“Darling, I told you not to come!” she exclaimed.
“As if I’d listen to you,” I replied tartly, and Clara chuckled.
“Give me a kiss!” she demanded, holding her arms out. Relieved to see her looking so perky, I hurried over and embraced her. Clara smelled of expensive perfume, with a hint of strawberries on her skin. That made me smile; Clara loved scented shower gels.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, stepping back and studying her closely. The lines around her eyes seemed more pronounced, and her lips were pursed in pain despite a smile. Her hair was pink and cut short in a bob. Clara had turned completely white in her forties and dyed her hair whatever colour took her fancy.
“As well as anyone with a broken leg and hip.”
“The details I got were vague. Can you explain what happened?”
“Oh, darling,” she sighed, shaking her head as if she didn’t want to go into the details, “I fell down the dratted stairs. It’s quite simple.”
“But the hospital said you weren’t found for two days,” I replied, biting my lip. They’d contacted me five days ago, immediately after Clara was admitted.
Clara’s eyes moved sideways, and I sensed she was going to downplay this.
“Don’t!” I warned.
A familiar scowl descended, but I wasn’t a teenager anymore. Clara couldn’t chide me like one, nor could she sidestep my worry.
“A few days passed before I was discovered. I’d knocked myself out for a bit and was dazed and confused,” Clara finally admitted. It hurt her to admit vulnerability.
“Well, I’m home for a while. Then, when you’re better, we’ll discuss what to do,” I said as I sat down opposite her.
“Do you have a job lined up?” Clara asked, looking guilty.
“The local hospital, I’ve had to take an RN position for now. I’d a couple of interviews in Vermont, but you needed me more,” I stated.
Clara frowned again, and I shook my head.
“You’re my mother. Where else would I be when you’re injured? Maybe we should start considering other alternatives when you’re better,” I said, and Clara jerked in surprise.
Before she could ask questions, there was a scuffle at the door, and Rose appeared carrying a tray. There was medication on it, which made me narrow my eyes.
“Ah, tea! Thank you, Rose,” Clara said with a smile, and Rose nodded before bustling away.
“Don’t sidestep me or whitewash what’s happening. Tell me straight,” I demanded, sensing she was hiding something.
“April, it’s nothing serious, just a few dizzy spells. The doctors told me my blood pressure is very low, and that’s why I fell down the stairs. They think I got lightheaded and fainted.”
“Clara, you discharged yourself after only breaking your hip a week ago. You should still be in the hospital relaxing and healing.”
Clara scowled. “Darling, whatever would I be doing in a hospital that I can’t do in the comfort of my own home? Let’s face it, they’d sit me in a rather hard, uncomfortable chair, whereas this one’s nice and comfy and made for my old bones.” Clara patted her armchair. “The doctors would get me up and walking, and I can do that here. Rose manages my pain relief, so there’s no reason I should be in hospital. Come now, April, let’s not quarrel. I’m doing much better here.”
As deeply as I wished to argue, I couldn’t. Plus, Clara’s diet would be much better here, and she’d eat healthier. A sigh escaped and my shoulders dropped.
Clara looked triumphant.
“Do you have a nurse at least?”
“Yes. Of course, and a physiotherapist. Darling, I’m not silly, just old,” Clara chided, and I scowled as she laughed.
“You’re not funny. Anyway, I’m moving home until you’re better, and then we can discuss options,” I replied.
Clara began to speak before pausing, and I guessed what she’d been about to say.
“He doesn’t know I’m back, and I don’t see why we should even meet. Stone has his family, and they’re not close to us. Clara, I don’t plan on socialising much. I’ve scored an interview for a part-time nursing role at the local hospital. I’ll be covering as a float pool nurse, going where they need me.”
