Authors Note: Apologies to my regular readers who like this series. Thank you so much for all your comments and feedback on the series so far. Life is extremely busy at the moment but I will endeavour to keep up dating the series at least once a month. Thank you all for your patience. ~ellie
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Bella's eyes flickered open, she was still woozy, but the insistent hand squeezing her own and shaking her slightly had roused her from sleep. "See I told you she wasn't really asleep," Rosie smiled down on her daughter the smile though, did not reach her eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Bella asked hoarsely.
"My baby in the hospital, where else would I be?" Rosie seemed shocked by the question.
Her father came forward and kissed her cheek, "How are you feeling EllieBellie?"
Bella smiled crookedly. "I am fine Dad really, I just fell. Nothing to worry about," she looked at her mothers worried face, "I am actually terribly embarrassed about all the fuss I created because of one clumsy move."
"Nonsense," Rosie fussed with her bags, "You men get out while I get her changed out of that awful hospital gown."
Bella groaned as Rosie held up a long conservative night gown. Mel chuckled, "C'mon Joe, I'll buy you a cup of coffee." The men left quietly leaving Rosie to fuss over Bella.
Watching them leave Bella smiled up at her mother and tried to sit up, a wave of nausea rolled over her making her bury her head in her hands. Rosie sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped her arm about her daughters shoulder looking concerned. Feeling the nausea pass Bella looked up again. "You know me, Mummy if I am going to do something, I do it well, even concussions."
"Oh Bella, don't joke you gave us all a big fright, especially Mel. He sounded distraught when he rang us," Rosie hugged her tighter.
Bella hugged Rosie back, "I am glad you're here, Mummy."
"Good. Now let's get you dressed up and looking pretty," she stood up and gathered her bag pulling out two night gowns and some fresh underwear to lie beside the first night gown she had pulled out.
Bella Laughed, "How long are you going to leave me here?"
"I didn't know until we got here, but the doctor said at least overnight for observation. Which night gown do you like, I didn't want you running around here in those skimpy little things you wear at home," her mother frowned in a mock scolding.
Bella was grateful as her mother helped her change; the crisp white cotton of the basic gown she chose was crisp and felt lovely against her skin as did the sensible, fresh cotton underwear. The movement had caused her head to pound again by the time she lay back propped up by the pillows. Her eyes felt heavy, and she closed them as her mother talked about the possibility of taking her home tomorrow to recover properly.
The nurse came in to do observations as Rosie kept up a steady stream of conversation. "I am so tired mum," Bella whispered as the nurse left and her mother kissed her on the forehead and told her to sleep.
The next time she opened her eyes, Mel sat in a chair beside her bed playing with his phone. Bella smiled as she watched him. It was several minutes before his looked up again to see her watching him, "So quiet, little one. I didn't realise you were awake."
Her throat was dry, "I didn't want to disturb you I have been too much bother entirely today." She thought back to her melt down of the morning and then this silly fall that landed her here. "Did Mum and Dad go home?"
"I got John to take them to Dockside, it's nice there," Mel came over and sat on her bed beside her, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay," Bella smiled, "I just seem to be so tired." She scooted up in bed a little.
Mel took her hand, "It's been a hectic week or so hasn't it."
A nurse bustled in, "You're finally awake again. I was thinking I would have to wake you up to take these observations," she said as she took Bella's wrist and looked at her watch.
Mel stood back and let the nurse take the observations. "You're a popular girl, Miss Biancotti."