No matter what Mandy tried to do, she couldn't sleep. The loud moans and groans she could hear from down the hall didn't help it. She finally got fed up and turned the lamp on which was on the bedside table. As she sat trying to block out the noises, she thought about how much she missed her late night talks with Chris and figuring he'd probably still be up she decided to give him a call.
"Hello?" he said groggily when he picked up the phone
"Oh Chris I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you up. I thought you'd still be up"
"Oh don't worry Mands. Just tired from the trip I guess. But hey what's up?"
"That you don't want to know!" she laughed
"Huh?" he said confused at her comment
"Oh don't worry. Just thought it would be quieter at night"
"I've never found it noisy whenever I've stayed over there"
"Well count yourself lucky" she said knowing only too well that Chris had no idea what she was referring to, now would he want too.
"Did they um all get home safely?"
"I take it you're talking about Jay and Adam . so yeah they did. And I can honestly say that this place really isn't the same without you. I've got no one to talk to openly at weird and wacky hours of the day or night"
"I'm sorry man you know I wouldn't have gone." she said trailing off
"Yeah I know. oh and Mands if it makes you feel any better, he's missing you. He won't admit it but you can just tell. He went straight to his room and I haven't seen him since. I just he was probably expecting you to be there"
"He's probably just tired"
"Think that all you want but I know the way the guy thinks"
"I don't know Chris"
"Just at least don't give up or block him out . not yet anyway"
"I'll see . no promised"
"Thanks sweetie. I'm going to try and get some more sleep so I've got enough energy for shopping with you tomorrow"
"Ok snuggle bum thanks for the talk"
"Snuggle bum"
"Yeah it's your new nickname." She laughed, "Ain't it cute, just like you"
"Thanks Pumpkin, see you in a few hours"
"Can't wait!"
"Me either" he replied before they said there final goodbyes.
When Mandy hung up she just lay down thinking things through.
***
"Gee you look like hell!" Chris commented when Mandy opened the door.
"A good morning to you also" she said letting him in
"Sorry I didn't mean for it to come out like that. It was just a shock to see you looking so tired"
"Yeah well I'm sure you'd look like this if you hadn't slept at all"
"Oh pumpkin why's that? Got a lot on your mind?"
"No . but let's just say the walls are really thin in this place"
"Ok I so didn't want to know that"
"Hey don't blame me; you're the one that asked"
"Yeah well next time please don't"
"Ok . so you want a coffee or should we get going?"
"As much as I'd love one of your coffees I really think we should get going."
"Yeah good point. I'll just get my bag"
"Don't be silly I'll get it for you" Chris said before going over to the coffee table and picking up Mandy's bag. He then helped her out of the house and into the care before they drove off towards the mall.
***
Once at the mall they went from shop to shop looking for just the right presents for all their friends. They spend hours shopping but they both had a lot of fun. When they finally got back to Sue and Jeff's place Chris flopped on the couch absolutely exhausted.
"Oh it feels good to sit down"
"Would you like that coffee now?"
"Would I ever. I mean if you feel up to it"
"Yeah I'm fine. I've been sitting down the whole time"
"Oh good point. When do you get to use crutches?" Chris called as Mandy wheeled her way tot he kitchen.
"Hopefully in a few days. I have to go in and see Sandra in a couple of days"
"If you let me know when the appointment is I'd be more than happy to drive you in"
"Thanks Chris I'd really appreciate that" she said making her way to the couch
"Not a problem"
"Hey since you've been so helpful today, do you want to stay for dinner? I'm sure that Sue and Jeff wouldn't mind"
"That would be great if you don't mind. I could really do with a home cooked meal"
"Who said anything about a home cooked meal?"
"I just meant that anything is better then the food we've been having"
"Oh I'm sure it wasn't that bad"
"Trust me it has been"
Chapter Fifty
After dinner Sue and Jeff headed off to their room for some more quality time. Or as Sue put it, "We're going to bed off to bed. It's been a long day"
So Mandy and Chris finished cleaning up before heading over to the lounge room. They sat quietly for a while until Chris said,
"Hey pumpkin"
"Yeah snuggle bum"
"I was just wondering how you're coping"
"With what?"
