Melanie Milburne - Her Mediterranean Playboy: Mistress at the Italians Command Italian Boss, Housekeeper Mistress  

M ISS A LICE B ENTON ? The Italian psychiatrist took Ally to one side, speaking in a grave, heavily accented tone. Do you have any idea how long your sister has been off her medication?

Ally swallowed against the dry lump of anguish in her throat. Im really not sure, she said. I dont live in Italy with my sister. I live in Australia.

Then you did well to get here so soon. He looked down at the notes and added, She was only brought in yesterday morning by her neighbour.

I had a business meeting in Prague, Ally explained. I flew from there as soon as I could. I had no idea shed had such a bad relapse. She hasnt had one in years. She was fine when I spoke to her from Sydney before I left for my trip. I cant believe she choked over a sob she would do something like this. She seemed soso well

This was a very serious suicide attempt, Dr Bassano said with a sober look. She was lucky to survive such a high dosage of benzoates. I suggest that until she is stabilised on her regular dosage of anti-psychotic medication that she be admitted to a mental health clinic and stay there until she receives the therapy and rehabilitation she needs. I should warn you, however, it could take considerable time.

I see Ally said, feeling her stomach sink even lower in despair. She had desperately hoped the frightening see-sawing periods of mania and dark depression her sister had suffered ever since she was fifteen had finally disappeared, but it seemed they had not. What on earth had happened in her sisters life to bring on such a devastating relapse?

There is a clinic in Switzerland that has a very good reputation. Dr Bassano interrupted the painful torture of Allys thoughts. It is a private clinic, but well worth the expense. The staff are all highly trained and very empathetic.

Ally moistened her parched lips with the tip of her tongue. But cant I take her back to Sydney with me? she asked. Surely it would be better for her to be back home? Shes been abroad for almost a year. Perhaps thats whats caused thisthiscrisis.

Miss Benton, I do not think your sister is in any fit state to endure a long-haul flight, he said. In my opinion it would do more harm than good. She is unstable, and I suspect has been so for quite some time. The Swiss clinic is only a short flight or train journey away. We can arrange for a health professional to accompany both of you to settle her in.

Ally compressed her lips to keep her panic contained. H-how long do you think she will need to be at this clinic you have recommended? she asked.

It takes time for the medication to kick in again, sometimes several weeks, he paused, then went on gravely. In more difficult cases maybe even months, especially if a drug change is indicated, which I suspect in your sisters case is indeed warranted. There are several new medications on the market now that specifically target her condition. It would be worth a few weeks of trialling one or two of them in a safe environment to see which is most efficacious.

Ally looked at the specialist in alarm. She only had a couple of weeks leave. She had been so looking forward to the holiday she had planned with her sister. She had never for a moment imagined it would turn into such a nightmare as this. There had been no warning, no sign of anything untoward during any of their recent phone conversations or e-mails. Admittedly her sister had sounded overly excited recently, but Ally had put it down to the anticipation of spending two weeks relaxing in the sun together. She hadnt dared think of any other explanation. Alexs troubled past had been filed away in Allys head; the door was not locked but it was certainly not ajar, as it had been for so long during their adolescence and early adult years.

Alex had done some terribly impulsive things during her various manic stages, and Ally was still trying to clear the debt of some of the mad spending sprees her twin had gone on in the past. Her sisters disastrous marriage to Darren Sharpe had been the lowest point. It had taken Ally months to convince her twin to leave her abusive husband, and even longer to rebuild her battered self-esteem once the divorce was finalised.

I think Alex will do quite well once this crisis is over, but it is important that over the next few weeks she is kept away from any stressful situations, Dr Bassano said. Stress at this point in time will only intensify her condition and perhaps cause another relapse. I have been in contact with her specialist in Sydney. I see from her records she has already had three major breakdowns during her teens. I would like to avoid triggering another one.

I understand, Ally said, fighting back tears.

Dr Bassano took Allys hand. I realise how difficult this is for you, Miss Benton, he said. I understand you have been responsible for your sister since your mothers death. You have done an amazing job of supporting her thus far. You must not blame yourself for this latest relapse. It is always hard for close relatives. You cannot possibly be with her every minute of the day. You have your own life to lead and must be allowed to do so.

Ally blinked back the moisture in her eyes. Thank y-you, she said, her voice catching slightly. I dont want to lose hershe is all I have

Take care of yourself, Dr Bassano said gently. Your sister is still sleeping, but should wake in the next hour or so. Please call me at any time if you have any further questions.

Ally went back to her sisters bedside and looked down at the pale, thin and wan mirror image of herself, curled up like a helpless infant on the narrow bed.

How could two identical people be so dissimilar? she wondered. Alex had always been the outgoing one, the extroverted talkative one, the girl men flocked to like bees around nectar-laden blossom.

Ally, on the other hand, had always preferred her own company to that of other people. With the same figure and features of her twin, she had her fair share of male attention, but no one had come close enough for her to let down the guard around her heart. The emotional blunting in her childhood had seen to that. Living with an unpredictable mother had made Ally naturally cautious. She found it hard to trust people and kept herself aloof and on guardunlike her twin who, like their mother, often leapt in feet first with little regard for the consequences.