Chapter 35: The News
Helga stood there, waiting for Dr. Moss to give her the latest, and what she had hoped, fortunate and final update on her fiancés surgery.
Time seemed to have stood still, as everyone who had gotten wind of the accident Arnold was in, silently urged the Dr. Moss to get on with it. Nobody wanted to wait any longer.
Then, Dr. Moss smiled.
"I am very pleased to say that Arnold's surgery was a complete success, and no signs of any life threatening injuries were found. He did suffer a broken leg, so he will be in a cast for 6 weeks. We also don't have any crutches at the moment, and are having some made as we speak. For the first three weeks, Arnold will have to be in a wheelchair. Other than that, everything appears to be just fine."
There was a chorus of cheers, and Helga burst into tears. Six weeks would delay their wedding, yes, but she couldn't have cared less. All that mattered to her was that Arnold was alive. Alive, and ok.
Helga felt very blessed in this moment.
Stella also had burst into tears, and threw her arms around her husband.
"Oh, thank god!"
"When can we see Arnold?" Her husband asked, desperate to go in and see his only child.
"Right now Arnold is sleeping. However, he should be awake in about an hour or so, you can visit him then." Dr. Moss responded.
Big Bob went on to announce that this was cause for celebration, and invited everyone out for a drink, after they went to visit Arnold, of course. Miriam had politely declined.
As the happy news poured over everyone, Helga began to think.
When she was nine years old, she had broken her own leg, when Phoebe had shoved her out of the way of an oncoming truck. She had also been confined to a wheelchair for most of the heeling process.
She had discovered that it was very hard to get around in a wheelchair. The blasted thing limited you like no other. She knew she couldn't always be home to help Arnold, as she still had wedding plans to take care of, most of which could not be done from within the house. And Arnold had just gotten a job down at the museum, the same one he interned at. He wouldn't drive with a broken leg, at least not for some time.
Helga began to discuss her worries with Dr. Moss, and asked for any recommendations.
Just then, her mother spoke up.
"Helga, I would be more than happy to help you and Arnold out."
Helga's eyes widened.
"Ex…excuse me?"
Miriam nodded.
"Why not? I can do this, Helga. I've had experience with helping people who have suffered broken bones, I took care of my aunt who had a broken leg when I was 16. I can drive Arnold to work and pick him up."
"Miriam, you really don't have to do any of that, but thank you. I'm sure I can find someone who can help to…"
Miriam cut her off.
"I know I don't have to, Helga. But I….I want to. I want to help."
Helga stared at her mother in shock and disbelief. Where had this come from? Why was the woman who almost never took an interest in Helga's life, suddenly jumping for the first chance she saw?
Helga knew why. All Miriam wanted was to get back into Helga's good graces. All Miriam wanted was to start over with Helga.
Helga hesitated before nodding. Miriam's face lit up.
"But, I'm going to have to put some limits and rules on this, first."
There was no way in hell she would allow her mother to give Arnold sponge baths. No, that was Helga's job.
Eventually, it was settled. Miriam would not move in with Helga and Arnold, as Helga would have readily and willingly protested the idea with a sharp tongue, but she and Miriam would work out the details over coffee in the morning.