"Everything. I mean the last few weeks haven't been the easiest for you. So much has happened. So much has changed. I just wanted to make sure you're ok"
"Yeah I'm fine Chris. So please stop worrying"
"I'm sorry but as much as I'd like to believe you I can't. I can see right through you. You put up a great act but I can sense your heart ache and pain"
"I . I." Mandy started before looking away from Chris as she was trying to force herself not to cry, Chris moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her.
"It's ok Mands. Let it all out, you'll feel a lot better. No more bottling up your emotions. It's ok to cry after everything you're been through."
"I'm sick of crying. All I ever seem to be doing lately is crying. One bad thing about another" she sulked as a few tears fell
"Things will get better Mandy, you'll see" Chris said swiping them away
"But they won't. At least not while I'm here"
"What do you mean?"
"I can't stay here"
"Why's that? Have Sue or Jeff done something?"
"No of course not, well except maybe being a little loud last night"
"Then why?"
"Things are way too hard"
"So you're just going to run from your problems"
"It's the only thing to do. I can't cope with all the shit going through my head and heart"
"Where will you go?"
"Home"
"But I thought you couldn't stay there because of Adam"
"No sill, not that home. My real home in Australia"
"What? No you can't. Please tell me you're joking" Chris said in shock
"I'm sorry Chrissy but it's the only thing I can think about. It will be for the best. Then Adam will be rid of me"
"Oh Mandy please don't do this. What about all the Christmas plans we have"
"As much as I'd love to spend my Christmas here with you I can't. I want to get home and see my family.
"But you've been looking forward to it. Even today we talked about plans and ideas."
"Yeah but I've thought things through since then"
"How could you? It was only a few hours ago"
"Chris things can change without warning and you know it. This is just one of those things"
"But it can't be. I won't let you do this. Have you forgotten why you came over here in the first place all those months ago?"
"Yeah I know it's because of the stalker but he followed me here so if I go home he won't know"
"Oh Mandy I'm sure he'll know. He seems to know about everything else"
"Don't remind me"
"Then don't go, at least not quite yet. You need to think this through so you don't do something you'll later regret!"
"If I'll say I'll think about it, will you get off my back?"
"I'm not on your back . I'm right beside you." Chris laughed before continuing when Mandy stuck her tongue out at him, "but yeah I'll get off your case"
"And you can't mention this to anyone"
"Don't worry I won't, not a word"
They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a while as they weren't sure what to talk about. As Chris looked around the room he noticed the clock on the wall.
"I should probably head off. I didn't realize just how late it was . or early, whichever way you want to look at it" Mandy looked at the clock before looking back at Chris,
"You can always stay the night . because you look exhausted after today's activities"
"Oh I don't know"
"You're just worried about what people are going to think. I really wouldn't if I was you. I'm sure we can share the bed without anything happening. And besides we'd probably fall asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow"
"Yeah you're right. I guess . we'll you know"
"Yeah I do but come on lets go" Mandy said as she was about to get into her wheelchair.
"Here let me carry you. It will be easier"
"Thanks snuggles" Mandy laughed as she snuggled up to him.
Chapter Fifty One
During the night Chris was just starting to drift off to sleep when he was awoken by Mandy tossing and turning frantically. He thought that she was just trying to get comfortable but soon realized she was having a nightmare when she started speaking,
"No, please don't"
Chris sat up and put his hands on her shoulders to try and stop her from tossing.
"Mandy, Mandy honey, wake up. Everything's ok . it's just a dream"
"No don't do it" she yelled before shooting up off the pillow. She started to breathe really quickly and heavily and she found it hard to see clearly from the tears that fell.
"Shh it's ok Mandy, you're safe now" Chris said wrapping his arms around her and wiping the tears away. After lying in Chris's arms for a while, she lifted her head and said,
"It was him"
"What are you talking about pumpkin?"
"The accident"
"What about it?"
"Brett . Brett was driving the car"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, it was him, I know it!"
"But how?"
"I keep having recurring dreams that develop almost every night and tonight it all fitted together"
"But Mandy why would he want to hurt you?"
