Paige was showered and dressed , heading to the kitchen to make coffee by 7.00am. She had left Walter showering and then getting dressed . As she entered the living area , she stopped dead .
" Who are you and what have you done with my Ralph ? " She asked .
" Mommm , it is me , i have not been substituted for an alien . " Said Ralph .
" Then if that is the case , why are you up so early ? " Asked Paige with a little bit of edge to her voice .
" Well dad did promise to let me help him to work on the donor program problem .I just wanted to be up and ready to start . " Replied Ralph with a small smile on his face .
" Well Walter was still in the shower when i left him , and so we can behave like a normal family , we will all be sitting down to breakfast together . Therefore i cannot see Walter being ready to start much before 9.00am . so you can make yourself helpful by helping me in the kitchen . "
" Ha mom , do i have to , i am supposed to be on holiday . " Ralph replied with a glum look on his face .
" Well if that is the case , if you are on holiday , you will not be able to help your dad, because that would be classed as work . If you are on holiday you should just be relaxing and going on nice little quiet walks . " Paige replied in a gentle quiet cute voice .
" Ok mom you win what do you want me to do ? " Paiges genius wrangling had won again .
Ten minutes later Walter appeared in the living area , Ralh had heard him coming and came out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee for him .
" Thank you Ralph . "
" My pleasure dad ." Ralph said as he walked back into the kitchen to help his mom .
Aneli appeared a few minutes later again Walter bought her a cup of coffee out .
" Thank you Ralph . "
Paige appeared from the kitchen , walked over to Walter to give him a kiss .
" Breakfast will be ready in about ten minutes , I hope bacon , scrambled eggs and toast is alright for everyone . "
Everyone agreed .
Once breakfast was over , Walter spoke to Paige to tell her he was going to work on the donor program and was going to take Ralph with him , as if he had any choice .
When they both left , Aneli approached Paige .
" You allow me cook Bulgarian meal for evening meal , you been good to me , want to show my appre- " Again she was stumped by a word .
Paige said "Appreciation . "
" Appreciation , yes "
" I would love you to do that , but would you teach me how to cook it . I love cooking , Italian is my favourite , but Walter's mom showed me a lot of Irish dishes which i also love cooking . But i no nothing about Bulgarian cuisine . Do you know what you want to cook . " Asked Paige .
" Yes , Messhana (a mixed grill ) with Shopska salam (a Bulgarian mixed salad topped with Feta cheese ) as a side dish . " Aneli explained .
" That sounds interesting , but i think we need to check what we have in the kitchen and then make a list of items we need and make a visit to the store . " Paige told Aneli who shook her head and they made their way to the kitchen .
Twenty minutes later they came out of the kitchen . " That is a lot of meat , we need to go to one of the larger supermarkets , we should get most of the items we require . Are you ready ? " Aneli shook her head .
" Ok i will go and tell Walter we are going shopping .
It was over two hours later when Paige and Aneli returned from their shopping trip they had to vist more than one store to get all the ingrediants required by Aneli . '" I will go and tell Walter we are back . " Paige said as she left Aneli to unpack the shopping .
Before she reached the area where Walter had his computer set up , she was almost knocked over by a mini whirlwind .
" Steady Ralph , you could have knocked me over . "
" Sorry mom , i just heard you and i had to come and tell you . " A slightly breathless Ralph Explained .
" Tell me what sweetie ? " Asked a smiling Paige .
" We have sorted out the problem on the donor program . " Explained Ralph .
" You have ? "
" Yes . " Replied Walter , who had appeared behind Ralph .
" That means it is ready for the computer show . " Asked Paige .
" It will still need a little tidying up . But Ralph spotted the problem very quickly , i had made a simple stupid calculation . We were coming out for coffee and milk . " Walter told Paige with pride in his voice over what Ralph had done .
" Aneli is unpacking the shopping so come and sit in the living area , and i will go help her and make some coffee. Do you want cookies as well ? "
Ralph immediatly said . " Yes . "
While they were all together Ralph asked again how they were involved with Homeland and Richard again . Paige explained that it was part of a plan for the future , which they needed to talk to him about at length . She promised they would have a talk tomorrow morning . Although he was anxious to know all the details , the tone of his mom's voice told him it was pointless to argue about it and just wait until tomorrow .
After the break Aneli and Paige went to the kitchen to prepare for the evening meal . Walter and Ralph stayed on the sofa .
" Dad can i talk to you about something ? " Ralph asked his voice a little hesitant .
" You can talk to me about anything you know that . " Said a smiling Walter .
Ralph stared straight ahead , he took a deep breath . '" During some of my spare time at college , i designed a video game aimed at 8 to 10 year olds . I know you are not a fan of video games , but i needed something to occupy me and you never sent me any coding to play with , i needed to find something . It is very basic as i only had my laptop to work on . Would you look at it and give me your honest opinion of it . "
" Of course i would be honoured to look at it over , lets take it to my office . " Said a proud Walter .
