Hello my dear Richobellers! This chapter should have originally contained much more, but since it was too long, I had to split it in 2 separate ones, describing the events of the same day/evening. All of our 3 characters spend precious time together, returning back to the normal life before the tragic events on each side…

As always, my dear readers, thanks for all the reviews. Hopefully you liked the previous York chapter and it´s outcome let me know your opinions … always!

CHAPTER 13: Late return

- Grandpa! - a frightened Alais runs after the doctor, who is leaning over a book. He almost jumps on the seat from shock and fear. He is afraid. What happened?

- What´s going on, darling? Are you hurt? - after all, such an urgent cry can only mean something bad. But Alais shakes her head.

- I am not. - She's still short of breath. - But Sammy is. - At first, the doctor is confused. In the end, Alais only has one friend, fortunately she doesn't have imaginary friends and he doesn't have such an overview of toy names.

- Who is Sammy? - he rather asks and Alais, getting on his knees, finally calms down anyway. She is safe with grandpa and he always solves all the problems ….

- My Teddy Bear. The one I got from Sybbie. - That's why I didn't immediately associate the name with this toy. She only has it 3 days. The doctor thinks and finally exhales. However, it is a quiet exhalation, he does not want to offend Alais by not taking the health of her darling toys seriously.

- Oh darling, let´s take a look on Sammy. I am sure we two, together, can help him. - Alais nods and gets off the experienced doctor's knees again. Standing next to the doctor, she takes his hand and suddenly rushes upstairs to the small patient. In the nursery, on a table that Alais uses to draw and paint, lies a hazel brown plushie with a bloody smudge behind his right ear. Next to it, there is a water container with a brush and set of water colours. The drawing also shows a red smudge and the imprint of the injured ear on the red apple. The fact that she is not allowed to paint without adult supervision, Alais quickly speaks out. After all, there is a more urgent matter. Sammy.

- Sammy fell down. I knocked him accidentally and he got injured when I picked him up. - she begins to explain quickly and carefully takes the teddy in her hands, transferring him to Richard. - Will you help him? - Alais asks sincerely and looks pleadingly at the doctor with those big blue eyes full of urgency. Richard nods in silence.

- We will clean the wound, sew it up and then bandage the head. All right? - Alais nods. - But I'm going to need your help, darling. - then the professional doctor instructs her to stay in the room with Sammy and to wait for him to return with the necessary equipment. After a while, the good doctor returns with his bag and a container of warm water and a clean cloth.

- I will listen to his heart. - suggests Alais and pulls a stethoscope out of his bag. Truth be told, she treats it in a truly professional way, knowing its functions and use well. Meanwhile, Richard soaks a cloth in a container of warm water and a little soap, and slowly begins to clean the wound. - Is it improving? - Alais asks with concern in her voice.

- His forehead and ear are clean. We've removed all the blood, now we can sew. -

- Can I do it? - The little doctor is calmer now. Her little patient is from the out of the worst. Richard pretends to hesitate. - Please. You don't have to give me a real needle, grandpa. -

- All right then, but carefully and thoroughly, leannan. - this nickname is adored by Alais. Thus, she chuckles and instead of a needle, takes one of the coloured pencils in her hands. Then she sits Sammy on her knees and starts sewing the wound.

- Grandpa? - she addresses him after a while as he pulls the rest of the bandage out of his bag, which he used to do fix the broken hand of little Jim Shelby.

- Yes sweetie? - Alais sounds guilty and so his curiosity is really growing. The girl is really red and puts a crayon on the table, hands the grandfather a cat to bandage his head thoroughly.

- Sammy fell on the drawing, so he hit his head. I painted with watercolours, despite the ban, and he hurt himself. Because of me. - she joins grandfather who binds the last knot. - I made a mistake, didn't I? - She looks at the doctor again. Questioningly. The doctor nods. In education, he must be both strict and adamant. When needed. But now? The biggest punishment for disobedience is Sammy's injury.

- Why didn't you tell me you wanted to paint, Alais? Hm? - therefore he asks the fundamental question. Alais just shrugs.

