Chapter 27
Carla had been inseparable from Lisa's side ever since she was finally permitted to see her. The hours stretched painfully long; she had neither eaten nor slept, her thoughts spiraling chaotically, each one more frantic than the last. In the early morning darkness, panic had engulfed her, a suffocating certainty washing over her that she might have lost her. Her Lisa. This was the woman whom she had previously fought so hard to suppress her feelings for, yet now, Lisa was the very heartbeat of her existence.
The shock of it all clung to Carla like a heavy fog, refusing to lift. She couldn’t bring herself to step away, even for a fleeting moment. Each second apart felt like a threat that Lisa would vanish. Instead, Carla grasped Lisa's hand tightly, tears streaking down her cheeks, each drop a testament to her raw fear. Her eyes darted between Lisa’s serene face and the relentless beeping of the monitors, each sound echoing the blonde’s strength and resilience—the promise that Lisa was still here, still holding on.
In a desperate bid to escape the shadows enveloping her mind, memories of brighter days flitted through Carla’s thoughts. Just yesterday, they had shared laughter over simmering pots, twirled around each other in an impromptu dance, and sung songs that echoed their shared joy without a care in the world. Those moments, so vivid and alive, were what she clung to now—the precious memory of a life they had started to build together. The thought of a future filled with love and laughter wasn’t just a distant dream; it was a flame she refused to let flicker out.
In a sudden flash, Carla remembered that Betsy had stayed over at a friend's last night, so that Lisa could be at Carla's without disrupting the girl’s routine. Just for a moment, she stole a glance at her watch—the longest she had looked away from Lisa and the beeping monitors that felt like life itself. It read 1:17 PM. Time was slipping through her fingers, and soon enough, Betsy would be wrapping up classes for the day. Carla felt the urgent need to reach out; she had to tell her what had happened.
Though their relationship had been tumultuous at the beginning, somehow, Carla and Betsy had forged a fragile alliance. It amazed Carla how much Betsy had come to accept her connection with Lisa, and in turn, the younger Swain had begun to carve a special place in Carla’s heart. Yes, there were days when Betsy could be difficult, her fiery spirit a source of contention. Yet, Carla recognised the struggles that the teenager had endured. She saw reflections of herself in Betsy—the lashing out, the rebellious streak, even the underage drinking—each a misguided attempt to cope with a world that felt so overwhelmingly cruel. It was painfully clear to Carla how unhealthy those choices were, but who was she to judge? She had danced with the same demons herself in recent months, despite being a grown adult.
Memories of a conversation with Lisa just weeks earlier washed over her, where they had talked about Betsy’s fear of losing her. The young girl’s terror of seeing her mother enter dangerous situations, willingly putting herself on the line, struck a deep chord in Carla. Her heart ached for Betsy, who had already experienced the shattering loss of her other mother in the line of duty. Despite not having lived that particular trauma, Carla understood. It was a visceral understanding that surged through her, cemented not just in empathy but also in shared love—especially when Lisa had such a reckless determination to face peril, consequences be damned. The pain of it all felt like a heavy stone in Carla’s chest, one that she wished she could lift not just for herself but for Betsy as well.
With a heavy heart, Carla reluctantly pulled out her phone and finally stood up from her chair, the fatigue pressing down on her like an anchor. It felt impossible to leave Lisa's side, especially when every instinct screamed for her to stay, to hold her hand and shield her from the world. Yet, she couldn’t bear the thought of waking her. Lisa needed every ounce of rest to mend her broken body.
Stepping outside the room, Carla decided to soothe her rising anxiety by looking through the window, allowing her to keep her eyes fixed on Lisa at all times. This was a safety net; even the smallest glimpse of Lisa’s still form brought a flicker of comfort amidst the chaos swirling in her heart.
Breathe, she reminded herself, as she scrolled through her contacts. She pressed Betsy's name and listened to the ringing, each tone amplifying her anxiety until the call finally connected.
