A World Apart: A Sequel to Voyage to Romance

By Jeanne Ellington

An engaging, tender, love story, with believable characters involved in light-hearted humor, realistic life situations, including physical and mental challenges but with joy to savor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512758429

Jeanne Ellington

Reading and Writing has been a life-long favorite pastime for Jeanne. All through grade and high school,,she participated in competitions for monologues, roles in plays, and musicals .She had the lead roles in both junior and senior plays. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Jeanne was employed with GE Nuclear. She held several positions there in her twenty-eight year career was in Human Resource and Organization Management for GE Nuclear Energy in San Jose, California.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Anne pulled up in her driveway and turned the engine off. She gave a big sigh, laid her head on the seat back, and closed her eyes for a moment. She was simply exhausted from her workday. Then too, she was a little more than peeved at Brad, also known as Dr. Brad Browning, Head Surgeon of the hospital where she was Supervisor of Nurses.

Well, she was head nurse now, but things might have changed by tomorrow morning if Brad stayed as hot under the collar as he had been this morning. She was sure he’d have liked to fire her if it was within his power. He was her Superior in authority, but she had an excellent record and was his senior in time at the hospital. It isn’t as if she could help the fact that the hospital was almost filled to capacity and she was short- handed with nurses. He didn’t have to yell at her regardless of how he felt.

Well, so she had let four nurses go on vacation at the same time. They wouldn’t all be gone the same amount of time, In fact, two of them would be back by the end of the week in time for weekend duty.

But that wasn’t the whole story and this, of course, was beyond her control and he knew it! Two girls had called in sick –they had gone to some picnic and seemed to have gotten ill from some chicken casserole they both had eaten. They weren’t sick enough to be hospitalized, thank goodness, she thought, but they couldn’t come to work and be spending most of their time in the bathroom, now, could they?

The more she thought about it, the more upset she was at Brad for being so unreasonable. After all, she had filled in every place she could herself.

She opened the car door, grabbed her purse and briefcase and walked to the door. She unlocked it, put her stuff down and went back to the porch to look into her mail box. She was pleased to see a letter from Renee’, her daughter in Texas, and also one from her very good friend, Brandon Scott, a few bills, and magazines.

She went to the refrigerator and drew herself a tall glass of ice water and then sat down, kicked her shoes off, and began to read her letters. There were also pictures of Renee’ and Rob’s adorable little boy playing with his new puppy. Everyone seemed well and happy.

Rob’s new building for his Accounting business would be finished in about three months. His business had more than doubled since he started it only a few years ago. He had hired about ten new employees during the past two years.

Brandon had been visiting his daughter in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was now at his home in Joplin, Missouri. He had just had his annual physical examination. As a result, the Dr. asked him to come into the hospital for a few more tests. It didn’t seem to be a serious concern – he said it would be easier to go from one test to another if he were already there, so that is what he planned to do. He would be fine.

His son, John and daughter-in-law Mary Jane, were close by if he needed anything. John was doing a wonderful job running the paper. Brandon had asked what Anne’s plans were for the Fall and Winter. She felt a little sorry for him as he seemed to be at such loose ends since he had retired and his wife had died so soon after, even though it was several years ago now. She had told him she had no plans for the near future. This was obviously very disappointing to him.

He had said he was getting tired of traveling so much but everyone he wanted to see was somewhere else. She had suggested that he might consider moving closer to his friends, the Browns, in New York, as he at least knew, and liked Gordon and Meg very much. They liked to play bridge and so did he and they could spend a lot of time together. He said he really liked the idea, but he felt that his son might feel let down if he moved away from him and his family at this time. John often asked Brandon’s advice about the business of the paper, however, he thought he might bring up the subject and see how they would feel if he sold the family home and moved to New York. It isn’t as if John couldn’t telephone him if he needed some help or advice.

With her letters read, Anne got up and decided to fix herself some dinner. She scrambled some eggs, made some toast and drank a glass of milk. She had a quick English muffin with coffee this morning. There wasn’t any time today for lunch. She’d have some vegetables tomorrow—she didn’t have much of an appetite but knew she needed to eat something.

After she loaded her dishes into the dishwasher, she took a hot shower and washed her hair. As she was getting into a thick over-sized bath towel and drying herself off and putting another towel around her hair, the phone rang. It rang several times so she walked into the bedroom and saw that it was Brad. She decided to ignore it as she was still very annoyed with him.

She decided since she was not going out again for the evening that she would just dress for bed. She went downstairs, sat in her easy chair to watch the News and the phone rang once more. It was Brad again. She decided to let him sweat a bit. She was practically sure he was calling her to apologize for his behavior and she knew she would forgive him but not so quickly this time.