Ralph rushed to his bedroom and within minutes he was back with Walter , proudly holding a memory stick . Walter and Ralph made their way to his " Office " . Actually it was a small space in the laundry room .
" I suggest we run it first just to get an idea of it's content . " Walter suggested .
" Alright by me . " Ralph replied .
" I see what you mean , it is basic , but what is the main idea of the game . " Asked Walter , not wanting to put down Ralph's idea ,but at the moment he could not see the benefit of the game .
" The idea is to teach younger children the beauty of the maths . The first level , the player has to solve simple math's problems , once they have solved five they gain a treasure , they need to collect ten treasures to move onto the next level with harder problems . So far i have only built five levels . " Explained Ralph .
" How does the player find the problems that have to be solved ? " Asked Walter .
" I have included word puzzles they need to solve to uncover were the maths puzzles are hidden . Explained Ralph .
" Ok i know we ran it through , but why don't you play a game , while i watch so i have a better idea on the way the game works . "
After a hour Ralph had completed the five levels , Walter had watched the whole game intently .
" Ok now i understand the game better , i have a few suggestions that will improve it . That is if you want my help . "
" Of course i do , i think it would be a great father and son project . Do you think we could have it completed for that computer show . " Said an excited Ralph .
" Maybe if we both worked 24/7 on the game , but some how i think we would be in deep trouble with your mom . " Walter told him with a smile on his face .
" I guess you arre correct , but will you still help me ? "
" Of course but maybe we stick to a couple of hours a day , i am sure your mom would be happy with that . " Walter suggested .
" Do you think it is time for lunch ? " Asked Ralph , his stomach overtaking any other thoughts .
They both returned to the living area , were Paige and Aneli were sitting on the sofa . Aneli explaining to Paige about other Bulgarian dishes .
Paige saw them enter and got up and walked over to Walter and gave him a kiss and hugged Ralph .
Aneli looked up . " Me go . " As she made her way to the kitchen .
A few minutes later she returned with a plate of sandwiches , which she put on the coffee table and returned to the kitchen coming back with a jug of lemonade , glasses , plates on a large tray . "
" We prepared it once Aneli had done the preparation for the evening meal . " Said a smiling Paige .
As they were finishing lunch , Paige's phone rang . She checked the I.D . and saw private number .
" Hello . "
" Good afternoon Paige , is everyone with you ? "
Paige " Yes , including my son Ralph , he is down from Harvard on the summer break . "
Doctor " A bright young man ."
Paige " Definatly , hang on a second and i will put my phone on speaker . "
Doctor " Hello , Walter , Aneli and Ralph .
All three said hello .
Paige " How can we help you today . "
Doctor " Good news , i have had all the test results and they all look good . So we are going to go ahead and treat Ada . "
Walter " What will happen now ? "
Doctor " It will take about a week to get Ada ready to accept the new bone marrow . We will need to take bone marrow from Aneli the same day as we transfer it to Ada , "
Walter " How much notice will we get to bring Aneli to the hospital . "
Doctor "" The day before she is required to attend .
Paige " Will Aneli need to stay in hospital ? "
Doctor " We would like her to stay overnight just in case she as any sort of reaction to the procedure . But i must admit to my knowledge any reaction is very rare . We would like her to the rest for three or four days after the procedure , with just a little light exercise . "
Paige " Would short walks on the beach be sufficent ? "
Doctor " That would be ideal . "
Walter " Thank you doctor , but before you go i have a favour to ask of you . "
Doctor " By all means Walter , if it is in my power . "
Walter " Ralph as managed to sort out the problem i have been having on the donor program . We now need to test it under a working situation . What i need is a list of people , those already treated would be ideal , the list does not need to have names , as we will allocate numbers for the testing . We, need all the information you would put in on any request for a donor . We neeed at least 20 donors for everything you are likely to ask for donors . "
Doctor " That could take somtime , i will have to contact other hospitals for some of the information . "
Walter " I understand that , but if as soon as you have a list ready could you please E-Mail it , we can then begin testing . We are hopeing to take it to a computer show to see the reaction in the market , but we need some proof it works .
Doctor " I understand i will do my best to get at least two lists to you in the next few days . Is there anything else you need ? "
Walter " No doctor we will be looking forward to your lists . "
Doctor " Ok, then i will say goodbye . "
All the others shouted goodbye at the phone , before Paige disconnected the call .
" Well that was a bit of good news , are you alright Aneli ? " Paige asked .
" Yes, pleased over soon , hope it help Ada . But will miss you when gone . " Aneli explained .
" How soon do you need to be back in Bulgaria ? " Walter asked .
