Thank you for all your reviews, guys! I seriously wouldn't write if it weren't for them! Thank you for your feedback!
Apologies for the delay in updating- I've been so, so busy this past week and a bit, but I should be updating again now everything's settled again! Also, i've been thinking, as I promised a minimum of weekly updates, I've decided that my regular update day will be Sunday, so keep your eyes peeled! I'm also going to try and get another update out ASAP as I've been so rubbish updating lately!
Anyway, without further ado, here's chapter 23. I hope you like it! Please leave a review!
I woke early up early the next day from the pain in my ankle, and a banging headache. My ankle was much worse than it had been yesterday, if that were even possible. I rolled over to look at my alarm clock; it was only half past six! I fell back onto my pillows with a flop, sneezing as I did so. Great; I was coming down with a cold too. Mum didn't start her shift until nine, and I'd set my alarm for seven to allow me time to get ready if I did need to go to hospital. Pulling back my duvet covers I sat up to have a look at my ankle and winced. It wasn't good. It had swollen even more overnight, and I couldn't flex it at all. It looked like I would be going to hospital after all.
Grabbing my crutches from the side of the bed, I hobbled into the kitchen in search of some painkillers and cold and flu tablets. Mum would be up soon, and could check it over then for me, before making the final decision as to whether or not I should go to hospital. Rifling through my cupboards, I wolfed down two ibuprofen and found the ice pack for my ankle. After tending to my injury I switched focus to my growling stomach, grabbing a yoghurt and a glass of orange juice, before sitting down at the kitchen table to eat it. I was really irritable in the morning if I didn't have food- something that my family knew all too well, having been on the receiving end of my temper many a time. I'd just finished my breakfast when my Mum walked into the kitchen; already showered and dressed by 6.45.
"Morning, sweetheart. How are you feeling today?" I sneezed again.
"Not great. I think my ankle's got worse."
"And you seem to have caught a chill." She indicated to my runny nose, and passed me a tissue from her pocket which I accepted gratefully. "Let's have a look then." She unwrapped the ice pack carefully and inspected my ankle, letting out a shallow gasp as it came into view. "Yes, this definitely needs to be x-rayed, Alexis."
"Really?" I groaned. All I wanted to do was go back to bed.
"Most definitely. You're not budging me on this one." She was right, I knew from past experience that when my Mum made her mind up about something she always followed through, no matter what anyone else thought.
"Okay, Mum." I agreed, yawning. I stood up using my crutches to help me. "I'll go and have a shower, and then I'll be ready to come with you."
"Perfect. If we get there before my shift starts I'll have time to analyse your x-rays myself. It'll be much quicker than having to wait in the queue to see someone, and I'd much prefer it if I looked over it rather than anyone else." Now that sounded like a plan. I was more than happy to go to A&E if my mother was in charge of my x-rays, and I was out as soon as possible.
"That would be great, Mum. I'll be as quick as I can."
"Okay, love. I'm going to take Monty on a quick walk. Also, I was thinking; how about your Dad and I look after Monty for a few days? You won't be able to take him on walks with your ankle, so how about we take him while you recover? He can run around in the garden while we're at work." That did sound like a good plan. I hadn't really thought about how I was going to look after Monty and walk him when I couldn't walk myself. Monty absolutely loved Mum and Dad- he adored going over to their house as they had a massive garden for him to play in. Not to mention the fact that they'd had a 'dog flap' installed especially for him, so he could come and go as he pleased. He was so spoilt at their house, that it was a wonder he didn't refuse to come home with me. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he'd already asked Jack to relay such a message to me and my parents.
"Are you sure Mum? I know you and Dad are busy- I can put him in the kennels for a couple of days if need be." I didn't want to send him to the kennels, but it seemed kinder than him being confined to the flat whilst I recovered, and I didn't want to put upon my parents when they were already so busy.
"Don't be ridiculous, Alexis. You know your father and I love him. Besides, I don't trust the kennels around here. Your father's at home today as he's been in surgery all week, so Monty will have company today. I've already rang him to ask, and he agrees."
"Thanks Mum. You're honestly the best; I don't know what I'd do without you."