- I wanted to paint something for grannie. As a surprise. You have a lot of work to do, Grandpa. -

- Oh, darling, I'll always find time for you. For the future, - the treated plush bear is handed over to her again. - You can paint with me in the study. - And not pretending to have a tea party with stuffed animals. - And not to say that you want to play alone for a while. -

- Will you help me now, grandpa? - Alais asks with shame, but still hopes that the answer will be favourable. The picture needs to be finished today. Before Isobel returns from the hospital. Oh yes. They asked her for help today. Childbirth in water, with which the young doctor has no experience and was originally to be coordinated by Dr. Clarkson. However, Isobel offered her help. Indeed, she is returning to the old, well-established tracks, feeling better day by day.

- If it's a gift for grannie, of course. We'll just finish it right here and we can get started. - The doctor can't resist. On the other hand, this act will please both his ladies. Isobel and Alais. Two figures sit behind a tidy table for a moment, painting together, while Sammy rests in Bonnie's wooden crib. Waiting only for grannie ...

- / -

Elan and the zest for life are slowly returning again. Surprisingly, even her desire to help others, to participate actively in the running of the hospital. After all, he is still the chairman of the hospital and a qualified nurse. These functions were not taken away by sadness, only by her own state of mind. However, she has no idea how Richard does it. How can he motivate me so much and move me forward? After all, working on his research behind the four walls of our house is completely different from working with real patients in a hospital. In the end, she has successfully avoided people for the last 8 months, avoiding any contact with the world. Successfully. Richard had to leave. The loss of the only human contact I have been left with. The most valuable one. And then his return with our little angel who pushes me forward even more. Now I'm even looking forward to meeting Tom and Sybbie. It was as if I had another son in him. He is as caring as my Matthew. My dear son. I still miss him and I know that the empty space left in my heart after he left will not be filled by anyone. Gradually, however, the deep gap is narrowing and I can feel again. I lost him, but I got two other important people in my life. Actually three. Alais, Richard and George, whom I haven't seen since January. Three months. But she heard his babble. After all, she calls Mary and even at Richard's instigation. He knew immediately that if she hadn't done so, she would have blamed herself later. I was silent for a long time. She avoided the company unnecessarily. With a tired smile, she sighs and throws the dirty nurse apron into the laundry basket in the laundry room. The birth course was without complications and the waterbirth method proved itself again in this case of the mother at a later age. Mother and daughter are fine and she can return to her baby girl.

- Finally. I couldn't handle all-day shifts anymore. - she tells herself and leaves the room, heading for the doctor's office. Once our common. Here we used to spend years together. With discussion, quarrels, in silence. In a pleasant atmosphere and in tension alike. Happy. Tired. Nervous. But mostly feeling good in each other's company. And now? We live together. We are a family. We will get married. Wedding. They haven't discussed it yet. Later. Now just get home as soon as possible, otherwise the two will die of starvation. Greeting the medical staff, who did not change with the exception of the young doctor, she finally leaves heading home. Fortunately, the doctors, now her house, is close, and something past 6 o'clock in the evening she comes home. The entrance hall is immediately flooded with warmth and unexpectedly a pleasant scent that can only be spread from the kitchen. Is Richard cooking? Of course, she knows that before she moved in with them, they couldn't just live from air, but she also knows that the doctor usually got lunches from a local tavern. Isobel has no doubt that he can prepare basic dishes, but this smells too good to be a sandwich or a simple soup. Taking off her coat, she walks following her nose, so to speak. She stops at the kitchen door. He really cooks. Or bakes? Seeing the bowing figure of a doctor, who opens the oven and checks the condition of the food inside there. At the table, Alais sings, asking her grandfather something every now and then and in the meantime manages to draw in the doctor's notebook. Grandpa, can I draw something for you? It will be like a fairy tale book and you can create and write down a fairy tale for my pictures. What do you say? She suggested it to him during her convalescence, when it was impossible to draw in bed on plain paper, and the notebook just mentioned was used for this purpose. Since then, Alais has added a few stories that the doctor or Isobel created. Alais does not lag behind in the illustrations either, and even Isobel drew something a few times. That's beautiful, grannie. The little girl claims truly impressed, whenever skilled Isobel draws something with coloured pencils ... what if she once presents Alais her skills with oil paints and canvas. Isobel sniffs contentedly, returning with thoughts to the present.

- It smells great here. - she breaks the silence and has to smile when Richard turns to her in surprise. He has her apron tied around the waist and a cookbook in his left hand, which also belongs to her. However, Alais is the first one to react, and immediately runs to Isobel.

