Inked Chaos (25 page)

I stand
up and walk around the room, taking stock of my surroundings.  The dirty covers
on the bed, the boarded up window and the wash basin with a dirty ring around
it.

I stop
and listen carefully, but hear nothing, not even a slight noise.  Turning
around I walk back and sit down on the filthy bed.  I guess there is nothing left
for me to do, but sit and await my fate.

*****

I don’t
know how long it’s been.  I’ve lain on this bed, my head full of the memories
of AJ and me.  Of my life growing up with my family.  Even memories of James
have snuck to the surface, before I’ve filed them away in the back of my mind.

My body
aches all over, protesting whenever I move position, trying to alleviate the
pains in my arms.  My hip hurts where I landed on the tarmac of the car park,
and my cheek feels tight so I think it maybe swollen, and my lip is throbbing
from where he backhanded me.

The
temperature has dropped, and the small amount of light that could be seen
around the boarded up window has diminished, so I suspect that night-time has
fallen.  In all this time, not a sound or a word has come from my two captors.  I’m
hungry and I’m thirsty and I could do with using the bathroom.

Having
intermittently kicked the door, but gaining no response.  I’ve come to the
conclusion that they have long since left the premises, leaving me here all
alone, and I feel not for the first time tears trickle down my cheeks.

I wonder
what AJ thought when I didn’t arrive home.  Did Spencer explain about Martinez?
 Was he even in on the plan?

Beginning to feel cold, I try unsuccessfully to manoeuvre the dirty
bedcovers around myself as best as I can, curling myself into a ball.  Trying
to contain my body heat, I try to settle and get some sleep.  The last thing I
think of, as I drift off with a tear running down my face, is AJ, and the
moment on the beach when he proposed.

A noise wakes me up, and I
jack-knife into the sitting position, my body protesting against the swift
movement of my aching limbs.  Sitting with my side against the headboard, my
knees drawn up, holding my breath, I listen carefully.  I’m scared, so scared;
I can’t contain the shaking.  Have they come to finish me off?

Trying not to make a sound, I sit in the
dark with my eyes pointed in the direction that I know the door to be.  Waiting... 
Maybe I misheard.  No, there it is again, a kind of shuffling of feet.  Oh God,
please don’t let them hurt me and my baby.  Please.  

I tense as I hear the door handle being
turned; but I jump when whoever it is, on discovering the door is locked,
decides to kick it in; sending it slamming back on its hinges with a loud bang,
the wood splintering, the noise causing me to flinch.

A torch light lands on my face forcing me
squint, and I turn my face away, listening to the commotion as several people
enter the room.

“LAPD miss.  Are you Jorgi Morgan?”  A
police officer asks as he sits on the bed next to me, and as gently as he can,
pulls the tape from my mouth, making me whimper with the pain.

“Yes.”  I croak with a hoarse voice through
dry sore lips.  “Yes, I’m Jorgi.”

I listen as another officer speaks into his
radio, confirming that they have found me, followed by an announcement of “send
him in”, which confuses me, until I hear a voice shout “let me through”.  Everything
then becomes clear, as I see Tiny push past the officer standing in the
doorway.

Never have I been so pleased to see him,
and the tears burst forth from me uncontrollably, so by the time he reaches the
bed, I’m a sobbing wreck.

“It’s okay Jorgi.  It’s all over, I’m here
to take you home.”  He says gently, whilst taking over from the officer trying
to untie my wrists.  I let out an involuntary moan, as the pain in my shoulders
and wrists hits on release from their binds.

“Can you walk?”  He asks, as he rubs my
arms and wrists trying to dispel the pain.

“Yes, I think so.”  I
reply.

“Okay, let’s go.”  He says and grasps my
hands, to help pull me to my feet.

I was wrong.

My legs buckle and with a curse under his
breath, he quickly puts one arm around my back and another under my knees,
picking me up before striding his way out of the room, down the corridor, and
finally out of the building.

As we reach outside, he heads towards an
ambulance waiting for us.

“Tiny, please take me
home.”  I beg.

“I will Jorgi, I promise,
but we need to have you checked out first. 

Go with the paramedics, I’ll
be right behind you.”

“AJ?”  I ask

“AJ knows you’re safe, and
you’ll see him soon.”

It seems I have no choice.  Tiny deposits
me into the ambulance, the doors are closed, and we speed off with the lights
and sirens announcing our way.

It doesn’t take long to travel to the
hospital, and true to his word, Tiny is right there waiting when the ambulance
doors are opened.

Although I insist I can walk, the paramedics
refuse to allow me and I’m wheeled into one of the emergency bays, with Tiny
walking by my side.

The medical team try to insist that he
remains out in the waiting area.  Unfortunately this sends me into a panic.  I
feel safe whilst he is here, and the thought of him not being within reaching
distance, fills me with terror.  I start to shake, shouting that no way are
they going to evict him from the bay.  Needless to say, they let him remain.  I
don’t think I give them much choice really.

