14 In the moment..

Shirley was deep lost in her thoughts when her phone rang, she picked it up to check it. It was a message from her intern giving her the updates on Micheal. Her intern was doing this for some extra pocket money on his holiday till they get a resident for Michael. All seemed normal. She replied " Good work. I am counting on you for his care while I am away." She then suddenly remembered when she was once on phone with Michael and something related to Andrew had come up she just avoided the question completely and Michael said in a low demeanor " In future I don't want to speak about anything that would hurt you or make you uncomfortable. Ok! If something makes you so, then please tell me on my face rather than avoiding it ... Ok?.."It was most straight forward and meaningful thing anyone had ever spoken to her.

She was about to keep her phone aside when suddenly her phone rang it displayed Private Number and she knew who it would be. So she picked up the call and said directly " Michael is all set and comfortable in the new place and as you already know that, so what is it that reminded you of me at this hour Mr Marshall?" The voice on the other side was a bit different and of a lady . She said " Sorry to bother you Dr Shaw I am Betty Mr Marshall's assistant I was asked to call Patrick to enquire whether you have reached home safely by Mr Marshall but I couldn't get through. Hope I have not bothered you too much."

Shirley bit her tongue and frowned and felt embarrassed. She quickly handed over the phone to Patrick who was seated besides her. And started to stare out the window. She thought to herself ' ohh.. I am such a weirdo.. what will she think of me ... I am so embarrassed... Huhhhhhh ... Why don't I just die ... God...'. She heard Patrick say bye and he handed over her phone back. She took it and avoided any further eye contact with Patrick.

Finally they arrived, Patrick opened the flight door and helped Dr Shaw to climb down the stairs. It was drizzling and it was 5 pm. To her suprise a car was already waiting for them an S class Mercedes Benz a thought occurred to her 'can he at least not show off his wealth so much .. Huh!'. Patrick quickly said " Bosshad asked to make all the arrangements before hand. She got into the car and made a quick call toher Mom and siad " Ma ! I am here! I will be reaching in an hour or so... Ok bye .. see you." She lifted her head and spoke to Patrick " How did you know where I live. You started driving and haven't even asked for my address yet."

Patrick didn't know how to respond but he did responded very tactfully " We got your details from your passport ma'am, hope you didn't mind that Inoted it down to plan the trip ahead. I apologise if I have done anything wrong." Shirley quickly responded " No .. No it's ok.. I was just curious. Nothing to worry." Soon they reached the locality and she could see big construction site boards and machinery in the sides. She was taken aback. She saw the beautiful sycamore tree standing tall and high. She gestured Patrick to stop the car. She told Patrick " House no 7. You can wait for me there." Patrick responded " ok ma'am".

Shirley got down and stared at the tree from afar. She couldn't hold her tears anymore. She crossed the road and walked towards it. If only she could stop this or make a way out. She just didn't know what to do in this situation. She sat below the trees shade and leaned her head on it and tears started rolling down her cheeks. It was uncontrollable. It wouldn't stop. A familiar voice said from behind " I knew I would find you here. You haven't changed a bit." Shirley turned to him recognizing his voice instantly and turned and hugged him tight . He hugged her back and consolled her. " It's going to be alright! I am here now."he said a soothening voice.