 
## Time Tells Tales

## Angela's Tale

By

Stephanie Fletcher

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SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Stephanie Fletcher on www.smashwords.com

# "A GIFT FOR ALL"

Copyright © 2014 by Stephanie Fletcher

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This story is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author's imagination and used fictitiously.

Adult Reading Material

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### I dedicate this last tale to my three daughters' and all the grandchildren that may come in the future. I could never have completed my first novel without their support and love.

### To all mothers' everywhere who understand what it is to love unconditionally, whatever colour, race, or religion, we are all children of Mother Earth. In Love and Light, Namaste.

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### I hope you enjoy reading this Novel as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

### Stephanie.

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Time Tells Tales

A Novel in Five Tales

Set in Ireland and England in the early 1900's, covering a century, Time Tells Tales is a Novel in five parts or 'Tales'. They explore the history of three families; their interconnected lives are intricately woven together by love, birth, death, and marriage. These lives are spiced up by religion, revenge, scandal, abuse, heartache and spiritual intervention.

The five Tales are told from different perspectives by the characters that drive this novel along to the surprising conclusion, spreading across time, space and dimensions, hence the title - Time Tells Tales.

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# Angela's Tale – A Gift For All

### Tell the Tale that Time has Hidden

### Tell its Story now!

### Reveal the Truth of Death and Birth

### Of a Forbidden Love and a Curse

### That Slept for Ten long years

### And now must be Revealed.

### Tales that Time had locked away

### Now screaming to be Free

### Unfold the Mystery of Love and Loss

### The Truth of Lies and Lust

### Bring to an End this Tale of Crimes

### A Tale to be Told until the End of Time

### By Stephanie Fletcher3/8/2013

# Prologue

### The year is 2008, and it is currently October.

Death was always a sad affair to most people. Angela knew this and respected their grief, yet she could see the other side of the coin, beyond the veil that to most is hidden. This gift enabled Angela to reach out to the relatives of the dying, who had passed over, and bring them to their loved ones bedside.

She was always amazed how just before the moment of the last breath they would suddenly look at peace; some even spoke aloud to their family from across the divide, happy to see their parents or siblings who had come to collect their spirit.

In that moment all fear evaporated and they let go of their mortal ties, happy to move on. The family left behind did not see this, only but a few other enlightened souls could share in Angela's view of death as being reborn into spirit - our true form.

After the family had said their 'goodbyes' Angela would stay to do the time honoured traditions of laying out the corpse, the empty shell like remains. While she did this, she would chat away to any spirit who had remained behind, of the deceased relatives, while they thanked her for making the transition as peaceful as possible.

Sometimes her beloved Grandma Serena would come and say hello. Her Grandparents had never truly left her; she had always been able to see her Grandma since she was a little girl and had spent time with her Granddad Jim to help him with his grief when his wife passed over from cancer when she was only five years old.

She had helped him to acknowledge that his wife of fifty-two years was still around him, and it had been difficult as he was such a skeptic, but with her Grandma's help and a special photo, they did it and changed his life. Jim was now seventy-eight years old, still alive, and kicking as much as his arthritis would allow him.

* * * * *

Angela never knew when somebody was going to die, but she did know how to comfort them in their last hours. After her basic nurse training, she had specialised in care of the elderly and terminally ill and she loved it – it was not a job, it was a vocation.

In October 2008, she was approached by a specialist unit in the Midlands near to where her parents lived in Lichfield. A National Health and privately sponsored research unit, which had been recently built. It took care of long-term coma patients, the chronically disabled and terminally ill.

Most would think it was a very depressing idea to put such an assortment of patients together but this was an innovative establishment that pioneered new, and some controversial ideas. Such as reiki, aromatherapy, acupuncture, meditation and so on and so forth, as well as having all the latest cutting edge medical equipment and operating theaters.

The newly appointed Matron knew Angela from Nursing College, where they had been friends, and she had heard of her gift with the terminally ill and dying. Therefore, she had put Angela's name forward as a specialist nurse that she would like to hire and invited her for an interview.

This unique hospital included a Hospice unit, where terminally ill patient's resided as well as those who were considered to be in a coma and not expected to survive. Angela was unsure about the post. She was very flattered her friend had thought of her but she was not sure what she had to offer a research unit in an area she did not know much about. It was nearer to her parent's home though, so that was a plus.

Angela decided to research this new field of comas. She learnt there were many type's of coma ranging from very deep, where there was no response to stimuli, or in shallower states where the patient can move, open their eyes and have some level of consciousness. She learnt that comas are graded on a scale called the Glasgow Coma Scale, and the score is calculated by the amount of response to stimuli, from 1, where there is no response to a maximum of 15, where a patient can move, speak, and open their eyes. Care for these long term coma patients constituted of palliative care – feeding, washing, turning them into other positions than lying flat on their backs to prevent bedsores, and physiotherapy to try and keep the muscles and joints from wasting away or seizing up solid causing deformities.

The unit she had been invited to visit and the job she would undertake was in the wing where the coma patients were in a persistent vegetative state, where the coma has been over six months and is commonly known as P.S.V. In this state, the coma patients had sleep-wake cycles, where there was no conscious awareness of self or their surroundings and when in this condition for a year or more, sadly - they very rarely recovered.

If she took this new position, her job would entail personal care of the patient's she would be assigned to and their relatives, who were encouraged to visit as much as they wanted too. Most of this type of coma patients would be off ventilators and be able to breathe on their own, but some had to be fed by a feeding tube directly to the stomach, which had to be watched closely to prevent infection. The personal care would be a plan drawn up by the doctor's, specialised nurses as herself, and other departments such as physiotherapy but uniquely, the relatives were a key part in the plan, as they would be expected to implement the coma stimulation programme.

This was a list of activities, simple ideas such as talking to the patient, or reading to them, helping them with bathing and feeding, and stimulating them with sensations such as touching, feeling, smells, and sounds. For those who opened their eyes, they would put on the television programmes they liked, photographs of familiar places or people they knew – it all sounded very exciting to Angela. Even though she found satisfaction in helping her dying patients crossover, it would be a refreshing change to try to make a difference to the life of someone alive but trapped in the undiscovered country of 'Comas'.

The coma patient's that did regain consciousness, which was very rare, a miniscule percentage, would lose mobility due to being in bed for so long. Muscles would de-condition, legs and arms would cramp and twist in a permanent distortion and there would be extensive neurological damage in many cases, where speech, co-ordination, and behavior would need to be addressed with therapy and counseling.

At present, she worked in a prestigious hospice in London, and she considered herself lucky to be offered this position straight out of nursing college, beating over thirty other applicants. She had been in the post for over a year, and owned a small one-bedroom flat thanks to the legacy from her Grandma Serena and some monetary help from her parents.

Angela had a good social life but there was no one serious in her life as regards husband material – she was far too busy enjoying life. Eventually after a lot of inward debating, she decided to book a few days leave and go home to see her parents, visit this Coma unit, and see her friend Ann, who was the Matron and had recommended her for the post.

* * * * *

A week later, she was in her beat up but reliable car her Dad had bought and fixed up for her. She was excited to be going home for a long weekend as it had been over six months since her last visit. Angela did not like being away from her post too long as she felt guilty about not being there for her patients who may pass over without the comfort that she could offer them.

She had just driven out onto the M1 when her Grandmother suddenly appeared in the car beside her, making her jump and nearly swerve into the next lane.

"Grandma! For goodness sake, you could choose a better time to visit! I nearly joined you over there."

"Sorry sweetheart... I didn't mean for that to happen, but I have important information that you need to be aware of."

Grandma Serena looked as she always did when visiting Angela - no wings or traditional halo and wearing white shiny robes, but she appeared as a typical pensioner, twin set and pearls with sensible shoes and her handbag clutched closely to her lest she lost it or was mugged! She appeared like this to Angela, as this was Serena's happiest memory of herself, when Angela was a newborn baby. She was only three weeks old when her Grandma had passed away from the cancer that took her life, but she had always known who her Grandma Serena was.

Angela had grown up being able to see, hear, and touch her when it was allowed by the powers that be, as her Grandma had explained. It made her childhood complicated and frustrating but she had survived it, even though she had been labeled 'a strange child' or being treated for psychological problems. Angela had a lot of therapy before her family accepted her gift for what it was. Serena would pop in, usually last thing at night or early in the morning when her parents still slept, and she would play with her, cuddle her, and teach her how to use her gift of second sight.

"Angela I'm afraid I have some sad news for you... Granddad is nearing his time and I want you to be there. He is at home still, but time is running out for him. Could you go straight to him?" Granddad Jim lived in the same town as her parents and usually when she made the trip home, she would go straight to her parent's house first.

"Oh no, Grandma! Really?" It took a moment to absorb what her Grandma had said. "Of course, I shall. Do Mum and Dad know?"

"I think they can sense he is not long for this world but as most children do, they are avoiding the subject."

"Is Granddad aware?"

"Somewhat yes... he still speaks to me daily but he is tired all the time, and he's hiding his pain and fear from everyone else. He is such a stubborn man."

"I remember, Grandma, please don't worry, I'll not stop and go straight there to be with him."

"Thank you Angela. I knew you would. Your compassion and empathy are part of your gift and you use it well. Now there is a happier topic we need to talk of - the new job."

"I should have known you'd know about it. Was it orchestrated from above?" Angela replied tersely.

"Now Angela, you know better than that. Free will, remember? Your life will follow the path you chose, with all the choices you made before you reincarnated – those destinies will happen regardless of free will, but everything else is up to you."

"Mm, I know Grandma, but sometimes it feels like I am on train tracks, going wherever they go, regardless of my wants and needs." They both sat in silence for a moment. "Grandma! Are you going to tell me about this new job then?"

"Oh, sorry sweetheart, I got distracted - I really do not like motorways, they are so crowded, and too many accidents happen on them - I do worry for you. Now, let me see now... ah yes, this is important, Angela. A lot depends on your special gift and nursing ability. All the patients that you will be asked to look after will need your empathy, insight, and your gift. There will be something that will happen - a big event in all the research they are doing. I'm sorry I can't be more specific other than to tell you to follow your instincts and intuition over this."

"Okay... it all sounds a little mysterious but I am going to take the post then?" Angela sighed. Having this gift was such a responsibility and she wasn't looking forward to moving and leaving the life she grown accustomed too.

"Yes love, it is part of your destiny and I know it all sounds a bit of a riddle, but there is life-changing work for to you to do and a puzzle for you to solve."

"Oh Grandma you do make me laugh! Am I to be Sherlock Holmes too?"

"More like Dr Watson." They both laughed.

"Okay, I'll go along with it for now, but first Granddad. I must be there to help him... Mum and Dad are going to need me, and it looks like I am going to be very busy."

"And don't forget there are always rewards for your selfless commitment to others... perhaps there might be a special someone in your life soon?"

"What do you know? Come on... give me a hint, Grandma."

Angela felt her Grandma's warming glow surrounding her and a soft kiss on her cheek but when she next looked - she had gone.

"Grandma you always disappear so quickly, I never get chance to say goodbye!"

Angela heard her Grandma's voice in her head... "Sweetheart, there are no goodbyes to say. I am always here for you, just prayer away. I love you my child."

"Love you too, Grandma." Angel said aloud. It was a good job she had visited her in the car and not at the supermarket, like she had done several times before, making people stare at her talking to herself.

At times like these, Angela would put in her bluetooth earpiece and pretend she was on her mobile phone, and then at least the looks were less than when she appeared to be talking to someone who wasn't there!

* * * * *

Angela made her way quickly and as safely as she could, and went straight to her Granddad Jim's. (Serena's husband.) As soon as she pulled up, she rang her parents and brother, James, on her mobile and told them to come over straight away.

She knocked on the door, her knock getting increasingly louder and more intense, but no answer - was she too late? She made her way round the back of the old family home, where her father had been born and raised, and she herself had spent so many happy years with her beloved Granddad Jim. Luckily, the back door was open but the sight that met her was not good. Her Granddad lay on the kitchen floor unconscious, a plate of mashed potato, sausages, and peas were smashed and scattered all around him. "Obviously last night's dinner..." Angela thought.

Her training kicked in and she was soon on her knees checking his pulse, his breathing and looking for broken bones. He was alive – just. His breathing was shallow and pulse was rapid but no fractures as far as she could ascertain. She reached her mobile and was about to call for an ambulance when Jim spoke.

"Hello Angel" - his pet name for her.

"Granddad lie still, you may have broken something... please don't move."

"Don't worry yourself; Angel, but no hospital! Just get me to my bed, call the Doctor if you want... but you know my time is near - don't you?"

"Granddad... you know I can't be sure of that..." Despite her training and her gift, Angela was close to tears, shocked at seeing him so weak and pale.

"What do you mean? Has my Serena not been to you?" Jim queried.

Angela sighed. Should she lie? Or should she tell what she knew to be true? She bit her lip, a character flaw, a 'tell' that she was deliberating whether to lie or not.

"Now, now, my angel, we both know I am near the end - but because of you and my Serena, I have no fear of this \- I welcome it. This body has had its day on earth; it is tired and worn out. I will miss being here physically, I suppose, but I know I will still be able to watch over you all."

"Oh, Granddad! No one knows when there time is up - not exactly. However, I won't lie. Grandma came to me in the car of all places, as I was driving up here, and we did have a nice long chat. She is here now, beside you." Angela looked across the kitchen floor where her Grandma was kneeling. It was upsetting for both of them as they could see Jim was in pain.

"Mum and Dad will be here soon so they can help me lift you. Where does it hurt?"

"My chest is tight and I have a headache. I must have hit my head when I fell." Jim said pointing to a large bump on the back of his balding head.

"Can you remember what happened just before you fell?" Angela asked in her professional voice.

"Let me see - I was taking my dinner across to the table when I had a pain in my right arm, and then a pain all across my chest and I couldn't breathe. I lost consciousness - I suppose I collapsed." Jim could not stop the tears racing down his cheeks, not from sadness or pain, but from frustration of being seen in this weakened state in front of those he loved. Jim was a man's man, proud, stubbornly healthy all his life – illness to him was a sign of weakness.

"Granddad it's okay. It sounds like you've had a heart attack, you should really go to hospital, you need..."

"No Angel!" Jim replied sharply. "You know I can't abide those places. Ring Dr Lewis, my GP, to come round if you must, but that is it! His number is on the fridge." Angela was miffed, Granddad had never spoken to her so sharply, but she ignored it, knowing it was the pain, fear, and discomfort speaking. She arose to ring this Dr Lewis, who she had never heard of before, and arranged an emergency visit.

"He'll be here in ten minutes Granddad. Are you cold? Shall I get a pillow and a blanket?" Angela was concerned he might be getting hyperthermia.

"I am fine, Angel. The under floor heating has saved me from freezing to death. It's a good job I had switched it on, as it's been so cold for October, it went below freezing and I've not put the garden or the allotment to bed yet...there'll be all kinds of frost damage to see too..." Angela let him ramble on, thinking to herself he was not in any shape for gardening and wouldn't be for some time – if ever again. She turned her face away in case he saw her tears ready to cascade down her face.

"Let me get you a cushion at least." Angela disappeared into the lounge. It was usually spic and span as her Granddad prided himself on keeping it just the same way as his wife, Serena, had done. However, she was met with disarray and dust everywhere. The carpet looked like it had only cleaned in the main walked areas as it now had a visible path. The net curtains were a shade of grey, and not the brilliant white she remembered. The glass cabinet where Grandma's crystal ornaments were displayed was covered in a thick layer of dust. The rubbish bin had overflowed onto the floor, and there were half full mugs of tea lying around, forgotten. "How long has he been struggling?" she wondered, "and why did her parents not know?"

Back in the kitchen, Angela carefully placed the cushion under his head, using the opportunity to give it a good feel for anymore broken skin or lumps other than the one he had already shown her, but there were none - thankfully. At that moment the front door opened and her Dad, Paul, and Mum, June, came rushing in.

* * * * *

"Oh my God, Dad! What happened? Why didn't you call us?" Paul was obviously shaken. June came across and hugged her daughter.

"You knew didn't you? Someone gave you a heads up?" June asked.

"Yes Mum, Grandma's here. I'm afraid it's nearly his time." Angela whispered quietly, so her Dad did not hear. It was going to be hard for him as he was still on the fence, even though he acknowledged his daughter's gift, he was still more 'when your dead - your dead' person, just as his Dad had been until Angela had shown him otherwise. Together, and with as much care as possible, they lifted Jim to his feet.

"Dad you're so thin! When did you stop eating?" Paul said shocked at feeling Jim's bones through his clothing.

"When did he stop cleaning and caring for himself, you mean Dad!" Angela said sharply.

"Now, now." Granddad said. "No need for an argument or any blame. I am old and tired out - my body is at its end, so let us move on and say our farewells in peace. I am ready to join my beloved, and that's that." Jim said with as much finality and conviction as he could muster.

"No Dad... come on, the hospital will sort you out." Paul pleaded choking back the tears.

"No! No! NO! Absolutely not!" Jim practically screamed it out. Angel and I have had this talk already. She knows it is my time. My Serena is here and Doctor Lewis is on his way and he'll make me comfortable and Angela can nurse me through whatever time I have left... this is my final wish, to die in my own home, in my own bed, with my family around me." Jim's voice broke with emotion.

June called Paul into the lounge. "Look at this place, Paul. Why didn't we notice he was struggling so much?"

"I don't know, June. I suppose it has happened gradually and we let it slip by us."

"Paul... if it is his time, he has a right to die wherever he wants. Angela will care for him; it is her job - her thing. Let us do this for him and say our goodbyes where he can be comfortable and happy, surrounded by his memories, in his own home."

"Oh June, I have been dreading this moment. I know Angela's gift is helping the dying - but this is my Dad, and I'm not ready to let him go." Paul breaks down sobbing into his wife's shoulder.

"Let's wait and see what the Doctor says. Okay?"

Back in the kitchen, Jim was sat at the table drinking tea, the drink of choice in all emergencies. The colour in his face had returned, a sure sign his heart was now working reasonably okay. "Is Serena still here, Angel?" Jim asked.

"No Granddad, but she will be back when its time. She said now is the time for the living to do and say what they need."

"That's my Serena... always selfless and thoughtful. Its been so long since I have seen her, since I held her, touched her soft skin, kissed her ruby red lips..." Jim drifted away with his memories, staring off into the distance. A loud knock at the front door made them jump and in no time at all Dr Lewis appeared in the kitchen, bag in hand with Paul and June behind him.

"Can we move him to the settee in the lounge please? Jim you okay to move?" Dr Lewis asked.

"Of course! I'm not dead yet, I just passed out! This is all stuff and nonsense over nothing." Jim replied, winking at Angela. Paul and Dr Lewis lifted him up either side, under his arms, taking his weight as they helped into the lounge and on to the settee.

"Now Jim, can you sit up whilst I listen to your heart and check you over. I think it would be better for all of you to wait in the kitchen." The doctor said looking directly at the three of them, stood in the middle of the room in obvious distress. "Come on now - give the man some privacy!" He more or less shouted at them.

"Not my Angel - she stays. She's a nurse Dr Lewis and I want her here." Jim insisted.

"Okay Jim, she can stay then." Doctor Ben Lewis looked up and saw for the first time, the very attractive woman stood between her shaking parents. Angela could not help but notice that Dr Lewis was extremely good-looking and very professional at what he was doing. June grabbed Paul's hand and led him out of the room, keeping the door open to hear if they were needed.

Dr Lewis began by listening to Jim's recollections of his collapse, and proceeded to give him a good going over - some physical checks and taking some blood for testing. Angela assisted him, then made Jim comfortable on the settee and stayed with him whilst Dr Lewis went into the kitchen to deliver his findings. "I'm sorry Paul, June, but he is in heart failure... it was probably a mild heart attack, but given his age and the other medical problems he has, he is not likely to recover his former health. I would guess his organs are failing one by one, a normal happening in one so old, and with all due consideration, all we can do is keep him comfortable and as pain-free as possible." Ben Lewis really did not like this part of his job - delivering the worst kind of bad news.

"There's nothing you can do? Should he not be in hospital? How can you be so sure this is it?" Paul demanded.

"Paul, I realise it's a shock to you, but I saw your Father about six months ago. We did a lot of blood work and tests then. He has kidney failure, trouble with his prostrate, and angina. He knew then he needed treatment - dialysis, tablets for the chest pain but he refused it all. He made it quite clear to me; he wanted to pass quietly and peacefully at home - with no intervention. I'm sorry Paul, I couldn't tell you at that time, patient confidentiality and all that."

"That's okay, Ben, I understand. As you said, it's just a shock that's all. I mean, I know he was getting on and he seemed frail, but as bright as a button when I saw him. I guess I chose to ignore it in some way." Paul and Ben Lewis were good friends, although Ben was a good fifteen years his junior at thirty-five. They had met whilst playing squash and had partnered up for matches and they did quite well, winning a few nice trophies along the way. Paul knew Ben was giving it to him straight and not padding it out to make it an easier pill for him to swallow.

"Shall we take him upstairs? Better still, should we bring his bed down into the lounge?" Paul suggested.

"Yes, that would probably be best. I think he would like to be around you all, and not stuck up in his room alone."

"I'll go talk to them and thanks Ben; you are a good Doctor and friend."

"It's my job Paul, and I'm glad to do it. I have to go now as I want to get his blood work done, and I need a urine sample if you can manage that. Your daughter, Angela is it? She will be a godsend to you at this time. Jim speaks so highly of his 'angel' as he calls her; she seems a very capable and professional nurse. What area is she in?"

"Palliative care for the terminally ill," Paul replied, with a little smile crossing his face.

"Oh no! Well she came home just at the right time."

"Yes, she has a gift in that area. I'll tell you about it sometime, Ben"

"I'd like that, Paul. Well, we better go and give her a heads up and my phone numbers. Please ring me if there is anything you need and I'll get it arranged, okay Paul?"

"Thanks Ben. That would be great."

They return to the lounge where Jim was set upon his settee, his legs up on a stool, listening to June and Angela catching up with each other. Ben gave Angela a list of instructions, his contact numbers and told her to collect all the apparatus she would need from the surgery in the morning, he would let them know that she would be coming. It was just the basic equipment, to give Jim comfort in his final hours... some stronger medication, a saline IV, a catheter, a bedpan etc. It was nothing new to Angela and she knew she was best placed to see to her Grandfather's comfort.

There was nothing more to do now but to wait. To spend time with him and show him how much he was loved and appreciated. It would be hard on her Father and Mother, but it would be hard on her too. Even though she knew she would never lose him, as such, she had to let go of the physicality of his being there, on the end of the phone, happy to talk to her whenever she needed him. Even though she had a direct line to spirit - it wasn't the same. After all this was her beloved Granddad Jim.

* * * * *

# Chapter 1

## Death, Life and Love.

Granddad Jim had passed over quietly, in his own bed, in his own home, surrounded by those he loved on January 27th, 2009.

He was as dignified in death as he was in life. Angela's Father and Mother were proud and grateful of their daughter's unique caring perspective, which had made this difficult time easier to accept. His transition had been a beautiful time for them all, and now they fully appreciated Angela's _gift_ all the more for having had a first-hand experience.

Jim might be gone in their physical world but he was reunited in spirit with his beloved Serena, who had passed over all those years ago, but now welcomed him with open arms. Angela had witnessed this moment as no others could, and she would treasure it for ever. She knew he would have a time of healing and renewal in spirit before she would see him again, but at least she would see him. Her parents would not. She had rung her place of work and asked for an extended leave to help her parents and her younger brother James, cope with Granddads illness and death. He had an extra couple of months with them due to her care and diligence and now she had to help her family adjust to life without him.

Jim was cremated as per his wishes, and laid to rest in the garden of his home next to Serena's ashes, which were under a small angel engraved with her name and the words _'until we meet again'_. In his will, Granddad Jim, had left Angela his house, in which she had spent a lot of her formative years, to do with as she wanted but never to sell it. He had made it quite clear over the years that this was a special house that must stay in the family and be lived in. Angela was amazed. It was like destiny or fate was giving her no choice in this matter - bringing her back from London and her career there, onto a new path, and a new career here.

Her brother, James, inherited a considerable amount of money which was put in trust until he reached twenty-one, and his Grandfather's collection of model cars that was worth a fortune too. As for Paul and June they had expressed their wish to Jim to not inherit all his estate, they had a good life and were self-sufficient, they did not need his money or house and it would give their children a real chance to do what they wanted in a way they, as parents, could not.

Angela talked at length to her parents about the will and her new opportunity, and the big decision she had to make. She rang the Hospice and cancelled the scheduled interview due to her Granddads demise, and they were very understanding, putting the process on hold until she was free to attend. She did wonder what her old friend had said about her, and why were they so determined on getting her to show up. Even though she knew she would be offered the post, it still meant giving up her life and friend's in London. Was she ready for that? Then the image of that gorgeous, intelligent, Doctor Ben Lewis jumped into her mind, making her heart miss a beat and her stomach fill with butterflies.

Whilst caring for her Granddad she really got to know Ben, and their relationship had gone beyond a professional one! They had spent hours chatting on the phone, texting and had been on one very memorable date. The age gap did not worry her as much as the fact he was her Dad's best friend. What would her Dad say? Was it worth upsetting him all the more at this time? They had decided to keep their budding romance a secret until they were certain their relationship was going to go the distance. It would be silly to upset everyone and then see them drift apart. Angela knew how busy doctor could get and she had her career to think about.

Her Mother had another subject, which was bought up by Jim's death - her parents. Angela had been helping her Granddad build a family tree with the help of the website Ancestry.co.uk, and she had made some headway into her Dad's family, but nothing so far on her Mum's side. It was a painful subject for June. She had not heard from her Mother in many years, in fact since she left Puncheston, in Ireland, to go to university in Dublin. That was where she had met her husband, Paul.

June was a specialised carer and activities leader for the elderly and infirm, having a degree in Health and Social care, before she married Paul and then had Angela. Paul could not persuade June to invite her Mother to their wedding and she never even wrote or called her to inform her of her impending nuptials. Over the years, when pushed on the subject, she would say her Mother was indifferent to her and had mental problems that she had taken out on her. June would tell them she could not cope with her, and as her Father had died in 1979 in his sleep, she had taken the opportunity to _'get the hell out of there'_ before her Mother drove her mad.

Now seemed the right time to open up to her daughter, in fact June felt _compelled_ to tell her everything. It wasn't as if she had a horrific past full of scandal or abuse, quite the opposite - she had a normal childhood, but her Mother was closed off emotionally. She had never felt her Mother's love, or felt wanted or needed and it got worse. In 1982 her brother Jonathan, aged just twenty-five, died in a horrible motorbike accident when he skidded on oil on the road, and hit a lamppost head on. He died instantly, never having known true love or the chance to have a family of his own. It was a waste of a life as far as June was concerned and it was the last time she ever saw her mother again, at his funeral – she felt dead to her too.

As brother and sister, June and Jonathan had never been particularly close. Their father had been a strict authoritarian and devout Roman Catholic. Jonathan had rebelled, getting into fights, driving recklessly, petty theft and eventual - a police record. Her father had reacted by throwing him out of the house at sixteen in 1972, and they never saw him again until the day they buried him. Her Mother, Catherine, withdrew from the world, and hid inside herself, keeping her heart behind an iron cast wall that was now, permanently locked.

There had been no love in their house, not been that much to begin with, and it was not a typical family home. It was sparse and cold; nothing displayed their family love, such as family photographs, decoration in the house consisted of religious items, crucifixes, a picture of the bleeding heart of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and various other grim frightening images of saints and the devil. June had hated them as a child and even more as a teenager, therefore after her brother's funeral, she escaped to university as soon as she could, and never looked back.

She had no contact with her mother since that awful day, and it was mutually agreed, on some level, to keep it that way even though it was not spoken aloud. Her mother was a hard, cold fish of a woman, and June had promised herself, if she were ever to be a Mother, she would never be like that to a child of hers.

Angela had listened in total silence as her Mother opened up to her for the first time, revealing her heartbreak and soul-destroying past. She wondered if her Mum had even told her Dad this much. "And you weren't Mum" Angela insisted. "You have always been supportive and understanding. There is not one day I have not felt loved. It must have been terribly horrible for you." Angela put her arms around her Mother, who was weeping silently and hugged her tightly. She had never seen her Mum this upset – she was shaking, physically trembling in her grief.

There was absolutely no comparison to her Grandma Serena, who couldn't have loved her more, and had loved June as a daughter. It must have been heartbreaking for June to have all the love of a Mother from a person unrelated, and none from her own. "Is she still living Mum?" Angela asked carefully, not wanting to upset her more.

"I'm not sure, you know. I have not contacted her so I couldn't say. I'm not sure I want to know either... Isn't that awful of me?"

"Mum, I am sure when the time is right, you will do what needs to be done - or not. I can't decide for you, even though she is my Grandmother too."

"Angela, I will help you with finishing our family tree as much as I can, but please do not ask me to do any more than that."

"It's okay Mum, and I'm grateful for your help." After another big hug Angela dutifully changed the subject. "It's my big interview tomorrow Mum, so I'd better go and do some preparation for it."

"Are you sure this is what you want to do love?" Her Mum was more relaxed now.

"Not a hundred percent, but I have this gut feeling that it is what I am _'supposed'_ to do. Time will tell I reckon." Angela replied. With that June left her daughter to continue her research on comas and brain injuries on the Internet. Angela went over the research this new hospital come hospice did, which Ann had kindly sent her. She was impressed at the many facilities they offered and was excited to be actually seeing it first hand.

June was very proud of all that her daughter had accomplished in her career so far, but she had always hoped she would eventually move back to Lichfield, and now she had Jim's house. She hoped Angela would begin to settle down, marry, and have kids and a happy life for herself. Time trudges on relentlessly, before you can blink it seems you have another year less to live and accomplish your dreams... and besides, a grandchild would be very welcome addition to the family.

Paul had secretly told June how Ben Lewis, the Doctor who had helped care for Jim, was a bit smitten with Angela. It was strange to think of his friend with his daughter, especially as there was a bit of an age gap, nearly fifteen years, but what the hell - he was educated and good looking with a bright career ahead of him. If he had been ten years younger and not his best friend, it would sit better with him but June pointed out that Angela was very mature and sensible for her twenty years and suggested they should wait until Angela broached the subject to them about her feelings for Ben.

June eventually convinced Paul to let nature take its course, and if it was meant to be, then it would happen regardless of his worries and concerns for their daughter. "Anyway," June said, "they both work in the medical profession, so they would understand all the rigours it demands of them." And silently June thought "Yes, he would do nicely as a son-in-law...Now what could she do to make Angela see that?" She needed to get her to slow down and smell the roses. Focus on herself and not on her career or her _gift_ all the time. June pondered on the problem and silently said a prayer, as Angela had instructed her to do, when wanting to get a message to spirit. June needed Serena and Jim to assist her in getting Angela to appreciate there is more to life than medicine and death.

A book suddenly fell off the coffee table beside her and made her jump. She didn't think she had knocked it off? Suddenly it flashed through her mind \- did Serena do it? She picked up the book and turned it over. _"Time for Wedding Bells"_ was the title. How odd? It wasn't her book, and she didn't think Paul was reading slushy romantic novels or Angela for that matter. How strange? "I guess I got my answer." June thought, as she placed it back on the table and couldn't help looking skywards and offering thanks to Jim and Serena.

* * * * *

# Chapter 2

## The Interview.

The big day arrived all too quickly for Angela and even with her nursing experience and the research she had done, she still felt unprepared and a little overwhelmed at the prospect that lay ahead for her if she took this post. She needn't have worried. The hospice was called Sutton Cottage, in remembrance of the old cottage hospital that had been closed and left unoccupied due to asbestos being found. It was demolished a year ago for this brand new, ultramodern establishment with cutting edge facilities.

It was managed by the National Health Service in partnership with a private drug and medical research company. Angela appreciated that if the pharmaceutical companies, who poured huge amounts of money into research in the hope of trialling a new drug, didn't fund these facilities then nothing would be done for the patients in a coma or with a rare terminal disease.

Her friend, Ann Newbury, of her nurse training years, was the head nurse, and bore the old-fashioned title of Matron. She wore a _'Fifties'_ style uniform that basically entailed, a royal blue dress, buttoned up the front, shirt style with a stiff white mandarin collar. It had white puffed sleeves, and a starched white bib and crossover apron with a rather spectacular white nurse's cap. Angela sincerely hoped she did not have to wear this statement outfit, it looked uncomfortable, but it did suit her friend and she obviously enjoyed wearing it – it demanded respect. Ann looked stunning on meeting Angela in the comfortable chic, reception area. The whole place gave off an air of being a five-star hotel rather than a hospice. It was only the uniforms and doctors with stethoscopes round their necks that gave it away.

All the patients had private rooms with a difference to normal hospital wards. The walls on the corridors were made of a special glass that was a two-way privacy screen instead of old-fashioned curtains. Press a button on the wall and the smoky grey colour became transparent so people could see in and patients could see out. Or on another setting the staff could switch to observation mode which quickly gave a five minute opportunity to view the patient inside before it returned to normal opaque. It was fascinating.

After Ann had shown Angela the whole unit, she was then introduced to the panel of interviewers, which included a specialist doctor in neurology, the hospice manager, a physiotherapist who specialised in treating comatose patients, a counsellor, and an alternative treatment specialist plus Ann herself, who was in charge of the day-to-day care of all the patients, nurses and relatives. The relatives of long-term patients were more involved with patient care but it was Ann's job to make sure they had adequate care too, such as counselling and use of any facilities in the hospital she saw fit.

The interview flew by and two hours later it was all over and Angela had accepted the position. Ann did not reveal Angela's _gift_ of second sight but had told her colleagues about her success as a palliative care nurse, with a degree in psychology and grief counselling. She also told the panel she had never known anyone who was more empathetic as Angela, and at such a young age, as she could always sense how the patient or relative was feeling. Needless to say the panel were very impressed and as the only candidate invited to interview for this position and now it was hers. It was a bonus that it paid handsomely too, even more than she earned in London.

