Catering with Benefits (1) - 39. THE WOMEN IN CRAIG’S LIFE

CATHY

When Craig was in his second last year at school his grandfather suffered a heart attack and spent some weeks in hospital having bypass surgery and recovering. During that time Craig visited often and got to know some of the nurses. Craig of course showed an interest in his grandfather’s condition, but it went beyond that. He started reading his medical charts when the nurses were attending to other patients in the ward. At first he was admonished, but one of the senior nurses noted his interest and began explaining the readings to him and answering his questions about treatment. He used to make notes when he got home and slowly built up a file of his grandfather’s treatment. After taking their cue from the senior nurse some others also spent time with Craig and advised him generally about a nursing career and where to study and train. Even one of the younger doctors noticed this young man’s genuine interest and spoke to him about the possibility of a medical career.

Craig’s mother, Cathy, had also been a nurse and trained in the days when nurses trained on the job in teaching hospitals. She was nursing when she met Harry and continued until she became pregnant with Craig. She took a few years off nursing with the intention of returning when Craig started school. When he started pre-school kindergarten at age four she enquired at her old hospital about working part-time, but found it difficult to get shifts that would allow her to manage home duties while working. While at the hospital she found a few of her old colleagues still there and they picked up their friendships again. One of her fellow nurses said she heard that one of the doctors was going to go into private practice as a General Practitioner and was looking for a part-time trained nurse to assist a few days per week. She made contact with him and was successful in getting the job with him. Three days per week suited her and the hours were nine to three to start with. Dr. Franklin was going to operate as a sole practitioner three days a week while still doing a few shifts at the hospital while he built up his practice. They opened the practice three months later and Cathy had the duties of receptionist and nurse to assist with assessing patients, taking blood, giving vaccinations and dressing changes. She loved the job and helped the practice grow to the point where another doctor joined the partnership. By then Craig was at school so she was able to work five days per week. When the practice grew further with now four doctors at the surgery, a full-time receptionist was employed. Cathy did an evening course in business management and the doctors created the position of Practice Manager for Cathy.

Cathy was thrilled to see Craig’s interest in nursing and encouraged him to apply for a degree course when he was finishing school.

Craig’s family, although not happy about it, accepted his decision to leave nursing and continued to support him in whatever he wanted to do. They knew that whatever he set as his goals he would achieve.

 ***

GRAN

Justin and Craig worked hard catering to an ever growing list of regular clientele. Now that they worked full time at it, their business built up so much that they had soon outgrown their home office in the flat and needed more space to work, prepare food and store supplies. When Craig’s Grandmother heard about this she invited them over for a lunch and made them an offer. While they were having drinks Alice Simpson said, “Well boys, as much as I love having you both here for lunch, there is another reason for the invitation”. Craig was curious but Justin was nervous about Craig’s Grandmother. He had not spent much time with her or gotten to know her well, but knew grandmothers can be difficult when it comes to their grandchildren’s welfare or happiness. So he was hoping this would not be about his relationship with Craig. Before explaining what she wanted to talk about she went to the kitchen to attend to the food preparation. This gave Justin the opportunity to express his apprehension to Craig. “You don’t think she has a problem with me do you?”

“What do you mean Justin?”

“Well, why do you think she invited us both here, does she have a problem with our relationship?”

“I don’t know, but I doubt it. Gran’s not the type to beat around the bush. If she disapproves of something she would just come right out and say it. I’m sure she would have told me before this.”

“You know Craig, I’m nervous about this.”

“Just relax I’m sure she will tell us what she wants.”

“But....”

“Shush here she comes.”

“Here’s lunch boys. I’ll just put it in the middle of the table and you two can help yourselves.”

“Thanks Gran, it looks delicious.”

“...and smells great too.” Justin added.

“Now tuck in boys... and Justin...” He froze on the spot. “...then I’ve got Craig’s favourite dessert, I hope you like it also.”

As Craig was serving the meal, his grandmother said “Now boys, I suppose you’re wondering what I want to talk to you about.”

“I am curious Gran and Justin is a bit apprehensive.”

“Don’t say that Craig.” added Justin.

“No need to be boys, I think you’ll like my suggestion. Craig your father told me your business has outgrown your little flat and that you may have to look for a bigger place.”

“Yes, that’s so Gran, but we don’t know where to look yet.”

“Well don’t look any further. I want you both to move in here and have the run of the place. Treat it as your own; after all it will be one day anyway, so why not enjoy it now. Besides, why do I need such a big place to myself and it’s too much for me to take care of anyway.”

