so you have peace. She beckoned Bobbie closer to take her place beside Charlotte.

Gingerly, Bobbie sat on the bed beside him. Rest, Papa. She said softly, touching his shoulder.

Why don't you lie down next to him? Charlotte suggested to her, letting go of Aiden's hand.

Ann gave her an encouraging smile, so Bobbie shifted to lie on her side beside him. Only then did Ann leave to activate their back up plan. Harry said they'd walk back, leaving her with the car. Christian was happy to have his father to himself while the twins slept.

Although he hadn't wanted to leave, Harry had known something like this would happen. Ann helped him strap the boys into the double pushchair, and waved them off from the front door. When she was out of sight, Harry sighed.

Papa is much better, isn't he? Christian asked him after a few minutes of silence.

Shocked, Harry almost stopped walking. Looking into his son’s innocent face, Harry forced a smile. Oh yes, much better than he was.

Thanks to Ann. Christian continued.

Yes. Harry nodded. Her knowledge is priceless. He could recount the times that Ann's expertise had kept them all together, trying to suppress another sigh.

Chapter 2

––––––––

Harry did sigh when his phone rang. It wasn't the tone dedicated to Ann's mobile, nor Nicole's, so he knew there was no urgency to the call.

They'd been home twenty minutes now: the twins had enjoyed their afternoon feed and were peacefully asleep once more. Christian was sitting beside him on the overly large sofa, reading his comic. Harry's concentration had been flickering between his family. Looking at the screen, he saw it was Lynn's profile. His immediate reaction was not to answer, sure that it would only bring more aggravation.

Christian frowned at him. Dad, answer your call.

That was him told. Harry smiled, ruffled his hair and took his phone into the other room to answer it.

Hi Harry, I hope I'm not interrupting? Lynn asked politely.

No, it's fine. He stifled a yawn.

There was an awkward pause between them.

I'm phoning to wish Bobbie a happy birthday. Lynn said then.

Harry visibly winced. She's not here. I'll get her to call you later.

Lynn's sixth sense was twinging. Where is she? Is she okay?

She's fine, she and Ann are with Dad. He said simply, knowing even those few words were enough to open up a literal minefield in front of him.

Lynn's frown deepened, but before she could say anything the twins woke up, screeching loudly. Harry apologised for having to go, ending the call there. Now what did she do? Lynn bit her lip. Neither Nicole nor Charlotte were answering their phones. Justin was sleeping off the latest medication; Jonathan and James were at work.

She desperately wanted to be with Aiden and Nicole: frustration tore at her insides. As she decided to call Ann's phone, she heard Justin's weak voice calling out to her.

Jay, it's okay, my love, I'm here. Hurrying into their room, she automatically leant over him. Speaking to him in her soft, cajoling voice, she attempted to soothe him.

Woozy and weepy, Justin snuffled against her shoulder. Trying to calm as she instructed, he was aware of wanting to revel in her comfort and never, ever move from here again.

It's alright, Jay, it's alright. Lynn repeated.

Don't leave me, he pleaded.

I'm not going to leave, my love. Lynn promised him. You know I won't. She kissed him, looking into his deathly pale face when he shifted. What can I bring for you, Jay?

Justin shook his head.

Jon said whenever we want to we can call him. She tried a different approach.

Justin shook his head again, re-securing his grip on her. Stay. He whispered. Please.

I will, I promise. She kissed him. Should I lie next to you?

Nodding allowed fresh tears to cascade down his cheeks.

Oh Jay, you poor soul. She kissed his tears, surprised when a few minutes later, he pulled her on top of him and into his chest. Jay, I don't want to crush you. Unable to find his voice, Justin shook his head again. You're so delicate, my love. She spoke softly, gently rubbing his chest. We're here to look after you.

Justin shook his head and pulled away from her suddenly. We should be looking after Aiden. He spoke slowly, more tears escaping.

Aiden's alright. Ann, Bobbie, Charlotte and Nicky are looking after him. She tried, wriggling closer to him again.

We promised, Lynn. His voice was strained.

I know, my darling, but we need to look after you as well.