Angela was given a month to organise her move, to give notice to her current employers and begin her new career in the unit where the longest coma patients existed. The hospice was more informal than a big-city hospital with its hierarchy and protocols, but it still had the highest standards of professionalism. She had been told she would only have three patients at anyone time and _all_ their care would be in her hands. She would have to follow their care plan with the relevant departments, and keep everyone up to date with the treatments used. For example, which course of treatment was tried on a patient, how it was implemented, how they responded, all to be recorded in detail and available at all times to the other relevant services via the intranet on the hospital computer system, which, of course, was state of the art as well.

The only other people allowed into the rooms beside the medical departments would be the highly trained and thoroughly vetted cleaners, and of course, the patients' relatives who could visit at anytime and were not restricted to a few hours here and there. They could even stop overnight on a cot bought into the patient's room at times of crisis. All other duties such as toileting, bed making, and general care would be her responsibility and one other highly trained nurse who she would rotate shifts with, and would be her cover for holidays and such like.

Ann took Angela to meet this nurse, who turned out to be male. His name was Felix and he was about forty years old, Ann informed her, married with twin boys whom he was very proud of. He would be under Angela in rank and would have to follow the care plan as Angela saw fit. He was a jovial character with a lot of compassion for his patients and Ann thought they would get on famously.

When Angela returned home to her Mums house she was over the moon at being offered this exciting post and evidently passionate about the move up from London. June had been worried that she wouldn't want to leave her old friends and colleagues. She had been such a comfort to her Dad and herself since the funeral, but listening to her now saying how this position held more responsibility and more freedom for her, that she couldn't wait to start. It was a great relief to June. She couldn't help it; she loved having her daughter back, physically, instead of at the end of a phone.

"First things first," Angela said, "I should probably tackle Granddad's house and fetch any belongings I have at home still Mum. What do you think?"

"A good place to start, sweetheart, and you don't have to do it all alone; we will help too, when we're not working. It's a big task you have taken on, are you sure you want this?" June replied.

"I wasn't at first... but yes Mum, now I am. You're right it's a bit daunting having to sell my flat in London, move everything back up here and say goodbye to all my friend's but the job offers me so much more. I really can't wait to start!" They hugged each other and June relaxed, glad to see her daughter was so happy after all the tragedy and dying she had to deal with daily. She knew Angela loved helping the dying cross over but it must get depressing, day in, day out, not that she ever showed it.

It was an emotional task clearing and cleaning her Granddad Jim's home, but it had to be done. Her brother, James, was more than happy with his share of the will but Angela made it clear to him he would always be welcome and could stay with her however long he wanted, and they both agreed to follow Jim's wishes in never selling the family home unless it was absolutely critical. The collection of model cars was extensive and had been packed away carefully by Jim already, before his death. 'He must have known his time was near', Angela thought, as it was evident throughout the house. Upstairs, there were boxes everywhere, which were labelled with the contents and where he'd like them to go. It must have been why the downstairs had got so untidy and dusty; he had been spending all his time going through his lifetime belongings, walking through his memories of his wife and family.

Entire photograph albums had been carefully assembled and labelled with a 'Who's Who' of relatives, some Angela had never heard of, and there was a box of other paperwork and journals carefully wrapped in protective plastic and marked _'Angela, you will need these. Love Granddad'._ She gave them a cursory glance through and left them for another day when she had more time to look through them properly. They were going to be a great help with the families' ancestry project.

It took most of her week off work to get the place _'ship shape and Bristol fashion'_ , ready to receive her belongings from London. That was the next job - to pack away her life there and say goodbye to so many friends who she would miss greatly. 'It's worth it though', Angela thought, as her Mum and her had found a new closeness and understanding through the hours of packing away her grandparents life.

Surprisingly, there were quite a lot of items left from Serena, which had been packed up and labelled for distribution. Jim had certainly been very busy. Paul had helped initially but felt he was too emotional as he was still raw with grief, so Angela packed away the items Jim had indicated for his son to look over at a time when he was ready. Satisfied they had done everything that could be done; Angela said her goodbyes to her family and headed back to London.

* * * * *

# Chapter 3

## Theresa

## (Current date - October 2009)

A whole year on Angela loved her new life. Her job was interesting, stimulating and she had settled into this new post easily. She was also enjoying redecorating her new home. She didn't want to get rid of every last vestige of her grandparent's lives together, but she updated the wallpaper and freshened up the paintwork. She still hadn't got round to dealing with all the boxes Jim had left for her and as they were stored in the loft they were out of sight - out of sight, out of mind. Her _'to do'_ list seemed endless.

Her twenty-first birthday had come and gone. Most of her friends from London had come up to celebrate with her - to see what the attraction was that kept her so exuberant when they talked. "Patients that don't talk back, not constantly ring their buzzers... so what do you do all day?" This was the general consensus amongst her old friends.

This last week, her newest patient had given her a lot to think about. She was a fifty-seven year old woman who had been in a persistent vegative coma for over ten years, having been shot in the head at the temple, causing the brain to swell and expand within the skull. This woman had fought hard for her life; she was breaking all the odds of survival and at every milestone event, when she was expected to die, she rallied round and kept on breathing. Initially she had been in the same hospital Angela had been working at, in the Royal London. Angela thought she would have been in training. The patient at that time had been taken off the ventilator and was expected to pass away - but she didn't.

Angela found the woman's records a medical miracle. There were no blood relatives to fight for her life, as far as she could tell, but there was a very persistent fiancé in Brian Burton. He had sold his business in London, left his life there so he could move to the Midlands to be here with her. 'What dedication... he must really love her to stay ten years by her bedside.' Angela thought.

Brian was a bespectacled man with a very gentle nature and Angela surmised he was around sixty years old. The other nurses told her he helped everyday with his fiancée's care plan and even brought in all kinds of therapies at his own cost, to keep her comfortable. She was in a relatively good, physical shape for a coma patient. He had also managed to get the hospice to agree to all kinds of _'out there'_ treatments; some they allowed and actually implemented themselves, and some they wouldn't - simply because of health and safety, and putting the fairly new reputation of the hospice into disrepute. Now she was the longest standing patient in the unit and it was, for the most part, down to his love for her.

Even though Angela had read all the medical records; looked into all the drug treatments and therapies she had received, and spoken extensively to Brian about his fiancée, she never made the connection to the surname _'Bennett'_. Her patients name was Theresa Bennett, and she was born in 1952, in Ireland. The penny began to drop one day when she was cleaning and replacing her feeding tube. Brian had not yet arrived and that was when her Grandmother Serena decided to pop in for a quick visit. Angela had not seen her Grandmother for some time, well over six months, as she realised she would be with her husband, Jim, helping him to adapt back to life in spirit.

"Grandma! I've told you so many times, do not creep up on me in company - I nearly had a heart attack."

"Sorry little one, I never meant to make you jump, but I had to come to see you. You have been too busy with moving and settling in to start that little job I asked you to do and we need to get it started."

"You mean the family tree thing?" Angela asked whilst making Theresa comfortable again. "I did start it with Mum last year, but after Granddad passed over, and this year has been so hectic, I haven't had a chance to continue it. Sorry Grandma, I know it was important to you but Mum is very touchy about her parents, especially her Mother. She doesn't even know whether she is alive still, so I didn't like to press her for any more information."

"That's okay sweetheart but we need to move on apace now. There are secrets that need to be revealed. I can't say anymore, as you know we are not allowed to interfere in free will and all that, but I will give you a heads up. Look at your patient – Theresa. Really look at her, her facial features, and then her surname, Bennett. Does it not ring any bells?"

Angela had been treating this patient for a few weeks and even though she looked after all her day-to-day requirements, she had only ever looked at her through the eyes of a professional nurse and carer. She noted that Theresa was very thin, of average height; her hair was now streaked grey with some remnants of Auburn, an orangey-red colouring. It had been cut short many times as it was easier for her personal hygiene. Angela guessed that in her prime she would have been quite good looking. In fact, the closer she looked the more she could see similar features to her very own Mother. _Bennett!_ The penny dropped at last - it was the same surname as her mother's maiden name! Having never met her other Grandparents, it wasn't a name that had been talked of, mainly because of her Mum's refusal to talk about them.

"Come on then, Grandma... what's the connection?"

"I can't tell you that sweetheart, you have to do the legwork and research yourself, but please know it is very, very important. You must get your Mother to help you and this not so young man of Theresa's, Brian, he will help too. That's all I can say I am afraid and now I must get back to your Granddad." Angela turned to say goodbye, but she had made another quick getaway and popped back to wherever spirit went.

She looked down at her patient. 'Theresa Bennett, who are you? What is the connection that you have to our family? Is this why she was moved from her path in London to a new life here?' Angela never talked about her patients by name to her family out of respect for them and their relatives, but it seems this time she was going to have to break that rule. 'First I'll talk to Brian and get him to fill me in on their background,' she thought 'and then I'll get those boxes down from the loft and start my family research again.'

It was exciting. What was she going to discover? What dark secrets are waiting to be revealed? She wished her Gran could have helped more, but she understood that those in spirit weren't allowed to interfere. Who was it that shot this poor ordinary looking woman and why? Angela got out her medical records again and re- read them to see if she could glean any other information she may have skipped over before. The poor woman had been through so many intrusive treatments and operations on her brain yet nothing to date had worked to bring back to full consciousness. It was so sad.

* * * * *

# Chapter 4

## Brian

Brian was sat in his usual chair next to the bed, holding Theresa's hand and telling her of his day when the new nurse, Angela, entered the room.

"Hi Brian, how are things?"

"Fine, thank you nurse."

"Now Brian, I have told you to call me Angela," she said with a warm smile. "Let's see if we can get Theresa to sit up a bit more, and then I need to have a chat with you - is that okay?"

"Fine nurse, I mean Angela, whatever I can do to help you." He was such a gentleman and gentle was really apt here, he had the patience and hope of a Saint.

In all these ten years, Brian had never missed a day visiting, unless it was an emergency. He was known as a _'superhero'_ amongst the staff at the hospice, for his dedication and resourcefulness. Theresa always seemed to respond better when he was here too. Her eyes would open but they would stare blankly, straight ahead, as if she was locked away inside herself, looking through some kind of impenetrable barrier. Sometimes Theresa even cried. Her tears would slowly dribble down the age-related creases in her face, and Brian, ever- loving, would wipe them away and then he would wipe away his.

"What an awful existence he has," Angela thought to herself, "he's in a kind of suspended animation, on hold, waiting for life to begin again." Angela had noticed that when Brian held Theresa's hand, it would jump and twitch like she was trying to fight with her body from the inside out, causing her movement as if to let Brian know she was still in there – waiting to be let out. "It must be like visiting somebody in solitary confinement only being able to view them from outside the door."

"Brian is it alright if I ask you some personal questions, please?" Angela asked, trying to gather her thoughts into a more positive frame of mind. "They are to do with Theresa and her family."

"Well okay but I don't know that much, I'm afraid, but if it helps in her treatment, I can tell you what I do know." Brian replied, intrigued by this young, fresh-faced nurse.

"It's not to do with her treatment Brian, so I don't want you to get your hopes up. It's to do with my family actually." Angela was trying to be as diplomatic as she could. She didn't want to upset him.

" _Your_ _family?"_ Brian was surprised and looked at this new nurse, really seeing her for the first time and not just acknowledging her presence.

"Yes. It is complicated and a bit of a mystery. I could be so very wrong, so I am sorry if this upsets you." Angela said in advance of this new revelation.

"No, no, of course, that's fine, Angela, what you need to know?"

"Firstly, I don't think we should have this conversation here. It's not appropriate. Would you mind coming to visit me at my home? Or anywhere, where you would feel comfortable?"

"Okay, I suppose your house would be fine but I would like to know what it is about." What does Theresa have to do with your family?" Brian was confused and a little unnerved.

"Well... what I can tell you that might help you see why this is important is..." Angela took a deep breath. "My mother's maiden name is Bennett, and her mother lives in Ireland, she is from County Kildare. It was only when my Grandfather passed away and I had been doing research on our family tree, that I spoke to Mum about her Mother. They don't have a close relationship, and it was very difficult for her to talk about her family. Are you okay, Brian? Shall I go on?"

"Yes, yes, this all sounds intriguing." Brian replied, sat on the edge of his seat, still holding Theresa hand, who was staring blankly ahead.

"My Granddad has left me a lot of paperwork and photographs, and what look's like some journals or diaries. I haven't been through them all yet and it wasn't until yesterday, on going over Theresa's medical history, that I made the connection between my mother, June Bennett, and your fiancée." Angela sat down pleased with herself it had gone so well.

"Do you think they are related in some way?" Brian was truly surprised. "Theresa didn't really speak about her childhood I'm afraid, mainly just bits and bobs. I'll have a good think about it and I'll talk to my sister, Mary. They were very close friends when Theresa worked at the children's home, but that's another story." Brian said, adding more mystery to the conversation.

"Shall we say two o'clock at my house tomorrow? Angela asked, handing Brian a piece of paper with her address and phone numbers on. "And then we can spend the time piecing our histories together. Please invite your sister too, if she can come."

"I'll ask but she is a workaholic. I'm sure she would love to pop in though, if it helps to solve Theresa's past. She has been through so much in her life, and she was always desperate for a family, but I'll tell you all about that tomorrow. Thank you, Angela."

They both turned to look at Theresa who was leaking tears again but strangely she looked peaceful, instead of the normal anguish she portrayed. Angela's _gift_ was intended for her to see spirit and was of little use when looking at Theresa, as most of the time she would swear she was _'not at home'_ , meaning her spirit, her essence, or soul, or whatever you would like to call it, just wasn't there. But now, as they both looked at her, it was like a sign said _'Heh! Look! I'm in!'_

Angela could see her aura*, it had changed in colour and size. It sparkled and expanded away from her body, a sign that she was _'aware'_ as far as Angela was concerned. "Don't worry" Angela said, holding Theresa's other hand, "we're going to sort it out, your mystery and my Mother's. We are going to tell you everything we find out, so you mustn't give up... and remember you are loved."

Brian and Angela both squeezed Theresa's hands but to no avail, no movement or acknowledgement but the feeling of the room was of happiness and peace, even Brian felt it.

Angela left Brian talking to Theresa and made her way back to the nursing station. Something had changed, she wasn't sure what, but it felt good and right. Angela's intuition was never far wrong; they were on the right path. "Thanks Grandma!" Angela said in her head. "Thanks for the nudge in the right direction."

(* _An aura is the energy field that surrounds all living beings. It is made up of all the colours of the rainbow and reflects the mood and health of the being it encompasses_.)

* * * * *

# Chapter 5

## The first meeting.

The next day, Angela and Brian sat in the lounge at her home with a mountain of boxes she had retrieved from the loft, last night after her shift. Brian had also bought photographs and a few diaries that belonged to his sister, Mary, who would be popping in later to help.

They discussed the best way to begin their research, and agreed Angela should begin with her family history that she had uncovered so far. Brian dutifully made notes so he could tell Theresa all about their findings, later when he visited. They perused Serena and Jim's photograph albums and made notes of names and years mentioned and anything that might be a clue.

Serena's maiden name was Rooney, and she was the youngest of six children, all of whom were born in Ireland, in County Kildare, in a small town called Puncheston. Angela knew her Grandma was from Irish descent but her accent was not that strong so she never questioned her about her life there. She also knew that Serena's elder sister, Margaret, had raised her as their mother had died in hospital, the reasons why were never discussed.

Her great Aunt Maggie, as she was known, was still alive but in a nursing home. "She would be about eighty-seven I think," Angela told Brian, "and although she is a little frail, she is reasonably healthy and as bright as a button, so my Mum tells me, but it is nearly a year since anyone has visited her now both of my grandparents are dead."

"I see, but she might have some snippet of information to help us."

"Yes, maybe. Serena and Maggie were very close as she was more a mother than sister, but unfortunately, as often happens, the family drifted apart after my Grandma Serena's early death due to cancer. Aunt Maggie had been widowed relatively early on in her marriage, in 1997 I think. Her husband, Michael, was somewhat older than her and died peacefully, in his sleep, and they have two sons, my cousins, but I know very little about them and Mum didn't have much to add on that score either. All she could tell me was that they left home to go to university and rarely ever came back. The last time I saw them was at my Uncle Michael's funeral."

Brian drew up a basic family tree and had been filling in all these snippets of information, as they were discussed. "Altogether," Angela said, "Serena and Maggie had four brothers, three of which were sent to Australia at a young age, and that is all the information about them I have. The fourth brother, Alfred, was older than Serena by a year, and they had been very close growing up. Grandma never spoke of him, but Granddad said that over the years she had quite a few letters from him, which outlined his life sporadically. I have a feeling that somehow he is connected to this mystery. I can't remember ever meeting him, so I'll have to ask Mum and Dad about him, she if they can fill in some of the holes." She told Brian.

They started to read through some of these letters, written by Alfred. It was evident that he was searching for his illegitimate daughter who, for some reason had been put in an orphanage, back in Ireland, at birth. The letters revealed so much heartache but there was not one that said why this baby had been orphaned when its Father was clearly alive. Who was the mother? Where was she now if she was still alive? Alfred seemed to have traced his child's whereabouts to England, but he never managed to find 'it'. One glimmer of hope for more details came from a reference to Maggie. Apparently, before his death in 1999, he had written to both his sisters but did not know his sister, Serena, had passed away. He said in the letter that he was, sadly, too old to continue with the search and that he would send all his research and evidence to Maggie, in the hope they would be able to continue the search for his lost child. Granddad Jim obviously did not take matters further, consigning all the letters to a box and had placed them, forgotten, in the loft.

This is what her Grandma wanted her to know - they had to go and visit her Aunt Maggie. Angela suggested it might be best if she went with her mother, June, and they would relay whatever they learnt at their next meeting.

"It seems we are going to have quite a few meetings before we will solve this mystery." Angela said to the very quiet, Brian.

"Do you think Theresa is Alfred's daughter?" Brian asked.

"I'm not sure at all Brian. I mean her surname is Bennett and not Rooney, and we have no birth certificate. She has never married but lived with an ex-priest, who was called Joseph Bennett, and she told you he was not her Father or any relation, she just worked for him?" Angela reiterated.

"Yes, it's a mystery all right. I think I recall Mary saying he was her Godfather and only Theresa can really tell us about him as he is dead too." said Brian.

"Joseph Bennett is dead?" Angela was surprised as he would not have been that old.

"Oh yes, yes indeed. The coward shot himself when he realised he'd been caught in the act, so to speak. I was there. It was a terrible, horrific night, but I suppose you need to hear what I know about the circumstances of that night."

Brian began to tell his tale and now Angela made notes filling in a few more holes in the mystery of Theresa Bennett. A couple of hours later a very shocked and disgusted Angela sat in disbelief. Cold chills had run up and down her spine as Brian revealed the horrors and abuse Theresa had been through. "How could one woman have survived all that?" Angela wondered. She now had a special admiration for her patient, or possible relative. She could be her Aunty and her mother's illegitimate half-sister. She couldn't wait to tell her Mum.

"Brian, would you mind if I rang my mum and tell her what we are doing, and what we have is discovered so far?"

"Not at all, Angela, I think we need a break anyway, and Mary will be here soon, so why don't I make another drink while you speak your mother." Said the ever thoughtful, Brain.

"Why was it she couldn't find a man like him?" Angela thought, but she said "Cheers Brian, that would be great."

Angela relayed, in short, everything she now knew about Theresa. Her Mother did no more than jump into her car and come straight over. June had to hear what they had found out and look at the evidence they now had gathered. She began to realise that questions about her own mother, Catherine Bennett nee Mc'Ginty, needed to be asked and answered, whether or not it caused her pain. Now was the time for the truth to be told.

June rang her husband, Paul, at work and summarised what had been revealed. He needed to come and have his say too. "Perhaps he will know something about his Mother and Fathers' memories that is not in this evidence we have been rummaging through." She said to her daughter. "I am amazed we have never made this connection before. Serena Rooney, sister to Alfred Rooney, who loved Catherine Mc'Ginty, and they begot an illegitimate child. Of course you realise that illegitimacy is a mortal sin, according to the Catholic faith and back then drastic actions were taken to _'save'_ the afflicted families honour. What if Theresa is my half-sister? Why didn't Serena make this connection when she had heard my maiden name for the first time?" June said but thought, "It is my own fault for refusing to talk about my Irish upbringing, and my cold-hearted Mother and over-strict, religious zealot of a Father."

June's thoughts drifted back to when she met Paul at university in Dublin. Both never spoke of their past or extended family. Paul accepted Junes wish for privacy and her reason for not talking of her past. Therefore he never pried and she never really asked about his family until they got engaged but perhaps now is the time to tell all. June realised she would have to accept that the past needed to be brought into the present if they were ever going to solve this family mystery.

June re-joined the conversation that had been going back and forth between her daughter and this mild mannered man called Brian. "Paul says he can't get away from work today, so it will have to wait until tomorrow evening. Would you and your sister like to come and have dinner with us?" June asked.

"That would be very nice. Thank you, June. I can't answer for Mary but she should be here soon." No sooner than he finished his statement, the doorbell rang and his very animated and excited sister, Mary, came rushing in like the whirlwind she was. They spent another hour going over the family tree and reading about the journey of Alfred Rooney and his search for his child. It was heart-breaking to read.

It was decided that the next day, Angela and June would visit Maggie in her nursing home to see what she could remember, and if she had any more evidence to add to help solve this mystery. They all wondered, _'what would be her tale be?_

* * * * *

# Chapter 6

## Maggie

June and Angela arrived to see Margaret Thompson, nee Rooney, the next day at her nursing home and they were met by a very young health assistant on arrival, who had nothing but praise for the octogenarian.

"Bright as a button and twice as feisty..." explained the young girl. "I am the only one who will stand up to her. She may shout and bawl at the others, but she holds back on me because I'm Irish too, and she knows I'll only shout back. She can be as stubborn as hell one minute, and the sweetest lady the next, so the best of luck to yer." She knocked on the door she had stopped at, and waited for a shout to enter.

"In yer come lass," a strong voice answered, belying the owners advanced years.

"Maggie, here are your visitors, your niece June and her daughter, Angela. They have come here to pick your brains. I'll be leaving you to it then. Ring if you need me, Maggie." And with that the young girl turned, walked out the door and left them to it. The woman that greeted them, sat in a chair next to the window, she would have been tall, if stood up, thin and willowy but you could see the strength of her personality in her very bright eyes that sparkled with life.

"Well now - visitors, and relations at that! Maggie said sarcastically.

"May we sit down please, Maggie?" June politely asked.

"If you need to sit, sit and not be wasting me time I have left on any nonsense." Maggie was forthright so June decided they had better be to.

"Do you remember who I am?" June asked carefully, not wanting to upset the old lady, who she barely knew.

"Of course I do, yer my Serena's lass, and this is your young'un the one wi' the _gift_ is it not?" Maggie said giving them a funny look, her voice edged with sarcasm.

"Hello Aunty Maggie, yes I am Angela and yes, I have had the second sight since I was little. Your sister, Serena, visits me quite often." Angela was a little in awe of this fierce looking pensioner.

"Eh? She does, does she... and 'er old man, Jim, how's he?"

"Oh dear... you don't know... I'm so sorry, Maggie. Jim passed away last year, how remiss of me not to inform you, I am so sorry." June confessed. She hadn't realised it had been so long since they had last seen Maggie.

"Don't be worrin' yer self, I understand, I saw it in tha' paper. I understand you have little time for an old woman like me who's clinging to life with a safety pin." Maggie laughed, breaking the tension that had built up in room. "Come on then both o'yer... spill the beans, before it's me bedtime... and less of the Aunty - Maggie will be just fine."

"Oh er... well, it's a bit of a story, more of a mystery we're trying to solve. We think you might have some of the answers we're looking for." Angela said and went on to explain about Theresa, Catherine, and Alfred, and all the letters, journals and photographs that they had found.

"Ah yes t'was a bad thing that Mc'Ginty did and that bloody child molester, in the guise of a priest... would yer believe it." She said, stating a fact, not asking a question, shaking her head. She pointed to a wooden box on her dresser. "Fetch me that box lass." Angela passed it to her and Maggie pulled her down beside her. "Yer opening a can of worms 'ere, but I suppose it needs to be done. Yer canna hurt tha dead and the living... well, perhaps it will do them some good." Maggie opened the box and retrieved a very old plastic wrapped notebook, which nearly fell apart at her touch. "Take this and all these letters and be reading them later. Tell me about this Theresa now. Do yer have a photo of her?" Maggie asked, with a moist and softer look in her eyes instead of the cold indifferent one that had greeted them. Suddenly she looked very frail.

"Actually, yes, I took one yesterday on my mobile phone, when I was on shift so I could show Mum. We're not supposed to do it but Brian didn't have a photo of her at all." Angela showed Maggie the photo of the sleeping Theresa. "You can see the family resemblance, and now that I have met you, you can see it is quite strong."

"Whatsa matter wi' her lass?" Maggie asked her voice tinged with sadness.

"She's in a coma and has been for over ten years now. She was shot by this man who was her employer that we now believe may have been her godfather, Joseph Bennett." Angela said carefully, not wanting to upset her any more than was necessary.

June added "My maiden name was Bennett, but because I do not have any contact with my family back in Kildare, nobody ever made the link to Catherine Bennett, my mother. We think Theresa maybe Catherine's eldest and illegitimate daughter. She would be my half-sister."

"Yes, yes indeed," Maggie sounded enthusiastic. "Such a love story, you'll be seeing when you read Alfred's journals. I can't remember 'er of course. Serena and I came to England when I married Michael, but I do remember the butcher - Mc'Ginty. He gave our Alfred an apprenticeship, to learn the trade. He 'ad no son only a useless daughter I 'eard 'im say. Father Dominic our local priest and 'im were very close friends, and the blessed Catholic Church did like to interfere in everyone's lives back then. I had three younger brothers too, beside Alfred and Serena, and they were a right 'anfull, just like our drunken Father, who abandoned us. My Mammy went insane yer know, she tried to kill Serena by suffocating her. I only just managed to pull 'er off in time...poor babby had gone blue, but I breathed tha life back in 'er..." Maggie stopped talking, choking on those memories, which obviously still haunted her.

"Please take your time, Maggie..." June said quietly. "All this will help us to prove Theresa's identity I am sure."

"Tis okay lass... there's not much more, but I know Alfred did 'is best to find tha' lass. He wer' coming to see Serena and me when he was killed by a hit-and-run driver, the bastard were never found... Sorry for swearing. A man walking his dog found 'im, my poor Alfie, frozen solid. He died, alone in tha' ditch... a dog found him, a dog... he'd bin tha' all night." Maggie paused, lost in her memories. "The police brought me all his belongings. You 'ave most of them there - tis all he had to leave us... and he didn't even know 'is sister, who he loved most in the world next to 'is Cathy, had died. There were always close... but Alfie ended up like me Pa, a drunken tramp, and he 'ad been in and out of prison. My Michael would not have 'im in tha house, so Serena and I would go and meet him, when he was in the area. I am surprised he 'as never come through to yer..." Maggie asked Angela.

"No, never, but I have never met him, so I wouldn't expect him too. Grandma never mentioned him and Granddad Jim didn't say anything about him either for that matter." Angela was slightly annoyed at her grandparents for not telling her something so important. Then she remembered... ' _free will'_. She had never asked about Alfred or Serena's Irish heritage so they couldn't say anything to her from spirit. The next time Grandma popped in she would have a lot of questions ready.

"Maggie..." June asked "Did you know my mother Catherine or my father William?"

"I 'eard of them lass, of course, but when Alfie and Cathy's secret came out, Serena and I were 'ere in England 'Twasn't until Alfred got in touch, we found out the full extent of what 'ad happened. I'm sorry lass I can't be more help... but those journals will tell you all you need, if memory serves me, 'tis a while since I read them. You know lass, why dinna yer see yer Mammy?" Maggie asked June.

"Well er...we're sort of estranged; Mum's very withdrawn and has always been a bit of a cold fish. I don't even know if she's alive or not." June confessed.

"Well child, why don't you ask tha' sister of mine?" Maggie proposed to Angela.

"I will next time she pop's in, be sure about that... but there's only so much they are allowed to tell us."

"I see... Is there anything else I can do fa' you all?" Maggie was looking tired so June and Angela decided to leave her with her many memories, with promises of keeping her up-to-date with their mission of solving this family's puzzle.

"It's been a great pleasure meeting you again, Maggie." said June, giving the old lady a gentle hug.

"Be off wi yer now, and all your silly sentiment! I intend ta see out me centaury before I see my family _'up there'_ again!" Maggie chided her, turning to Angela, "And lass, when you're done wi' this mystery, perhaps you can locate ma three brothers that wa' sent to an orphanage, somewhere in London. Dr Bar-nad-nose or su'mat. From what information I got from Father Dominic before he died, I believe they were shipped out to Australia before the Second World War started. Now tha'll be a task fer yer detective skills!" Maggie laughed.

"Cheers!" said Angela, laughing. "It seems we have a bigger family than we ever thought. I promise I'll try my best, Maggie."

June and Angela discussed what had been revealed in the car on the way home. They were very excited to read Alfred's journals. What secrets would they reveal? Did he ever find his daughter? Was it Theresa who lay in a coma at the hospice? "This mystery had certainly got intriguing..." Angela thought to herself, "and only time will tell their tale."

* * * * *

# Chapter 7

## It all comes together

The next day Angela, Brian, and his sister Mary, went to June's house for dinner and to review all the new information they had been given by Maggie and try and make sense of it all. Angela and Mary had hit it off straight away. Mary had lost most of the Cockney swaggering speech that Theresa would have recognised. Instead, Angela met the grown up version, happily married with children of her own.

Brian had already told them of the shooting and about the home for runaways, which was really a front for the paedophiles, the sex slave trade and other despicable things that the ex-priest, Joseph Bennett, had dragged the gullible Theresa into.

Surprisingly it was found that Joseph had left a will. The house that had become that awful _'home'_ and all his worldly goods had been left to Theresa. Of course, she couldn't know this, and therefore it had been locked into a trust fund for her, and Brian had been given _'power of attorney'_ and managed the trust fund with Joseph's solicitor.

"If she ever recovers... Brian explained, "and if the worst happens - then it will go to the next family member, which if we are correct, will be either be June or maybe Catherine, if she is still alive." Brian went on to tell them about his long years of battling with the health service, and Joseph's solicitors, begging them not to terminate Theresa's life support.

"I eventually sold my shop, which had been in my family for years, so I could move and be nearer to Theresa, when she was moved from the hospital in London to this new Hospice... I couldn't give up on her recovering from this vegetative state so Mary and I decided to set up a new business; one I hope Theresa will approve of."

"I had completed my training as a nursery nurse," Mary told them, "and now I'm a qualified in health and safety, so we used the money from the sale of our family business to open an official foster home in London, far away from that home that I worked in with Theresa. It was a miracle that the first children who came to live there were the three little girls that Theresa and I rescued from Joseph. It was a struggle convincing social services but Brian never gave up on them, and we were the only home who offered to take all three sisters together. Of course, now, ten years later, they are adults themselves." Mary paused to let this all sink in. "And they stayed to work at the home with us." Mary went on to say she was married now and had a child of her own, a boy called David, named after a boy Theresa knew from the orphanage that she had grown up with, and was a very special friend to her.

Theresa had told Mary all about this David, about how he'd helped her to survive all the abuse and horrors that they had suffered together. She went on to tell them everything she knew about the many years they had been friends, and how Theresa had given her the inspiration to make better use of her own life. How she had encouraged her to strive to make more of the opportunities she had, as she was lucky to have a choice, the support of family, and the chances of a good education.

"I could not fault Theresa; she could have turned out so differently, hooked on drugs or stuck as a prostitute." Mary said with tears in her eyes. "When that ex-priest, Joseph, rescued her - even though she remembered him as her abuser when a child, she felt she had no option but to go with him as she saw no future for herself - other than death at her own hand. She said she never intended to stay as long as she did, but Joseph had played on her desperation and made what he offered too tempting to refuse.

"Mary, you can stop if this is too up-setting for you..." Angela offered, sympathetically.

"It's okay, I'm fine... it's just so frustrating! If only she had told us all about it sooner, we might have been able to stop that... pig. Anyway, it wasn't until years later that she realised he was up to his old tricks again and she blamed herself of being complicit and blinded by her wants of security, family, and things like her own bedroom, something she never had. When Theresa met Brian and me, we tried to help her to keep records so she would have evidence of what went on. As you now know, it eventually led to that fateful night in 1999 when that bastard Joseph shot her. Sorry, but that's what he was..." Mary was shaking; it was hard remembering that awful night. Angela hugged her, and Brian offered to continue with re-telling the events.

"The police knew of that fateful meeting, due to my being falsely accused and arrested. They had had a tip off about some disgusting photos of the three girls we had rescued. They searched my shop and found them hidden under the counter. Joseph must have planted them there when he came to collect Mary's keys and asked after her, as she was pretending to be sick with flu. He must have realised he'd been rumbled by all of us, and he had anonymously tipped off the police." Brian paused trying to recollect the order of events of that night. It was so many years in the past now. "Unfortunately the police got to the meeting at the docks just too late and Joseph had already shot Theresa, but then the bastard turned the gun on himself. He was dead - and all our hard work collecting evidence, the risks we took, were all in vain. He took the easy way out to avoid his rightful punishment. There was no arrest or court case for that bastard, no sentencing him to life in prison, no publication of what he had done. It never made the news on TV, or was reported in the newspapers, other than local ones and that was that... it just fizzled out... but the bloke that Joseph worked hand in hand with, the one who shipped the stolen kids, he did get caught and the whole ring of his associates too. I bet you remember that case... now you know all that has happened to date." Brian let out a big sigh.

"It obviously still torments him that this devil of a man literally got away with years of criminal activity." Angela thought. The group sat in silence for a moment whilst they absorbed the horror and torment that had been Theresa's life. It wasn't fair, it wasn't justice, and she had lost ten years lying in a coma. It was like she was giving herself a prison sentence for being part of his sick perverted life. It didn't escape the group that it was no small miracle that Angela was offered the post at the Hospice - they would never have known about Theresa and the link to their family.

"Mary tried to look for David," Brian told her, "the boy who was Theresa's childhood friend. We found out he had committed suicide after escaping from a psychiatric hospital, but it was quite some years ago, so there's going to be no help from him."

