Isabella's Last Request (8 page)

             
‘Okay fine, if you insist. I suppose you’re right, we only have another day in Vegas before we head to Canada.’

             
‘Why are you going to Canada instead of Mexico again?’

             
‘Isabella and I went to Mexico a couple of years ago with our mums, so we have no need to again. My dad used to go to Canada every year to fish and I’ve always wanted to go there to fish myself, but mum would never go with me because it was too painful. So Isabella decided to put it on the list so I couldn’t chicken out.’

             
Ollie swaps sides with me so I can wash the conditioner out of my hair. I’m hoping he won’t ask questions because I’m not in the frame of mind to talk about my dad right now. I know full well that he’s going to ask something ,because the look on his face shows he’s suddenly realise he knows quite a bit about my mum; but has never heard me mention my dad.

             
‘Are your parents divorced? How come he never took you with him on one of his trips?’

I pause, taking extra time to rinse the bubbles from my hair, psyching myself up to talk about my dad.

              ‘No, not divorced. My mum still loves him 100%, which is why she never moved on and found new love. He never took me because he died just before I was born, so I never got to meet him; I just get to hear all these fantastic stories about him. It would appear he was one of those amazing guys that everybody just loved. Everyone knows something about him. All his friends and family are always talking about it him, telling me stories about him. It’s nice to hear, but sometimes it makes me sad I’ll never get to meet him. I don’t think it helps my mum to move on either, it’s been twenty one years now and sometimes she acts as I it was just yesterday.’

             
I step out of the shower and hand Ollie a towel, he looks shocked, probably at the matter of fact tone to my voice, or the fact I’ve never even hinted towards a dead dad before.

             
‘Oh Livs, I’m so sorry. That’s awful and I guess Isabella’s situation is just bringing it all home.’

             
‘Why do people say sorry? It’s not your fault, so there’s no need to apologise. Also, Isabella is completely different. I know her; I spend every day with her and now I have to watch her slowly die before my eyes. My dad wasn’t sick, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I never knew him so I don’t really feel any great loss. I know that sounds really cold, but it’s just the way I cope.’

             
We towel dry in near silence as Ollie is clearly trying to find the right words, but failing. What can anyone say in this situation? Nothing, there are no words.

Ollie inhales as if he’s going to say something, but then he changes his mind again.

              ‘There’s nothing you can say Ollie. Just give me a hug and let’s go present shopping.’

The following day, I phone Isabella to see what the plan is before our flight, but Josh answers sounding worried.

              ‘I’m so pleased you called Olivia. I don’t know what to do! Isabella’s been sick all night, she’s trying to put on a brave face but keeps crying in pain. She’s been taking her painkillers but nothing seems to be working. She can’t keep most of them down anyway. I think you should see if you can get your flights changed from Canada to the UK.’

             
I’m speechless I no longer feel any part of my body, I’ve lost control. Sensing something’s wrong, Ollie comes to join me on the bed, wrapping his arms around me.

             
‘Um… Yes, okay… Have you asked her if she’s happy to go home? Ask her if she wants to stay here for a few more days to see if it gets better. She may not want to travel if she’s feeling that ill. Can I talk to her?’

             
Ollie looks concerned and I hope he gets the gist of the conversation because I really don’t want to have to go through it all with him. Oh God, I’m going to have to call her mum and tell her we’re coming home early, and why. I’ll have to ask either her or my mum to pick us up from the airport. Should I ask them to have a doctor waiting, or would that be too dramatic? Oh, Josh is talking to me and I haven’t been listening.

             
‘Sorry Josh, can you repeat that please?’

             
‘I said, she’s sleeping now so I don’t want to wake her. Can you just sort the flight please? She agreed it was the best thing for her; she wants to see her mum. She called her mum earlier and explained so if you sort the flights and let me know the time, I’ll call her mum back so she knows when to pick you up.’

             
‘Okay, I’ll call you later.’

As I hang up the phone, the lump in my throat threatens to choke me. Clearly reading my reaction, Ollie wraps his arms tighter around me; the beautiful silver necklace he bought me yesterday feels cold around my neck.

              While we were out having fun and picking presents for each other, poor Isabella was throwing up and Josh was scared and alone, not knowing what to do. He’s actually handled the situation perfectly; I didn't think he’d have managed it if something went wrong. He seemed like the “love them and leave them” type, so it’s nice to see he’s not like that.

