27- Starting over… chapter twenty-seven A
Waking up in the morning, Walter went in to get the coffee started then into the bathroom for morning hygiene returned to the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee and back into the bedroom to get dressed in jeans and t-shirt then on into the den to open the laptop and check mail. Nothing but status reports from data centers none with 'alert' in the subject line so all was OK. He then did a search for medical transport and called to see about transport of a patient with broken leg and arm. Got all the information of van and wheelchair so all was set as soon as the day and time was given. He put the number in his phone contact list and all was prepared as much as could be anticipated. Finishing his coffee, he shut the laptop and went down to open the garage to pull the Malibu out to head to the hospital.
Getting there when visiting hours started, he went to Sarah's room. She was awake and watching news and eating her breakfast. She looked up when he walked in and gave him a radiant smile.
"Kovelski's breakfast is better," she said. "Just something about hospital food."
"Yes, leaves a lot to be desired, I know," Walter said sitting down. "How are you feeling? There any worry about infection, elevated temperature. You are on antibiotics, I assume, any pain killers?"
"Antibiotics by the buckets, no more narcotics- I cut those out. Just the idea of possibly getting dependent is scary. Besides, if you don't know things hurt, you may do more damage. When it hurts, you take more care. Makes sense to me, anyway."
"Good to hear. The medications schedule will be noted. I also have blood pressure equipment and of course temperature monitors. That will also be monitored on a schedule. Infection is the biggest worry. You may think the monitoring will be bothersome, but it is necessary, so resign yourself to it. While you are under my roof you will be my responsibility and I take that seriously."
"I am very glad to hear that, young man." Mr. Clements, all six foot two of him looking even taller in a Stetson hat said entering the room followed by Mrs. Clements, Seth and Mary. "I take it you are Walter? I'm Sarah's father Dan, and my wife Susan. Seth pretty much filled us in on what is going on."
Walter rose to shake his hand, nod to Susan and the others. "Nice to meet you, sir, ma'am."
"Come on, Walter, let's go get some coffee," Dan said. "You know where the cafeteria is? Let's give the women some time to talk, come on Seth, let the women jaw a while."
Walter, Seth and Dan left to go get some coffee, Dan talking the whole way out the door and down the hall.
Mary sat down while Susan went to Sarah to give her a kiss, "how you doing, really? We popped in to see your doctor before coming here- said you are doing OK and can get out of here tomorrow if you are in a well monitored place. You OK with this set up? Seems a strange arrangement, Sarah. How well you know this man? You never talked about him on the phone or messages. Sure you will be safe?"
"Mom, he is the most wonderful of men. And yes, I will be quite safe with him. You have no idea how much he has done already- this is turning his world up-side-down…. and all for me."
As the men were walking down the hall Dan was talking to Walter. "I know Sarah is well of age, but she is my daughter, she never mentioned you in our weekly family video get together. Kinda' strange she is all ready to depend on someone we know nothing about. This is all kinda' fast which worries me. I sell one of my horses I keep track of it with the new owners, my daughter is more important than a horse. What you say for yourself? Speak up, young man."
Walter halted so the other two stopped a step or two later to turn and look at him. "As you said, Sarah is well of age to make decisions for herself. If SHE finds me acceptable, the least you can do is accept her decision. Yes, she is certainly more important than a horse, certainly important to me. You want to ask me about myself, feel free to ask or do an internet search. I am ready and understand your wanting to give me the so-called third degree, but it will be a civil discourse, not bombastic, pompous talking to me as if I were a boy in short pants." Walter then continued walking to lead the way to the cafeteria, Seth and Dan following, Dan giving Seth a grin.
Walter went into the cafeteria, got some coffee and went to the register and paid for all three when Dan and Seth caught up. He then led the way to a table and all three sat down.
"You have any kids, Walter?' Dan asked. "If you did, you would understand my questioning."
"I understand your concern. And whatever you ask about, do you think you could change Sarah's mind? You do not trust her to make good decisions concerning her own better health and welfare? What do you want to know?"
"Tell me about yourself."
"Born in Callen, Ireland. Hacked NASA at age eleven which, needless to say, brought me to the attention of the US government. At fourteen I came to the US as the US military requested I do some programming for them. Their misuse of my program terminated my working with the government. I ended up working with the US government again as a contractor with Homeland Security- that cooperation garnered me my American citizenship. Once again that cooperation was terminated though occasionally I still give them a hand. I started my security programming business, Scorpion Security Systems and am an independent affiliate of Elias Enterprises and work with them in their space program- three patents racked up so far on my designing last year alone. I not only code security systems, none of which have been breached to date, I am also a chess Grand Master though no longer play tournaments, have a 197 IQ and considered genius, mathematics, computer and design the prime subjects. I own my place free and clear and presently have eleven million, three hundred forty-seven thousand, seven hundred seventy-three dollars and eighty-one cents in my personal account, the business account my manager handles so I do not keep track of it. I am presently thirty-four years old, own the Malibu as well as the Ferrari, am in good health and enjoy your daughters company. She was in this accident on her way to see me. Seth and Mary said they would have to remove the crib in the nursery to put in a hospital bed but as Mary should be giving birth soon, Sarah would have to be moved again when the baby is brought home. As I live alone, have plenty of room, I offered to have her there to recover. As I am usually at the garage except when tending to a customer, when my manager would be there, I can monitor Sarah's recovery easily. She will be on the first floor living area," looking at Seth he added, "I had doors hung to block off the view of the cars from the living area so she won't be sleeping next to the Ferrari which seemed to be a big concern to people for some reason. I live in the second floor loft. Is there anything else you wish to know?"
