CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT REMEMBRANCE

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Natalie left quickly to be with Louisa while Ruth tried to console Joan who was very distraught and crying. Ruth could not calm her at all.

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

In a matter of minutes I was in the A and E and found Ruth and Joan. I quickly ushered them into a small room and addressed my daughter. "Joan, what has happened? Why are you upset?"

"Daddy, Daddy, they just brought Meg in hospital. Her eyes were closed and there was blood all over her face. Please help her. You have to go help her!"

"Joan I can't help her if you do not calm down and explain more to me. Is this your friend Meg from Portwenn, the Ferguson's daughter?"

Martin wiped her face with his handkerchief and between diminishing sobs Joan said, "Yes Dad, my friend Meg. Her uncle has the stables in Bodmin. That's where we go to help the handicapped kids. Won't you please see if you can help her? I am so afraid. I hope she's not dead. She looked awful Daddy."

"We need to go to the A and E waiting area. They may need this room. You both need to wait there and I will see what I can find out. And Joan, you need to know something. I will not jeopardize a patient's treatment simply to find out what is wrong. It may be awhile before we know anything."

As we walked into the hallway we met the Ferguson's, Arthur and Tamara. They recognized me and anxiously addressed me. "Doc we didn't know we'd find you here. Our daughter fell while riding and hit her head on a large stone. Do you know where she is?"

"No, I only just found out about this. She is in good hands and we can attempt to find out how things are going. Why don't you let the people at the desk know you're here so they can notify the caregivers."

"Yes, we'll do that. Oh, hello Joan...and Ruth. You are here also. Are you here to visit someone?"

I wanted to say "Mind your own business," but instead interrupted with, "My wife underwent a procedure this morning. Let's go to the reception area and we will attempt to find out about Meg."

Joan's friend's injuries were not life-threatening. She had a severe concussion due to the fall and a cracked helmet had caused a laceration to her forehead, which required stitches. Thankfully she was wearing a helmet or this story could have had a tragic ending. They would observe her overnight and she would likely return home tomorrow. The Fergusons had gone to be with their daughter. I took my leave of Ruth and Joan so I could return to be with Louisa. I hoped Joan was settled now.

"Joan, you understand that Meg is going to be okay. Her injuries are not serious. The helmet she was wearing likely saved her life. I believe they will keep her in hospital overnight and allow her to go home tomorrow. It may be you can visit her in the morning."

I turned to Ruth. "Thank you for your help, Aunt Ruth. I will bid you goodnight. I hope we can all have a peaceful night now. We'll see you after breakfast. By the way, where is James?"

"His mobile rang and he went off somewhere. Don't worry about him Martin. We'll sort this out and await Natalie. I hope you and Louisa can get some rest."

James's mobile rang and seeing who was calling made his way to a short hallway away from the noise of the A and E.

"Emily?"

"James, is that you? I was trying to call my Mom but I can't reach her."

"Your mom is upstairs with Mum. We're about to go to the hotel. It's pretty late there isn't it?"

"It is late but Dad and I wanted to know how your Mom is doing after her surgery. I know he will want to talk with Mom but I wanted to hear her voice so I dialed first. Tell me, how is your mother doing?"

After the Jacobs had visited us one summer, Emily and I began talking online and on the phone. Lately it had been almost every week after we found out Mum had cancer. Joan kept saying, "I know you fancy her James." And I kept saying she was a just a good friend and we liked to talk. Joan kept pointing out there were lots of girls in the Wadebridge School. Why didn't I talk to them? None of my mates at school knew about Mum. I had only told my friend Arthur and had sworn him to secrecy. Maybe it was easier to talk with someone at a distance. Emily always seemed to understand what I was saying. Okay, maybe I did fancy her a bit. Truth is, I told her I hoped she could come for a visit in the summer.

"She was in surgery almost four hours. I only got to see her for a minute. She looked really tired and didn't say much. Said we could visit more in the morning. The doctor said the operation went fine. But, I don't know Emily. I am still afraid, really afraid. I told Mum I was sorry."

"Why James, why are you sorry?"

"I know this is crazy, but I almost cried. I had to stop and just say I was sorry. I am sorry she is sick. I am sorry to for all the times lately when I have been a real arse and argued with her over little things that don't matter. She is a really good mother, Emily, and I am afraid."

"Who have you told you are afraid?"

"No one really. Well, I have told you, haven't I?"

"Why did you tell me?"

"Because you're different."

"I'm glad I'm different, James. I really am. And I'm glad you told me, but why haven't you told your dad?"

"Dad and I don't talk much. He really doesn't talk and it seems like he has really clammed up since Mum has been sick. He looks worried."

"James, I think you need to tell Joan. She has to be scared too. You can help each other if you will tell her."

"How will that help her?"

"It will just help her to know someone else feels like she does. Just do it James. I promise it will make her feel better."

Suddenly I heard my name being called. I looked and it was Aunt Ruth. "Emily, I have to go. They're calling me. I'll call you tomorrow in the afternoon. Oh, and call your Mum in thirty minutes. We'll be at the hotel by then. Bye."

"Good James. Will do. Remember what I told you. Bye."

I returned to Louisa's room and sent Natalie to join the others. "Thank you Natalie. I think you'll find things calmer downstairs. I hope you don't mind our shuffling you off."

"No, of course not, Martin. I love your kids and Ruth and I will visit a bit, or perhaps not. I think we are all quite tired. Louisa, I do hope you rest, Love. We'll have time to visit when you're back home. Sleep well. See you in the morning. And goodnight to you too Martin. Get some rest yourself. You have been through the emotional wringer."

"Thank you Natalie. Good night."

With Natalie's exit Louisa and I hardly had time to acknowledge each other before attendants were present doing vitals and checking her again. I feared this portended what would follow all night. Finally we were alone and I sat by her holding her hand. She drifted into sleep and awakened now and then briefly. She would see

me, smile and drift back to sleep. I really wanted to sit here all night, but I decided I could not be of any use tomorrow if I did not sleep. I prepared the chair-bed and once Louisa was sleeping soundly, I think it must have been around ten, I attempted to sleep a bit.

The amazing thing about the human body is that when wounded in any way, it begins the healing process immediately. My Louisa was healing and would be well again. I have had many disappointments in my life but tonight I felt a certain peace. I must have been tired as I did not awaken until nurses arrived at four to check on their patient.