Brad was very interested in having her for more than a friend. They had dated quite a few times and she liked him very much except for his quick temper. They had to keep a business-like profile at work, of course, as it would be very unprofessional to let their personal feelings interfere in any way at the hospital. So far, they had been successful in keeping their personal life separate from business.

She sat there, feeling a little guilty for ignoring his call.

I suppose I should at least listen to his message. So she dialed in voice mail and saw that there were three messages. Two were from Brad, of course, both asking her to please call him and that they needed to talk.

The second time, he added, I know I was really awful to you and I am so sorry – please call me back. I don’t think I can sleep tonight if you don’t.

She took time to listen to her other message. It was from Ria, her oldest daughter, asking if she could come to dinner at their house on Friday. night. Derek Reagan, one of their friends from another state in France, would be in town and she definitely wanted to see him.

She really did so she called Ria back to say she definitely would and asked what she could bring. If you would make dessert, I would be most grateful. Just surprise us and make what you’d make if you were having the dinner. Anne said goodbye and smiled as she hung up. Ria was learning to be a pretty fair cook when it came to main dishes, but she seemed afraid to tackle pies or cakes for some reason.

I really should give Brandon a call and reassure him, she mused. He sounded a bit down-hearted in his letter, as if he needed a little TLC because he was going to be in the hospital. I know he is lonely – I have tried to encourage him to volunteer somewhere but he seems to think he spends enough time at the paper to satisfy his doing something although retired.

Now, I guess I had better call Brad back so he can go to sleep and I can get the whole thing off my mind. She dialed his number and when he picked up he said, Oh, Anne, thank you for calling back.

You wanted to talk to me?

Yes, of course, I do, which is why I called you. I am so sorry about the way I acted toward you today – I know I was a real Grouch.

You said that right. You really know how to embarrass, humiliate and hurt a person all in one tantrum. I felt like I was under attack by being blamed for everything that bothered you and I don’t mind saying, I did not like it at all then and I do not like it anytime.

I was just terribly upset that we were so shorthanded and so busy. I am sorry I blamed you for everything.

I understand exactly why you were upset and so was I. It was a really gruesome day for me trying to take up the slack where needed all over the hospital. Of course, it didn’t change your work day at all because you can keep on your schedule or defer your appointments to another time if you can’t get to it. Our work isn’t like that, of course.

Yes, I know you worked awfully hard today and I am so sorry.

That’s okay. It goes with being responsible for all of the nursing staff. However, you blamed the whole problem on my decision to allow four people on vacation at the same time. If you had bothered to let me tell you this, you would have known that their schedules to be off only overlapped by three days and, of course it wouldn’t have mattered at all if we had not had the crisis at the hospital, which no one could have predicted or prevented.

I am sorry. I remember saying, just don’t bother to tell me why you made such a stupid decision."

I, too, remember it and believe me, it is hard to forget. That is why I had to think a long time before calling you back. You are just lucky I have such a tender conscience. When I heard how sorry you seemed to be, I couldn’t help calling you.

I do appreciate it more than I can say. I just can’t believe I fly off the handle that way especially to someone I care so much about. You are the most special person in my life, Anne, and you know I want to be that person in yours.

Well that is another subject. But while we are on it, I think you should really consider a class in Anger Management—because frankly, I don’t want to be too close to someone who has so much anger or who has so little self control.

I guess you are probably right. I will definitely consider doing it for you.

No, you need to do it for yourself and for your future. You are going to have one of those tantrums with the wrong person one of these days and you could be history around here. Don’t take this lightly. I have been around here a lot longer than you and I have seen older people than you ruin their careers with their inability to control their temper.

You are probably right again for I do know it has caused problems for me at times.

There is something else I would like to say to you, however, while we are having this discussion

Okay, go ahead.

"Employees’ time off is one of their benefits and we should, if possible, let them take it when they want it. Just an added reminder, this is in the interest of good employee relations.

You know, Brad, most doctors do not seem to be at all concerned about the employees. And yet, they rely on the knowledge and skills they bring to their jobs very heavily. I know that you appreciate what they can do when you need it, but your concern usually ends there.

But remember in order to keep good employees, it is very wise to keep them happy. It is not only costly to have turnover in the workforce but costs money to retrain.

To give credit where it is due, you, and most doctors I know, do pay a lot of attention to patients and their bedside manner and are very courteous and warm to the visitors who happened to be there when they make their calls. I appreciate that and I am sure everyone does. As far as our disagreement is concerned, this is the end of it. I forgive you for your outbreak and I hope it never happens again."

