Irene fell asleep in Madison's arms in the waiting room. They had been there for more than five hours now. Madison played with Irene's hair as she slept. Few minutes later, a nurse walked in and informed Madison that the doctor had requested Miss swift.
Madison gently tapped Irene and passed the message. Irene quickly wore her heels and headed out for the doctor's office. Irene opened the door and greeted the doctor. "Have your seat miss swift". The middle aged doctor said warmly.
"Miss swift, your father's operation was successful". His words brought a pile of fresh air to Irene. Irene inhaled in relief and smiled weakly at the news. She looked at the doctor who had more to say. "Your father needs all the rest he can get for the next six months"
Irene nodded sharply as she took note of the doctor's instructions. "Your father will be appointed a nurse after he wakes up. She will be with him for the next six months" he instructed going through other files on his table. Irene nodded and thanked the doctor.
Madison stood outside the waiting room, patiently waiting for Irene. "What's the news?" She asked immediately. Irene smiled and hugged Madison. "Dad is going to be fine. The doctor has placed Dad on bed rest for six months'' Irene explained. Madison smiled happily and said a silent prayer.
"Mr Swift is in the intensive care unit. He is in room 35d,4th floor, the last room by the left miss" a nurse directed. Madison and Irene, took the elevator and went straight to the 4th floor. Irene stood by her father's bed and had tears in her eyes.
Her eyes scanned through the wires, tubes and Many equipment plugged to his body. She gently held his hand and kissed it. "Hang in there dad. Don't leave" she sobbed softly on her knees. Madison handed her a handkerchief and tapped her shoulder. Madison walked out, leaving Irene to spend time with Mr Dave.
Irene entered the restroom and cleaned her face. She texted Madison to get her personal computer, phones and spare clothes. Irene made up her mind to stay beside her sick father. Madison got the text and immediately drove down to the house. She met Tony, who had been pacing in the garage after waiting hours without hearing from them.
"Miss Madison, how is Mr Swift?" Tony asked nervously. Madison gave him a reassuring smile and nodded softly. Tony puffed out air from his mouth and nodded. He helped Madison with the bags with her and walked behind her.
Madison packed Irene's bag pack. She placed her personal computer, favorite sweatshirts, jogger pants, tees and a notebook. Madison knew how Irene loved to write a lot. After packing her bags, she picked the lunch box that had been packed by the chef from the dining room.
After the long drive to the hospital, Madison left Tony by the car and went to Irene. She dropped it off with Irene and turned to leave but Irene's words stopped her. "Cancel my schedule from 7–2pm tomorrow, '' Irene instructed. Madison turned to her and nodded.
Irene woke up the next morning yawing tiredly. She slept for just three hours last night. She spent time working and sorting company files and making plans to help the company for the next six months till her father gets back on his feet. Irene has fixed a meeting with top clients by 3pm to discuss new business opportunities.
Getting out of bed, she entered the washroom to freshen up for the day. Irene got out of the washroom all dressed in joggers and a tee. She sat on a stool beside her dad and kissed his hands. Irene's phone beeped twice, she tried to let go of her dad's hands but his grip on her hands were firm.
Surprised and excited, Irene held on to his hands and tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched his hands holding on to hers. "I am right here dad. I am" she whispered softly. Mr Dave gently opened his eyes and dimly closed them. Irene watched as her dad's eyelids struggled.
She held his hands and massaged them softly. Mr Dave opened his eyes and hissed slightly in pain. "Dad" Irene whispered almost in tears. She kissed his cheeks and used the telecom to contact a nurse. "Baby, stop crying. Papa is right here" Mr Dave said softly.
Irene inhaled relieved and sat beside him. " How are you feeling daddy?" She asked, touching his forehead. Mr Dave nodded and closed his eyes again. Irene's heart was filled with happiness and gladness. Her face went from pale to bright in seconds.
A nurse walked in with the doctor and examined Mr Dave. Some of the equipment was removed from his body and he started another dose of medication immediately. "Mr Swift, meet nurse Betty. She will be your personal nurse till your recovery journey is over" the doctor announced after administering an injection.
Nurse Betty smiled plainly and nodded at the doctor's words. Irene held her dad's hands and broke the news to him. "Dad, you have been advised to rest for six months. Nurse Betty will ensure that". Mr Dave turned to Irene and tried to object but Irene gave him a Stern look.
Mr Dave kept quiet till the nurse and doctor walked out. "Who will be heading the company with you for six months? You refused to get married too! Your husband would have been in a better position to help out" Mr Dave nagged bitterly. Irene smiled and chuckled at her Dad's words.
"Dad, I have been handling the company for a month now. With you by my side and with your counsel, I have learnt so much too. I can take care of myself, you just concentrate on getting back to your feet soon" Irene reassured, but Mr Dave was not buying any of it.
"Irene, the business world is not as you see it. I still wished you got married to Donald a year ago. He is a good businessman, you could manage his ego " he hissed. Irene ignored her father's nagging. She has gotten used to her father's nagging about getting a business tycoon for a husband. "I promise to not fail you dad. With or without a husband" she said looking her dad in the eye.