“Carla? Is everything okay?” Betsy’s voice burst through the phone, laced with unmistakable concern.
Carla couldn’t help but notice the absence of formalities, the casualness that spoke volumes. It struck her how rarely she called Betsy—most communication flowed through playful texts. But this moment wasn’t about that; it was about love, worry, and the heaviness of the unknown. Carla felt her heart swell with a mix of affection and protectiveness for the girl on the other end.
“Hiya lovey,” she began, striving to inject warmth into her tone. “Before I say anything, please don’t worry—everyone is safe, okay?”
“Umm, okay? What’s going on, Carla? Where’s Mum?” A breath of relief passed through Betsy, but Carla could hear the tremor still lingering in her voice.
“Your mum is in the hospital,” Carla said, her heart thudding in her chest. “I won’t go into all the details over the phone, but she had to have emergency surgery. She’s asleep now and stable, but when she wakes up, I’m sure she’d love to see you.” Carla poured every ounce of positivity she could muster into her words, knowing that the truth behind Lisa’s situation was a dark cloud she couldn't bear to share just yet.
After what felt like a tiny eternity of silence, Betsy had agreed to rush over. Carla quickly texted her the ward's details, her heart swelling with relief when Betsy mentioned she would catch the bus. The thought of not having to leave Lisa’s side washed over her like a soothing balm, allowing her to breathe just a little bit easier amidst the uncertainty hovering around them. For now, all that mattered was the bond of love that tethered them all together, each heartbeat a reminder of resilience and hope.
A little while later, Lisa slowly emerged from her slumber, still enveloped in a thick fog of grogginess that weighed heavily on her. Before she even opened her eyes, she sensed a warm hand clasping hers, instinctively comforting her in the stillness. Finally, she managed to flutter her eyes open and was immediately greeted by the sight of her girlfriend’s face, a beacon of familiarity and love. When their gazes met, a powerful connection surged between them, grounding them in that tender moment.
“C-Carla…” Lisa whispered, her voice a raspy whisper, barely able to form the words she so desperately wanted to say.
Carla, her heart aching at the sight of Lisa’s struggle, quickly poured a glass of water. She gently lifted the cup to Lisa’s lips, cradling her head with a tender hand to ensure she could sip without pain. “Shh, darling. You don’t have to say anything right now,” she murmured softly. Once Lisa finished, Carla placed the cup down on the table with care, her eyes still locked onto Lisa’s. “I talked to Betsy, and she’s on her way. I told her you had surgery and that you’re okay. I didn’t give her any more details… I just didn’t want to worry her. I hope that’s alright with you.”
With each word, Carla's love and protectiveness shone through, offering Lisa a comforting anchor in the midst of her uncertainty.
Lisa’s heart swelled with gratitude as she took in the depths of Carla’s care, a fierce protector always making sure her and her daughter wouldn’t feel anxious or fearful. How on earth had she found such an incredible woman? “Thank you,” she whispered, squeezing Carla’s hand gently, a silent acknowledgment of the love that enveloped her. “Carla, please… can you be here when I tell her what happened? I can’t bear to do this alone.” As the weight of her emotions pressed down on her, tears began to well in Lisa’s eyes, and Carla could see the panic reflecting on her face.
“Of course I can, sweetheart. If that’s what you need, I’ll be right by your side,” Carla responded, her voice steady yet filled with warmth. “You know I’d do absolutely anything for you, right?” She had expressed her love in the early hours, but in that moment, she felt the urge to reassure Lisa even more. After all, her heart was so vulnerable now; it wasn’t like Lisa could turn away or run from the truth.
“I know, thank you,” Lisa replied, her voice trembling with sincerity.
With tenderness, Carla rose and moved closer, planting a gentle kiss on Lisa’s forehead, a promise sealed with love. “Don't worry, I’m not going anywhere." In that moment, the world outside faded as their hearts intertwined, creating a bond that would help them face whatever lay ahead.
