Undeserved - Book 2: Undeserved, #2

By Yvonne Marrs

Ann, Harry and their family move in with Aiden and Nicole as his health declines. It is a decision that makes sense in many ways, but nobody is sure if Aiden will agree. Now that Justin and Lynn are back in Brighton with Jonathan and James, Harry wants to look after Aiden.

 

Charlotte is offered a knight in shining armour in the form of Mike - but will she push away his good intentions after her painful divorce? She too spends a lot of time with Nicole and Aiden, also wanting to be near when she is needed.

 

Bobbie is heading to Brighton university with Daniel, but still promises to be around to help her family. Mindful that Harry and Ann have their hands full with their growing family, and Aiden's needs, she knows she can juggle her studies and home responsibilities.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Mar 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201719272

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

When she was near enough, Aiden could see Bobbie was smiling broadly.

Today had been her last exam, and like the rest of the family, he hoped it had all gone well. She was a bright girl, but she had experienced horrors that would distract any student. No doubt Daniel was a huge help to her. He smiled at her, and at the nervous looking young man beside her, who he assumed was Daniel.

Papa, you're awake. Bobbie's smile widened. She leant over him very carefully, very gently hugging him.

Only just. Nicole told her, smiling at her and Daniel. We knew you were coming.

Frowning, Bobbie waggled her finger playfully at him. I hope you haven't specifically stayed awake to see me. You are naughty, Papa.

Aiden gave her a small smile, allowing her to pick up his free hand.

We won't stay long. Bobbie told him.

In reply, he squeezed her hand.

I heard what happened to your poor back. Bobbie shook her head, feeling Daniel's arm around her shoulders. Dad was in such a rage. She shook her head again, falling silent.

How was the exam? Nicole prompted, looking from Bobbie to Daniel.

It went much better than I thought. Bobbie beamed at her. We're both going to study in Brighton, so we can stay here. She looked up at Daniel, and they exchanged smiles. Full time study isn't a huge commitment. I'll still be here to help Ann and Dad with the boys. She looked from Daniel to Nicole and then to Aiden. I know you have plenty of help, Papa, but I want to be near too.

Nodding, Aiden closed his eyes.

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, expecting a reply squeeze. I won't keep you, Papa. You need to rest.

Across the room, Nicole nodded.

Letting go of his hand and gently placing it on the bed by his side, Bobbie quietly stood up. Daniel sidestepped to give her room. We'll come back tomorrow. She quietly, looking from Aiden's still face to Nicole's, unsure if he was asleep or not. Is there anything you need? She asked her.

Yes. Aiden spoke softly, opening his eyes to lock his gaze onto Daniel's face. Look after her.

Daniel's expression was startled, but to his credit, he soon composed himself. I will. He said sternly. I love Bobbie, I'll never let anything happen to her.

Bobbie smiled, stepping towards him and hugging him in close. My knight in shining armour. She said into his chest.

Aiden shared his tired smile with Nicole, closing his eyes again. He was rather relieved when they said quiet goodbyes and he had Nicole all to himself again; not that it lasted for long, she knew how tired he was and had soon soothed him back to sleep.

––––––––

Ady, Nicole's voice was soft, and that was usually when she wanted to check if he was in a deep sleep or not.

Mmm... He murmured, feeling her stroke her fingers through his hair. That always felt good: he smiled.

I was right, he's easy to please. Charlotte joked.

Aiden half laughed, definitely awake then. Opening his eyes, he saw Nicole playfully push Charlotte's shoulder. Looking around, he discovered it was just the three of them.

Ann's talking with your consultant. Nicole informed him, seeing him search the room and knowing what he was looking for. You had such a good sleep, Ady. We didn't want to wake you, as your body has a better chance of healing while you rest.

Aiden nodded, very very carefully stretching.

They want to do the myelogram today. Nicole continued. I know how painful it is lying on that scanner, so the doctor is going to numb your back so it'll be easier for you.

Aiden's eyes widened.

It'll last the duration of the scan, only half an hour. She stroked his pale cheek. Ady, you won't be able to move or feel anything while that's taking place. I don't want you to be frightened about it. It's the same as when they did your scar tissue op. Do you remember that?

Yes. Aiden nodded. It's a... good idea.

Charlotte too nodded. When Ann asked for us to come over and revealed the plan, I invited myself. She smiled at him. I thought we could huddle up together afterwards while the effects wear off. Like we do when you have a bad episode.

Aiden smiled at her. Thank you. He whispered. That's great.

We’ll leave supervisory duties to Ann. Nicole told him.

When you're sorted, I'll bring Harry in to see you. Charlotte paused, seeing how much of this Aiden was taking in. All of it, it seemed. When Ann and Harry go home, Mike is coming to join us. We'll discuss honeymoon options, if you feel up to it.

Aiden smiled at her, nodding with the plan.

He allowed the consultant to check him over, then answered the anaesthologist's questions before they carted him off. He knew the trio were following, closing his eyes as he was wheeled down the halls, left and right, and right and left.

Nodding with their instructions, he smiled when Nicole hugged him, kissing him before she moved back, taking in his hand in hers.