- Grannie! You are finally home. - Isobel suddenly lifts the girl off the ground and so Alais clings to her, kissing her on the cheek. - It is getting dark. I've already started to worry about you. -

- I am alright. We're lucky to live so close from the hospital, aren't we? - she looks again at the doctor, who hastily puts the apron aside. The look was really funny. Simply the flowered pattern doesn´t suit him. - And what are you cooking or baking here? Were you so hungry as not waiting for me? - The question is directed primarily at the doctor.

- We didn't want to trouble you, my dear Isobel. - Alais, who is enthusiastically in her arms and chuckles when Isobel kisses the doctor at least on the cheek, joins the answer.

- We wanted to surprise you and we were also afraid that you would come back very late and we would be hungry. -

- That's nice of you, darlings. -

- I still have one more present for you, grannie. - The giving is not over today. - Upstairs, in my room. I'll bring it to you. Give me a moment. - Isobel releases her little treasure from the embrace and Alais instantly hurries upstairs, leaving the adults alone.

- How did it turn out? - the doctor asks impatiently, shredding the cheese. Isobel, still wondering what he is cooking, since she can't see the cookbook, must first answer a question and then search her answers.

- Mother and baby are fine. The doctor was a little scared, but in the end, he managed it well. And how about you? What are we going to eat? -

- You do not know? - it's an open provocation, underlined by a mischievous smile and a raised eyebrow. Isobel folds her arms sideways and rolls her eyes.

- No, I do not know. -

- Very well. Today we will have baked potatoes with bacon, shredded cheese and roasted onion rings. -

- That sounds delicious. - Isobel smiles. She really doesn't know this recipe. - You are a man of many undiscovered talents, Richard Clarkson. -

- And you have the rest of our lives to uncover them all. -

- I do, indeed. - this time she kisses him on the lips and hugs him around the waist, for a moment she rests her forehead on his shoulder.

- Are you alright, Isobel? - Dr. Clarkson is a doctor again, and he subconsciously associates such a gesture with a symptom of something. Tired Isobel just shakes her head.

- I'm just a little tired. - she doesn't even finish and raises her head again. Tornado named Alais with a drawing in her hand arrives in the room.

- For you, grannie. - she immediately gives her grannie a drawing, which, however, does not resemble the original one. There are no apples or the imprint of a Sammy´s ear on it and it is not even painted with water colours, but drawn with pencils. - This is us. - Alais starts explaining, climbing again on Isobel´s knees. - This is me; this is you and I'm holding Grandpa's other hand, see? - Isobel nods and smiles broadly. All three are holding hands, Alais is wearing a blue dress from York and she has chosen a similar colour for Isobel's skirt. But then points her attention further. - Here is Matthew and daddy with my mommy. See? I drew them wings. - she does see it, and instead of the tears that would have wet her a week ago, she keeps smiling.

- Oh, Alais, it's beautiful. Like a photography. -

- Do you think so? - the movements of the hands of a small child cannot be compared to the experienced hand of a painter or draftsman, but this sincere perception of reality and boundless imagination make this picture a masterpiece.

- It's beautiful, Alais. Really. We will frame the picture and display it in the living room so that everyone can see our family. - a real family. With all the members ... well, only Mary and George are missing, but Alais can complete them another time.

- Do you like that so much? - the little princess is reluctant to believe, but in the eyes of her beloved grandmother she sees that she is serious. - Grandpa liked it too. And I painted one picture for Sybbie. I drew Uncle Tom and Aunt Sybil. Sybbie holds them both. Just like in our picture, I'm holding you. -

- I'm sure they'll both be pleased. - Isobel takes the picture in her hands again and looks at 6 simple characters, which are so very complex ...