Thank you so much. I know that you have the right attitude about employees. I also know why they respect you so much. I appreciate the kind of person you are, Anne, and it must have seemed that I took you for granted in exploding and expressing just how frustrated I was. I suppose that is what husbands and wives do.

Well, that hardly fits our situation. For your information, I never ever had to contend with that kind of behavior all the years I was married and just for the record, I would not tolerate it. I think it is time we said goodnight before we both say something we regret.

Goodnight Anne.

Goodnight Brad.

After her long discussion with Brad, together with the hard day at the hospital, Anne immediately headed upstairs for bed. All of that took the rest of her energy and she realized she was thoroughly exhausted. She fell asleep almost immediately.

Chapter 2

Brandon got out of the shower and put on his pajamas and robe. He thought he’d just get into bed and watch television there instead of in the den where he usually watched. He was really tired tonight for no particular reason. He had spent an hour at the News Office, after which he and John went out for a leisurely lunch.

They said goodbye and he decided to go by and see the grandchildren for a bit. Johnny had been to Kindergarten this morning so he was home for the afternoon. Betsy would be four on her birthday next week so he wanted to ask Mary Jane if she had any suggestions for his gift for her party.

As she answered the door, Mary Jane said Hello Dad, what brings you out today? What a nice surprise, giving him a hug. He kissed her cheek and said, I was hoping I would get here a little sooner but John and I had lunch and we got to talking and the time got away from me. Have you already put the children down for their naps?

Well, as a matter of fact, I just came downstairs from doing that. But they will be very disappointed to miss seeing you, so why don’t you go on upstairs and see them for a few minutes and then tell them, when you feel you can do so, that they must settle down again and go to sleep. I told them to be thinking about Betsy’s birthday party next week so they would have happy thoughts.

Good idea. I will do just that. I want to talk with you for a bit if you aren’t involved with something else.

Okay. I will be glad to sit down a bit. I will fix us some iced tea.

That is splendid. It’s a little warm outside today."

He had a delightful visit with the kids. He ended up telling them a story. They talked about the birthday party and the fact that they were to have a clown and ice cream and cake and lots of little boys and girls to play. He kissed and hugged them both and tucked them back in their beds and closed the door. He crept quietly downstairs to see Mary Jane.

Is something wrong, Dad?

Well, no, not really. Why do you ask?

I don’t know, I just had a feeling that you were a little down for some reason or am I wrong?

I wouldn’t say I am down, my dear, but you are very perceptive –I am a little concerned over something and I just need to talk about it a little bit. I really didn’t want to bother John with it as he has quite a lot on his mind right now with considering the possible merger with the other newspaper.

That doesn’t mean I want you to worry either. The fact is, I have just had my annual physical and after Dr. Fuller received the results, he feels I should have a complete battery of tests. He wants me to be in the hospital to have them done, partly because some need to be done concurrently and mostly because of the convenience in doing them.

Do you know what sort of tests? What do they involve? Heart, Kidney, or what?

Well, there will be tests for those as well as colon, prostrate and vascular.

Is he looking for anything in particular?

I can’t really tell you any more as that is all I know. He was non- committal about it, so I guess I just have to wait and see.

Well, I can understand why you feel a little nervous about it. I would feel the same. When is it scheduled?

I have to call him today to tell him when I want to come in. But first, I want to know two things. What day is Betsy’s party as I definitely want to be here as planned and secondly, I need your input about a gift for her. I want to get something special that she wants and you are probably the only one that knows that.

Well, Dad, her actual birthday is on Thursday, but so that John can be here, we plan to have it on Saturday next. She has been wanting a new Barbie doll that ha ice skates and the skating outfit. She also wants some silver tap shoes for her dancing class.

Could I give you some money and have you pick up both of them for me?

Of course, I’d be glad to do so. May I please drive you to the hospital when you need to go and be there to bring you home when you are finished?

That would be fine, my dear. I think since the party is a whole week away, I will go to the clinic and see if is possible just to come in tomorrow and be done with it. Would that be convenient for you?

Sounds fine to me. I will call Mom and ask her to come over and watch the children. She has her own car and can take Johnny to school and pick him up. That way, I will be able to be there with you for as long as it takes.

Okay, thank you so much. I feel better already. I guess I just didn’t really want to go alone.

You don’t ever have to if I am around.

I know that, sweetheart. You are a wonderful daughter and I love you very much.

You know that goes for me too, Dad. I will tell John about it tonight, okay?

Yes, that will be good. He should know, of course, but I just didn’t want to bother him with it today.