             
‘You can pack your things and I’ll sort the flights. Do you want me and Josh to come with you? I’m sure I can find someone to pick up my car for me.’

             
‘Thanks for the offer, the flights would be awesome… but Izzy and I will be fine, no point in you and Josh cutting your road trip short. Enjoy it.’

Almost a month later, Isabella and I are halfway across the UK. Izzy had to have a weeks bed rest and is now on stronger painkillers. She goes through moments where she seems to be in another world, but she seems to be in less pain now. In a way, it’s lucky the doctors still see no point in putting her through chemotherapy or radiography. This way she can stay more active and still travel and there’s not a risk of her losing her hair.

             
When she was diagnosed as terminal, the only saving grace was that she wouldn’t lose her looks. But since she has started to get worse it has been almost overnight that she seems to have dropped a dress size, her usual curves have slimmed down and she’s upset to be less womanly now. I try not to take offence when she complains about this, but it’s hard to support someone who’s still ten times curvier than you. I know she’s not saying it out of spite and I’m sure she doesn’t realise she’s upsetting me. But then, I guess she has more pressing issues on her mind at the moment.

             
‘Josh just text me, he wants to come out and visit us when we’re in Scotland. Ollie as well, of course! What do you think?’

             
I’ve been doing all the driving so Isabella can take advantage of all the scenery and the beautiful iconic sights of the UK. But Isabella as spent the majority of the time texting Josh, telling him how much she misses him, or texting Ollie to update him on her trip for his articles.

I feel like telling her to drive for a bit, rather than ignoring everything, including me. I’m sure it’s just the lack of sleep making me feel this way though. Suddenly the thought of a hug and kiss from Ollie feels like it’d be the best thing in the world.

              ‘That sounds great! I think we’ll be there in just over a week, so get him to book some flights and we can work our time around them.’

             
‘Are you sure you don’t mind them interrupting us?’

Isabella asks but I can tell she’s already excited to see them… well Josh. Even if I’d have said no, I’m sure she’d have tried to convince me otherwise.
             

             
‘Of course I don’t mind. I’ve been missing Ollie, and even Josh! So hurry up and text him back, then put your phone away for a bit and take in the sights before I make you drive.’

             
‘Are we nearly there yet?’

I can’t stay angry with Isabella. But it’ll be nice to have a bit of a break from her, actually I take that back. I will not feel this way or take her for granted.

             
On our flight home from Las Vegas, our air stewards were absolutely fabulous. Luckily, the flight was quite quiet so we had a row of seats to ourselves. I was going to sit on the aisle seat and watch films, and then Izzy could stretch out over two seats and sleep. She started to cry in her sleep, and I was finding it hard to comfort her and didn’t want to wake her up when she’s so ill. So when one of the stewards came to see if we were okay, I explained the situation briefly. She was amazing, her name was Michelle, and she actually managed to move some people around in first class so there were two seats together. Michelle then came back and told me the plan, she’d already helped me pack up our stuff and move it to first class before I woke Isabella. Isabella was a bit stroppy when she first woke, until I explained we were moving up in the world.

             
Once we landed and Isabella was on the mend, I phoned Ollie to ask him to include Michelle's details and how wonderful the airline had been. Every part of that flight was made as easy as possible.

              ‘Is this it? Are we there now Livs?’

I smile at her animated face as she throws her phone into her bag and stares out the window.

              ‘Yes Izzy, we’re here, “The Metro Centre”, one of the best shopping centres in the UK.’

             
‘Yay, Oh my God, look how big it is! What did you say about the clothes being colour coded?’

I can’t help but giggle at Isabella’s reaction, she sounds like an excited chi
ld, practically drooling on the window.

             
‘It’s not the clothes that are colour coded, you muppet. It’s the malls, they’ve divided it into four malls; red, green, blue and yellow. There’s like 340 something shops, so they have themed malls so you don’t waste your time. Now help me find a parking space, it’s manic.’

We’ve decided to shop today, especially after Isabella’s lost weight so nothing really fits. I read that there’s a cinema and some arcades, so if
Izzy gets tired we can see them instead. Not that I’d tell her that’s part of the plan, she’d hate to think I was making special stops for her. She hates to think she’s an invalid.

