Chapter 11

As the nurse left, Chantel entered and quickly came over as I leaned unsteadily against the bed. “Are you alright, John? You look shaky?”

“I’m a little unsteady. The nurse told me it was normal after three days in bed. I’ll be alright. She is getting my meds and the doctor’s instructions, and then we can leave. Chantel, I don’t say this often enough, but you are a godsend, and I am so grateful to have you as a friend.” I admitted.

Chantel grabbed me in a hug and whispered in my ear, “I promised Marie I would look after you before she passed John, but I would do it anyway. You have always treated me like a friend more than an employee. We will get you through this with some help; please trust me.”

We stood there with our arms around each other until the nurse pushed a wheelchair into the room. I was still a little unsteady, so I didn’t protest about being wheeled out of the hospital. Chantel grabbed my little suitcase and ensured we didn’t leave anything behind. She followed as the nurse pushed me out of the room and towards the entrance. Chantel rushed ahead, saying she would bring her car to the entrance while I waited. As we exited, I took a deep breath of fresh air for the first time since my bicycle ride.

It was only a few minutes before Chantel pulled up and parked. The nurse helped me stand and walk slowly as Chantel opened the passenger door for me. I carefully settled in the seat, the bruising of my left side making movement very uncomfortable. I thanked the nurse for everything she and the staff had done for me as she collected the wheelchair and returned indoors. Chantel helped fasten my seatbelt, highlighting again how I would require help with the simplest movements.

Chantel filled me in as we drove home on what had been happening with my company. They had gone ahead with the BBQ on Monday afternoon, but it had been subdued with everyone concerned about me. Chantel had found my notes from Saturday, handed out assignments this morning for our next project, and told everyone I was conscious and coming home.

The Gendarmes would want to interview me about the accident. They had my bicycle and were trying to find any clues about who had hit me. But they weren’t hopeful. I would need to call them tomorrow to set up a time.

I was told Yvette, Monique’s mama, had gone shopping and made sure I had a stocked fridge and pantry for at least a few days. Chantel had given her the money out of her pocket but would get it back from the office petty cash in the morning.

I had one burning question left unanswered, but I was afraid I knew the answer when we pulled into my drive. As Chantel helped me out of the car, my suspicion was confirmed when Monique opened my front door and came to help. Chantel cut me off with a look and said, “John, you need help, and Monique is the only one without commitments for the rest of the week. Accept it.”

Suitably chastised, I accepted my fate as the two women helped me inside the living room and my recliner. Just that tiny exertion had worn me out, and I reclined and closed my eyes.

“I will leave you in Monique’s capable hands, return to the office, and crack the whip. I’m sure all havoc has been let loose with us out of the office.” Chantel said with a laugh.

I chuckled at her comments, as we both knew our staff could manage without us. I opened my eyes and mouthed a thank you as she walked out the door.