"I know, sweetheart, I know." She said with a laugh. "Now you get in the shower, Missy! The sooner we're on the road the better." I mock saluted her, and turned to the bathroom, only detouring to go to my room and send Will a text, informing him of the morning's events. I didn't wait to receive a reply, instead heading to the shower to get ready. I emerged five minutes later, wrapped up in my dressing gown. Pulling on the nearest clothes I could find I dried my hair quickly, and headed into the lounge, snagging my phone as I went. Unlocking it, I saw I had a text from Will saying he'd collect me when I was done and to let me know how things were progressing. I texted back, promising that I would. Sliding it back into my pocket I took a seat on the sofa and waited for Mum to come back from her walk with Monty. She came back with a very lively puppy ten minutes later, still dressed in her scrubs.
"Good. You're ready. I've already loaded Monty's bed into the car as we don't have one at home, but I think we've already got the other stuff he'll need." I nodded.
"Thanks Mum."
"Right, let's head off then; it'll take you a while to negotiate the stairs. Why they still haven't managed to fix that lift is beyond me!
"I know, Mum. It's ridiculous- I've already written to them to complain."
We began our descent down to the ground floor- Monty trotted happily down the stairs with mum, whilst I hobbled down awkwardly on my crutches. I contemplated sliding down on my bum, but didn't want to appear too childish in front of the neighbours. Besides, I didn't need to give them any more reason to gossip; the rumour mill would already be whirling after they all saw how a topless Will carried me home. Climbing into Mum's car a good five minutes later we set off to their house. It was only a fifteen minute drive away, so it wasn't long before we pulled into the familiar gravelled driveway. Right on cue, Dad wandered out from the garden, despite it being half past seven in the morning. Any sane person would not be up at this hour on their day off. Mum got out of the car to greet him, and let Monty out of the boot as she did- taking his bed out with her too. He walked over to meet her, wrapping her in his arms, and kissing her soundly. I looked away. I'd never quite got used to their public displays of affection, and there were some things that a daughter never wanted to see; her parents playing tonsil tennis being one of them. Eventually, they came up for air, finally remembering that I was in the car.
"Alexis!" My Dad cried, opening the passenger door, and enveloping me in a hug. "It's so good to see you. I'm sorry I haven't been able to pop over- I've been rushed off my feet at the hospital. There's been a few nasty trauma incidents, and I haven't had a day off since you left for Paris. Anyway, that's enough whinging from me. How are you?"
"Aside from mentally scarred by you two?" I asked with a wink. He nudged me playfully and I laughed.
"Yes, apart from being mentally scarred from your mother and I." He looked back at her fondly as she led Monty into the house.
"I'm good Dad." I was suddenly hit by a series of sneezes.
"Bless you."
"Thanks."
"So you're good, apart from the cold and bad ankle. Your mother filled me in when she dropped by for her clothes last night. You must be more careful, Alexis." I nodded.
"I will, Dad. I promise." He nodded approvingly.
"How are you doing really, though, Alexis?" He squatted so he was eye level with me. "Just between us two- I won't tell your mother. You okay? I know the convention must have been hard, but you mustn't give up hope-" I cut him off. I didn't want to have to keep lying to my family about the convention.
"Dad, I'm fine, honest. Don't worry about me." He didn't look convinced, but our conversation was cut short by Mum returning from the house Montyless.
"Okay, sweetheart, if you say so. I'm always here, though. Remember that, won't you?"
"I will, Dad." He pulled me into another hug, kissing the top of my head.
"I love you, sweetheart."
"Love you too." I mumbled back into his shirt, before letting him go, so he could stand up once more. Mum came over to join us as I did so.
"You okay you two?"
"Yeah." We echoed; in sync with one another.
"Right. We'd best get off, Brian. I want to get Alexis looked at before my shift starts." She walked over to the driver's side of the car and settled herself in the seat.
"Right, I'd best go and see where the little tyke's got to. He'd best not be jumping around in my begonias again!" I laughed, remembering all too well how Monty had almost destroyed Dad's flower beds the last time he'd paid them a visit. Dad's garden was his pride and joy, and he spent as much time in it as possible. It was primarily due to his gift, I figured- he was able to manipulate nature- making plants grow as he wished, coaxing them out into the sunlight, and attentively tending to their needs. The garden always looked beautiful as a result, something Monty seemed hellbent on changing.
"You know what he's like, Dad. The begonias may well be in mortal danger!"
"Well, we can't have that, can we?" He shut the car door, and tapped on my window. "Stay safe, you two, and let me know what's happening."
"Will do." He nodded, and waved us off as we pulled out of the drive. Hopefully Monty hadn't inflicted too much damage during our conversation.
