The Magpies A Psychological Thriller - By Mark Edwards Page 0,83

deep chocolate eyes.’

Jamie still didn’t speak.

‘This is the conclusion I came to lying in that hospital bed. I almost died, Jamie, and if I had – if I had died – what images would have flashed before my eyes then? My average childhood. Entering the father and son talent contest at Butlins and coming fifth out of seven. That time I walked four miles to Gemma Baker’s house to give her a valentine card and the look of horror on her face. Falling asleep at the back of the lecture hall at university. Snogging Wonderwoman at your party. What a life, eh? There’s got to be more.’

Jamie looked up. ‘So is that what you think of my life? That’s it’s dull. That I’ll have nothing to remember on my death bed? Thanks a lot.’

‘No, no – of course I don’t think that. You’ve got Kirsty. A woman who really loves you and who you love back. You’ve got this fantastic flat. You’re going to have a baby. Those are the really important things, Jamie. You’ve got your nest here. You’re a lucky man. But I’ve never found anyone that I’ve wanted to settle with and grow old beside.’

‘What about Heather? She was crazy about you. For some unfathomable reason.’

He sighed. ‘I really like Heather. She’s gorgeous and she’s really sweet. But it’s not enough. I wouldn’t want to marry her or have a kid with her. I don’t meant to be horrible, but that’s the way it is. And to make things even worse, our relationship could never be a normal one. A couple of days after we started going out, I fell into a coma. She then went into this long period of mourning, followed by delight when I woke up. She’d already imagined a past and a future for us while I was oblivious to my own existence, let alone hers. How could I live up to her fantasy version of Paul? I couldn’t.’

Jamie stood up. ‘Do you want another beer?’

‘I’d love one.’

Jamie went over to the fridge, fetched two more tins of beer and returned to his spot beside Paul. He still felt cold. Even colder now, in fact. He so wanted to feel happy for Paul, to feel glad that he was going to go off and do something he really wanted to do. But all he could think was that he was losing his best friend. Again. Only a minute ago they had been laughing together like they always used to. Now Paul was going away. Jamie knew he was being selfish and immature, but he couldn’t help it. Right now, he needed all the friends he could get.

Paul was about to start talking again when they heard the front door open, rattling a little where it had begun to stick again, the hinges squeaking shrilly. Kirsty came into the room, dropping her bag at her feet. She had taken a taxi from the hospital.

‘Oh.’ She was surprised but pleased. ‘Hi, Paul.’

‘Alright, Kirsty?’

‘Are you boys having a party?’

‘Just a little one.’

She studied them. ‘So have you two kissed and made up?’

Jamie looked away while Paul smiled and said, ‘Yes. We have. Isn’t that right, Jamie?’

He nodded. ‘Yes. That’s right.’

‘Good. I’m glad to hear it. It didn’t seem right, you two not talking.’ She looked at Jamie as if to say, See, I told you he’d get better; that he just needed time.

‘Paul was telling me that he’s going away.’

‘What do you mean?’

Paul stood up and went over to her. ‘I’m going travelling.’

‘Wow. That’s great. How exciting! When are you going?’

‘The day after tomorrow.’

Jamie was shocked. ‘That soon?’’Well, yeah. There’s no time to waste.’

‘And the physio says you’re fit enough?’ Kirsty asked.

‘Says I’m as fit as I’ll ever be. Apparently, my recovery has been quite astonishing. And that’s a direct quote.’

‘Well. That’s fantastic. Have you told Heather?’

‘No.Why should I?’

‘Because she’s still…’ Kirsty rubbed her tailbone and sighed. ‘You know you’ve really hurt her, don’t you?’

‘Yes, but I was just explaining to Jamie–’ He ran briefly through his reasons for breaking up with Heather again.

‘I do understand,’ Kirsty said when he had finished. ‘I’d probably have done the same in your shoes. It’s just a shame that you’re going to leave the rest of us to clear up the mess.’

‘I know, Kirsty. But what else can I do? I mean, I could have tried to give it another go. I could have strung her along for a while. Maybe I could have gone away with the promise