Chap. 6 Apologize
Derek entered silently his mom's house and quietly walked towards the stairs.
"Hello baby, you had a great evening?" Fran asked.
"Mom, Hi. He said kissing her.
"So?"
"What?"
"Your evening and night?"
"Mmh yeah." He said embarrassed.
"Don't be ashamed, I used to be young too." She said smiling.
"Yeah."
"I am making the breakfast care to join me? Des will be there in a few."
"She didn't sleep here?" he enquired.
"She's a big girl; they had a party at a friend's house. Her boyfriend came to pick her up."
"Mmm, I would like to meet him."
"Don't do your big brother… you'll meet him if she wants to."
Derek shrugged.
"So breakfast?"
"I'll take a shower and I'll be right there."
Derek let the hot water wash the guilt and dirtiness he felt by his involvement with Susan. There was no way that Penelope hadn't heard their argument; she surely wouldn't want Susan as a nurse now. He would find another one for her as a way of apology.
As soon as Penelope closed the door behind her, she stared blankly at it. She let a tear fall. How dared she treat her like that? She was paying her for this job! She had had to sleep in her wheelchair for god sake. She was going to tell Susan that she didn't want her to take care of her anymore when she heard the argument.
What Susan said hurt her deeply; she treated her like an animal. She so wanted to tell her it was over but what she paid Susan was nothing compared what she should pay another nurse.
What could she do? Fire Susan and hire a more expensive nurse or bear with her until she found another solution.
She heard as Derek nearly yelled at her and visibly left. Susan cursed and slammed her door shut.
"Let's go McKey, we need some fresh air, don't you think?"
The dog barked and Penelope smiled at him.
"Good boy, at least I have you." she whispered.
Derek ate quietly his breakfast.
"What's bothering you?" Des asked.
"mmh, nothing. Mom you know some nurses, don't you?"
"Yes why? You're fascinated by nurses now?" Fran asked.
"No not at all, it's for Penelope."
"Doesn't she have a nurse?"
"Yes but that woman Susan isn't really good for her, I'd rather find her another."
"Why are you caring so much?" Fran asked curious.
"Who is Penelope?" Desiree asked.
"It's a long story." Derek sighed ignoring his sister's question.
"Well?" Fran said.
"I spent the night at Susan's and she forgot about Penelope. She's the one who takes care of her, to help her to bed, that kind of stuff."
"Oh my god; it's horrible." Fran said covering her mouth, she felt sad for Penelope.
"Well this morning when I woke up Susan wasn't there she was at Penelope's. I wanted to go discreetly but they were at the door. Penelope looked hurt and tired; I couldn't help but feel guilty in some way. But the worse was that Susan didn't seem to feel that bad about it. We had an argument and I left. I'm sure Penelope heard the argument. I just don't want her to be taken care of by someone who can easily forget her."
"I understand. Yes I know some nurses; I'll phone them later to see what we can do."
"I think that Penelope's need someone on the mornings and on the nights."
"ok." Fran said grabbing the dishes.
"Let them mom, I'll clean."
"Good boy. It's a pity you have to go in two days."
"I know."
He quickly cleaned the kitchen and left.
After this walk with the dog Penelope had cleared her mind; she couldn't get rid of Susan like that; she didn't have the time or the money to have another nurse.
She waited for the elevator when Susan stormed out of it.
"So, I'm fired?" she spat angrily.
"No, what are you talking about?"
"Derek, he told me that I was fired that you had another more competent nurse to take care about you."
"What! No! You know that I can't afford another nurse."
"Anyway, I'm done with you. I rather have patients who can pay me fully. You obviously have someone to take care of you. I don't know what you have done to him? Did you two have sex or what?" Susan said nastily.
"No!" Penelope cried.
"Of course not, he's not that brave." Susan said before leaving.
Penelope looked at the closed door with disbelief.
She knew that after Susan behaviour she should have fired her but she was not in a very comfortable financial situation.
She took the elevator and was surprised to see Derek leaning on the wall next to her door.
"Penelope." He said smiling apologetically.
"What are you doing here?" she asked angrily.