"Unless..." Angela wondered to herself, "Could Grandma Serena bring him through from spirit or maybe Alfred himself..." It would mean telling Brian about her _gift_ , but she realised it would be best to be honest with him. So she took a leap of faith and told him about her sixth sense; how she saw and communicated with dead people. He took it well, never even raised an eyebrow, and he seemed to understand, but she had this reaction from people before who then avoided her like the plague. She didn't think Brian would, but you never know. Angela explained that she would need to be alone to contact her Grandma and she may not help them. "If we are not supposed to be helped or know the answers to our question, then those in spirit would not be allowed to help. That's just how it works," explained Angela.

"But I think it's still worth a shot." Brian said, still not sure whether to believe this young girl.

"I'll give it a go tonight - fingers crossed Grandma will come through at least." replied Angela.

"You know we still need to persuade your Mum to contact her Mother, Catherine, in Ireland." Brian stated. "That would definitely help things along."

"I'm not sure how she will react but I will ask her tomorrow, if I get no response from _'upstairs'_." Angela chuckled.

"Upstairs?" Brian asked a little confused.

"You know... up there in spirit," she pointed to the ceiling.

"Of course, sorry. I am a little sceptical of the things you can do, but as you say you get results, so I'll go along with it."

"Cheers Brian. I know it's hard for some people to accept what I can do. My Granddad Jim was an atheist, but I convinced him that his wife was still around him, when I was only five years old. I didn't understand it back then, that she was dead, because in my world, she seemed to be just the same." Angela explained.

"It must have been very difficult for you..."

"My parents sent me to a child psychologist but eventually I learnt to keep my _gift_ to myself, unless it was too important. I can block spirit out if I don't wish to talk to them, as they can be a right pest, always asking me to do stuff for them. I found that using my _gift,_ as a nurse was really helpful though; it's how I got into palliative care and grief counselling."

"Bit of a cheat then..." said Brian, jokingly.

"Well yes... just a bit." They both laughed.

"Can I ask, Angela? Do you see anything or anyone around Theresa in the hospital?" Angela had been expecting this question.

"Until now, no \- but there is one thing, sometimes; I can see auras, not all the time, only when I am supposed to see them. I think it helps me to work out how people are feeling, live people should say."

"Oh, I see." Angela wasn't convinced Brian understood but carried on anyway.

"Theresa's aura was not visible to me until the day we talked in her room... remember?"

"I think so, what was it like?"

"It was very colourful and sparkly and really expanded away from her, I could touch it and it felt tingly, happy... yes, it was happiness I felt." Angela hoped this would give him some encouragement of Theresa recovering one day.

"Yes, yes... I remember, she was twitching her hands, and her eyes opened and she cried. Do you think she was trying to contact us?" Brian did look hopeful.

"Oh Brian, yes, I really, truly think she was letting us know that she is still in there and not to give up on her."

"Oh thank God, thank God...." Brian held his head in his hands and was trying not to cry. "All I want to do is hold her again, and to tell her she is loved."

"I am sure she knows, Brian, in some way, I'm sure she knows."

A cup of tea later Mary left to relieve her babysitter, Brian returned to Theresa's bedside to say goodnight as he did every day. It left Angela and June talking about the coincidences and mystery that had led them to these events that were now making all of them review their past and search their memories. With what Maggie had told them of Alfred, his journals and letters, Serena's diaries and now Brian and Mary's input, the picture was becoming clearer, but still there was no official evidence to confirm Theresa's true identity.

* * * * *

# Chapter Eight

## June

Angela tried hard all evening to get her Grandma Serena or anyone in spirit, to contact her but it seemed no one wanted to speak. Together Brian and herself had spent a great deal of time putting all they knew into some kind of order, a timeline like a family tree but there were gaps - rather gaping holes. Brian was right she was going to have to persuade her mother to go to Ireland. "We could all do with a holiday, I'll ask tomorrow and try to get Dad on my side too," she thought.

Angela was on mornings the next day at the hospice, and finished at 2 PM. She went directly to her Mum and Dad's house. "How was she going to broach the subject? Where are you when I needed Grandma?" She said skywards, whilst letting herself in the front door.

"I'm here poppet." Serena had appeared beside her in the hall.

"Thank you Grandma, I couldn't do this without your support. I tried all night to speak to you... did you not hear me?"

"I heard sweetheart, but there's nothing I could do or say to answer the questions you wanted to ask, but I did go and speak to Alfred for you all. He is so pleased you found his daughter. When he passed over, of course he knew where she was but he could do nothing about it." Serena explained.

"I guessed as much, free will and all that." Angela said feeling a little despondent.

"Yes I'm afraid some things are meant to be as they are, and in this case, you have to do all the legwork yourself, but you're doing a brilliant job, and you're on the right track. Isn't Brian a lovely man?"

"Yes he is, and don't change the subject Grandma. His little sister is real nice too, I like her a lot."

"You have a lot in common, Angela, as she is very intuitive herself, not to the degree you are. She's more of a healer and wonderful mother to her son and all those foster kids. Such a generous and open soul... Theresa was very lucky to be befriended by Brian and Mary and get their help. You may never have known about her, if it wasn't for their diligence and care."

"Angela... is that you out there? Who you talking to?" June shouted from the kitchen.

"Yes it's me Mum, and Grandma." but by the time she turned round Grandma had done her normal disappearing trick. Angela went to the kitchen and retold what Serena has said.

"Mum... I have something difficult we need to talk about. We really have to go to Ireland to see your Mum. I know it will be hard on you, but she is still alive and living in Puncheston so Grandma tells me but that was all she could say." Angela said carefully knowing this was going to be hard for her Mum.

"Don't worry petal, I kind of realised that I may have to. Anyway it's about time I healed the rift with my Mother, before she pops her clogs. Perhaps time will have softened her outlook and seeing her grandchildren might help. It's the school summer holidays soon, we could go then, if you like?" June suggested.

"Jamie and Dad too?"

"Yes, why not. We haven't had a family holiday in well over two years, and it would be good to get away. Do you think you could get the time off work though, Angela?"

"Mmm yes, I think so. I'll tell them it's a family emergency. Do you think a week will be long enough?"

"It should be sweetheart. Do you want that Brian and his sister to come too?

"I doubt he will leave Theresa side, and Mary has a lot of responsibility at the home she runs. I think it would be better if it was just us as not overpower Grandma Catherine with too many new faces." Angela suggested.

"Okay then, I'll ring and tell your Dad to book a week off and then we'll get packing. I am quite looking forward to it now. It's been so long since I was in Ireland. Now I have heard all about Theresa, and Alfred, I can sort of understand why Mum was so cold. Losing a child like that. I can't imagine how I would have reacted if you have been taken away from me at birth. It's not like she willingly gave up her daughter... I suppose, in her head, saying she was dead was the easy option, even though Jonathan and I suffered for it. Mum couldn't let herself be close to us, to show her love. She must have been frightened we would be taken away too... and in a way, she was right. Jonathan died young and I escaped as soon as I could. What a cow of a daughter I've been..." June could not help herself and the years of supposed neglect and her selfishness overwhelmed her. She cried in her daughter's arms for over fifteen minutes until she could regain her composure.

"Oh Angela I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

"Mum its okay, it's perfectly understandable. You have been the best Mum in the world to me, considering what I put you through with all my problems." Angela said trying to comfort her mother.

"Your _gift_ you mean. It was only our ignorance that called it a problem. You have only ever tried to do good with it - it is a true _gift_. I suppose people deal with emotional crises differently. We can't all be strong, or react the same. Your very wise my sweet girl, always happy to help, to explain things, and you seem to know the right thing to say, at the right time. Look how you helped Granddad Jim come to terms with Grandma's early death, and your job, helping people who were dying. I'm so proud of you, my darling." Hugs and more tears seemed to be the theme of the day. A cup of tea and cake later, the holiday was arranged and booked for one week's time.

"The games afoot! Angela said. "You can be Sherlock Holmes and I'll be Dr Watson and we will call this ' _the tale of the mysteriously missing sister'_."

* * * * *

# Chapter 9

## Ireland and Catherine.

Catherine sat alone in her one-person box, as she called it, in the warden-monitored home come psychiatric hospital she now lived in. She had never moved that far from her place of birth in Puncheston. The familiarity of the small town kept her relatively sane and rooted her to a time and space, which her life had revolved round. It had been so long, so many years... It felt like she was getting nearer and nearer to the centre of this labyrinth or spiral, which was constantly tugging at her, dragging her to the inevitable end... death.

After years of treatment at the hands of specialist Doctor's and psychiatrists; having different _'alternative'_ therapies ordered by the people who supposedly cared and looked after her, she was ready to go on that last big adventure. They were not her family though, she had lost them a long time ago, and deservedly so. Her present incarceration was her punishment. Catherine did not like to reflect on the past, as it was too painful and hid a Pandora's box full of mistakes, lies and unhappiness, which, if let loose, would surely put her back in the mental institution where she had existed for so many years, before being retired to this open prison of a complex.

Instead of the constant examining of her mental well-being, she now spent every day in a routine of sleeping, eating, bathing and sitting in a chair by the window, her only lookout on her world. It didn't show her much. Just others like her, locked away in their own minds and nightmares. Some wandered aimlessly around the beautifully manicured gardens, which lay before a twelve-foot security fence. She often wondered if it was electrocuted...there to keep them in and the world out. It worked and that was all that mattered to the staff in this heavenly, and probably her last resting place.

Catherine laughed something she didn't often do, laughing at her own predicament, the state of the world, and her meagre life worth nothing to anyone. "Damn! Why I am allowing these memories to surface - I can't be doing with it. Where was her carer when she needed one?" She thought. "I need pills!" She shouted at the window and then pulled red emergency cord around her neck. Within two minutes the red faced Warden and a young girl came rushing into her box, or her apartment as the brochure had described it.

"Catherine!" Shouted Mrs Knowles, "you have been told not to do this unless it is a real emergency, like falling over and needing assistance, and not just to get attention!"

"My head hurts!" Catherine replied, offering no apology to the frustrated Mrs Knowles.

"I'll get your pills for you, Catherine," the young girl answered and went to get her chart and medication. "I don't think you're due any..."

"I said, I want tablets, now!" Catherine shouted and grabbed the young girl by the arm. "Now! Do you hear me?"

Mrs Knowles step forward and released Catherine's grip before she did any damage. Carers were hard enough to keep with all they have to put up with from these old witches. "She said, you are not due anything Catherine, and that's that. You can have some more painkillers in two hours. Janice will come back and help you with your dinner then too. Now please leave the emergency cord alone or I will have to rescind your privileges of a room of your own and put you back on the ward." With that she grabbed the girl, Janice, and left the room.

"Cow!" Catherine had a real dislike of the woman. She would love to jump up out of her wheelchair and show her feelings with a slap or two and as for that insipid girl who obviously only had a miniscule amount of brain cells..." Catherine stopped herself mid thought. "Is this what her life had been reduced too? Taking all the anger she had over her own pitiful life out on strangers?"

Her head was truly pounding and when in this state, all she wanted to do was sleep. At least there she could escape her solitary existence and be with her Alfie, her one and only true love - the love of her life. How she wished she could go back to the winding lanes of Kildare, where they would walk hand-in-hand, where there love was a secret. Her Father never knew about the relationship at that time, and they both realised he would never of allowed it. But their love blossomed anyway, so she gave Alfred everything in that barn they had found, and made their secret home.

It was then she conceived their baby - the one she lost to God. She didn't want to think of that particular story, so moved her mind back to walking in the lanes instead, a happier memory where on a hot sunny day, they would talk about the future they would have together in their innocence. They had planned to elope when she turned sixteen. Needless to say it never happened and her life... "God, why do I keep coming back to the same point in time?" she screamed inside her head. Time and time again. "Where is my Theresa? Is she alive?" Questions, questions! Endless, unanswerable questions, which over the years were never answered, could never be answered. Now they clawed at her soul like a cancer, its tentacles reaching every part of her mind, squeezing her brain into submission and how it hurt! Blinding searing pain, her head felt crushed underneath the weight of her agony. Tears came slowly at first and then with a determination to upset her more. Catherine could no longer stand it and again, she pulled the red chord from around her neck.

* * * * *

# Chapter 10

## Playing Detective

The Bennett family were settling into the bed and breakfast in a village on the outskirts of Puncheston, where June had grown up. They had plans to find Catherine and were to start at the registry office of births and deaths, to check if she were still alive, and then the electoral roll to see if she was a registered voter. They saw her birth certificate but it didn't reveal anything they didn't already know – at least there was no death certificate.

Angela thought it might be best to check the family home first, where her mother had been bought up but this proved unhelpful as well as it had long since been pulled down and a new housing complex had been built in its place. It was a very disappointing start as they had all hoped it would be still there, so they could see where they had all come from, so to speak.

"So... no family home, no sign of the old butchers and slaughterhouse, it has all gone. Perhaps now is the time to check the hospitals?" suggested Angela.

"It would seem so..." said Paul, pulling his wife into very encouraging hug.

"Well, we don't have too many to check, if memory serves me. Phone book or Internet? June replied.

"Internet!" was the dual response.

"The local library should have a computer we could use," June said. "I'm afraid you young ones will have to do that research, me and computers do not agree."

A short walk from the centre of town led them to the library, where Angela quickly sorted out a computer with an Internet connection, in the cafe where they were stationed. Paul fetched cups of coffee for all three and they shuffled around the computer screen waiting for it to reveal more answers to their mysterious family. Fifteen minutes later, they had a list of addresses and phone numbers to check out.

"What about nursing homes?" queried Angela, "at her age... what is she now seventy-three?"

"Yes, that's about right." June answered, "And you better check the local psychiatric hospitals as well. Mum was very unstable when I left her... left her so callously, left her to what kind life? It's too horrible to think about..." June could not help berating herself.

Paul embraced his wife again, as he realised how painful this was going to be for her, "It's not your fault, June, or your guilt to berate yourself with, you were only sixteen, and you knew little of the world and even less about mental health. I am sure she got the help she needed and we will find her."

"I know Paul, but I do feel guilty all the same."

"That's it!" said Angela, pleased with herself. "We have two hospitals, a whole ruck of old folk's home, one psychiatric unit, which is about 10 miles away, on the outskirts of Dublin, and I think that's it. It's all I can find on the Internet. There may be some smaller units or private homes, which I do not have info on."

"Okay, let's check the phone books next." Paul suggested.

"All done too, the phonebooks are accessible on the Internet now and the yellow pages." Angela explained to her techno phobic parents. "I found addresses for another four smaller homes and more phone numbers. How we going to divide up all this leg work?"

June laughed. "This is exciting, as well as a bit sad. I'll do all the homes and as you're a nurse, you do the hospitals, Angela, as you will know what to ask."

"And I'll get some more coffees." Said Paul, not wanting to feel useless.

"And some cake!" replied June and Angela together.

Two hours later, a lot of possible homes had been eliminated. The hospital in Puncheston had records of Catherine but would not release the information over the phone, and only to relatives of Catherine. June had arranged to visit the next day. "Good job, I bought my birth certificate and passport with me."

Angela had discounted the other smaller hospital, which was no more than an emergency unit and outpatients. The psychiatric hospital in Dublin also had records for Catherine, so it was decided they would visit there tomorrow afternoon. They all felt the anticipation and excitement, and also the frustration at not being able to do things quicker, on this weeklong holiday as they were already into its second day.

They returned to the bed and breakfast with all the information they had collected to compare it with what they already knew. It was tiring and emotionally draining work so after a quick trip out for dinner, they all retired early to their rooms, to be alert and refreshed for the next day of investigations.

* * * * *

# Chapter 11

## Frustration

The local hospital was called St. Thomas and was greatly modernised from what June could remember of it. She presented her birth and marriage certificates and was then directed to the admissions office where her mother's records were stored. Unfortunately, she wasn't allowed to read them, but the woman at reception desk said she could apply to have the records released to her, but it would take more than a week. "Bloody red tape!" June said frustrated.

"It is hospital policy, Mum," Angela tried to explain, "but they can give you her last address and the name of her doctor, at least then we will have someone to talk too."

The woman holding all the red tape looked at the trio who were obviously distraught and trying to find their relative, so she quickly scanned the records and came up with the last address.

"Here is the recorded address at the time of admission, and the GP she was registered with. I hope this helps you find your mother Mrs Middleton." She whispered, "It is more than I should tell you, but I can see your anguish and as a good Catholic woman I see no harm in telling you this truth which you would get in a weeks' time anyway."

"Thank you so very much." June replied, shaking the woman's hand. "It means a lot to me."

They decided to carry on to the psychiatric unit in Dublin, even though they would probably encounter the same reaction to the sharing of patient information. With what they had just learned they now had the name of the doctor to whom her mother had been referred to by her GP. A psychiatrist who specialised in the mental welfare and care of the elderly, called _'Mr Gentle'._ They all laughed at the irony of the name.

"It seems my mother must have had a serious breakdown sometime after I left. I mean after I abandoned her!" June stated.

"Come on now, June, you don't mean that. You left to get on with your own your own life. You owe your parents nothing and you certainly were not to blame!" Paul reiterated.

"Oh it's okay for you to say that! You had fantastic parents. You simply don't understand... my life was always in turmoil, all the time, one event after another, and I was left to myself after Jonathan died. He had always protected me, took me to school, cooked, cleaned, he became my mother and father until _'they'_ took him from me too..." A solitary tear escaped down June's cheek.

Angela intervened in the growing, emotional discussion before it erupted into an all-out argument. She had never heard her parents like this. It was revealing new information to her father, and soul destroying her mother. They were nearly there, Angela successfully defused the argument, and her parents had quietened down to an uneasy silence.

Paul pulled into the car park of a very different kind of hospital; well, it didn't really look like a hospital at all, but a very nice exclusive hotel in a very old stately home. It had ornamental gardens, ponds with fountains and there were people all over the place. Patients were out walking in hospital gowns with an accompanying carer or relation, or they were sat on benches chatting away, and those in wheelchairs, oblivious to their surroundings, were being pushed around by orderlies in white uniforms.

"This is a strange place," said Paul to Angela, and June nodded in agreement. They followed the signs to reception and waited patiently for the young man at the desk to notice them.

"Welcome to Saint Bridget's research hospital and care home, how may I help you?" Out came all the paperwork they had, as well as June's identification and they requested an appointment to see Dr Gentles. The young man lifted his phone and called the Doctor's secretary to see when he was available. "He'll be able to see you in two hours... Can you wait? He is very anxious to speak to you."

"Yes we will wait. Is there somewhere we can have lunch near here?" Paul asked the young lad. He gave them a pamphlet of the hospital grounds that indicated where there was a cafe and restaurant.

"They are used by patients and visitors alike, and they do some great food. I would especially recommend the restaurant. It is only a short walk through the grounds." The young man showed them the best way to go, on the map inside the pamphlet.

"Thank you." Said all three in unison.

Two hours was not all that long to wait for the past to reveal itself after all. The restaurant was a lovely, airy and high ceilinged, like a Swiss chalet with pine furniture and red and white check patterned curtains and matching tablecloths. Their noses were assailed by the smell of good food, not the usual sanitised hospital smell.

"What a beautiful hospital." June said. "According to this pamphlet it was only renovated two years ago, and it's not called a hospital, but a home for the elderly, who are mentally and physically challenged. It has several units, which concentrate on different types of medicine and psychiatry, as well as physiotherapy, some alternative therapies, and it has a shop where they can buy food if they want, and hairdressers, an Internet café, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre. It is like a little village. Some patients even have their own units, with assigned wardens and nursing staff." They were all suitably impressed.

"It must cost a fortune to live here. It is private isn't it?" Paul asked. June and Angela both shrugged their shoulders, it didn't mention costs in the pamphlet.

"I'd quite like to work here myself," said Angela. She was very impressed with the holistic approach this place had to healing and medicine. It was more than a normal psychiatric unit, or an ordinary old folk's home. She noticed a big drug company and a charity for the mentally ill sponsored it. What a union! So this was a hospital as well, but not national health like in England. Of course, Ireland had its own government policies and had gone down the privatisation route, enabling them to get more money renovate, build and run these big places. Angela began to doubt her grandmother was here. "How could she afford it for one thing?"

Paul and June took it in turns to read the pamphlet and agreed with Angela, it was looking very unlikely her mother would be here. June admitted she knew nothing of her mother's or deceased father's money matters but only that it never seemed to be an issue.

After a splendid lunch they made their way to Dr Gentle's office in the main administration block. The receptionist showed them straight in and they were met by a very enthusiastic, sixty something, not very tall, Doctor, in a bright red tunic similar to a surgeon's outfit but more tailored.

"Hello! Hello! Becoming in and sitting yourselves down a bit..." he said, in the soft Irish tones they were getting used to hearing. "Now let me see... its Catherine Bennett you're after seeing is it?" They all nodded. "It seems you're in luck. I presume you've seen her GP?"

"Err... no, I'm sorry. We have an appointment tomorrow at her GP in Puncheston, but we had reliable information she had been here at some time or other." June replied.

"Well me receptionist tells me you have proved you are her daughter so I am happy to tell you what I know about your mother's medical history. Firstly, be introducing me to your delightful companions."

"Oh, how rude of me, this is Paul, my husband, and Angela, my daughter."

"Very nice to meet you both. So 'tis all right to speak in front of them? You know, data protection and all that."

"Not a problem, Dr Gentles. We have been on a mission trying to trace her, and we have some news, which may help her face her past." June told him.

"I see... well, I'll be going first and you can fill me in on what you know after."

"But is she here?" asked Angela forcibly.

"Yes, yes, she is back with us again. But let us get the formalities out of the way before I let you meet her. I am afraid it will not be today as she will need to be informed, she might not react very well, and cause another setback."

Dr Gentles went on going through Catherine's medical history and told them about her mental illness. "She has had many breakdowns due to depression, two suicide attempts, and her famous escape from the secure unit. She is quite an extraordinary patient. We hoped, with her increasing age, she would settle down, but eventually it was decided she could no longer live by herself in that ramshackle butchers shop. It was sold off and her substantial fortune enabled us to accept her here. She has been in our hands for going on five years and was one of our very first patients. Tis been a very bumpy ride for her, she's obstinate, stubborn to the point of frustration; it is why I'm so glad to meet you all. Hopefully, now she will have something else to focus on. Tis a shame though, we did not know of any surviving family. Apparently, her father's family solicitor manages all of her fortune and they now have power of attorney. Here is the name if you wished to speak to them."

"Thank you Dr Gentles." June said in a subdued voice, obviously suffering and trying to take in what they had heard.

"What was the final diagnosis of her condition Dr Gentles?" Angela asked in her most professional voice.

"Well now me dear, it has changed names many times, but basically it is a Bi-polar depression, probably brought on by untreated postnatal depression. Then later she developed an underactive thyroid, which also went untreated until she had her first major breakdown."

"I see," said Angela, "so what is her treatment now?"

"Now then young lass, you be in the nursing profession yer self then?"

"Yes, I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that. I'm a senior nurse specialist in palliative care for coma patients, and survivors." Angela answered.

"Fascinating field, I bet you have seen some miracles" he replied.

"Not really. Not yet anyway, I've only been in the post a short time."

"Well, Catherine's treatment is the usual round of medical care, associated drug regime for a bipolar patient. She also has physiotherapy for arthritis and she is wheelchair dependent nowadays. She has been assigned a secure unit in the grounds, as she is able to cope on her own, with some help from the twenty-four seven care we provide. She has a carer called Janice, I think and the warden for that set of units is Mrs Knowles. I'll ring and check out how she is and we can schedule a meeting, while you are still here. Obviously this news needs to be broken to her slowly and hopefully will not cause another episode. She gets very stressed by changes to her routine and she is emotionally withdrawn from the world and difficult to engage with. The carer's put up with a lot from her when she's like that, she can be stubborn, obstructive, and violent... and the language, well it would make the devil himself blush!" Dr Gentles shook his head slowly. "It's only palliative care young lass; we've run out of options for further progressive treatments. If she does not respond she will be left to her inside world where she chooses to live"

"Oh how sad! It's my mother! I am so guilty for leaving her to... to...this." June could not digest all this information in her emotional state of mind.

"Come on Mum, stop blaming yourself. You could not have done anything other than what is already been done. She is mentally ill. You will have to face the possibility she will not want to come out of her _'safe place'_ and agree to meet a family, she has never heard of." Angela stressed.

"Dr Gentles..." Paul addressed him with his stern voice. "We have some other news that might be helpful, about her first child, an illegitimate baby girl who was taken away from her at birth. Catherine would have been only sixteen at the time. How do you think she would react to that news?"

"Tis hard to say there young man, with her age and condition. Getting her to listen to anything is hard some days, other days she doesn't shut up, shouting and raging of her existence. I think it's a case of a bit of information at a time and would be best delivered by you, Angela, and myself if yer like, but be keeping your identity a secret 'til the time is right. As a nurse, you'll be more accustomed to reigning in your emotion's and reactions. Sorry June, but as you have a close emotional bond, it will upset her balance all the more. How long are you all here for?"

"Just a week. We all have jobs and responsibilities and can only afford this time. We really didn't think we had much hope of finding her, never mind finding her alive." June said solemnly.

"Yes, she is a battler in her own way. I've thought for some time now, she has been hanging on for something and now I know what it is." Dr Gentles replied. "She wants a conclusion, answers to questions that have all but destroyed her psyche. It explains a lot, but there are no records of a birth at sixteen. But... well back then, it wasn't unusual for them to be kept a secret and an illegitimate child would have been hidden in the system. You say you have found her."

"Yes Dr She's my patient back home, in a new primary care research unit I have just started working at. Unfortunately she is in a coma."

"Ah, I see... in a coma, heh? What type?"

"A persistent vegetive state for nearly ten years now, she is functional but unresponsive."

"I see. What a stroke of luck. How did you make the connection?"

Angela retold the story yet again, omitting all but the smallest irrelevant details. Dr Gentles interrupted only with _'fascinating'_ , _'unbelievable'_ and _'poor wee thing'_. The interview with the doctor had taken over his allotted time, and his secretary kept buzzing in with his next appointment until he could no longer ignore her.

"I'm really sorry; we'll have to conclude for today. I suggest Angela return's tomorrow morning at 9 AM. I will clear my schedule for the morning and we will go and light up your Grandma's world."

"Thank you so much for all your help." Paul shook the doctor's hand. June rose shakily, burnt out from all the new emotions she had to deal with.

"Until tomorrow Dr Gentles" Angela said and all three left with hope instead of despair.

* * * * *

# Chapter 12

## Angela meets Catherine.

The next day, as promised, Dr Gentles met with Angela in reception at the home for the disadvantaged, as he liked to call it. He had been very impressed by the determination of this family to heal the emotional rifts and correct their histories path, and he had high hopes that this would bring Catherine out of her world of hopelessness and depression. Her mental condition would be manageable if only she would co-operate occasionally.

In the five years Catherine had been at this costly specialised hospital, she had only aggravated and alienated herself with the staff and doctors alike. It was most upsetting to try to help someone who basically just wants to die, to get the hell off this world so they didn't have to feel or cope with daily horrendous emotions. Dr Gentles was all also concerned that too much information too soon may have a detrimental effect on Catherine, but this... "What was she? A granddaughter of course, you silly old man." he berated himself, "too many years around the mentally ill, I really needed a holiday. Now where was I? Ah yes, Angela. How unusual it was to come across someone so young, with so much empathy and insight, it was refreshing, and here she is now, on time and as pretty as a picture." He thought to himself.

"Ah...Angela glad to see you're on time lass," Dr Gentles greeted her.

"Yes Doctor, I learnt a long time ago never to keep a doctor waiting." They both laughed and shook hands.

"Are you ready for this now, lass, Catherine can be a handful, we need to drip feed this news you have to tell. It may take some time unless you are due a miracle or two."

Angela liked Dr Gentles; he was straight to the point and had no superior attitude or putdowns like you get from some doctors, especially when she probably knew more than they did, straight out of medical College. "You never know Dr Gentles; a miracle may be called for and answered, but I agree - little steps would be best. Where should I start?" Angela asked.

"Well then... I gave it a lot of thought last night. I think we will introduce you as a new carer for now and let Janice, her present one, have some well-earned time off. Your Gran can be a right tyrant and violent too. She has a surprisingly strong grip for an old lady. Yes, as her new carer, you can talk to her, get her to open up, tell you about her true love Alfred, she likes to remember good times. Use your knowledge of Alfred and then introduce your knowledge of Serena, his sister, and if you feel it appropriate to confess to being her granddaughter we will take it from there."

"Sounds a good approach for now, I will do my best Dr Gentles, not to upset her too much." Angela reassured him.

"I'm sure you will lass, you seem very capable. I wouldn't mind having you on my staff here if you ever decide to return to Ireland." Angela laughed and thanked the old doctor. They had reached a unit of four flat-lets where Catherine lived in the grounds of this truly magnificent hospital. Dr Gentles knocked softly and opened the door announcing his arrival.

"Catherine, 'tis Dr Gentles are you in?"

"Where the bloody hell would I be... you senile old man." was the response that greeted them.

"Ah... yer in fine fettle today, Catherine, I see. I have someone new to introduce to you. This young lady is called Angela, she is from England and is your relief carer, whilst Janice goes to visit her family, an emergency or something, I believe."

"Just what I need... another busybody pushing me around. Don't expect me to be happy about it." Catherine grumbled.

"Hello Catherine, I am very pleased to meet you." Angela greeted her, now fully in the little room. She saw her other grandmother for the very first time, and it was all she could do to hold the tears back and rush to her with a big granddaughter hug, but she composed herself. "Thank you, Dr Gentles, I will come and find you later today."

"Okay lass, you have her schedule for today, I'll be leaving her in your capable hands as I have a full day of appointments to catch-up on." With a quick smile to both Dr Gentles left Angela to hopefully, bring Catherine back into the real world.

"Okay young 'un what's on my torture list for today?" Catherine never turned around to face her but sat staring out of the only window from her wheelchair. Angela had been informed that she didn't really need a wheelchair all the time, that she could walk, albeit unsteadily, but ever since a bad fall, before she came to this hospital, she had refused to walk at all. In fact, she refused to do a lot of things for herself; dress, bathe, even eat. All the usual things someone suffering a deep depression felt were unimportant to them. Angela recognised this from her training.

"Well Catherine, may I call you Catherine?"

"Suppose...'tis me name." She still didn't turn to look at her.

"I thought we might go for a walk, have a coffee and get to know each other a little." Angela suggested.

"What on earth for? You will be gone in the blink of an eye." Angela was not put off by the rebuttal. She understood that her grandmother's life involved a lot of people being there with her one moment, and gone the next. She had a deep-rooted abandonment issues.

"I'm only here few days but we may as well make the most of this wonderful weather." Angela suggested.

"What ever yer like, tis not like I be having a choice because I'm stuck in this bloody thing anyway." She still had not turned around to look at the young carer, but stubbornly stuck looking at the glass in the window. She didn't really need to see further than that.

Angela decided to take the bull by the horns and confidently walked over and grabbed her wheelchair turning it away from the outside and facing her grandmother the first time.

"Oh... I see.... a young bully... I've had my fair share of you young 'uns and your tactics." Catherine's voice faded into a whisper... and then silent as she saw Angela's face, a familiar face from way, way back. Her shoulder length, golden blonde hair that was the same as hers at that age and she had bright sky blue eyes, as her Alfie had always said to her.

Angela saw the recognition... there was hope. "My name is Angela Bennett, and I'm no bully. I just wanted to talk to you. I hope you don't mind. Is it not a coincidence, we have the same surname?"

Catherine had not been able to take her eyes away from this angelic face. Her beautiful hair was lit from behind as the sun coming through the window was illuminating her, but all Catherine could think was... "She is an angel come to fetch my soul, finally 'tis my time." A laugh escaped her lips before she could stop it. "You've come to take me away then lass?"

"No, no, not at all... I have come to keep you company and care for you for a few days." Angela said softly.

"What did you say your name was?" Angela saw that she had at last had her Grandma's attention.

"Angela Bennett."

"How do yer spell yer surname?" she demanded harshly as if testing her.

"Two N's and two T's, the proper way." Angela answered.

"Ah... I see, tis a coincidence, lass, 'tis my married name, my maiden name was..."

"Mc'Ginty...sorry, Catherine, it is in your records." Nicely recovered, Angela congratulated herself; she nearly let the cat out of the bag.

"Oh yes, my records... interesting are they?"

"Very interesting actually, Catherine, I can see you have had a very difficult life, full of sadness and pain. I must say you have coped with a lot; most people would have given up years ago. Yet, I am told you profess to want to leave this life, and then you stubbornly cling on. Why is that?" Angela hoped this would engage her rage and open up a dialogue.

"Ah child, life can be a treasure or a nightmare. My moments of happiness can be summed up in my adolescent years, walking with my one true love. After that I had descended into hell on earth." Catherine watched closely, the face of this enchanting, eager girl. She still couldn't place her... Where had she seen these features before?

"I would love to hear all about it, if you feel up to telling me that is." Angela moved around to sit next to her.

"Well... I suppose I've nothing better to do unless you're going to make me go and be tortured. Physio, I think that's where I should be." Catherine said glumly still staring full on at this pretty girls face.

"All this morning's appointments had been cancelled, Catherine. Dr Gentles thought I should get to know you better."

"He's a silly old fool. A mad Irishman, just like the rest, full of deceit, manipulating me, and drugging me, then 'tis all talk, talk, and more talk."

"I'm sure he is doing his best, Gran... I mean Catherine." Angela nearly slipped up again but recovered just as quick, hoping Catherine wouldn't notice.

"Did you call me Gran?"

"Oh dear, she heard... obviously not as deaf as she makes out." Angela thought. "You remind me of my grandmother, I am sorry if I upset you." Angela was going to have to be more careful with what she said. "Think before engaging the tongue." She berated herself.

"Tis okay lass. I could be a grandmother, I suppose. I wouldn't know. My family abandoned me some years ago... but it was me own doin'. I drove them away." Catherine seemed to get lost in her memories for a moment.

"We're on track," Angela said to herself, "better press on whilst the irons hot." "Catherine, would you mind telling me all about your one true love, if you wouldn't mind. I love romantic stories."

