Okay everyone, I realized it's been three years since I have updated this story. I didn't realize it had been that long since it has been updated. I'm so sorry about that, I really got away from my writing and I desperately miss it and I'm going to start trying to update more often. I'm surprised nobody has asked me about it. I hope you guys enjoy this long awaited chapter.
Chapter 20
A short time later...
Daphne has wheeled David out onto the patio so he can get some fresh air. The doctor okay-ed it as long as David continued to keep his nasal cannula in and had his IV hooked up. His oxygen tank was hanging on one of the handles of the wheelchair while David held onto the IV pole as Daphne wheeled him down the hall and out to the patio. He doesn't mind having to use those things as long as he gets to go outside. He's happy to be able to even do that.
Once he and Daphne get settled on the patio, Daphne grabs one of the patio chairs and places it in front of David's wheelchair she she can talk to him face to face.
Once she sits down, David looks at her before speaking.
"So mum, what is the good news you wanted to tell me?"
Daphne smiles as she grabs her son's hand.
"Your dad has planned a trip for us to Manchester for the summer."
David gives his mom a look of disbelief and then of happiness before replying.
"We're going to England for the summer?!" he asks still in shock.
Daphne nods.
"Yes, your dad decided that a big trip was something that we needed after everything that has happened in the past year. He also thought I could use a trip home."
"It's so neat of him to think of all of us,mum. He really is a great guy isn't he?"
Daphne chuckles.
"Yes he is a very good man. Why do you think I married him and had you and your sisters with him?"
David just nods and smiles with understanding.
"You know what, mum?" David asks.
"What, David?"
"I'm surprised that we haven't gone to England before now, you know?"
Daphne nods.
"Yes, I'm surprised too but our life is here in Seattle. This is my home now. I was born and raised in England, it's my home and a part of me will always love it and miss it. I love my life here in America, so many good things have happened to me since I came here all those years ago. When I took the job with your Uncle Frasier and became Grandpa Martin's physical therapist, my life changed for the better. I met your dad; we fell in love, got married and had three beautiful children and I wouldn't give that up for anything."
David has a smile as he listens to his mother's story.
"I'm glad you came to America, mum because if you hadn't you wouldn't have met Dad and I nor my sisters would be here."
"That's right, David. Sometimes you're too smart for your own good, you know that?"
David gives his mom a look of innocence as he shrugs his shoulders.
She just laughs as she pulls him into a hug.
"I can't wait to get out of this hospital so we can go to England, the sooner the better." David says as he pulls out of the hug.
"I agree, sweetie. Your sisters are excited to go as well and they can't wait for you to come home. They really do miss you, it's not the same at home without you there."
David smiles and then cringes when his head starts to hurt him. He holds his head as he groans in pain.
Daphne becomes concerned as she jumps up from her chair, grabs David's wheelchair and wheels him back inside so they can find a nurse to treat his headache. Daphne hopes it's nothing serious as she worries for her son.
Three hours later at the theater...
The opera has ended as the lights come on and everyone gathers their things to leave the theater.
Niles and Ashling find their way to the lobby through the crowds of people leaving. Niles makes sure to hold Ashling's hand tightly so she doesn't get knocked over or pushed around a lot. He doesn't want her to get hurt or lost. He doesn't know what he would do if anything happened to his daughter. He remembers how he felt when he almost lost her last year after she ended up in the hospital after cutting her arms up, he doesn't want to go through that again.
They finally manage to find themselves outside the theater, the crowd has dispersed quite a bit and they head to the car.
Once they get in the car, they take a few minutes to catch their breath and relax some.
After a few minutes; Niles finally speaks.
"Sorry about the crowd and confusion at the end there, I should have warned you about that. That was my mistake and I'm very sorry, Ashling. Please forgive, me."
"It's okay, daddy. The important thing is we got out of there in once piece and we are together."
Niles is impressed with Ashling's revelation.
"Yes, that's true. I'm proud of you for handling it so well and being so mature about it."
Ashling gets slightly frustrated.
"Daddy, I'm almost 10 years old! I'm not a baby and besides you and mummy taught me how to handle myself in situations like that!" she says with a tone of annoyance.
Niles cringes when he realizes what he has done. The last thing he wanted to do was upset his daughter. He wanted this to be a fun experience for the two of them and he had to say something to ruin it.
"You're right, Ashling. I'm sorry, I seemed to have put my foot in my mouth. I really wanted this to be fun for you and for us to spend some time together."
Ashling looks at her dad, her expression of annoyance softening.
"I did have a good time, daddy. It was fun and I love spending time with you, I'm just tired of everyone treating me like a baby and acting like I can't handle myself."
"I understand, sweetie. I guess I still haven't completely gotten over what happened last year when I almost lost you. You have come a long way since then."
Ashling smiles.
"Thank you daddy. I'm sorry I got so mad just now, and I'm glad you understand why I did. I know how much you love me and worry about me, and that's why I love you so much too." Ashling explains.
Niles smiles at his daughter.
" I love you, too. So did you enjoy Madame Butterfly?"
Ashling nods and laughs.
"I loved it, daddy! Thanks for taking me to see it, it was beautiful. I can't wait to tell my friends about it. I can't wait to tell mummy about it."
"She will love to hear about it. So should we go have lunch now? I'll let you pick the restaurant."
"Okay daddy, let's go have lunch and you'll never guess where I want to go!?" Ashling exclaims excitedly.
Niles smiles as he puts on his seat belt and starts the car.
She is so much like me but when she gets excited she is just like her mother. Watching her get excited like that reminds me so much of Daphne, just looking at her reminds me of Daphne. She is as beautiful as her mother, and just as spunky and determined as her. How did I get so lucky?
Niles thinks these thoughts as he pulls out of the parking lot and onto the street waiting to find out where he and his daughter are going to have lunch...
To be continued...
