Becoming Janie

Who's This Little Cutie ?

Once Cobie and I had stopped crying, we decided we would go see Ruby at the Hospital. Mum wanted us to wait until the morning but we wanted to see her now.

"I better go home then". Troy said sadly.

"Aren't you coming to the Hospital ?". I asked.

"Mum will get pissed off at me if I stay out too late".

"Oh okay then. I understand". I was disappointed I had really wanted Troy to come but I tried not to let him see that , it wasn't his fault. I also didn't want Troy getting in trouble; he had been nice enough to come over so late just for me.

"Would you like me to ring and ask your Mum if you can stay here tonight ?".

"We have a spare room !". Mum added quickly before Troy and I got any ideas.

"Would you Mrs E ?". Troy asked hopefully.

"Of course dear".

Mum picked up the phone and dialled Troy's number. I guessed she spoke to Troy's Mum a lot because she seemed to know the number off by heart.

We listened in while Mum was on the phone.

"Is that you Trudy ?". Mum asked.

"Yes I'm sorry to call so late but as you already know Ruby Fields has been in an accident and we are going to the Hospital".

"No it can't really wait until morning , she's unconscious at the moment and it could be life or death I'm afraid".

I bit my lip and Troy put his arm around me as I put my arm around Cobie as we both held back the sobs that were bursting to escape.

"Well , the Kids have a half day tomorrow anyway so it's not that important that they go to School and we have a spare room so I thought Troy could stay here once we get home tonight".

Usually I would be excited about the prospect of a day off School but this time I would have gone to School on weekends if it meant that Ruby would be okay.

"No no , I can assure you he wont be sleeping in Janie's room".

Troy and I both blushed furiously , until we caught each others eye and thn we grinned.

"Thank you for understanding Trudy. I'll drop Troy home tomorrow afternoon".

"Okay bye".

Mum got off the phone and turned to face us. "Your Mum said that's fine as long as you are home by tomorrow afternoon".

"Yay !". I cheered I really hadn't wanted Troy to go yet.

"Thanks Mrs E !". Troy exclaimed.

"No problem. Okay we better get going".

Cobie got up and grabbed his Car keys but Mum stepped in front of him.

"Cobie give me your Keys".

"Why ?".

"You're not driving in this state. Dad will drive us all there, there's more than enough room and then you will also be staying here the night".

"I thought I might stay at the Hospital tonight ?". Cobie asked.

Mum thought about it for a minute. "That's fine with me as long as the Hospital are okay with it".

Cobie turned to me. "Is that okay with you Jane ?". I knew we both wouldn't be able to stay.

"Yeah Cobes. You be with Rubes". I thought this was only fair since if Ruby did die they hadn't even been together a week and I had - had Ruby almost my whole life. Besides I didn't want to believe that Ruby was going to die. She was strong and she would pull through whether she wanted to or not.