“That’s very generous of you Gran. Can we have some time to think about it, and I need to consider how Justin feels about it as well.”

“Oh course, take your time.”

“May I say something Mrs. Simpson?” asked Justin

“Of course my boy.” The ‘my boy’ bit resonated with Justin and he suddenly felt more comfortable with the woman.

“I just wanted to say that I think it’s a great idea; that is if Craig thinks so too.”

“I’m pleased you feel that way Justin, so I suppose now it’s up to you Craig,” replied Mrs. Simpson “Let me know when you are ready.”

“Sounds like I’m outnumbered here and the decision has already been made.”

Justin replied “Sorry, Craig I did not mean to interfere in your decision.”

“Oh, don’t be so defensive Justin, I think it’s a great idea of Gran’s and I think it’s great that you like it too Justin.”

“So is that settled boys?” asked Alice hopefully.

“I guess it is then,” replied Craig “As long as we can sort out the finer details of who pays for what etc.”

“Don’t worry boys, whatever you want is ok with me.”

“Now Justin, come to the kitchen with me and I will show you how to prepare Craig’s favourite childhood dessert. I expect you to take over this duty from me one day.”

“Love to Mrs. Simpson.” and as they walked to the kitchen Justin turned and gave Craig a big grin and a thumbs up sign.

“Well it looks like I’m not need” moaned Craig

“Yes you are,” yelled his Gran from the kitchen “You can clear the dirty dishes”.

***

The boys moved into the four bedroom house with triple garage and a large garden. This gave them room for an office, a large kitchen and storage in the garage. A few months after they got settled, Alice suggested that the boys should have the house to themselves and asked them to talk to a builder on her behalf. She wanted them to arrange for a small flat to be built in the garden. She loved her garden and spent many hours working in it or just relaxing there. She said it would be great to have only a small flat to take care of, she would be living amongst her prized garden, but the boys would be close enough to her to make her feel secure and cared for. A builder was engaged and a plan was submitted that meant removing a couple of old garden sheds, a long disused chicken coup then building a one bedroom flat and a new garden shed, both with easy access for her.

After completion of the building, the boys moved what Alice wanted of the furniture and personal items into the flat. She did not take a lot because, as she said “I don’t want to have to dust all that clutter that your Gramps and I collected over the years. You boys can have whatever is left and if there is anything you don’t want, there is no need to be sentimental about it. Whatever you don’t need we will offer to the rest of the family first, then it goes to charity or the dump.”

“Are you sure about that Gran? You won’t regret it later, will you?” asked Craig

“No my boy, I’m moving on to the next stage of my life and I’m not taking all that baggage with me.”

“Whatever you want Gran.” offered Craig.

Justin entered the conversation with “That’s a very refreshing attitude Mrs. Simpson”

“Thank you Justin, I had not thought of it that way but thanks for that.”

“Now are you sure you won’t miss any of Gramps things being around you?” inquired Craig.

“Don’t get me wrong boys, I’m not trying to forget your Gramps but it is the man I love not the things we collected together. He is and will always be in my heart and my memories. That’s enough for me.”

“OK Gran we won’t rush into getting rid of anything, but as we go if I find something that is excess to requirements I’ll let Dad know and he can sort it from there as to what we do with the stuff.”

“I’ll let you boys go now, I’ve sorting out to do and you two must have work to do yourselves. Oh speaking of your work, I’ve been meaning to ask about that.”

“You know what we do Gran.”

“Well not exactly. I know you cook and Justin serves but I’ve never seen you two working together. Sometime I would like to attend one of your functions. You seem to be very busy so I assume you are very popular.”

It was Craig’s turn to freeze on the spot and he just managed to utter, “Thaaat’s nice of you to ask Gran but I can’t invite you to someone else’s party.”

“I suppose so, but maybe something will come up that I can attend.”

“I’ll keep it in mind. Is there anything else we can help you with now?”

“No that’s it. I think I’ll go have a nice Gin & Tonic now and think about more unpacking tomorrow.”

“That seems like a good plan” said Justin. There were hugs and kisses all round and the two departed. As they walked into the house they both realised that it was all their own. “Well partner, how does it feel to be master of this entire domain?” asked Justin.

“A bit surreal, but I can get used to it.”

“Me too, and she is such a nice lady, she’d do anything for you. You know that don’t you Craig.”

“I do, of course and that’s why I feel a bit guilty about brushing off her request to see us at work.”

“So what’s wrong with that?”

“Think about it Justin. None of our families really know what goes on, or should I say off.”