We stopped the see the Angel of the North on our way here. Isabella took loads if great photos for Ollie and her new studio back home
which her mum is managing for her. I was really shocked by the size of it the Angel, apparently its width is bigger than the Statue of Liberty’s height. There was so much detail in it; I can see why it took four years to build. I’ve been trying to do some culture bits in each place we visit. Usually Isabella and I would plan our trip together, but she just hasn’t been feeling well enough, so I’ve had to take charge.

             
We’re going to Saltwell Park tomorrow for a bit of relaxation, then after we’re going to go to The Sage. We’ll be going as much to see the shiny building, as to listen to the music.

             
Then once we’ve completed our tour of the North of England, we’ll be off to Scotland to see our wonderful men, and I can’t wait.

             
‘Do you know that we’re as far away from home as we can get in England?’

             
‘Oh, that sounds really weird. Maybe that’s why I feel homesick at the moment. I always miss home more when I know I’m not that far away. If I was abroad, I wouldn’t feel homesick at all.’

I finally find a space and park the car, when I open the door to get out, I realise Isabella is just sat there, showing no signs of moving.

              ‘Are you okay?’

She turns to face me, looking sorrowful.

              ‘Are you homesick even though I’m here? Do you want us to head home?’

             
‘Don’t be silly Izzy. I’m a bit homesick but not enough to head home. Anyway, let’s go do some shopping eh?’

             
‘I love you Livs. I’m sorry I haven’t been myself lately; I’m going to snap out of it now and just enjoy the rest of my life. Who cares if I feel fucking hideous at times?’

             
‘Ha-ha! That’s an awful term! But I’m pleased to hear you’re going to enjoy yourself. I love you too, now come, get out of the car!’

Isabella jumps out of the car, giving me a big hug before leading the way to the shops. This girl has her priorities right.

              Isabella and I are waiting in the arrivals department of Inverness airport. It’s 3.50AM and the boys plane has just landed. The boys will have been flying for roughly nine hours, but it’s Izzy who’s complaining about being tired. Also, the boys will feel like it’s the day before due to the time difference. By the time they get out from baggage claim, it’ll be about 4AM on Monday but to them it’ll feel like 11PM on Sunday Night. I hate jet lag!

             
‘There’s Josh!’

Just the smallest glimpse of her boyfriend is enough to wake Isabella up and send her running towards him. I’m desperately searching for Ollie, worried he’s not here. Why isn’t he walking with Josh? Then I realise the giant teddy bear that’s just behind Josh, is in fact Ollie.

              ‘Ollie! What’s this?’

He lowers the teddy so I can see his smiling face. He looks tired and stressed, but it works well on him; giving him a rough look. Although it looks like he’s not slept for a couple of days, and I’m not a fan of facial hair, so that’ll be going once we get back to the hotel.

              ‘I’ve missed you so much Livs! I brought you a little friend from Vegas, his name is Hugh.’

             
‘I’ve missed you too. If the teddy is from Vegas, shouldn’t he be called something a bit more American? Maybe even Vegas?’

Ollie looks slightly embarrassed as he hands me Hugh.

              ‘I was a little drunk when I won him for you, and when the bloke asked me which one I wanted, I asked for a British one for my beautiful British girlfriend. The bloke handed me this one and said he was British because he was called Hugh Grant, and that’s who all the British girls like.

I can’t help but laugh at him, until I see the crestfallen look on his face.

              ‘Oh baby, I love it! Thank you. But just so we’re clear, Hugh Grant… kind of old now, so not quite my generation. Come on, I’m knackered, let’s go back to the hotel room.’

We look around briefly for Isabella and Josh, until I notice Josh’s suitcase disappearing into the disabled toilets. My phone proceeds to vibrate in my pocket, indicating a text message.

Isabella – ‘Tick off 34 will you? We’ll see you about 10 for breakfast. Xx’

I show Ollie the text message but he clearly doesn’t know what 34 is, because he looks most confused.

              ’34 is “Have sex in a public place or at work”. I just saw her and Josh disappear into the toilets.’

             
‘Want to join them?’

Ollie winks at me before realising from my reaction he’s said something wrong.

              ‘I don’t mean join them as in “join” them. I meant should we complete 34 as well… You know what; let’s just go back to the hotel.’

             
‘Let’s leave 34 for now, but we can do number 2 “Have amazing sex”. I have a little treat for you.’

