The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 13

The next ten days of Maddie's life were the most draining she had experienced since her father's death; physically, mentally and emotionally. The immediate days after her surgery had been full of pain and adjustment and, after Harry left, her focus turned to recovery. Physical Therapy began as soon as her treating doctor gave the green light. Maddie had never been more thankful for the friendship she had developed with Ella. The young nurse never left her side. She was there to make her laugh; providing light conversation and amusing tales. She was there to make her work; taunting her as the Physical Therapist pushed her to do more.

As the days continued, her mood would rise and fall. Some days were great, her PT would go well, the pain would be mild and her outlook was good. Then the very next she would wake in pain, with an achy body and a dulled motivation, PT would be frustrating, and her optimism would fade. It was such a roller coaster of emotions. None was as much as the day Khenda came into her room to update her on the situation in Bendal.

The proper authorities had gone in to inspect the area and had eventually deemed it "safe" enough to return. Doctors Without Borders would be allowed back in. However, DWB had some guidelines for how the staff would be allowed back and who would be allowed to go back in. Most of the personnel had been evacuated to South Africa after the incident. A large portion of the old team would be heading back to help with reparations and then a new crew would take over while the old team were sent on a recovery break. Ella, Khenda and Collins would be going to help repair the complex and then Ella would head out. Khenda and Collins would be staying in Bendal, but only because they had their own personal residence. Khenda informed Maddie that they were in the process of bringing everyone who would be headed back to Bendal to one central location before they went back.

And then, with very sad eyes, Khenda told Maddie that, though she was being released from the hospital, she would not be allowed to go with the rebuild team. Her injuries were too extensive, her recovery time too intense. They would be in and out before Maddie would be recovered enough to help and at that point, the new crew would be in place and she would be sent off.

And Maddie hated it. In two days' time, she would be released from the hospital and be attending a reception for everyone heading into Bendal the next day, but she wouldn't be a part of the group. She felt rejected and let down and more frustrated with herself and her situation than she probably ever had been before in her life.

She hated being told no, hated that there was nothing she could do about it. She hated everything about it. But how she felt didn't matter. This was just how it was. Rules were put into place for a reason and she had no choice but to suck it up and deal with it.

Khenda wasn't full of only bad news. With a knowing smile, she sat on the edge of Maddie's bed and with a lowered voice told her that she had received communication from London informing her of an unexpected royal guest. It seemed Harry was anxious to attend the send-off for the workers returning to rebuild. He would be flying in immediately following the conclusion of his training and would be going to the reception where he would address the group the night before they embark on their efforts.

Harry was coming.

Processing it all felt like a whirlwind, a true roller coaster of emotions. She would be released from the hospital, but would not be going back to Bendal. That alone was devastating. And the thought of sitting through a reception that would serve as a reunion and motivator for the expedition...the expedition she would not be on, made her incredibly sad. But Harry would be there and that, as crazy as it sounded, managed to leave Maddie on a slight upslope.

It had been so long since she had heard his voice, since she had taken in his laugh. She had expected as much, she had known that she wouldn't hear from him during his training. He had told her before he left that he would be virtually unreachable while at training. She had, however, received one phone call from William. He was warm and friendly and had heard she was being released and wanted to check in on her. She had smiled, assured him she was fine, and then thanked him for his concern.