Chapter 7
Carolyn woke in the morning around 8am. Feeling rather usually happier and rested. Then she saw there was a message waiting on her phone.
Smiling, she took it and laid back on her bed, unlocking her phone and saw there was a message from Max. She opened it and read: 'I love you and will always love you. I now know and have had confirmation you are my new path, my new blessing, and I know He will guide and protect us all. xxx'
Nothing could stop the flow of tears that flowed from her eyes and at that very moment, Selene was entering the bedroom to see if her charge was awake, only to find her crying.
With fear something was terribly wrong, she rushed to her and pleaded: "Lyn, what is wrong? What happened? Talk to me!" she pleaded while she hugged Carolyn, whom she has known since she was assigned to Carolyn, when Carolyn was only 13 years old.
Selene and Carolyn were more than just Personal Assistant and Princess. They were secretly close friends, regardless Selene was 8 years her senior. Carolyn, sniffing, handed her mobile over to Selene and Selene read the message on it. With shock, she realised why Carolyn was like this and just quietly hugged her while silently saying a prayer of thanks to the Almighty. She knew now Carolyn prayers had been truly answered after years of praying. And it was time for her to reap the blessings that God was sending to her.
After a bit, she leaned away and got some tissues for Carolyn to use. Then she encouraged her to go take a nice long shower. Carolyn nodded and stumbled towards the ensuite.
Selene slipped out of the room, headed to the kitchen where her cellphone was. She shot off a quick voice note to the Queen, knowing that while Carolyn was not aware she was secretly reporting to the Queen, the Queen needed to know that the time has come for Carolyn, and changes will now be taking place.
Just before Carolyn emerged from the bedroom, the Queen sent a brief reply.
'Thank the Lord. Please keep me posted and protect her.'.
Selene quickly pocketed her phone and started the coffee for Carolyn and placed her breakfast on the counter for her.
Carolyn, looking better and happier, was typing away on her phone as she approached. She glanced up and smiled at Selene, sat at the counter while typing away on her phone.
Every now and then her facial expressions changed but Selene knew this was a new Carolyn. And now she would have her hands full to manage and protect her charge more than ever before. Including two new charges, until the Crown assigned someone else. Selene would also have to manage and protect Max and his precious daughter. For a moment, Selene's eyes misted over but she quickly wiped them away and forced herself to push her personal feelings aside, and deal with her most important task, her Princess, her best friend, and the future.
After making the coffee and placing it in front of Carolyn, they silently sat there while Carolyn ate and drank her coffee. Then they left the kitchen and headed to Philip, who was the new head guard, after the beach situation.
Selene liked Philip more, and the others. She was also secretly attracted to him but knew she could never venture into this as she would have to give up her work. And she definitely could never do, never give up Carolyn.
After a quick discussion with Philip, to check on the security of Max's house and his daughter, and the plans for today's outing, which was only a hospital visit to Max, and a possible visit to the consul. Carolyn went to dress and Selene headed back to her own room to gather her laptop, then headed to the lounge where a small table was set up as a desk for her to use.
Carolyn walked in a bit later and basically fell into the couch while still typing on the phone. But then she shot up right and asked Selene.
"What is the progress of the passport and visa? Now that Max approved of us handling it, and I see he says the MRI scans show good results, Dr Gerber has granted him allowance to leave earlier under medical supervision. Do you think we can push the schedule up? Max also says," and she looks down, scrolling a bit. "He umm, has also given notice to his landlord last night. And his mother-in-law would have two calendar months to find a new place. I think we should find a small place, a cottage, flat or something and I will pay the rent. No, let's buy it. Can you contact her and communicate with her regarding this and see to it for me please, but also ensure Max does not know about it, just yet."
Carolyn types on her phone then continues.
"Also, we would need to get Ashley medical records and if any school records – I will have to ask him about that," basically talking to herself while making mental notes, and tapping on her phone.
She continues: "And he stuff, furniture and all that. I would suspect he would want to keep most of it. I think we should have it all boxed and shipped to Denmark, so when he is ready, we could sort it out. I am sure he has some family heirlooms that are precious to him. Ashley's room – we need to find out what she likes and doesn't like, so we can arrange someone to decorate her room at Sorgenfri. I want a whole first floor of the south suite set aside for us. It has eight rooms. So she can be near us and not be overwhelmed while allowing her to be with her father as much as possible. One room can be her bedroom, another can be her play room. And another for a live-in nanny too. Also, for the time being, I will sleep in a second room until Max is medically cleared for me to sleep with him, without hurting him."