"That's what I can't work out. Because I have no idea how he knows where I am. I mean sure he did see me over here a while back . but even then I didn't tell him where I was . at least I don't think I did . oh it's just too confusing for me"
"Maybe it was just a dream . but then again wasn't it around the time he came to visit you that things started getting weird, with the phone calls?"
"Yeah it was. I was just so wish I could find out if it was him or not. But how?"
"Maybe we could. I mean with all the photos he's been taking it's sure to mean that he watches you. So we'll have to plan something . but how about we try and get some sleep and then talk to the others in the morning" Mandy yawned and agreed with Chris, cuddling up to him and resting her head back down on his chest. In a matter of minutes she was fast asleep again.
***
The next morning Chris lay watching over Mandy as she slept peacefully. He tightened his grip ever so slightly as he didn't want to wake her. When she did finally start to stir she looked up at him with weary eyes.
"Morning Pumpkin"
"Morning Snuggles"
"How are you feeling?"
"I ah don't know. Surprised I actually got back to sleep but I guess I had a good pillow" she giggled, "I just hope you didn't mind and it wasn't too uncomfortable for you"
"No it was fine with me . actually quite comfy"
"Oh you liked it huh"
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Oh I know you did. I can see it in you eyes and what great eyes they are" she smiled
"Why thank you pumpkin. You have gorgeous eyes yourself" he laughed looking down at her smiling sweetly at him
"Mandy I thought you might be . oh shit sorry guys" Sue said when she opened the bedroom door and saw Chris and Mandy in bed together. She was heading back of the door when Mandy said,
"You don't have to go. Chris stayed over because it was late and he was tired"
"You don't have to explain to me." Sue said with a grin
"Sis it's not like that and you know it"
"Oh yeah"
"Yeah you would have heard us otherwise" Chris said laughing which made Mandy burst out in laughter also while Sue stood confused, "Actually Mandy thinks she knows who ran her over" he added noticing Sue's discomfort
"Oh my gosh, who?"
"Brett" Mandy said simply
"As in your ex boyfriend?"
"The one and only"
"Shit"
***
After explain everything to Sue, Mandy and Chris decided to call up the others and see if they'd be interested in helping out with a plan to catch Brett. Chris volunteered to do the ring around while Sue sat and talked to Mandy.
"Hello?"
"Hey Jay"
"Chris surprised to hear from you, I thought you were still sleeping upstairs"
"Yeah well sorry to disappoint man. But listen I was wondering if you and Adam would be able to help Mandy and I out"
"Oh?"
"Nothing like that . to cut a long story short, Mandy thinks she know who her stalker is and we want to try and catch the bastard in the act"
"Hey I'll definitely be in, don't know about Adam . I'll mention it to him though"
"Thanks man I know it would mean a lot to Mandy if he comes"
"I'll try my hardest then. We'll see you shortly"
"Excellent bye"
After getting off the phone, Chris called Matt and Kurt who both agreed to help out.
***
An hour later everyone had arrived and was sitting around Sue and Jeff's living room.
"So who's the guys we're going after?" Kurt asked
"I'm sure most of you will have heard of this guy because it's my ex boyfriend Brett"
"You're not serious"
"Actually I am . or at least that's what I want to find out"
"Got any ideas on how to do this?" Jay asked
"No that's why we've called you all there because we could do with some suggestions" Mandy said looking over at Adam who hadn't said a word since arriving. She wished she knew what he was thinking because it was driving her crazy. Especially since the last time they saw or spoke to each other, was when they had their huge argument which ended in them splitting up, Mandy continued to watch him throughout the whole discussion and not once did he look at her. He just sat quietly looking at his hands and feet.
Chapter Fifty Two
Mandy sat on the park bench with Chris looking out onto the frozen lake.
"Are you sure this is going to work?"
"I sure hope so because then you'll be able to feel safe again. No more looking over your shoulder or freaking out with noise in the night"
"I don't know the last time I felt completely safe" Mandy commented
"See that's why we are doing this. The sooner we catch this bastard" Chris started but stopped suddenly when they heard a loud noise coming from behind them. They both turned spun around and saw Jay, Kurt, Matt and Adam holding down a person. They couldn't see who it was as his face was shoved into the snow.
