Episode 50 - Bedside MannerNan lay in her bed thinking. Gordon had left an hour earlier in a huff, telling her he would be back tomorrow when she had hopefully come to her senses. He was right in one way. She hadn’t seen Fran for 20 years. They had sent each other birthday and Christmas cards during that time but had no other contact. The last card she had received, Fran had written a short note saying that her husband, Barry, had died a few months before. Nan had written back immediately with her condolences. They had renewed their long lost friendship via mail in the last 4 months. Fran had sent her phone number but Nan was tentative about calling. There was a lot of water under the bridge and an unspoken uneasiness between them. Nan had asked Midge to go into her apartment and feed her cat, Errol, and bring in her address book. She now sat with the old leather bound book in her lap staring at Fran’s number. She took a deep breath and reached for her phone when Lee, Jules and a tall stranger walked in. ‘G’day Nan. How are you feeling?’ Jules chirped and gave her a peck on the cheek. ‘I’m fine, dear. How are your poor eyes?’ Nan asked, frowning at the sunglasses Jules wore. Jules prattled on about her prognosis. It was Lee who introduced Helen to the old lady. ‘Pleased to meet you, Nan,’ Helen said as she gently shook her hand, ‘Jules has told me a lot about you.’ ‘Well,’ Nan said, ‘you certainly arrived at a very unfortunate time in all of our lives. I assure you Carlisle Street isn’t usually this exiting.’ ‘When you get home,’ Jules said through a mouthful of Nan’s grapes, ‘me and Helen will be able to take care of you.’ Nan looked horrified and Lee, seeing her expression, stifled a snicker. Helen saw the old lady’s obvious concern, ‘I studied nursing for a year, Nan. I would be glad to help out while I’m here.’ Nan considered this for a moment. It seemed like a logical arrangement. ‘Alright then, it’s a deal.’ Nan agreed. While they discussed arrangements, Jules grew bored and restless and kept hinting that they should get a move on. She didn’t want to keep Doctor Laura waiting. After they left, Nan put away her phone book and began to write a letter. to be continued... |