She taps on her phone more as I write notes, when I heard her continue, making me smile.
"I assume someone is screening a nanny to assist us, but I think we will need to find someone semi elderly as she responds better to this. I am not keen on a young woman hanging around Max, especially in his half dress state he will have to be in," she said, smiling. "And the nurse better not be pretty too," and I giggled with her.
"Especially after last night's incident." Selene was not expecting this and choked on a mouth full of coffee while trying to not laugh, and still nod while making notes.
Smiling, Carolyn continued: "and not a male nurse, that is Max's orders. Oh! And a chair called a lazy boy, get the best, maybe with a remote to go up and down itself. You choose. What else is there?" And she stares for a bit, pondering what she may have left out.
"I suppose all the other things can be dealt with later. We will probably need to have someone here to handle all his affairs, legally, while he is in Denmark. At least for a while. I suppose we need an authorization form. Can you handle that? Maybe a trusted attorney, and send me the bill."
Carolyn stops as her phone goes 'bing', indicating there is a message. She quickly checks it and shrieks, causing Selene to jump in her seat, looking up at Carolyn.
"Yes! Selene, contact the palace. Get the jet on its way. Dr Gerber has granted permission for Max to be discharged tomorrow afternoon. We can leave tomorrow evening or the next day at the latest, as we still need to get all the documents, etc. We need to get the plane and staff here asap so they can take over from Dr Gerber for the meantime. Max can stay here in my room, I will move to the second room if needed. Oh, my word, so much to do…" she said and raced away towards the second room to check on it.
Selene checked her watch and saw it was nine-twenty in the morning here in South Africa. She mentally calculated it was eight-twenty in Denmark. Shaking her head with a smile at Carolyn, Selene placed a call to the palace to update them on the change of schedule and was assured that they were on standby. And the plane would depart later that day to arrive in Port Elizabeth around 4am tomorrow morning.
Selene then called Mrs Peters to update her on her son's progress and get advice on trusted attorneys she could contact. Mrs Peters said she has arranged with Mrs Williams for all the identification documents to be ready for collection, which Selene quickly dispatched Raul to go fetch.
Selene was about to call up the first recommended attorney, she received a direct call from the Queen. Quickly she answered, placing it on speaker mode while sitting up straighter.
"Your Majesty. Good morning," she greeted the Queen in Danish.
"Good morning Selene. I see my granddaughter has upped the schedule. We are all ecstatic on the good news. Tell me, what do you need help with? For I know you have a lot on your table to deal with in such short notice. Elane has been tasked to assist you with whatever you need."
"Your Majesty, thank you so much. I will contact Elene shortly. I was about to call an attorney referred by Mr Peters' mother as we would need power of attorney for his affairs here while he is away in Denmark."
"My dear, let's use the palace legal team, they are better equipped and trustworthy to handle all this. I will have Elene call Mr Marks and have him send you the necessary forms to be signed soon as possible. Then the rest can be dealt with later. What else is on the list. I have Elene sitting next to me."
"Ma'am, the Princess is requesting the use of Sorgenfri Palace south section, first floor for her sole usage, and to have two rooms especially decorated and set up for Ashley, who is autistic. Raul will let me know shortly what her likes and dislikes are, as well as send some photos too. He is currently dispatched to Mrs William, who co-lives with Mr Peters and cares for Ashley. Rual is fetching the identification documents of Mr Peters and Ashley for their special passport and visas, which Raul will drop off at the consul on the way back here. Umm, the other things are, Mr Peters house contents, which the Princess has suggested we employ a company to pack it up and ship to Denmark for later sorting. Also, she has instructed me to assist Mrs Williams find a flat or cottage. To either set up that the rental is paid from her personal account, or a small place to buy. Other than needing to get copies of Ashley medical and school records, if any. A special reclining chair for Mr Peters, called a lazy boy. His doctor advised this. The Princess stated she will sleep in the second room of the suite, until the Doctor clears Mr Peters, allowing her to join him. The rest, I am sure, can be dealt with from Denmark. Ma'am, if I may be blunt, she is happy, really happy. This is a new Carolyn, and I am so happy for her."