Suddenly shattering the fragile calm that had settled in the room, Betsy burst through the door, her worry palpable, etched across her features. “Mum!” she cried, rushing to the bed and enveloping her mother in a gentle embrace, instinctively cautious not to hurt her. In that moment, Betsy's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of anxiety. “What happened to you? Are you okay? Carla said you had to have surgery! Where are you hurt?” Words tumbled out in a desperate rush, the frantic need to grasp the reality of her mother’s situation overwhelming her.
Seeing the fear etched on her daughter’s face, Lisa reached out, taking Betsy’s trembling hands in hers, guiding her to the empty chair across the bed from Carla. “Hey, Bets, sit down,” she said softly, her own heart aching for her daughter. “I’m okay. I’m here. Just take a breath, and we’ll tell you what happened.” It was like a soothing balm on a raw wound, Lisa's gentle tone wrapping around Betsy like a protective shield, trying to calm the storm raging within her.
As Betsy took a deep breath, the tension in the room momentarily eased. Yet, Lisa could feel the weight of the truth pressing down on her, knowing how difficult it would be for her daughter to bear. She exchanged a silent glance with Carla. There was solace in that gaze, a reminder that she wouldn’t have to face this alone. With a warm hand clasping hers, Carla leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss on Lisa’s knuckles, imbuing her with strength.
Betsy shifted anxiously in her chair, her big eyes darting between her mother and Carla as she silently begged for one of them to offer clarity. The room was thick with unspoken words, a palpable tension hanging in the air as time seemed to stretch. Finally, drawing in a shaky breath, Lisa found the courage to break the silence.
“Bets… I needed to have surgery because I was stabbed.” The words hung in the air like a heavy fog, each syllable laden with heartbreak and disbelief.
Betsy’s face fell, shock flooding her features as her world spun off its axis. “What? No, Mum, no!” she choked out, the raw fear in her voice slicing through the air. She leaned forward, wide-eyed, desperate for reassurance. “Who did this? How… how could this happen? I knew something like this would happen! Just like it did with mum!”
Tears cascaded down Lisa’s cheeks as she absorbed her daughter’s anguish, her heart breaking for the pain she had unintentionally thrust upon her. “I know, sweetheart. I’m so sorry. I was trying to make an arrest and… he attacked me.” Each word felt heavy, loaded with the fear that had latched onto them all.
Carla squeezed Lisa’s hand, grounding her in the present while also providing comfort to Betsy. “But your mam is here now, and she’s getting better,” Carla spoke softly, her voice a steady anchor among the emotional turbulence. “We’re going to take this one step at a time, okay? We’re all in this together.”
Betsy looked at Carla with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty, her gaze then returning to her mother. "Mum, I… I’m scared. I can’t lose you too." Her voice broke as fresh tears began to spill.
“Oh darling, you’re not going to lose me,” Lisa admitted, her heart aching with the truth of her words. “I promise i’m okay. I will do everything in my power to heal. I’ll fight through this, and I need you to be strong for me.”
In that moment, the walls of fear began to come down as they held onto one another, their emotions swirling in a beautiful yet chaotic dance of love, pain, and determination. And though the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, they would face it together, united in their strength and love.
After what felt like an epic struggle against the pull of slumber, Lisa finally surrendered to sleep, her body relaxing into a serene stillness that enveloped her like a warm hug. Across the room, Betsy sat quietly, the weight of exhaustion etched deeply in her weary eyes, reflecting the turmoil of her thoughts. Carla’s heart ached at the sight, and she couldn’t bear to see the young Swain burdened alone. With a gentle touch, she leaned forward, her voice softening with compassion. “Betsy, love,” she began, her words laced with sincerity. “You look utterly worn out. How about this? Why don’t you come stay at my place until your mam is feeling better? You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I just can’t bear the thought of you being by yourself.”
Betsy met Carla’s gaze, her heart fluttering at the warmth of the offer. “Are you sure?” Her voice was a fragile whisper, holding a flicker of hope amidst her uncertainty.
