The Power of Healing
Chapter 1
THE POWER OF HEALING
by Lois Terrans Bradbury
The driver of the tour bus looked into his rear view mirror, taking a quick glance at his precious cargo, all but a few sleeping. It had been a long, busy few days and there were more to come. The driver’s eyes met a man’s several seats back through the bus. A man; trying to get comfortable in all too small a space for his long frame. They gave each other a familiar, knowing smile before the driver returned his attention back to the road.
Sam, the newest addition to the troupe coughed as quietly as he could and shuffled in his seat. He was tall, very tall, like toffee that had been pulled to thin. But when he sang, oh when he sang, his baritone voice could melt the hardest of hearts.
The members of the troupe, all male were in the middle of a forty day tour of the eastern seaboard. Unfortunately somewhere along the way they had been exposed to a nasty flu like infection that had promised to see the cancellation of concerts. All but Sam had been infected, he being the only, crew and roadies included that seemed to be immune. While the others struggled to keep the symptoms under control and perform night after night only to crash as soon as they returned to their hotels, Sam kept going. Until a few nights ago, when he felt the first tickle in his throat at sound check. Each hour after that brought on more of the symptoms and now he had the worst symptoms of them all. Every part of his body ached, his nose ran continuously, the light hurt his eyes, the cough rattled his insides to a point he would swear he had broken a few ribs and he had a fever. Now, trying to get comfortable in his seat, he was not even sure he would be able to perform at their next concert a few short hours away. He coughed again, hunching and squeezing himself into a smaller shape, hugging his arms around his middle in a useless effort to stop the pain exploding through every part of his being. It was then that the driver decided to take another quick look back. He frowned at what he saw.
“Hang in their kid.”
Sam woke to a gentle touch on his face but not so gentle noises all around, threatening to make his head explode. He opened his eyes only to shut them as quickly and groaned which only made him cough, which made the pain flame through him as he tried to keep himself from throwing up it was so bad. He went to move, get off the bus only to slip back into his seat with a now more forceful pressure on his chest that had nothing to do with his condition. He squinted, trying to let as little light into his eyes as he could and still see what had stopped him from rising. It was a hand, a hand attached to an arm that was attached to Evain, the tours wardrobe manager. Evain was in her late thirties, long silky black hair that reached her knees when not pulled back into a ponytail, caramel coloured skin, deep blue eyes and a smile that always reached those eyes, as it did now. This is what Sam quickly made out before closing his own eyes again. He had not noticed that the bus was now quiet. Evain had shuffled everyone else off, hoping they would head straight to the hotel reception. A quick glance outside her answer. The other members of the troupe had remained at the entrance of the bus all concerned for their friend. Evain’s face did not show the concern she carried for him, her voice soft and tender as she spoke. “Sam, Sammy, how you doing?”
Sam tried to open his eyes but thought better of it, as he took a breath to answer her all he succeeded in doing was birthing a coughing fit so painful he almost passed out. By the time it had finished, Evain had her arms wrapped around him as his head rested on her stomach. She kissed the top of his head. “We need to get you to a hospital Sam. You’re burning up.”
At these words Sam raised his head and did look up into her face. His voice so weak, hardly above a whisper. “I have to go on.” He started to cough again and Evain held him tight until it was over. Sam’s tears mingled with the sweat running down his face.
“No Sammy. You have to rest. You don’t, you will be out of action more than a few days.”
In reply Sam sank further into her embrace. For her part Evain motioned to the driver who had been silently watching everything from his rear view mirror. “Beep can you grab a few of the other crew and help get him to his room. He’s in a bad way but he’ll put up a fight if we try and get him to hospital. Better to get a doc to him I reckon.”
Beep nodded and disappeared only to be replaced by one of the other troupe members. “E, how bad?”
She gave him a reassuring smile. “Pretty crook Les but he’s tough, you all are. Can you get the rest of them into the hotel please? Ted will pitch a fit if one of you has a relapse. You still need your rest.”
Les was about to protest but Evain disarmed him with a smile. “Please. I promise I will look after him and let you all know if anything changes. I promise.”
Les disappeared and she heard him shepherding his band mates away from the bus as she turned her attention back to Sam not sure if he had actually passed out or gone back to sleep.