“I see what you mean. Me!”

“Yes, exactly I don’t need my Gran or anyone of the family to see you in your birthday suit and me, not only approving of it but encouraging you.”

“I guess we just thought it would never come up.”

“Nice choice of words.”

“Well, look on the bright side. At least we won’t have to go to careers day at our kids’ school and demonstrate what we do.”

“Oh very funny.”

“So what will we do on our first night alone in this big house, chase each other around naked or make love in every room?”

“You are the comedian tonight, aren’t you? This is serious, what if she asks again.”

“What if we did a charity thing, at say....a nursing home...or orphanage or some such place? We could invite all your family to sample your cooking and see me running around like a slave. A fully clothed one of course.”

“Hey, that might just work. You’re not just beefcake after all.”

“Steady on there, I could take offence at that.”

“...and”

“There may be consequences.”

“Like?”

“Oh, maybe a good spanking ...or even worse, I could just deprive you of sex for a whole week”

“A whole week?”

“Well maybe a few days”

“A few days?”

“Oh alright you got me...not until after dark.”

“That seems just punishment.”

“Now, who’s going to cook tonight?”

“How about Giuseppe?”

“Who the fuck’s Giuseppe?”

“The guy at the pizza shop.”

“Oh, got the number?”

Over their pizza Justin asked cautiously, “Craig, could we have a house-warming party with all our friends, now that we have a home of our own. I’ve never had a house to warm before.”

“Sounds like a good idea, but I don’t want a rowdy party with loud music and such. We can’t give Gran any reason to regret her decision to give up her home.”

“Of course not, what I really meant is a dinner party. Our friends love your dinners and it would be nice to make them feel welcome to our new home.” Justin paused...” Wow, that sounds good doesn’t it? Our New Home.”

“Sure, however we might have to leave it for a few weeks as we have a busy period coming up. But we will do it.”

“I love you, my man, and I love your family they are so kind to me.”

“What’s not to love about you?”

“Where do I start? ... No just joking, I’ll just have to get used to being loveable.”

***

It was about 1.30 am on ward 3B. The night nurse had just completed rounds and was satisfied that all patients were sleeping comfortably. The lights were low and nobody was expected to come onto the ward until the relief nurse at break time. The night nurse settled back at the nurse’s station for a short rest before next rounds but was stirred by the ‘ping’ of the lift announcing its arrival. As the nurse turned towards the lift a white clothed figure glided out of the lift. It appeared to be a woman wearing a very old nurse’s uniform with veil and a skirt that went right to the floor. The figure approached the nurse’s station and glanced at the patient list on bed allocation board. The nurse was stunned and asked the figure, “Can I help you?” The figure, who was carrying something covered by a small towel, did not reply but proceeded towards the ward of sleeping patients. The nurse followed calling, “Who are you and what are you doing here, there is no visiting at this time”. The figure glided through the ward, looking at bed numbers and stopped at a bed with an elderly gentleman. He was sleeping but seemed agitated and restless. The nurse called out again, “What are you doing here, please answer me”. Not wanting to wake the patients who might be startled by the strange figure in the ward the nurse went up to the white clothed figure and was reaching out to tap her on the shoulder when she removed the towel from the item she was carrying. It was a kidney dish containing a syringe and two small ampoules. She then proceeded to fill the syringe with the contents of the ampoules. The nurse was shocked by this and attempted to take the syringe from the figure but was somehow held back by an unknown force. Then as the figure approached the old man, she rolled up the sleeve of his pyjamas and appeared to be preparing to administer an injection. The nurse finally broke free, grabbed the figure and the two started to struggle. During the struggle the syringe dropped to the floor, the nurse pulled the veil from the figure and yelled, “I know you, I know you, what are you doing here and why are you wearing a female uniform, stop what you’re doing.” The figure smiled at the nurse but the struggle continued. The figure retrieved the syringe from the floor and again approached the patient with a clear intent to inject the patient. The struggle became more violent and the two were trading blows.

“Stop!” demanded Justin as he was awakened by Craig’s violent actions. He began to shake him and yelled “Stop it Craig”.

“What’s wrong?” asked Craig sleepily.

“Why are you punching me?”

“I wasn’t punching you.”

“Yes you were, you were calling out, I know you, stop what you’re doing.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You must have been having a nightmare.”

“Oh my god, what have I done.”

“You haven’t done anything my love, except try to punch me. You were just dreaming.”

“Oh Justin”, Craig curled into the foetal position and sobbed, as he was comforted by Justin.