“Of course, I’m sure!” Carla replied with unwavering reassurance, her spirit brightening. “I’ll even spoil you with a takeaway of your choice, and you can try out my fancy new face mask, too!” She punctuated her invitation with a playful wink, radiating warmth.
A hesitant smile broke across Betsy’s face, a gentle relief washing over her. “Thanks, Carla,” she said softly, gratitude flowing in her words. She paused, a playful light dancing in her eyes as she teased, “So, this fancy face mask, huh? Is that what you boomers use to keep your skin looking so good?”
Carla burst into laughter, the sound vibrant and full of life. “Oi! I’ve told you before, I’m not a boomer!” she shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
————
Just as Ryan arrived to offer Betsy a lift back to the flat, the tranquility of the moment shattered—Lisa stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open. Instantly, she felt a rush of concern wash over her as she took in the scene, noticing her girlfriend’s exhausted visage, overshadowed only by the fatigue etched into her daughter’s face. “Carla,” she murmured, voice heavy with emotion, “as much as I love having you here, you need to go with Ryan and Betsy. You look utterly spent. You deserve your bed.”
“No, Lisa, I’m not leaving you,” Carla insisted, her voice trembling slightly with determination, even as her exhaustion pulled at her.
Sensing the unsaid weight in the air, Ryan stepped in, offering a brief escape. “Hey, let’s go grab a coffee downstairs, Betsy,” he suggested, a knowing look exchanged with Lisa. With that, he led Betsy from the room, leaving the two women in a fragile silence.
The moment felt palpable as Lisa searched for Carla’s gaze, desperation and concern flooding her heart. “Carla, look at me,” she urged, her voice low and soothing.
Hot tears began to well in Carla’s eyes, threatening to spill over, but she took a deep breath, steeling herself as she turned to face Lisa. “Please, Lisa, don’t make me leave,” she pleaded, her voice breaking, vulnerability spilling forth like an open wound.
With a tender touch, Lisa reached for Carla’s hands, enveloping them in her own, pressing soft kisses against her knuckles. “Hey, I’m not making you do anything, okay?” she whispered, her tone a comforting balm. “I know today has been so hard on you, and I’m so sorry for putting you through that.” Lisa paused, her heart racing, a shocking realisation hit her like a bolt of lightning, electrifying the air between them. “Wait a minute—why were you even there, Carla? How did you know where I’d be?”
The question hung like a dark cloud, heavy and suffocating. Carla froze, the silence wrapping around them like a shroud, her heart racing with the intensity of the moment. The truth felt like a boulder lodged in her throat, pushing against the walls of her resolve. But then, as if the pressure had grown too great to contain, the words exploded out of her, raw and unfiltered. “I followed you.”
The room seemed to vibrate with the weight of her confession. “You followed me? Why?” Lisa's voice was sharper now, tinged with disbelief and betrayal.
Carla felt her stomach twist, a mix of fear and defiance swirling within her. “Because I was scared!” she shot back, the edge of her voice biting at the air. “I couldn’t just stand by and let you walk into danger without knowing what was happening.”
She felt the tension pulse around them, wondering if she’d crossed a line that could never be uncrossed as she watched Lisa’s expression shift, searching for understanding in the chaos.
“After you told me about Jordan and Chelsea, I couldn't think of anything else—just the worry consumed me. When I heard you leave, I had to know where you were going. I saw you had no back up, and that’s when I called the police.” Tears started to form in Carla’s eyes before she continued. “Anyway, what the hell were you thinking? Going into a situation like that alone. You could have been killed?!”
Lisa's heart sank, a wave of guilt washing over her as she realised the turmoil she had inflicted on her girlfriend. “Oh, Carla... I’m so sorry,” she breathed, pulling their hands closer, urging Carla to step nearer for a tender embrace. In that shared moment of vulnerability, both women found solace, holding each other tightly as tears streamed down their faces, the pain of worry dissipating in their shared comfort.