"I want to see who it is" Mandy said not taking her eyes off the guy. Chris gestured for the guys to lift him up, at which point Mandy gasped.
"You fucking asshole, why have you been doing this to me? I thought you fucking cared for me" Mandy spat as she saw Brett being restrained in front of her.
"I do Mandy, with all my heart and soul. That's why I did this. It was the"
"Don't speak to me. I broke up with you for a reason . I just hope the cops through the book at you . and hard"
"Cops?"
"Yeah you know the people that wear blue uniforms and have a badge? You were thinking of being one at one stage."
"They'll be here anytime now" Sue interrupted walking over to Mandy's side with Sandra and Colette following. Brett tried to free himself so he could escape but the guys were holding him so tightly he couldn't move a muscle.
"Your not going anywhere except straight to jail." Chris said with a grin on his face as the cops arrived
"Mandy . baby please" Brett begged but she wouldn't have any of it. She just starred at him with hatred and said,
"Please just get him out of here."
They all watched as Brett was taken away and thrown into the cops car. Once the door shut and they started to drive away, Mandy collapsed into Chris's arms.
"It's ok pumpkin. It's all over now and you'll never have to worry about him again"
"Thank you. Thank you all for helping" Mandy said raising her head ever so slightly and looked over at Adam and the other guys.
"Come on we have some celebrating to do." Chris said as he picked her up and carried her off to his car.
***
Everyone slowly made her way back to Sue and Jeff's place. Matt and Sandra were the last one's to arrive as they stopped to pick up some supplies. When they walked into the lounge room Sandra had a huge smile on her face which made Mandy suspicious of her friend.
"Sandra what are you up too?"
"Nothing"
"Man I can see right through you. So come on spill"
"Ok, ok I've got a bit of a surprise for you"
"A surprise . oh I love surprises" she laughed
"You're so going to love this" she said before rushing out of the room momentarily to pick up the surprise before showing it.
"It's ah great" Mandy said slightly confused as to what it was.
"You don't know what it is do you?"
"That obvious huh?" Mandy blushed
"Yeah just a little big red" Matt laughed when he noticed her start to blush.
"Matt, behave yourself. Ignore him . I'll show you what it is used for" Sandra said moving towards Mandy. She knelt down in from of her and lifter her broken leg up onto her knee.
"See there you go" she said doing up the Velcro, "how does that feel?"
"It feels good. Does this mean." she started
"Yeah no more wheelchair for you"
"What about crutches?"
"You'll need them for a little bit so you can get use to walking again but then you'll be able to walk around fairly easily."
"Oh my gosh this is so cool" Mandy commented with excitement
"Thought you'd be happy" Sandra said
"Like you wouldn't believe, thank you" she said hugging her tightly
"Hey Mandy the surprises don't stop there" Colette smiled, "we've all wanted you to know how special you are so we all put in and got you this" she said producing a small package.
"Guys you didn't have to do this"
"We know but we wanted too" Jay said as she started to slowly unwrap the present.
"Oh my gosh guys this is beautiful" she said looking down at the bracelet she was holding.
"Here let me help you with that" Chris said taking it gently out of the box and carefully help Mandy to put it on. "There you go"
"Thank you all so much but you really didn't have too. I just can't believe you did this"
"We're just so glad you like it" Matt said with a smile.
"You really deserve it" Kurt smiled
Chapter Fifty Three
Everyone sat around having a great time until out of no where Adam said, "Sorry guys I have to get going"
Everyone in the room turned and looked at him in shock as it was the first thing he'd said all day.
"You sure you can't stick around longer?" Mandy asked in a pleading tone
"Yeah come on man stay and celebrate"
"Sorry I have to meet someone." As soon as he said that, silence feel across the room as they all know who he was meeting - well everyone but Mandy. And she knew she was missing something. It wasn't until after Adam left that she looked at them all and said,
"So who's he going to meeting?"
"I really wouldn't have a clue" Jay said but Mandy could tell by the look in his eyes that he was lying.
"Guys I know you're only trying to protect me but I'd really like to knew. I need to know if I still stand a chance or not"
"He's gone off to meet someone from work"
"Oh so it's only for work then?