Dan looked at Seth. "Wow, a chess Grand Master, impressive. Ever been married? Divorced?"
"Never married, no children."
"Thirty-four, never married, eleven mill in the bank, drive a Ferrari in LA…. you gay?"
"I will not grace that question with an answer."
Dan laughed, "you're alright, Walter. Like horses? Ever spend time in Arizona?"
"Been to Arizona, but never spent time there. Never been around horses, certainly don't ride. While born and raised on a farm in Callen, Ireland, I am a mathematician, so left the animals behind when I left the farm- both the animals and I were happy with that arrangement."
"Oh, Susan's gonna' like you, Walter. Let's go see how the women folk are doing." Dan finished his coffee as did Walter and Seth to go back to Sarah's room.
Getting back to Sarah's room, the three women had big smiles for all the men entering. "So you getting out of this place tomorrow, Sarah. As Walter said, if YOU made the decision, we should be happy with it. We will all be here to cart you out at eleven o'clock and haul you over to Walter's place. We have a room at the hotel until Sunday then we will fly back home unless complications arise. Was going to suggest you come back home, but looks like Walter here has everything in hand. Besides, with those casts, you'd scare everyone into a stampede"
"I have transport arranged- wheelchair purchased and transport van will be here at eleven." Walter said going out to the hall to call the transport and give them the time for pick up. Coming back in, he said all was arranged. "Do you all like Italian? I would like to take you all out for dinner. Mary and Susan can ride with me and Seth, you and Dan can follow."
"Wow, you all going to just leave me and go have some good eats while I am stuck with hospital chow?"
"The first day you walk without crutches, I will take you out for Italian. Give you something to look forward to. Shall we go?" Dan and Susan gave Sarah a kiss good-bye, Seth and Mary waved, then Walter hung back as they all went out to give her a kiss as well. "See you in the morning."
Bright and early Thursday morning Walter awoke. The dinner was surprisingly uneventful. Susan asked a number of questions but mostly about his being Irish- without accent, being a naturalized citizen and his general attitude about America and Americans- his business and input into the space program of Elias Enterprises- not anything personal or about his and Sarah's 'relationship' if any.
Getting up, he got the coffee going, took a shower and in boxers got some coffee to go up to the roof to see how the day was looking. Another day with it not looking like rain- some rainy season, but a good day to be bright and sunny with a slight east wind foretelling a possible Santa Ana on the way. A good day to get Sarah moved out of the hospital and into the garage.
Getting in late after the dinner, going through from the garage to the stairs he noticed some boxes stacked on the sofa and chairs as well as the addition of some tall ferns in big pots in the seating area, a couple hanging pots with draping ivy hung on the corners of the privacy curtains. The doors easily closed off the garage area where the cars were parked- should make Gina and Allie happy.
Getting dressed in jeans and t-shirt, running a comb through his longer hair, he refilled his coffee cup, turned off the brewer and went downstairs to check the place over better. The boxes on the sofa and chairs had ribbons so assumed they were to be opened by Sarah. The plants did look nice- hope they survive. All looked to be ready. Going back up to the den, he opened the laptop. Two messages- Ralph and Gina, so he sat to read them.
Walter- Your friend didn't go over a cliff, I hope. Pass along my best wishes for a speedy recovery. I understand about contacting or visiting- not surprising there are trust issues. To let you know, everyone is doing well- all have good jobs, steady income so fewer arguments. All in all, things are going well, and my classes are interesting. I listened to you- taking more interest in the design and mechanical. Will be a trip to design, build, program and see where redesign is needed which means I did not think it through good enough. Lots of thinking needs to be done before design, right? Hope your friend recovers- lucky to be in the garage- I miss it. Ralph
Walter sat back thinking then hit reply.
Ralph- No, Sarah did not go over a cliff- she was hit in her MGB. Broken leg and arm. Recovery should be trouble-free, but never know. You will find design is a very interesting step in the process. The more thought PRIOR to design, lessens future redesigning though after manufacture some redesign may be necessary that was not apparent before actual fabrication. You will find that the entire process from initial thought to design to fabrication to test to actual use is very satisfying. That is why learning every step in the process is the best way to move forward. I am exceedingly proud of you- more so every time you write. Know I love you. Walter
Walter- All the things for your friend have been delivered. I thought having ribbons would make it more festive when she opens everything up- it is a woman thing so just go with it. Like the doors? Like the plants? I still have your credit card- promise to not purchase a BMW with it- you're not in the poorhouse, but just down the road from it. Just joking. The one inquiry- owner will be in Monday at ten, so just do like last time- I will message you to come to the office. Unfortunately this time it is a MR. Estrada. Gina
He hit reply.