"As I am, as I am. And I can't wait to meet them. How are you coping?" the Queen asks softly.
"Ma'am, I am fine. I too am happy for the Princess and Mr Peters. And I can't wait to be home."
"And Philip?"
"Ma'am!" squeaks Selene then clears her throat. "Philip. He… Ma'am, there is nothing between us, I swear, I would never breach…"
"Selene, stop my dear. I have seen you two together, and I know all. I grant you permission to pursue this, follow your heart child. It has been too long for you to have been on your own. When Carolyn and Max are married you will see you will be pushed to the back to second place. Look at him, and follow your heart, pray and speak to our Creator. Know I am happy and grant you full permission."
Selene stutters, "Umm, th-thank you, ma'am."
"Keep me posted.I have to go now. Bye Selene," and the call drops.
Selene for a bit stared at the phone then realised that someone was at the door. She looked up and saw Carolyn grinning away at her.
"So, the truth finally comes out. You are a spy and you are in love too. Oh Selene," and she bounces into the room and grabs her best friend of many years and hugs her. "I am so happy you too are in love. Now we can stop being secretive about you and Philip and get you married too."
"No, he doesn't know! You can't say a word, please!" she begs.
"Selene, you are blind. For as long I have known Philip, he only had eyes on you. Why do you think I force you to use the other guys for errands, when Philip is more junior to them?"
She smirks at Selene. "But enough of that for now, it is time to get on with the list of things we have to do urgently."
Carolyn sits down at the desk with Selene, with her own tablet in her hand. Selene sits too and sees Carolyn is reviewing some notes and makes some additions and amendments to them. Soon the two of them were discussing their notes, suggestions, plans and all that.
Then Selene's mobile rang, and she saw it was Raul. She answered it and put it on speaker mode.
"Yes Raul. Her Highness is listening too. What is the status?"
"Ma'am, Miss Selene. I have the documents but there is a small issue. Miss Peters is requesting to come see the Princess and Daddy this morning. She actually signed 'Princess', according to Mrs Williams, and is standing here looking up at me with these cute puppy eyes, begging me. What shall I do?"
Selene and Carolyn burst out laughing and Carolyn answered. "Can you bring them both to the hotel? Use the rear entrance please. It would be really nice to meet Mrs Williams and discuss her future too. Then afterwards we can go to the hospital and surprise Daddy."
"Yes ma'am, we will be there in about 25mins."
He hung up the call and Carolyn suddenly wondered if the suite would be okay for a 6-year-old. She stood and looked around, checking.
Selene, too standing, instantly knew what was concerning her and suggested. "Let me get Philip to get a couple of teddies or something from the hotel shop to make it inviting."
With that she almost danced out the room towards the foyer where Philip was sitting reading a book. After conveying the pending visitors, his deep laugh echoed into the lounge and Carolyn heard the door closed.
Selene came back moments later into the room red faced, and said. "Philip claims he knows exactly what to get as he has three nieces and two nephews. Then he umm, he kissed me, and let slip he heard what the Queen said. Then he rushed out of the door."
Carolyn couldn't hold it back but laughed while standing up. She went over and hugged her friend.
"See I told you. Now you must embrace it."
Selene smiled, for the first time in ever a really nice happy smile.
About 15 minutes later, Philip returned arms full of teddies and dolls and dumped them on the couch. He bowed his head to Carolyn and then winked at Selene as he departed back to the foyer, to his station, relieving the other guard.
Carolyn was busy on the phone while Selene, blushing away, was typing on her computer. Soon the suite doorbell rang and their new special guests had arrived.
Standing up to straighten her clothes, nervously, Carolyn faced the door while Selene remained at the table, standing.
A tap on the lounge door and after bidding them to come in, it opened with Ashley almost flying into the room and grabbing Carolyn's legs in a hug. Mrs Williams quickly followed afterwards with her face portraying apologies. She was stopped when Carolyn knelt down to Ashley and signed "Hello". She had spent the last 10-minutes, trying to learn some sign language.
Ashley grinned and signed back: "Hello ...". The second sign was pointing to her head, as if a crown.
