All Those Years

From: Rachel
To: Ella
Subject: Where are you?

Hey, we’re just a little bit worried, your train arrived an hour ago, without you and Robert.
Is everything okay?
Ring me or e-mail me asap.
Rach xx

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: Robert!

I've broken my leg, I’m in hospital. Robert said he was going to catch the train to Scotland anyway. Have you tried ringing him??

From: Rachel
To: Ella
Subject: Re: Robert!

His mobile’s turned off, and he’s not answering his e-mail. Ben rang his Mum, but she says he should have caught the train. She went down to the station and he’s not there. Any idea where he might be?

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: Re: Re: Robert!

Keep searching, I’ll keep trying his mobile, and his e-mail. Keep in touch, and e-mail me as soon as you have any news at all.

From: Ella
To: Robert
Subject: Where are you??

Hey, what’s happened? Your Mum says you left for the station, and Rachel never met you in Scotland. The train came without you on it. So, somewhere in between you leaving for the station, and the train arriving in Scotland, something went wrong. Please e-mail me or ring me. We’re all so worried about you, if you don’t get in touch for another hour; your Mum’s calling the police. Don’t let it get to that. Love,
Ella xx

From: Rachel
To: Ella
Subject: News?

Hi again, have you heard anything?

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: Nothing.

Nope, he’s not got in touch, I’ll keep trying though.

From: Ella
To: Sarah
Subject: Robert

Hi Sarah, it’s Ella. (your sons best friend).
Just wanted to know if you’ve heard anything from Robert? I keep trying to contact him, but he’s not replying. Is there anything me and my family can do? Anything at all? I’ve broken my leg, but my parents are willing to do anything you want them to do.
Ella x

From: Sarah
To: Ella
Subject: Re: Robert

Thank you, but there’s not much you can do now. The police are on their way, they might want to question you, so they might be round at your house. If Robert gets in touch with you, please tell him to come home, I’m not mad, just worried.
Thanks, Sarah.

From: Ella
To: Robert
Subject: Talk to me!

Robert, please, please, please, get in touch with someone. We’re all so worried about you. Your Mum needs you, you’re her son. Ben needs you, you’re his brother. And even I need you; you’re my best friend. Just do anything you can to talk to someone, we need to know you’re safe. The police are coming round any minute, and I don’t want to explain to them about us. We’ve got such a long history it’ll take hours Robert. Just talk to me.
Ella xx

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: Police

The police just questioned me about Robert it was so horrible. There was this woman who kept putting her arm around me, but she smelt awful! Then this old guy with a mustache came up really close, and spat on my face, it was disgusting. It took them THREE HOURS to leave. They kept coming up with more questions ‘how long have you known Robert?’ ‘Did he leave any hints about where he might have gone?’ ‘Has Robert ever shown feelings more then friendship for you?’ I know they’re doing there job and everything but jeez! Why do they care about Robert’s feelings? Have you heard anything at all? My leg hurts, and I really need to go to sleep, but how can I sleep when Robert’s out there somewhere? What do I do Rachel? He’s my best friend, I can’t live without him.

From: Ella
To: Robert
Subject: Come home.

Please come home Robert. The police questioned me for three hours, but I couldn’t give them any answers. They said I’d ‘done well’ but I feel like I’ve failed Robert, because we’re no closer to finding out where you are. I need you, please contact someone.
Love, Ella xx

Chapter 15

From: Rachel
To: Ella
Subject: Robert

They found him outside London. He’s been stabbed. He’s in St. George’s hospital. We’re on our way down, get here as soon as you can.

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: Re: Robert

We’re on our way down, but there’s been a crash on the motorway. We’ll be there as soon as we can, but it could take up to four hours Dad says. Give Robert and Sarah my love. How is he? Is he conscious? Please give me news!

From: Rachel
To: Ella
Subject: Re: Re: Robert

He’s in a coma, in a critical condition the doctor says. He’s in intensive care. He’s been stabbed twice, once in the leg, and once in the stomach. An old man found him, and phoned an Ambulance, he may have saved his life. He’s like a brother to me. My brother can’t die Ella, he’s a fighter, and he needs you.

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: I’m coming.

We’re past the traffic, zooming down the motorway. Mum says we’re going to get a speeding ticket, but Dad says he doesn’t care, Robert’s too important. Just tell Robert I love him, and he has to hold on. I’ll be there soon.

From: Rachel
To: Ella
Subject: Hurry!

It’s been two hours, where are you??

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: I’m coming!

We got lost, but we’re back on track. How’s Robert?

From: Rachel
To: Ella
Subject: Come on!

The doctor says there’s no change. It’s so crowded around his bed with machines and wires, we can’t get in the room anymore. The nurse said his heart stopped once, but they got it working again. I think it stopped when I said your name. The doctors think it will be useful if you’re down here.

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: Robert

His heart stopped when you said my name??

From: Rachel
To: Ella
Subject: Re: Robert

I think so. Please get here asap, it’s so important. Ben’s Mum is getting upset, she keeps saying he might not make it to see his GCSE’s.

From: Ella
To: Rachel
Subject: I’m here.

Meet me at the entrance, I’ve got no idea where to go.

To Robert,
It’s three in the morning but I can’t sleep. I won’t leave your bedside until you wake up. The nurses are worried about me but I’m fine, just as long as you’re still alive, I’ll be okay. Rachel says your heart stopped when she said my name. Does that mean you want me here or you don’t? Well it doesn’t matter, because I’m here for you, no matter what. Rachel and Ben are asleep in the corridor, while your Mum and my parents are talking to the doctors. They glance at us every so often, their foreheads furrowed. What’s going on inside your head Robert? Do you want to wake up? Please tell me you do, I’ll look after you until you’re better. Just squeeze my hand, or open your eyes. Please just show me you’re alive, any sign…
Did you just move your fingers?
Now I’m the one who’s stopped breathing. Please wake up, open your eyes, just for a second. Please open them Robert, if you do I'll love you, and always will love you for that.
Ella x