I start to lead the way before turning back to Ollie. It’s really quiet in the airport at this time of night, and I suddenly feel confident. So I open my coat slightly, letting him catch a glimpse of the corset I’m wearing. I was going to put on the fishnet stockings I have to match, but figured as I’m wearing a short skirt, it may be too much. I’m still new to this dressing up things as it is.

Before we started our UK trip, Isabella and I decided to complete number 80 - Change your image completely. Izzy’s cut her long, wavy hair into a neat bob that fits her slimmer face beautifully. Now she’s lost a bit of weight, her curves aren’t quite so pronounced, so she’s able to wear clothes she couldn’t before. She loves wearing short skirts and shorts, whereas before she’s worry about what top hid her breasts the best. In her words, she couldn’t show too much tit and ass at the same time.

On the other hand, I’ve kept the length of my blonde hair, but at Isabella’s suggestion I now have a side fringe and more layers. I also have a few pink hi-lights, but I’m not so sure about them. I’ve substituted my surf style of baggy jeans and jumpers for cropped trousers and vest tops, with skirts and dresses for warmer weather. I’m even mastering high heels, although the first few times I wore them Isabella laugh at me, and I almost took them straight off again.

It’s weird, but actually wearing more feminine clothes does make me feel more womanly. I’ve even bought a few padded bras to help me in the chest area. One of them is called the OMG bra, and it makes them a whole size bigger. I never thought I wanted big breasts, I was always slightly jealous of Isabella because I thought it was the reason all the guys went for her.

I realise now that it wasn’t the size of her chest, it was the confidence they gave her. So I’ve made a deal with myself to be more confident and take more risks. This is also the reason I’ve
dressed up for Ollie, we have a great sex life at the moment because we’re still at the start of the relationship; but I’m worried eventually he’ll get bored and leave, like the others. So I thought if I keep the sex exciting and try to be less of a prude, it may help. I thought I’d be embarrassing but it’s actually given me a lot of confidence.

We’re on our way to the Plodda Falls at the moment. They’ve been described as Scotland’s answer to Niagara Falls. Apparently there are a couple of nice walks around it too. It’ll be nice to have a relaxing day today, after the crazy day we had yesterday. The boys decided to do some Highland activities so we started the day quad biking. I was so worried about having to do it; it’s really not my kind of thing, but actually once we got going I really enjoyed it. We went biking through the Ardverikie Estate which I instantly recognised as the set of Monarch of the Glen. I used to love watching this, curled up on the sofa with hot chocolate and cookies with my mum. I was quite young so I didn’t really enjoy the storyline much, but I loved spending this quality time with my mum. I also had the biggest crush on Duncan McKay. I know, he was just a character, but it wasn’t just his looks that got me, it was his personality too. Duncan was the first crush I had, so I spent ages looking or more information on him. His real name is Hamish Clark, and he’s far too old for me but even now I go a bit giddy when I think of him.

When we finished the quad biking, I was so excited at the thought of just being on the land that Hamish Clark had once walked on, I was positively bouncing. Ollie thought it was hilarious I was so excited, until he realised it was the man I was excited about, not the place. Don’t get me wrong, it was a stunning place, truly beautiful and I’d recommend it to anyone. But Hamish Clark was like the cherry on the top.

              There was so much we could have done there, they offer white water rafting, canoeing, gorge walking, off road driving, paint balling and so much more! We had to rule out the ones that included water and pain, and we’d already done driving. We eventually settled on clay pigeon shooting. I was awful at it and needed the most help. The instructor had been really kind, but I got a bit annoyed when he gave me a child’s rifle; because he felt the others were too big and heavy for me. Surprisingly, Isabella was the best of our whole group. Josh was pretending to be proud of her and really pleased, but it was so obvious he hated being beaten by a girl; even if it was his girlfriend. It was such a good day, but we were so tired by the end of it so we decided to have a quick meal at the hotel, before an early night. I could tell from Isabella's slumped shoulders and pained expression she'd pushed herself too far with all the activities. But credit to her, she kept a smile plastered on her face. The boys were oblivious to her exhausted pain.

             
I woke up halfway through the night to find Ollie typing away on his IPAD. Apparently he couldn’t sleep, so was writing some articles about the last couple of days to send to his boss. He also had an email asking for more of Isabella’s photos. Since the paper published the fact Isabella is dying, her work has doubled, if not tripled, in both sales and in price. It would appear that everybody wants one, now they know they’ll be quite rare and will increase in value once Isabella passes. It makes me sick to think people can even think like that. I’ve told Izzy to sell as many as she can, so they won’t be so rare and to screw over the money grabbing bastards. Isabella just laughs at it, it's easy money for her, getting paid to do something she loves and would be doing for free anyway. I wish I could have her outlook on life sometimes. Maybe I  should add that to my list, number 101 be more like Isabella.