"Yer do, do yer? Okay then lass. But be warned, not all love stories have happy endings." With that Catherine began to tell her of her life with Alfred, snippets of memories retold and relived daily, by her grandmother. Of course, Angela knew this story backwards from Serena's account of it, and from Alfred's journals. They had already pieced this part of Catherine's younger life together, but it was still enlightening to hear it from Catherine herself. Surprisingly she was an enthusiastic storyteller, her descriptions were very vivid. Angela felt that she walked side-by-side with her, down those Irish country lanes, and she wished too, that she could have that feeling of being so much in love. She could now understand why Catherine lived in her mind, in these memories. They cocooned from all the hurt in the real world.

"You are a good listener lass but I need a drink, I have talked myself dry."

"Would you like cup of tea?" Angela asked.

"Yes please."

"Shall I make it?"

"No, no... 'tis alright, I can manage you know." Either she forgot herself or decided she could walk as the next thing Catherine did was get out of her wheelchair, totter to the kitchenette, put the kettle on and a few minutes later returned with china teapot, cups and saucers and milk in a jug, sugar in a bowl and biscuits on a plate, all on a little trolley she pushed in front of her.

"Let this be our secret lass, if they knew I could still walk okay they would have me running laps and my time here might be over. I like it here and I don't like that old busybody, Gentles, knowing."

Angela smiled and reached to touch Catherine's hand in agreement with her. "Catherine it is your life and you should do as you please with it... you know, free will and all that."

"Yer not one of them pompous, hypocritical, bloody Catholics, are you lass?" Catherine said with the sharp tone back in her voice.

"No, absolutely not, I am more a spiritual being and I believe in unconditional love, peace and respect." Angela reassured her. She wasn't lying either as this was how she felt about religion. It was unnecessary.

"Ah... I see. 'Tis the modern way is it? A new religion or something?" Catherine was being very attentive to Angela so she continued.

"Have you heard of Buddhism?"

"I think so... Hari Krishna blokes, all bald heads and orange robes..."

"Yes, but Buddhism is not a religion per-se, but a way of living life. Spirituality is much the same thing. We acknowledge a higher presence, an afterlife and live from unconditional love, from our hearts."

"Sounds simply enough, certainly better that all that bloody Catholic dogma."

"You do not have faith in the Catholic Church?" Angela was genuinely surprised.

"No lass, I do not! Bloody self-righteous, hypercritical pricks, the lot of them."

Angela felt she was getting her on the right track to reveal some of the hurt she had been through. "Oh dear, Catherine, what did they do to you?"

"Well... let me see... what didn't they do? Where was I in my story lass?" she asked.

"I think we got to the point where you found out you were expecting."

"Oh yes... the shit hit the fan that day, excuse my swearing but 'tis necessary."

Catherine retold the details of her nightmare day, when Alfie was torn from her life and thrown away, just like a dirty snot filled handkerchief is discarded. By the time Catherine had got to the part where her baby was _'stolen'_ in her words, they were sitting side by side on the sofa, both sniffling into their own snot filled handkerchiefs.

* * * * *

# Chapter 13

## Catherine Continues

"June? Who is she?" Angela asked, already knowing the answer of course.

"Another time lass, I'm a little tired and a bit hungry." Catherine's face had softened and beneath the age carved wrinkles, and Angela could see a resemblance to her Mother.

"Oh my word! Look at the time... its lunchtime. Shall we go to the café for lunch and sit outside in the sun?" Angela suggested.

"Actually, that sounds very nice, but I can't walk that far."

"Not a problem, Catherine, we will use the wheelchair for now."

They took a leisurely walk down a winding path to the cafe, which was central in this large estate of a hospital come country home, and sat at the side of a large lake, with the requisite ducks, swans and other waterfowl. It was very beautiful, a fact not lost on Catherine or Angela. They selected a table in the shade and ordered two salads with all the trimmings.

Angela had noticed that Catherine had perked up considerably since their initial meeting this morning. Their conversation had flowed naturally, no sign of Catherine's former resistance, or bad language and spiteful remarks. Had she dropped her guard? They finished their lunch and vacated the table for a bench at the edge of the water, where they sat in the shade of a wonderful weeping willow tree, which somehow seemed appropriate.

"Catherine, would you mind telling me about your marriage and subsequent children?" Angela thought it might be best to get all the harder memories to the surface, so they could experience the hurtful past together.

"My dear child, I'm all talked out but you are a good listener, which my daughter, June, was not." She paused for a moment. "But... I suppose I can manage though. It is a long time since anyone _really_ listened to me." Catherine's gaze wandered off to a distant point, but Angela could feel her memories were coming up from the deep recesses where she had locked them away, many years ago.

As Catherine sat next to her, yet unknown Grandchild, she eloquently filled in her mother's own childhood and dealing with loss of her own. Angela did not interrupt her once. At first the river of memories flowed out as a raging torrent, and then they began to slow to a trickle. Drop by drop; she unveiled all that she had buried deep within her. Then she cried cathartic tears that hopefully would help to heal her fractured soul. Angela hugged her secret Grandma, tightly, wishing her mother could have been here too. Slowly the tears subsidised and they both looked at each other with some recognition at a soul level.

"Angela, tell me... why is it you remind me of an old friend and my daughter somewhat. Why is it I feel I know you in some way?" Angela tried to gather her thoughts. Was this the right time to reveal all? Dr Gentles had said little steps, but then they had already made such huge leaps. Catherine seemed stable although upset, it had not brought on any kind of episode, but more a healing release of all the pent up and buried emotions. Angela had seen this many times, sitting with a person taking account of their lives, at the moment of their death. Catherine was certainly not dying at this moment.

Angela wished her Grandma Serena were here. "Boo!" and there she was, ever reliable. "Ask her about her stolen child... it's the doorway she needs to get through," Serena said, "so she can, at last, find closure and peace." Angela did her best not to appear strange in the way she did sometimes when she was talking to spirit.

"Which old friend Catherine? How would I know her?" Angela asked.

"Her name, back then, was Serena Rooney; she was Alfred's younger sister. She knew of our affair and supported it, but she was moved from Puncheston to somewhere in the middle of England by her older sister's Maggie, for her husbands job, if I remember correctly."

"I think you're doing a wonderful job of remembering, Catherine, it feels like I am in these memories with you."

"Does it? Thank you... and Angela, you know, you remind me of Serena as a child. She was so close to Alfie and was distraught when she had to leave him behind here, in Ireland. You do look like her; you have the same colour hair, and the same eyes, even the way you hold yourself reminds me of her."

"Really? How interesting. Please tell me more about your family, Catherine; you had a son and daughter didn't you?" said Angela, acknowledging what Catherine had said, and now redirecting her thoughts to where they need to be. She wanted to distract her from talking about her as it wasn't time yet for the big reveal. The sun had started its downward motion towards sunset, but it was still warm with a flower scented, gentle breeze.

"Let me see... where was I? On my return to the world from my horrible existence at the convent, I was hurriedly, and with no ceremony, married off like a piece of meat from my father's butcher shop, to my cousin William Bennett. Yes, you can look shocked... I said my cousin. It was not uncommon back then. My father disowned me and Father Dominic, our parish priest, conducted the ceremony. No wedding dress, no reception, or a best man and bridesmaids, just two witnesses and it was a done deal. I say that, my dear, because I know now, all my inheritance from my own mother was given to my new husband. I had no control over my life at all. I had to obey - so I did." She was lost in thought for a moment and Angela gave her the time she needed to continue.

"My heart was as dead as a stone and my mind was in a constant state of denial, I suppose, therefore I locked all the hurtful past away, became a dutiful wife and mother to two more children." She paused again, to take a breath... "I did not love or respect my husband and he knew it. When we spoke of this, it always ended in an argument and it wasn't that long before he started hurting me, you know... physical abuse. He was a clever man though, and kept his temper under control in front of others. To them on the outside, we appeared as happy couple, but when alone in our home, my prison, it was very different. Everything that went wrong, he took it out on me. He was just another bloody hypocritical, abusive Catholic." It was time for a few more tears. Angela thought, "At this rate, if she keeps crying, she will dehydrate and I'll have to put her on a drip."

Catherine composed herself and continued. "When Jonathan, my son was born, I did not bond with him at all. All I saw was another male, who would eventually let me down and abandoned me. I'm now told that I had postnatal depression, and it may have been treatable if anyone had cared enough to notice." Another pause... "I never let William touch me again in that way. I thought as I had given him a son it would be enough. Therefore, I moved into the guest bedroom and we went through the motions of appearing a respectable and happily married couple. William at least noticed I was not coping so he hired a nanny to help me, but I am sure it was in no way for my benefit but for his son, as I was such useless mother."

"Are you okay, Catherine? Is this getting to much for you?"

"Nay lass, 'tis okay. Here's the awful bit. I now felt, as my own mother must have felt. She committed suicide, you know. Not that it's talked of; she was just another soul that got brushed under the carpet of Catholic dogma. On the outside we were a modern Catholic family minus the six or more children that were usually required. I went to church as the obedient wife and mother, but in reality, I was hollow, empty, devoid of all feelings, but no one really noticed the truth. I had no close friends left, as most of the people I knew from my school years had left long ago for fields anew... and it was easier, I suppose, to leave the real world and live inside my head with my Alfie and my lost, stolen baby girl." Angela squeezed gently, the very frail hand she now held. "I would imagine endlessly, what had happened to them both? I would dream they found each other in England, and they would settle down near to Serena and Maggie and they would become my baby's surrogate mother, but I was never truly convinced." Catherine's gaze followed a line of ducks and their babies who had come to see if we had any food for them.

"Reality hit home one day when William came home drunk and rambling about politics as usual. Religion and politics! It usually meant I would end up with a few slaps for some misdemeanour I must have done. On that particular night we had argued and Jonathan had tried to intervene. He was only five, I think. William knocked him right across the room and he landed badly breaking his wrist. Of course, that was my fault... I had lost control of my son, and as soon as the nanny went home, he would shout at me, saying I was a useless mother, and now my son had a broken wrist to prove it. William took him to the emergency hospital but I was made to stay at home, locked in my bedroom. I had to wait to receive my punishment. William made my son lie to the nurses and say that I had done it. I had flung him across the room in temper. William explained to them I was mentally unstable and becoming dangerous. Jonathan was five years old... just a toddler, and William poisoned him against me. After that we never truly bonded, and he became a strange child to me. Of course, when William returned I got my punishment - he raped me... violently. My body bruised in places I didn't know you could get bruises."

"Catherine, How absolutely awful! Are you sure you're okay telling me this? Do you want to stop and rest?"

"I suppose it's time to return to my box, lass, but I would like to get it all off my chest now I have broken the damn." Catherine suddenly seemed very old and frail, in Angela's young eyes.

"Okay, we will go back and continue as long as you feel alright." Angela said supportively.

"Bless you lass, you are such a comfort." This wasn't the first time Angela had heard that particular complement.

Serena had stayed to listen to Catherine in the background, but now whispered to Angela. "She is doing well, considering she has only just met you, sweetheart. I think it's best to get it all out of her, and then we can decide what to reveal to her." Angela nodded in agreement and they made their way back to Catherine's home where she made her comfortable on the settee, fetching two iced teas to help with the telling of their shared family history.

"How did you keep living with a man who could do something as vile as rape?" Angela asked carefully. "Did you not report him to the police?"

"They would never have listened to me! I was married to him. I had to obey. It was his right as a husband... but it was no easy thing, lass. I suppose its then that I began to break apart. I had lost my coping mechanisms, as I always did when things are too difficult. I boxed it all away, all the horrific memories, shoved them down deep in my heart and just carried on. A few months later I found out I was pregnant again. I didn't tell anyone. I kept it a secret right up to the day my daughter, June, was born in 1961, I think it was. The years of free love, ban the bomb, peace rallies and so on. Apparently, it was a gay old time - full of fun and freedom. But I knew nothing about this new world. Even though this pregnancy was the result of my husband's raping me, I made myself promise I would care for this child, and I would not to allow anyone to rip her away from me. Every day, I would talk to the baby and fantasise about our life together."

"Why didn't you just leave him, Catherine?"

"I know divorce was becoming easer to do in the 60's, if you had reasons, but this is Ireland, and I was Catholic. I would never have been allowed that escape route. William would have had me locked up. Anyway, in my head, I think I pretended to myself that this baby was the one who was stolen from me. That baby had come from true love whilst this baby had come from a truly violent, sickening act. I somehow, I suppose, I replaced them in my mind and swore to myself I would be a good mother." Catherine paused as the memory of June's birth began tumbling out.

"June came into the world screaming her lungs out, a fine healthy baby for all my secrecy of her existence. William did not know what to think, and even accused me of being a whore. It was funny, actually. June was born on the dining room table and a midwife was called just in time to deliver my eight-pound baby girl. Perfectly healthy, with a mop of Auburn hair, as I had as a young girl, not this grey, speckled mess I have now. After that, every time we sat down to eat at that table I could see that William was uncomfortable with the memory of me bleeding all over it! But unfortunately, history has a habit of repeating itself again and again. I could not move past the rape or its consequence. I again slipped into postnatal depression and lost care of my newborn to the nanny. It was a period full of remorse. I sank deeper into the depression and I became a violent person, angry everyone. My son shrank away from me, even further, and would run to hide behind his father when he came across me. All these events added to my breakdown, I suppose. The Doctor was called and he agreed with William, of course. I was diagnosed as unstable and unfit person to be a proper mother. They committed me to a woman's sanatorium, a hospital for psychiatric support. There I had many kinds of therapy, and some counselling, but electric shock therapy was the worst. None of it worked as I had totally shut down. I succumbed to my darkest nightmares and withdrew from the world. When they eventually let me out, I became a figure in a room my children knew as their Mother, who they feared and did not love, I see that now... when it's too late."

"It's never too late, Catherine." Angela said trying to be encouraging.

"Oh my sweet girl, I am seventy-three and slowly slipping to my demise in this box of a home."

"Stop the negativity! There is always a positive side."

"My child... you have much growing up to do. Life is not a straight path but more a game of snakes and ladders." They both laughed at this.

"What happened to your children Catherine? Do you see them now? Where are they?"

"No lass... I gave up that right when I shut myself off from the world, just as well as I did too."

"Why?"

"Well... in 1982 my rebellious son was taken from us in a motorbike accident, he was nearly decapitated... and died instantly."

"Oh Catherine... its too awful..."

"I was told this, coldly, by my daughter, June. She was only fifteen. We were strangers by then, who passed in the hallways of our home, and rattled sabres occasionally. She was very bright, and so like William, obstinate, stubborn, but very clever. William died just over a year after her birth and she had to make do with the nanny, as I was in and out of hospital still."

"Why did your husband die?"

"Cancer... of the pancreas, if I remember correctly, he was diagnosed and died only two months later. It should have been a shock to me. I should have been grieving, but I didn't. I was happy. I was free."

"So Mu...June never really knew her Father?" Angela nearly slipped up again.

"No lass, only from photos and what the nanny may have told her. She was more her mother than I ever was. All June and I did was pass like ships in the night, and argue about everything as she got older, and eventually we had nothing left to talk about. It is my sin that I never took the opportunity to have a second chance of a good relationship with her after my depression eased. She reminded me of William, and her night of conception. How she was the result of being raped, in my screwed up mind. But... for all that, from what I was told by the nanny, who stayed on as my nurse and carer by the way, June did well at college and then at university, but that was that - I never saw her again. She stayed until she had a place at Uni' confirmed, in Dublin, and then she made a run for it - she had no reason to stay. I was a withdrawn, emotionally devoid of feelings, a mother with too many mental problems that were beyond her understanding. Anyway... as time went on I was too much for the nanny and she left too. Eventually my Doctor and my one of my many carer's, decided I was not safe at home, and had me committed to a psychiatric hospital and that is where I've existed ever since, one hospital ward was much the same as the next. I think I died inside. I was burnt out..."

"And now you're here under Dr Gentles care..."

"Yes lass, and he has done well. They treat me as a whole person here, and not just a calamity of conditions. It helps that this place, is so utterly wonderful. I have been feeling more like my old self, I have a bit o' fight in me again." Catherine patted Angela's hand, reassuring her she was alright. Serena, who had been listening intently, stepped forward, standing in front of Catherine and touched her, with her spirit hand, and used her vibrating energy field, enabling Catherine to feel a tingling sensation. "Ohhhh...something touched my hand... it was like an electric shock." Catherine jerked her hand away and nursed it to her chest.

"Catherine, may I tell you a secret of mine?" Angela asked.

"Fares fare, lass, spill the beans! I can see you have been biting your lips all day." Catherine was pleased with this new young girl who was so easy to talk too and had listened so attentively.

"Mmm...how to begin..." At that moment Dr Gentles knocked softly onto the door.

"Well ladies...it is nearly 8 o'clock, time to go Angela."

"Oh dear... We were just getting to the point." Angela said with disappointment.

"Catherine needs her rest; you can come back tomorrow and continue." He said firmly.

"Why don't I get a say in this?" Catherine asked.

"No! Tomorrow ladies... now goodnight." Angela helped Catherine into her bedroom and helped her to get ready for bed, leaving her with a light supper of cheese on toast and a mug of Horlicks, apparently Catherine's favourite drink. She bid her Grandmother a good night, and said she would definitely be returning in the morning. Secretly, she felt it would be the time to reveal her daughter and her own connection to her. She hoped it would not be too much of a shock, and she would forgive this day of deception.

* * * * *

# Chapter 14,

## Family reunion and revelations

Dr Gentles walked Angela to where her mother was waiting for news, by the car they had hired. Angela briefly told them as much as she could, and Dr Gentles was truly shocked. "We have never managed to get Catherine to open up and reveal so much about her life. We didn't know her memories were all intact, and we were beginning to think it was Alzheimer's. I am truly thankful Angela. That is a rare gift you have there."

"Yes, she surprises us constantly," said June proudly.

"You are an empath, Angela, and I would love to have your my staff here, if you ever need a job, just ring me. Well, goodnight ladies, I'll be seeing you all tomorrow." With that Dr Gentles left them.

June and her daughter returned to the B&B to fill Paul in on the days happenings. They mutually decided tomorrow would be the day for revelations and they gathered all of Alfred's journals, Serena's letters, photos and anything else, they thought might help bring Catherine truly into the light of day and begin to live again in the real world.

As promised, Angela returned to her Grandma Catherine's _'box'_ as she called it, first thing at eight o'clock the next morning, to help her get up, shower and dress, and then have some breakfast together. After all, she was supposed to be looking after her as well as all the interrogating.

"Well lass, what have you got planned for me today?" Considering the emotional state Catherine was in yesterday, Angela had half expected her to be too worn out to continue with her story, but her she was – invigorated.

"Catherine, your schedule says you have a free day and you can do anything you like." Angela replied. She needed to seed the idea in of continuing from yesterday's conversations.

"Are yer sure lass? They always have things for me to do - blasted nuisance as well... like I need to learn computers or how to paint. I would much rather go for a walk and continue our chat. If memory serves me, you were about to get something off your chest when that old busybody doctor turned up."

"There's nothing wrong with your memory, Catherine, I do have a surprise or two for you, if you're up for it." Angela felt as Catherine had shown such trust in her by revealing all her past that she should do no less in return. "As it's such a nice day, shall we walk to the lake again or round the ornamental gardens?"

"Ah, the gardens I think lass. They will be in full bloom and I always enjoyed my garden at home - my true home, where I was born. It is no longer there you know, it's been modernised, all my history erased by a bulldozer." Catherine continued with her reminiscing of her old home whilst Angela pushed her in her wheelchair to a secluded corner in the gardens where a summerhouse was situated. It had views over all the gardens, and lake with the hospital in the distance.

"You did well to find this hidden gem lass." Catherine said truly surprised. "I've never been here before but then my usual girl never bothers to ask me what I want to do. I am just carted to the next stop on my blasted schedule." Catherine was getting agitated again. Angela assumed it was because her spirit was truly engaging with the present, and she was finally realising how much of her life she had given up by living in the past.

"It's okay Catherine; let's sit here on these comfy chairs, and talk of happier times."

"Happier times? What happier times? You are just like the rest, pretending to be listening to me, nodding and mumbling 'um' and 'ah' and then piss off back to wherever..."

"Oh my God! You sound just like my mother!" Angela said, forgetting herself again. At that moment, as if to save the day, Serena appeared and perched on the arm of Angela's chair.

"Calm her down, sweetheart." Angela acknowledged her and left her chair to kneel before Catherine.

"I am here, Catherine and I'm going nowhere. You have told me so much of your life - a life where people have jumped in, made a mess, and then left you alone. No wonder you always feeling abandoned and retreat to happier times. Depression is difficult condition to heal, especially when it has gone untreated for far too long. You have a right to be angry at the world. I am amazed how you have lived with it; many others would have given up long ago. What is it that keeps you going?"

"Oh sweetest Angel, an Angel you truly are. What keeps me living? Hope, I suppose - hope."

"I'm no Angel, Catherine, despite my name. I have a normal life and do normal things. So what is it that you hope for?"

"I would have thought, with all that intuition you have, you would've guessed. My hope is that one day; I will see the baby girl that was torn from me when she left my womb. I heard a small cry but saw nothing... it ripped my soul apart. That day I died inside and I have been waiting ever since for my body to catch up. I doubt it survived anyway... the nuns told me she was underweight and sickly. They didn't care; it was a bastard child, an abomination, born from the sin of rape as they had been told by that scumbag priest. It was nothing to them but a soulless devil child. It's the not knowing that crucifies me inside. If the baby did live she would be old now, nearly sixty - a pensioner themselves..." Catherine drifted away on her thoughts, staring into the distance, giving Serena a chance to jump in.

"Now Angela, now. Tell her who you truly are."

"Catherine... I do have something very important to confess, but before I do, I want to make sure you are ready and will trust me that what I tell you is the truth." Angela said softly giving her hand a comforting squeeze.

"My child, I've told you the darkest part of my soul, there is nothing you can say to hurt me that has not been said before."

"I bet no one has ever told you this, Catherine. The reason I seem familiar to you, as you said, well... it's because I'm your grandchild - June's daughter." Angela paused to allow this nugget of information to sink in.

"My grandchild? Here, now, in front of me! You are my flesh and blood grandchild? I don't believe you - it can't be... Why would you be here? Why have you allowed me to spill my guts to you, knowing all along that you knew who I was? I thought you were a kind stranger, helping a nutty old woman coming to terms with the past and finally find some peace in her life – but you have deceived me... I can't believe you... it's not true."

Catherine rambled on for another minute or two and Angela let her get it off her chest, after all she was right – she had deceived her. Serena moved in closer to Catherine and let her angelic aura surround her so it would calm her down.

"I thought it might be too much to take in all at once, but you said you would listen. I am not here to con you or confuse you. I want nothing more but to heal the rift between you and my mother, and we have many other things we want to share with you." Angela said, trying to reassure her.

"Why now lass? Why wait all this time?" Catherine had calmed down and was ready to listen for once.

"Mum says she was at fault for leaving you the way she did, but she was still a child herself and did not know how to cope with your illness - she was scared. She ran away and much like you, she bottled up the past and filed it away in her mind. Once she had left, it got harder and harder to think about coming back, but recently there have been some things happening that forced all those memories to come forward, just as it has happened to you Catherine, while you have talked and I have listened. She too was made to remember, and had to face her fears and demons. Now - she wants nothing more than to heal the rift, correct her mistakes and apologise. Does that make sense to you?"

"I suppose so lass. As the saying goes - like mother like daughter. Is...is she here?"

"Are you ready to see her Catherine?"

"You really are the spitting image of her, when she was younger lass. Why did I not see it before?"

"You were not ready Gran. Can I call you Gran now?"

"Oh yes lass, of course. I am loving hearing it for the first time." Catherine looked at her with tears in her eyes again.

"I'm sorry it took so long, but we had to get you to open up to us, and needed to be sure you would react positively as we didn't want you to sink further into your depression. The Doctors here thought you may have Alzheimer's, which was also a concern. We thought you would totally give up on life before you had a chance to heal the past and live in the present again."

"Well now, Angela, my precious grandchild. If your mother is responsible for how you have turned out, she has done a brilliant job of avoiding all the potholes I fell into. It's time then - where do we go to find her lass?"

"I have sent a text message to tell them to come here, Gran. They have been in the car park waiting for my signal." Angela revealed.

"Texting? Ah...yes, my usual girl is always on her blasted phone doing that, 'tis terribly annoying."

"Welcome to the 21st century Gran!" laughed Angela. Serena had moved herself away and now stood as silently as the pillars that supported the roof of this summerhouse sanctuary. It was indeed a suitable place for revelations, and for healing.

* * * * *

# Chapter 15

## June and her Mother

June read Angela's text aloud to Paul. It was time. It didn't say much more other than directions to the location of the Gothic summerhouse where her mother was now waiting for her. Paul held June's hand as they walked in silence following Angela's directions. He could feel her nervousness and fear. The prospect of meeting his mother-in-law for the first time was an occasion to be nervous about, especially considering her reputation. "Was it well-earned?" he wondered. June had always described her mother as a _'nutcase'_ and a _'cold fish'_ when he managed to get anything out of her. Now was the time for them to get to the truth and banish all the demons of her nightmares. They were about to let in a new future, full of hope and happiness.

Angela had told them everything that Catherine had revealed the night before but she stressed they must keep it as a confidence and allow her to reveal it to them in her own time. On the final approach June could not stop shaking, as well as not being able to take her eyes off the old and frail looking woman in a wheelchair. Angela was sat close to her and they were holding hands. "Has Angela worked her magic on this woman who was her mother?" She asked herself, but she felt nothing but dread - and something else - pity. It was too late to be so self analytical. Too late to back out and run away as she had before. Here and now, she was a mother herself; she had a family that she had kept together through many an ordeal. Her family was strong and supportive and she knew in her heart, they would never let her down.

"Mum, Dad, it is so good to see both." Angela greeted them. "Please sit." June sat next to her daughter and Paul stood behind her, but she could not make eye contact with this woman who was her own mother.

"Well lass..." said Catherine, "Yer not going to give your old Mamme a hug?"

A hug? This was not her _'Mamme'_ an Irish term for motherhood that June had not heard for a very long time. "Mum... it's good to see you looking so... well." Was all she managed to splutter out.

"No mind lass, I can see yer struggling with this. Our Angela here, my granddaughter, is very talented at getting to the truth of the matter, and assures me yer wanted this meeting. As you can barely look at me, I will start; kick the ball off - as they say. Angela, help me to sit next to your mother, please." Angela dutifully helped Catherine from the comfy chair on to the wicker settee which was full of floral, comfortable cushions and it was there she turned to face the daughter she had pushed away so many years ago.

"My sweet child, I am truly sorry for all the things I put you through. I now know I was mentally ill, and I hardly knew what I was doing. It is not an excuse for all the hurt I caused you but please, let me tell you why I lost the plot and became this shrivelled up old harridan." Angela went to stand with her Father and they listened in silence, as Catherine told her story once again.

June listened intently and watched this old lady, her mother; try to give some explanation as to why their lives had turned out like they had. Of course, they both had shared this life but they saw it from different perspectives. June now understood how manipulative and harsh her father had been, locking her mother away as a nutcase, seemingly incapable of caring for her children.

It was a different story told of Junes own young life, the truth was there, but the reasons behind it were poles apart. Catherine finished with tears spilling slowly down the wrinkles in her aged face. She looked directly at her daughter, eye to eye, and soul to soul. "June, I did to you what my mother had done to me. I abandoned you to your own fate whilst I withdrew from the world, and I am so very sorry that I hurt you."

They all sat in silence for a minute or two, whilst tears had their way with them all. "But... to end on a positive note, look what you've given me now, peace of mind and hopefully different end to my existence and on top of that – a whole new family!" Catherine added excitedly.

"Oh Mum... I am sorry too... I abandoned you, I see that now. I was young and desperate to escape. It was just too much to cope with, when they committed you. My thoughts were not of you. The Doctors told me you were going to the best place, so I took my chance to escape. I'm sorry I never made any contact after Jonathan died; I was scared that I would be made responsible for you, and I had so many plans. When I met Paul and he asked about my family - I'm sorry, but I lied. I was scared that if I said you were mentally ill, he might think I would turn out the same. I was ignorant and a fool. It took Angela and her _gift_ to show me what a weak person I was."

For first time in over thirty years, mother and daughter embraced in a tearful reunion. Tears began to wash away the hurt and remorse. It would take a lot of time, but the healing process had begun. Paul and Angela left them to continue the process of reunion. Serena also floated along with them entering the discussion via Angela's _gift_.

"Angela, I must be off now, my sweetheart, but I will return, as always, if you need me. My heart is gladdened by the healing we have begun. When it's time for the next revelation I will return."

"Bye Grandma... and Paul says thank you too."

* * * * *

# Chapter16

## The Next Step

Later that evening at the B&B, Angela, and her Mother and Father discussed the week's events so far. "What should be the next step?", "Where should they go from here?" was the general consensus. "There is only one more day left," June said. "What if my mother sees it as my running away again? I don't want to abandon her again. I want to heal my relationship and bring my mother to our home, Paul, to be with her new family. And there is the matter of Theresa too. Do you think it is alright to ask her to come back with us?"

"If that's what you think is best, June, then I am a hundred percent behind you, but we may need to speak to Catherine's doctors first." Paul replied hugging his wife.

"Yes Mum, Dad is right, before we mention it to my new Grandma, we better have a talk with Dr Gentles.

It was decided to approach Dr Gentles the next morning, and if given the go ahead to ask Catherine if she would like to go back to England with them, to their home. In the back of all their minds was Theresa, the ultimate surprise which awaited Catherine, but it was decided as she had to absorb all the recent revelations, this would be best left until she agreed to leave all her bad memories behind in Ireland.

It had all gone so well, in fact it had been easy, as if it were meant to be in the great design of the universe. The next morning they managed to talk to Dr Gentles briefly in between his regular appointments. They summarised the events that had taken place and how Catherine had reacted so positively. She was a changed person.

"You're not wrong there, lass. I don't profess to know how you got through to her, and dragged her out of her internal dilemmas, but you did. I barely recognised the woman I visited at breakfast. Even her usual carer, Janice, was laughing and joking with her instead of the normal barrage of insults. As for Catherine, she was upbeat, alert, and responsive and seemed very positive about the future. I could never have got this result in a million years, Angela. You truly touched her soul and saved her life. Therefore, if she is willing, I have no objections to releasing her to your care, but if she decides to stay, I promise I will do my best to make sure she remains positive and keeps in contact."

They all thanked the Doctor for his help and understanding and for the good care he had given to Catherine. Now, all they had to do was ask the woman herself. It was decided that June with Angela's help, should be the ones to ask her. Catherine was not in her wheelchair when they reached her apartment, but was carefully walking around the room.

"What you up to Grandma?" asked Angela.

"Grandma... tis lovely to hear that. I'm trying to increase the strength of my legs, as you advised. I expect I'll be needing my mobility back. I have realised that I had given up, and had decided, on some level, to sit in a wheelchair until I died, but now I want to walk...." Catherine replied, doing one more circuit of the tiny room, without holding onto the furniture.

"Mum, please sit for a moment. Angela, why don't you make us all a cup of tea please?" Catherine sat down next to her daughter on the two seat settee and Paul plopped himself down in the vacant wheelchair.

"So this is your husband Paul is it?" Catherine directed the question to Paul.

"Nice to finally meet you in person, Catherine, I am sorry I didn't get a chance yesterday." Paul replied.

"He's a good looking lad, June, does he behave himself?" Catherine asked cheekily.

"Yes Mum, he is a very good husband and Father. I didn't introduce him yesterday as there was too much, for you to take in. Paul and I, we have been married for twenty-two years, and as well as Angela, we have a son called James, who is fourteen. He could not come because of his exams at school and he was very disappointed, but we have told him everything that has happened by telephone, and he can't wait to meet you."

"You did the right thing, lass, in leaving me to my own suffering and getting on with your own life. I realise that now. But I am so glad that I get a second chance of being in a loving family, as yours obviously is."

"Mum... We wanted to ask you - would like you to do just that? Come back to England with us, I mean, to live with us? So much time has passed and you have missed so much. There is more we have to tell you and that must be done back home." June asked hopefully.

"I have never left the Irish shores... you want me to leave the Emerald Isle?" Catherine shuddered, as if the thought was abhorrent. "Good job I have already begun to pack then," she added, "you don't think I'm going to stay here, where all my worst memories have happened - do you? This place has never been like the home I dreamed of, with my Alfie. It has caused me nothing but pain and heartache - you all know that now. I would love to come, besides, if I do get homesick, I can always come back here. I am sure Dr Gentles would agree."

"Yes, he did." June said excitedly, "We'd better get you a ticket booked then," she said, looking at Paul, who seemed to have nodded off in the wheelchair.

"Ticket?" Catherine asked seemingly bemused. "For the boat?"

"No Gran, we flew here - you know in an aeroplane." Angela said smiling.

"I'm not that befuddled lass!" Catherine laughed. "Aeroplane then, is it? Another first for this old lady, I can't wait, after all life is for the living. I'd better drag myself into the 21st century."

Paul went outside to use his mobile to purchase a one way ticket to Birmingham airport, the nearest one to their home in Lichfield. June and Angela helped Catherine with packing her belongings which were not that extensive, some were boxed for shipping to England and the stuff she no longer had use for, Catherine decided to donate it to the hospital, to use as they pleased. Catherine's lifelong belongings were reduced to two suitcases. Paul came back into the frantic packing and told them, "The tickets are all done - we leave tomorrow. I managed to get us all on the same flight."

"Oh, well done, Paul," June replied with a big grin aimed at her husband, thanking him for his understanding and hard work. She then turned to her mother. "All this... it's not too fast for you is it Mum?"