Justin choked on his overriding emotion, guilt strangling him.

Jay, we can't help Aiden like this. Lynn told him gently. We'll see him when you feel better. She promised.

Soon. Justin sniffed.

It takes as long as it takes. Lynn shrugged.

No. Justin pulled away from her again. He rolled over to his side of the bed and sat up, far too fast.

Jay, it's alright. Instantly Lynn was behind him, steadying him, her arms securely around him. Easy, my love. You sat up too fast. It's your blood pressure, and the drugs. You need to give yourself time.

Justin groaned, feeling her unintentionally jolting him as she puffed up the pillows and eased him to lie back against them. He didn't want to, but she held him by the shoulders, pressing him gently but firmly into the support of the plump pillows. The desire to get away from her was ebbing out of him like his strength.

Try to relax, Jay. I know it's difficult. She kissed his head. Getting stressed and tense doesn't help. Squeezing his shoulders, she watched his face gradually relax and his shoulders drop. There you go, that's better, my love. She kissed him again, letting go of him then. I know how you feel. I know you want to go to him, but you're not ready.

Tearfully Justin shook his head, admitting defeat.

I'll ask Nicky to call us later, okay?

Justin nodded, feeling his head begin to throb. He knew it was another raised blood pressure symptom. Rubbing his temples with his knuckles, Lynn took his hands in hers and dropped them in his lap, gently massaging circles around the painful areas with her fingertips.

It'll pass, Jay. You know it. She reassured him quietly.

Mmm. He murmured.

Leaning over, Lynn placed a kiss in the middle of his forehead tenderly. As she pulled away slightly, she saw him smile.

Thank you, he whispered.

Do you feel any better yet? She matched his quiet tone.

A little. He closed his eyes.

Good. Lynn smiled then, hugging him gently.

Taking several breaths against her, the memory of the last time they'd tried to see Aiden in his mind taunted him. Admittedly, they'd been following Aiden's progress since Ann's researched cure and he had improved, but even so. It was still his worst nightmare that something would happen and neither of them were there in time.

Charlotte and Nicole were left alone with Aiden after an hour. He'd not long woken up, albeit briefly, and said he felt better; Bobbie and Ann were convinced he was telling the truth. After a while, they were reassured it was safe to leave.

Leaving to fulfil domestic duties, Charlotte and Nicole exchanged a small smile. Several minutes before, Charlotte had read her text out of the blue from Mike. He was retiring from the sport, and wanted to see them while he was in the area. They both wondered aloud if there was more than one agenda on his mind: part of Nicole wanted to match up the pair...

Nicole's attention snapped back to Aiden when he moaned, aware she'd been daydreaming. From his face, she knew he was in immense pain, and realised his painkillers had worn off a while ago. Oh honey, you poor soul, it's okay. I'll give you an injection, hang on.

Groaning, Aiden could feel his chest tightening.

Easy, Ady. She leant over him with his inhaler in the aerochamber. This'll help. She kissed his cheek, actioning it for him. I'm right here, honey. You'll be okay. Taking his hand in hers and squeezing it, she hoped her comfort could get through to him. You don't feel well, I know. She kissed his head, watching his face intently. You'll be okay. She repeated.

Charlotte reappeared, her sixth sense obviously twinging. Aiden, it's okay. She made her way to his side, seeing him struggle. Take it easy. She reminded him, slipping her hand into his.

Half her gaze on him, half on Nicole, she hoped that this would be a short episode. It was impossible to tell at the moment.

Can you... Nicole broke off, knowing Charlotte understood.

She nodded. Of course, Nic. She took the aerochamber from her with her free hand.

Thanks. I'll do your injection, Ady. Hang on. Nicole was talking soothingly to him, as she always did. Letting go of him prompted another moan from him.

Nice and easy, Aiden. Have another dose, I'll help you. You'll be alright, Nicky and I are here. She squeezed his hand. Nic, pass his other inhaler, the steroid. We'll use Ann's trick, that will make you feel better quicker, Aiden.

Nicole nodded, watching her swap over. She had