The next couple of weeks went by without much of a problem Gordon and Jill took it in turns to sit with Ash during examinations normally doing their paperwork so after they could spend as much one on one time with Ash.
After all the exams were done Ash was given the all clear to return home. She was looking forward to be going home and the fact that her siblings were coming home for the holidays. Her leg was still in plaster and would be for at least another week but at least her friends could come and visit now.
Ash had packed her bag and had been ready to go since breakfast Jill and Gordon wouldn't be ready to take her home until the end of the day. They came and saw her at lunch time she was now on her own again sat on the bed looking at her watch every five minutes or so wishing the time away every time she heard footsteps she was hoping it was one of her parents who had found time to drop her home. She got one of her sketch pads and a pencil out hoping this would help kill time because even if it was as soon as possible it would still be a few hours but she knew all too well you could never be sure.
Ash was looking around the room for inspiration of what to draw when there was a knock at the door "come in" said Ash staring out the window
"I hear your going home today I'm going to miss are little chats" said Matron
"So will I and thanks for all your help" replied Ash
"That's what I'm here for any time" said Matron then added "To tell the truth I've rather enjoyed having something useful to do".
Matron and Ash talked for a few minutes then Matron said "I'll leave you to it" nodding at the sketch book
"No don't worry I was only trying to pass the time I don't even know what I was going to draw" replied Ash
"It's a nice day why don't you go outside" said Matron
"That's a brilliant idea why don't you come with me" said Ash
"If you're sure" matron replied
"Yes" said Ash with a big beam on her face "I'll just leave a note in case mum or dad come back" said Ash whilst quickly scribbling the note.
They made their way to the garden "So what's your favourite view" Ash asked matron
"I don't know I've never thought about it before" replied Matron then added "what's yours?"
"I've always like the front with the sea in the back ground" Ash said she then she flipped a couple of pages back in her sketch pad and showed matron the picture she had drawn of the royal
"That's brilliant" said matron
"Thanks" said Ash turning red she didn't think she was very good at drawing and as a result didn't show anyone her pictures.
"I think that's my favourite view I've never looked at it that way before" said matron "What else have you drawn?" questioned matron
"Not a lot the rest of them are just doodles" replied Ash "Do you want to have a look" asked Ash "Yes please" replied Matron.
Matron took the sketch pad and turned to the first page and made her way through to the last picture which wasn't finished of the Ormerod family and staff from the royal at a birthday party and next to it was the photo she was working from. Ash had explained the other pictures which were of buildings around town or shells she had found on the beach or flowers from the garden but when matron reached the last one she said nothing.
"And what's this then" asked Matron.
"That was Dads birthday about eight years ago it's not finished yet" replied Ash
"I can see that but everyone is pencilled in apart from you why" said Matron
"I don't know I hadn't got round to that bit yet" Ash tried. The truth was she wanted to see what it looked like without her.
"But you've pencilled your mum in only you're not stood in front of her with her arms around you why?" questioned matron.
Ash didn't have time to think of an answer this was why she didn't show anyone her pictures plus everything she did at the moment was being analysed. Luckily or unluckily for her neither of them had seen Jill walking up to them
"And what are you two up to then" said Jill
"Ash has just been showing me her wonderful pictures" said Matron
"Ohh can I have a look" Said Jill sitting down to join them
"If you want there only doodles and some are not finished" said Ash. She was worried now what would her mum think of the last picture but she couldn't say no because that would hurt her mums feelings and she'd hurt her enough already. Matron handed the Sketch pad to Jill, Ash was getting more and more nervous as Jill made her way through.
She got to the picture of the royal when Ash said "That's it the rest aren't finished yet" trying to take the book from Jill but it was too late Jill had turned the page and was staring at the picture "Mum, it's not finished you weren't meant to see it yet" said Ash
Jill got up and walked towards the hospital numb why did Ash keep doing this hurting her so. She could hear Ash screaming for her pleading for her to come back so she could explain but she kept on walking she needed Gordon. Gordon was making his way to the garden after walking into Ash's room and seeing the note he could hear Ash's screams and started to run when he saw Jill walking towards him crying he took her in his arms and they went and sat in the conservatory. Jill showed him the picture
"Where is she" said Jill through the tears
"Well it's not finished" said Gordon
"But everyone else is there" replied Jill they were silent for a while then Jill said "Everyone but her"
"Well not everyone" said Gordon he had been studying the picture very carefully
"What" said Jill
"Well where's sister Brigid" replied Gordon "And where's your arms" he added "I think she simply hasn't finished yet" said Gordon trying to console his wife
"I've over reacted haven't I" said Jill
"Well it's to be expected after what we've been through I would have come to the same conclusion if I hadn't had time to look" said Gordon
"Now let's get are little girl home" he said getting up and putting out a hand for Jill to hold he then wiped away the tears and gave a peck on the cheek they then made their way to the bench Ash had been sat on when Jill had left her but it was empty now.
"Gordon" said Jill worried.