“Then let’s do that,” Eugene said. “We can pick up something to eat on the way back and leave from here when they give her the okay to go home.”
Presley was right. It took me and Eugene two and a half hours to pack up the campsite and get back to the hospital with food. It was another hour before Alice was ready to go home.
While the nurse was going over the discharge papers with Alice, Presley leaned over and asked, “Would you be willing to drive my mother home?”
“Of course,” I answered immediately, confused as to why she felt she needed to ask.
“They live in Cedar Valley, not Croftridge,” she said, as if that made a difference.
“Not a problem.”
“Thank you. I just think she’ll be more comfortable in your SUV instead of the RV. Plus, Frisco will be trying to climb all over her.”
“What are you whispering about over there?” Alice asked.
“I thought you might be more comfortable riding home in Ink’s SUV instead of the RV,” Presley said. “Ariel can go with Dad and Frisco, and you can ride with us.”
“She’s right, love,” Eugene said. “I’ve ridden with him twice today. His vehicle isn’t nearly as bouncy as the camper.”
“No argument here,” Alice said. “Let’s roll.”
The drive to Presley’s parents’ house in Cedar Valley was much less entertaining than I thought it would be. Presley helped her mother get situated into one of the captain-style seats in the second row and used a storage tote she got from the RV as an ottoman for Alice to rest her foot on. After covering her with a warm blanket, Presley got into the passenger seat in front. Lessthan ten minutes later, her mother was sound asleep. Presley didn’t last much longer. Since I was following Eugene and didn’t need help with directions, I let them both sleep until we pulled into their driveway.
“Presley,” I said softly and gently nudged her shoulder.
She sat up straight and glanced around with unfocused eyes. “What? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. We’re at your parents’ house.”
“I slept the whole time. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine. You’ve had a rough day.”
“Who’shad a rough day?” Alice croaked from the back, followed by a yawn.
“How are you feeling, Mom?” Presley asked.
“Like I could go right back to sleep, so I’d say pretty good.”
“Let’s get you inside before the good drugs wear off,” Presley said.
“No one likes a bossy nurse,” Alice teased.
“Some people do,” I said low enough for only Presley to hear. Or so I thought.
“If you don’t keep him, I’ll ground you.”
“Okay, Mom,” Presley laughed. “Time to go inside.”
Alice sighed. “I know, but I hate using crutches. Oh, I know. Eugene! Get the wheelbarrow!”
“You know, since I’m your favorite person times two today, I could carry you inside,” I offered.
“Oh, you big, handsome, wonderful friend of my daughter’s, yes, please.”
I carefully lifted Alice into my arms and carried her into the house.
“Thank you,” Alice said kindly. “You can just put me on the couch.”