Carolyn suspected she meant 'Princess' and couldn't hold back but hugged the little girl.
Ashley, after a bit of hugging, pushed away and started signing again. But Carolyn was out of her ledge in this. Mrs Williams smilingly translated: "She says, she saw you on the computer. You are a princess. She always wanted to meet a princess. Daddy now has a princess. Are you going to be my new mommy? Will I be a princess too?"
Carolyn started laughing while tears leaked from her eyes. And all she could think of saying was nodding "yes".
Ashley jumped for joy and spun around then basically jumped into Carolyn arms causing them both to fall over.
Selene and Mrs Williams started to rush to assist only to see the two were fine.
Carolyn, after a moment, got up and she used her hand in what she hoped was, "Come" and tried to direct her to the toys on the couch.
Ashely face lit up so brightly it was hard not to share in the joy. Carolyn invited Mrs Williams to come sit with them and told Selene to join too.
Before Selene joined them, she offered Mrs Williams something to drink, which was declined. Selene moved to sit at the other end of the lounge on a chair while Ashley was signing away at her new teddies as if having a conversation with them.
"Mrs Williams, it is so nice to finally meet you. I am Carolyn and this is Selene, my personal assistant. I am actually glad you are here as we needed to talk to you."
"Your Highness, thank you for inviting me. Max has told me about you and that he was engaged. And that he and Ashely soon would be heading to Denmark. And that he has given notice on the rental. I knew the time would come when I would have to move. And at my age, I am actually glad to retire."
"Please ma'am, call me Carolyn. But regrettably not in public. Selene and I want to help you find a place and I want to pay the rental or buy it, so you would not have to worry about this. But Max doesn't know that I am offering to finance it. But I want to help where I can. I will tell him later. Do you have any plans on where you would like to stay? You can liaise with Selene on this and as soon as you find a place, give her the details for payments. I am sorry if you feel like you have been evicted. I hope you will accept my help."
"Carolyn, while I get SASSA pension, I am grateful for your help. Max has also offered to assist with sending his SASSA disability grant to me for use of rent and food. But that alone is barely enough. I was planning on trying to move into a room with my brother but there is nothing yet. So, I am thankful for your support. I would not need much, just a small flat, single room with a kitchen and bathroom."
"You must find some more than that, I have instructed Selene to ensure you get a nice safe place. Don't worry about the rent, food, etc. I will set you up financially. It is only something I can give back to you after what you had to endure at the loss of your daughter and trying to help raise Ashley. Also, you must come visit anytime. Just let us know when and Selene will arrange the flight tickets and all your needs. You just need to get a passport. Now I see it is almost time to leave for the hospital, does Ashley need to go to the toilet before we leave?"
"No, she is really good in that area"
"Then shall we leave?" said Carolyn, standing in the process.
Mrs Williams spoke to Ashley. "Ashley. We are going to see Daddy now."
Ashley jumped for joy and signed back, grabbing the teddies. Carolyn and Selene watched and could only assume she wanted to bring all the teddies too, as she tried to gather them into her small arms, struggling as they tumbled out.
Mrs Williams stopped her. "No honey. Only one," and she pointed with a finger, indicating, 'only 1'.
Carolyn interjected an idea.
Asking Mrs Williams to sign for her, she lowered herself down, squatting before Ashley. "Ashley. Let's call Daddy on the phone and show him the teddies. Then when we get to the hospital, he can meet one of them while the others stay in the car for you to take home."
She only then realised that Mrs Williams did not sign.
"Carolyn, Ashley can hear you perfectly fine. She is mute, that is why she signs."
Ashely, claps her hands to get attention and signs. With Mrs Williams smiling, and slightly in tears, she translates.
"Yes, yes. please yes. But the teddies must stay with YOU. They told me they wanted to stay with princess."
Carolyn too started tearing and smiled. "Ok, but you have to keep ONE," using her finger to indicate number one and Ashley nodded to agree.
Without being ordered, Selene grabbed Carolyn's phone and quickly made a video called Max. Then, before Carolyn could prepare herself, Ashley jumped up and down pointing to the phone and waved.
There on the phone was Max. "Hey. Hi. Oh, I see we are all together. Hey Poppet. Hello Angel. Hi ma."
