Page 135 of Who’s That Girl?

‘But what about Pablo, the salsa teacher?’ I tease.

‘Oh, didn’t I tell you! Oh, well, no, obviously,’ she catches herself quickly. ‘When I was at the salsa club on Monday night, he introduced me to Julio, his new boyfriend.’ She smiles. ‘I’m so pleased for him as they make such a gorgeous couple and they danced together beautifully.’

‘Oh my goodness, she’s awake!’

Beatrice is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of Mum and Dad, who, on seeing me propped up in bed, look both shocked and delighted.

‘David, she’s awake!’ repeats Mum, shoving her polystyrene coffee cup at Dad’s chest as she rushes over, arms outstretched. ‘Charlotte, you’re awake!’

‘That’s right, I’m awake,’ I repeat, smiling affectionately. I feel a warm surge of comfort. I’ve never been more pleased to see them.

‘Oh, my little baby,’ gasps Mum, appearing by my bed, her face etched with concern.

‘Your parents and I have been taking it in turns to keep up the vigil,’ interjects Beatrice, throwing them both a smile.

‘We just popped out for a snack – your father was hungry,’ Mum begins explaining apologetically, while Dad waves a half-eaten sandwich sheepishly. ‘But we came as soon as we heard about the accident.’

‘How’s my little girl?’ Dad smiles, relieving himself of food and beverages on the chair next to the bed and rubbing my cheek affectionately like he used to do when I was little. I feel a glow of pleasure, the months I haven’t seen them simply melting away.

‘We’ve all been so worried,’ continues Mum.

‘I’m fine, don’t worry,’ I reassure them both. ‘And about the other day, I’m sorry about not calling you back.’

‘Oh, don’t be silly,’ she gasps, batting away my apology. ‘That’s not important. All that’s important is that you’re OK.’ She squeezes my hand, and as our eyes meet I know I don’t have to say anything. I don’t have to say how much I love her, or how I was going to drive up and surprise them both because I missed them – because that’s the thing about parents: you never have to explain, they just know.

‘Give her a few weeks and she’ll be back to nagging you for grandchildren,’ chuckles my dad, as Mum throws him a furious look. ‘Only joking, dear.’ He smiles, tossing me a wink.

‘Well, I better go rally the troops,’ announces Beatrice. ‘Unless of course you need more time alone.’

‘Troops?’

‘Your visitors!’ she exclaims. ‘Everyone’s been so worried. They’re in the waiting room. Up until now it’s only been family allowed – I had to bend the doctor’s arm,’ she confides smiling. ‘But if you’re feeling up to it …’

‘Oh, yes, of course.’ I nod, trying to sit a bit more upright. Wow, visitors. As Beatrice disappears, I make an attempt to smooth down my hair and adjust my pyjama top, then give up. Well, I’ve just been in a head-on collision; I’m hardly going to look my best, am I?

‘So, Sleeping Beauty’s finally woken up, huh?’

I turn to see Vanessa striding into the room. I try to laugh, then stop myself. Ouch.

‘That was some scare you gave us.’ She throws me a huge grin. ‘Julian was on the phone to you when it happened.’

‘And yes, before you ask, she knows about the surprise,’ says Julian, appearing next to her.

‘Surprise, bloody shock more like,’ she tuts, punching him affectionately on the arm. ‘Still, he got one of his own when I told him my real bra size, didn’t you, darling?’

He smiles sheepishly and wraps his arm round her waist, pulling her close. ‘I didn’t know what your measurements were, so the assistant asked me which celebrity you looked like, so she could work it out. So I said, “She’s more beautiful than all of them.”’

Vanessa’s face breaks into a grin. ‘Now I remember why I fell in love with you,’ she laughs, and a look passes between them. A look that says things are going to be OK. ‘So how are you feeling, honey?’ she asks sympathetically, turning to me.

‘Like I’ve got the worst hangover.’ I wince, rubbing my temple, which has started to throb again.

She smiles. ‘Well, just as long as you’re OK. When I think what could have happened …’ Vanessa breaks off. ‘It really makes you realise what’s important, doesn’t it?’ she says quietly, and I don’t know if she’s talking about me or her, or both of us.

‘Now I think Charlotte should get some rest,’ bosses Beatrice, interrupting, and there’s a murmur of agreement and lots of promises to call.

Mum and Dad give me a goodbye kiss. ‘Now before we go, do you need anything? I can pop to the shop.’ Mum starts fussing, but Dad leads her out, promising to visit first thing tomorrow.

And now it’s just me and Beatrice.