Angela never complained about her head. After she had gone to bed one night, Granny and Timothy discussed her eventual need to have the stitches removed .
"They will need to come out right about the time Dad comes home," Timothy paused, "Will Mum be upset if she sees the stitches?"
"She maybe a little, but she will be so glad to see her. I know she is missing you both, but Angela being so little…"
"I know. I do not need her the way Angela does."
"She loves you both, you know that."
"I know. She and I got on famously when she was still Sister. Even though she is an adult, I was never invisible to her. It was easy to love her too."
"When your father told me he was getting married, I was a little surprised only because you had never mentioned him dating anyone."
"It happened rather quickly although it took them longer to actually have the wedding...thanks to polio."
"The first time I met her was at the hospital. She was sitting with you and I came to visit. I could tell then how much she cared for you. I decided that she would be good enough to be your mum...I knew your Dad would remarry...most men do so I was just glad she loved you."
"Most men remarry especially those that can't do the cooking."
"He tried. I saw how hard he tried. Now I realize that he would not have just married anyone just because she could cook. He found a wife he loved and who loves both of you. He chose well."
"Granny what about the stitches?"
"Let you Dad take them out. It will be alright."
"Now that it is less than a week before they come home, I am getting excited...I will miss you."
"You can come visit me anytime and I am guessing that Angela will come too. I am very happy to have a granddaughter."
"Thank you," Timothy hugged Granny.
"Thank you for what?"
"For loving my sister."
"That was easy. You love her and I love you. Besides she is very sweet and quite adorable."
Suddenly with their parents due home at the end of the week, the days started to fly by. There was a routine to each day, but her favorite part of each day was when Timothy practiced piano. It brought back memories of Marianne.
"What would you like for me to make for your last few meals?"
"Shepherd's pie of course and anything else. I like everything you make," Timothy answered.
One afternoon a few days before Patrick and Shelagh were due to return they had surprise visitors. Two sisters were at the door.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Parker, I am Sister Mary Cynthia and this is Sister Monica Joan. I came to take a look at Angela's head. We thought it would be good to get her looking her best before Shelagh sees her."
Timothy looked at Granny with an 'I told you so look' and said, "Hello Sisters, do come in."
"Hello Timothy."
Sister Monica Joan added, "The boy just grows and grows like a stalk of wheat."
"Sister Monica Joan so nice for you to come as well, " Timothy added then called Angela over, "Angela, Sister is going to look at your head."
"Can one of you hold her on your lap?"
"I will," said Timothy.
Sister went into her bag and took out tiny scissors and tweezers. Softly she talked to Angela telling her not to move. She promised her a jelly baby when she was done.
Angela did just as she asked and bravely did not move as the gentle soft spoken sister careful snipped and pulled out each of the four stitches. When she was done all that was left was a faint pink line with a few dots where the stitches had been.
"There you are all set to see your Mmm…"
"Don't!" Timothy startled her, " Don't say the M word."
Sister looked from Timothy to Angela and back again and said, "Oh sorry."
"Thank you Sister," he responded as Angela wiggled off his lap.
She came back with her doll which she held out to Sister, "Fix boo boo plez."
"Of course baby is all better also," Sister said as she careful took the bandage off the doll.
Timothy asked, "Do you have time for tea and ca…" Timothy started to ask.
"Cake!" Sister Monica Joan exclaimed.
"Just a few minutes. I have to get back shortly, " Sister Mary Cynthia answered.
They spoke about Nonnatus House and the Locum, Dr. Burton, who was working out well.
Sister Monica Joan enjoyed her cake, but her contribution to the visit was minimal. She did clearly enjoyed seeing the children.
After they left Granny said, "That was nice."
"Yes, I bet Sister Monica Joan came for cake and to get away from that mean nun I saw."
"Timothy! Sometimes it is nice for older people to get out to visit."
"The other nun was very nice. Is she the one that was a nurse first?"
"Yes, she and…" looking for Angela across the room he whispered his next word, "Mum switched places."
"Timothy, you are full of cheek."
"Always," he smiled.