Only, he then realised the couch full of teddies around Ashley. Laughing and couldn't get a word in yet as Ashley was frantically signing away, causing Mrs Williams to interpret, Max to laugh louder.
"Daddy. Look at all the teddies. The princess got them. For me! She a princess. pretty princess."
Only when another female voice in the room with Max, over the phone, asked to know what was so funny, Max turned the phone and showed Sister Sipo why. Sister Sipo smiled and chuckled too when she saw all the teddies around the little girl.
Ashley suddenly realised someone else was looking at her and she darted for cover into Carolyn. Carolyn, in absolute shock by this while her heart melting away, hugged the girl to her. Max came back on the screen and saw this and his saw grew huge in surprise.
"What has happened? Is this my Ashley?" he asked with a big smile.
"Max, since last night, she has been demanding to meet the princess after you introduced her. I had to show her pictures from the internet and she couldn't calm down. I had to create a crown for her and she slept with it. Then this morning, when a guy came to fetch your ID and papers, she grabbed the man's hand and asked him if he knew the princess. I had to translate this for him. She basically demanded him to take her to meet the princess. I have never seen her like this ever. Like she came out of her shell!" declared Mrs Williams.
Carolyn was in shock at hearing this and just hugged the girl and kissed her. Carolyn then spoke to Ashley softly, and told her that she will personally buy her a princess crown very soon.
Well, now the firecrackers had been lit. And this little girl was ecstatic with excitement. She grabbed Carolyn around the neck and hugged so hard Carolyn laughed and choked a bit from being semi strangled.
"Honey, we will see you shortly at the hospital, okay?" Carolyn spoke to Max, after she managed to untangle her from Ashley.
"No, I would rather she doesn't come here. And Sister Sipo has expressed this too."
Ashley signed 'why' to Carolyn with a frown. Mrs Williams softly interpreted again.
So Max called out: "Ash, honey." Ashley looked at him on the phone. "I know you want to come see me, but I don't want you to come to the hospital. Okay."
'No! I want to come,' signed Ashley with Mrs Williams translating for Carolyn and Selene.
"No baby. But I will be coming out tomorrow. So, we will be together then. Then you can show me your homemade crown, and the teddies. Ok."
Upset Ashley relented and signed: 'You promise?'
"I promise baby, Unless the doctors say I have to stay another day or two, I am due to come home tomorrow. I love you, sweety. You have fun with Carolyn and be good. You can even teach Carolyn sign language. So, when I come out I can see how much she learnt," he said, grinning at Carolyn.
Ashley, distracted, thought this was a brilliant idea: 'Me teacher. I teach princess to sign. Yeah!'
Carolyn glared at Max and then smiled. "What have you gotten me into?"
"Consider it your first day of getting to know my little princess"
"But I thought I was your princess," she retorts in a tease.
"Oh, you are. But you my BIG Yummy Sexy Princess. Two big differences." He grinned at her.
"Ma, could I speak to Carolyn alone please without little ears?"
"Sure" and she snatched Ashley and started a teddy game while Selene and Carolyn left the room.
"I assume Selene is holding the phone." Carolyn nodded and was about to ask when he continued. "Perfect, this is for both of you. I have to undergo physio shortly which was why I was going to message you to postpone this morning visit, but I know I will be out of it and possibly in pain. Also, I would like you to spend some time with Ashley. Let her get to know you and become comfortable. I would need to ask if Selene or someone could come here. There is a lot I need handled, before I can be released. And even after I am released, I need someone to handle my affairs."
"Love, we are already on it. The Palace Legal team is sending a power of attorney document for you to sign. I will send Selene with it and she and you can discuss our plans. And if there is anything else you want done, or need, or changed, discuss it with her. Leave Ashley and Mrs Williams with me. We will go take her to a shop and see if we can buy her a princess dress and crown, and have some fun. I will come then this afternoon alone. Well without Ashley. But I will see you then. If you are not feeling strong enough, I will leave then. I love you and thank you for that message you sent me this morning. Oh, and Selene and Philip are in love," she added, smiling.
"Carolyn!" shouted Selene from the other side of the phone.
Max laughs at this and then suddenly looks away from the phone, then back. "I have to go. The body breakers are here. I will message you later. Love you. And congrats Selene. God has blessed you both as he has blessed us. Till later. Bye." And he hung up.