Angel had spent another three weeks in hospital and now that she was feeling better all she wanted to do was go home.
Peter however was adamant that this was not going to happen unless she had someone to keep an eye of her. Craig and the guys had said they would take care of her at the mansion, but then fate as usual
intervened and they had been given another mission. So she was stuck in hospital feeling miserable, and getting more frustrated by the minute.
`You feel like some company? A cheerful voice asked from the doorway.
She turned and smiled.
`Mary, oh that would be great.` she said smiling.
Mary entered the room pushing a wheelchair.
`It's a beautiful day, so I thought you might like to escape for a little while`, she said.
`Outside? Asked Angel, `You mean there 's more to life than these four walls?
`Getting that bad is it luv? Asked Mary
`I want to scream, but if I do , they'll think I'm completely crazy and just keep me in here longer`, said Angel laughing.
`You need some help? Asked Mary.
`No thanks. Can do it myself, I'm not the invalid that they seem to think I am, it's just that sometimes my vision gets a little fuzzy. I think that's why Peter says I need looking after.
He says it's only temporary, I'm just impatient for things to get back to normal`. Said Angel
`You're missing looking after that family of your's a lot then?
`It's just so quiet, I'm used to at least two of them trying to knock each other senseless, this place just doesn't seem right`. She said. `Far to quiet`.
Mary pushed her through the double doors that led to the small garden at the back of the hospital, and Angel closed her eyes and basked in the warm April sunshine.
Mary looked at her and smiled.
`You could of course come home with me, if you really wanted to of course`, she said.
`Angel opened her eyes and stared at Mary.
`I assumed you'd have a house full, as usual`, she said. `Didn't like to ask`.
`Can always make room for one more, especially as you're one of the founder members of the club, so to speak. Got that small room at the back away from the others isn't much , but it's yours if you want it`,
she said, laughing at Angels reaction to her offer.
`You just may have saved my sanity`, said Angel, `Now all we have to do is persuade Peter.`
`Already talked to him, he says he'll be glad to get rid of you , as you're just about the worst patient he's ever had, said he could only think of one as bad , and his name was Garrison too`.
Angel closed her eyes and sighed .
`When can we leave? She asked.
`That depends,` said Mary. `How soon do you think you can get your things together.?
Angel laughed.
`You just get me back inside and I'll show you how fast I can move`, she said.
Mary didn't wait and started to push her back to her room.
As they entered she saw Peter sitting in the chair at her bedside.
`I take it you would like to go then? He asked smiling broadly at her.
`Yes please, so long as you're not going to miss me too much, wouldn't want you to get lonely or anything`, she teased.
`Don't you worry about me, I'll be round to see you every other day for at least a week, so you won't miss me at all`, he said
She laughed at him.
`Seriously Angel, you are still recovering. I know you feel a hell of a lot better than you did, but this is to help you feel even better. You are not to work, you are to rest.
You do whatever Mary and Bill tell you to, if you don't , then I'll put you in a real convalescent home where they will make you do as you are told, now do we understand one another? He asked.
Angel smiled.
`Yes Doctor`, she said cheekily.
Peter threw his hands up in despair, and looked at Mary.
`Why do I get the impression I'm talking to a brick wall? He asked.
`Now don't you worry, I'll make sure she does just what she's told. ` said Mary winking at him, `I've spoken to Craig and he says whenever they're home I can have Goniff to help me take care of her`.
`You wouldn't? said Angel in mock horror, He'll drive me mad with all that attention and non stop chatter`, she said.
`Well then you had better behave then, hadn't you? Said Peter.
`Now I know just how the guys feel, just moved from one prison to another`, said Angel.
`You still want to come back with me? Asked Mary.
`You just try and stop me`, Angel said giggling at them
`Right pack up your things and then we'll get your release papers signed.` Peter said.
`Can't wait`, she said `Oh and Peter?
`Now what? He asked.
`Thanks, for everything`, she said sincerely.
`You're very welcome,` he said smiling at her. I'd say come back soon, but I really hope I don't see you back here for a very long time`,
She laughed at him.
`Well maybe if you're lucky I'll invite you to tea sometime`, she said.
`I look forward to that , but for now , just get packed and get out of here`, he said
`Yes Sir,` she said.
`As she turned towards the bed she missed the smile that passed between Mary and Peter, a knowing smile that told them both that they were doing the right thing.
…..
As Peter left the room he walked straight into Goniff.
`Hi , didn't know you were back`, he said.
`Got back early this morning, the others are still in debriefing, they had more to do this time than I did so I got away early, thought I'd come and see Angel`.
`Well she's always glad to see you Goniff, you are guaranteed to make her smile`.
`Didn't sound that way`, said Goniff looking at the floor.
Peter was puzzled .
'Erd what she said about me driving her crazy`, he said
Peter laughed.
`Oh Goniff`, he sighed. `You should know Angel better than that`.
Goniff shrugged his shoulders
`Thought so`, he said.
Peter opened the door.
`You've got a visitor, `he said, `That's if you want to see him?
Angel looked up, and her face lit up.
`Goniff `,she said beaming at him, `When did you get back, are you all okay, where are the rest of them?
`Still think she's not glad to see you? Asked Peter.
`What? Asked Angel.
`Goniff's been eavesdropping`, he said.
Angel at once understood.
`Told you before about that, now haven't I? she asked. `Come here`.
Goniff did as he was told and sat down beside her on the bed.
Angel took his hand in hers
`I want you to know something`, she said seriously. `I honestly don't think that I would have made it back without you `.
Goniff stared at the floor
Angel lifted his chin and made him look at her.
`You saved me Goniff. You were the voice I could hear that never stopped, that wouldn't let me go. You never gave up on me, and I truly believe that without you I would have just slipped away.
You are one of my dearest friends, and you drive me completely crazy`, she added with a grin, `That's partly why I love you so much. You're special , and don't you ever let anyone change one single thing about
you.` she said hugging him.
Goniff looked at her.
I really do all that? He asked
She nodded.
`Yeah Goniff , you really did. `Now you going to carry some of this stuff to the car for us? She asked. `Or just sit there moping`.
`Be my pleasure ladies, anything to help. `he said leaping from the bed.
`You goin' home? he asked.
She's coming to stay with me so i can keep an eye on her`, said Mary.
They loaded up the car and he leant in through the open window and kissed her cheek.
`Can I come and see you ? He asked.
`Better talk to the boss`, she said nodding at Mary.
`That be alright won't it? He asked
`You are always welcome lad, you always bring the sunshine with you`, she said laughing.
`Goniff gave her one of his most charming smiles.
`Thanks `, he said, looking like the cat that got the cream
The women laughed, as they drove away and as she looked back Angel could see him still smiling as he waved them goodbye.
…..