Several hours later Evain was perched in a chair in the shadows of Sam’s hotel room watching him sleep. The doctor had been none too happy when his suggestion of hospital was refused but he had given Sam medication to help him sleep; ease the coughing and a prescription for a wide spectrum antibiotic that should see Sam recovering sooner rather than later. As for that night’s concert, Sam would not perform. Evain looked at her watch, sighing, the others would have just taken to the stage. She knew there would be a few disappointed fans when told of Sam’s absence.
Standing, she stretched her weary muscles, checked on Sam one more time and then left his room, pulling her mobile phone out of her pocket as she closed the door and walked down the hall. “Please be there Aunty and please be available.” Evain walked a little slower wishing Aunty to answer the phone before she got to her own room. She rested her back on the rooms’ door as Aunty answered. “Hi Aunty.” Evain smiled. “No, I am fine. You think you can come back sooner. I know I said I would stand in until you were ready but I think they need you more than they need me.” There was a pause while Evain listened to her Aunt. “Thanks, I’ll send you an email to explain. Love you.” Evain looked at her phone for a few moments, sighing before she went into her room.
Evain was back in Sam’s room when the others arrived after the concert. The gentle tapping on the door pulling her from her thoughts. Les and Eric stood in the hallway, worried looks on their faces obviously volunteering or being volunteered to find out what the situation was. Evain put on her bravest smile. “Hey guys. How did it go?”
Les and Eric strained to look passed her as Eric answered for them both. “Okay. The fans were gracious as always and very concerned about Sam. How is he?” His eyes rested on her serious and concerned. “Please Evain. How bad. He looked pretty rotten when we got here.”
Les spoke up. “We need to make plans if he can’t sing.”
Evain did not want to disturb Sam so she joined them in the hallway. “I know you are all worried but you know as much as I do. I promise any changes and I will tell you. Have a chat to Ted, he’s been working on getting number eleven here by tomorrow. So either way there will be ten members of The Power of Ten back on stage from now on. Now go get some rest.”
Both men once again looked passed her to Sam as Evain returned to her vigil. Sitting by his side, Evain leaned over a little and pushed a wayward hair back into place. “I hope Aunty gets here before I have to tell them just how ill you really are Sammy.”
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Chapter 2
Evain woke with a start, wincing at the pain in her aching muscles. She had fallen asleep in the chair next to Sam’s bed and could tell by the way the light skirted around the edges of the heavy curtains that morning had arrived. It was not the light that had woken her. Her eyes darting from the empty bed, scanning the room as her ears picked up the unusual noise coming from the bathroom. Rather than rushing around the bed to the bathroom, Evain did a roll across the bed, her feet barely touching the ground, her speed propelling her forward so when the door did not open as she expected she came to a very sudden stop, bouncing off the door with a thud and swearing. Getting her balance she tried the door once more while banging on it to get Sam’s attention. “Sam! Sammy, open the door!” Evain pushed harder and the door gave just a little. It wasn’t locked. She pushed again and it gave a little more until she could see into the bathroom, to Sam’s body; he was passed out on the floor, blocking the door. “Sam! Wake up!” Evain shouldered the door, pushing with all she had until there was enough room to get inside the bathroom.
Evain knelt down beside the unconscious Sam, washing her hands over his face and through his sweat drenched hair. “What the hell Sam? Why didn’t you wake me you Wally. No way am I ever getting you back into bed without help so wake up will you.” As she leaned over his body to grab the wash cloth from the basin Sam groaned. The cloth was damp and cold enough to get a reaction from him when she placed it on the back of his neck. “Come on Sammy open those gorgeous eyes of yours.”
Sam groaned again and opened his eyes, not sure of where he was, his voice raspy and hoarse when he spoke. “Where, what happened?”
“Can you move? We need to get you off this floor.”
Sam struggled to a kneeling position, leaning against the bath like a grounded ship after a storm. His breathing laboured, as he tried to take in more air and he triggered a coughing fit that sent him into painful convulsions, wreathing across the floor. He was back in the position Evain had found him, only this time she had managed to stop him from hitting his head on the tiles. Coming to the conclusion this was why he had been unconscious when she found him. She pulled him up towards her and cradled him in her arms. Sam’s face showed just how much pain he had endured. His body trembled under her touch the episode had been so intense. Evain worried that Sam may go into shock, so she began to talk to him again. “Sam, you think you can make it back to bed if we get you back on your feet?”