"Well ah sort of"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well since you've been gone, Adam's has gotten a new storyline and I guess you could say he's researching it"
"Researching it? Can one of you please just tell me already. I can't stand this anymore"
"Look I'll tell you, but you aren't allowed to . well get angry or anything. Like please don't shoot the messenger" Colette finally said, breaking the uneasy tension which had built up in the room.
"Babe are you sure you should do that?" Kurt whispered
"She has a right to know" she replied before focusing her attention back on Mandy, "Adam's new storyline has him teaming up with one of the 'divas', if you know what I mean"
"Yeah but who?"
"Torrie"
"You've not serious are you?"
"Very"
"But she's always wanted to get her hands on him"
"Oh we know . she totally loves the storyline at the moment because it means she gets to spend heaps of time with him"
"But I still don't see why Adam had to leave"
"Because blondie they've been seeing a lot of each other lately . and getting rather close"
"No he couldn't"
"I'm sorry Mandy but it seems that way" Mandy sat dumbfound not looking at her friends. She was finding the news just too hard to cope with on top of everything that had happened to her already. She sat playing nervously with her bracelet for a while before saying,
"How long? How long has he been seeing her?"
"Can't say for certain" Jay replied
"Just give me an estimate then. I need to know. Was it before my accident?" No body said a word. They just sat awkwardly looking at each other.
"To hell with him" she said getting up and headed off to the kitchen for a drink.
"Mandy" Sue called but she had already left the room.
"Just leave her sis. She probably just needs sometime alone"
"I just wish she didn't have to find out this way"
"She needed to know though. She's been kept in the dark far too long"
"Yeah I know but why today? She was just so happy and now."
"We'll just have to turn her frown upside down" Jeff joked
"And how do you suppose we do that?"
"We'll just take her mind off it"
"Let's just hope its that easy"
"Have a little faith" Chris smiled, "I'll just see what she's up too"
***
When Chris entered the kitchen he found Mandy slumped over the table with a beer in hand.
"Want to come back out and join us?" Chris asked. She looked at him and smiled,
"Want some snuggles?" Makes you feel all happy and carefree"
"Pumpkin how many have you had?"
"Only a couple" she laughed
"Come on I'll put you to bed"
"Oh please don't Snuggles. I just want to stay and have some fun with you all. I promise I will behave" she said drunkenly
"Ok but no more drinking" he said as he tried to take the bottle out of her hand.
"No Chrissy this is mine. There's more in the fridge"
"Mandy you either give it to me now or I'm taking you off to bed"
"Ok, ok I'm give it to you dad" she said grumpily
"Thank you. Now get this into you" he said as he handed her a cup of strong black coffee
"But I don't drink coffee"
"Just drink it. It will sober you up and if anyone asks we can blame your behavior on it"
"Rightioooo" she laughed
***
Over the next few days Mandy experienced major mood sings. One minute she'd be as happy as anything and the next she'd be down in the dumps. As she sat writing in her journal one night, she realized there was only one thing to do. She knew it would be hard but it would be fore the best. She worked out that the best time to put her plan into action would be during the next days recording - the last show before their Christmas break.
***
"Hey Mandy we're off" Sue called from the lounge room, "you sure you don't want to come" Mandy walked out of her room and replied,
"Yeah I'm sure but thanks for the offer. Good luck in your matches Jeff"
"Thanks Mandy. I hope you have a good day yourself. See you later tonight" he said walking towards the door.
"Thanks. But you guys" she managed to say, holding back all her emotions. As they pulled out of the driveway, a few tears rolled down her cheek. She quickly wiped them away before getting to work.
It didn't take her too long to pack everything away because she hadn't really unpacked in the first place. She made her airline booking next before sitting down to write to everyone.
Once done she left the envelops addressed to each individual on her bed and just hoped they wouldn't be too upset. After that was done she made a quick call to Chris because she knew she'd miss him the most. He'd been her best friend the entire time she'd been there and they'd formed a close bond. He was always there for her and she really appreciated it but she knew he'd be really upset with her decision to leave.
