The ward side ward lay quiet with just the sound of the machine helping Gordon breathe making regular and rhythmic noise. Next to the bed in the arm chair Jill began to stir. It took her several seconds to adjust to her surrounding and to work out where she was.
'I must have...fallen asleep' the tired Doctor announced in between a long yawn and whilst stretching her stiff limbs. Jill took a quick glance at her watch and added 'Well Mr Ormerod I better head home and face the chaos. Alright for some, isn't it?' letting out o small laugh. The female Doctor stood up and lent over her husband, pausing as she inhaled his similar scent, then she planted a kiss on his smooth cheeks. In fact she as very pleased with her handy work; shaving Gordon's face hours earlier, with her steady surgeon's hand.
'I'll be back first thing tomorrow darling' she whispered in his ear before reluctantly leaving his side to head home
At home
Jill had been home a mere hour or so. She'd relieved the tired au pair of her duties and set about getting Jonathon and Aishling to bed. It was hard work with just one parent on hand, as well as combining it with catching up with Tom and Katie's day. But somehow Jill managed. Her patience had grown in the weeks that had passed since Gordon's incident.
By eight o'clock the two younger Ormerod's were fast asleep in bed, and Jill was on the sofa with Tom and Katie. Their step-mother sat in between the two of them with her arms wrapped around them both. The two of them leant their heads on Jill's body and held her close.
'Is Dad better today Jill?' questioned Katie
'No, no he's not but he's getting there darling. Your Dad's a fighter, he'll be better soon I promise' Jill explained as she had done continuously for weeks.
'Will he come and play football with me soon then?' jumped in Tom
'Of course he will! Nothing will ever stop your Daddy from making a fool out of himself' she remarked, laughing with them. 'You must both always remember that Dad and I love you more than anything, as well as Jonathon and Aishling. And no matter what we'll always protect you in life and be here for you. That's why it's so important that Dad fully recovers'
'And we love you too Jill!' Whispered Katie whilst smiling
'And I love you too. Now come on time for bed both of you. God and brush your teeth and then I'll be up to tuck you in' Jill kissed both their heads before they leapt up off the sofa and raced each other up the stairs.
No matter how many day and nights Gordon had been away from home for, Jill could never get used to the loneliness once the children had gone to bed. But she was sure that soon, when he felt well enough, Gordon would rejoin his family. Until then she'd carry on.