"No lass, not at all. I feel I could do anything; such a weight has been lifted from me. I could float home, without a plane!" They all laughed, there was so much love in that small box room, at that moment. You could almost see the happiness as a tangible form, surrounding them. Of course, there was still more healing and cathartic discussions to have, and they all realised this. Even Catherine sensed there was something else to be revealed. Perhaps Alfie was alive? She had not dared to ask this question. He would be very old by now, so perhaps not. Catherine pushed these thoughts down for now, as she wanted to concentrate on what was real and in front of her and not something that was embedded in her dream-like past. She didn't want to be trapped in that world again. It would wait for another day, as her memories were coming to the fore as a slow trickle now, bits and bobs, snippets of old feelings were all she could face. For now, she had her family back, she felt loved, and at peace.

* * * * *

# Chapter 17

## England.

On the plane trip home, Catherine gave her daughter an insight to her past, a rare privilege, as she shared her diaries with her. These were the ones that she had written from a child to teenager, and then as a mother. They told of her abuse at the hands of Joseph and her love for, Alfred Rooney. They ended at the birth of their bastard child and true to her last line in these diaries, Catherine had never written another word.

They could not put them down, passing the diaries, one by one, from June to Angela, for her to read as well. Catherine meanwhile got to know her son-in-law Paul. June and Angela had agreed before they left the Ireland, that if the opportunity arose, they should mention the _link_ that had brought them all together, not Theresa but Serena.

June had already told her mother how she had met Paul at Uni and after only a brief romance; they had married and moved to be nearer to his father and mother. They never mentioned Serena's name and Catherine still didn't have a clue of this link to her recently discovered family. It would be a revelation, and what better place to drop a _'bombshell'_ if not on an aeroplane.

"Come on, son; tell me more about your family?" Catherine asked Paul as the other two were quiet and reading.

"Okay, Catherine you are in for one hell of a surprise...are you sure you can handle it?"

"Son, there cannot possible be any more skeletons in the closet now, can they?"

"You'd be surprised, Catherine." he said, patting her hand. "Okay... there's no easy way to tell you so I'll just say it. My father's name is Jim Middleton. In 1956 he married Serena Rooney, originally of Puncheston, County Kildare, in Ireland."

"Really? I see... what a stroke of luck or fate, and no wonder Angela reminds me of my old friend, Alfie's younger sister. So lad, are they still with us, in the land of the living?"

"I wish, Catherine, but sadly, no. My mum, Serena, passed away in 1990 from cancer of the bowel. She managed to hold onto life just long enough to meet her first grandchild, Angela. My father, Jim, lived on for another eighteen years and passed away in his sleep, last year. We were all with him, and Angela's special _gift_ came into play as she guided him through his last hours, safely into Serena's arms again."

"I am truly sorry for your loss young man, but what is this _gift_ of Angela's I keep hearing about? She has the second sight, doesn't she?" Catherine stated answering her own question.

Paul was surprised. "Yes, how did you guess?"

"Runs in the family lad, my own mother were sent mad by it, and took her own life in the end. I suspected as a child there was more to her death than what was said. Funny though, it skipped two generations, but back then it was not considered a _gift_ but a curse, a sin, and if spoken about, you were condemned as insane or possessed by the devil. It explains a great deal to me now. You have a very special young lady there Paul." They sat in silence for a while. "So Serena has passed on. I have to ask you, what of my Alfie? Do you know anything?" Paul caught June's eyes and she turned to Angela, who nodded for to Paul to continue.

"I'm sorry, Catherine, but he passed away in November 1999. He was still looking for your child, but he never did find her. He left his journals, letters and such like with his older sister, Maggie."

"Have you found her? Catherine asked shakily.

"We think so. Her name is Theresa Bennett, and it is that surname that alerted us to the possibility she might be related, that and Angela's special insight and ability." Paul said gently.

"And she still with us? Where did you find her? Is this why you came to find me?" Catherine looked relieved yet swamped by all these mixed emotions. She began to shake and tremble all over, and could hardly bear to hear the answer.

"Yes, Mum, she is alive, and we have found her." June answered softly. With that Catherine dissolved into a puddle of tears. Alfie was dead, and they had found her baby girl. Her emotions swung from grief to joy and she could no longer keep it all under control.

"That's enough for now, Mum, Dad, let her rest and take in all this new info." Angela's nursing training took over as she convinced Catherine to get some rest while she could. She passed her a blanket and pillow, and June made her as comfortable as possible when on a cramped plane. It only took a few minutes and Catherine had nodded off, probably dreaming of Alfie, their love, and their baby girl.

From the airport it was a thirty minute drive to their home in Lichfield. They had phoned Jamie, to prepare the guest bedroom for his _'new'_ Grandma, and as a dutiful son, he made a big effort in cleaning the house from his week-long mess into a respectable façade. Jamie was now stood on the drive, waiting for the arrival of this mysterious Grandma he never knew about and had acquired.

Jamie was named after Jim, of course, but took after his father in every way. He was not an academic but he was very good at fixing things. He had just finished taking his school final exams and depending on his results, he was to train as an apprentice electrician, working for a local firm and going to college once a week. He would then have a career for life, which would be beneficial to all. It was his way of helping others as he certainly did not have his sister's weird _gift_ , which still made him shiver. Like his granddad Jim and his Dad, he had a hard time in accepting she could talk to the spirits of the dead. There were no grey areas in Jamie's life, up was up and down was down, black was black, and something was either right or wrong, end of. He was _'on the fence'_ as far as his sister's _gift_ went.

Angela knew her _gift_ upset him and did not fit in with his explainable, perfect world, so she did her best to minimise his exposure to it. It was that _'free will'_ thing, as Serena had explained to her and she had to obey his wishes. Jamie had to find his own way of accepting what she could do, just as granddad Jim had had too. Even though Jim had a nudge in the right direction, in the end the decision to believe was his.

A car drew up an out poured his family, plus a very old lady who was arguing with his Mum about getting into the wheelchair they had just fished out of the car boot. "Tis only a few feet, June, I can manage it! Now be off wi' that contraption! I'm no baby. Angela lass, give me your arm and introduced me to me Grandson."

* * * * *

# Chapter 18

## Family

After this day of travelling, meeting and greeting, Catherine confessed she was very tired and went to her new bedroom. It gave the family time to catch up and to evaluate the progress of the last few days. "It's been like our own miracle, Angela." June said, "thanks to you, I have my mother back and I now understand what she was going through. All that mental anguish and trauma, no wonder she had shut down."

"Yes Mum. It's such a tangled web of deceit and selfishness. I never realised people were like that - so dominated by religious dogma." Angela said shaking her head.

"It was drilled into us back then, especially in Ireland, with all the troubles, the IRA and all that. There was an acceptable way to live and we were all made to adhere to it, not quite to the extent my Mother had been made, or Serena's family, for that matter." June's thoughts drifted back to her father and his _'rules'_ she had been made to obey. He had been a believer in physical punishment and not sparing the child - it was a tough love.

"Then there are those three lads who were taken away, like some criminals. Serena and Alfie's older brothers weren't they?" Paul asked.

"Yes Dad, the Rooney trio, Patrick, Michael and Joseph. I wonder where they are now? I bet Grandma Serena knows but can't tell us because of free will and all that" Angela said, with all her individual, intimate knowledge of such things.

"Free will? That's a laugh!" said her Mum, sarcastically. "It doesn't seem like there was much of that going around in our family history!"

"No, it may seem like that, Mum, but we do have a choice. We all choose our own path, the path our life on earth will follow before we are born. The angels and our guides cannot deviate from it. They support us by making sure we learn the lessons our soul, our higher spirit needs to learn. It is how we grow and evolve as a spirit of pure energy, by acquiring knowledge with unconditional love and respect for others. If we all lived from this viewpoint - there would be no wars or starving children, but ' _free will'_ means we have to experience and learn from the negative and sometimes evil, unspeakable things as well. It keeps us as a balanced, centred, person with a perception of the true nature of others, governed by our own agenda and ego. I don't think I explained that too well – Grandma Serena does it so much better." Angela sighed.

"You never cease to amaze me!" Paul said. "Well, we are all tired and emotionally drained. Let's call it a night. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."

* * * * *

# Chapter 19

## Catherine and Theresa

Brian walked into Theresa room just as Angela had finished her routine duties and made her as comfortable as possible. Theresa was sat upright, propped up and supported by lots of strategically placed pillows. She was dressed in some pretty pyjamas that Brian always made sure were clean and in good order. He didn't like his girl looking a mess just because she was _'out'_ inside her head.

"Hi Angela, did you have a nice holiday in Ireland?" Brian asked as he took his usual seat next to the bed.

"Yes, thanks Brian. It was very eventful and educational. Mum should be here soon with a guest, a surprise for Theresa"

"You've found her, haven't you?" He stated rather than asked, with a big grin all over his face.

"We sure did - but don't say too much in front of you know who. We want to see if there is a reaction of any kind. If not - then you can tell her. Is that okay Brian?"

"No worries, Angela, you know best and I totally trust you."

"Thanks Brian, that's nice to know. I have explained about Theresa being in this PSV type of coma, but I am not sure you know who fully understood, and I never mentioned the how and why she is in this condition, only that you have stood by her as her fiancé and never given up on Theresa waking up. Well, that's it... I think we are all ready for visitors, so I'll go see if they are here."

Angela left Brian holding Theresa's hand and walked to the reception to meet her Mum and the special visitor. She chatted to her friend, Ann, the matron, who told her all the staff had their fingers crossed, that this reunion of Mother and lost child might illicit an emotional or physical response from her patient. Catherine had arrived begrudgingly in her wheelchair with June, and Angela escorted them through the unit to Theresa's room.

"Tis a mighty fine hospital you have here, Angela," Catherine said, "nearly as nice as mine, but a bit too quiet for me."

"Most of our patients are on the quiet side to say the least. Now please remember, Grandma, more than likely there will be no response from Theresa. Brian's has been with her throughout her injury, all the operations, and now in her coma. We should let him do the talking. We may get tears or twitching, which shows us some part of her still exists, but nobody can be sure, we can only guess until she wakes up." Angela informed her.

"Tis okay lass. I am to meet my flesh and blood daughter who was ripped away from me. I thank you all for this chance, however old she maybe, she is still my stolen baby..."

"We still have to do the DNA test which will confirm she is related, Grandma, but I have no doubt she is definitely your daughter." Angela reassured her.

"That's okay lass. I will know my own flesh and blood when I see her."

Angela, Catherine, and June entered Theresa's room and Brian greeted Catherine with a hug. "This will mean so much to my Theresa. Thank you for coming all this way." Brian said to Catherine. June had explained about Brian and his relationship with Theresa, on the ride in, but did not reveal the rest of her horrific past as the general consensus was that it would be too much on top of finding her lost daughter to add that her life to date had been filled with so many horrors.

"I am glad I am still here to meet her, lad. Now, let me get to the bedside of my daughter." Brian wheeled Catherine as close to the bed as possible. Theresa made no sound or movement, totally oblivious to what was going on. Catherine took Theresa's hand in her own and began to tell her ' _tale'_ from beginning to end. Brian and June made a discreet exit and went to the café for a drink to allow Catherine her time with her long lost daughter.

Angela sat in the room as an observer, not just because of the medical or physical, but also of the spiritual. Like the last time when she had been with Theresa and Brian, the room had a change of heart. It was like, in that moment, Theresa switched from _'out'_ to _'in'_ and was listening. Angela could see that her aura had changed, as Catherine talked and talked, telling of her heartache and pain, of her love for Alfie, Theresa's father, and the new family she had acquired. Angela felt Theresa was definitely _'in'_ , behind her eyes, even though open - they did not move or blink, but they did leak tears. They both took this as an encouraging sign, not the miracle they had hoped for, but a positive step in the right direction.

Brian and June returned to Theresa's room and then it was her turn to greet her step sister and tell her about her family. Catherine stayed, holding both of her daughter's hands in her own hands, with visible regret that this meeting had not come about sooner. There was certainly a stubborn pride that ran through their genes.

It was decided that Theresa had been bombarded with enough new information for one day, therefore June and Catherine returned home to work on their relationship. Brian caught hold of Angela's hand and held her back. He asked her if she could arrange a meeting with the neurologist, who was in charge of all the research at the unit, called Dr Peter Maloney. His achievements in a coma research had made him a bit of a legend amongst the staff and patients relatives. He was a very down-to-earth character, who did not stand on ceremony with his staff. He preferred an open atmosphere, of all being on a team working towards the same end. Angela knew he was an approachable Doctor and he liked it when the patient's relatives took an active part in their care. She managed to speak to his secretary and booked an appointment for later that day.

"What's so important Brian? Is it about Catherine being here?"

"Not at all, Angela, I have found a new research paper and would like Dr Pete to see it and discuss it. I don't want to get anybody's hopes up, that's why I have not mentioned it until now."

"Fair enough, Brian, now let's get Theresa ready for her physio."

* * * * *

# Chapter 20

## A Breakthrough

Dr Pete, as everyone referred to him, was updated by Angela and Brian at their meeting later that afternoon. He did not know about Angela's _gift_ , other than she was a very capable nurse with great compassion and empathy for her patient's. Given her age and selflessness it was admirable, and he was very happy that her friend, the Matron, had been able to convince her to move up from London to the Midlands and take up this post. It couldn't have been a coincidence that one of the coma patients turned out to be a relative, but after listening and taking in Angela's experience in Ireland, in finding Theresa's Mother; it was more a miracle, pending the DNA results of course.

"Dr Pete... I'm not sure how you will take this, but I have been doing some more research on the Internet and I found an article you might be interested in."

"That's okay Brian, what is it about?" Pete was used to the patient's relatives hanging on to any new research that had been done and published on the net as the next breakthrough, most of the time he had already read it, but occasionally he was still surprised by what they could dig up by themselves.

Brian gave him a red folder, which he had put together and it was full of articles and research papers on PSV comas. He flicked through the file to one paper titled _'Awake'_. It was by a prominent Swiss doctor whose field was neuropsychology and long-term coma patients. Dr Pete quickly scanned over the article and was impressed at Brian's efforts. He had heard of the Swiss doctor before, but his research had not been trialled in England as yet. There hadn't been enough research done with corroborating evidence.

"You'd like me to try this new drug therapy on Theresa, if I understand this correctly?" guessed Dr Pete.

"Yes Doctor." answered Brian, hopefully.

"Did you know of this Angela?"

"No Dr... I have not read this new research paper yet." she replied

"Well take a look now and tell me what that special intuition of yours thinks."

They sat in silence while Angela read the article Brian had carefully collected and presented. "He loves her so much, to do all this for her." Angela thought, as she read. It was very exciting news and her _'gut'_ was screaming, _'try it now!'_ But as an experienced nurse she knew it would not be done without everyone jumping through hoops to make sure it was safe.

"This is very exciting, Dr Pete, Brian, I can't actually see a downside to trying it, with a little more research and checking the facts in these research papers."

"My feelings too, Angela. I will let you both know what my answer as soon as I can, but for now let's keep a lid on it. No point in getting any hopes up until the hospital board agrees. I will do some research of my own, some fact finding and present it to the powers that be, that's if I can be sure this drug therapy has more benefits than side effects."

"Thank you for your consideration Dr Pete..." Brian said and with that they were dismissed.

"That was some exciting stuff there Brian. It must have taken you ages to put all that research together." Angela said as they walked back to Theresa's room.

"Well I haven't had much of anything else to do, and I had the time. It makes me feel like I am helping out in Theresa's recovery."

"You do realise it's a long shot? Theresa may not respond as well the as others have on that trial and it may only be a temporary effect. There is no way of knowing her outcome based on this research, especially due to the ten years she has been in a coma."

"I understand, Angela, honest I do, but I have this gut feeling - like you get, it feels the right thing to do."

"Fingers crossed then, eh?" Angela said as they entered her room.

It had an airy feel to it, instead of the normal subdued atmosphere. It was a feeling of expectation which hung in the air, like it was the night before Christmas. Only it wasn't Santa or his elves spreading Christmas cheer. It was an angel who was stood over Theresa's bed. An angel with wings and flowing white robes but minus the silver tinsel halo. The room was filled with the smell of candy floss or was it marzipan? Brian could not see this vision as Angela did, but he could feel the love in the room and smell the sugary sweetness which pervaded throughout.

"Is someone here Angela?" Brian asked. He was getting used to sensing a shift in the atmosphere.

"You could say that..." she replied, in hushed tones, not wanting to disturb the angel who still had its back to them.

"Is it your Grandma?" Brian whispered.

"Oh no - definitely not!" She whispered back. Angela could not take her eyes off this apparition. In fact, she had never seen an angel before. The spirits of those who had passed over she was used to, but this was exhilarating, extraordinary and a bit scary.

The angel turned to face Angela, who felt like she was going to pass out if she didn't take a breath anytime soon. "Angela, I am David, Theresa's Guardian Angel and I've come to tell you what a great job you are doing, and that Theresa is back in her body now. You had sensed she was not there when you first met her, yes?"

"Yes." Angela was speechless in her shock.

"Theresa spirit needed healing as well as her physical body. She has taken all the time she needed, but now she is ready to return to the physical plane. She will need much guidance and rehabilitation, but I can see she's in the right hands. Theresa has had a hard life so far but she has plenty of time left to live. The chance of true love awaits her and a family she has always wanted. I leave her now in your care, Angela, there is nothing more I can do; it is up to you now. I can tell you the Doctor will agree to the new drug therapy and if administered correctly, Theresa will recover from her exodus from reality, and in time she will fully recover. I leave you in peace, love and light." And with that he was gone. The sweet sugar smell followed him out of the room and then it felt as it always did - oppressive and quiet.

"What on earth happened, Angela? You are as white as a sheet. Who was talking to you? What did they say?" Angela sat down on Theresa bed, something she would never ordinarily do.

"He said we were on the right track, Brian, and that they are pleased with our progress." Angela still felt dazed and in awe of being in the presence of an actual Angel. "Wait until I see Grandma Serena again" Angela thought "Is she in for a big surprise."

Both Brian and Angel looked towards Theresa from the end of her bed, where the angel had stood - she was crying again. Angela could see her aura; it was so different to the one she had seen before. It was vibrant, colourful and energetic. It expanded over the bed towards them and Angela felt its vibration mixing with her own aura. It was like Theresa was saying, "Hello, I am in here waiting to come out!" Even Brian, who believed a hundred percent in Angela's _gift_ , could feel Theresa's vibrating aura. He said it felt like static electricity. "Wow! Angela I felt that!"

"Great isn't it?" At least we now know we have a higher power on our side too. I can't wait to tell Mum and Grandma." Angela said hardily able to keep her excitement quite.

"Yes, I must go too. Mary will want an update on our meeting with Dr Pete. I must say I am feeling very positive, Angela. Is that because of the angel do you think?"

"Could be, Brian, but then you have never been a pessimist, your glass is always overflowing with hope and faith. Maybe it is that which has kept Theresa tied to her body - your unconditional love."

* * * * *

# Chapter 21

## Doctor Pete

One week later, Catherine had settled in with her daughter and son-in-law, with whom she had developed a relationship of teasing laughter, which to June seemed out of character for the emotionless mother she had left all those years ago. Every day June took her mother to see her other daughter, Theresa. There was an air of hope in her room nowadays, and they were all waiting on tender hooks for the decision from Dr Pete, the NHS members of the hospital board and the drug company. How had they all reacted to the proposed research on this drug never used before for coma patients?

Dr Pete was not one for ceremony but preferred an up front, direct route. He did not call for a big meeting, or arrange a big press release, but gathered all those who cared for Theresa together in his office to inform them of the decision. "It's a yes!" Dr Pete said, raising his arms victoriously. "We are to set up a trial and more research will need to be done, but Theresa is patient _'one'_ and the trial is set to begin on Monday next week." The whole room sighed in relief.

"Can you explain what this new drug therapy is, Dr Pete?" June asked.

"Not a problem. It is actually a big breakthrough that came about via an accident. A Mother who was taking care of her twenty-four year-old son, who had been in a coma for six years in a PSV status, due to a motorbike accident, which left this young man with brain damage, and in a coma. As she cared for him, she became distressed about his constant twitching, eyes opening, muffled noises he made and contorted limbs. His mother thought she would give him a sedative to help him relax, but mistakenly she gave him a sleeping pill called ' _Zolpidem_ '. It is a widely used drug and available only on prescription, for short term relief of insomnia.

"Yes, that drug name rings a bell. I think I have taken that before." Catherine informed them. "You know, when they wanted me quiet..."

Dr Pete continued. "Apparently they were left over from a prescription that she had personally when the accident had occurred. They brought him home as the hospital agreed there was nothing more to be done, just palliative care and therefore she was in charge of his care full-time, with support and training - she did her best. Not everyone can afford a place in a hospital like this." He paused looking round the room to make sure they were listening.

"I will point out - it is not correct to use medicines meant for one person on another, but I understand her reasons - she just wanted some peace for him. She ground up one ten mg tablet of Zolpidem and fed it to him in some water. She fully expected her son to drift off into a relaxing sleep and decided to take advantage of the quiet period and have a nap too. About fifteen minutes later she heard a sound she hadn't heard in a very long time. "MUM! Mum!" She could not believe her ears or her eyes. Her son was awake and trying to talk. His eyes sought hers and she saw recognition, he was fully conscious."

Doctor Pete left the group absorb this information and asked Angela to step outside the room for moment. "Angela this drug therapy might not work on Theresa - she's been asleep for so long. There is ten years of damage to undo. I am worried their expectations will be too high. (He nodded towards Theresa's room.) You must reiterate to them constantly – this is a trial and the greater possibility is that it will not work for Theresa."

"I understand Dr Pete, I will try and keep a lid on their exuberance and explain the negative aspects of her rehabilitation - that is if it works."

"Way ahead of me as always Angela, now let's get back in and answer the million and one questions that will be waiting for us."

It was tears of joy and hope that greeted them back in the room and the questions came thick and fast. An hour later, peace and quiet had returned as Catherine and June left to go home and tell the rest of the family. Brian and Angela returned to Theresa's room.

"So Monday morning he will start this new regime?"

"That right Brian. Are you ready to get Theresa back?"

"Absolutely." He stated with conviction that a miracle was at hand at last.

"Even though we don't know how much, if any of her consciousness will return, it's best you know what it will mean for Theresa. She will need a lot of rehabilitation, probably speech therapy, neurological tests, more intensive physio, and it will take a lot of time."

"I know Angela, but I am here for her. I love her so much and as they say love conquers all - I truly believe that."

"You're a wise, thoughtful man Brian, but please keep in mind; it's going to be a rocky road. Her recovery might not be all that the young man achieved in that research paper... but saying that, Dr Pete is on the case and I believe in him, his ability to think outside the box, and not to be afraid of trying a new approach, however faint the hope is for a patient. He really makes it easy for the relatives to come to terms with each new step they try - Theresa is in safe hands." Angela knew, after all, Theresa had an angel by her side.

* * * * *

# Chapter 22

## 'AWAKE'

Dr Pete checked over the research papers and protocol he had drawn up once more, and he sincerely hoped for the best outcome with the drug regime he had decided upon. He was optimistic but couldn't quite match the faith the family had in him - that Theresa would come back fully.

Angela had described in detail to her now extended family, what they may expect initially, and as usual Dr Pete was very impressed with her. But no matter how they may sweeten the pill, it may still have a bitter aftertaste. Theresa would face enormous challenges. If she _'awoke'_ due to this new drug regime, she would more than likely have to take it every day for the rest of her life. Nobody was more aware of the irony of taking a sleeping pill to wake up a coma patient. Dr Pete thought the extensive research he had done in preparation for this moment was sound, but it may have limited success on different types of coma.

Being in a persistent vegetative state for over ten years, Theresa's body had been well looked after by her fiancé who hadn't spared a penny on trying every kind of traditional therapy, and some _'out there'_ ones as well, all to help his true love. They were an odd couple but in the two years Dr Pete had known them, he had grown to admire and respect Brian on his faith and persistence. And now - all this new information about his patient being related to Angela - was it just a coincidence or synchronicity? Fate or destiny designed by a higher power? He had never been a religious man but had seen too many miracles in medicine to rule out that there was something else going on.

Today was definitely the day for a miracle. It was nearly nine o'clock, and the family would be no doubt waiting for him. He reminded himself that the research was sound, and in theory the drug Zolpidem, (or Ambien as it is called in America,) was thought to wake up the dead brain cells that had suffered damage. No... more than that, the brain cells and neurons were not ' _dead'_ but hibernating whilst the brain as a whole recovered - all they needed was a trigger to get them going again.

It had already been proven cells could hibernate during repair, and that new connections, by neurons were made to circumvent badly damaged areas. That is, another part of the brain takes on the function of other parts that are lost through too much damage. The brain is still such a mystery to modern science, even though so much of it is already mapped out. Neurology had made leaps and bounds since the full human DNA sequence had been discovered and recorded. On the other hand, there was still so much they didn't know. One brain was very different to the next, due to our innate individuality and circumstance of life. If this worked, in anyway what so ever, for Theresa - he was definitely rolling it out to some of the other coma patients in his care.

Dr Pete would write a research paper himself, and the pharmaceutical companies that financed this specialised unit would no doubt come up with their own generic brand of this miracle drug, and everybody would be happy, that's if he can repeat the procedure correctly if it worked.

Everyone had gathered around Theresa's bed. She was sitting up in a pretty new top and pyjama bottoms, on top of her bedding as if ready to leap out into the world again. Dr Pete was nervous and sweating, due the pressure on him to fulfil their expectations, it was immense. It wouldn't do - he couldn't concentrate in this environment. "Ladies, Gentleman, I am glad to see you're all here but I will have to ask you to leave initially, all but for Angela. I'm sorry but we need to be professional and the health and safety of the patient comes first."

"No problems, Dr... someone will fetch us if there is a response?" replied June.

"Yes, yes, I assure you I will send Angela to get you, but for now I need you all to leave."

Paul pushed an unhappy Catherine out of the room complaining loudly about arrogant Doctor's thinking of themselves as gods, followed by June and James, trying to shut her up.

"Okay Dr Pete, I think we are ready..." said Angela, excited and full of anticipation. Brian was sat still as a statue, across the room in his usual chair of observation.

"Are you all right Brian? Do you wish to stay?" Dr Pete asked acknowledging his presence after everyone else had left.

"Yes if I may? I will sit quietly and not interfere, Dr Pete, but I do have one question. Are you absolutely sure this will not backfire and kill her?"

"Brian although it was you that bought this research to my attention, I have thoroughly read many other case notes and observations plus other research papers done on this procedure. I'll admit the results are scattered and different for each patient. She may wake-up to some extent, but not enough to be determined fully conscious, and in a minimal conscious state her cognitive functions will vary, but I have very high hopes for Theresa - she's a fighter. Shall we begin?"

"Okay Dr Pete. Please carry on, I trust you implicitly."

"Thank you, Brian. Nurse the syringe please and the vial of the drug. We have decided to drip feed the drug into Theresa's system via this IV, just as we would administer saline or morphine and such like. The equipment here is top of the range and will monitor every vital sign, record it and alert us if there is any kind of reaction. If bad, in that case, we will terminate the drug and sedate her until the reaction passes. I am afraid it is all a bit of guesswork on my part, but here goes."

Dr Pete introduced the ' _miracle drug'_ , as he as he heard the nurses calling it, into Theresa's IV. "Now is the time to wait and observe. If all is well and no bad reactions occur I will take it as a positive sign of her becoming awake and alert, only then I will administer a second dose. With Theresa having been in a coma for so long, she might need more than what was used in the case of other coma survivors, and we shall need to monitor her vitals very carefully."

Angela moved around the bed to hold Theresa's hand and monitor her pulse and blood pressure, making notes of her general physical appearance constantly. Dr Pete monitored the all the futuristic machines, especially the IV which slowly allowed the drug into Theresa's body \- drip by hypnotic drip. Brian sat in his chair barely breathing.

Ten minutes later, nothing had happened. Her vitals were stable, the machines that monitor her neurological signs, and her brain activity were just the same as they were before the drug entered her system. Brian could no longer contain himself. "Should it be taking this long Dr? The other studies showed signs of consciousness by now?"

"Brian, please sit down and keep quiet or I shall have to ask you to leave." In truth, Dr Pete was as frustrated as him, but he remained composed and professional.

"Here Brian..." Angela said softly, trying to relive some of the tension in the room, "come and sit next to her here on the bed, hold her hand and talk to her as if we were not here. Let her hear your voice, feel your hands as you call to her. Help her to find a focus point to return too..."

"Yes, yes, good idea, nurse." Dr Pete added, aware he had been a bit blunt. Brian began to talk to her of his regular mundane world; Theresa should have been part of. They had already decided not to talk of the recent happenings, even though her mother Catherine, had been at her bedside and had told her some of her missing family history, but to stick to the topics he talked of every day in the last ten years.

"Look, Dr Pete! Her hand twitched!" Brian exclaimed excitedly.

"Okay, it may be nothing, but it's been twenty minutes so I'll administer another dose and increase the drip rate. Angela, keep a close eye on her vitals."

"Yes Dr..."

Another ten minutes passed. Theresa eyes opened wide but were staring at the wall opposite the end of the bed, something she had done before. Her legs jerked a little, again not an unusual occurrence. "I think her autonomic nervous system is responding to..." Dr Pete did not get to finish the sentence as Theresa moved her head to look at Brian - right into his eyes. There was recognition! She tried to move her lips, but no sound came out. Brian filled a glass of water and offered it to her, but she could not sip it and it spilled out of her mouth, down her pretty top.

"Okay Brian, that's better, just a bit to moisten her lips." encouraged Angela. Dr Pete returned to his monitors. "There is new brain activity here... yes definitely, it is something we haven't seen before. I'm going to administer the third dose but keep the drip rate the same."

"All her vitals are within the normal range, Doctor." Angela stated ever the consummate professional. But Brian heard none of this; he was too engaged at seeing for the first time in ten years, the love of his life acknowledge him.

"Tee, I'm sure this is all very frightening for you...." he said softly. "These people are here to help you. Can you let me know if you understand what I am saying? Blink once for yes - she blinked! Did you see that?"

"Brian she may be responding with a blink because she needed to blink. Try asking her to lift a finger for a positive reply." Angela replied

"Okay... sorry, I didn't think of that. Theresa can you lift a finger on your hand for me" They all stared at her hands waiting for her response, but nothing came.

"Don't worry Brian; her brain activity is steadily increasing. Nurse, I need to get a cat scan done as soon as possible to determine the extent of her recovery, can you please arrange that? Then I can better plan the next round of treatment."

"Yes, Dr Pete. All vitals still within normal range but her pulse is a little fast, probably due to all the new sensations and information she is now processing." Angela said, trying to reign in her excitement. "I'll go book the scan now."

"Good. Brian... Keep talking to her; ask her some more questions that will illicit a positive response." Dr Pete requested. It had been over an hour and Theresa's new family were all waiting with bated breath and increasing levels of frustration. Paul and Catherine sat in a comfortable silence but June paced the waiting room, creating tension and wearing a visible path on the spotless carpet.

"What on earth could be taking so long? He only had to give her an injection... do you think she's okay, Paul?" June's nervousness was making them all edgy.

"I am sure they will come and tell us soon... try not to panic, sweetheart." He answered, pulling her into his bear like hug.

Back in Theresa's room, there was considerable activity as she became more _'aware'_ of her surroundings. Brian was doing an excellent job of guiding her back into the real world, instead of the unknown limbo that coma patients live in. Theresa, very slowly, lifted her right hand to her face; she turned her head slightly, trying to look around the room. This was a fantastic result. Dr Pete could not have hoped for such a quick response, yet her reactions kept coming.

"Ww... whereee... I?" croaked Theresa's voice, not heard for the last ten years. "Wwwho yo yoo?" she stammered, struggling to find her words.

"Tee, it's me Brian... I suppose I am a little older from your perspective, but do you remember me, I'm your fiancé, Brian."

Dr Pete intervened, and calmly informed her, "Theresa you are in Sutton Hospice... a hospital. You have suffered an injury to your brain..." One step at a time Pete reminded himself. Not too much information or she may close down again.

"Bri...an? Hossspppittal?" A frightened Theresa repeated. Her speech was slurred as if drunk, but her pale complexion had pinked up and the droop on the left side of her face which had given her the appearance of a stroke victim, was also correcting itself.

"Ca ca noo see... blllurry." Theresa stated, with no visible emotion.

"Do not worry, Theresa that is a normal reaction. Your body is getting accustomed to being utilised again." Dr Pete explained to her.

"Utti...wha?"

"Used again, I'm sorry Theresa; I will try and be clearer." Dr Pete apologised.

"Lee leegs nooo mooove... hurrrrt me." She said without a movement from her body, but indicated at least she felt something. At that moment Angela returned informing Dr Pete the scan was booked and available in thirty minutes.

"Great, Angela... come and meet your patient. Theresa, this is Nurse Angela who is in charge of your care, you will be spending a lot of time together in the coming weeks if..." He pulled himself up silently, too much to tell her, this may all be a temporary result; he didn't want to promise a miracle and then rip it away if she slipped back into her coma. "But for now you can ask her any of the million questions you may have. I'll go and inform your family."

"Its okay Tee, you're going to need a lot of time to heal and rehabilitate but I promise you, I'm going nowhere and will be with you here, every step of the way." Brian reassured her. It was his Theresa, but there was an absence of feeling, or emotion coming from her, he had noticed, like she was only half the way here, her other foot still inside her coma world. "This is going to be harder than I realised." thought Brian.

"How far have we got Brian?" Angela asked. They both moved to the end of the bed and in a whispered voice Brian caught Angela up to date.

"Talllk...meee." Came a squeak from the beds inhabitant, who was trying to move out of her comfortable position.

"Hey, hey! Wait there, Theresa, we don't want you falling out onto the floor. Your legs will not be strong enough yet but at least you have feeling in them now." Angela rushed to catch her patient before she damaged herself. Theresa began crying and was in obvious distress.

"Should we tell her how come she is here and you know... the time factor?" Brian asked quietly, also helping Angela make Theresa comfortable as possible in her agitated state.

"What did Dr Pete say?"

"Little steps, not too much all at once..."

"Well, I think she is as ready as she is going to be. We have company too. Her Angel is here again..."

"Who, your Grandma or the one called David?"

"Yes, him. He says to go ahead."

" Talllk...meeee." Came the soft Irish lilt Brian had not heard for a decade.

"Do you know me, Tee?" Brian asked, sitting next to her on her bed, taking hold of her hand.

