Winter Weather (Part 2)

From her wheelchair Tara Lapine-Frost continued her story, seemingly oblivious to our shocked reaction.  

I was lucky, I guess. In more ways than one. My foot had caught in a V-shaped rock and halted my descent before I'd dropped more than waist height. And Nikolaj and Kristian had seen my fall. They came to my assistance. 

The Snow brothers hauled me back and onto safer ground. A quick check and it appeared that the worst I'd suffered was a painful sprained ankle. As I said, I was lucky. It was fortunate that we didn't have far to go. 

 

 

Nikolaj and Kristian helped me back to their cabin. As expected, there hadn't been any significant snowfall there.

 

  

I am prepared for many eventualities, so I had medication to dull the pain. Kristian advised me to rest, but I wanted to get home. The brothers eventually agreed to accompany me to the portal, loaning me a stick to aid my walking. 

 

They left me with guardians from the Mist Cat Tribe, and after an unpleasant journey limping through the speed tunnels, they escorted me to my house. 

I had a restless night, but hoped the sprain would be improved the following morning. Shortly after dawn, I knew I'd been mistaken. It wasn't a sprain. My leg was swollen. 

 

I needed to get to hospital. Even with a walking stick I knew I couldn't get there alone. 

 

With effort I hauled myself down to the phone.

 

 

As I dialled I looked through the window. Overnight, my part of Mellowdene County had been covered in a blanket of deep snow.

 

 

o 0 O 0 o

"What did you do?" asked Cecile.

"I spoke to Maisie Meadows on reception. She's an efficient worker, kind with the patients, but I hadn't appreciated how calming she can be. Multi-tasking too. Whilst we were talking she had managed to send a note to Nigel. He was already on the move."

I guessed. "On his skidoo?" 

"His pride and joy, yes," smiled Tara. "You do know that, even in the summer, he transports it up past the Polaris's coolsalt factory to zoom about on the permanent snow up there?"

"Oh yes. Chris keeps us informed."

"Of course he does. Well, Nigel must have travelled at some speed to get to my house so fast. I was never so happy to see him as I was just then."

"And he brought you back to the hospital on the skidoo?" said Cecile, engrossed in the tale. 

 

"Yes, and both Henry Bearbury and Terence Murdoch were waiting - and Emily Nightingale with a wheelchair. Nigel carried me in to the hospital. I felt a little embarrassed..."

"But nice too?" prompted Cecile.

"I suppose so. Anyway, the doctors sorted me out. It was a fracture - fortunately not too bad, but there had been a little bleeding into a muscle causing some internal swelling that in turn put pressure on a blood vessel, affecting the circulation."

"That sounds awful!"

"I suppose it does, Cecile," Tara nodded, "but I'll make a full recovery. Provided I follow medical instructions and keep the leg rested."

"I bet Nigel will make sure you behave." 

"He is doing." She sighed. "It's been an eye-opener staying with the Snow-Warrens. I know Nigel and I have a... relationship... but it's not just his home. I didn't expect Charity and Christian to be so generous, making me feel so welcome. And young Lisa is so attentive."

"You've been part of our little lunch group for some time, Tara," said Cecile, "and Charity likes you - as do we all. Of course she's happy for you to recuperate with them. She knows you well enough."

"Ah, but she doesn't. You both know that she is unaware of a large part of my life. Nigel too." 

I noticed Tara's eyes appeared damp. She wiped them before any tears dared to emerge, then made a statement we didn't expect. 

"It's made me think I should break up with Nigel."

  

o 0 O 0 o

Cecile and I exchanged glances.

"Why say that Tara?" said Cecile, "He loves you." 

"I know. He's... a lovely bunny. But I'm not good for him."

"He would disagree," I said. 

"Explain to us why you think that," said Cecile.

Tara sighed. "I've been thinking about Erika Butterglove."

"Orton's mother?"

She nodded. "I've always thought she was an inspirational rabbit. Her work on zoology and conservation as Erika Burroughs was unparalleled. When she married Martyn Butterglove she found a soulmate and their work continued."

"Okay..." I said, unsure of the relevance, but Tara was to explain.

"Her work was the most important thing in her life. And I've always identified with that. I believe I play an important role with my knowledge of biochemistry and geology. I seek out those rare ingredients that the Greybear Clinic and the associated Institute use for medicines. I go out in the field - even into the human world - to fulfil that role."

Cecile frowned. "I understand that. I'm sure Jack does too. How does this relate to Nigel?"

"Nigel isn't a Martyn Butterglove. I don't expect him to be. I don't want him to be. I love him just the way he is. But if I told him about my other life, I'd hate for him to be put in a position where he might uproot himself simply to be with me. There's Lisa to think about. I could never treat Nigel's daughter the way Erika treated Orton."

Cecile stared at me, then turned back to Tara. The tears were again on the brink. Nobody spoke for a full minute. Cecile broke the silence.

"I don't know what to suggest," she said, "I just know that Nigel adores you."

I had to say something. Whether or not it would be good advice remained to be seen.

"He's sensible and a very logical chap. Think about it. You know he's dedicated to his job as hospital pharmacist. He's proud that he has a purpose. It may not be as adventurous as your life style, but so what? And you know in your heart that he would never neglect Lisa. Do you really think he would abandon her to accompany you on your treks?"

Tara bit her lip. "No, you're right. He wouldn't. But if he asks me to stop going on my... treks, as you call them..."

"He wouldn't. At least I'm fairly sure he wouldn't. And you said yourself that you love him just as he is. Shouldn't you trust him to make the right decision - one that would suit both of you? What would you lose by telling him?"

Cecile's mouth had dropped open and she was staring at me again, even more wide-eyed.

Tara wiped her eyes again. "Cecile, you've got a good one here." She smiled at me.

"I know." Cecile was smiling at me too.

I tried not to blush. "Yes. Well. Right." I gave myself a little shake. "You've got time. Never mind Nigel - I doubt Charity will allow you to leave whilst this winter weather persists, even if the snow melts down your way. In all that time I'm sure you'll find a way to tell Nigel about your trekking. He won't overreact. After all you're quite a frightening woman."

"Aw, Jack. Now you've spoilt it," said Cecile, laughing.

Tara considered the description. "Hmm. I've been described as formidable, but never before as frightening. I think I like that."

With that, the conversation shifted to more mundane matters. It would have been a shame if Tara and Nigel had drifted apart. I knew (via regular reports from Chris) how happy Nigel was with his lady friend. According to Cecile, it was clear that Tara was happy too. 

And don't forget. Sylvanians are all in favour of happiness.

o 0 O 0 o