Page 61 of New Dreams for the Village Nurse
Ottilie looked around at this new revelation. ‘After you lost Kiki and Iris?’
‘When I was in Botswana. Now I’m glad I didn’t.’
Ottilie wanted to ask more, but at that moment Stacey came out of the treatment area. She looked drained.
Ottilie stood up. ‘What’s going on? How is he?’
‘They’ve taken him for some tests and they said they’d shout me back in when they were done. I’ve managed to get hold of Chloe. She’s trying to organise a lift to us.’
‘I could go and get her.’
‘I know, I thought you’d offer and I told her that, but she said she thought she could sort it. I’m sure she’ll let us know if there’s a problem.’
‘I don’t mind driving out for her if I can get a postcode,’ Simon said.
‘Thank you.’ Stacey gave him a grateful look. ‘That’s very kind of you. It’s kind of you to be here at all. I think it would be easier to let Chloe sort it. I’m sure she’s got something in mind or she would have said so.’
Simon looked at Ottilie. ‘So should I stay for a while? Just in case?—’
‘You must be tired and you’ve got a long drive home. Honestly, we’ll be fine. Thanks so much for being here.’
‘You’ll let me know when there’s news?’
‘Of course. The minute we hear anything.’
He looked torn, as if he couldn’t quite decide if he ought to leave or not. But then he seemed to come to a decision.
‘You’ve clearly got all this in hand and I don’t want to get in the way. But if you need me, call. I’ll keep my phone close.’
Ottilie decided right then she wouldn’t call. Any circumstance that might require it was unlikely, but even then it wasn’t his problem to deal with. And he was right – they had got everything in hand now that they’d reached proper help.
‘Thank you,’ she said.
Simon gave a brisk nod and drained his coffee cup. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow then? But if you’re here all night let me know and we’ll see what we can do about cutting your clinic.’
‘I’m sure I’ll be fine.’
‘Still, don’t struggle on if you’re unable. Martyrdom isn’t in the job description, you know.’
Ottilie gave a tired smile. ‘OK, I’ll bear that in mind.’
After another brisk word with the receptionist where he appeared to thank her, Simon left them.
Stacey sank into a chair. ‘I can’t remember a night this bad, not for a long time. God, I hope that little boy is all right. I don’t know what I’d do if…’
She burst into tears, and Ottilie threw an arm around her and pulled her close.
‘We got here quick and he’s in the best hands. He’ll be fine.’
‘So much for gossiping and ideas for the mum and baby group,’ Stacey sniffed, rubbing a tissue over her eyes.
‘It couldn’t be helped.’
‘And poor Chloe. She hardly has a social life as it is.’
‘I would imagine her interrupted social life will be the last thing on her mind right now,’ Ottilie soothed.
‘I know that, but I feel responsible. I said I’d look after Mackenzie and…’