"Daa vvid?" She was still unsure of him.

"No, Brian... remember? I had a shop and you made friends with my little sister..."

"Maarrry?"

"No, we are not married..."

Theresa interrupted him, "Nooo marrry...Mary!"

"Yes that's right...Mary!"

"Brii an... mee... Tee...?"

"Yes, and I know that only one other person ever called you that beside me and he was called David."

"Isss hhhere?" Theresa voice was now getting stronger but her movements were very jerky and jumpy as if she was being attacked with a cattle prodder, sending jolts of electricity down her limbs.

"No, Theresa..." Angela replied, with a lie as he was indeed standing over her, radiating green and pink in his aura, helping with her healing... "But there are some other people who wish to see you, if you're up to it."

Dr Pete re-entered the room catching the last part of the conversation. "I'm afraid we must keep Theresa calm and monitor her responses. It's not time for a large influx of people she may not remember. Angela, can you step over here please." (Indicating towards the door) "They are all here as you can see, why don't you switch the observation window to clear and let them see her from outside the room."

And many of Theresa's new family were indeed gathered outside her room, looking through the one way glass, which now revealed Theresa, sat up on her own, and talking to Brian. She truly was awake! Catherine, June and Paul could see her through the glass, like peeping toms, but inside it remained opaque, so inside the room they were oblivious to all the jumping up and down in celebration, except for Catherine in her wheelchair. She managed to raise her arms and then did the sign of the cross on herself, in thankful prayer, a habit she had given up on losing her first daughter that her second daughter had helped her find.

"My daughter, my daughter, my poor wee baby girl!" was all Catherine could, say over and over again. Paul and June hugged each other but poor Jamie...well, he just stood there with his mouth open - it had all been quite a shock to him too.

* * * * *

# Chapter 23

## Waiting

After the brief visit to Theresa's room to see her, Dr Pete gathered the excited relatives together in his office and gave them a run down of what had happened during the _'awakening'_ of Theresa - it was no small miracle. He explained again, to make it very clear to all concerned that Theresa would slowly recuperate and her recovery rate would be governed by her body's ability to heal. "Her speech is slightly slurred but her cognitive responses are remarkable. She knows where she is, who she is and can answer questions on how she's feeling but...." He paused for an intentional effect of suspense. "She cannot remember anything from before the shooting as yet. These traumatic memories are going to be the hardest to recover from. She will need a lot of guidance, a psychiatrist and some counselling, but for now I need to do some more research, check her cat scan and monitor her progress very carefully.

This drug therapy remains experimental for now and will only be beneficial for certain coma patients. Time will tell its tale in due course but I express caution in thinking that this is it; that she has recovered and will be _'normal'_. It is far too early to make that assumption and we must all be prepared for setbacks, even the fact that this maybe a temporary effect and she might slip back into coma. I accept that is the worst case scenario, but it does need to be considered.

Therefore, I do not want you all to get too excited and start filling her head with what has happened since she was shot and especially the fact of the time she has spent in her coma. We must take our pace from Theresa herself, and answer her questions carefully. For that reason I am only allowing Brian and Mary visiting rights at present. I know this is hard on you Catherine but you will have to wait until the time is right..."

"If I live that long..." said the ever sarcastic Catherine, "has she asked about me? Does she remember anything?"

Dr Pete knelt down in front of Catherine in her wheelchair. "I'm afraid not. You were not part of her life beforehand..."

"Oh...of course I wasn't. Sorry I am just apprehensive and a little scared, I suppose." This newly re-united family sat in silence whilst they took in the information and warning from Dr Pete.

"I suggest you all go home now and wait for my call. Now people... please get out of my office!" Dr Pete returned to his patient to explain what he wanted to do next - the very important CAT scan and possibly an MRI too. They had one of the best machines in the country, and it would give him a detailed map of her brain so he would be able to follow the changes in how her brain was functioning. Everything had to be recorded and re-examined step-by-step, so he would be able to repeat the drug regime on other patients and write his research paper that would recognise his work from amongst his peers and fellow neurologists. It was what this hospice was about, taking risks to further the success of cutting edge science, machines and drugs.

Angela prepared Theresa, sitting her comfortably in a wheelchair, with explanations of what was going to happen next. She would have no comprehension of what a MRI machine was, and Angela was concerned it would seem to Theresa to be some kind of torture machine she would have to lie very still in. A porter came to take her to the MRI/CT unit but Angela dismissed him - no way was she letting anyone push Theresa around as yet because she was still vulnerable at present, confused and disorientated. It must be very frightening for her; in fact - she knew it was. She could feel Theresa fear as if it were her own as part of her _gift_ was empathy with her patients.

Brian wheeled the IV stand alongside the wheelchair and kept up the conversation with his fiancée. Theresa was still having difficulty in recognising him, and kept calling him _'her David'_. She was finding it more difficult to focus and speak clearly and was exhibiting signs of fatigue. Angela mentioned this to Dr Pete whilst the nurse in the MRI/CT room was comforting and preparing Theresa for what must be a very confusing and frightening experience.

"She's showing signs of fatigue and confusion, Doctor. Her reality is still not fixed here in the present as yet, but memories of the past are rising and I can feel her fear."

"Mmm, I see. Let's get this over and done with Angela, I may have to administer more of the drug into her system to help stabilise her but we need the MRI results first, I can't keep treating her blind. Let Brian talk to her over the intercom whilst she is in the scanner, and play her some nice relaxing music." Dr Pete suggested.

"She likes listening to classical music..."Brian offered.

An hour later Theresa was wheeled back by Brian to her room, she had fallen into a sound sleep whilst in the machine but her brain activity had continued, to which everyone sighed with relief that she hadn't reverted back into a coma. Dr Pete closely examined, in detail, the MRI results with his research assistant.

It was very encouraging news as Theresa's brain had indeed started to fire off its neurons along new pathways, they were definitely rejuvenating themselves. In fact, as she fell into a natural sleep whilst in the machine, they had been able to monitor those areas, to see if there was any sign of remission as yet. Everyone realised it was early days but it was difficult to contain their hope and excitement. Dr Pete had to fight his urge to go help the other coma victims in the unit become coma survivors!

They let Theresa sleep for a few hours, and Brian never let go of her hand. It was like if he did she may slip away again and he could not bear that. She still hadn't recognised him fully, but she never took her hand away from his which was encouraging. At least the damage to her body had not been as bad as it could have been if he hadn't taken so much care of her. All those sessions in the swimming pool, the extra physio he paid for, as well as massages, and other alternative treatments such as reiki, reflexology, even the laying on of hands, and prayer groups, but her recovery was worth it. His love had found her way back to him from the land of _'wherever'_ she had gone.

* * * * *

# Chapter 24

## Theresa

Theresa awoke to find herself back in a very nice room but even though she had been in there for quite some time, as she had been told, she did not recognise it yet it felt familiar as did the man who had held her hand. No-one was telling her anything about how she got here, what had happened to her, how long had she been in a coma. "What is a coma?" she thought, "who should I ask? The man who feels important to me, or the young nurse who was so kind and caring, or the scatty, all over the place doctor, who repeatedly keeps telling everyone to _'stay calm'_ , _'there's nothing to worry about'_ and then speaks to me in words I cannot understand."

She was alone for the first time since she had apparently excused herself from life as she knew it. "What has happened to me?" The question needed an answer but no-one was here. "My brain feels like scrambled eggs but at least I can remember what they are!" she let a giggle escape her, even though she knew it wasn't really that funny. There was no doubt in her mind that the people who had been here had now stepped out of her room to talk about her.

Everything was very different and felt strange, all the machines around her beeping and what was it stuck in the back of her hand? That scatty Doctor seemed in control of the tubing and bag of something, which apparently had been a miracle drug, so the young pretty nurse had told her. Theresa was silently troubled because she had a problem getting any clear memories from her past. The images and thoughts which came to her were jumbled and out of sequence. She could recall being at some school and hating it, but no special friend popped into her head.

The young nurse, Angela, said when she awoke, she kept asking for someone called David - she didn't know who that was. But it wasn't the man who had held her hand and spoke to her whilst she was in that noisy machine that looked inside her head. He seemed to know her very well indeed. Everyone kept telling her to relax, to remain calm and try to rest. Had she not been asleep long enough? How much had she missed of this world, she wondered. She felt like she had been transported to another time or dimension - it was a science fiction or a horror film she was now the star of.

"Brian!" The name popped into her head and it felt right as she spoke it aloud to hear it for herself. It was the name of her fiancé, she was remembering him, and it felt good, exciting, and she felt strongly that she loved this Brian. Was it the grey haired man who was so concerned about her? She recognised his voice; no doubt she had heard it whilst asleep - a long sleep, of how many years? Why weren't they telling her? She had been asleep since the day of the _'accident'_ , and was in a coma while her brain healed itself, so she had been told by the younger looking grey haired man who held her hand, she now knew as Brian... Wait a minute, what accident?

Brian had said she had to wait, to recover some more of her memories herself, but she wanted answers now! She had a million questions which were frightening her. She was afraid she would not get all her memories back, afraid these people were lying to her for some reason. At least her vision had cleared up, it was no longer blurry. Nurse Angela had said she would need an eye test, as the glasses she had were out of date. "Very funny," Theresa had thought, "so am I."

The tall younger grey haired man and the nurse re-entered the room and the special observation wall, as it had been explained, went opaque again, so no one could see in. "What clever times are these." She said to herself, but to her visitors "When doctor speak me?" Her voice was not strong but more than the initial whisper she had initially. Theresa could feel the strength of her voice, coming back, clearing away the cobwebs from her out of date, and unused voice box. She had been told to think slowly of the words she wanted to say, instead of panicking and rushing them all out into a concoction of undecipherable sounds.

"He will be by later this afternoon, before your visitors come, and he will explain as much as he thinks you will comprehend. He doesn't want to overload you with too much new information and have you upset and worrying about the future or what is going to happen to you. Little steps are needed to maintain your cognitive functions. This is our priority. Do you understand Theresa?" Angela hoped she had explained it in a manner that she could understand.

"Yes...think so. Which grey man is doctor?" Angela laughed at this, as both of those grey men would have too.

"I'm sorry Theresa, we may have to keep repeating names and a conversation to you until your short term memory is working properly. The smaller man in the smart pinstriped suit is the Doctor, ands he is called Dr Pete, by everyone. The tall thin man in jeans and sweatshirt is Brian, your fiancé, who I may add, has never left your side except to sleep and eat in the last te...." Angela kicked herself, she had nearly let it slip, but luckily Theresa didn't seem to have heard.

"Oh, I had them wrong in my head..." Theresa replied, happy the nice tall man who held her hand, who talked so nicely was her man, was her fiancé and at least she remembered what that meant.

"Visitor? Who?" Theresa asked as it sank in.

"Are you up for a new visitor?" Angela asked. "There are lot of people waiting for news of you, but there is one on her way up now, who is very important to you and she may help jump start your long term memory processes."

"Okay, maybe okay... bit scared."

"Only natural, Theresa. I just have to finish taking out your IV and then I'll let them in." Angela said the ever consummate professional. "Dr Pete has put you on tablets of the drug now."

"I dry mouth." Theresa croaked, just as someone knocked on the door.

"Hold on one moment please..."Angela said loudly for them to hear, as she helped Theresa with a drink.

"Nurse?"

"Call me Angela please."

"Nurse Angela... what I look like?"

The hospital sensibly kept mirrors and reflective surfaces to a minimum for this very moment, as a waking patient from a long period in a coma would not recognise themselves. Angela went to the door and stepped outside to where Brian and his sister, Mary, were waiting patiently. "Brian, I think now is the time to tell her about the time she has lost, but Mary... do you mind waiting out here until we have dropped this bombshell? Meeting you, her best friend, would have probably ignited her memory anyway and then she may panic. We need to control the amount of information we give her. After all, she has only been awake a few hours."

"Not a problem, Angela. I'll sit here until you think the time is right." Replied a somewhat disappointed Mary but she realised the need for it.

Brian entered with Angela and they took up positions either side of her bed. "Okay Theresa..." said Angela, "what we are about to tell you will come as a bit of a shock but we don't want you get worked up and cause a setback in your treatment."

"Okay nurse. It's bad then?" Theresa asked, gripping both their hands with surprising strength. Angela nodded to Brian as it had been decided she was responding positively to him.

"Theresa, I want you to know I love you and I have been with you every day since the _'accident'_ that put you in a coma."

"Wha... ac.. ci.. dent?"

"You have no memory of it?" Angela asked.

"Noth..ing. It dark, it wet... I'm.. very.. scarr...ed."

"You're doing really well, Theresa. Are you ready to hear what happened?"

"Yes, Bri...an." Theresa looked pale but her eyes were hungry for this to be over.

"The year to date is 15th of October 2010. You have been in hospital, in a persistent coma due to you being injured on the side of your head. You have been in this coma for ten years, until yesterday when Dr Pete gave you something which triggered your brain to wakeup." The room was deathly quiet whist this terrible statement of facts was acknowledged and absorbed by Theresa. She sat very still on her bed, holding her informers hands until they were nearly blue.

"Okay, Theresa? Shall I go on?" Brian was worried it was too much for her to understand.

"I okay. I okay... ten years? Why long? Want see me."

"Nothing is coming back to you Theresa?" Angela handed her a rectangular mirror, about the size of A4 paper from under her clipboard. "Now remember, Theresa, ten years have passed so please take this into account."

She held the mirror up to her face and was happy that she did recognise her now older self. It wasn't like she had ever been vain; those nuns had beaten that out of her. Nuns? She remembered them... and, something else, lurking under the surface of her memories, something which filled her with fear...but no, it would not come, or develop into a recognisable memory. She studied her reflection; her skin was sallow looking, there were lines, wrinkles around her eyes and mouth that she didn't remember having. Her hair was still auburn, but was shorter and there were tell-tale white and grey streaks. How old was she now? Was she an old woman? The time missed had etched itself into her face, hiding the yet unknown story. She had been robbed of ten years of her middle age. Why? How? Theresa put the mirror down, mindful of what this clever and pretty nurse had said to her - little steps.

"Brian, how old?" She turned to the man who loved her and had stayed with her during her long sleep. She knew in her heart she could trust him.

"You are fifty-seven years of age, and you don't look a day over twenty to me." He smiled a smile that made her stomach flip. She remembered him, the shop keeper, his little sister, the fun they shared and something else... it still wouldn't come.

"Old lady now..." Theresa stated, still holding the mirror. "Whe..re Mary?"

"She's waiting outside, are you ready for your visitor? I am all done here." Angela asked as she tidied away the last of her paraphernalia.

" Rea.. dy. So old now." She stated again, emotionless.

"Older...Yes you are, but old is not dead and now you are back, here in the present, with a loving family desperately waiting to meet you, so cheer up, try and smile, you are alive. Would you like me to stay?" Angela realised she may need some support through what she could only think must be a very frightening time for her Aunt, another little secret yet to be told. Theresa had nodded so Angela went to open the door for Mary.

"Hello Theresa, I am so glad you have come back to us." Theresa stared at Mary, looking for something to prompt a memory. "Perhaps I should have said it with a cockney accent, 'Ello matey" Mary repeated. And there she was... a memory flooded back to Theresa of Mary as a young, cheeky girl on roller skates, speeding past her brother, Brian, who stood on the step of his corner shop, shouting at her to be careful. She remembered her! "My fri..end, friend, Mary... I re..mem...ber you. I very old now" Theresa said, slowly.

"We are all older now, Tee." Brian replied trying to comfort her, but Mary and Theresa were locked in what sounded like a very blubbery embrace. "My hair is not only grey, but disappearing too." Brian continued, as they released each other from the tightest hug ever and laughed at Brian, as they had done so many times before. Theresa remembered him calling her 'Tee', not as the drink, but as a loving name like sweetheart, but someone else did too, but their name would not come so readily.

"Heh, Theresa, when you go on retreat you are sposed to come back a bit quicker than this. How yer feelin?" Mary asked keeping up her cockney accent which Theresa had taken so much time in knocking it out of her. She was so grateful for that and all the encouragement Theresa had given her to do well at school and then college.

That accent, Theresa did remember it and the more she looked at Mary's face the more _'scenes'_ played out in her head. "I all...ways laughed, you funny talk, I re... member." Theresa's voice was beginning to sound stronger, not as husky and she was not stuttering as much.

"That's right matey; I nearly knocked you over on my skates when we met."

"Yes I member, you... young then."

"Certainly was, I'm sure it will all come back soon. Your brain is like an unused muscle at the mo, so we need to do some exercises with it!" They all laughed at this. Mary had a way of breaking the tension in any situation.

"Angela, when will be the right time to fill her in on all she has missed?" Mary asked.

"Not yet, it's much too soon, she needs to be grounded in the present, the past can wait, what's important is the future."

"Sensible as always Angela." Brian said, agreeing with her.

"What do... hap.. pen quick?" Theresa asked, sounding tired now.

"You will find your memories will come back when stimulated by triggers, such as smells, names of things or people, a sense of de-ja-vue. You will be getting help from a trained professional, so don't worry about this, after all it is only day one." Angela answered.

"See, we are helping you by being here and talking to you." Brian said relieved that she remembered him. He squeezed her hand and stared deeply into her eyes searching for some recognition of his love for her. Theresa stared back; she felt a strong surge of emotion rush over her like a tidal wave. It knocked the breath out of her and her stomach did somersaults again. "I Love You!" She shouted, still holding Brian's gaze, her eyes filling with tears as she heard her voice unintentionally saying it out loud.

"And I love you..." Brian replied softly. They hugged. It was a magical moment, an intimate moment that Angela and Mary witnessed. The room filled with the smell of candyfloss and warmed by the presence of an angel that suddenly appeared over Theresa and Brian's heads. Of course, only Angela could see this. He was giving them a blessing, removing the shroud of memory loss from Theresa. He said a healing prayer which only Angela heard, and then he wrapped his enormous wings around them both before fizzling out, taking the sweet, sweet smell away with him. Angela had never seen an angel with such a powerful presence before but from his stature and strong vibe she knew he was an archangel. She would have to talk to Grandma Serena next time she popped in.

"Wow..."Brian said, coming down back to reality. He had been lost in the moment of love and joy he had felt as Theresa had said those three little words he had not heard for a decade. "Was something here then Angela? I smelt a sweet sugary smell and felt a bit out of it. Are you okay Theresa? Did you feel it too?"

"Yes, did. Felt heavy.... lift off me... many feel... ings over me. Wha...t was it? Wha...t hap...pened?" They both looked at Angela for confirmation of what just happened.

"You were visited by an Angel who gave you his blessing and his healing love washed over you both. It was magnificent to behold." Angela said, realising now she would have to explain about her _gift_ of second sight to Theresa.

"I felt it too" said Mary.

"You see ghosts?" Theresa asked.

"No... not ghosts as such. I have a _gift_ , a sixth sense if you like. I can communicate; that is I see and hear spirit, from across the veil. I know it's a bit hard to grasp for now, Theresa, but I'll tell you more about it when your visitors have gone – that's if you like."

"Yes, ple...ase. Remem... ber some... one else... boy or man? Not sure.... bit like a dr...eam, he was dead. I was so sad..." Theresa was beginning to look very tired and it was nearly dinner time. It would be the first proper meal she had had in a long time, having been fed by the tube before which now had been removed.

Brian moved from Theresa bedside to the chair he usually occupied, and Mary said her goodbyes. Angela walked her out whilst Theresa dinner was served to her, safe in the knowledge Brian was there to help. What a day it had been and the revelations had not ended, there was so much more for Theresa to discover, both good and bad. The time robbed from her by her nemesis, stood ready to tell its perverted and soul destroying tale. "How on earth is this woman going to deal with what lies ahead?" Angela had miss-giving's but she knew, only time will tell.

* * * * *

# Chapter 25

## Day Two

Suddenly, Theresa saw images of women in long black dresses with black head scarfs and big crucifixes. They were angry at her and dragging her towards something that filled her with fear. She shook her head as if to dislodge them, shake them out. She didn't want to remember them whilst she felt so happy.

"Theresa, are you okay?" asked Brian, taking her hand.

"Feeling tired, silly me, slept ten years and now tired." Theresa laughed; her speech was improving with every word spoken. The speech therapist had said it was remarkable. A big kitchen flooded into her mind as she saw her younger self and a much younger looking Mary, standing together in front of a large table. They were chopping vegetables and laughing together, then she felt the room darken and the laughter stopped and fear came in its place... she wasn't ready for this, to see what lay in her memories that created such fear.

"Theresa what are you seeing? You seem a bit spaced out?" Brian was getting concerned.

"No, fine, just pictures coming to me. I don't understand them."

"It will take time, Theresa, lots of time, but we have all the time in the world from this day forward to reminisce and make new memories. Try and rest, Dr Pete does not want you to become anxious or panicky. I realise it may be hard but I am here and I am going no where, I promise you."

"Thank you Brian. I feel only love for you and it is right?"

"Yes my darling Tee, it is very, very right. May I kiss you?"

"I suppose so...I'm not sure."

"Just a small one?" Theresa and Brian embraced and the kiss was natural and mutual, it filled Theresa with hope and joy. Feelings that everything was going to be alright washed over her, it had been a very strange couple of days to say the least.

This one had begun with a very indulgent bubble bath with Angela's help. Theresa had dropped the nurse title as she felt so much more for her than that. She was a very special young woman, with her _gift_ and all her insight and compassion. Angela had told her that today may unfold more revelations and they were to take things at Theresa's pace.

Dr Pete had been in first thing on his rounds and explained to her, his plan for her physical and mental recovery. When he had left, Angela went over it again until Theresa was satisfied with what lay ahead for her. Brian had gone home very late last night, and she missed him already. She had gone to sleep naturally enough, which was a good sign she was told, and Angela had stayed in her room on a small cot, ready if needed by her. This was a great comfort to Theresa as she was very worried if she went to sleep she may not wake up again. After much reassurance that her brain waves would be monitored continually, she finally let go and a healing sleep washed over her.

Today the plan was for a morning of pampering and physio. Theresa legs were very stiff and painful, her hips and knees joints were particularly bad, but they could have been worse if Brian hadn't paid for extra therapies. Theresa was going to have to learn to walk again, and impatient as she was to get her life back on track, she realised there was no escaping this.

After her session, the physio's let her have a swim in the hydrotherapy pool which helped to alleviate some of the pain in her joints. They said a swim, but Theresa couldn't remember if she knew how to swim? It turned out she couldn't, but she wasn't scared, she felt safe in this special hospital with its entire caring staff.

Sometime later Angela took her to a room where a hairdresser had been bought in to give her a bit of a makeover. She wasn't sure what _'a makeover'_ was, but let them go ahead. An hour later, a tired but different looking Theresa emerged, her hair had been cut into a short bob and framed her face beautifully, and it had been coloured to match her natural hair colour. Angela collected her in the wheelchair, which for now she was going to have to get used too, and took back to her room where Brian was patiently waiting for her.

He had bought in a selection of clothes picked with the help of Mary. Most her old clothes he had donated long ago to charity shops as they were dated even when Theresa wore them last. With Angela's help she selected a pair of comfortable looking trousers they called _'jogging bottoms'_ , which made her howl with laughter, and a matching t-shirt. She felt very athletic in them but insisted on keeping her slippers on; she wasn't ready for a run yet.

After lunch Angela asked Theresa if she was ready to meet her other visitors who had been there yesterday, but had only a glimpse of her through the observation wall. Brian explained who these _'visitors'_ were, and that she would have no memory of them as she had with himself, as she had never met them. June, Catherine and Paul were all waiting to meet her and as they entered the room, the air of apprehension was almost tangible. "She looks nervous but what a change in her physical appearance." June thought. Gone was the sallow complexion replaced by a healthy glow, her hair framed her face revealing what looked like remnants of a birth mark.

Theresa was dressed and chatting away to Brian, her voice had improved considerable, no stutter or slurring her words. June wheeled Catherine up to the bed and sat in a chair which had been put there for her. Paul went across to Brian, shaking his hand and stood to watch this meeting of Mother and Sister.

"Hello Theresa, how are you today?" June asked politely. They had been warned to take it slowly and try to keep their emotions on an even keel.

"I well today, thank you. You are my sister?" Theresa asked, looking at this middle aged woman, somewhat younger than herself, but she had no feelings of recognition as she had with Brian.

"Yes, I am your half-sister, June is my name and that man next to Brian is Paul, my husband. We have different Fathers but the same Mother."

"That'll be me then... this cantankerous old lady in the wheelchair. My name is Catherine and I suppose you can tell from my accent, I was born and bred in Ireland, in County Kildaire. A small town back then, called Puncheston." The three looked each other over, waiting for a response from Theresa.

"Angela told me... would have no memory of you. Why is that?"

"Well lass, that'll be the million dollar question and it's a bit of a tale. Are you sure you're up for it?" Catherine replied.

"I have... all the time in the world... to be part of a family... I did not know I had. My memory... is still snapshots of certain times... and I feel deep within myself... that some of those memories... are not good... so to have... nice new ones... would be good." This was the most any of them had heard Theresa say, in her Irish cross cockney accent.

"I can't say the truth will be any better than you already know but if you are sure you're up to it, I would love to tell you of your true father, Alfred Rooney, and my love affair with him." Catherine replied.

The room descended into silence as Catherine re-told her younger life with her Alfie, finding out she was pregnant at sixteen, her father beating Alfie near to death, then how she was sent away to a convent to give birth. Then to suffer as her child was taken away with no ceremony, ripped from her before she could get a glimpse of her baby. She told Theresa she had desperately wanted to be her loving mother, but it wasn't allowed. The Catholic Church stepped in and made her _'sin'_ disappear.

Catherine then told of Alfie's endeavours to find her that he had never stopped. Not until the day he died, his final resting place in a ditch, so close to his sisters. June explained how the information he had collected had started this search by herself and Angela, who was now revealed to her as her niece. June carried on, explaining how her their Mother had become estranged from her, how her Father had forbidden contact with Alfie, how on marrying Paul, another connection came to light as his Dad's wife was Alfie's' younger sister, Serena. But then she had died from cancer, never knowing the truth in her mortal life, but Angela's _gift_ allowed her to communicate across the veil and her Grandma had guided her, to allow the truth to be told.

It was a lot to take in and Angela suggested they take a break, grab a coffee in the visitors lounge, whilst Theresa absorbed all she had been told. "How much more could there possibly be?" Theresa thought. No new memories of her past had jumped into her mind when listening to the old lady in the wheelchair who was her _'Mother'_. She had no feelings for her as yet, there was no familiar vibe, she was a stranger and that was that. As for her step sister, and the nurse who was now her niece, she did recognise part of herself in them, which she couldn't explain.

On closer inspection, as she was being told this elaborate tale, she had tried to study there facial features, their mannerisms, their body shape, anything from which she may have from sharing their DNA - but there was nothing. A cold shiver ran down her spine and more images raced up from the depths. This time it was a man who interrupted her thoughts, her Father? That was the feeling she had. Was she adopted by someone? He was dressed in black, in her memory, was he a priest? Round two, her family had returned and all sat quietly waiting for Theresa to lead the way forward.

"Was... my Father, Alfred? Was... he a... priest?" A small wave of laughter went around the room as June replied, "Absolutely not."

"Oh I see... what... was he... then?" Theresa asked now confused by her memory.

"Alfie was a concerned parent, who looked for you every day of his life, but in doing so he became a wanderer, he never settled in any one place, and did what he needed to survive. Unfortunately, he liked the drink a little too much, and got into fights so he spent a fair bit of time in and out of prison. We were not aware of his troubles and detective work until he passed away, but he left us his journals and some letters which I can bring in for you to read if you like?" June explained.

"Was I... adopted then... by a priest? Keep seeing... image... but no face." Theresa had a bad feeling now about this man.

Catherine knew who this priest probably was, but it wasn't her place to influence Theresa's memories, therefore she continued. "I think you are probably remembering your time at the convent and orphanage where you spent your early years, being bought up by the nuns and the priest who was in charge there. We can't tell you anything of your early years, but Brian can tell you what you have told him, when you are ready that is."

Brian stepped towards the bed and sat next to Theresa, putting his arm around her, pulling her in for a hug. "But not today, everyone, I think we need to let todays tales be absorbed and give our lovely lady here sometime alone."

"Good idea Brian" said Angela, "We can continue after Theresa has had her first session with her psychiatrist."

"Sounds... like fun..." Theresa said sarcastically. Those kinds of doctors were for mad people, she wasn't mad, just forgetful. Angela had explained what this new doctor was about but she felt apprehensive and scared of what might be revealed. After the emotional goodbyes to her new found family, the room emptied leaving Brian and herself alone for a moment.

"Brian, I'm scared... my thoughts... keep coming... up from my life before." This was her new term for the period before her _'long sleep'_.

"Tee, we understand that this is going to be very hard for you. I know as I saw you live through most of it, what it did to you, and how brave and courageous you were. Don't force the memories to come, but let them surface as needed and then you can deal with them at your own pace."

"Why... do I have... to see this... other doctor, I'm not mad... am I?"

"Of course not my darling, you are as sane as I am, but Angela tells me this lady doctor has good results with other patients who have lost their memories for whatever reason, so perhaps you should give her a chance."

"Will you... be there... with me?"

"I'm afraid not, but Angela will, as she will need to keep an eye on your physical reactions and she because she has a special insight to your story that she will share with no-one but you."

"Her _gift_?"

"Yes, her _gift_ , which she will only share when asked as it is governed by free will, and as she calls them, the _'powers that be'_."

"She is a special... young lady... isn't she?"

"If it hadn't been for her moving from London to work here at this research hospice, we may never have met and figured out the puzzle that is you. Now, I think you need to rest; I'll be back at dinner time. Okay my love?" he said planting a kiss on her lips before she had chance to ask another question.

"Yes, okay, I'm tired... You will come back... won't you?" Theresa was sounding a little unsteady, and unsure of herself.

"I will be here for you as I have done every day since your _'accident'_. Now, eat your lunch, and have a rest, we can continue later when Mary finishes work. Love you Tee." And with that he exited the room. He didn't want Theresa to ask the question he saw on her lips... _'What accident?'_

* * * * *

# Chapter 26

## Belinda

Theresa healed miraculously, every day she would astound Angela and Dr Pete by passing milestones in her recovery months quicker than anticipated. It had been a week since her _'awakening'_ and today she was to attend an appointment with a psychiatrist.

"Why do I need to see this person, Angela?" Her speech had improved daily and with the help of a speech therapist, it was nearly back to normal. Theresa was sat on the edge of the bed, and Angela was helping her get dressed into the clothes that Brian had lovingly provided.

"She is a lovely person, Theresa, so don't worry yourself. She is to test your cognitive functions and, well, just talk to you about everything that has happened."

"I see." Theresa didn't sound too happy about it. The one thing she was finding overwhelming was the number of people she was meeting for the first time. Names and faces were getting mixed up, the only constants she had was this niece come nurse and Brian. When she was with him, everything felt good and right. Her nerves would evaporate and she could relax, knowing he loved her and had her best interest at heart. All the other people, her mother and step sister, her nephew and brother-in-law, the staff here at the hospital that stared at her as if she was a freak, felt foreign to her. Yet Brian and Mary, something inside of her knew them, they felt right. She wished she had more clear memories that made sense, instead of the turmoil of images clashing together as a nightmare.

"You're very quiet, Theresa, is everything okay?"

"Yes Angela," she lied, but of course Angela, with her empathy knew it was a lie. Spending every minute she could with her Aunt, this last week, gave her an insight to the world Theresa now inhabited. Physically she was recovering from her ten year night, spent in bed. All the extra care Brian had paid for to keep her body from free from deformity, as most long term coma patients suffer, had paid off. The physio's were very pleased with her progress. She could not walk unaided, dress or bathe herself as yet, as her muscles were weakened, but all signs led to the conclusion she would get her mobility and strength back and it would be like the coma never happened.

Psychologically, her mental health was suffering, and even though she had been repeatedly told it would take time, Theresa was displaying signs of increasing anxiety. That was why it had been decided to increase her counselling sessions to a daily basis, as Theresa could not remember even having the first one! Angela had agreed with Dr Pete, although this miracle was a success as far as they were concerned, it was Theresa who now had to make the effort to heal her brain. Her short term memory was very bad so it had been decided to keep new faces to a minimum and reinforce _'her story,'_ her new memories, and only introduce new people that were necessary.

"Already Theresa, shall we sit in your wheelchair and I'll take you to your session?"

"I suppose. Where is Brian?"

"He will be back here for your appointment with Dr Pete, after this session is over." Angela reassured her.

"Okay," was Theresa emotionless response, Angela could feel the fear emanating from Theresa and wished she could alleviate it. Theresa said her memories felt like a dream and not a good one, she had told her yesterday.

They reached the office of the psychiatrist, a younger looking woman than most would expect for her thirty years of age, called Belinda Springer, a surname she acquired when marrying last year, which a lot of people found funny.

"Come in, come in..." Belinda had heard them approaching and was eager to talk again to this woman who had been asleep for so long and yet had come through it in such good shape. When she had met Theresa last week for a quick evaluation in her room, she realised she was going to have to tread very carefully in bringing her memories to the surface, and deal with the feelings they bought up, one by one. Angela wheeled Theresa in and made sure she was sitting comfortable on the massive sofa that was there.

It wasn't a typical office for a Doctor, not that Theresa knew what a doctor's office was supposed to look like as she had no memory of ever being to one, or of ever being in a hospital either. To Theresa this room was prettier, more comfortable and inviting than her current residence. Angela stepped to the back of the room and sat in an armchair where she could still see Theresa.

Theresa suddenly felt abandoned, which Belinda picked up on straight away. "It's okay to be worried and anxious, Theresa, but please know I have only good intentions to help you overcome your anxiety. Would you like me to explain what it is we are going to do today?"

"Yes please, that would be nice." Theresa's language was improving the more she used her voice, but she had a feeling deep inside her that she had never been a chatty person in the first place.

"Well Theresa, my name is Belinda, but most people call me Bella. Do you remember me from visiting you in your room?"

"Sorry, no." Theresa's answers were still very flat.

"Okay. No need to worry. Angela tells me you have been told about short term memory loss?'

