Today was Jill's first day back at work following Aisling's accident Jill and Gordon had gone in early to discuss a patient of Jill's who was coming in today when the phone rang it was the orthopaedic surgeon from Ashfordly general. They both went through to Gordon's office to take the call. The surgeon went on to say that it was in her best interest to have the operation. He then went on to say exactly what would happen, the risks approximately how long it would take and how long it would take to recover. He then added that they would do the operation at the Royal first thing tomorrow morning. After he had finished Jill and Gordon sat there for a while a little shocked and worried for their little girl how were they going to tell her would it be better coming from another doctor or from them before they could make a decision there was a knock at the door
"Come in" said Gordon
"Sorry doctors it's just you're first patients are here" replied Lizzie
"No problem, we'll talk later Jill" said Gordon.
Jill then gave Gordon a peck on the cheek and followed Lizzie out into reception. Jill had finished her list of patients early
"Lizzie do you know if matrons back yet" ask Jill
"I think she got back half an hour ago, she went out into the garden" replied Lizzie
"Thanks" said Jill who went off in search of matron. She found her sitting on a bench looking out to sea
"Hello matron" said Jill
"Oh hello Jill" replied matron
"Do you mind if I join you" asked Jill
"No not at all" said matron
"Is everything alright" asked Jill
"Don't worry about me, you've got enough going on" replied matron
"Well to tell the truth I rather think about something else" said Jill.
So for awhile matron talked about the telephone call she had received and why she had left but then as always she managed to bring the subject back to Jill she knew her all too well that she needed to talk. Jill had recently found it easier to talk to matron than her own mother. Matron was more understanding especially when it came to the children.
Matron was now up to date with everything that had happened "I'll talk to sister Brigid. It will be better coming from me, we all know she can be a bit over protective and it wouldn't do Aisling any good if you're all fighting over this" said matron as always making perfect sense
"And as for Aisling... I think it would be best coming from you and Gordon she trusts you both so she knows whatever you tell her it's in her best interest." Added matron
"Yes you're right thank you" replied Jill
"Well it's no good sitting here we better get back before someone misses you" smiled matron.
They walked back to the hospital "Ahh there you are" said Gordon as they walked through the door "We've been having a little chat" replied matron
"Everything alright" ask Gordon worried
"Yes everything is fine, now I'm going to find sister Brigid, you go and talk to Ash" said matron. Gordon looked at Jill as matron walked passed and up the corridor
"I'll explain on the way" said Jill leading the way. She had just finished explaining when they reached the door
"Well that makes sense" said Gordon
"What would we do without matron to reason with us" replied Jill.
They walked into the room to find the bed empty. Panic set in Jill looked at Gordon then their eyes were drawn to a movement in the corner of the room. Aisling was writing down notes she never had been good at just sitting doing nothing.
Jill and Gordon both gave a sigh of relief
"What do you think you're doing" said Jill sternly which made Aisling jump she looked up from her work to see both of her worried parents faces
"Revising there's not enough room on the bed" then she added "I will be out of here in time for exams? Won't I"
"Well we'll have to wait and see come and sit over here we've got something we need to talk about" said Gordon
"What's wrong what have I done" asked Aisling
"You've done nothing wrong we just need to chat" replied Jill
"What...what is it" asked Ash
"Well you know we said you had hurt your back" replied Gordon
"Yes" said Ash
"Well we've talked to the specialist this morning and they say the best thing is to have an operation" stated Gordon
"No. No I won't" replied Ash.
Jill moved into cuddle and comfit her but she moved away "Ash, sweetheart it really is the best option for you" replied Jill soothingly
"No I don't want it" replied Ash
"If you don't have it you could get worse and be in a lot more pain" replied Gordon
"But what about my exams I won't be out in time if you do the operation will I?" said Ash
"No you won't" replied Gordon
"What if I have it done after exams then" replied Ash she was trying to reason with her parents even though she knew they were right deep down.
"Ash you need this straight away, it's booked for tomorrow, you will only get worse otherwise" said Gordon.
This time Jill moved into cuddle and Ash went straight into her open arms and cried "It's for the best I'll see what I can do about you're exams. I'm not promising anything but I'll see if you can do them here" Said Jill
"You would do that for me" questioned Ash
"I would do anything for you we both would" replied Jill. Then Gordon explained everything about the operation Ash needed to know
"Will you be there as well" Ash asked after they had made sure she had understood everything else "No but we'll be here when you wake up" replied Jill
"Right I've got to finish my ward rounds" stated Gordon
"O.k. I'll wait here for you" replied Jill
"Can you test me on science" questioned Ash as Gordon left the room
"For a little while then you have to get some rest" said Jill
"Until dad gets back then please mum please" pleaded Ash
"O.k. until you're dad gets back now where's the book" said Jill
"Thanks mum" replied Ash while picking the book off the floor and passing it to Jill.
A little while later and Gordon arrived back at Aisling's room "I'm sorry visiting time is over, the patient needs her rest" He joked
"Dad just a little while longer please" said Ash
"No we said until you're dad came back" said Jill closing the book
"We can do more tomorrow night" Said Gordon
"Now goodnight" said Jill tucking her in and kissing her on the forehead
"Night mum and thanks, I love you" said Ash
"Love you too" replied Jill.
Gordon then done the same "Goodnight sleep tight" he said
"Night dad love you" replied Ash
"Love you too" said Gordon
"Now lights out" said Jill taking the books away she knew all too well that as soon as they left Aisling would be out of bed and reading again otherwise.