Sam did not move. “Why does it hurt so much E?”
“Because it does. Come on, give it a try. You’ll feel better once you are off the floor.”
To his credit Sam began to move and without much help from Evain managed to stand, resting his hands on the basin for support as he tried to stop another coughing fit from blasting through his body.
All Evain could do was stroke his back, giving some comfort. “Come on. Back to bed and a few more painkillers for you.”
Evain guided him back to the bed and Sam collapsed into it, turning on his side so that Evain could not see his tears. He was weak, exhausted, battling a fever that had yet to break, not wishing to go back to sleep because of the nightmares he had encountered the night before. Yet not wanting to stay awake because of the pain. He felt vulnerable and he didn’t like it. If it had been any other to come to his aid he may very well have spent the last of what little energy he had fighting with them to leave him alone. The last thing he remembered before falling asleep was Evain’s gentle kiss on his forehead. At least that is what he thought he remembered.
Thankfully; after last night’s concert there would to be a two day break. Watching Sam fight his demons while he slept, Evain hoped it was enough time for his fever to break and get him back onto his feet. She had expected faster and better results from the medication the doctor had supplied but he had cautioned that Sam may well end up with a bout of pneumonia before it was all over. This was the information she had kept from everyone else, including Ted the tour manager. Evian knew that Sam would be devastated if he was in for a long recovery. Not for himself but for letting the others down. Looking at her watch she sighed, not wanting to wake Sam but he needed to take his next dose of antibiotics.
She knelt down beside the bed so that her face was level with Sam’s, brushing tiny beads of sweat away from his brow, cheek and chin before she gently spoke his name. “Sam, Sammy, time to wake up.” She watched his breathing for the tell-tale change that signaled he was about to wake. When it did not happen, she soothingly spoke his name again and dusted his cheek with a feather light kiss. “Sam.” This time his breathing did change and Evain smiled and waited knowing it would be the first thing he saw as he woke.
Sam’s eyes opened, at first he was not sure where he was until Evain’s face came into focus. He tried to muster a smile, so weak, only the slightest of movement at the corner of his mouth to suggest that he had tried anything. Evain tilted her head as she spoke. “Hey, there you are.” She could tell by his laboured breathing, the pallor of his skin and the sweat drenched pyjamas that clung to him, he would be feeling no better than when she had asked him four hours earlier. “You feeling a bit better?”
Sam nodded his head and instantly regretted the move as it sent sharp pains galloping through his brain. “A little.”
Evian lent in a little more. “Liar. You need to take some more pills.” Evian helped him shuffle into a sitting position before handing him the medication. Sam never made a sound but she could tell he was hurting with each move he made.
Sam swallowed the medication, closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall. “Where are we E?” each word taking tremendous effort to force over his lips.
Evain sat on the edge of the bed and took his hand. “Same place. We have a few days. No need to worry about moving just yet.”
Sam opened his eyes to ask another question but looked at the state of his pyjamas instead. “Maybe to the bathroom to change. I.” He looked at Evain. “I look dreadful.”
Evain nodded in confirmation. “Kinda happens with a fever. But do you think you have the strength to get to the bathroom? There is too much of you for me to be dragging back to bed if you don’t.”
To show his determination Sam threw back the sheets that had been covering him and planted both feet on the floor. That was as far as he got before his world turned upside down and he wasn’t sure if he was going to faint, throw up or both. Evain had seen what colour he had left draining from his face and placed herself in front of Sam, so at the very least if he passed out he would fall back onto the bed. Sam managed to stay seated as the wave of nausea subsided.
“Okay. No more sudden movements Sam. I think you need to get back into bed.”
Sam shook his head gently. “No, I need a shower; I need to get out of these.” He pulled on his pyjama top.
“No. You need to rest up. But.” Evian paused a moment. “If we can get you to the chair I will change the sheets on your bed, and get some clean Pee jays for you deal?”