              ‘I think this is it Livs.’

Ollie is pointing to a small car park on the left. I felt a bit wei
rd driving us to start with, I’ve been so used to Ollie doing all the driving in our relationship so I felt a little pressured. But it’s been fine. Ollie has been a great navigator, much better than Isabella ever was. Ollie and I have left the other two back in the hotel watching films, neither of them felt like a hike! Poor Izzy has been really poorly today, I think the excitement of having Josh home has been a bit much for her. It’s taken 45 minutes for Ollie and I to drive here, but apparently the views are so stunning so it’s totally worth it.

             
‘Come on Livs, grab what you need and let’s get going.’

             
‘How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?’

I keep my tone flat, so he’ll think I’m annoyed with him. But really, I’d hate him to call me Olivia; it’d just sound too formal.

              ‘Sorry kitten!’

Ollie winks at me as he grabs the picnic basket out of the boot, slamming the door shut after him.’

              ‘Kitten?’

             
‘My new pet name for you, because you’re small and cute like a kitten.’

             
‘Okay, fine. I’m ready now chicken.’

Ollie turns to stare at me, and I have to bite my lip so I don’t laugh at his expression!

              ‘Chicken? A woman is a chick, if anything I’m a cock! Oh no, wait, I take that back, I’m not a cock!’

Nothing I could say now would add to this comical statement, so instead I take his free hand and lead him into the wilderness.

              ‘I’m not a cock, am I kitten? Why have you gone so quiet?’

             
‘I’m quiet because there’s no need for me to confirm you’re not a cock. We both know you’re the most amazing man in the world. You’re kind, caring, loving, funny and really smart. Now stop saying cock and let’s get going.’

I try to walk on, but Ollie pulls my hand hard, causing me to turn to face him. He has a really serious, almost sad, expression on his face and I’m filled with a sick feeling. Oh god, what have I said wrong?

              ‘Olivia, that’s the nicest thing anybody has ever said to me. When Josh first suggested I meet you so he could get closer to Isabella, I wasn’t thrilled on the idea, but I owed him a favour. I know that sounds awful, but usually he gets the beauties and I get the boring friends and want to rip my hair out. And I wasn’t sure about the age gap between us, but the very first time I met you I knew you were special. I knew I had to get to know you better, but you didn’t seem interested in me in the slightest. The time I spent with you, the more intense the feeling was, and now that you’re my girlfriend….’

He pauses and I can’t bare the seconds of silence between us.

              ‘I love you Ollie!’

             
‘I love you too Olivia!’

Hearing both our name together, I suddenly realise his full name is Oliver which is basically the male version of Olivia. We must sound like such a silly couple. This thought makes my smile even wider.

              ‘So kitten, how about we try number 32 now?

I’m about to pull out the list to see what 32 is, feeling impressed that Ollie has memorised the list. Then he leans into me, dropping the picnic basket and pulling my bag from my shoulder onto the floor. He kisses me whilst carefully unbuttoning my shirt; I can feel his erection pushing into my hip. Ooh, 32 is “have sex outside”, of course he’d remember that! I’m not one to argue though, so I wrap my arms around his neck and return his kiss.

             
‘It’s safe to say that was my favourite sight from my whole Scotland trip. Shall we have some of the picnic now kitten?’

             
‘I’m hardly a sight! We should probably at least start the hike before we eat, so up you get and gather your bits together and lets go.’

Ollie pouts at me but grudgingly gets up and does as he’s told.

As we start walking up the rocky hill, Ollie’s still pouting and it would appear he’s sulking about something.

             
‘What’s wrong with you?’

Ollie turns to face me with a childish smile, before poking me on the nose.

              ‘I love you Livs. I wish I could stay with you forever! Don’t make me go back to America without you!’

             
‘That’s so sweet baby, I’m not making you go back to America. I’m making you join me in Cornwall to meet my friends and family, and after that, you may change your mind about me.’

             
‘I think it’d be impossible to ever change my mind about you. Now come on, I’m starving; I’ll race you to the top.’