XXX
An hour later and I was sat in the waiting room of the A&E department for Mum to get back to me about my X-ray. She'd managed to get the radiologist to squeeze me in during his break, and was off consulting with another doctor about my results. I absolutely detested hospitals; the smell, the people, the noise. I'd already had to hold a sick bucket for a woman coughing up blood, whilst listening to her tell me about her ex-boyfriend. Thankfully, my phone rang whilst she was telling me about her latest conquest, giving me a reprieve from the conversation. Awkwardly, I managed to extract my phone, whilst still keeping a grasp of the cardboard container.
"Hello?" I hadn't managed to check the caller ID in my haste to answer.
"Hey, it's Will. I was just ringing to see how you were getting on. Have you had an x-ray yet?"
"Oh, hi. Yeah, I had my x-ray about half an hour ago. Mum's just gone to chat with another doctor about the results, but I think their initial reaction is that it's not a break."
"Well, that's good, then. When do you think you'll be done then, providing there's nothing else they can do for you?" I looked at the clock. It was creeping towards nine.
"About half an hour I'd guess. Mum said she wouldn't be long. Are you sure you want to come and get me, though? You don't have to- I mean, I'll be fine getting a taxi."
"Alexis, we had this conversation. I'll set off from my hotel now. You're at the Royal, right?"
"Yes, but how do you know?" I hadn't told him which hospital I was at, and there were more hospitals in Derby than the Royal, so it was more than a lucky punt.
"We're soulfinders, Alexis. How do you think I found you on the mountain?" I'd forgotten about that. Now that he mentioned it, at the back of my mind, subconsciously, I could feel my connection to him- a constant reminder of our bond. It hummed reassuringly at me, reminding me of his presence and proximity.
"Sorry, I forgot."
"Right, I'll see you soon. Wait for me inside and I'll come and find you."
"Okay. And Will.."
"Yeah?"
"Thanks. Thanks for everything." I said as I put the phone down, sliding it back into my pocket and returning my attention back to the woman beside me. Thankfully, she only had time to tell me about her most recent ex-boyfriend, who it turned out, had actually been married, as Mum rounded the corner moments later, x-rays in hand. Giving her back the bowl I'd been holding for her, I quickly hobbled over to Mum to hear my results- I couldn't get away fast enough. Her tale of boyfriend number 233 would forever remain a mystery, it seemed. Mum shepherded me over to a secluded area of the corridor away from prying ears, before she delivered her diagnosis.
"Good news, Alexis. It's not a break- it's just a very bad sprain." She showed me the x-rays to back up her point. "You've just got to keep icing it, and then gradually start to put pressure on it. You should be able to walk on it in a couple of days, but you won't be able to do anything more on it for at least a week, if not more. You know the drill by now, mind. Call me if you need anything, okay? And if you want, you're welcome to stay at our house while you recover. It might be easier to have me and your dad looking after you. "
"Thanks, Mum. I'll let you know how I'm getting on, but I think I'll be fine." She smiled.
"Any time sweetheart, anytime. Now, how are you going to get home? I'm not free until my lunch break, but I was thinking we could call your father and he could give you a lift home. Taxis are far too expensive, and I don't want you to have to sit around in here waiting."
"Mum, it's fine. My friend's coming to pick me up."
"Who, Rachel?"
"No." I blushed. "Another friend."
"Is this the same friend that helped you yesterday?" I nodded, squirming under her gaze. "He's very good to you, this 'friend'."
"Yeah, he's great." I managed to get out, still concentrating hard on the spot of dirt by my feet. She mmm'd in approval. My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see Will had texted me.
Just parked. Walking towards the main entrance now. I'll come and find you.
Stay there. I'll meet you by the main entrance. Give me five minutes- they won't let you through to where I am.
Okay. I looked up to see my Mother looking at me fondly as I put my phone back.
"It's lovely to see you so loved up, sweetheart. I look forward to meeting him- I want to see who's making you so happy; he's already got my seal of approval." I blushed profusely in response, not sure quite what to say to that. Denying it, even though she was wrong, would just further convince her that she was right. Which she wasn't. She definitely wasn't. "Anyway, I'd best be off. I'm officially on shift now. Speak to you soon, sweetheart." She pulled me into a hug. "Call me if you need me."
"I will do. Thanks, Mum. I love you."
"I love you too. Now go find your boyfriend." I tried to splutter out a coherent response, but instead all that came out was garbled mush. Mum laughed at that, turning back down the corridor to head to work. "See you soon, sweetheart. Give him a kiss from me."
Please leave a review! Look out for an update on Sunday at the latest- I may update another chapter before Sunday if I have time! Please review- more reviews mean quicker updates. Promise! Hugs! x