When the doctor arrives, he declares I am
going to have a wonderful bruised face, for a few days.  He also mentions an
x-ray on my hip, and asks as a precaution if there is any chance of pregnancy
due to the risks.  My eyes fly to Tiny then straight back to the doctor.

“Miss Morgan?”  He questions.

I’d wanted AJ to be the first to know about
the baby, but I have no choice.  I have to divulge the information for safety’s
sake.

“Yes, I’m pregnant.”  I rush out and
swiftly look to Tiny at my side.  “You’re sworn to secrecy.”  I declare through
narrowed eyes.  “AJ doesn’t know yet.  I only found out earlier today.” 

“Of course”.  He replies.  I can tell he’s
momentarily shocked, before his face breaks out into a grin.

Our conversation is interrupted by the
doctor, who after asking several questions, deems that as I can walk, and due
to the pregnancy, he’s willing to forgo the x-ray.  Although, only on the
understanding, that if I have any problems over the next few days, that I am to
return to the hospital immediately.  About to agree to his terms, I’m
distracted by a commotion outside; which is shortly followed by AJ bursting
into the bay, anxiety written all over his face.  

On seeing me, it takes but moments before
I’m wrapped in his arms, my face in his neck and I can’t help it, I start to
cry; the sobs coming thick and fast, as his arms become tighter and tighter.  When
I finally have a handle on my emotions, he leans back and with a hand on either
side of my face, his eyes scan over my features.  His face tensing when they
land on my cheek and lip.

Looking quickly around the room, I notice
that we have been left alone.  Leaning forward I rest my head against his chest.

“I’m okay.  I’m a bit sore, but I’m okay.”  I
assure him.

“Birdie, your face!”  He says, leaning
forward to gently kiss my now bruised cheek.

“AJ honestly, it’s just bruises and I’m a
bit sore in places.  I think the doctor was just about to say I could come home.
 He wouldn’t say that if I wasn’t okay would he?”

“God Birdie.”  He whispers against my mouth
before gently kissing my sore lip.  “I’ve been to hell and back these last
hours.”

“It was Brooke and Martinez.”  I say in a
panicked rush.  “It was Brooke who sent the letters, she told me so herself.”  I
reveal almost frantically.

“Shush, I know.”  He replies, smoothing a
hand over my hair.  “Don’t worry, they’re in police custody.  I’ll tell you all
about it later.  Let’s just get you home safe.”

“AJ!”  I blurt out in a rush.  I didn’t
want to tell him about the baby here, but I can’t risk the doctor coming back
in, and mentioning it before I have a chance to tell him.  I want to tell him
myself, so I take a deep breath.  He’s so handsome, and he is mine and I hope
that the news I am about to impart, is welcomed.

“I found out today... I’m pregnant AJ,
we’re going to have a baby.”

I watch as a radiating smile covers his
face, and I feel instant relief and free from the worry, that he wasn’t going
to be happy about the baby.

Wrapping his arms around me, he kisses my
temple gently.  Then resting his lips close to my own, I feel his breath, as he
smiles again and whispers.

“I know.”

“You know?  How do you
know?”  I ask shocked.

“The police found the Range Rover.  They
also found your phone, and your handbag, and asked me to confirm that they
belonged to you before they searched it for clues.  I was in the room when they
did Birdie.  You have to know, I have never felt such joy and happiness as the
moment I saw that little stick, and recognised it for what it is.  I love you
Birdie, and the baby.  I couldn’t be happier.”

He knew, and he was delighted about the
baby.  I had worried unnecessarily.  I felt it then, a feeling of contentment
flow over me, filling me up with peace and a bliss that fills me to the very
core of my soul.

“Take me home AJ.”  I say
with a sigh.  “I want to go home.”

*****

I’m starting to lose my mind.  For three
days I have been languishing in bed under doctor’s orders.  Okay on the first
day, I really needed the rest; the kidnapping having taken more out of me than
I had realised.

I had to endure giving a statement to
Detective Mason, feeling the air getting tense along with AJs body, as I
described how Martinez had first tackled me to the ground and then struck me.

I’ve
also had a visit from an Obstetrician arranged by AJ, who had officially
confirmed my pregnancy, instructed me to take Folic Acid and Vitamins and
arranged a scan appointment for later today so they can date the pregnancy.  Something
that AJ is very excited about.

On the
second day, I’d had a visit from Jen, who cried with relief that I was safe and
then after composing herself, cried again when I told her about the baby.  Other
than Davy, Jen is the only person who would truly comprehend exactly how I am
feeling.  Razor had left us alone to talk and spent the time with AJ, but made
a point of coming and kissing my cheek, before looking into my eyes as he
whispered “Great news”, after AJ told him about the pregnancy.

I’ve
also had a visit from AJs mum Jeanie and sister Casey, who had both burst into
tears after AJ, who had been lounging on the bed next to me, had shared the
news.

