Ash followed Matron downstairs they could still hear the adults talking in the front room about her
"Mum I cannot just leave her" said Jill
"But I think you are playing right into her hands" replied Bunty
"How, are we doing that, she is in pain and doesn't tell us, plus she is not herself" replied Jill
"Well you are giving her more attention when she doesn't tell you and when she plays up" replied Bunty
"Mum, really" replied Jill
"Yes really" replied Bunty
"Did you not listen to a word she said? She is not telling us because she doesn't want us to worry on top of everything else, how is that playing for attention" asked Jill getting annoyed
"That is what she is telling you" replied Bunty
"And how is not drawing anything normal, when have you ever seen her without a sketch pad" asked Jill
"What" Gordon said slightly shocked
"How long" he added
"I don't know, I suppose since" started Jill before being interrupted by Ash
"Since I saw how upset you were with those pictures" said Ash walking in to the front room with Matron close behind
"How did you know?" Ash asked Jill
"There is not much that gets past your mother" replied Gordon
"We didn't mean for you to stop drawing" added Jill
"I know, I just don't feel like drawing anymore" lied Ash
"You shouldn't give it up, you have such a talent" said Matron
"Thank you, but I'm going to be busy what with my studies and all" replied Ash
"So have you decided what you want to do" asked Gordon
"Yes, I want to be like you and mum, if you think I would be good enough" replied Ash
"Of course you will" said Jill getting up and giving her a cuddle
"I'm so proud of you" Jill whispered in her ear
"Right well we had better be going" said Bunty getting up
"Thank you for everything" replied Gordon following them to the hallway
"Bye, Nan, Grandad, thank you for a lovely day" added Ash giving them both a peck on the cheek
"Remember, what we said" replied Bunty to Ash. Ash nodded
"Bye Mum, Dad" added Jill
"Well I should be going too" said Matron
"If you wait a minute, I'll give you a lift" replied Gordon
"Thank-you for everything you have done" added Jill
"Bye" said Matron
"See you soon" she added
"Bye, thank you" replied Ash
"Bye" added Jill
Once the cars were out of sight Jill shut the door and went through to the kitchen to make a start on dinner. Ash lingered at the door wondering what to do finally she made up her mind
"Mum can I help" Ash asked
Before anything could be said she saw Jill stood over the sink
"Mum what's wrong" asked Ash concerned
Jill wiped away the tears and turned around
"Nothing" replied Jill
"Is it me" asked Ash
"No, it's just something your nan said" replied Jill
"Is that what you were arguing about when I came in" asked Ash
Jill didn't have to respond Ash could tell that she was right
"Mum, Nan has got it all wrong. I know that you are both there for me whenever, where ever I need you, I don't need to act up for your attention, you are the best parents ever" stated Ash
"When did you get so grown up" replied Jill opening her arms to give Ash a cuddle
"Ohhh baby girl, I just wish you told me" whispered Jill
"I promise I will from now on" said Ash
"I just didn't want you to worry, but I can see now I was wrong, sorry" Ash added
"That's alright baby girl" replied Jill
"So what can I do to help" asked Ash
"Nothing, go and rest, it's suppose to be a celebration dinner" replied Jill looking at the clock
"Mum, go on let me help, just until someone else is here it's not fair on you" pleaded Ash
"Ohh alright, if you can lay the table" replied Jill
"Yes, thanks mum" replied Ash
A few minutes later and Ash came back into the kitchen having laid the table just as Jill had told her
"Right what next" asked Ash
Jill had to think she was hoping that Gordon would have been back by now
"Right if you sit here you can start on these" said Jill putting some vegetables in front of her to peel and chop
"So what were you a Matron on about upstairs" asked Jill
"Nothing much" replied Ash
"You were up there a long time for nothing much" replied Jill
"Okay she was making sure I was alright" replied Ash
"And" Jill asked
"And I am, I just need a bit more time before I speak to Sister Brigid that's all" replied Ash
"Well don't go rushing anything, we all support you" replied Jill
"Thanks mum, where do you want these" asked Ash having done the vegetables
"Thank you, just leave them there for a minute" replied Jill
"What's next" asked Ash
"That's all to do for now" replied Jill
Just then Gordon came through the front door and went straight to the kitchen
"Right what can I do" said Gordon
"Perfect timing as always Gordon" replied Jill
"What" Gordon asked
"You've done it all haven't you" he guessed
"Yes, with help from Ash" replied Jill
"Well I will just lay the table then" replied Gordon
"Done it already" said Ash
"Well you have been busy" replied Gordon
"Would anyone like a drink" asked Jill
"I'll get them, you go and put your feet up" replied Gordon
"Mum, can we finish that game" asked Ash following Jill through to the front room
"Yes, of course" replied Jill
They were playing the game Gordon was keeping one eye on the clock
"When did the others say they would be back" Gordon asked
"They didn't say" replied Jill
"How long until dinner" asked Ash
"Not long were just waiting for the others" replied Gordon
"But if they are not here soon we will have to start without them" added Jill
Five minutes later and the game was over Jill had won
"Ash can you pack the game away please" said Jill
"Yes mum" replied Ash
"Right that's it they have had enough time let's start without them" said Gordon