Chapter 28

Meg soon got back into their work and home routines with the added bonus of going for short rides, girls evening out and on warm evenings chatting in the gardens with John. So time flew and thoughts of family were fleeting and usually at a time when the computer was elsewhere so nothing flowed between them.

Today though she was moving slightly slower and sighed very quietly to herself as she shifted in the chair to ease her stiffness as she got ready to read some mail from friends knowing she must catch up with news.

She opened her one from Sara and smiled, at least she understood.

Hi Sis

You sounded good on the phone last week; as we said then no new is good news so don't worry about the gaps … no guilty feelings as you read this.

This week has really flown by and this weekend seems no different … perhaps the world is spinning quicker.

Things are fine just very busy at the shop and Shock Wave. Your idea about putting a sign about the Shock Wave in the shop was a good one and makes us wonder why the devil didn't we think of it before. Of course Dad's done the same for us.

Guess the article in the paper is still doing the trick … people from other towns are coming so lots more interesting gossip to find and a couple of new suppliers. Never knew they would head hunt us it's usually us begging them!!

Attached are pics of a few more things we're going to stock … hope you approve (too bad if you don't.) (Chuckles nicely, of course.)

Saw 'the' Doctor on Friday and we both had words with the twins.

Hey don't get worried I am still carrying them! inside not out.

Anyway between the four of us (Casey was on shift, unfortunately one of the Guards was ill otherwise he would have been with me.) Pics also attached as you can see they are waving not sure who's hand or foot it is … but there is the right number so that's okay.

Think 9th December will be a good day for you to come.

The Doc will do his magic on the 10th whatever happens, if they do come early I should be home by that day and you can bring me tea in bed and look at the loveable dears.

Been thinking about our chat re presents for babies how about waiting till the 10th then you can give us some thing different … unusual and small as you have handed the flat over to us. Still find it hard to accept you will not come back to live but visits longer the better will be good.

As for wayward boyfriend he has been no trouble. So I think it was just a 'one off' as you said but will keep him out of the loop and not bug him. Maria visits shop for presents etc and just asks if you are okay as a general family question so nothing will get back to him through her as it's a general reply back. Benjy has taken to collecting those small paper weights with flowers etc in so I'm looking out for different ones for when he's finished that lot. (So wicked to tap into one so young I know but you can't say we are robbing the poor now can you! and other people like them as well.)

Casey is looking over my shoulder (it means I have to be careful what I say) and asks that you be told that he is seriously interested in AJ's job. (Three Cheers!!)

I hope you enjoyed your long ride this weekend let me know how it went and if possible some photos with you email. Can you walk and sit down okay?

Love from everyone

Sara.

"If you two men promise not to kill each other I'll mail Robert." Meg said as she got up from her laptop, she would reply to Sara later right now she wanted to tell Robert everything.

John gave a laugh and a nod not wanting to lose concentration on the chessboard or Jack who sat opposite him looking at board and thinking hard. She walked on through to the office in the other apartment to use her work computer found the coding disk and set everything up and typed.

Hi Robert.

Thought I would try out your disk ... alright so far … I think. I know you and Jack have set up communications to as promised good news - just a thought does it mangles photos - see attachment.

I am sending copies to Sara, John and Jack have approved they say one waterfall is very much like another and I've left Val and Paul out as well as the more distinctive horses add them in and you can see we were quite a group.

Cannot believe how time has flown not too sure where to start, perhaps family news first so you can confirm dates.

Sara's has given me 10th December for birth of twins so if possible I would like to be there on the 9th as for coming home as soon as possible I suppose … so the 11th I could plead important meeting on the 12th and it takes a day to get home. I emailed her late evening before claiming I had just arrived… okay I said I unpacked and ate first.

She says our mutual friend has behaved himself in any case I will make sure I have Mum or Dad with me most of the time I have with them. Though I know I will have to face him again and most probably by myself sometime … I know I can cope now I've thought things through. Hope the above does not inconvenience you too much.

I will keep to those dates even if twins come early. As my sister puts it I can give her tea in bed if they are early. HUH! More like babysitting while she goes out.

On to my waterfall riding trip as promised … so many things Robert … it is amazing.

Okay.

Val and Paul came on Friday evening, and we looked over plans for the garden roof and we have a date for the men to come. Well sort of we both know things can change but hopefully third week in November and it should only take a couple of days. I think we will use the roof before it snows and shelter the garden as it will make it warmer for us to sit out in. It's funny getting back to real seasons again. Simon has suggested a wood fire to keep the chill off he's looking for one … dog and wheelchair proof and we can collect wood as Shep is walked etc. Jack is thinking of adding it to the Officer Reprimand List which includes traffic, car parking and snow clearing duties.

