For Life

Part 20

The group fell into bouts of restless,uncomfortable sleep in the family room chairs over the next few hours,but none of them felt any better for it.

Ant did his best to support everyone,fetching them food and drink and answering any phone calls from Dec's extended family if they just didn't feel up to talking to them.

They were eventually allowed to see Camelia for just a few minutes at a time in intensive care.

The sight that greeted them was very distressing,but they all wanted to see her nevertheless.

"I'm sorry this is how you're spending your sixtieth birthday Dad" Dec said once they were back in the family room.

Everyone looked at each other,it had completely slipped all of their minds that it was Fonsey's big birthday.

"Jesus Dad" Pat frowned "I'm so sorry,I never even thought about that"

"Hey" Fonsey smiled "all of you just stop that right now,do you really think I give a damn about a stupid birthday when my daughter's life is hanging in the balance?Just forget about it,I'm ok with it,I promise"

"Umm" Ant mumbled nervously "what about all the people turning up for the party tonight,shouldn't we let them know?"

"Oh God" Anne sighed "Ant's right,we've got loads of people coming,what are we going to do?"

"I'll take care of it" Ant announced "if you give me a list of numbers,I'll call everyone to tell them the party's off"

"That'll take forever" Anne frowned.

"Well,one thing we have at the moment..." Ant pointed out "is time"

"What if you can't get hold of some people?" Pat asked.

"I'll leave messages and get hold of the venue" Ant replied "they can put a notice up on the door,I know it's a pain for some people if they actually turn up,but I'm pretty sure they'll understand under the circumstances"

"I'll help you call people" Pat offered "I could do with a distraction right now"

So as Ant and Pat left the family room to make the calls,Dec went and sat next to his dad,resting his head on his shoulder.

"We'll make this up to you Dad" he said softly "once all this is over and Camelia is better,we'll throw you the best party imaginable"

"I'm sure you will Son" Fonsey smiled and kissed Dec's hair "but let's not worry about that right now,OK?"

"OK" Dec sighed and shut his eyes.

Later on,after Ant and Pat had done their best to contact all the party guests,the doctor reentered the room.

"We're now confident that she'll make it" he informed the group "but..."

"But what?" Fonsey looked at the doctor's serious face.

"But" he continued seriously "it's unlikely she will ever walk again"

"What?" Dec asked shocked.

"I'm sorry" the kind doctor frowned "the damage to her legs is just too severe,it would take a miracle for her to walk again,we're very lucky we didn't have to amputate"

"Well,miracles can happen" Anne said tearfully.

"You should really start thinking about her future" the doctor advised "how to help her adapt to her situation,it's going to be very hard for her...for all of you"

"I will help her" Dec stated "I'll help her walk again,we all will"

The doctor didn't want to spoil the family's enthusiasm for helping their loved one,he totally understood how they were feeling,he'd had to deliver bad news like this many times before after all.