As their sobs began to fade, Lisa reluctantly pulled away, gently nudging Carla back so they could meet each other's gaze. “Carla, I know you’re scared, and I'm so sorry for making you feel like that,” she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. “But please, just listen to me, then you can decide what to do.” She sought Carla’s eyes, locking onto her with unwavering sincerity. “Why don’t you go home? Have a nice relaxing bath, eat some dinner with Ryan and Betsy. And once you’ve settled, I promise I’ll call you. We can stay on the phone all night if you want—I can’t stand to see you like this. You need to get a good night’s sleep in the warmth of your own bed.”
Carla hesitated, the stark white walls of the hospital room feeling like a cage around her. The beeping of machines and the smell of antiseptic filled the air, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. She could hear the faint sounds of Ryan and Betsy approaching the room, but the allure of warmth and laughter seemed distant compared to the reality unfolding in front of her.
“Alright,” she finally whispered, her voice trembling. “I’ll go with them. But only for a little while.”
Lisa's eyes, filled with pain and concern, softened in response. “That’s all I ask,” she replied, managing a faint smile despite her weakness. “Just take some time to breathe. I’ll be right here waiting for you. I promise I’ll call.”
As Carla hurriedly gathered her things, each item felt heavier than the last, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and sorrow. The thought of leaving Lisa alone in the stark, sterile surroundings of the hospital clawed at her insides like a relentless storm. It felt wrong, so deeply wrong, to step away when Lisa needed her most. Yet, gnawing at her, there lingered a whisper of hope: perhaps a brief escape could clear her muddled thoughts, give her the strength to return.
She turned back toward Lisa, her chest tightening at the sight of her partner’s fragile form, pale against the crisp sheets, the rhythmic beeping of the machines echoing their heartbeats. Standing beside the bed, Carla felt the raw, aching love that poured from her soul. She leaned in, gently pressing her lips to Lisa's in a kiss that conveyed everything she couldn’t say in words—an avalanche of emotion, love, and suffocating fear swirling together like a tempest.
In that tender moment, the world outside faded away. It was just them—the warmth of her lips against Lisa’s, a silent conversation filled with promises of hope, of courage, of not being alone. Every inch of her wanted to stay, to anchor herself to Lisa’s side, but she knew that this was also about survival. They needed to fight together, and sometimes fighting meant taking a breath, stepping out, and returning renewed.
Carla pulled back slightly, searching Lisa’s eyes for reassurance, for a sign that this was okay. In those soft, vulnerable depths, she found a flicker of understanding, an invitation to be both strong and tender. “I’ll be back before you know it,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I promise, just a little time away. I love you.”
With a hesitant but hopeful heart, she stood back up, forcing herself to turn toward the door, the ache of love heavy in her chest but the anticipation of returning fueled by determination.
Moments later, she could hear footsteps just outside, the familiar voices of Ryan and Betsy filtering through the closed door. “Hey, we’re back!” Ryan chirped, his tone buoyant, the scent of coffee trailing behind him.
Carla exchanged one last glance with Lisa, who offered an encouraging nod. The sight of her partner, confined to the hospital bed, tugged at Carla's heart—each moment away felt like a betrayal, yet she knew she needed this.
Ryan's expression shifted to gentle concern as he noticed her trepidation. “So, are you coming?” he asked, gently urging her with his voice.
Carla looked between them, feeling a mix of anxiety and comfort in their presence. “Yeah, I think I will," she said, willing herself to sound more certain than she felt.
Betsy fell in beside Carla, her voice a soothing balm. “You’ll feel better once you’re with us. Mum will be okay.”
But as she stepped out of the hospital's sterile embrace, a lingering worry followed her: if anything changed while she was gone, if Lisa needed her.
She pushed those thoughts aside, clinging to the hope that this brief reprieve would give her the strength to return, ready to face the challenges ahead—knowing deep down that Lisa would be waiting for her, patient and loving, with open arms.