Sorry I digress. …

The group of horses was a mixture from our stable and the one in town as Paul came as well, John insisted. I thought he might have been able to come but the work on the bridle path has not got that far yet and anyway the path up to the waterfall is only one horse width if you see what I mean. (He had quality time with Jack and Mandy in other words no session except in the pool ... which went well.)

There were eight of us in the group, two from my other house, (that sounds grand but you know where I mean) Val, Paul, myself Jackie, Simon and Stephen. We had a bit of a scare as there was a rescue going on, on Friday but luckily it was over by late evening and everyone was okay so the horses were available. Of course there are always two rescue horses in the stables hence the other horses. It was interesting seeing them all including the dogs, the collection point was the Police Station and the drive of the hotel was the vehicle park so as you can imagine it was organised chaos. The hotel was on standby to give out hot food and dry clothes. The helicopter was not needed so they kept it on the helipad near the hospital; they've used the far side of the hotel green before now. It's far enough away from John if he's near the paddock, but he usually stays in when it might be called in just in case. The paddock would only be used if John needed them.

I really must try and keep to the point or you will never read this.

The two from work stayed in the cabin rooms at the hotel and as you can imagine they loved the luxury, Val and Paul stayed at the Lodge. We all met up after breakfast at the stables. John was around in the background, acting as a causal friend and Jackie's boss so met everyone watched us mount and go. Shep stayed with John though could not resist a short run with us. It was a beautiful sunny morning; autumn chill is in the air. We took packed lunches because the waterfall has three stages one at the very top which would take a day to get there, of course its quicker by road but not so much fun. We were going to a viewpoint for the second level and explore then have late lunch at the base and explore some more before coming back up the bridle path.

When we got to the base of the waterfall and looked at the path for the second part of the waterfall and view point we decided to walk it via a different path. Even Paul looked a bit pale when we saw the path the horses would take … going up might have been all right but going down … no way … Views were spectacular which ever way you looked … looking down the waterfall was just mind boggling. The sound of the water was something to get used to and that was without the rain or snow from the mountains. Must go there early Spring even early winter with a sprinkling of snow would be good. We found an over hang and stood looking out from behind the waterfall all perfectly safe but felt weird, definitely would not do it by myself. Yes we did get wet but we bought rainwear so that was okay.

We came down from the second level to the base where the waterfall turns into the river and explored the cave behind the waterfall. It is very eerie going into the darkness having the water thundering behind you. We had big lanterns … the size of the cave well we were walking upright and could not touch the roof, width ways I suppose about six foot getting bigger as you went further in. Apparently they used to have parties in them; needless to say we did not go too far. We ate lunch on the rocks beside the calmer parts of the river it was so nice there as you can see.

The early autumn chill had gone, the birds stayed around in spite of our noise and while we were eating we did see some of the braver animals for fleeting moments anyway. I can see summer picnics being put on the hotel rota at least. Mandy and Jack own the rights to the base of the waterfall and river, still find it hard to realise their family own over half the valley. As Jack said all the farms have been leased to the other families for so long they tend to forget they technically own them. The profit or loss goes straight to the farmers.

Sorry …

It was not till the evening when we were having an evening showing of the video Stephen had done for us that I realised how much John had shut down on life. (Daft I know but true) 'We' being John, myself, the family along with Val and Paul Stephen, and the other two had gone back home after a long hot soak and evening meal. Sometimes it all the family in for a film … now you can see why we have those large sofas and yes we had popcorn as well.

(Have to admit Jackie and I still feel stiff today … guess she's feeling it a bit more than I do as she's not ridden for while. She is a good rider.)

Okay back to the video showing the lunchtime picnic.

Daniel one of my housemates finished his lunch and started looking closely at the ground along the path of the river at the base of the waterfall. We all teased him about losing something and he turned back to us (so facing Simon with camera though I know he didn't see it) and with a wide grin on his face and announces that if we wanted he could arrange for the path to be cleared and put back in use so John could come and use it. Simon and Jackie of course jumped at the idea; Jackie and I had been muttering that it would be nice if the path could be widened but not why. Apparently the big firm doing the bridle way had looked and said they could not do anything to it. Daniel laughed when we said that, he explained that they had smaller equipment and were used to doing 'smaller' jobs but he would look at the other end of the path as we came to it just to make sure it was as good as this end.

Something to do with the bedding of the old path, as you can guess there were small trees, hedges and grass down the path, anyway he looked at and found it was sound and said we could have it done in November as there were two weeks empty at the moment. It might need some bedding in time or perhaps another rolling also he had to check with the big firm about getting the equipment down as it would have to use the path and not via the stables. He of course needed to talk to his bosses and price it out etc. So Jackie said yes providing he gave a price to Jack for the final say so, Paul quietly said he would back it if need be. Technically John is funding the bridle path under their agreement.

