Chapter 8
After having endured a 30 minute session of physio at 10h50am that morning, of intense man handling, Max was sore and exhausted. This was given by a short 5 foot 3 married woman, with incredible strength in her fingers and hands.
She carefully gave him a deep tissue massage as she found some muscles that had gone to sleep, from not being used for quite a while. She also discovered some of his muscles had basically lost some of strength with a couple literally collapsed. Including having the physiotherapist test his hip movements and resulting in accidently causing one of the fractures to slightly crack loose, resulting in an intense pain.
Max now laid on the bed, waiting for the much appreciated pain meds that Sister Sipo had on hand, knowing he would need it. Max was waiting for it to take effect, and grinning away while she administered the morphine.
She left after the room, after granting Selene no more than thirty minutes to sit and discuss important matters that needed to be discussed. Max, after agreeing to pretty much everything planned and verbally authorising Selene, he signed the necessary documents and dosed off as the meds started to work.
Selene left the room quietly only to bump into Dr Gerber just outside the room at the nurses' station.
"Oh goody, just the person I would need to speak to," smiled Dr Gerber at Selene.
Smiling, Selene quickly showed the 'power of attorney' document. "Mr Peters has signed the power of attorney, authorising the Danish Royals and its assigned personnel, special permission to act on his behalf on all and any matters where he was unable to manage in person with explicitly indication that HRH Princess Carolyn was the primary person for all decisions, and her staff, where she duly instructs, and authorises to act on her behalf."
Dr Gerber, with a bit of bewilderment on his face for a moment, accepted this and asked a nurse to make a copy of the documents for their filing. While the nurse was doing so, Dr Gerber conveyed the latest medical update of Max to Selene, with a list of strict instructions, including the need of a nurse and doctor on the flight to Denmark, and he was not to sit at all for at least another 3 weeks. But in Denmark Dr Gerber was sure the doctor there would re-evaluate him and concur the findings and monitor him regularly.
Making notes, Selene confirmed all this and also informed the Doctor that the Palace is dispatching the jet back to South Africa shortly, with a nurse and Doctor onboard. They would come to the hospital tomorrow morning, just after eight, to be on hand at Dr Gerber's availability to discuss Max's case and care.
Dr Gerber, surprised for a second at the speed of the arrangement, nodded happily and agreed to come in earlier to meet with them. He also promised to have all scans and reports copied and ready for them then.
Leaving the floor, Selene was leaving the hospital a little after 12-noon, and intended to go back to the hotel, when she discovered Philip was waiting for her and was her escort.
"Her Highness me to inform you, that you are to take 2 hours off, and I am to be your escort for that duration, with further instructions to take you out for lunch or something else," he grinned.
Red in the face, Selene shyly accepted his offered hand and was helped into the car, but remained quiet while quickly shooting off a message to the princess, with a promise of revenge, hinted in it. Philip, climbed in and drove.
Quickly a reply came back which clearly stated: 'You are officially off duty for the next two hours. And are to have a lovely meal and spend some time with him. That is my order, or are you going to defy me?'
Knowing she could never defy her boss or any of the main royals, as this would be deemed treason, she relented and informed Philip she would like to go to a shopping mall or somewhere to walk around, buy some gifts and have a small meal there.
Philip had already planned this and was heading back to the hotel where there was the Boardwalk shopping centre and casino.
Carolyn, on the other hand, with Mrs Williams help, was enjoying herself thoroughly with Ashley as they too went shopping. Which, funny enough, was also the Boardwalk, and was having so much fun learning the signs for different things. They enjoyed milkshakes, chicken fried pops, and found a full princess outfit with tiara, which Ashley was adamant to wear out the shop, dancing around. The other shoppers smiled at her cuteness and carried on their lives, unaware of who Carolyn was. This suited Carolyn considering she had tried to disguise herself.
They also fed the ducks in the massive pond and then watched the Broadwalk's water display that was shown for 10-minutes, on the hour, every hour.
Around half past two, it was about time for Ashley to head back home with Mrs Williams, and they were on their way back to the hotel, they were surprised to come across Philip and Selene, sitting over a meal at one of the outdoor tables of the restaurant, staring at each other, while holding hands.
Carolyn seeing this, tried to steer Ashley and Mrs Williams away from them, but regrettably Ashley saw Selene, got loose from Mrs Williams, and ran through the crowd right up to Selene, signing away to her.
Selene and Philip, for a second, were shocked to see her there and then smiled away at the 'little princess'.
As Carolyn and Mrs Williams approached, Philip moved to stand but was waved down immediately.
Selene, totally unable to understand the sign language, but guessed Ashley was telling her about the dress and crown she wore. Then saw a sign that looked like birds, and thought she meant the ducks in the pond, and something like shooting in the air which confused her more. While nodding and saying, "wow", "really", "cool", she looked at Carolyn, who quickly in Danish recited what Ashley was saying to bring her up to speed.