"Yes."

"Can you tell me what you understand from that?"

Theresa nodded, looking down at her hands which she kept clenching and wringing as if washing some imaginary garment. "I may keep forgetting a lot."

"Yes that's right. We need to reinforce your everyday memory, as I call it, until it becomes embedded, sinks in to where your long term memory is stored. Angela tells me you are remembering more about your past, how does this make you feel?"

"Scared." Theresa would not engage Bella, with any eye contact, and kept shuffling her feet, and then wringing her hands.

"Another one word answer," Belinda thought, "this poor woman must be terrified." She had to get to those memories that kept her in her coma, allowing her body to heal itself, but hiding the nightmare's she did not want to come back from wherever she had buried them. It was going to take a lot of time, but Bella was determined to help this poor woman who had obviously been to hell and back.

Belinda knew all the facts of Theresa's life as Brian had recorded them in his journal, from his perspective of course, but it was going to be an invaluable resource for her. The whole family had been very forthcoming, when she had spoken to them in a meeting last week, and she had heard Theresa's sad story from all angles. Now she needed to get Theresa to open up her mental wound's and face the demons that haunted her. It was going to be traumatic and painful but Theresa was lucky to have a fantastic family to support her.

"Okay Theresa, let me explain what we hope to accomplish in these meetings. Your body has come out of a coma where you existed in a vegetative state. That means you were not brain dead, but your conscious mind had shut down. Your body was alive and responsive to stimuli, but you, the essence, or spirit that is your consciousness was out on strike. The trauma you had suffered was overwhelming, and your body and brain could not cope. Are you with me? Please ask if you do not understand fully, okay?" Bella asked, looking over at Angela who was very quiet and making notes on her observations.

"Yes I understand." Theresa sounded emotionless and was still looking at her hands. She would not engage with Bella, but this was expected. Theresa was not fully engaging with her new world order but more sitting on the sidelines looking in.

"Theresa, you are suffering with what we call post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a condition that we treat with counselling sessions such as this. Today we are going to draw up an agreement between ourselves, to outline your treatment and build confidence in our relationship. Okay?"

"I think so."

"Good. Well let's get started. For my part in our agreement I will make several promises to you. Firstly, I can promise you, whatever you say in these sessions will not be shared with any other person unless we both agree to release the information. Secondly, I am not here to judge you, I am not going to demean your experiences or comment negatively. I am here to listen to you, and to help you retrieve your past, to help you except it, move on and settle here in the present. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Now for your part, all I ask is that you trust me. I have your best interests at heart. I want you to agree to be open and honest, if you distort the truth or outright lie, you are only damaging yourself and your recovery will be hampered. Can you agree to that, Theresa?"

"Suppose."

"It worries you though?

"How can I trust my thoughts, my memories to be true?" Theresa asked for the first time looking up from her hands.

"A good question, Theresa, at first I think the memories that are now surfacing will be confusing and you might think you have made them up, that it didn't really happen that way, but I have been provided with the facts so I can correct you, but your feelings pertaining to the facts are what is paramount, and we will concentrate on them. As for the rest of our contract to each other it is all on this form here..." she handed Theresa an A4 folder. "It will explain everything about psychiatric help, counselling and PSTD. If you need more help understanding it I am sure Angela or Brian will help you."

"Okay thank you, Bella."

"Great." Bella was pleased as Theresa had lifted her head to take the folder, and fully engaged with her, looking into her eyes, she even got a smile! "Shall we begin then, Theresa?"

The session lasted more than the one hour but the preliminaries were done, progress had been made, and all in all Bella felt encouraged that this woman may eventually recover. She had a strong feeling from her that she was a natural survivor, and would bounce back from whatever life threw at her. A lot of people who had gone through such abuse, physical pain, and the trauma of being shot and left for dead, would give up, retreat inside of themselves, pull the curtains shut and wait for it to be all over. Bella felt she had good news to share with Dr Pete, some more evidence for his research paper on coma survival.

Angela was waiting with her wheelchair, at the ready to take her back to her room. "Angela, before we go back, can I go outside please" Theresa asked, hopefully.

Theresa had been staring out of the window in her room a lot. "Okay Theresa, but lets go and fetch you a blanket to keep you warm, it is very cold out today, but it isn't raining and the sun is out so I can't see it doing you any harm."

Half an hour later the pair came back to Theresa room, both were laughing at some joke a porter had told them, and they both had red cheeks that were almost glowing - it made Theresa look healthier than ever. Brian was sat patiently in his chair and was amazed at the transformation a bit of fresh air had done to them.

"You two look like you've had fun..."

"Yes, sorry Brian to keep you waiting, but it took time to explain the sights." Angela said apologetically.

"Everything is so different." Theresa stated.

"Yes, the world has certainly changed from your perspective but you were never one for progress. You liked what you knew and kept things simple. It was Mary that introduced you to computers and taught you how to use your mobile phone, do you remember?" Brian added, ever hopeful.

"Yes, I do! She helped me - always. You both you did."

Angela left the couple alone; to reminisce as Brian had been instructed. To keep her in the present, reinforce any new memories and when she brought up other memories from her past, he was to help her understand them and except them as the truth. Angela headed for Dr Pete's office where Theresa's care team were waiting for her to discuss her treatment and the way forward.

* * * * *

# Chapter 27

## The Way Forward

Two weeks later at June's home, her mother Catherine and Paul were also discussing the way forward. They had the results from the tests done by Dr Pete; a summary of Theresa's mental health, provided by Belinda, and the Physio's and a speech therapist had also contributed their evaluations.

They had met with Dr Pete yesterday, at the end of week three, and he had given them all this information and explained what he would like to do as far as his research paper was concerned. He needed permission from the family to continue his treatment, which was given gladly. They could never repay him for returning Theresa to them. It was only a short time since her return to the world and her recovery had been impressive - but edged with caution. Dr Pete was concerned that the drug treatment might be temporary and if they were diligent in monitoring all aspects of Theresa's care, all the signs said she should not relapse back into a coma again. It was the best news they could have hoped for.

Catherine had settled in to her daughter and son-in-laws home, and was now like part of the furniture. They had bought her a special reclining and tipping chair to aid her, and had even modified the bathroom into a wet room so she could shower herself with only a little help from June. They were both enjoying the renewal of their relationship as Mother and Daughter, and had started to record the fascinating story that had been Catherine's life history, and had added this knowledge to the family tree Angela had begun.

It was a very cathartic experience for both of them so Paul let them get on with it, realising his wife needed to do this; to heal herself from the feelings that she had abandoned her mother, just as everyone else in Catherine's life had done. Now June was aware of the truth of her mother's situation it had upset her greatly. All Paul could do was support her, let her cry it out, keep reassuring her she wasn't a cruel daughter, and that none of it was her fault.

Jamie, Angela's brother, escaped the emotional turmoil, he was glad to have a new Grandma even though she seemed a bit of a battleaxe at first. They had formed a relationship based on fun, both liking comedians and telling jokes to each other. They often spent hours in laughing fits. It made June well-up, the thought she never really knew her mother but she had no tears left to expend, therefore she sensible decided to join in the fun and laugh until she cried instead.

Catherine had made the ultimate decision that she would stay in England and live with Paul and June as they had offered. She wanted to be near to her daughter's, her grandchildren and the rest of this extended family. The rest of her belongings at her _'box-home'_ as she called it had been shipped over by Dr Gentles with a letter from him. He wished her all the best in the future, and congratulations on finding such a wonderful family, and if she wouldn't mind could she tell her young granddaughter - there was always a job here for her if she ever need one.

There was not much left of her life long accumulated belongings, but Catherine was desperate to have her precious photograph album back. It was full of black and white photos she had saved from destruction when her father had passed away. Then there were the colour photos of June and Jonathan growing up, which June had never seen. They added them to the life history and family tree by giving faces to the names, but by far, the most precious photo she had was of Alfie

Catherine was relieved it was still amongst her belongings sent from Ireland. She remembered taking it with her first camera bought for her fifteenth birthday when Alfie was in apprenticeship, before there relationship was discovered. It was faded and creased but it was still hidden between the pages of Pride and Prejudice, by her favourite author - Jane Austin. "How ironic", Catherine thought, "pride and prejudice is exactly what Alfie and I suffered for, when our relationship and my pregnancy had been discovered, plus hypocrisy and judgment from the Catholic Church."

They were unenlightened times that she had lived through. Now young mothers were helped, marriage seemed to be extinct, and there were lots of little bastards, parentless orphan's and kids in care. Children of all colours, dubious parenthood, races and religions were now accepted into society, it was a very different world to the one she had grew up in, for sure. Catherine had been told Theresa's story by Brian and Mary and it hadn't help Catherine forgive herself when she understood what an awful existence her stolen baby had been put through. It was hard to accept and even though she new the fault lay with the church, that despicable priest, and her tyrant of a Father, she felt she hadn't done enough to find her baby, after her father and then her husband had died.

It lay heavily on her heart and even though she was glad to have finally met her stolen child, she felt it might be to late have any sort of relationship with her, unlike the one she had recovered with June. It worried her constantly that when Theresa found out she had been taken from her, she wouldn't understand there was nothing she could have done. That fateful day was etched in permanent ink in her memories. She could still hear the beating Alfie received from her Father and William, her now dear departed husband. The smell of sweat and whiskey, the sight of Alfie's bloodied face, swollen eyes and split lip. And the shouting, such a lot of shouting, it gave her a headache just thinking about it.

As much as June and Catherine would like Theresa to join them in their household, there just was not room. Jamie was not leaving the nest anytime soon, and June wanted to keep him home as long as possible before he set out to build his own life and family. In the end the only option was to ask Angela if when Theresa was ready to leave hospital, if she could move in with her as she had plenty of room in Jim and Serena's three bedroomed home which they had left her.

Brian had agreed it was the best first step after her release from hospital, to stay with Angela who would then be on hand to help her adjust. At present Brian was living with his sister Mary and her husband, Richard, and their two kids. It was crowded and noisy, but as Brian had been constantly at the hospital he only really slept there, bathed, and changed his clothes. He could not expect Theresa would want to live with him, yet. He hoped she would eventually agree to marry him again, and they could live the life they had envisaged before her coma.

No-one had told Theresa about the events that led to the shooting and what had happened to Mary and him afterwards. It was referred to as an _'accident'_ as yet. Theresa was not ready for the truth, Bella had told him, but before she was released - she would have to be told the truth of her life to that fatal day.

* * * * *

# Chapter 28

## Session sixteen

It was time, Bella had told Brian; to open the wound that was Theresa's past. She was consistently asking questions about it now, and would not be put off any longer. Dr Pete had agreed, as did all of the care team which looked after Theresa. Her progress physically had improved in leaps and bounds - quite literally. She could now walk un-aided and her muscles that had been so de-conditioned were now back to a level expected of her age. She had some arthritis problems in her knees, but she did not let this stop her from walking on her own. Theresa could be very determined when she wanted something, as they had all found out. Therefore it had been decided this was the last mountain for her to climb, and recover from before her release into the new world which awaited her.

* * * * *

Session sixteen. Present : Psychiatrist; Belinda. Patient; Theresa. Fiancé; Brian.

Date; December 20th 2011

Bella arranged the seating so that she was between Brian, who sat opposite Theresa, but positioned more toward the back of the room as to observe them both. It had been decided beforehand that Brian would take the lead in this reveal of Theresa past as he had been there for most of it. He would outline the sequence of events over the years to the day when Theresa was shot. In all this time since her awakening, the one question she had not asked outright was, _'who was the man of her nightmares?'_ Recently her memories had been resurfacing like dreams, more like nightmares and the images which frightened her most was of this shadow man, a dark menacing figure which Theresa referred to as the _'devil incarnate'_.

"Okay Theresa, today is the start of revealing the events up to the _'accident'_. I know no-one has been forth-coming over the facts that lead up to this event, and it has been decided the best person to walk you through these, is the man you love and trust, Brian. This is a private conversation between you two and will be conducted as such. I am here to take note and will not intervene. You may begin." Bella informed them both who were holding hands, and Theresa's nervousness was evident.

"What is your earliest memory that has come back to you?" Brian asked. They had been over this once before and he decided Theresa needed to reinforce this memory.

"The orphanage, I suppose, the horrible nuns in their black clothes and the cellar where they put me alone as a punishment... but I used to laugh at them. They had no idea I actually preferred the cellar, it was my place of sanctuary. Nobody hurt me when I was in there and when released I got to have confession with...him and sweets, but something else happened too. Something no little girl should know about or experience..."

"Take your time, Theresa, let the memories come on their own, don't force them." Brian said compassionately.

"It's the big man in black clothes and white collar; he was a priest wasn't he?" This was more of a statement than question. Theresa continued. "Yes, at first I really liked going to see him for _'confession'_ but then something changed and I had to earn my redemption, to clean the mortal sin off my soul. I was proud that he loved me so much and scared as I didn't want to go to purgatory or to hell... I did everything he asked of me, and then when I was about nine or ten, he disappeared from my life. I thought I had done something really bad and the only loving figure in my life was gone because of it."

"Can you remember his name yet, Tee?"

"I think so, it was Father Jo... Joseph..." Theresa had gone pale and started to shiver all over.

"That's it Tee, let the memory come, however painful, you survived it once so you can do it again." Brian encouraged her.

"I was sent to another school and orphanage and I met someone... he was small and puny, and got picked on like me..." Theresa's hand went involuntarily to her face where the birthmark used to be prominent on her face as an upside down cross, which the nuns used to tell her was the sign of the devil. "David! His name was David, he was my friend, a good friend who taught me about sex and that the confession and treatment I had from the big priest was wrong. _He_ was committing the sin, not I. I was abused." Theresa began to cry, a first it was a trickle of tears slipping down her face, as the realisation of this horror she had been through sank in, and then it was a torrential tear storm. Brian sat with his arms around her until she no longer needed him to comfort her.

"Do you want to continue Tee?"

"Yes, yes, I need to remember. David was my guardian angel back then, we became more than friends, like a sister and brother. Neither of us wanted anything to do with sex or any other physical contact. David had been abused too, before I met him, so he knew first-hand what I was going through. The two of us had quite a reputation back in that home, for fighting, smoking, and stealing. Anything that gave us reason to buck the system, and then one day David was gone too. I can't remember why, he just disappeared... he wasn't there anymore, like most of the people I had come to trust." Theresa paused trying to remember the events in the right order instead of a jumbled up mess.

"It was then I ran away on my big adventure to try and find him. I got all the way to Liverpool docks having stowed away on a ferry. It makes me shiver now, all the risks I took, with no care for my personal safety. I never did find David. I remember I ran away again from the _'authorities'_ that hounded my young life. I think I would have been about fifteen or so. I made my way to London, to Trafalgar square, where David and I agreed to meet up if we ever got separated. And I did meet someone... at my lowest emotional state, when I had started prostituting myself to get money to pay for food at first, and then drugs which I had been introduced too. They took away the pains and the nightmares for a short while. Mainly the green stuff you smoke... I can't remember its name but I know when I had enough of it, the world slowed right down and I slept. Oh my God, Brian, I was a prostitute!"

"It's okay Tee, I know. Remember... I told you - I have lived with you through this already, and I am still here, and I still love you." Brian drew her into his arms and kissed her. "It doesn't matter what you did back then. You did what was needed for you to survive - and you did."

"You are my rock, Brian; I couldn't do this without you."

"But you did, Tee, back then. It has made you a strong woman, much stronger than you actually realise. Now let's carry on a bit further..."

"That _'someone'_ who I met on that particularly bad night was the priest, my abuser, Joseph Bennett. I remember him now. At first he apologised for his ' _behaviour'_ and told me the Catholic Church had excommunicated him for his sins, and how he had taken it upon himself to rescue _'lost souls'_ such as mine, and the many hundreds of runaways that head for the bright lights in search of something better. I was so cold and tired; I remember I had a cough that wouldn't go away. He got me some medicine to help me and by then I was in his car, in a daze, but relieved to be off the cold frightening streets, where I was always on the lookout for the police.

It's a bit blurry the next part, at first I thought he had drugged me to get his way with me again, but when I awoke... I was in a big soft bed, in a big room, in a pair of pyjama's I had no memory of putting on and that's how it began with him. He offered me the world with no ties, nothing sexual, just a bit of cleaning and cooking and I caved in. I was sick of running away, going nowhere, lost and alone. He couldn't hurt me anymore, so I thought, but he was good at manipulating people like me, desperate, ignorant, and well - stupid."

"You are not stupid Tee, you were conned by a master criminal... but more on that later." Brian said, with a quick recovery as Bella had waved her fingers at him, meaning he touched on that subject too soon.

"Well, I don't know about that. At the time he gave me everything I had been denied in my life to date. I had security, a bedroom of my own, and a big house which I helped to decorate and furnish, something I had never done before, and all I had to do in return was obey a few simple rules. I was not allowed into his quarters, his bedroom or office. I was not allowed into the attic, the door was padlocked, which told me there was stuff in there he didn't want me to see so, of course, I picked the lock anyway to see what the fuss was about. He had boxes upon boxes of whiskey, and other spirits. There were also counterfeit cigarettes which I helped myself too... I smoked? Funny, I don't want one now, which is a good thing isn't it? My coma served a purpose it stopped me killing myself by smoking..." Theresa laughed; it was good to hear her finding something positive about her past life.

"Where was I? Oh yes, the attic... well, he never said anything to me so I thought I had got away with it, but the next time I went to help myself to some more ciggies, everything had gone. It was then he took me into his confidence. He told me he had got mixed up with some bad sorts who made him use his house for gambling, storing stolen goods, and helping the odd wanted man hide from the police, but now he had paid his debt off to these people and he wanted to make more of his life, to atone for his sins. The house was very big and mostly empty; he asked me how I felt about running a children's home with him, one for runaways and other rejected, neglected children. He had no need to lay it on thick as my maternal instincts screamed out to me, so I agreed." Theresa paused again, shaking her head, slowly. "I was gullible, and naive, Brian. I didn't see the bigger picture back then. I honestly thought I was doing something good. It wasn't until I met you and Mary that I realised I had been conned. You both helped me find out the truth, didn't you?"

"Yes, Tee, we did, but you did the largest part of discovering what he was up to. You already had suspicions when you met us. Remember the note books?" Brian prompted her. Bella nodded, signalling it was okay.

"Oh yes, I do. I wrote all about the children who came through our hands. I detailed their appearance, and wrote down anything they told me which might help in their being found after they had left us. I was so scared of what Joseph termed the _'authorities'_. For the longest time he told me they would lock me away in a nuthouse if I ever revealed anything, and he would back them up making sure I never got out. Then the violence began. He would hit me if I didn't do exactly as he said. Nothing too visible on my body, of course, but enough to keep me in my place, then I met Mary... and she changed everything for me, you both did. She was so young and innocent, full of a life I had been denied... and she knew I had a crush on _you_. I owe her such a lot."

Bella interrupted the flow of memories "Okay Theresa, I think that's enough for today. Keep up with the writing in your journal; it is helping you to deal with the emotions of these terrible events in your life." She turned to Brian, "I think now is the time Theresa should be allowed to read some of the notebooks she had written. You do have them still?"

"Oh, yes Bella. The police returned them to me after their investigations. I will go through them with her, if that's okay?"

"Yes that's fine, Brian, go ahead and at our next session we can discuss them, Theresa, is that okay with you?"

"Yes Bella, I'm fine with that."

Brian and Theresa rose and said goodbye to Bella, returning to Theresa's room of the last three years. It was only five days until Christmas and it was to be a surprise for Theresa as she would be going home, to her new family for the celebrations and New Year.

"We didn't ask about me leaving this place, Brian?"

"I know Tee; I think Bella wants you fully engaging with your past memories in case they set you back. We have to be patient."

"You're always so sensible, Brian. I do love you so very much and I feel really lucky you have stayed by me the whole time I was asleep... which reminds me, I had the weirdest dream last night, do you want to hear it?"

"Of course I do sweetheart, but let's have lunch first and then we have the afternoon to ourselves. We could go for a small walk around the grounds if you're up to it?"

"Sounds great to me!" said Theresa. She felt _'normal'_ , an experience that was foreign to her, unless she was with Brian, as that is how he saw and treated her, as being normal, and not a body full of problems which would have sent anyone else to the nuthouse, which made her think of David and her dream.

* * * * *

# Chapter 29

## David

That night Theresa had the dream again, not the nightmarish ones, but the one with David as she remembered him best, a gangly, somewhat spotty, bespectacled sixteen year old. They were walking hand in hand next to this bubbling spring, through luscious grass underfoot, with the warmth of the sun shining through the arms of a massive oak tree, where they sat down together under its dappled shade.

"Well, you have done it, Tee, you made it back. How are you feeling?" David asked her in his Irish come Jewish tones.

"Why am I back here, David? I'm not dead am I? I was just getting all my memories back... including you."

"No, you're not dead, everything is fine. I am just checking up on you. It was touch and go there for a while. But you're such a fighter, I knew you'd survive. Brian has done such a selfless thing. Never a day did he not see you, help your body to heal and now, with his love and devotion, he will help you with your next task too."

"Will I remember all this when I wake up, David? I'm not back in a coma am I?" Theresa voice was edged in fear.

"You will remember what you want to remember...free will and all that, but it will be like a dream." David assured her.

"Like the one where you took me through what happened to me with Joseph?"

"Yes, but that was more intense as it was about the past. Your counsellor and Brian are preparing you to remember the last bit of it and I wanted to make sure that you are strong enough."

"I am, David, truly I am. I want my life back with my new family and Brian. Whatever time I have left, I want to stop this kind of thing happening again. Paedophiles, rapists, even those who mentally rape their targets. What happens to them when they die? What happened to Joseph?"

"They are taken care of, Tee, their souls are sick and as with any sickness there is a time of healing and rehabilitation, just as you are going through in your physical life now and what you remember of me helping you immediately after your crisis." David explained.

"So there's no hell and damnation, no devil to rip their souls to shreds and leave them to burn for eternity?" Theresa asked with such venom it surprised David.

"Wow, Tee, those Catholics sure did a number on you..."said David laughing. "No hell, no devil, and no one all powerful, vengeful god who sits in judgment. There are just us enlightened souls who have been here forever, watching over our flock."

"It doesn't seem fair... such gross acts like murder, or mass murder by war mongering tyrants...they get off with no more than... _'Ah now, poor murderer, let me help you heal yourself'_." Theresa said sarcastically.

"I think that's a discussion for another time, Tee. Just try and remember what I told you before. Your physical life is a time of learning, a time for your soul to grow. Sometimes you need to learn the hard lessons, like forgiveness. For you to do that, someone has to hurt you, and that is their soul's path, to experience hurting another person, physically, mentally, and then you can learn to forgive. Not everyone gets it right the first time they reincarnate, but eventually, as there soul progresses, they become...well...like me, an angel, as you understand what that means."

"I think I understand, David. How many times have you reincarnated?"

"Many, many, times, my spirit now guides and heals others such as you. You were my last incarnation; and I had to help you see the world differently, not with bitterness and rage, but with forgiveness and unconditional love. You surpassed my expectations, Tee, but your life is not over by any means, you still have work to do, you and Brian, and that loving family of yours."

"Are you allowed to tell me what it is?"

"You know better than that, Theresa, but I will always be a prayer away if you need help..." Theresa woke up with the sound of David's voice echoing in her ears... _'Only a prayer away...'_

"What did it all mean," Theresa thought, "I'll talk it over with Brian when he comes." But as she showered and dressed the dream was fading, ever so surely into the depths of her mind, until the time Brian entered her room whilst she was eating her breakfast. "I had another dream last night, Brian," she said excitedly, her mouth full of toast...

"A good one I hope Tee." Brian replied wiping the toast crumbs she had sprayed him with, off his t-shirt.

"Yes a lovely one, with David and we were talking about... talking about... damn it's gone again!"

"Never mind, sweetheart, if it was important I am sure you will remember it. You are bringing up such deep buried memories now they are overpowering your normal thoughts, pushing them down out of the way. Bella told you this. Your brain is a muscle that has gone unused for a very long time, and although it is healed physically, your essence, your spirit or better still your consciousness, well, that's going to take time, but we'll get there, I promise you." Brian always knew how to make her calm down and smell the roses.

"Thank you Brian, now where is my kiss?"

* * * * *

# Chapter 30

## Session Twenty

Session 20. Present : Psychiatrist; Belinda. Patient; Theresa. Fiancé; Brian

Date: January 10th 2011

Bella waited until her patient was settled and comfortable. This time she had decided to let Brian and Theresa sit side by side on the big comfortable settee and she sat to the side of them, just on their edge of their peripheral vision, hopefully giving the effect they were alone in the room. This was going to be a painful session and probably the last Theresa would receive in the hospital as she was due for release into the big bad world again, in her words. Her counselling sessions would continue but in the comfort of whatever home she chose to live in.

"Are we ready, Theresa? Brian?"

"Yes Bella, we are." Theresa answered for the both of them, squeezing Brian's hand.

"As you know from our session yesterday, we are at the point of your _'accident'_ as we have been calling it. Today we are going to help you remember the exact details of that night. If you want to stop at any time, please let me know. Okay, we were at the point of Joseph alerting the police about the three young girls that you and Mary had rescued, and were now hiding in the flat above the shop..."

"Yes... Joseph had tipped off the police that they were there, and he had planted some pictures incriminating Brian, but I had guessed that he was up to something. I sent the last girl in our care to the police station with more of my notebooks and a letter outlining their mistake that they had the wrong person. I think I said I was in fear of my life, that Joseph would kill me to prevent his actions being discovered. I included the yellow note which had the address of the supposed meeting he had gone too, telling the police I was going to stop him. I didn't know what I was going to do, Brian. I remember I took a big carving knife from the kitchen. Everything was like a surreal dream; I think I was on automatic pilot. I can't quite remember how I got to the docks, or how Joseph found me, but he did..."

"Are you okay, Tee, do you need to stop for a moment?" Brian asked, as Theresa was visibly shaking.

"No, no, I need to continue... it's coming back so fast. I remember him coming out of the shadows, of the car park, shouting and swearing at me; how I was a traitor, to all the _'kindness'_ he had shown me, the life that he had given me. I screamed at him that he was a perverted child molester who didn't deserve to live, and I was waving that stupid knife about... I was in more danger of hurting myself with it, but then he took something out of his pocket. I had never seen a gun before, except at the pictures. I remember... I felt nothing, I wasn't afraid of _him_ anymore. I wanted justice for all the hurt he had caused to those little lives, those poor children he sold like cuts of meat in a supermarket, with no regard of what was to happen to them. I was angry... really murderously angry and I rushed at him with the knife held high in my hands. I wanted to stick it straight into his callous sin filled heart." Theresa paused to take a sip of water. "I heard you Brian, as this was all happening; I heard you shout to me or was it to him?"

"It was to you... The police had released us and they sent an armed response unit to the docks, and I went along to show them where Serge's boat was. As we drove into the car park, I saw you under a lamppost, standing there waving that knife... but then I saw him with a gun..." Brian stopped, he hadn't realised how much damage this moment in time, had done to him. He had buried his anger deep inside as well, and he could feel it bubbling up.

"Okay Brian, I see that this is a bad memory for you too, but for now we must focus on Theresa." Bella interrupted Brian's obvious distress.

"Yes, yes, by all means. It will keep."

Theresa continued. "I didn't see you Brian, but some part of me heard you. If I hadn't of turned my head towards your voice, Joseph would of shot me squarely in the forehead. I can see that now. I was totally surprised by the sight of the gun and then hearing your voice. Then there was so much noise, never having heard a gunshot close up, I didn't know what was going on. I felt a sharp smack against my temple, I think it was. I put my hand up to my face and felt a sticky substance gushing down my cheek. I heard more bangs and screams, then nothing but blackness..." The room went silent as Theresa absorbed this final revelation.

"The bastard shot me! He shot me, Brian, in the head! I should be dead!" Theresa collapsed into Brian's arms and they both cried and held onto each other.

Bella gave them both time to release the pent up, buried emotions, now raw and out in the open. It had been a good session. "Well done, Theresa, you have most of your memories intact once more, but you will need many more sessions to manage the feelings that this incidence will bring up, and for all the abuse you have suffered. Brian, you could do with some counselling as well. This must have been a horrific time for you, seeing the woman you loved shot, and presumed dead."

"It was a terrible time, but I was glad it was all over and we had finally got him." Brian stated without emotion.

"Where is he now Brian? What happened next?"

"There's no easy way to say this, Tee, but he turned the gun on himself before anyone could get to him."

"He's dead? He's not in jail paying for his crime?" Theresa asked angrily.

"No, Tee, I'm sorry. The police tried to get to him but literally it was over in a flash, he thought he'd killed you and the game was up. I think he realised that this time he wasn't going to get a get out of jail free card and took the cowards way out." Brian told her softly. "But... the police did catch that Serge bloke and his ring of perverts, those who distributed photos, those who handled the kidnapped kids, and there was a huge trial. It was in all the newspapers, the story about how you helped to uncover them, how you were left in a coma. The trial went on for over twelve months, and Mary and I were called as witnesses, but because of the nature of the people we were accusing, we were put into witness protection and moved to a safe house until the trial was over. Even you were guarded by two armed officers but as soon as the police and lawyers had their convictions... we were left to defend ourselves. A lot happened after that, but it's not a tale for today is it Bella?"

"No Brian, not today. How are you feeling Theresa?" Bella asked the one question she asked repeatedly to her many clients.

"Feeling?" Theresa thought for a moment. "Angry he died before I could accuse him. Angry I didn't get to see him get the punishment he deserved and some justice for all those children, I thought we were helping. I am glad he is dead and can't hurt another child..." Theresa paused. "Do you know... I'm okay, actually. It's good that it's all out of my head. It feels lighter somehow." Theresa glanced at Brian and saw the love and tears in his eyes. "It's okay, sweetheart, we are going to be okay, I know it." She said but on looking over to Bella she saw something else entirely... David.

He was stood there in all his finest white robes (no wings or halo) emanating a green and pink light over all three of them. Then the smell of strawberries filled the room and freshly mown grass. David winked at her and puff, he was gone. Theresa smiled secretly; she didn't think this would be the last she saw of her David. Something inside her, intuition perhaps, told her she had a new mission to follow. For once she was excited about the future and all it held.

* * * * *

# Chapter 31

## Freedom at last

It had been decided by Theresa's care team that she was ready to be officially released from the hospital and could go home. Home at present was Angela's house as she had the most room, but there were other options which were to be considered. Today's excursion was to be to Mary's place of work, and they were to decide on which house she could choose to live in on her release from hospital. Mary and Brian were also to give her the run down on what had happened to them after the trial.

They pulled up in front of a very big house, in Brian's car. _'He had a car? He could drive?'_ This was all news to Theresa as was the size of the house she was stood in front of. Over the big double wooden doors was a sign, it read; _'Saint Theresa's Home for Children'_ , underneath it was written - _'Let them without sin, come unto me.'_ It was an impressive building, bigger than anything Theresa had ever seen before. It was a mansion and the grounds were extensive, she noted as she glanced around. The big doors opened and lots of children of all ages flooded out to greet her as if she were a film star, followed by Mary and her husband, Richard. Next was a tall blonde woman with a baby in her arms who could not have been many weeks old.

After the initial greeting, the children were sent back inside, and she was guided to Mary's private rooms, which they called _'the hub'_ as she explained. This was where everything happened. Waiting patiently was Mary's own two children, who were introduced as David, age six and Alfie age four, and they greeted Theresa, frantically vying for her attention, asking all sorts of questions. It was overwhelming and Richard gave the order for them to depart and they could take their disappointed faces with them. There would be plenty of time to cross examine their Aunt later.

"Thank you, Richard, is it?" Theresa asked but did not wait for an answer. "I thought I was going to have stand trial there for a moment."

"Sorry about that, they get a little excited when we have such a special guest at the home, and its fine to call me Richie," replied this six foot tall, four foot wide giant of a man who was married to her petite friend, Mary. Talk about odd couple. Mary had returned with a trolley laden with tea in a china pot, plates of scrumptious cakes and home-made biscuits.

"Someone's been busy, Mary, did you bake all this?" Theresa was remembering when in that hell-hole home when they did any baking, Mary was more than likely to burn all she cooked as she could never focus on what she was doing.

"Nah...don't be silly Tee, you know I can't cook! I can even burn water now, according to this big lummox here."

"How did you two meet then? It must be a bit of a story..." giggled Theresa, and it was...

Sometime later, Mary took Theresa on a guided tour of all they had accomplished whilst she was in her _'long sleep'_. It was truly inspiring. Mary had kept her word and continued with her education in child care. When suitably qualified, after the trial was over, Brian and Mary agreed to sell the shop that had been in their family for over three generations, and the flat above, to buy their first ram-shackled Victorian, detached house that was in a terrible condition, situated in the suburbs to the west of London, far away from the docks and the _'hell-house'_ as it had become known.

It took two more years to get it up to code, to be a home for runaways, and children that could not be placed in foster homes, anyone basically who rang the doorbell was taken in and stayed until placed with a family or until they were of an age to leave and fend for themselves. Mary and Brian prided themselves on this last part, having equipped their flock with all the knowledge they would need on the _'outside'_. It was a day of mixed emotions when a _'bird'_ flew away from the nest, but more often than not, the child, now adult, would return from time to time, to update them on the path their lives had taken. It was very different to Joseph's idea of a _'home'_ , as Theresa remembered.

Mary explained how she had met Richard on the re-building of this first home. He project managed everything, from plumbing to decorating, side by side with his _'little fire-ball'_ he eventually fell in love with. They married, had two babies of their own, and then bought the second, much larger house, a mansion with over twenty five acres of grounds, up in Sutton Coldfield, near to Lichfield, as to be nearer to the hospice where Theresa lay oblivious to all this. Brian and Mary took Theresa around the mansion come school and children's home and then the grounds to this majestic home, included a small holding type farm, with some cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens and fields which grew vegetables for the home. The children helped to manage all aspects of this estate, learning so much more than an ordinary home could offer them. It was a little piece of heaven as far as Theresa could see.

As they were heading back, the tall blonde woman who had been holding the baby before approached them. "Theresa, do you know who this is?" Mary asked.

