Chapter Sixty-Five
‘Is my father all right?’ I asked breathlessly.
All chatter around the table came to an abrupt halt. Six pairs of eyes were suddenly trained on me.
‘It’s very likely that he’s broken his hip, Mrs King,’ said John. ‘We’re going to take your father to Darent Valley Hospital for an X-Ray. The likelihood is that he will be admitted and kept in for several days. I did ask your mother if she’d be kind enough to pack him some pyjamas and a washbag but, er–’
‘I’m doing it, I’m doing it.’ My mother could be heard in the background, shrieking and clearly confused. ‘Oh, God, what am I doing? What’s happened? Who are you? Get out of my house.’
‘My mother has dementia,’ I explained to John. ‘She can’t follow instructions, and she can’t be left alone.’
Right now I had a dilemma. I needed to be with my father. To go to hospital with him. I also needed to be with my mother. However, I couldn’t be in two places at once.
‘One of your neighbours is here,’ said John. ‘She’s volunteered to stay with your mum until you can take her home with you.’
Take her home with me? I stared up at the ceiling, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. I couldn’t look after my mother! She’d have me up all night, asking where she was on a repetitive loop. And if I fell asleep, she might wander. Unlock doors. Disappear into the night. Get lost. Step out in front of a car. Get knocked down by a lorry…
My brain instantly pressed the pause button on such images. My thoughts were not only rattling around my skull like a runaway steam train, they were accompanied by high-pitched toots. Panic threatened to derail my mind.
Freya. I needed Freya’s help. Perhaps she could take Mum home with her while I dealt with Dad.
Oh dear Lord. This situation was exactly what I’d always feared. My stubborn parents refusing care. No back-up plan in place. I have two daughters my father had told Social Services when they’d asked him the same question. Yes, two daughters who were expected to drop everything and come running. Never mind a bride and her wedding day tomorrow afternoon. Never mind Freya and her job in London.
And that was another thing. Would Freya even be prepared to help out this evening? I wasn’t sure she would. I couldn’t envisage her ringing her boss. Explaining that an unforeseen family emergency meant she wouldn’t be in the office tomorrow.
Well, I’d soon find out on that score.
‘I need to phone my sister,’ I said to John. ‘I’ll do it now. While I’m driving over. Or should I go straight to the hospital?’
The children were looking at me anxiously.
‘What’s happened?’ Ella mouthed.
I put up a hand. Signalled that I would reveal everything when the person at the other end of the line had finished speaking.
‘I suggest you drive to your parents’ house first. Pack an overnight bag for your father. Nightwear. Robe. Toothbrush. Toiletries. Change of clothes. That sort of thing. Also, I suggest you reassure your mother before heading off to the hospital. She’s very distressed.’
‘Yes,’ I nodded, heart pounding. ‘I’m on my way, John. Thank you for speaking to me and for your help so far.’
I disconnected the call, picked up my wine and took a huge gulp.
Don’t drink, Maggie! You need to drive and have your wits about you.
‘Mum?’ said Tim.
‘Grandad has had a fall,’ I said. ‘He’s broken his hip.’ I promptly burst into tears. ‘Sorry,’ I apologised, snatching up a napkin to wipe my eyes.
Unfortunately, the serviette was caught up under my wine glass. It went over with a dull clunk. Red liquid puddled across the table.
‘Shit, shit, shit,’ I shrieked.
‘It’s okay, Mum,’ said Ruby, leaping to her feet. She hugged me tight as Ella and Steph mopped up the mess between them. ‘Presumably Grandad is going to hospital?’
‘Yes,’ I sniffed. ‘I need to go. I must sort out an overnight bag. Reassure Grandma. Ring Freya. And… oh! I’d better call Dylan. See if he can have Bess tonight.’
‘Me and Archie will look after Bess,’ said Ella. ‘We’ll stay here for the night. You go and see to the grandparents.’
‘And I’ll clear up the dinner things, and stack the dishwasher,’ said Ruby, giving my shoulder a squeeze.’
‘Do you want me and Steph to come with you?’ said Tim.
‘No, it’s fine, darling.’ I shook my head. ‘Thanks, kids. Your support is hugely appreciated. I’d better get a wiggle on. I’ll ring Freya while I’m on the road.’
‘Good luck with that,’ said Ruby dryly.