I'm going to be with you the whole time, honey. Nicole told him. You might feel groggy and things might go fuzzy, but I promise you I'll be here. She kissed the back of his hand.

And me. Charlotte put her hand over theirs. Try to relax. There's no rush. She told him.

Hey, you stole my line. Ann told her teasingly. Charlotte is right, Aiden, everything will be just fine. There's no rush to get back to your room. We're not leaving until you have all feeling back, and I know you're okay.

Solemnly, he nodded.

We're going to talk to you all the time. Ann continued. And you can talk to us. If you want us to stop at any point, all you have to do is say.

I'll be fine. He whispered.

Ann smiled at him. I know you will, I wouldn't have agreed otherwise.

Again Aiden nodded.

You're so brave, Aiden. I know it's a necessary evil. Charlotte shook her head, feeling tearful.

It's alright. I know we can't help worrying about him, but he'll be okay. I'd never agree to anything I had doubts about, and neither would Nicky. Ann comforted her, seeing Nicole shake her head. We're using the same anaesthetic as before, as we know it works well and is safe.

Charlotte nodded, feeling more than a bit overcome. She wanted Mike there, for a moment, for his comfort.

Nicole linked her other arm through Charlotte's. He'll be fine, Char, he's got us.

Charlotte nodded, resting her head at an awkward angle against Nicole's shoulder. After all you've been through, I can't help worrying. She told him, seeing his gaze was on them both.

I'm the same, Char, but this is different. We've been through far worse, haven't we, honey? Nicole let go of Charlotte to lean over Aiden, kissing him and hugging him.

At that, Ann got up to speak with the awaiting medical professionals. In the blink of an eye, everyone was ready. Aiden groaned as the needle went in, unable to help it. Everyone leapt to reassure him, and Nicole leant over him again, talking to him soothingly.

On the other side of the glass of the scanning room, Nicole and Charlotte had a headset each so that they could talk to him, continuing to do so as Ann and the professionals also left him as the machine began.

Unable to so much as wiggle his toes, Aiden knew he should be terrified, but it was only temporary. The familiar voices in his ear kept him calm. He kept responding to the questions: was he alright - yes; was it sore - no; just a bit longer, was that okay - yes; he was doing well - good; how was it - fine.

Closing his eyes as the machine finished, and answering their questions again, he smiled when he heard Ann, Charlotte and Nicole coming over to him. Numb from the neck down, he couldn't feel his hands, but Nicole was kissing his cheek and running her fingers through his hair so he knew she was there. Her voice whispered in his ear that they were all there.

You did brilliantly, Aiden. He heard the smile in Ann's voice, sensing her leaning over him as she gently kissed his forehead. If you three are okay, I'll quiz the technician.

I'm okay. Aiden said slowly.

Good. Ann beamed at him. I'm still keeping an eye on you. Just rest.

No somersaults down the corridor, what a bugger. You're such a spoilsport, Ann. Charlotte teased. She had one of Aiden's hands in hers although she knew he couldn't feel it, nonetheless it made her feel better.

Ann frowned, then laughed at her tease, seeing Aiden smile. Looking lastly at Nicole, they exchanged a smile and a nod before Ann left.

Chapter 2

But why? Charlotte wrung her hands.

Aiden's pained moaning and groaning was audible even with the oxygen mask across his face.

He didn't feel it at the time because of the numbness. The doctor explained patiently.

Minutes after the anaesthetic had worn off, the pain in Aiden's back was through the roof, all from lying on the hardness of the scanner bed inside the machine. His hospital bed was an air mattress, and nobody had thought it would create such a problem for a short space of time.

It's alright, honey, it's alright. Breathe through the pain. Nicole was trying to cajole him. Nice and easy. You can do it.

Aiden, your painkillers will soon be working. Hang on. Ann told him.

Even breathing was torture – he gave another series of pained, almost breathless protests.

I know, honey, I know. Nicole kissed his head. My poor Ady. Hold on. She had a tight hold of his hand, vowing to not let go.

For a few moments, she'd put her faith in Ann's theory that there might not be any more damage. Now she wasn't so sure. Letting her tears mingle with his, she glanced at Charlotte, seeing she too was in tears.

Charlotte couldn't bring herself to touch him, too frightened of inadvertently adding to his pain. His tormented breathing was almost unbearable. The conversation she’d had with Nicole a while ago now came back to her: Nicole had asked how she would know if Aiden wanted her to assist him to die. It hadn't taken long for Charlotte to realise that she hadn't been exaggerating. Surely it would be kinder to him than leaving him in this much pain? That moment, Charlotte came back from her thoughts, realising Nicole's voice was raised in panic.

Aiden! Aiden! Nicole was trying to get through to him: his face was blank, his eyes closed.

Quickly reading his vitals, Charlotte was relieved to find them relatively stable. He's passed out, Nic. She leant across to her. Poor soul. Oh Aiden! She shook her head, gently laying her hand on his shoulder. She was confused when Ann rushed away from them, and soon returned with several vials and syringes.

Coming round, Aiden was very groggy. Hot sickness washed over him. He heard Ann talking, but he couldn't take in what she said. The scratching of a needle in his arm he didn't worry about, he was too far out of it: instead allowing the blackness to descend once more.

A while later, he came to and things were less confused.