She had expected and argument. Sam gave her none just nodding his head and began to move. With Evian’s help he reached the chair she had taken up her vigil in, all his energy completely expended by the manoeuvre.
Evain set to stripping the bed but before replacing the sweat drenched sheets with crisp new ones she had asked the maid for that morning, she needed to flip the mattress, hoping that Sam’s fever sweats had not soaked all the way through. If they had, she would be looking for a new room and the thought of having to make him do that rankled at her senses. Thankfully the mattress was dry but if he had another night like the last one, they would have no choice but to find a new room. Evian had expected to flip the mattress from one side to the other but the base had wheels and she could get no purchase, the bed moving every time she pulled on the mattress. Not to be outdone she tackled her problem from another angle. She pushed the head of the bed right up against the wall, then took the bottom end of the mattress in both her hands and began elevating it. Once it was as high as she could get it but still not willing to topple, Evain jumped on to the base and pushed the mattress with her shoulders. This time it slowly fell towards the wall. Now all she had to do was pull the bottom of the mattress down the bed and it was flipped.
By the time Evian had the bed made; Sam had fallen asleep in the chair. She stood with hands on hips looking at him for a moment before raiding his travel bag for a clean pair of pyjamas. Apparently the only pyjamas that Sam either owned or packed he was wearing. In her hands she had a well-worn Berlin Opera t shirt and a pair of boxers. Being a stylist and wardrobe assistant for many a production she had seen entertainers in as little when fitting them for costumes. However; she needed to get Sam out of one lot of clothing and into another leaving him naked at some point in the operation. “Well might as well get this over with.”
Just as Evian started to unbutton the top of Sam’s sweat soaked pyjamas there was a light knock at the door. Opening the door she found Andrew with a very concerned look on his face.
“You get the short straw and they sent you to see how he is doing?”
Andrew nodded and Evain opened the door and invited him in. Andrew was shocked at what he saw. Sam looked atrocious, asleep but atrocious. Evian took his arm and gently guided him a little closer to Sam as she talked. “The bed’s all nice and fresh but he needs to get out of those Pee Jays. I could do with some help.”
Andrew took a quick look at the clothes Evain was holding out in front of her then back to Sam. “Sure. You want to wake him?”
Evain shook her head. “Not really, poor bugger is so exhausted. We should be able to do it together right? If he wakes he wakes.”
Andrew was not at all sure about her plan but nodded.
The first part of the plan was not too hard to complete. Evain and Andrew had Sam’s top off and t shirt on with only a few grumbles from their patient. Andrew was frowning. “I don’t know about this E. He’s all legs. It would be easier if he was on the bed.”
They both looked from Sam to the bed and back to Sam before Evain knelt by him once more. She gently placed her hands on his knees and spoke his name. “Sam. Time to get back into bed.” As had happened before Sam’s breathing changed and Evain knew he would wake.
As he did, his eyes fell on Andrew standing in front of him. Weakly he spoke. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself. You reckon you can give us a hand getting you back to the bed so we can finish.”
Sam gave him a puzzled look until Andrew pointed to his t shirt. “We did the top half. Need to do the bottom.”
Sam looked down at himself though it took a few moments for what Andrew was asking to sink in. As it did Sam began to shake his head. “No, No. I can do that myself.” He began to rise from the chair and the little smirk that had covered Evain’s face suddenly disappeared when she realised what he was trying to do and went to intercept. “Hold on there Sam. I don’t fancy trying to get you back off the floor. It was hard enough the first time.”
Evain had gone to put herself under one of Sam’s arms and Andrew followed by putting himself under the other. Both sets of knees buckled as Sam’s full weight hit them and a groan puffed over Andrew’s lips. He questioned Evain as they walked Sam to the bed. “Evain. How did he end up on the floor?”
As they put Sam on the bed it was he who answered, eyes closed. “I snuck out of bed. Didn’t want to wake her. Bad idea.”
Evain frowned. “Yes it was. Now lay still while we change your togs.”
Hearing those words Sam’s hands flew to the top of his Pyjama bottoms and he was not about to let go. His mortified expression directed at Evain. “No. I can do this myself.” Again Sam made a move to get up but flopped back down into the bed, still clutching the top of his pyjamas.