"Chris its Mandy. I ah don't know how to say this but . I can't stay any longer. I'm sorry but I've put a lot of thought into this and it's for the best. I just want to thank you for always being there for me . I'll really miss you" Just as she said that she heard the beep from her taxi cab which had just arrived. "I have to go my cabs here. Please don't hate me for doing this. I'll call you once I get home so you know I'm safe. Cya around Snuggles. Love you" she said before hanging up. She swiped the tears from her eyes and walked out of the house wheeling her luggage to the car.
As they drove off she said her final farewell which made her cry uncontrollably because she thought about everything she'd been thought during her stay. All the good and bad times. She knew she'd never forget them.
Chapter Fifty Four
Mandy sat starring out the window still thinking about everything. She was so deep in thought she didn't notice the fasten seat belts sign appear. It wasn't until one of the air-hostess came and informed her,
"Excuse me Miss we're about to take off. So would you mind putting your seatbelt on"
"Oh I'm sorry. I was off with the fairies" she said rubbing her eyes before doing up the belt.
"Are you ok Miss?" the air-hostess asked
"Yeah I'm ah fine . thanks"
"Ok. If you need anything at all during the trip all you need to do is buzz. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go and take a seat"
"Thanks" Mandy said before returning her focus to the outside of the window. As she starred she noticed that the plane was starting to move slowly out of its terminal position. A few more tears fell as she though this was the last time she'd be in this country for a long time. The plane slowly made its way to the runway. It was about to get into position for the long run up, when it took a surprising turn. Everyone on the plane was confused at what was happening. But not Mandy because she didn't know what was happening. She didn't even notice the planes change in direction. That was at least until a person knelt down beside her. She turned around and was absolutely speechless. Kneeling before her was Adam, who was confessing his love for her in front of all the passengers.
"Adam what" she started but he put a finger to her lips so she couldn't say a word. Before she knew it he was singing to her.
I remember all my life…Raining down as cold as ice…A shadow of a man…A face through a window…Crying in the night…The night goes into…Morning, just another day… Happy people pass my way…Looking in their eyes…I see a memory…I never realized… How happy you made me, oh Mandy…Well you came and you gave without taking… And I sent you away, oh Mandy…And you kissed me and stopped me from shaking… And I need you today, oh Mandy…I'm standing on the edge of time…Walked away when love was mine…Caught up in a world of uphill climbing…The tears are in my eyes…And nothing is rhyming, oh Mandy…Well you came and you gave without taking…And I sent you away, oh Mandy…And you kissed me and stopped me from shaking…And I need you today, oh Mandy…Yesterday's a dream…Now I face the morning…Crying on the breeze…The pain is calling, oh Mandy…Well you came and you gave without taking…And I sent you away, oh Mandy…And you kissed me and stopped me from shaking…And I need you today, oh Mandy…Well you came and you gave without taking…And I sent you away, oh Mandy…And you kissed me and stopped me from shaking…And I need you today, oh Mandy…
As he sung tears rolled down both of their cheeks. Mandy never thought that he felt the same way but after hearing him sing she realized that he did. He took hold of my hand and said, "Mandy baby I was dumb, a complete idiot. I should never have done those things and hurt you so much, I didn't mean too, really I didn't. You have to believe I would never do anything to hurt you. You are my sunshine in the morning. You are my sunset in the evening. You mean the world to me and I never want to loose you again. Please forgive me baby and come home with me. I love you so much" Adam said wiping her tears away which made her blush uncontrollably.
"I . I love you too" she said with cheers and whistles from the other passengers. Adam lent forward and kissed her passionately.
"Does this mean you'll stay?"
"Yes of course I'll stay" she smile and kissed him again.
"Mandy, there's something else I have to say"
"Oh . what's that?" she asked almost frightened of what he was going to say.
"Will you marry me?"
"Adam you're not serious are you?"
"I've never been more serious in my life" he said with a smile and produced a small velvet box and opened it revealing the ring. Mandy covered her mouth with her hand and gasped.
"So what do you say? Will you marry me?"
Mandy looked down into his eyes and could see the love that he felt for her and knew that what she was going to say was the right decision. "Yes .. Yes I'll marry you"
Adam lent in and kissed Mandy again before picking her up and carrying her off the plane, all the time never taking his eyes off her.
