Legal Prejuduce 3 - Lessons In Life

Chapter 47

Daniel sat next to Allie in Mat's clinic waiting area and squeezed her hand, lifting it to kiss it. "Allie, relax, yeah." She smiled and leaned on his shoulder, "Sorry, I know it's silly getting all worked up. I just want him to say I'm ready." She had dropped to just the one crutch for balance on the damaged side, but was only using it some of the time, and her physical therapy was now only three times a week, supplemented by exercises at home. Mat called them through with a smile and watched her carefully as she made her way in to sit down. He shook hands with Daniel and said, "So how are you both? It's been a month I think since I last saw you." Daniel smiled at Allie and said, "We're good, Mat, thanks." Mat nodded, "How are you managing Allie?" She gripped Daniel's hand, "I'm managing fine. I only really use the crutch if I'm going to walk a long way, or it's late, and I'm a bit tired. Thing is Mat, I really want to drive, go back to work." Mat's face softened, "Well let's take a look at that hip and have a chat about it yeah?" Allie nodded nervously, and Mat got up to lead her to the treatment table in the adjoining room.

Daniel could see him moving Allie's leg up and out to the side through the open door as he nervously waited. Mat asked her, "Any pain there? Or when I do that?" He changed position, "How about if I press there?" Allie said, "No, well not unless you poke really hard." Mat laughed softly, "Fair enough, I won't poke really hard then! Let me help you up Allie." They came back in, and she sat back next to Daniel, who could feel her trembling as he put an arm around her back. Mat looked satisfied. "Allie, you're doing awesome, and I'm real happy to sign you off to drive. As for work, if you feel ready, I'll be guided by that. All I'd say is to pace yourself. Listen to your body and respect just how much healing its had to do over the last seven months." Allie had tears rolling down her face, and she leaned forward. Daniel rubbed her back and held her 'round the waist as Mat said smiling, "I'm not sure if you're happy or sad to return to the rat race, despite what you said." Allie laughed and wiped her eyes, "Happy, honestly! She sat up and looked him in the eye, "It's just been a long haul you know." Mat glanced at Daniel before looking back at his patient, "I know darlin', I know, but you did it." Daniel pulled her closer and beamed and Mat sighed, "I want you to carry on working with Kevin until I see you in a month okay, but we can drop it to two sessions a week." Allie nodded eagerly and said, "Thanks so much, Mat. I'm so grateful for what you've all done for me." He smiled, "Hey, I've never rooted for a patient as much as I have for you. You've worked so hard Allie, you deserve this." Daniel kissed her hair, and Mat grinned, "Get outta here, I imagine the folks at work'll be excited to get you back."

Once they'd booked her next appointment, Daniel steered her around the corner and, oblivious to the busy corridor, kissed her passionately. Allie laughed, her whole face radiating happiness, making his heart melt. A member of staff grinned at them passing, and Daniel said, "Want to see if Jem or Tom are free before we go?" Allie nodded, "Yeah, but can we call Max first?" Daniel smiled, "God yeah, he'll be so damned happy Allie." They took some seats in the corridor, and she dialled his cell phone. Max answered within two rings, "Allie! You okay honey? How'd it go with Mat?" She switched to speakerphone, rested it on the arm of the chair between them, and said, "Dan's with me. Mat's cleared me to come back to work Max." Max audibly gasped, "No fucking way Allie! That's like the best news ever honey." Allie's voice was full of emotion, "I know, I'm so excited. Dan's bringing me over later, we're just seeing if Jem and Tom are free. And I can drive!" Max exhaled, "God I'm glad for you." He chuckled, "And for me, I fucking miss you." Daniel laughed, "So does our P&L." Allie rolled her eyes smiling, "Yeah well you two line up some clients for me and I'll get billing. Anyway, see you when we get there." Allie picked up the cell phone, "I love you Max." In the office Max sat back and felt tears fill his eyes. He dialled home needing to talk to Margie.

Daniel took her hand, "You know he loves you so much Allie." She smiled and kissed him, "He loves you just as much Dan." He said softly, "I wish I'd had him in my life as a kid. I really needed a Dad." Allie stroked his face, "I know my love but you have him now, we both do, and our children have the best Dad and Grandad in the entire world." Daniel rested his forehead on hers before kissing her lips softly. "Let's go and see if Jem and Tom are free." Allie nodded and they headed down to their department.