Evain could see his embarrassment so to help him out she made her way to the door. “Andrew can make sure you don’t faint, or fall over and break something while I check with the Concierge. I ordered a few things should be here by now. I expect you to be all tucked up nice when I get back.” As the door closed behind her she took a few moments to listen in case she needed to go back in.
Inside Sam lay on the bed still with eyes closed but sighed a little. “I thought she was going to stay.”
Chapter 3
Evain was thanking the concierge for the package she now had in her possession when she heard her name, turning so she could see the entrance to the hotel a relieved smiled crept over her face. “Aunty!” Evain rushed to greet an older woman who now had her arms open wide, a warm friendly smile on her face and a big floppy hat perched on her head trying to contain the fiery, red curly hair that hung to her waste. Evain allowed herself to be enveloped in to Aunty’s hug feeling safe and refreshed. “How did you get here so quickly? I thought maybe the next town.” Evain stepped away from the hug and looked into Aunty’s face as she took hold of her hands. “I am really glad you came. Sam.”
Aunty gently cut off her words with a squeeze of her hands. “Thought he would be okay. Seemed to be the only one handling the effects well enough. The others?”
“They are good Aunty. Been making sure they get plenty of rest and not too much mischief. Ted was looking into getting number eleven here just in case.”
Aunty looked over Evain’s shoulders and motioned with a nod of her head. She was looking into the hotels Café. “Looks like you are right. How about we say hello before we go and check on Sam?”
The two women casually walked into the café. Ted standing at the opposite side of the table to where four men were seated listening to him so only Ted saw them approach. As he stopped talking and smiled, the four men turned their heads in unison to see what he was smiling at. All stood as the women approached. Aunty washing away their gestured with her hands. “Sit, sit boys.”
The men did as they were told but looked at Evain for an answer. She in turned decided not to acknowledge their silent plea just as Aunty reached Ted, hugged him and then entwined her arm into his while she looked to the men seated at the table. “So leave you lot alone for five minutes and poor Ted here ends up with an ulcer.” Ted was about to protest he didn’t have an ulcer seeing the concerned looks on the four men’s faces. “I know, you want to know why I am here right?” Aunty threw a quick look to Evain and continued. “I have my ways; Just cause I wasn’t here doesn’t mean I didn’t keep an eye on my boys now.”
One of the men, Brian also gave Evain a quick glance before he spoke. “Evain called you?”
Aunty smiled warmly. “That she did but I was already on my way. So how about you all give me a hug before I see what can be done about Sam.”
In unison all four men stood and formed a single line in front of Aunty. Brian being the first to hug her. “Why do I always feel better when you are around Aunty?”
Aunty smiled and took both of his hands in hers and gave them a gentle squeeze. “Because you know I love you all as if you were my own.”
Brian stepped aside to let the next fall into Aunty’s embrace. Damien gave her a gentle kiss on each cheek as she also took his hands in hers before greeting the next. Charlie, and then Kyle.
Ted and Evain stood side by side watching this little ritual and Ted lent into Evain. “How does she do that? I mean she’s different but..”
Evain smiled and whispered back. “Magic.”
Ted looked her straight in the eyes almost willing to believe her when Aunty’s voice distracted him from his thoughts. “Ted, Ted. Did you manage to get number eleven on board?”
Putting back on his business face he replied. “Yes Aunty. Be here by tonight. Knows all but one of the routines and has no other commitments if he has to finish off this tour.”
She gave them all a disarming smile as she began to walk back out the café with Evain in tow. “Make sure he comes to see me to get his concert clothes fitted you hear.”
All five men watched them enter the elevator before taking their seats and Ted stood with hands in his pockets. “I still want to know who told her about Sam?”
Kyle looked up to Ted. “Evain of course.” Ted as well as the other men were shaking their heads even before he finished speaking. “What? She said so.”
Ted patted him on the shoulder. “No, she said Evain had called her but she was already on her way. He looked around the table. “Did any of you call her? Did the others?” All the men shook their heads. “Now tell me. How do you feel since she arrived? A little better right. Can’t put your finger on it but better.”
The men looked from one to the other, knowing that Ted was right.