Gina- all looks fine, doors and plants. As long as I am not IN the poorhouse, should be able to stay OUT of the poorhouse. Thank you again for all you have done. Sarah is out of the hospital at eleven today, transport has been arranged to bring her to garage. See you then and will get my credit card before you get a Mercedes. Walter
He shut the laptop, got his phone and while going downstairs he called the medical transport to ensure their being at the hospital at eleven. Sliding the newly hung door open, he started up the Ferrari to get it as far into the garage as possible to ensure plenty of room for the transport. He pulled out the Malibu, went back inside and closed everything up, set security and left for the hospital.
Entering Sarah's room, he was surprised no one else was there. He gave her a kiss and then sat closest to the bed.
"Walter, exciting day, huh? You sure you are ready for this?"
"Exciting, indeed. Too late to change my mind at this stage- can't leave you sitting on the curb, but it may be an option in future, so keep that in mind." Walter said smiling. "I figured the entire crowd would be here. Your transport will be here at eleven- they coordinate with the hospital. Gina has transformed the place, so you should be comfortable."
"Walter, you could set up a cot next to the Ferrari and I would be happy, I cannot thank you enough for all the trouble you have gone to. Did you have a pleasant dinner last night? Mom and dad didn't grill you too bad I hope- dad can get a bit overly fatherly at times."
"No, a very pleasant evening discussing my coming to America, and the business mostly. I did not get any idea of Dan being overly 'fatherly'. I found your entire family quite nice- surprising after being around you- I assume you are the black sheep?"
"Very funny, Walter. I'll have you know, I am the absolute favorite daughter of both my parents."
"Then I take you are their ONLY daughter?"
"You are too damned smart, Walter." Sarah said. "Yup, only daughter. As Seth is also their favorite and only son. Can't pull a fast one on you."
"I am going to go talk to the nurses about anything I should know to look out for in the coming weeks. I am not related so the doctor won't give me information on your condition, so have your parents and Seth get that information- the more information the better. I will be back shortly." He got up to go see the nurses.
Returning from an extensive talk with the nurses Walter found the entire clan in attendance.
"Good morning everyone. One of you will have to get any information the doctor deems necessary- in writing or record if possible so all can be passed on. The more information the better."
"Good grief, Walter," Dan said chuckling. "Good thing you don't have kids- as apprehensive as you are, you would be a basket case with kids."
"Come on, Dan," Susan said. "You certainly were a basket case when the first of the childhood diseases hit. You should have seen him, Walter, when the kids had mumps- he was the definition of a basket case, indeed."
The nurse came in, "If you all will step out so we can get Sarah ready to be moved, the doctor will see you all in the hall for any directions and advice."
Eleven o'clock the transport arrive and Sarah was transferred to the garage. Walter opened up the back-bay so the vehicle could back in and lower the ramp with the wheelchair and get her into the seating area. Everyone filed in and Gina came in from the office. The van left and Walter pushed Sarah in wheelchair into the seating area while everyone sat.
"Anyone care for coffee or water?" Gina asked. Everyone but Mary and Sarah said coffee so Gina went into the office kitchen to get cups and pot to distribute coffee to those who wanted it, and bottles of water for Mary and Sarah. When she gave the bottle of water to Sarah she whispered in her ear, "Sarah, I ordered a bunch of tasteful negligees and robes that are in those boxes. You will make the decision on whether they should be opened in front of your family or wait until they leave. Sorry, didn't know your family would be here." Gina then rose and signaled to Walter to follow her into the office.
Going into the office, Gina gave Walter his credit card, "I didn't get either a BMW or a Mercedes- was tempted, though."
"I can't thank you enough for all your help with getting Sarah situated here comfortably," Walter said. "The living area looks good- like the plants as a matter of fact. Everything should be settled in when the customer gets here Monday. I will stress to Sarah to not interfere with you in the office."
"Walter, to be honest I would enjoy the company during the time you are working in the den or out with Richard or a customer. Don't worry, she will not interfere with business. Best get back with the mob in the garage." Walter nodded and going into the kitchen refilled his cup and, leaving the kitchen door open, he leaned against the door jamb to watch the entire Clements family, all talking at the same time with a lot of laughter interspersed in the conversation. Gina came up next to him, "Quite a boisterous bunch, huh? Can you even tell what they are talking about? I shouldn't talk, my family is the same way- all talking at the same time, jumping in and out of different conversations- it's interesting to see others doing the same."
Walter took a sip of his coffee and noticed Sarah looking at him with a smile, next to her Susan turned to Walter as well with an unreadable look.