One Last Love by Derek Haines Read Free Book Online Page B

Napoleon.’
    ‘So it’s Charles then?’
    ‘Yeah, but can’t remember being called that since I was at school.’
    ‘My mother was always very strict and wouldn’t let anyone abbreviate my name to Maddie. Oh she would get so angry if she heard anyone try.’
     ‘So are you from the south?’
    ‘No, I’ve always lived up here. I’ve been down there a few times on holidays, but the weather is so cold and miserable. Chills me to the bone. So, are you from up here too?’
    ‘No. I moved up about six years ago after my wife died. Needed a change. Must admit I don’t miss the cold weather at all.’
    ‘Kids?’
    ‘Just one son but he died in an accident when he was eleven.’
    ‘I’m sorry.’
    ‘Oh these things happen. It’s just life. You take the good with the bad.’
    ‘Yes, my philosophy too. But then again, it’s a beautiful morning so best we enjoy what we have.’
    ‘That’s for sure,’ he said as he reached for his packet of cigarettes. ‘Do you smoke?’
    ‘Oh, I’m rather infamous on that front. I’ve never been a regular smoker, but rather specialised in smoking other peoples’ cigarettes from time to time. My late husband used to call me a cheapskate smoker,’ she laughed.
    ‘Would you like one?’ Bonnie said offering the open packet towards Madeleine.
    ‘You know, it’s been months and months. I think I will. Thank you.’
    Madeleine took the cigarette and Bonnie lit it for her, then lit his own. He coughed, she just spluttered a little before they both sat quietly for a minute or two enjoying the view, and their cigarettes.
    ‘Very unhealthy,’ Madeleine said as she gazed at the roses.’
    ‘So’s getting hit by a cement truck,’ Bonnie replied as he gazed at the roses as well.
    *****
    Bonnie was sitting with Madeleine in the dining room when Danny, and then a few minutes later, Angeline arrived. After introductions, they ordered lunch. Their conversation quiet, reserved and polite. Mostly about the weather. While Angeline appeared to have slightly more colour than when Bonnie had seen her earlier in the morning, Danny was looking poorly. His face grey and was clearly having occasional breathing problems.
    ‘That’s a pretty scarf,’ Madeleine said.
    ‘Oh thank you. My mum bought it for me. I think it’s from Kashmir. I’ve got a huge collection now what with the chemo and stuff,’ Angeline replied.
    ‘Could probably do with a couple myself,’ Bonnie laughed as he scratched at his thin threads of white hair.’
    ‘I think blue would suit you Bonnie.’
    ‘Ok, blue it is then Nancy.’
    ‘Nancy?’ Madeleine asked somewhat confused.
    ‘Oh it’s just Bonnie Madeleine. He thinks I’m the evil thief daughter of Fagin.’
    ‘Well, I see. And what do you steal?’
    ‘Pork crackling mostly, but I’m sure I’ll work my way up.’
    ‘Oh dear, now I’m totally confused,’ Madeleine chuckled. Bonnie noticed Danny wasn’t smiling at the fun.
    ‘You ok?’ he asked quietly as Madeleine and Angeline chatted.
    ‘No, I’m fine. Just a little nauseous. It’ll pass. Probably just need something in my stomach.’
    ‘Let me know if I can do anything, and eh by the way, look, I’m sorry about this morning.’
    ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘I was an arsehole.’
    ‘I didn’t notice,’ he said.
    ‘Well, I was but anyway, just yell if you need anything. Ok?’
    ‘Thanks Bonnie.’
    Lunch arrived and the plates served, then the conversation waned as they started eating. None with hearty appetites, but Danny was obviously having trouble swallowing even very small mouthfuls, then stopped eating.
    ‘You ok?’ Bonnie asked but Danny didn’t reply. His eyes were drifting. ‘I’ll call a nurse.’
    ‘I’ll go Bonnie,’ Angeline said as she spun her wheelchair and headed towards the nurses’ station. Bonnie caught Danny’s head as it started to fall forward towards his plate, while Madeleine moved to help. Between them they managed to get Danny leaning back from the