An hour later and Gordon returned as promised with a wheelchair Aisling had woken up a few minutes beforehand "What's that for" she inquired
"We thought we would have lunch outside if you're up to it" replied Gordon. Aisling looked at both parents and nodded excitingly.
They made their way into the garden it was quiet even though it was a lovely day. They sat in silence having their lunch for a while. Aisling hadn't touched a thing she was just picking at a sandwich Jill noticed this and asked "Are you alright, you've hardly eaten a thing"
"Yeah I'm fine" replied Ash
"Are you in pain we can go back inside if you want" ask Gordon
"A little bit but I want to stay" replied Ash.
Jill and Gordon glanced at each other worried she was over doing it "Well let us know when you've had enough" said Jill a little concerned.
All of a sudden Aisling blurted out "Don't be nice I don't deserve it, it's all my fault so don't blame yourself mum"
Jill and Gordon moved towards their daughter each taking a hand they knew she was ready to talk they hadn't been expecting it yet "I was confused after what sister Brigid said, I felt lost, like I wasn't me anymore it's silly I know that now" Ash paused to take a drink
"I thought if I saw my dad got to know him for myself it might become clearer... and I thought you didn't want me around... I thought leaving would be best for everyone as I would let you down or disappoint you sooner or later so I thought if I left it would save you all the pain and grief. I never meant to hurt you I'm so sorry can you ever forgive me" tears were streaming down her face Jill's free hand was wiping away tears
"We will always love you no matter what" said Jill moving her daughters head so they were looking eye to eye "You understand we will always love you, you can never disappoint us" she added
"You know you can always come and talk to us about anything" added Gordon
Aisling took a deep breath then said "Yes, I'm so sorry" she knew sorry was never going to be enough no matter how many times she said it, she realised she had hurt her mum and dad more than she had thought and she was still hurting them now. "
Can we go back now" Ash asked
"Of course we can" replied Gordon They went back to the room and got Ash back into bed "Nothing's ever going to be the same again is it" asked Ash
"It will but it will take time" replied Jill
"Now get some rest me and your dad need to chat, we'll be in his office if you need us" she added "O.k. thanks... mum, dad I am really sorry" said Ash
"We know, now get some rest, I'll be back later to check on you" said Jill