Ashley realised they were ignoring her and turned to her gran and signed something, who bent to pick her up. As she cuddled into her Gran's arms, she laid her head down and signed something more, which got her gran laughing.
This caused the trio to snap their attention back to Ashley and Mrs Williams, who quietly informed them: "Ashley says she is tired. She wants to go now. She also said Selene is ignoring her and it hurt her feelings."
Selene, shocked, quickly bounced up and looked at Ashley directly. "Ashley, I am sorry you thought I was ignoring you. I don't understand sign language, but I hope you will teach me soon. You are very pretty in that dress, 'your highness'," and Selene curtsied to Ashley. "I know my Queen would love to see you in that. Please forgive me," she said with droopy eyes.
Three seconds later Ashley flung herself into Selene's arms. She hugged Selene and signed, 'let's go home, I am tired, will you carry me?' – translated by Mrs Williams.
Selene looked at Carolyn and received a nod. Together, the party headed back to the hotel.
On the way, Carolyn asked Philip to arrange for a car to take them home. But was instantly overruled by Ashley.
'No, I want to stay with you. Granny can go home. She needs sleep. Please let me stay. Please can we go see Daddy later?' – again translated by her gran.
"Ashley, without your granny or dad, we cannot understand everything you say right now. But tomorrow, you will be with daddy, when he comes home. Then we will be flying to my home country tomorrow night. Go home with granny. Help her pack your clothes and toys you want to take with you now. Spend this time with granny. I promise you, I will have your Daddy call you on the phone later."
Ashley thought for a bit and reluctantly agreed. Carolyn gave her a kiss and a hug, then Mrs Williams left with Ashley and Philip towards his car. Carolyn, and Selene, arm in arm, walked to the hotel which was surprisingly empty of paparazzi and headed to her suite.
"I trust all is in order" she asked Selene along the way. Selene confirmed it as progressing nicely. "And you and Philip?"
"Ma'am," as they arrive on the top floor. "We choose to take it slowly, but thank you."
Carolyn smiled and left the matter there, headed to her room where she laid down on the bed.
"Selene, can you come in here please?" she called and when Selene entered. "Sit for a bit. Ashley is such a sweety but is rather a handful with communication. Can you see if you can arrange for extra sign language classes for you and me, after we arrive back home. We will need it. And I hope the nanny will be fluent in sign language too."
"I have been told through Elene, that they have sourced a temporary nanny for the flight to test with. Who is fluent in sign language, and I quote: 'double Carolyn's age'" Selene reports with a smile. "The plane will be departing at 15h00 Danish time. Should arrive around 7am our time. I have already reserved another couple of rooms for them to use, especially the pilots to rest before the flight back later. We aim to depart at 19h00 latest or the next morning. Dr Gerber will be available to meet with the medical crew tomorrow morning at the hospital and shortly later Max will then be discharged and brought back here via ambulance where we can put him in the second room. I then thought we could have Ashley arrive a little later to allow him to settle before being bombarded by her so soon from leaving the hospital."
Carolyn nodded her agreement.
Selene carried on, "So about 10h30 he will be discharged. Arriving here at about 10h45, give take, allowing the medical crew to settle him in the room, and allow him to rest for a bit. I estimate 1pm is best for Ashley to come and while she is here. Security can start loading the plane with the luggage of hers and his, including ours. And ensure the plane is ready for us to come later with Max."
Selene's phone binged, and she saw a message of importance. "Ma'am, Mrs Peters has requested if she could come with us back to Denmark, as she still has a valid passport and would like to assist on the flight with Ashley. As well as see you two get married. Then she will gladly fly back home afterwards."
"Yes! Arrange it, ASAP. And tell her yes, fetch her before you fetch Ashley. It would help when she has to leave her other gran behind. Great idea."
"I will do so right now, if you will excuse me for a bit please"
"Go, I'm going to take a bath and soak for a bit, while I get all my thoughts in order. You will know where I am if you need me. I will also have my phone with me. Maybe see if I can call Max to see how he is."
"Don't be surprised if he doesn't answer as that therapy session was a killer to him, with all the muscles not being used in over a week, it was quite a strain on him. I have noted we need to get a physiotherapist for him to work on him daily."
Carolyn was shocked to hear this, and agreed. Selene left the room.
After settling a warm bubble bath and relaxing in the soothing warm water for a while. Carolyn then took her phone and sent a message to Max to see if he was awake and would like to chat. Instantly her phone rang with a video call.
"Hi Honey, are you doing ok?"
"The 5-foot-5 devil of a small woman with mean fingers tore my body to shreds. If that is what you mean, then yes I am doing ok. Umm, where are you?" He tried to angle the phone as if to see around Carolyn, but she cleverly had it only show her face and with a hand towel over her upper body it didn't really reveal much.
"Just relaxing in the hotel after a glorious day with your daughter."
She then recited that fun they had, including the princess outfit.
"Babe, are you in the bath?" he dug a bit.