I am sure he will be concerned, but he will feel good about me being there with you, I know.

I think so too. I will leave now and go by the clinic and see if tomorrow is a good time for him. I will call you as soon as I find out. It shouldn’t be over half an hour or so. Then you could call your Mom when we know for sure.

Okay, Dad. Here’s another hug.

Bye now.

When Brandon got to the Clinic, he told Carrie, the receptionist that he needed to speak to the doctor about the possible hospital schedule for about five minutes. She said he was just finishing up with a patient and he could see him as soon as he got through. She showed him to the office to wait. Dr. Fuller came in and smiled when he shook hands with Brandon.

What can I do for you, Brandon?

I have decided I’d like to get these tests over with. Can we do it tomorrow?

Well, I want you to spend the night in the hospital so that we can begin very early in the morning.

Oh, is that necessary?

Yes, it is standard procedure and if you are doing that, there will be no reason they can’t schedule them all in. Is that a problem for you?

Well, I guess not. What should I bring with me?

Just your toilet articles, a robe and house shoes, something to read and if you want, your pajamas for tonight. You know we will give you one of those cute little gowns for tomorrow, he said, with a twinkle in his eye.

Brandon, groaning I am sure you are just delighted to do that.

Well, we like to make people happy. I would suggest that you try to get up here around 4:30 and get checked in – they will have a special diet for you for tonight’s dinner. Can you do that?

Yes, I will do that. Thanks for your time. Will I see you tomorrow?

Probably so, but it will be later in the day. I want all of the results in and time to study them a bit first. I usually don’t make rounds until around 6 or 6:30.

Hey, does that mean I will be there another night?

It is possible, Brandon. These things take time. You will be getting EKG, EEG, CATSCAN, X-ray, colonoscopy, and MRI’s, a vascular test, plus blood work and a few other choice tidbits. We are giving you the works, old Buddy.

Sure sounds like it. I hope you don’t find anything.

I hope I do if it is something that needs fixing.

Well, yeah, I guess so. See you.

Yeah, Brandon, ‘bye for now.

As soon as he got home, Brandon called Mary Jane and told her about the new plans. She called her Mom who said she’d come right over. She was ready to go when her Mom arrived. She told her she was sure that they would need to go back up there tonight. Her Mom said it was no problem. She would fix dinner and plan to stay until after they went back and returned.

Mary Jane went straight over and picked Brandon up as he was already waiting for her. They had to spend about thirty minutes getting all checked in and then they put him in a wheel chair and took him up to a room. She followed and the nurse asked him to change into his pajamas. She mentioned that he had to have very light food for dinner as he might start some of the tests later this evening.

Brandon told Mary Jane since he was spending the night, she should go on home and be with her family for dinner.

She said, Okay, Dad, John and I will be back to see you tonight and if you feel you want someone to be here with you, I am prepared to stay with you. Will you tell me if you want that?

Yes, I promise, I will. Thank you dear, see you later.

When Mary Jane and John went back to the hospital that night after dinner, they found Brandon in a much better frame of mind. The doctor. had been in and talked with him and several nurses had been by to do this or that and they had been so nice and pleasant that he seemed to be enjoying himself.

Mary had filled John in on what was going on tomorrow and that she would be here with him as long as it took. Brandon assured her that he would be all right tonight and she should go home and get a good night’s sleep. He felt like he would be able to do the same thing. They visited with him for a while and then John said they should leave and let him get some sleep.

I’ll see you in the morning, Dad.

I will see you too, said Mary Jane.

Okay. Goodnight kids. I will be fine. I’m even getting a little sleepy.

Next morning, in another part of the world, Anne sat down to work the crossword puzzle, her usual routine while having her coffee and whatever she was having for breakfast.

She reminded herself mentally to give Brandon a call later to encourage him a bit and to make herself feel a little easier about him. He had made her feel like he was a little worried but was trying to keep her from knowing it. Also, she needed to have the kind of TLC that Brandon always supplied. She knew that he was very fond of her, in fact, he had told her he was in love with her and was trying to get her to marry him.

So far, his proposal seemed to carry with it the idea of moving to the States and she just was not ready to take that step. She had very positive feelings about him –in fact more than anyone else since her beloved husband, Bill, who could never be replaced. She admired and respected Brandon very much. He was a very attractive man.

She had told Brandon about Brad and that she liked him a lot, but so far, he was mostly someone to go places with instead of always being alone. She had not told him that Brad was starting to say he had feelings for her and she really did not want him to feel that way. She was very close to just breaking it off with Brad before it got any further.

Yet, while she did have good feelings for Brandon, there wasn’t any real plans for