Word count: 1491
Ella sat staring, as the computer screen flickered “DELETE?” If only it was that simple.”
Her finger hovered over the “enter” key. Reflecting on how truly blessed they had been, until this moment. She looked down at Amy, contentedly watching as her mobile serenely floated above her, and was convinced her little bundle of joy was smiling.
“Please Lord, why can’t we just press “delete” to remove this unexpected nightmare?” She whispered.
How could this be? Why had she not noticed? Why had Warren kept it from her?
The sound of a car engine interrupted her thoughts, as she realized that would be Brittany returning from school. Next week my turn for lift club Ella reminded herself.
Switching off the computer she went downstairs with Amy in her arms.
Warren’s voice surprised her, as she descended the stylishly carpeted staircase, entering the marble-floored entrance hall “Honey, we’re home”.
“How wonderful you’re back, I thought you were only due to fly in tomorrow.” Ella said kissing Warren hello and handing Amy to him.
“The business side over, I bought my three favourite girls a present, and hopped on an earlier flight,” Warren replied holding Amy in his left arm while retrieving two beautifully wrapped boxes and handing them to Ella. “Hello my baby girl, did you miss me Am’s, were you good for mommy?” asked Warren smothering Amy in little kisses.
As Madison busily ripped off her paper like a tornado tearing through town.
“Thank you Daddy I love her, she’s so pretty!” she said as she scrutinized her latest FROZEN doll.
“My word honey, by the time Amy can walk, she’ll have a different pair of shoes for every day of the week.” laughed Ella.
“I’ve got an idea, lets go out for dinner tonight, share a bottle of wine and catch up on the week ?” suggested Warren.
“Yay, can we go to the SPUR Daddy, please?” asked Madison jumping up and down.
“You’ll have to see what Mommy decides, pumpkin,” Warren said as he looked across at Ella. He decided she was seeming incredibly distracted tonight, not her usual self at all.
With Amy bathed and fed, and snuggled comfortably in her snuggle bug the family set off. The waitress could not help but notice the closeness of the family unit, the unsurpassed love that flowed between them, as a mist would hug a rugged mountain face. Chatting incessantly the little girl jabbered on about her new best friend Hannah. While her mom gently reminded her to keep her voice down as her little sister was asleep.
“Honey, how did the mom’s meeting go today?” asked Warren when Madison stopped to take a huge sip of her double thick chocolate milkshake.
“It was great, as always. Tomorrow is clinic day, we’ll see how much weight our little cherub has gained,” replied Ella, wiping the milky moustache from Madison’s upper lip.
* * *
Warren drove them home, the girls sound asleep. Whilst Ella sat quietly, still trying to clear her mind.
This must have been the reason that he had insisted his Dad move closer to them, so he too could be part of these last days. Had he told his dad and not her? Why would that have been, surely he didn’t believe he could hide the diagnosis from her forever?
Ella tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her mind was a whirlpool of unanswered questions.
She awoke at first light, her mind clear of any thoughts until consciousness invaded. Reminding herself of the unbelievable news, which she had accidentally discovered whilst retrieving her Moms n’ Tots newsletter. An email from Dr Jerry’s rooms, confirming the appointment with the oncologist for Mr W.C. Dougherty on Thursday
11 am. To discuss suspected colon cancer and the various options, should treatment be required.
* * *
Warren and Madison sat at the breakfast table sharing the plans and events of their day ahead. Thankful that Amy was still asleep; Ella scrambled the eggs and made the toast.
“Warren,” Ella said casually “I was thinking of going to see that new baby store a few blocks from your office on Thursday? We could have a browse through, and have a quick bite to eat. What do you say; could you spare me an hour or two?”
“Mm” replied Warren as he took a sip of juice “I’ll have to check my diary babe, but I seem to think I’m booked up all day Thursday. Perhaps we can make it early next week?”
That was all Ella needed to confirm her suspicions. She watched as two of the dearest people in her life drove away. Not before Madison had reminded her, that Amy was not allowed to play with her FROZEN collection. Ella watched her precious little bundle as she slept, and made the decision. To go full steam ahead, and plan the perfect holiday, an experience they would never forget, precious family time that would surely be their last. At this dreaded thought, sadness engulfed Ella’s heart.
“Around the World in Eighty Days Travel Agency, good day how may I be of service” Chorused the receptionist.
“Hello, I am wanting the absolute, ultimate family holiday. One that can easily accommodate a four-month-old baby, her five-year-old sister, my husband, and myself, what can you offer?”
Whilst Ella filed away her holiday info she felt immense contentment and an overwhelming sense of achievement. She had successfully planned, what would be their best ever family holiday. One guaranteed to complete all Warren dreamt of experiencing before he died. And at the same time furnishing her and the girls, with the most beautiful memories and photos. He had provided well, their future would be secure. It was just the reality of adjusting to cope on a daily basis without him. All that remained was for her and Warren to have a heart-to-heart discussion. Tell him she knew and ask why he had chosen not to tell her. At the same time reveal her holiday plan. Then they would have to decide how to break this heart-rending news to Brittany.
The front door slammed shut as Madison came tearing inside “Mommy, mommy guess what Hannah got?” her innocent face filled with happiness as she ran into Ella’s waiting arms.
“I have no idea pumpkin, what can Hannah possibly have, that my angel doesn’t have?”
“You not going to believe me, guess, ok I’ll tell you, she got the exact FROZEN doll daddy bought me yesterday. So we are calling them Mary-Kate and Ashley, do you get it? Cos they like the Olsen twins on K-TV! Cool hey – you never let Am’s play with them hey Mom?”
* * *
“You surpassed yourself honey that was the most amazing Babotie I’ve tasted in a long while, thanks.”
“Glad you enjoyed it, I found it in the Mom’s n Tots Newsletter,” replied Ella wondering if this would be a good time to broach the subject.
“How about a nightcap, to complete a perfect meal, I think that’s just what the doctor ordered,” Warren said, fondly kissing Ella on the forehead.
How uncanny smiled Ella, taking the plunge.
“Talking about doctors, Warren is there something you are not telling me?” she asked cautiously.
“About?” Warren reached for the cognac.
“I accidentally found the email from the doctor’s rooms confirming your appointment on Thursday. Why didn’t you tell me honey?” Ella asked, her eyes filling with tears.
“Damn it” sighed Warren “I meant to delete that mail. To be totally honest babe, I really didn’t want to tell you until the diagnosis had been confirmed. You’ve got enough on your plate with Madison and Amy to look after. At this stage, the doctors aren’t even sure. And to be totally frank with you, right now I don’t even think that Madison needs to know. She’s still too young to have to learn about the harsh realities of life. Thankfully Am’s won’t be affected -”
“Warren how do you suppose we can hide it from her, once your treatment begins you are not going to be the Daddy she knows, and when you are no longer with us?” Ella was incredulous.
The puzzled frown on Warren’s face slowly disappeared to be replaced with the most beautiful smile.
“Angel.”! he said joining Ella on their comfy leather couch.
“Oh my poor darling, I see what’s happened, you read the email and surmised it was me. Babe, as my wife whom I love dearly, you would be the first person I would tell. This appointment is for Senior Mr “WC Dougherty, my dad.
“Your dad?” Ella uttered in amazement.
“That’s why he has moved closer to us Ella. He told me he’s been feeling out of sorts, we had the tests done and are awaiting the results, Hopefully, all will be jotted down as a scare, only time will tell, and that time is Thursday 11 am.”