The next day everyone was still weary after Christmas, they feasted on Christmas leftovers and spent the day relaxing. Bethany and Margaret talked about their childhood and reminisced.
After lunch William asked Bethany if they might be able to have a quiet chat.
“Of course, thank you, but I am not sure how you can help”, she replied, looking doubtful.
William helped Bethany over to a chair by the window.
“Well as you now know I am a doctor, I do not work with cancer patients, but I have a colleague who does, and he has done a lot of research into various types of cancer. I would like to ask you if you would be prepared to come back to London with Margaret and I, and I could arrange for you to see him”, he suggested.
“Really, I don’t know about that William, its very kind of you but I can’t leave my family and I don’t really see there is much point but thank you”, Bethany said looking down sadly.
“I have spoken with Samuel and the girls at length about this Bethany, they want you to do this, anything is worth a try surely”, he said trying to convince her, “Look, think about it for a couple of days, both Margaret and I will look after you I promise”, William said reassuringly.
Bethany nodded.
*
Over the next couple of days Bethany kept changing her mind about going to London. Finally, it was Maryanne and Jasmine who convinced her. They wanted their mother to have the opportunity for treatment.
Margaret told Bethany they would leave in a couple of days and make stopovers on the way to London, so Bethany did not get too tired. Once they reached their apartment in London Bethany would have a rest for a few days before William took her to see Dr Ronald Charles, a specialist in oncology.
Bethany was nervous, she did not have high expectations but for the sake of her family agreed to go ahead and visit Dr Charles.
The girls had packed a bag with warm clothes for their mother, along with some books to read, they also tucked in a family photo just to remind her how much she was loved by her family.
*
The day of the consultation was cold and wet, and Bethany tried to talk Margaret into cancelling it. Margaret finally convinced Bethany she needed to go, as it might be a while before they could get another appointment.
Dr Charles was nice, and he soon put Bethany at ease. He was a few years older than William and had a ginger beard and wore glasses. He spent a good half hour talking to Bethany and then ordered some tests to be done so he could investigate further.
“When we get the results back, I will get you to come back and see me and we will take it from there my dear”, he said in a kindly voice.
“Thank you doctor, I appreciate everything everyone is trying to do for me”, smiled Bethany.
*
A few days later William called Margaret to tell her Dr Charles wanted Bethany to come back into the office.
“I am not going to beat about the bush and I am not going to give you false hope, but I do recommend we put you into hospital tomorrow, so we can start treatment straight away”, Dr Charles said calmly, “You will need to stay with us for quite a few weeks both as an inpatient and outpatient”, he added.
“I am not sure I can be away from my family that long doctor”, replied Bethany looking upset.
“Yes, you can, and you will, we have spoken to Samuel and the girls, they want what is best for you and they will come and visit soon”, spoke up Margaret.
“Ok so no arguments”, added William, smiling.
***
Look out for Part Three tomorrow.
I hope you all have an enjoyable festive season and may 2019 be amazing for you all.
KSR