" I not back at college for two months . "
" Would you like to stay until we have been to the computer show . We could explain the story of the donor program . " Walter explained .
A smile broke out on Aneli',s face . " Would be possible , Paige your house , what you think ?"
" I would be happy for you to stay and i think Ralph would to, he needs younger people around him ." Replied Paige .
Ralph smiled . " Most definatly i need help with my Bulgarian . "
" That's settled then , but will you need to tell anyone in Bulgaria ? "
" No parents dead , live in student house . "
" From now on you are a honary member of this family . So when you leave you must stay in touch with us . "
Aneli a tear running down her cheek . " I promise . "
Paige went to Aneli and took her in her arms and gave her a hug .
" We will also keep in contact with you . "
Aneli managed a "Thank you ." She then asked to be excused , as she wanted to spend some time in her bedroom .
Once she had left . Ralph turned to his mom ." Can i talk to you please mom ? "
" Of course sweetie . "
" I have already spoken to dad about this , but i want to make sure i do not leave you out of my life , like i did when i started talking Bulgarian to Aneli . "
Paige smiled at his explanation and gave him a little hug. Ralph continued . " During my spare time at college , i began developing a video game . I've shown and talked to dad about it and he as agreed to help me . I asked if it could be ready for the computer show , his answer yes if we both work 24/7 , which was unacceptable so dad suggested a maximum of two hours a day on the project . Would that be acceptable to you . "
" Of course , a good father and son project . "
" Thanks mom . "
"Just a thought , how long would it take to make up a demostration game , of say two levels with all the details complete ? " Asked Paige .
Walter sat up straight and looked at Paige . " You have done it again . A simple solution to an almost impossible problem . Ralph as got the basics completed for five levels , so if we concentrate on just the first two levels , there is a good chance we could complete one in time . Do you fancy having a go at that Ralph ? Though the same rules apply . "
" We will not lose anything if we do not meet the deadline but we would still have progressed the game . " Said Ralph .
" Well i suggest when Aneli returns to start the meal , which i am helping with , you two should sit on the porch and talk over how to approach the project . Maybe make notes of what to do . " Suggested Paige .
" We have already had our two hours for today . " Ralph told her as he looked at Walter .
" Yes i know , but i will not be here with you , i am in the kitchen , so extra time today is fine . But you come in as soon as i call you . " Said Paige .
Ralph and Walter both said " Agreed ."
Ralph left the room and was back a few minutes later , with a pad and pen . " Just being prepared for when we go out on the porch . " Ralph told Paige .
For the next hour the three of them continued talking , the biggest subject was Ralph's game . Surprisingly to say Paige led most of the conversation , she wanted all the details of the game explained to her , which Ralph did with relish . Paige even came up with ideas as to regard to the characters and background , her love of art was coming into play , in the way she was able to describe her ideas .
Both Walter and Ralph sat in amazment at the knowledge she was showing and they tucked a lot of the information into their brains . Already working out how to turn Paige's ideas into code .
Aneli came back into the room , her eyes a little red showing she had been crying .
" Are you alright Aneli ? " Paige asked as she walked over to her and gave her a hug .
" Yes , i thinking what have done for me while i here , little cry at kindness shown , alright now . Ready cook meal ."
" If you are sure you are ok then lets go and start the evening meal . " Paige said .
Paige and Aneli made their way to the kitchen . Walter and Ralph went out on to the porch . They spent all their time talking about Ralph's game , especially all that Paige had spoken about .
After about a hour Paige came out to the porch to tell the two men in her life dinner would be ready in fifteen minutes . So they should go and clean up . Both as they promised immediatly left the porch and went to clean up for dinner .
Aneli served the meal , all the meat on one large plate for people to help themselves , together with a large bowl of chopped salad , topped with crumbled feta cheese and a special dressing .
Once the meal was finished , Paige began to clear away but Aneli put her hand on Paige's .
" Me clean , you relax with Walter and Ralph . Will make coffee when finished . "
Paige tried to protest , but Aneli was adamant .
Once Aneli had cleared everything away , Paige curlled up to Walter on the sofa and Ralph sat on one of the chairs .
" What a brilliant day , today as been . I am so lucky with the people i have aroumd me . " Paige remarked as she kissed Walter on the cheek .
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JerBr 23 So true , Paige and Walter agreed they needed time away from any sort of work .
Pearligirl Glad you are still interested .
LoeBe Do you really trust me that much ? As i said to JerBr 23 Paige and Walter want a no work zone . Ralph will appreciate it when thet begin having weekend adventues together .
Grykon Walter seems to be mellowing and thinking more of other people . Hope this chapter met up with your expectations .
Margret Gautier Hope you are enjoying your stay with your sister and that the cold is not to much for you . Well now yo know the test results .