Of course Jack said yes without knowing the full price and Paul has booked the first ride with John, whether it be in November before the snow or next year after the snow. Of course by then we will have lost the autumn tints, as the November fall will have taken place but it will still look beautiful and I know he will love it.

Showing that bit of film brought John to tears and made me realise just how restricted his life has been. You said our relationship was a roller coast ride well so is his recovery … still on going … physically and mentally as he is still getting used to the idea he has a life.

Strange … I always assumed that when he realised he was not going to die he would just carry on accepting life goes on as everyone else does but he does not. Deep down he knows how vulnerable he is and does not trust the future even though he thinks of it, chats about it and can be as happy as you or I.

I think it was two the things coming together that did it, one it gives us another direction to go in away from the bustle of town, which causes him stress, so many things still affect him and always will so he has to be very careful.

The other was that Daniel came up with this bright idea and he hardly knows John having just met him that morning. When I talk about my life here it's usually Jackie and I or my new friends at work not John in particular.

It's made a difference to him can't really explain it but he seems happier in himself.

The ride back was great seeing everything from a different direction the hotel looks just as impressive from it's other front… if you know what I mean. As you can imagine we including Val were feeling stiff and enjoyed hot showers and group meal.

Val and Paul after popping in this morning are having a special time together before going home early Monday morning. They have made sure this time that there would be no quick returns for the Aunts and Uncles. I think the relations are finding out that she is no longer at their beck and call, but they've not been left alone either.

As for Jackie well Simon is giving her some of her own treatment in their apartment. Need I say more … she'll be back to work Monday morning, which means Jack and Mandy are on call.

Of course I leave the most interesting news till last and for that we go back to the middle of last night.

I know we have jokingly said John would kick me out of bed.

If I had been in it I would have been.

That is the good news … the bad was how it came about - in the middle of a nightmare, a very bad one.

I had already got out of bed as my voice seemed only to hinder not help him; Shep had jumped on the bed and nuzzled his nose under John's hand. Surprising what a wet cold nose can do, but not this time he got knocked off the bed. He stayed in the passageway out of harms way and watched. Simon tried to talk John back to us but it did not work either pillows, sheets arms and legs in went all direction as John silently lashed out at Simon's voice then scooted backwards to get away and fell off the bed. His legs collapsed under him, luckily the bed was on a low setting and the duvet was already on the floor just where he landed.

This of course woke him, but he could not move or even remember the nightmare that caused it. He was not hurt thank goodness but it gave us a scare, usually we have bars on one side of the bed and I act as a stop the other. Both sets were down as Simon put the other down to get to John. I think next time it happens we will have to put both sides up or put something soft on the floor and remember to keep well back or duck. If John had made contact Simon would have a lovely black eye today.

I mean it was good … really … we know he can use his legs … we've just got to convince him that he can and hope it's not just in nightmares. That's Mandy's job. Daily swimming sessions here we come!

When Val was here the first time she helped put up curtains to screen the bedroom area from the rest of the room it was in the way last night so we have decided to remove them and just use the beautiful silk changing screen instead.

As you can imagine it was no fun trying to pick John up off the floor but Simon and Jackie managed and luckily after Mandy checked him over he went back to a sound sleep and seems good today. He's accepted what we have told him and picked up on the good things from yesterday.

I'm hoping once we have the garden roof on we will use it before the snows come and perhaps as he always feels so much better there he will eventually walk round it. I know it is a long way off but Wow it is actually starting.

He sends regards and as you know thanks for your help … also suggests a visit in the New Year see I told you he was changing - Friday he would not have accepted the idea this morning he said yes. Perhaps the seed of trust has finally sprouted.

Mind you that does depend on who wins the chess game which is going on at the moment. He and Jack have won three each and this is the decider. Oh joy!

Whoever wins we are going to the sunken garden for barbecue tea, (perks of having hotel staff) the sun is out and it's quite warm.

Love to family and thanks

Meg.

Meg pressed the keys and watched fascinated as all the letters in the email changed into code and then disappeared off the screen as the mail was sent. She spotted a new email and decided to have a quick look at it while she thought about her email to Sara, which she would send from her laptop downstairs.

She opened the email and realised she it would only take a couple of minutes so opened the relevant files and sorted it out then sent the information out as well as copies to Paul's office for her next visit. She was just going to close it down with she heard padded footsteps on the stairs and smiled then heard the dong of a new email so waited. Shep came into view and over to her wagging his tail carrying a yellow square of cloth. Meg gently took it from him and found a green one, which Shep took eagerly stroking his head she commanded. "Go on Shep back to John."

He went off, she knew there would be a treat for him back at his master's side. It was John's way of saying he was waiting for her, though they had a perfectly good intercom system he joked he liked the personal touch and it gave Shep something to do. She knew she had five minutes before the red square which was his way of say "Oh come on!"

