Page 61 of A Scottish Christmas Hideaway
Gillian hugged her. ‘Call us and let us know if we can do anything.’
‘Thanks, I will. Come on, Dad. Let’s go.’
Chapter Forty-One
Jessica walked as briskly as she could back to Thistle Cottage, mindful that her dad was trying to keep up with her, the road was now a bit icy and he was already in a bit of a state. ‘What happened?’
‘She slipped going down the stairs this morning. I don’t quite know how. I just heard a thump and then a yelp and I went down to find her in a heap.’
Jessica winced at the thought. ‘What did she hurt?’
‘Her arm. She said it’s sore to touch. I got her up and she’s sitting on the sofa. But she’s very quiet and I’m worried. It’s unlike your mum to not say much. I tried making her a cup of tea. But she didn’t want one and she wouldn’t eat the toast I made her. That’s when she asked if I could come and get you. She didn’t want to bother Murray in case they were all still asleep.’
Jessica nodded. ‘I’m glad you did come and get me and I’m sure she’ll be okay. Don’t worry, Dad.’ She was now becoming more concerned about him — his face was grey. She wasn’t used to seeing him in such a tizz.
They got to their lane and Jessica quickened her pace and pulled her key from her bag, unlocking the door. ‘Hi, Mum,’ she said, running in to see her mum sitting on the sofa. ‘Dad told me what happened. How are you feeling?’
‘Much better now that you’re here. Honestly. He’s been making such a fuss, which has made me feel worse.’
Jessica turned to see her dad coming in the door behind her. ‘Dad, will you go and put the kettle on while I just see how Mum is doing?’
He nodded and looked over at Catriona with a small shrug. ‘Can I get you a cuppa, love?’
‘That would be nice. Thanks, Gus.’ She waited until he’d disappeared and looked at Jessica. ‘I’m only saying that to give him something to do. His tea is awful.’
‘What happened, Mum?’
‘It was my own silly fault. I was wearing socks and slipped down the stairs.’
‘Mum. . .’
‘I know. How many times did I tell you and Murray not to run down the stairs wearing socks when you were kids? Serves me right. I feel like a right old fool.’
Jessica wanted to give her a big hug but wasn’t sure what hurt right now, so instead gently patted her on the back. ‘Don’t be silly. It’s one of those things, Mum. But Dad did say he’s worried about you as you’ve gone very quiet. He said your arm was sore.’
Catriona looked over at the kitchen door to make sure he wasn’t standing there and lowered her voice. ‘He was fussing and that stresses me out.’
Jessica shook her head kindly. ‘Never mind that. How is your arm?’
‘It’s very sore,’ she said. ‘I really do think it might be broken.’
‘Okay. What should we do then? Do you want me to call the doctor? Or take you up to the hospital?’
‘There’s no point in phoning the doctor. You’ll be held in a queue and be there all day and lucky if you get an appointment three weeks on Tuesday. They’ll likely need an X-ray anyway. Do you mind just running me up to Larbert? I’m sorry, dear. Sorry to be a pain. Especially with it being so cold and snowy out there.’
‘Oh, Mum,’ said Jessica tenderly. ‘There’s no need to apologise. Of course I’ll take you to the hospital.’
‘Hospital?’ said Angus, who appeared at that moment with a tray of mugs. He clattered it onto the coffee table and the tea sloshed over the rim of the cups.
‘Honestly,’ said Catriona sharply. ‘There’s no need to panic. Jessica will nip me up to the hospital and get it checked out. I’m sure it’s just a sprain.’
Angus stood up tall. ‘Righto. I’ll come too.’
Jessica felt her mum’s pointy elbow in her ribs. She was clearly making the most of her good arm. ‘Dad,’ she said decisively. ‘I think it would be better if you stayed here. You can let Murray know what has happened. And it might be better if I go anyway.’
‘Yes,’ said her mum. ‘She wants to come and check out the doctors.’
‘Do I?’ said Jessica, puzzled.
