Chapter 6
Bernie was pacing around the room another 5 minutes had passed, the make-up girl had done what she could to neaten her up, but she was too worried to sit still long enough for her to do any more. Susan and Cameron were sat on the end of the bed watching her march about.
'Do you want me to get someone to drive out and find them?' Cameron suggested, ' there isn't too many routes here from the hospital?'
'I just don't understand why Ric isn't picking up either, I know he's driving, but Serena could answer the phone? Do you think she's changed her mind? I was worried...that it was something else, but maybe she has realised she is making a big mistake... this isn't what she really wants?' Bernie finally stopped walking about and was standing in front of Cameron.
'I'm going to say this only once mother, Serena is not the type of person to run away...she wouldn't just run off and jilt you.' He took Bernie's hand in his and looked up at her. He smiled warmly. 'I have spoken to Serena more than once about this, she was more worried about you running off, she loves ya mum.' He squeezed her hand. 'and you haven't. For once no running from your fears, isn't that right Major?' He cocked his head to one side and stared straight into her eyes, her watering, glimmering eyes.
'I know in the past I have run away.' She said quietly. 'Abandoned my family, but I have changed Cam, no more running and no more abandoning you or Serena...' She smiled briefly.
'Don't cry Miss Wolfe, you will ruin the small amount of make-up you've actually let me apply.' Susan laughed sweetly.
Bernie let go of Cameron's hand. 'Ok, I don't think anyone should drive off...I mean I don't want to lose my wedding party as well as my Bride...'
'So what do you think it's going to be like married to Bernie?' Ric asked in curiosity. 'You can both be...be quite feisty?' He laughed softly.
'I know...living together hasn't been too bad. We've had our moments though...do you remember about 3 months ago...' Serena said with tinge of sadness and mirth in her voice.
'The argument about who left the milk out? I think the whole hospital heard about that.' Ric continued. 'You didn't talk for days...I had Raf complaining at me that AAU was a warzone. All over some stupid milk. You are both so...so...' He was laughing now, thinking back to it.
'...bloody minded. Neither one of us would back down.' She laughed herself now. 'well...I was right...it was her...' She smirked again. 'I didn't even care in the end, but I have to admit I admired her strength and stubbornness a little bit that time. Even though it was ridiculous and I was sad and I moped about it, I know I did...but not having her talk to me, was awful. I know...I know, it was my fault too, should have backed down! You know what I'm like though Ric?'
'You hold life long grudges... you haven't seemed to have had any big falling outs recently? Unless you've been better hiding it on the ward this time? But I can't imagine that some how.' He winked at her. Serena flipped down the sun visor to check her face. Deliberately ignoring Ric's teasing. 'Come on Campbell, you know you are a stubborn mare sometimes..strong though, one of the strongest women I've ever met.'
Ric wasn't concentrating, he was still chatting with Serena. Serena was busy checking she looked ok in the mirror above the passenger's side and was fussing over her dress. Ric was suddenly concerned about the way he was going.
'Will you sit still a second, help me with the directions to this damned hotel? I think I took the wrong turning back there...' Ric turned around to look out the back window indicating to the junction they just came off.
'RIC THE ROAD!' Serena yelled in panic putting her arm up to protect her face and grabbed the steering wheel with her other hand, managing just in time to steer them off the path of the oncoming speeding car that had drifted onto their side of the road. They crashed into the hedge at the side of the country lane, Serena was thrown forward and narrowly missed hitting her head. Ric was lurched forward as well with speed. The seat-belt cutting into his chest and throwing him back into his seat.
Bernie gasped.
'What's wrong mum?' Cameron jumped up from the bed and anxiously looked at his mother. She was back at her position at the window.
'Nothing son...someone just walked over my grave that's all...'