She saw the heading opened the mail and saw the code so pressed the buttons and watched it transform into English then smiled as she read, guessing he'd been at the machine and the server had delivered it straight away.

Hi Meg

Photos were not mangled will look later and Wow! on all accounts.

Not surprised he's still coming to terms with everything glad to know he is coping, as are you. You must have been very frightened by the nightmare; perhaps it was a good thing he could not remember. I suspect it was treatment he had in the basement, all he needs is reassurance that everything is okay, remember he can talk to Mandy about it so don't press him. Remember you are his now and future.

9th December will be written in … details nearer the time.

Delighted to come sometime in New Year whether I bring Sue will leave up to you. Book me a Waterfall trip it sounds good not too sure about riding though I'm very rusty. Perhaps I could thumb a lift from John and Jack.

Heh heh Nice and warm here in Seattle.

Everyone sends their love they are out at the moment so I'm enjoying peace and quiet. Girls are hinting!!!!! about a party around Christmas time. Umm need I say more?

Take care

Robert.

She smiled at the thoughts of the party knowing he would not expect a reply close down and went to find John.

oxoxo

"So who won?"

John laughed "We called it a draw, Shep wagged his tail and tipped the board. Jack insists he would have won."

She laughed as she watched him manoeuvre the chair from the lounge area over to the kitchen area and opened the fridge door; it was second nature to him. "Aren't we having tea in the garden?" She asked.

"Yes but I thought you might like a cup of tea first and I could whip the last couple of cakes." He looked at her with an innocent smile while carrying on. "One for you of course as you will have to carry my cup of tea. Jackie and Simon have gone for a walk to ease her aches I thought Simon's massage was meant to do that perhaps he needs more practice." He gave a wicked smile and got the plate and started make his way to the dining area.

Meg smiled making her way over to the kitchen area sure enough the mugs of tea were on the tray waiting for her. "You know Jackie will put you on a diet soon."

"You'll not tell will you?"

She looked at him then said gently. "No I'll just restrict how many I make. I notice they seem to go very quickly."

"Shows what a good cook you are. You said something about Sara before you wrote to Robert." He asked changing the subject.

Meg smiled. "Yes and Robert's mail worked it's fascinating watching the letters change and he would love to see us some when in the New Year wonders about Sue coming." She put the tray on the dining table and took her tea over to the computer she wanted to email Sara before going out in the garden if it was nice they would stay as long as they could.

John had his mouth full so shrug his shoulders she knew that would mean wait and see, that was good enough. She carried on. "I want to email Sara first she's suggested 9th December the Doc will make sure the twins come on the 10th, Robert has said that is okay. I thought I would come back on the 11th say I have a meeting on the 12th."

John nodded brushing the last of the crumbs, had some of his tea when he put his mug down he smiled innocently as he listened to Meg continue. "I will not say that at the moment though I'm sending the photos. Hey! You've had yours that one is mine!"

He moved his fingers away from the cake on the table and pushed the plate towards her "Okay Okay." He sighed then with a smile. "Worth a try though."

Meg giggled got up and took the cake then opened a reply to her sister and between mouthfuls started to write her reply. Knowing if she had not claimed her cake Shep would have been blamed even though he was on his rug in the lounge area.

There came a gentle "You know computers don't like crumbs don't you. … Nor should you giggle while eating."

That was nearly her undoing but after she swallowed she sighed, "John stop it." and concentrated on her email.

Hi Sara and everyone else

You are not alone time has flown here too.

As you can see I've attached photos of my ride this weekend and just to prove I have some friends they are there too. The ride took all day and am a little stiff now but not as bad as some who have not ridden recently. We hope to go again before winter really sets in, can't wait to visit again in Spring and Summer. As it is nice we are going into the garden for tea. (Doesn't that sound posh) (Of course the maid will serve us Hey we can all dream can't we. Yep self service of course.)

I've been in touch with Robert and 9th seems fine though I'm not too sure how long I can stay tell you nearer the day. I'll think of something interesting for a present.

Been busy and work is picking up and yes I have finally sorted out the apartment and we do have enough room to move around and sit on chairs etc thank you very much.

Hope Casey will enjoy the change when it happens just don't work him too hard at the weekends.

The new stock looks good like the idea. Can understand why Benjy is fascinated by the paperweights I would love to see how they make them. Saw pictures of a flower seed head and sea urchins so will try and find them and track suppliers down.

Take care give love to everyone.

Meg

She sent it drank her tea and closed the laptop then challenged him. "Okay then big boy!"

John laughed and shook his head and manoeuvred himself to the end of the table and opened the door, Shep bounded over from the lounge area and beat them outside. Meg snagged the blanket John had pointedly ignored knowing he hated it but would need it if they were to stay out of a while. They met Jackie and Simon coming back from their walk and made their way over to the sunken garden where Mandy and Jack were waiting with a barbecue.