Aunty had been their wardrobe manager, seamstress, confidant for the past six years. She kept them and their clothes together, patching up holes as well as hearts at times. Knowing just when to be there for them and not just those that stepped on stage as The Power of Ten but everyone on the tour. Over those years there had been discussions as to how Aunty knew what she did. She would laugh and tell them it was secret woman’s business, give them a hug and send them on their way always feeling lighter of foot and happier of heart. Every person on the tour would gladly defend her with their last breath if they had to. But if you asked them why, no one could actually tell you. It was just how they felt about her. Maybe it was the trust they had in her. More than one of them had confided in her things that if they made it to the tabloids may not have ruined their careers but certainly would have caused painful issues public and private. Over those same six years they had come to trust her intuition, her sixth sense. They all had their own stories of times when she had made suggestions such as calling home, or buying a gift to send back to a wife or girlfriend only to find out that the timing had been perfect. But everyone paid attention when Aunty uttered these words. ‘Do you think that’s a good idea?’ That was Aunty speak for don’t be an idiot. Yes Aunty had this bewitching ability to know you better than you did yourself and they all knew her love for them was unconditional. In their own ways the men had decided that was the reason she was back earlier than expected. To help Sam recuperate, and like she said. Keep an eye on her boys. Which is exactly how they felt…one of her boys.
Aunty and Evain sat on the edge of Evain’s bed, Aunties floppy hat now discarded unceremoniously on the empty chair next to the window and her unruly red hair hanging freely. Evain still wore a worried look as she spoke. “Are you sure about this Aunty? Are you well enough yourself? I mean.”
Aunty cut her off and took hold of both her hands. “You mean you know I took some time off to recharge my batteries and want to make sure I am fully charged.”
Evain gave her a weak smile. “Well not how I would have put it but yes. You said yourself you were tired.”
“And I was and I dare say if I had stayed I would have been no help to Sam at all.” She spoke the next words slowly. “B u t. I am good as new.” She looked to the package that Evain had left on the table. “You get what I asked for?” Evain nodded and Aunty patted her hands. “Then let’s get to work and fix that boy up shall we. Then maybe Ted and that ulcer he keeps saying he doesn’t have.”
Andrew was sitting next to Sam’s bed and his smile lit up the whole room as Aunty and Evain walked in. He stood with his arms out ready to greet her and Aunty walked into his hug, giving him one in return. “Oh I have missed your hugs.” After the hug she held him at arm’s length, looking him up and down. “You look a little tired. Worried about more than Sam?” Andrew gave Evain a quick look before Aunty continued. “It will all work out. Now off you go, go and get some food into you and enjoy some of the sun I see peeking through the curtains.” She hugged him once more and gently moved him closer to the door. Once Andrew was gone Aunty sighed deeply as she looked at Sam sleeping then around the room. “Too many dark vibrations in this room, needs a cleaning, fresh air.” Aunty looked to Evain. “You get the water boiling for my tea while I let a little life into the room.”
As Aunty walked over to the window, Evain realised she was going to open the curtains. “Aunty, the light really hurts his eyes. That’s..”
Aunty quietened her concern by putting a finger to her lips. “Not to worry, a little light and a natural breeze.” Aunty opened the heavy curtains enough to pull open the large glass door to the balcony, in turn enough to let the breeze into the room. They both looked at the bed as Sam stirred but did not wake. Aunty smiled. “See his body already appreciates the change.” Aunty went to sit on the edge of his bed, smiling down at him and running her hand gently through his hair as she spoke to Evain. “You didn’t tell Ted Sam has pneumonia did you?”
Evain shook her head as she brewed the tea. “Didn’t tell anyone.”
“Sam won’t be up for any concerts for a while. How many will he miss?”
Evain pulled a piece of paper from a pocket in her jeans. “None today or tomorrow but then three in a row, a night off and another four in a row.”
Aunty had not taken her eyes off Sam. “Well young man looks like you are about to miss three or four concerts at least.” She looked to Evain. “Let’s get him up and some of that tea down his throat and get the healing started. Then you better tell Ted number eleven is looking at doing the next three concerts, maybe more.”