On
leaving, his mum had whispered “Thank you” in my ear whilst hugging me.  I
didn’t have a chance to ask her why she was thanking me, but as she moved away,
the look of gratitude and love on her face was intense.  A time will come when
I will ask her.  For now it doesn’t matter.

AJ also
told me how Spencer had phoned in immediately, informing them that Martinez had
“lost his mind”.  He also informed them that he had seen a female in the car,
giving a description and his suspicions that it was Brooke.

AJ had
received a phone call and immediately came home, where he had proceeded to
alternatively pace the floor, and call the police station for updates, until
Detective Mason turned up with my possessions.  This information I had received
from Tiny.

Melody’s
house had been searched, and Melody questioned as to Brookes whereabouts; as
simultaneously a team had moved to Martinez’s home, which is where they had
found me.

It
appears that before guarding me, Martinez had been on Melody Forrester’s
payroll, guarding Brooke.  Seems it was a little more involved than guarding,
seeing as they had a full blown affair; with Martinez totally under her spell
and falling in with her plans.  Plans that came about, because she blamed AJ
for leaving her sister, and me for ‘stealing him away’ and ruining any chance
for reconciliation.  They are at this time, becoming acquainted with the
nearest jail.

Melody
had been distraught that her sister had been the one behind the threats and the
kidnaping, and sent flowers and a message that she would like to visit me.  To
which both AJ and I declined for the time being.  I just couldn’t face her, I’m
unsure I ever can.  

AJ has waited
on me hand and foot, to the extent that he is driving me insane.  He refuses to
return to work, saying he is determined I am going to rest as instructed.  Many
a time over the last three days, I have thrown myself back down on my pillows
with a groan of frustration over his antics, wondering how I can possibly put
up with them over the coming months.  On the other side of the coin, he has
been loving, sensitive and the best partner I could have hoped for.

We have
lain on the bed together, making plans.  AJ already mentioning engaging an
interior designer to prepare the nursery.  I have voiced that I wish to do as
much of the designing myself, which he agreed with, but doing so in such a way,
that I just know he doesn’t agree with me at all.  

Deep
down, I won’t be happy until I’ve had todays scan, and I have reached the
twelfth week.  Knowing that I will then be past the stage that I had been at, when
I had the previous miscarriage, I think will ease my mind.  Until then …

Glancing
at the clock, I decide it’s high time I dressed ready for my hospital appointment.
 Walking into the bathroom, stripping off my pyjamas as I go, I catch sight of
myself in the large full length mirror by the door.

Resting
my hands on my belly, I stare at myself, imagining how my reflection will be in
a few months’ time.

A strong
pair of arms wrap around my body from behind, and hands come to gently rest on
top of my own.  I look at AJ in the mirror, seeing our reflection, and I smile.
 I never dreamt I could be this happy.

I’m
loved by the most beautiful, caring and loving man.  A man who is not afraid to
show me evidence of his love, in every little thing he does for me.  Yes indeed,
I am truly living the dream.

Resting
his chin in the crook of my neck, his hands covering mine, AJs eyes meet my own
in the mirror.

“Love
you Birdie.  Never thought I could feel as full of love as I do with you.”  Moving
my hair away from my face, he kisses my cheek before once again resting his
chin on my shoulder, his eyes returning to mine.  “I know we’ve had our rough
moments, but they were worth it.  To be here now, as we are, yep, I reckon they
were totally worth it.  I swear to you Birdie, I swear I will love and treasure
you for the rest of my days.  Thank you for loving me my Humming bird.”

I stare
at his reflection in the mirror, my heart swelling with love for him.  Turning
in his arms I wrap one arm around his waist and place the other with my palm resting
on his chest.

“I don’t
know what you see in me.  Wait!”  I say seeing him open his mouth to speak,
then with a frown close it again.  “You know I have insecurities, I guess I
always will a little, but they are fading AJ.  Your love is pushing them aside,
filling the cavity with your patience and understanding.  Giving me
confidence.  When Brooke was ranting away, I knew deep down that you loved me.  There
was never any doubt in my mind.  I used that AJ.  I used it to give me strength
while I was lying there, waiting for either rescue or the end.”  Feeling his
arms tighten around me as I speak, I quickly carry on.  “You have shown me what
true love really feels like.  You’ve taught me how to give and receive it.  I
thought I had love with James, but it wasn’t.  I think I was in love with being
in love.  With the whole wedding/marriage thing.  Yes, I was broken when it
ended, but thinking about it, I think a lot of it was wounded pride at my
failure.  Now…. losing the baby; that killed me.  I thought I would never
recover from the miscarriage and certainly not the knowledge that I would never
have another chance of being a mother.  Yet here I am, standing with you, a man
who is beautiful inside and outside, and I’m carrying your child.  Full with
the knowledge that I, or rather we, are loved.  So no AJ.  I thank you.  For
loving me enough to not give up on me.  For fighting for me when times got
tough, and I was the coward walking away.  For showing me what true love really
is, and for giving me the child I never thought I would have.”