As I scrawl my name, it strikes me that this is the first time I have to use my married one, and as Joseph watches me, a small smile breaks across his otherwise blank face.
He takes the pen from me, and his gaze burns as he signs his name under mine, a strong sensation of family takes over me.
We are a family now, soon to be many more, and I have never felt such a sense of belonging before. Of direction even – of destiny and in my heart I know this is the right path to take, holding the hand of the complicated man who edged inside my world uninvited.
“Please wear these at all times to avoid questions by security. If you take the elevator to the third floor, turn left and announce your arrival to the nurse on duty.”
We smile our thanks, well, at least I manage to, and as we head toward the elevator, my heart is fluttering inside me.
“It will be fine.”
Joseph reassures, but my heart is beating against me like a caged bird. Panicked, desperate, and locked in prison.
We ride the elevator in silence, any words melting on my lips. I have no idea what to expect, or why I am here at all.
As instructed, we announce our arrival to the duty nurse, who eyes us with suspicion.
“Priscilla never spoke of a daughter before.”
“I’m sure she never spoke of many things, but it doesn’t mean they didn’t happen.”
Joseph’s reply is cold, dismissive and threatening and his dark glare causes the nurse to nod and take a set of keys from her pocket.
“Follow me. If at any time you want to leave, there is a bell by the door. Ring it and I will let you out.”
“Why is she locked in?”
I’m wondering what the hell is happening here, and the nurse shrugs.
“Ask her. It’s what she wants.”
“So you don’t lock up your patients as standard then.”
Joseph asks, and she shakes her head.
“No. This isn’t a prison, sir; it’s a hospital. Priscilla is a difficult case. She hasn’t responded well to treatment and always appears afraid of something. She may not wish to see you, and if she well, demands it, I’m afraid you must leave.”
“Of course.”
I’m more nervous than ever now and wondering why we came. Is my mother crazy? I guess I’m about to find out.
The nurse knocks on the door and says brightly, “Priscilla, it’s Fiona. I have two visitors who wish to visit you.”
“Has anyone else visited her since she’s been here?” I ask, wondering where her husband is.
“Only Riordan, her husband. He’s the only person she accepts. So kind, so loving, and such a sweet man.”
Joseph appears to find that statement amusing, and I wonder what he knows.
“Come in.” A weak voice somehow makes it through the closed door, and Fiona smiles her encouragement.
“She’s just had her meds, so she should be calm. Perhaps it’s best if you make this visit a short one.”
My heart is thumping as we enter the rather large white room, and as the sun pours through the window, I notice a figure slumped in an easy chair by the window. She doesn’t look up, and Fiona approaches her and drops to her heels, taking her hands.
“You have visitors. It’s up to you whether you accept them or not.”
My breath hitches as she slides her gaze toward me and then dips her eyes and nods.