Evain nodded and placed a cup of tea on the table, going to help Aunty wake up Sam. For his part Sam groaned a little as Aunty tenderly washed her hand down his cheek. She kept it there, smiling while Sam returned from wherever his sleep had taken him. Her body hiding the small gap in the curtains that was letting in the light. As Sam’s eyes flickered open she let her hand drop from his face. “Hello young man. You seemed to have gotten yourself into a bit of a state.”
Sam went to move and Aunty flashed Evain a quick look and they both helped him sit up in the bed. He looked over at the window and squinted a little. Aunty kept talking. “I know, I know the light hurts your eyes but the clean air is better for you. If the light hurts that much you can wear your sun glasses but the door stays open.”
Evain had to hide her smile at Sam’s response, no argument, no trying to make a deal just a simple “Yes Aunty.”
Aunty patted him on the leg and beckoned for Evain to hand her the tea. “Now, drink this down and then we can think about getting you into a shower.”
Sam shot a worried look to Evain as he took the cup from her. “I don’t think. I mean we tried before.”
Aunty’s smile was almost as disarming as Evain’s. “We will take it easy. Now drink the tea it will help get your strength back.”
Without question Sam took a sip of the tea and a surprised expression crossed his face. Aunty laughed. “Not everything that is good for you tastes horrible.”
Sam took another drink. “It taste like…like.” He took another sip while trying to find the words to describe the taste. “Like. Oh I know fairy floss.” He took a deeper drink of the tea this time and smiled at both the women. “If you could get every medicine to taste like this you’d have kids lined up around the block to take it.”
Both women laughed and Aunty patted him on the leg again as she spoke. “Yes and trying every trick in the book to convince us they were sick just so they could have it. Now drink up and let’s see about that shower.”
Sam finished the tea and handed the cup back to Aunty. “You know I feel better already.”
Evain smiled. “And you haven’t coughed once since you woke up.”
Sam looked to Aunty who just dipped her head a little. “Shall we see if you have your land legs back then? Evain and I are here if you get a little dizzy.”
Aunty stood and Sam swung his legs over the side of the bed, gingerly planted his feet on the floor. He took a little reassuring breath in before standing. He stood still for a moment with Aunty at one side and Evain at the other. “How do you feel?”
Sam looked to Evain. “Better than the last time we tried this. How did I ever manage to get to the bathroom on my own the other night?”
Aunty took hold of one of his hands. “You think you can make it this time?”
Sam nodded and again a surprised look crossed his face. “That didn’t hurt, my head didn’t hurt.” He looked over to the partially opened curtain. “The light is not so bad either.” He looked down at Aunty. “Whatever was in that tea I think you should patent it.” Sam started to head towards the bathroom with Aunty and Evain watching his every move just in case. By the time Sam had reached the door he turned back and gave them a beaming smile. “My legs don’t feel like they are about to give way anymore. I still feel weak but.”
Aunty pushed the door to the bathroom open so she could get passed him. “A shower but not too hot. Just enough to make you feel a little better. Wash some of those germs away.” She started the water stream and when she was satisfied it was the right temperature allowed Sam into the bathroom. “Evain and I will be right here if those long legs of yours do decide they have had enough.”
Sam closed the door to the bathroom but not all the way as Evain and Aunty retreated to his room. Evain took the tea cup, looked inside than looked to Aunty. “They don’t know do they?”
Aunty smiled at her while she stripped Sam’s bed. “That it has nothing to do with the tea? No. It is better this way. Let them think I am a crazy sheila who tinkers with herbs and flowers to make people well. The tea does have healing properties, mostly calming, relaxing. Now help me with the bed.”
Evain helped Aunty make the bed after she had sprayed the mattress with another natural remedy. When Sam was back in the room the curtains were fully open, so was the balcony door and a lovely afternoon breeze flittered around the room. Sam smiled at the two women, now both looking out over the balcony. “I feel much better, but still weak. I hate to say it but I don’t think I have the strength to perform just yet.”
Evain and Aunty turned from the view to look at Sam as he sat on the end of the bed. Aunty came to sit with him, placing a hand on his arm as she spoke. “Now does that sound like a good idea? Even if you thought you were I certainly would not allow it. You need to rest and besides Ted has called in number eleven.”
Sam was a little surprised. “When, do we know who?”
