The evening that Judy came again, there was talk of discharging her in two days time. She really needed to have a plan. Judy came with David, which pleased Granny.

"What did you say to your Mum?" Granny asked Judy.

"I told her about my offer...I tried to make it sound as if I was relieving a burden for her...She just got cross."

"Yes. She was fuming this afternoon."

"I told her she could visit anytime and she told me it was too far to walk. Then I reminded her that I am just around the corner from your house...She does walk to your house doesn't she?"

"Not as much as you'd think."

"She mentioned bad knees and I told her that was a good reason for her not to be caring for you."

"and?" Granny asked.

"I told her if you don't stay with me, you'll stay with Patrick."

"Oh dear. No wonder she was spitting mad."

"I didn't finish...I told her you would stay with Patrick so Shelagh could care for you...then I added 'she's a nurse'. She was livid at that."

"Oh dear, what a mess," Granny said upset.

"She telephoned late this afternoon to say that perhaps it was best that you stay with me," Judy smiled.

"You did a number on your old Mum love," David laughed.

"Well you certainly took a gamble," Granny added.

"Auntie, it was no gamble. It was either our house or Patrick's. Mum can't even help you out of a chair if she needs to. Besides you would go mad with her. I been going mad my whole life. Why do you think I practically lived at your house growing up."

"I thought it was my cooking."

"Your shepherd's pie is delicious. Maybe when you're feeling better you can make it."

"Now you sound like Timothy."

"What sounds like me?" Timothy said as he approached Granny's bed.

"Oh hello, Timothy love. Judy was talking about my shepherd's pie."

"Oh the best ever," Tim said.

"Where's your Dad," David asked.

"He had to look in on a patient. He'll be here soon."

"Timothy, I know you invited me to stay with you, but I am going to stay at Judy's house."

"Oh that's alright. I'm just glad you won't be at Auntie's."

"Timothy, you can come visit. Then your granny can see the little ones."

"I know everyone wants to see Teddy."

"Tim," Patrick said upon hearing his comment.

"Dad, it's true...poor Angela isn't the cutest anymore."

"He is right, we all want to get our hands on baby Teddy, but Angela is still adorable and you are still my favorite," Granny assured him, "Patrick, I am going to Judy's. She even managed to get Betty to agree."

"You can all come to visit...In fact, come have Sunday dinner," Judy said.

"Yes, please do," David added.

"Well it looks like it is all settled. I will let Shelagh know about Sunday."

"Timothy, you can see the girls again," Judy said.

"Judy, leave the boy alone he was not interested in the girls when he saw them last year."

"He may be now," Patrick added.

"Dad! really! My own father. The girls will be too busy with Teddy and Angela to bother me. I can talk to Ned."

"Go luck to you. Hard to believe that boy is mine. He doesn't say much." David said.

"That's because you never stop talking," Judy teased.

"You can take a boy outta the East End, but you can't take the East End outta the boy."

They all laughed. After assuring Granny that David would pick her up when she was discharged. Judy and David left.

"Patrick, you forgot to speak to the nurse."

"I didn't need to. I can tell you are recovering well. Your GP can check on you at Judy's...I've been accused of always being a doctor."

"Yes, by me."

"And Shelagh."

"You should have seen him before Teddy was born."

"Timothy, you're forgetting...I did...before you were born. I am sure he was the same...perhaps worse since you were and will always be his first."

"I think it is time for us to go. The doctor can tell you're tired."

"Goodbye Granny."

"Goodbye love."

Granny was glad that everything was settled. She enjoyed the company, but was worn out. Patrick teasing Timothy about the girls left her feeling melancholy. She knew that Marianne would have enjoyed her teenage son. He has grown so much...she would have been so proud. No use thinking about what could have been, she thought. I'll just have to enjoy what is.