- / -

Alais, bathed and dressed in clean pyjamas, sleeps happily for several minutes. With Bonnie snuggled closely, she is covered up to her chin and plays in the realm of dreams. Sammy, who suffered a serious colourful injury today, is sleeping in a doll's crib and, like her, was given a goodnight kiss by Isobel, who had previously heard the thrilling story of his injury. So much when I'm not home. The cosy room, which really looks like it was made for a little princess, was finalized 8 days ago, and since then Alais doesn't even want to hear about the adult´s bedroom. Only when I'm sick so I don't feel sad. She made it clear when they both asked her if she really didn't want to continue sleeping in Isobel's bedroom. When she answered no without hesitation, she also explained her other reason: the double bed is enough just for 2 adults, or for her and Isobel, but not for all her toys, which would be sad without her and certainly would not have such nice dreams. Every night, at half past eight in the evening, Alais, accompanied by Isobel or Richard, leaves the bathroom for the nursery, and as soon as she lies covered in bed, she listens to a fairy tale. Then she gets a kiss on the forehead just like Bonnie (so she doesn't feel lonely) and falls asleep. However, the adult couple does not have it easy either. After all, the situation has changed a little. But it should be less drastic. After all, we are engaged and we do not have to wait until the wedding. Unfortunately, they haven't gotten to this topic yet, so similar embarrassing evenings are normal for 8 days, since they share the bedroom and the bed. Today is no exception. After a delicious dinner, Richard decided to clean the kitchen and dining room. To the objection that it was more of a woman's work, he simply replied: - Darling, I am responsible for this mess and you have had enough of water today. In addition, Alais has not seen you all afternoon and has many experiences that she did not have time to share with you during dinner. She'll want a good night's story from you, Isobel. I can do this. - The arguments are really reasonable, and the doctor was right. Alais immediately came to Isobel after dinner and asked for a bubble bath. A complete novelty for the little girl came with the arrival of Isobel after her illness. She brought a rare treasure from Crawley House in the form of a fragrant shampoo for wavy hair, which Alais immediately fell in love with. However, the most precious thing of the whole treasure was the bath foam, which always enriches the entire bathroom with lavender fragrance and fills the bathtub with a number of perfumed bubbles. Yes. It is the privilege of Saturday's bath, in which the Duckie duck also participates, but the beautiful picture softened Isobel and so, instead of quick shower, she allowed this special treat.

- I am so glad that you are here, grannie. - Alais began to giggle as soon as she blew the fragrant foam around. - I like the fragrance of the water. It is sùbailte. - Isobel didn't understand the Scottish word, but since she was used to Alais occasionally switching from English to Scottish in a flood of joy and vice versa, she simply asked.

- Sùbailte. What does it mean, sweetie? - indeed, she did not make progress in understanding her future husband' mother tongue. She understands the basics. Words like grannie, which Alais always escapes, especially when she is sleepy, she already has already well managed. My love or my darling cannot be mistaken for anything else. Richard uses both often and I love you is a daily matter of course, which both welcome her to a new day and say goodbye to her at the end.

- It means fantastic, - after a short thought Alais, translated this word as well. - You really need to learn Scottish, grannie. - a month of living together is a really short time for such a deed. Isobel simply shrugged, and before she could pick up the fragrant foam in her hand, she replied just as playfully:

- You need to teach me, darling. - then she blew the foam and added Duckie to the bathtub. There was an explosion of joyful giggles from the bathtub, which made Isobel laugh even more.

- Grandpa is a better teacher, but I will help you anyway. - this little promise was so heart-warming ...

Now Isobel is bathed too and wrapped in a doctor's bathrobe, and once again she decides to stop at the door of his study. She knows that he is working on finalizing their joint study, which he wants to publish the next month, so he usually returns to the bedroom only after she falls asleep, but today she would like to fall asleep in his arms, not just wake up in them in the morning.

- Richard, darling, come to bed. - she finally speaks, hugging him from the back around the neck. - It's almost 11. - Resting her warm palm on his chest, Isobel kisses him on the temples. The doctor is a little surprised by this behaviour. Yes. It's been a few weeks since they admitted that they love each other, 9 days since she said yes to his proposal and for 8 nights, they shared a bed, but the boundary of intimacy is still unclear. Holding hands, hugs, kisses, caresses.

- Really? - still surprised, but not only because of the information about the advanced evening. - Don't you want me to join you after you fall asleep? -

- No, Richard. I'd like you to accompany me to OUR bedroom today and fall asleep with me. - it sounds like a neutral proposal. - Of course, as long as it doesn't bother you. - this is however delivered with a hint of constriction. But Richard does not intend to allow this. Nothing can destroy this relationship. Not stupid shame that neither of us can overcome. In this sphere. He moves his palms to hers and crosses them again to their original position in the centre of his chest. He tilts his head to his side, grabs her lips between his, and gently kisses them.

- Let´s go then, darling. Up to the bed with you. - this time he voluntarily releases her hands and stands up, leaving the study with her ...

- TBC -

Now I believe, all of you know how this day/evening will proceed, what kind of chapter follows. The next chapter, with different rating probably, will follow very soon …