Evain answered. “The other night after the concert. You put on a good performance Sam but we could all see you were exhausted. Phil is coming to lend a hand. He will be here by tonight.”
Sam dropped his head a little. “I feel like I have let the guys down. You know.”
Aunty patted him on the arm. “Nonsense. That’s not what they are like and if they were I’d have nothing to do with them.” Changing the subject before Sam could dwell on it too long. “So my man on the mend. What’s it to be, bed or balcony?”
Sam looked outside but then began to shuffle up the bed. “Bed I think. I know I said I feel better but I’m really tired. Would you mind if I went back to bed?”
Aunty helped him into bed. “Sleep and I will have some of that fairy floss tea waiting for you when you wake up.”
As Sam’s head touched the pillow his eyes closed and he drifted off to sleep without saying a word.
“I know you said the tea was a relaxant Aunty but this. What if he had still been in the shower?”
Aunty smiled. “Wasn’t going to let him stay in there that long. He’s too bloody big to move if he passed out.”
Evain laughed quietly. “Tell me about it.”
The women hugged each other before Aunty manoeuvred Evain to the door. “Go and find Ted, tell him Sam is feeling much better but.”
Evain nodded. “I know. No concerts this week.
Aunty returned to Sam’s bedside but this time she pulled the chair a little closer, not sitting on the bed like she had done before. She looked into his peaceful, sleeping face for a moment and smiled lovingly down at him. “Now the healing begins.”Aunty placed one hand on Sam’s arm and the other on his chest, closing her eyes and dropping her head slightly. She had the look of a praying woman. Her breathing slowed into a gentle rhythm but under her touch Sam became restless. He coughed several times and groaned,shifting a little but not waking. Each time he coughed Aunty took a deep breath of her own but the serene look that had covered her face only moments before was now one of discomfort and pain. She had begun to sweat and her whole body trembled slightly. Though she never took her hands from Sam, until he stopped coughing and settled back in to a peaceful sleep. As she looked at him, Aunty was having trouble with her own breathing, trying to stifle a cough, that was birthing in her throat. She moved quickly to the bathroom shutting the door behind her so as not to disturb Sam. A slight chance that he would wake but the tea was strong and he should sleep for many hours. Aunty held her head over the basin, gripping its edges, as if not too she would be ripped from existence. She gave one small cough and then her body convulsed, sending debilitating shards of pain through every muscle. He stomach muscles convulsed so much her midsection contorted into a concaved indentation from which her spine could be seen. Then all of a sudden the spasms released her body and she coughed deep and hard and long only just able to take a short breath between each cough. The last cough, the deepest and the longest and on its journey, it brought with it blood. Deep, dark, red blood that pooled at the bottom of the basin. Aunty still holding on for dear life, head dropped, breathing as though she had just been rescued from drowning. Bringing her breathing under control she rested her head on her hands for a moment.
As she looked up at herself in the mirror, it was to see a pale reflection of the woman she was. Her unruly hair drenched in sweat, her skin pale, her eyes so blood shot it was hard to tell if there was any white left at all.
Aunty turned on the cold water, washing the blood way and splashing water on her face before leaving the bathroom and going back to sit next to Sam. Sam, who slept peacefully with no idea of what had just transpired. Aunty slept as well, seated in the chair and there she stayed until a knock at the door announced the presence of another a few hours later.
Sam shuffled a little in his sleep but did not wake as Aunty answered the door. Evain was stood holding a tray of food. Aunty smiled and let her into the room. Evain spoke as she placed the tray on the table and beckoned for Aunty to come and sit with her. “I thought you could do with a bit of a feed.”
Aunty smiled looking down at the assorted fruits and cheese, small crackers, slices of chicken and a pot of coffee. “You know me well.”
As Aunty popped a fresh strawberry into her mouth Evain began her questions. “He was very ill wasn’t he?”
Aunty nodded; there was no need for words.
“And the healing?”
This time Aunty did answer. “Not complete but good enough for his own body to win the battle sooner rather than later. The cough no longer pains him.”
Evain gave her a warm smile as she poured the coffee. “And you Aunty. How are you?”
“Don’t you worry. I will be right as rain come morning.”
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
~