She smiled and tried to change the subject, in fear of the effect this would have on him and causing him more pain.
"So, I hear you getting kicked out tomorrow morning. And having to resort to moving in with me," she said with a smirk. "Shame."
"Yeah, can't wait, and I know you are in the bath. I can see the bubbles. Please don't show me anymore, okay."
Quickly she hung up, jumped out the bath, dried fast and put a gown on then hopped on to the bed as the phone started ringing again.
Sitting on the bed she answered smiling. "Hey, what happened there? We got disconnected," trying to sound innocent as if it was his fault.
"Very funny. Now you are in a gown. You WERE in the bath. Urg, I hate this bloody tube. Do you know I have to try so hard not to have dirty thoughts about you. And in the night, I woke up in sudden pain down there because I was dreaming of us! The next few weeks are going to be pure hell for me. I am going to demand they remove this and use an external catheter. Then at least I will have some freedom down there. Ouch, damnit."
"What is going on? Why are you yelling in pain," a male voice sounded in the room on the phone.
"This darn catheter, please remove it And an external catheter there or I will use a bottle. It hurts me especially when I am asleep."
"Are you and your fiancée having a nice chat?" he questioned, teasingly, and Carolyn blanched in embarrassment.
"No!" Carolyn shouted though the phone embarrassed, "No like THAT! He can't control himself, it's not my fault."
Max and the man laughed, and Max commented. "Like hell not your fault. What right minded male cannot get excited to see his beautiful fiancée? Especially in a bath robe or earlier in the bath!"
More laughter rumbled through the room and the male said. "Ok, I will arrange for it to be removed. But you have to keep it super clean."
Max focused on the phone, smiling away. "Yippee. Been waiting this terrible thing out for a while now, beside you it hurts in general. And bloody uncomfortable. So, detract me, my love and tell me more of the plans of my future prison I have been assigned to," he joked on the phone.
"Well according to Selene, the medical crew will meet with Dr Gerber at about 8am after they arrive around 7am. You are scheduled to leave the hospital under their care around 10h30, brought back here to my suite where they will lock you in the second room. I also made sure the nurse is sexy enough to ensure you will be bathed properly," she teased, smiling away and he groaned out loud.
"Then around 1pm, we will release a hyper little princess into the room to attack you. At about 6pm, we will depart and make our way to the airport, and hopefully depart around 7pm for the flight. Oh, and your mother is coming too."
"Sexy nurse, you are kidding me. Probably old and unattractive. While I don't mind them bathing me, my penis is out of bounds to all except one person. So, I will not see you at all. Crap, life is turning for the worse."
Carolyn could hold it anymore and burst out laughing, rolling to her side. She spoke to him. "I can't wait for you to be here. And I promise I will be the one to wash you. And we will only use the nurse for areas where I cannot help you with. I miss you so much."
Carolyn stopped for a moment and looked at the door, and after quickly conversing in Danish with Selene, she returned to the call "Baby, I will not be able to come this afternoon. I am summoned to the consul at three to finalise your documents needed for the flight and cannot make it in time to see you in hospital. Sorry."
"When do you have to leave?" he eyes wide with hunger.
"Um in about 30mins but I have to get dressed, do my hair and look like a princess, why?"
Max stayed quiet and after a bit she noticed he was not looking at her face. She looked down and saw the gown had gapped open a bit, to reveal most of her bosom for his viewing pleasure.
"Max!" she exclaimed, sitting up and covering herself. "Not yet ok! Soon, I promise, but not yet."
"To darn late, I am now saluting the air but funny enough not in so much pain as before. Crap, here is a nurse. Yes, how can I help you, nurse," he asks.
"I am here to take out the catheter, per Doctors orders," Carolyn heard her say.
"Oh crap, can we do it later, say in 30mins time?" asked Max.
Carolyn was struggling to keep quiet and was snorting on the phone.
"What! Why? I have loads to do, it will take less than a minute. What is that weird snorting sound?" she asked.
At this time Carolyn lost it, and burst out in a fit of laughter. Max soon followed too.
"Oh, all right, go for it," he said, creaming himself with laughter.
"What the hell! Are you made! You can damage your bladder. Crap this is big. You will need to calm down so I can try removing it without hurting you, or causing any damage or bleeds. Please sir, can you hold it stead for me while I deflate the locking balloon and pull it out."
Carolyn was watching this now as he had flipped the phone camera to show the nurse to her. He had intended to punish Carolyn a bit for what she did. She watched silently, as the nurse removed the catheter and cringed at the long tube that came out of him.
After removing it the nurse cleaned the area and secured an external catheter with a new bag, and quickly covered him up and hurried out of the room as fast as possible.
"Shame, you scared her for life," commented Carolyn with a chuckle and Max laughed.
"Babes, I have to go now, I will call you later. Ok? Love you. Be good" continued Carolyn. Max laughing, nodded and Carolyn hung up the phone.