Surviving Stirling

Chapter Thirty Five

They were talking none stop, mostly about football, sometimes about television and very briefly about me - making me the butt of their joke.

I couldn't concentrate or keep up with conversation so I sat quiet, processing everything in my own little corner.

Why would he follow me here?

I definitely wasn't complaining, I didn't realise how much I needed someone for emotional support until I was sat in that waiting room, frightened and all alone.

I felt comforted knowing he was here. There was just something about his eyes and the way they twinkled with warmth whenever he laughed at my dad's jokes or even when he lingered an elongated gaze at me, that I found somehow settling amidst my storm.

I'll admit, I didn't think things through. I got the phone call and rushed to the airport, booking a last minute flight on my almost-maxed-out credit card.

I hadn't planned ahead, I had no idea how I was going to get back or where I would stay in the meantime. I had no clothes, no money, no idea; but all of that didn't feel like a big issue anymore because he was here contentment rested over me like a safety blanket.

Doctors came in, made small talk, ran more tests and then left. Nurses came in, brought my dad some lunch, fluffed up his pillows and then left. The wall clock continued to tick away the hours and I continued questioning everything in my mind.

My dad was starting to get some colour back in his cheeks, his tongue had loosened somewhat to become less slurred and slow. I was actually beginning to gain confidence that he would make a full recovery.

A ringtone sliced its way through their conversation, startling me. "I gotta take this call real quick, either of you need or want anything from the gift-shop or cafe?"

"No thank you Kingsley, I'm fine." My dad was quick to say and then their eyes fell on me.

"Rae?"

My attention pulled up to meet his, "I'm good, thanks." I watched him leave the whole time, right up until the door closed behind him.

"You're just sitting there in your own little world. The clock is ticking Rae and you're wasting time." My dad complained.

"What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

I got distracted by his hand, the one he couldn't move earlier. He was twisting his wedding band around and around with ease. Having full movements of not only of his fingers but his hand too.

"Rae!" He snapped, forcing me to pay attention, "what are you doing?"

"Nothing."

"That much is obvious. That boy got on a plane and came here just so you wouldn't have to be alone. Don't tell me he doesn't have feelings for you. Get off your ass, go follow him out and tell him that you feel the same way."

"Dad," I sighed, looking back at the closed door with regrets, "I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because it's too complicated." I stared at his wedding band again. "Look you're twisting your wedding ring, can you move your arm now?"

My dad raised his arm about three inches off the bed and I smiled like the Cheshire Cat.

"Phew!" He breathed out, "all that exercise made me tired. Go now, let me rest up. Come back tomorrow."

"Dad!" I laughed.

"I'm serious kiddo, go and find Kingsley." I stood up and brushed away the wayward strands of hair hanging over his eyes. Grey streaks flowed through, showing his age.