Chap. 9 Farewell
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The next morning found Fran at Penelope's. She had taken the other set of keys in order to enter the apartment. She was greeted by McKey.
"Hello to you too." She said giving him some food.
She entered the bedroom where Penelope was stirring.
"Good Morning Penelope."
"Good Morning."
"What about a good bath?" Fran proposed cheerfully.
Penelope blushed slightly.
"Fran, it's very kind of you but I'm a little ashamed to ask that from you, that beside changing my catheter."
"Penelope, it's nothing I haven't done or seen.
Penelope nodded and Fran carried her in the bathroom.
She felt nearly immediately at ease with Fran while she was giving her the bath. They talked about her family and their lack of compassion.
"I can't really blame them. I left California and then this accident happened…"
"Penelope you had the right to live your own life. This accident could have happened in your hometown."
"Yeah surely… a casual car accident. I just wished they could help me. Without money I can't have a rehabilitation… there's a chance for me to walk again and to use my hand. I can't work without it."
"What is your job?"
"I work with computers, I design softwares etc."
"Didn't you have a job?"
"I had one in California. When I was afforded a new job here I came… but before I could sign my contract, I had that stupid accident. Now, here I am without work, health insurance…without future."
"How do you pay your rent?"
"I had some money that I've put aside. Not enough to fully pay my rehabilitation though. Maybe I should go back to California and beg my brothers to help me."
Fran didn't answer but thought about a solution.
Derek waited patiently for her mother to come back. He had decided to cook her a good lunch to thank her.
"Derek?" she called from the door.
"In the kitchen."
"What's smelling so good?"
"Lunch. I'm cooking you pastas and my secrete sauce."
"Why?"
"You're such a good mom and a good person."
Fran smiled.
"I didn't mean to take such time but Penelope and I talked about many things…"
"Is she ok?"
"Yes. She's just a little lonely. She used to have so much friend in California…"
"She lived in California."
"Yes… I'll tell you all the story while we eat."
"So she's all alone since that accident, she has no money to pay her rehabilitation and her brothers refuse to help her." Derek said with anger.
Fran nodded.
"She told me that maybe she would comeback in California in order to beg her brothers…she doesn't want to give up yet. Do you know that she worked with computers… if only she could find a job…" she sighed.
"Maybe I could talk about it with some people I know here."
"You know that she can't use her right arm…"
"I know. Maybe I could pay her the rehabilitation for her arm, then she would find a job and pay for the rehabilitation of her legs."
"You would do that for a perfect stranger?"
"She's no longer a stranger and yes I guess."
"You really care for her, don't you?"
"I…well yes. I want to help her."
"But she won't allow you to pay for her, believe me. She refused to come for dinner tonight when I suggested that she needed a home cooked meal."
"She's used to be alone and doesn't want to feel like a burden."
Fran nodded.
"Don't worry, I'll find a solution. One of my friends from the hospital works in the rehabilitation facility, I could ask you some favours. Penelope's arm isn't really that weak. I'm sure he can help her."
"Thank you mom." Derek said kissing her cheek.
"Dessert?" he asked getting up.
"definitely." She said smiling helping him with the dishes.
Penelope was coming back from her evening walk with McKey. In the corridor she was welcomed by a wonderful smell.
She entered her place and was startled to see Derek getting out of her kitchen with an apron.
"Derek? What are you doing here?"
"Hey. How are you?" he said casually.
"I… hem. I'm leaving tomorrow and I wanted to see you before."
"Yes. but what's with the cooking?"
"Oh yes… I hope you don't mind…" he said sheepishly.
"Who gave you the key? Ok, wrong question…" she said.
"Come on I don't bite. The dinner is almost ready."
"Derek you didn't have to. I'm able to cook something."
"Don't lie to me. I know that your freezer is full of meals. I won't blame you, it should be hard to cook with one hand."
Penelope smiled; this man didn't stop to amaze her.
"Thank you, it's very kind of you… I just don't eat with other people."
"I won't look at you, I promise." He aid smiling.
She couldn't say no.
"My mom will come later with your new nurse if you still want someone else to take care of you."
"I don't want to take all of her time… it's not fair I can't fully pay her."
"She's ok with that and she only works part-time at the hospital."
"Then, I would prefer to have her as my nurse."
"It's settled then. I think she likes you very much."
"She's really kind."
"That's my mom." He said proudly and Penelope chuckled.
"Well, Ms Garcia, dinner is ready, please come near the table."
Penelope did as he said and waited for him to have the delicious dinner he had cooked.
"Derek that was… delicious." Penelope said stroking her stomach with her hand.
"Thank you. I hope you have place for the dessert."
"It depends."
"Chocolate mousse."
"I love chocolate." Penelope said giggling.
"I guessed so. See, it wasn't that bad to have dinner with me."
"No…"
They ate the mousse in silence before Derek cleaned the dishes.
Not late after that Fran knocked at the door.
"Good evening children."
"Good evening Fran. You have an amazing son, you know that." Penelope said beaming.
Fran was glad to see Penelope smile.
"thank you. It went well, I guess?"
"perfect." Derek said leaving the kitchen.
"Mom do I wait for you?"
"No, you have some packing to do."
"Yeah right." He said looking at Penelope.
Fran decided to leave them alone and headed towards the bathroom.
"Well, I guess it's a goodbye." Penelope said with a smile.
"Yeah for now. I'll come back"
"Thank you so much for what you've done despite my harshness."
"I was guilty too. Here is my numbers, cell and home. You can call me whenever you want."
"Thank you." She said holding the card tightly in her hand.
"Well I should go now."
"Yeah. Goodbye Derek stay safe."
"You too." He said kissing her cheek.
He closed the door behind him and leaned on it a moment.
Penelope looked at the closed door, and then she went inside the bathroom where Fran was waiting for her. She smiled at the older woman, knowing that now everything would be alright.