She looked closely into the beautiful face whose features rang a bell, but for love or money, she could not remember her. "Don't worry, Theresa, I am much older obviously, when last you saw me... probably running down the path, with Mary here and my two younger sisters."

"NO! Wait it can't be" Theresa exclaimed. "You mean you were one of the three blonde girls we rescued!"

"One and the same. I have nothing but gratitude for what you did for us and I am so sorry you paid for it by being in a coma for so long, but without your help and kindness, I would never have met my husband or given birth to our first child. So thank you, so very, very much." Theresa was stunned into silence, but accepted the embrace from this woman, who continued, "We have named her Theresa Mary, as without you two she would not be here. The christening is next Sunday and I would like you, Brian and Mary, to be her godparents." Theresa was blown away. Who knew such a beautiful child would be born because of the actions of that fated night when everything changed. They gladly accepted her kind offer.

They returned to the _'hub'_ where they were to meet a solicitor who had important business to discuss with Theresa, what about, she had no idea but nowadays she calmly went along, where she was guided too, by those who loved and looked out for her. Her short term memory had improved considerable since her first days awake, and with Brian's dedication she was more confident, but still forgetful. She knew it irritated folks when she would repeat things as if they had just happened when really they had heard it all before from her very lips. Now she had a notebook in which she wrote a very different tale to her last _'notebooks'_.

These held her thoughts and memories on a daily basis, which she would re-read every morning to help remind her of what had happened on the previous day or week. They were a useful tool, not as detailed as the journal she also recorded her life and thoughts in after her _'long sleep'_ , but enough to trigger her thoughts into the correct order as not to keep repeating herself.

The solicitor was sat at Mary's big desk, looking very official, with his laptop open in front of him and files of papers he was taking out of his briefcase. "What's this about Brian? Have I done something wrong? Why do I need a solicitor? Am I being taken to court too?"

"Tee, relax, its nothing like that. Let the man explain...okay? No need to worry, it's nothing bad, I promise." The room went quiet as the very serious looking man began to speak...

* * * * *

# Chapter 32

## The Will

"This is the last Will and Testament of Joseph John Bennett, formerly of County Kildare, Ireland," said the man with an air of authority. "Read on this date, January 23rd, 2011. Present are Miss Theresa Bennett and Mr Brian Burton, who is her legal guardian and fiancé.

"This is not right... it's totally un-expected and unwanted." Theresa thought, as they listened to the solicitor talking in a most annoying monotonous tone. She felt frightened, looking at this man who was, as far as she was concerned, _'the authorities'_ she had always ran away from. It had been Joseph's go to place when he wanted to frighten her into compliance.

"Tee, are you okay?" Brian asked. _'Tee'_ was getting very fed up of being asked that particular question.

"I'm fine Brian." And that short answer told Brian that she was not _'fine'_.

"Now we come to the part I am sure you are all interested in..." the solicitor said, raising his head from the paper he had been reading from.

"Theresa, whilst you were unable to look after your affairs, Brian here was granted power of attorney over your estate in partnership with my firm on behalf of the late Mr Bennett. I am told you have recovered from your coma and that now you have total control of your faculties, therefore we can transfer the estate over to you."

"I don't want anything from that...bas... that pig." Theresa said sharply, making the solicitor look up again.

"Okay, Miss Bennett, I realise this may come as a shock to you but I have a responsibility to my late client, and to you as his sole beneficiary. Do you understand?" He had a stare that made Theresa flash back to the days she sat in front of Joseph belting his orders out to her.

"Yes but..." was all she got out.

"Well let's get on with it, I haven't all day, and time is money. Now where was I?" Theresa thought she had better stay quiet and hear whatever bad news this man was going to land on her plate, probably all _'his'_ debts and bills to pay for.

"Theresa Bennett, your Father has left you..."

"That bastard was not my Father!" Theresa shouted. That was the last straw.

"Tee, calm down, it was just a slip of the tongue. Let the man finish."

"Alright, but _'he'_ was not my Father, or anyone's Father for that matter."

"I apologise, Miss Bennett, but if I may continue - uninterrupted this time. Miss Bennett, Mr Joseph Bennett has left you, his sole beneficiary all of his estate. After his death, it was decided by Mr Burton and I, that the house in London should be sold to cover death duties etcetera, and the remaining items in the house were donated to charities, except for your personal belongings which Mr Burton has kept for you. Altogether the monetary value of his estate was then put into a trust, which was used for your care and treatments in hospital as required. The total estate of two million pounds invested in 1999 is now, with interest and the value of the business set up in your name, total six million pounds..."

"What!?" Theresa had gone ashen faced and Brian thought she was going to pass out.

"I appreciate that this will have come as a shock to you..."

"I do not want the money that bastard earned from selling children, do you hear!" Theresa was now on her feet, banging on the desk.

"Miss Bennett, if you would just calm down and let me explain..."

"Brian, I don't want _'his'_ money. I don't want anything from _'him'_ at all."

"Listen, Theresa," This was going to be serious, Brian had used her full name. "When the aftermath of the shooting and the trial was over, all Joseph's assets had been frozen, but not all his estate came from his criminal activities. He inherited from his father's estate and his elder brother, on their death. This is the money you are entitled to as his sole heir. The law is very clear on this. The money from his illegal activities was seized, as were other items in his possession, at the time of the trial. I was appointed your guardian because of my status as your fiancé, and because at that time, we did not know of any other living relatives. I promise you Tee, this is all above board, totally legal, and a lot of it went to pay for all the extra treatments and your place in the research unit, which bought you back to us."

"I see, I apologise for shouting, Sir, this is a shock to me to say the least." Theresa addressed the solicitor, apologetically.

"I understand Miss Bennett, but as Mr Burton has explained, this money is yours, to do with want you want. I'll leave you all the paperwork to look through, and Mr Burton if you can get Miss Bennett to sign for the receipt to her estate, all monies owed will become available to her. Do you wish the power of attorney to be rescinded, Miss Bennett?"

"I don't know, I suppose, but I'm no good with money, I've never had any..."

"Don't worry over that now Tee, we can talk about it later. Thank you for coming Mr Rainsworth, I'll get the papers back to you as soon as I can." Brian and the solicitor shook hands, but Theresa just stared at him as if _he_ were the devil incarnate telling her she had to spend eternity on her knees begging for forgiveness, all to save her mortal soul, just like Joseph told her the _'authorities'_ would do to her.

Mary returned to her office where Brain and Theresa were still talking. Well... it was more a more heated exchange than she had ever heard between her brother and her best friend.

"I don't want it Brian! Give it away to a deserving charity like the NSPCC."

"Calm down, Theresa, you're going to burst a blood vessel, and then you'll be back to square one."

"You'd like that...wouldn't you? Having all that blood money to do what you want with!"

"Theresa..." Mary interrupted. "You're being unfair to Brian and irrational."

"Well you would side with your brother..."

"Not always, you know that. Brian leave us be for a mo and go put the kettle on." Brian departed visibly upset at their first argument.

"Sit down Theresa; let me explain what has happened in the ten year _'long sleep'_ of yours."

"Okay, Mary, I'm sorry for my outburst. It's such a shock..."

"I know matey. After the trial and all the legal proceedings settled down, Brian and I had to make some hard decisions. You were in the Royal London hospital and they wanted us to ship you off to some other place, where those in comas were not expected to awake, but Brian wouldn't hear of it. So when the solicitor, Mr Rainsworth, contacted us about your legacy, it gave us a way to give you the proper care that you needed. At the time Brian wrestled with his conscience a lot. What to do with the house, where to find another hospital for you, managing the shop as well, it became too much for him. I had finished my diploma and it was my idea to use the money for something that would be your legacy, if you never returned to us.

We spoke to Mr Rainsworth and he agreed with our plan. We sold the shop and our flat and purchased the first house we turned into a children's' home, all official and everything. A few years later we moved up from London to Sutton Coldfield because of the research unit and the work they were doing. This house was the second home we opened, the one in London is still ours, but now it is managed for us. All the profit from these businesses, after expenses etcetera, goes into the trust fund set up for you, and it is managed by Brian and Mr Rainsworth. You're a millionaire heiress, Theresa; think of what good you can now do with all that money to help you."

"Well, when you put it like that, Mary, I can see what you're saying but it doesn't feel right to me. I have never had money, or a bank account, never mind this enormous amount! I'm not even sure how much, what did he say? Six million?"

"Yes, the whole estate is, at present, the two homes opened in your name, ran by yours truly, and a very healthy bank account. The bulk of the money is tied up in a trust, looked after by Mr Rainsworth, but now it is all yours, Theresa - _all yours_."

Theresa stared out of the office window that over looked the perfectly manicured lawns and flower beds. "This was all hers? Mary and Brian had done all this for her? If she had never come back to the world she would have had a legacy of something good, instead of the terrible, evil, corrupt existence she had lived over ten years ago. Was this her chance to balance the books in the eyes of a God she had forsaken long ago? Do good acts remove the bad sins she had committed?" she thought.

Brian returned with a tray of teacups and biscuits, and was very glad to see Theresa had calmed down. It was the day he had been dreading, after she awoke, more than restoring her memory, as he had guessed this would be her reaction. It must be difficult to even comprehend the amount of money she now possessed and what they had done in her name.

"Brian, I'm so sorry I shouted at you. I didn't want to argue. It's all been a horrible shock, more than finding out I was shot by that man, now I inherit his fortune. I can't sort it out in my head; it's making me feel sick..."

"Tee, I am sure it is a natural reaction to such news. Give yourself time to absorb it, and try and except it as good news."

"I'll try Brian. So I own this home with you, Mary, and Richie and you manage it for me?"

"Basically, yes. We all have shares in it, but I'll explain all that later or you'll be getting a proper headache. I know you and maths don't do well..."

That suited Theresa just fine; she trusted Brian implicitly and could not believe that her friends of all those many years, while she slept in limbo, did all this for her. Someone who had come from such evil beginnings, unwanted, stigmatised as a bastard child, with no love ever shown to her - now she had more love from more people than she had ever known, and a fortune to go with it.

## * * * * *

# Chapter 33

## The Proposal

"Theresa Bennett, will you marry me?" Brian was on bended knee with an engagement ring in a box in his right hand. It was nearly a month since her release from hospital and the news of her inheritance. She was still living in Angela's home until she decided what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. They had been taking a stroll round the garden when Brian had suddenly dropped to his knees.

"Of course, of course I will!" shouted an ecstatic Theresa, even though he had done this proposal many years ago, back then she to hide the single solitaire gold ring from Joseph. When she awoke, it was gone from her hand, put somewhere safe, Brian had told her. The ring he slipped onto the third finger of her left hand was a lot bigger that she recalled. "This isn't the ring I had before, is it?" she asked, closely inspecting it.

"No, Tee. I'll be honest. I lost the other one in all the moving around we did. I'm sorry but do you like this one?"

"Oh yes, Brian, I do, I do, it is beautiful and must be worth a fortune!"

"I'll have you know I saved up every penny for it myself..."

"I wasn't suggesting anything else, sweetheart; I love you and trust you implicitly." They embraced in a long loving kiss to seal the deal.

"If you trust me so much, Tee, will you marry me on Saturday?"

"This Saturday?!"

"Surprise! It's all arranged. What better day to marry the person you love than on Valentine's Day..."

When they went back in, a very excited Mary and Angela were waiting to congratulate them. They were all talking over each other about dresses, hen nights, and invitations. Theresa was stupefied one moment and laughing hysterically the next. Mary outlined what they had arranged. It wasn't a church wedding or down the registry office either, but they had booked a private officiary, and a firm to cater for all other arrangements, and it was to be held in the grounds of Saint Theresa's home for Children.

After another hour of decision making Theresa found herself alone with this thoughtful, gorgeous man she had agreed to spend the rest of whatever life she had left. She was no spring chicken and even though Brian had originally asked her to marry him all those years ago, she was happy he still wanted too. "I couldn't wait Tee, not another minute, to make you my wife. You are happy, aren't you?"

"Oh my darling, Brian, I am soooo happy - I could burst like a balloon! Am I dreaming again? Everything feels surreal to me."

"I feel like I am floating too, if that's any help..."

"Well _'he'_ is definitely floating!" Theresa said pointing to the corner of the room.

"Who Tee? There's no-one there..."

"But there is! It's David, you know, the angel from my dreams, he is here!"

"Just a minute..." Brian said as he left the room.

"He's probably gone to get a doctor to check me out or my medication." Theresa said to David, who was there, where she had said. It was the first time he had appeared whilst she was awake, so it must be important.

"I'm sorry Tee, he can't see me but you do now, and for a very good reason." Before she had time to reply, Brian came back into the room with Angela. "Can you see him then?" Brian asked pointing to an empty corner.

"Oh yes, I see him alright but he is not there, but sat next to your fiancée! Angela said laughing. "Hello David, nice to see you again."

"And you Angela. I couldn't possibly let this day go without seeing you all. I have come to share news with you, concerning your future, Theresa."

"My future? As in the Mrs Burton future?"

"Your wedding will go ahead with no slipups or dark revelations, Tee, so don't worry. No this is about something else entirely." Brian loved this, watching his wife to be and soon to be niece, fully engaging in conversation with nothing... though he could smell something sweet in the air.

"A while ago, after you spoke to the solicitor, Brian and Mary were going to tell you something else too, but decided it wasn't the right time." David was sat next to Theresa on the settee, holding her hand. Angela was stood next to Brian, telling him everything that was said by David, in a quiet, respectful whisper. "Remember your notebooks, Tee? The ones where you recorded the identity of most of the children who passed through your hands, and were so instrumental in bringing down that crime syndicate." Theresa nodded, wondering where this was going. "We understand you have now inherited Joseph's money, not something we angels are particularly interested in as a rule, but I have been approached by Joseph's guardian angel to suggest a proposition."

"Now hang on," Brian said as Angela had whispered the last sentence David had said. "What kind of proposition? I thought you angels couldn't intervene in our lives due to free will?" he said to the empty space next to Theresa.

"That is correct, Brian." David had fully appeared in front of him, making him take a step back, hitting the door behind him.

"I'm sorry; I did not mean to scare you..."

"Not scared... just surprised."

"You have followed your path well, Brian, and your selfless acts have not gone unnoticed. I have appeared to you as I can feel you are a believer and after all, as Theresa's husband, you will be an intricate part of what I am about to ask, including you Angela, if you so desire."

"Well get on with it, David, before I forget you're an angel!" Theresa said with a giggle that sent David back to the girl he had known in that awful home all those years ago.

"As Joseph has now passed over, he is in his version of limbo; basically it's where you go to do your life review with an angel, like myself, who was appointed to you at birth. During this process, your soul heals as you repent and except your actions for what they were – a lesson. Joseph has asked for a dispensation, that is in Angel terms _; 'an act whereby in a particular case, a lawful superior grants relaxation from an existing law'_ , in this case, his elders have agreed on a course of action to be taken on by the person he hurt most in life. It will help him atone, and help his soul, heal and grow."

"You're not making any sense? David...well not to me." Theresa nudged him as if to say, _'come on - get on with it'_.

"Patience was never your virtue, Tee. Back to the notebooks - we have agreed to assist you in finding the children for which you kept records. It will be time consuming venture and difficult to say the least but the _'powers that be'_ ( _David pointed skywards_ ) have decided that these children deserve to have their story told, and a record will be made so others may learn that this abhorrent behaviour is not acceptable in a moral society.

You can do this Tee. Turn all that pent up anger into energy and do something positive – and put that huge bank balance towards helping achieve that. _That_ will be your legacy, if you so decide. You can get to address the guilt you feel whilst here on earth. What do you think Tee, is it something you would want to do?" Theresa had gone very quiet, whilst she heard what David had to say.

Brian was sat on the arm of the settee with his arm around her, giving David a closer look over. "He seems solid enough, but I suppose it would be rude to poke him", Brian thought, "and where were all the whites luminescent robes Theresa had said he wore."

"I choose to appear as I would of dressed when I was incarnated, Brian."

"Damn! I'm sorry." Brian replied, embarrassed. "I didn't know angels were telepathic..." Both Angela and Theresa thought this was very amusing, as both were creased over in childlike laughter.

"Angels are whatever we need to be, depending on the circumstance. Today is more a casual day as befitting the nature of this meeting." David explained.

"What you thinking sweetheart?" Brian asked Theresa, who was wiping away the tears still.

"Well... I'm thinking we will have to learn something about angel etiquette for a start..." which sent them off in howls again.

"It wasn't that funny... was it?" Brian asked each face staring at him.

An hour later, David had fizzled out back to wherever, leaving Brian and Theresa debating their decision. They had all said yes, but Angela had some reservations as she obviously had plans for her own life. They had decided, regardless of the dead wishes of the _'devil incarnate'_ as Theresa still referred to him, to follow the angels request and with their guidance, see how many children they could find. In some way, with Theresa's' access to Joseph's fortune, they could make these _'lost souls'_ lives easier.

Theresa knew better than most, money could never wash away their experiences, especially of whatever sin full thing that had happened to them after leaving her care, but they could tell their story for them. It would serve as a warning to parents and children alike, to inform them what happens when a child is dragged into the hands of those with evil actions on their minds. They would raise awareness; start a charity and a detective agency to seek out these missing souls. Brain had told Theresa he had already started a biography of her life, from what she had told him before she had her _'long sleep'_.

Now in this present, together they could make it into a book detailing everything, good and bad that had happened. The ideas poured forth, overtaking the excitement of the looming wedding but Theresa didn't care - she had a future. A future she could have never before imagined. She could turn all those bad, horrific happenings into something positive and good. The future certainly looked rosy for all of them.

"Heh, listen to this... I know what to call the book..." Theresa said enthusiastically. 'Time Tells Tales.' Get it?"

"Very clever Tee... we certainly will have a lot of tales to tell, if we find even a few of those missing kids."

"My point exactly... and I get to write my own tale, and Mum can have a tale of her own and Dad for that matter - we all can! And then the whole planet will know of our miracle and can learn from our lives. I'm so excited, Brian." Theresa's exuberance was infectious.

"You have every right to be excited... but don't forget to turn up on Valentine's Day, dressed for the occasion, will you now?"

"As if I would, sweetheart. I never thought my _tale_ would end like this." Theresa said facing him.

"It hasn't my darling," Brian said as he pulled her in for a kiss, "by no means has time told all its tales about you – not yet. We have our future to add to it, and with all the time in the world, it will be the best tale ever told."

* * * * *

# Epilogue

## The year is 2015.

Angela looked down into the crib of her new-born infant. It was Ben and hers first baby, and they had called her Catherine Serena, in honour of her two grandmothers.

It had been five years since her Aunt Theresa married Brian and began their life as man and wife. It had been a beautiful wedding and after their honeymoon they returned to the children's home where they immediately began their new purpose in life - finding the missing children.

Ultimately, they wanted to help these children, some now adults themselves, to regain a normal life, reuniting them with family, or if none could be found, then helping them begin a new life and have a family of their own. Success was slow to happen at first but with a nudge here and there, from their heavenly contacts, they began to find them.

Sometimes it was sad news, a death come early due to the lifestyle they had been pulled into. Drugs played a big part, prostitution and delinquency another. Some were found in the prison system, and all had terrible tales to tell, but with the correct help, some actually regained a productive, positive healthy life. Some chose to stay at the children's home where a wing had been transformed into high-tech offices with the latest computers etcetera, and they became employees, carrying on the legacy of finding missing, abducted, lost souls.

The book, Theresa and Brian co-wrote was a best seller. There was even talk of making it into a series for television. "Time Tells Tales" had five parts, told from different aspects by those who played a prominent part over time, to bring forth these tales of life, both at its worst and at its best.

Life was truly an educator if only all people would take heed of their lessons, stop their rage at each other, stop taking material wealth as the most important thing in life to have, and realise there is only love, unconditional, freely given love that matters.

Angela fully understood this now as she was a Mother herself, and that brings a certain realisation into your life. Only those who choose to be parents, of any child, blood related or not, would also recognise this. _All they need is love._ It was the be all and end all. There is nothing else; we all need it in our lives, to be a good person, a moral person, to live from love, and never to harm another living soul ever again. If only...

Angela smiled down at her infant child; she would never know the kind of cruelty experienced by those stolen kids, now adults themselves. Her baby was surrounded by love, even Serena and Catherine visited her baby at times, as Serena had done to herself as a baby. She could hear them over the baby monitor whispering love to their new great granddaughter.

Theresa and Brian were currently in Australia trying to find the three boys who were Alfred's and Serena's brothers, sent over there a long time ago. No one really held hope they would find them alive, but hopefully they had family to add to the now enormous family tree. They had _'help'_ from David from time to time, but Brian discovered he had a real knack for detective work and un-ravelling mysteries. Theresa spent a lot of time initially with Angela, at the beginning of their new adventure, helping her to learn how best to use her new _gift_ of second sight that had been bestowed on her by David. She taught her to listen to her intuition, her gut feeling and to trust it. Angela was sure they would succeed and return home soon, as she wanted them at her babies christening.

Ben and Angela had decided to carry on with their own careers, and Angela was now the matron at Sutton Cottage, the hospice where she had discovered Theresa and this tale had begun. Ben was still a GP, with his own practise, but he also helped with the children that still poured through the doors of Saint Theresa's. He made sure they had the best chance at a healthy life, tending to their body and mind. He left the spiritual counselling to Theresa and her _'guides'_. Her experiences left her best placed to be the one to do this, and she had, with the help of Bella, her own psychiatrist, taken the relevant courses to become a qualified counsellor at sixty years old. It was one hell of an achievement.

Sadly, Catherine had passed away a year ago, and Angela had been on hand to help her cross her over, in the way only she could. Theresa witnessed it as well and said it was one of the most perfect crossings she had ever been part of. As Catherine was taking her last mortal breath, Alfie appeared as the youth she had fallen in love with, back in those early days in Ireland. The whole room had lit up with a translucent light which also gave off a warmth and smell of springtime, as Catherine left her mortal remains. She embraced the man she had never stopped loving, not even for one moment of her life. She now appeared as the young sixteen year old she had been, with hair of gold and eyes of sky-blue, full of innocence and hope. She had smiled at all in the room and left with her one true love, to wander the lanes of their birthplace in County Kildare, in Ireland. Back to where it had all began. For sure, Time Tells Tales.

* * * * *

Other books by this Author

Time Tells Tales

## A Novel In Five Tales

Set in Ireland and England in the early 1900's, covering a century, Time Tells Tales is a Novel in five parts or 'Tales'. They explore the history of three families; their interconnected lives are intricately woven together by love, birth, death, and marriage. These lives are spiced up by religion, revenge, scandal, abuse, heartache and spiritual intervention.

The five Tales are told from different perspectives by the characters that drive this novel along to the surprising conclusion, spreading across time, space and dimensions, hence the title - Time Tells Tales.

* * * * *

# Alfred's Tale

## Dead in a Ditch

Alfred of indeterminable age is lying at the bottom of an icy cold deep muddy ditch, where he is hidden by brambles and branches. He has been knocked into this desperate place by a hit and run driver on a lonely, unlit lane on the Staffordshire moorlands. He was drunk as a skunk and it was pitch black. He didn't blame the driver for not stopping, why would they? He was one of life's destitute wanderer's, better for all if he was not found.

He was sure that broken bones aside, this was going to be his last resting place. As this realisation hits home Alfred begins to review, play out the high and lows of his mostly misspent life, whilst his body succumbs to hypothermia, and finally death.

What will he reveal? Will he be found? These and many more questions will be answered in this first novel by this new author, Stephanie Fletcher.

For sure, Time certainly has some Tales to Tell.

* * * * *

# Catherine's Tale

## Love, Loss, Lust, and Lies

This is the sequel to Tale One - Alfred's Tale, and tells the story from the perspective of Catherine, the love of Alfred's troubled life. Here we meet this young girl, Catherine, on the verge of womanhood, who has to deal with the unexpected death of her Mother under suspicious circumstances, and the fallout of her Father's grief and the interference of the Catholic Church.

Catherine is brought up a devout Roman Catholic living in a town called Puncheston, County of Kildare in Ireland, in the 1930's. Just as Catherine seems to be coming to terms with her loss, she suffers an unexpected attack on her person, raped by a trusted member of the family, a cousin older than her twelve years who makes this abhorrent, botched declaration of his love for her, resulting in uproar and more emotional outbursts.

We can live every moment with Catherine as we read from the pages of her Diary. She aspires to become a writer like Jane Austin, her heroine. We have access to her most private thoughts, written as she struggles to come to terms with all the devastating trials and tribulations that beset her. She describes her first love, a secret and forbidden, eventually giving into lust with Alfred, the apprentice butcher, who comes from a family of some disrepute. We continue with her as the consequences of their actions drive them far apart \- forever.

What are these consequences? Will Catherine ever recover from the highs and lows of this emotional roller coaster? Will she recover from the loss, the lust, the love, and the lies? These and many more questions will be answered in this first novel by this new author, Stephanie Fletcher.

For sure, Time certainly has some Tales to Tell.

* * * * *

# Theresa's Tale

## Forbidden Love

Theresa's Tale is the third tale of this novel and tells of forbidden love. She is the illegitimate daughter of Catherine and Alfred, raised by catholic nuns in an orphanage in County Kerry where she was born, cruelly taken from her mother before she had chance to even glimpse her bastard child.

Theresa is a troubled child who is bullied and beaten by the Nuns who see her as a child that is no good, scarred and useless. The local priest who is attached to the church and the orphanage plays a big part in keeping this child from knowing her heritage and her parents as it is only him, Joseph Bennett, who has all the answers to all the secrets and lies.

We follow Theresa as she is moved from home to home coping with abuse, lack of love or any true affection and generally having miserable existence. Theresa runs away to England, to London, looking for her best friend from her last 'home' David, and she is dragged into the world of prostitution and drugs, her only way to survive on the streets.

A familiar face, her childhood abuser, rescues her! Theresa is pulled into another world of paedophilia and child slavery. She slowly plans to exact her revenge on the devil incarnate while helping as many of the kids that he rescues in the name of God, to escape their horrible fate. Theresa does this with the help of Brian and Mary, a brother and sister who befriend her. It is with Brian she has her first glimpse of what true love could be, but she worries that Brian will not be able to love her, an abused physiologically damaged middle-aged woman with no experience of a real loving relationship.

In November 1999, just before the millennium, Theresa's plans come to a violent conclusion but with an unexpected twist. This Tale presents us with many more questions and few answers to the ever more complicated lives of these characters in Time Tells Tales.

Will Theresa ever find out who her real parents are? Why was she left in the hands of those cruel nuns? What is true love and why would anyone want to love her? Will Theresa ever escape the hands of her abuser and save her mortal soul? Will Brian get passed her damaged persona and love her truly? Will she live to find answers to these questions? These and many more questions will be answered in this first novel by this new author, Stephanie Fletcher. For sure, Time certainly has some Tales to Tell.

* * * * *

# Jim's Tale

## Out of the Mouth of Babe's

Set in 1994 in England, this Tale is about Jim Middleton and his wife Serena, nee Rooney, and younger sister to Alfred. Serena and Jim have one child, Paul, born in 1958, who meets June Bennett, legitimate daughter of Catherine Bennett, whilst at university and they marry in 1982.

They have a gifted child, Angela, born 1989, Jim's only grandchild who Serena got to hold, cruelly for a brief moment before her passing. Serena dies prematurely from bowel cancer at the age of 58. Jim comes to terms with his wife's sudden death by helping to care for five year old Angela whilst June is pregnant with their second child as it is a difficult pregnancy.

Angela opens her Granddads eyes to possibilities he had never given much credence to, his scepticism about all things supernatural and spiritual. But his lack of belief or faith in an everlasting life after death is challenged by events and Angela helps him to cope with his grief, changing his whole outlook on life and death.

This Tale introduces a new family to this saga and opens us to new concepts, pushing the boundary of belief systems, sharing the struggle of a five year old girl and the trials and tribulations she has had to face in her short life.

Will people begin to believe in her gift? Will she grow up bullied, tormented and hide her gift, never to help those who seek her help? These and many more questions will be answered in this first novel by this new author, Stephanie Fletcher.

For sure, Time certainly has some Tales to Tell.

* * * * *

Time Tells Tales - The Lost Children

### Sequel Book to Time Tells Tales

# The Rooney Lads

## The Voyage To Hell And Outback

Taken away at a young age and put into care in an Irish foster home, ran by the Catholic Church, these three brother's experience the kind of adventure children should not have to face.

Well meaning people govern their lives as it is seen to be the right thing to do. Instead they are ripped apart and scattered over the globe by circumstances that were then, beyond their control. Will these lads ever reunite? Will their shared history reveal their heritage? Who were their parents? Do they have other family back in Ireland? So many questions and the boy's experiences make this novel trip over your heart and scream for a happy outcome, but as we all know fate likes nothing more than to throw a curve ball or two. These and many more questions will be answered in this second novel by this new author, Stephanie Fletcher. For sure, Time certainly has some Tales to Tell.

* * * * *

Short Stories

#

# Season's Anthology

These four short stories reveal to us the four stages of ' _LOVE'_ throughout a year in the lives of four very different couples and their experience of love at a certain stage in life.

'Spring' tells us of a first love, of puppy love, of a crush, and the ending of such love, as a person grows with experience and they learn more about their relationships. (Not available yet.)

'Summer' is about a chance meeting which maybe the beginning of true adult love, or unconditional love. It is a story of hope, of not giving up on love, that it may, at any time, in any situation, leap out and touch us on the shoulder.

'Autumn' reveals to us what happens when things start to go wrong, when love leaves and divorce seems inevitable or is it? (Not available yet.)

Finally, 'Winter' takes us to a place that all couples fear - being the one left alive and alone, when their partner passes away. It is a sad but enlightening story which shows that true love never dies.

* * * * *

# Summer

Sally is twenty-four and disillusioned with her life and the daily grind on a road to nowhere with its many pitfalls. A chance meeting on a day that started out as grey as the rest, changes her life forever. Who does she meet? Can she really escape her tower block, warehouse city existence? Is it the summer sun that illuminates a different path to her soul? Can one day really make a difference?

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# Winter

Betty woke up and turned to the empty side of the bed she had shared with Percy for the last twenty-seven years of marriage. There was still an indent in the mattress where he should have been laying alongside her, but it was cold and empty. She reached for his pillow and snuggled into it, breathing in his smell, she couldn't bear to wash the pillowslip as yet.

It had always been her fear, her nightmare that Percy would die in bed beside her, but instead he died three days after his seventieth birthday - in his beloved potting shed, his other home, his allotment. A quick final blast from his heart, bang! And over and out - Percy was no more.

'Winter' takes us to a place that all couples fear - being the one left alive and alone, when their partner passes away. It is a sad but enlightening story which shows that true love never dies.

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# Where There is Light, There is Understanding.

Holly is struggling to keep her life together, juggling with grief and a new sixteen-day-old baby. Will history repeat itself? Can she cope or will she opt out like her own mother? This is a short story with a big lesson for those who are open enough to understand.

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My Poetry Collection

# Family and Pets

## Book One

This is book one in a series of three different collections of poetry, all on different topics. Book one poems is about family, children, and pets. All are easy to read and well written. I hope you enjoy them.

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# Inspirational Poetry

## Book Two

This is an Inspirational collection of Poems that I have written over the years, during good times and bad. I found that the writing of them helped to keep me sane and hopeful.

There are two with the same title; 'Love begins with me', as they are poems entered to an Invitational competition with that theme.

In 2010, I came first, and in 2012 I had an honourable mention.

A few of the poems have been experimental in writing style, and the judgement of how successful I have been will lie with you, the reader- so enjoy!

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This and That

## Book Three

A collection of poems written over the years which are varied in theme and style, from a trip up a Volcano to the depths of Insomnia, there is something for everyone. I hope you enjoy my journey in rhyme.

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# About The Author.

Stephanie Fletcher.

# Biography

I am a Mother and best friend to three girls. I truly love my life and every person who has ever touched it with unconditional love, and I am grateful for all their support in my endeavours. I am now a Grandmother and I am sure inspiration will come for some children's stories!

I have a website for publishing my writing and poetry. The web link is http://www.stephanie-fletcher.co.uk

I started writing seriously after having a traumatic event in my life resulting in a nervous breakdown to boot. My physical and mental health suffered greatly and now several years later, hand on heart, I can honestly say I am not the self-driven OCD perfectionist I was before.

I had a spiritual enlightenment, counselling, and time, lots of time on my hands. I could have quit, and sank deeper into depression but I didn't. I am lucky enough to have three wonderful caring and considerate daughters who witnessed my decent into hell and back, and a family who never left my side. I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and hit life head on again like the Taurean bull I am.

I have always written a journal of sorts, spasmodically, and the days of staring into thin air became times of inspiration. At first I was scared to show others my work. The last thing I needed was criticism that cuts you to the soul. I needn't have worried, only but a few people gave me critique that knocked my confidence and I began to grow as a writer.

I am the first to admit I am not very well educated, only secondary school but I returned to college at forty, did a creative writing course and gained a certificate in counselling skills. I read a lot, anything and everything and I take notes everywhere, for use later in my work. I collect idioms and sayings, inspirational quotes etc and they all help. A voice recorder is handy for those nighttime ideas and I also read my work out loud, recording them and then playing back, as it is easier to see where something doesn't work. I have a programme called 'dragon speak' which types up my recordings and saves a lot of frustrating keyboard time, which does my arthritis no good! I like to do my original work long hand so I have a lot of A5 notebooks needing attention.

Writing is never dull, or a job, I enjoy every day I spend writing and often surprise myself at what comes out. I am now attempting my first Novel, called 'Time Tells Tales', a synopsis is on my website and it is now finished! It is available as an e-book on Smashwords and Amazon or buy it from my bookshop on my website! I have three collections of poetry and two short, novella length stories available as well, one of which is free, so go help your self to a copy!

# Connect With Me Online:

Email: stephanie-fletcher@sky.com

Website: http://stephanie-fletcher.co.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/safletcher59

Facebook: http://facebook.com/angelstar59

Smashwords: http://smashwords.com/profile/view/angelstar59

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/978767.Stephanie_Fletcher

LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/stephanie-fletcher/4b/937/a10/

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