The residents nodded.
Natalie continued. “All these new rules are another thing. You can’t take issue with unwritten rules because Matron will deny having made them. Refuse to obey any rules that aren’t in writing. Stick together and we can win.”
That afternoon Chris and William presented Matron with a letter advising her of the refusal of residents to obey any rules that were not in writing and signed by her and the Chief Executive Officer. They’d called her bluff. She couldn’t afford to put her discriminatory practices into print where they could be taken to the press or statutory bodies. Further, that evening, William, Chris and Sam stayed in Noelene’s room until after midnight in defiance of the curfew.
The atmosphere at Crystal Gardens changed. With residents banding together in defiance, their confidence built. Their goals were clear and their determination resolute.
The next move was the preparation of a letter to board members. With the help of their advocate, William, Chris and Sam, outlined mismanagement at the nursing home, evidencing Matron’s recent behaviour. The letter concluded, “Management has consistently refused to accept the fact that we are people with minds, capable of making rational decisions, and like all people in the community, have a fundamental right to have a say and control our lives. The management treats us as if we do not have the capacity to think for ourselves. Having exhausted all other channels and feeling desperate about the situation, the residents’ committee is requesting that you come to Crystal Gardens with other members of the board to discuss our concerns. We hope to hear from you within two weeks so that it will not be necessary to take further action.” William signed it as President and sent it to every member of the board.
Then, in defiance of the rule-making issue, Natalie and William composed their own set of rules for staff and pinned it up in the dining room.
Rules for Crystal Gardens Staff
Staff members are not to lecture or criticise residents or tell them how to run their lives.
Staff members are not to pass on confidential information about residents to other staff.
Staff members are not to get too personally involved with residents and are to respect their privacy.
Residents are to be treated with respect at all times.
Future rules are to be made by residents and staff together on a co-operative basis.
The campaign had the desired effect. Matron advised residents that she had tendered a month’s notice.
The joy, however, was short-lived. William, Chris and Sam arrived at Natalie’s office at a quarter to five that afternoon. Chris spoke first. “They’ve gone. All the staff have just walked out and left us.”
“What?”
“They’ve given us no explanation or indication of how long they plan to stay away. All we know is they’ve gone out on strike,” said William.
“I can’t believe they would do that without giving any warning.”
“They have. Matron and the deputy are the only ones left to organise dinner and care for us overnight.”
“I’m going to speak to her,” Natalie declared.
They went to the solarium to find the remainder of the residents already there with Matron. As Natalie approached, Matron turned and walked away. Natalie pursued her with the residents following on behind. “Matron, what provisions have you made for night care?”
Matron stopped and turned around. “Ring Head Office and find out.” She glared at Natalie, her eyes blazing with hatred. “You have no professional integrity.”
Natalie knew all the residents were watching, depending on her. She looked Matron straight in the eye. “I do have professional integrity and don’t you harass me.” William came forward and backed her up.
Matron scuttled back to the protection of her office.
Natalie rang Head Office to be advised that only Matron and the deputy would be there overnight. She was told it was a union matter and told to go straight home or jeopardise losing her job.
She told William what had been said.
“You go home. We’ll be all right. All of us with muscular dystrophy have decided to stay up in our chairs all night.”
So that’s that. I can’t help anyone without my job. With a heavy heart, she went home.
Her mind was restless, worrying about William. I want to be there with them. I’m part of this. She felt so helpless at home, with Chris asleep in the next room. Then at about two o’clock in the morning, it dawned on her that everyone would be exhausted the next day after no sleep. She needed to get some rest so she’d have the strength to support them.
The following morning Ron turned up at her office. “The strike’s still on but we don’t know what they’re striking over or for how long. The muscular dystrophy boys went to bed at about four o’clock this morning and they’re still asleep. We don’t know what’s happening.”
“Look, I’ve got a community visit this morning and I don’t want to risk aggravating things by going to the nursing home. Just let everyone know I’ll arrange the meeting room near my office for two o’clock this afternoon for any of you who wants to come and talk with me.”
When Natalie arrived at the meeting room that afternoon she was nonplussed to see all the residents already there, without exception. The strike had been called off and staff members were back. Still, everyone wanted to talk. They formed a circle and each person spoke in turn about how they felt. Gradually, the anxiety of the night before abated, replaced with anger at their treatment. They determined that, together, they would weather this crisis, like any to come.
Two days later, on Friday, the Chief Executive Officer met with residents, informing them, officially, that Matron had given a month’s notice. This was reason to celebrate. Natalie arranged a babysitter and met with William at the local club that evening. The bright cheery atmosphere, with banter, raucous laughter and the smell of beer was a welcome change. William introduced her to his mates. “Natalie didn’t back down on anything,” he skited. They were both filled with triumph as they talked over their campaign. She remained elated, even after returning home, finally admitting to herself that her feelings for William were more than mere friendship.
Chapter 35
William got into the habit of visiting Natalie in her office late each afternoon. With stories of staff still snooping about, her fear of them being caught together mounted, along with concern at the ever-later hour she was collecting Chris from the child-minder. “Please, don’t come every day,” she begged. Despite this, as the afternoon advanced, she found herself anticipating his arrival with increasing excitement. Her welcome smile was all he needed to join her.
“I risk losing my job and my reputation, in fact, my whole career, if we get caught together like this. I try so hard to resist you. I can manage to stop myself from touching you but I can’t get you out of my mind and my heart.”
William acknowledged her feelings but kept his to himself.
Despite her efforts, her feelings continued to mount until, late one afternoon, she asked him if he would hold her. “Just for a minute.” He patted his knee and she climbed onto his lap, snuggling her head into his strong, broad chest, finally experiencing the warmth and security she’d craved for so long. She felt him become erect beneath her. Her nipples tingled with a thrill that ran through her body. This isn’t what I expected. She looked into William’s soft, green eyes. He leaned over and gently kissed her on the lips. The sweet warmth of his touch made her feel light-headed. She wanted more but knew things had already gone too far. Hurriedly she got down off the chair and they silently went their separate ways.
Next morning she awoke, aching all over with the tension of a poor night’s sleep. The euphoria of the night before had gone, leaving behind a sense of dread. All the way to work her mind challenged her recklessness. What if someone saw us through the window? What if I lose my job? What if he doesn’t really care for me? She rushed to the seclusion of her office. Please ring me, William. Let me know everything is OK<
br />
Finally, he rang, furious at the risk they’d taken. “I couldn’t bear it if you had to leave Crystal Gardens.”
But the attraction was too strong. Their afternoon meetings continued unabated. William would stroke and caress her, kindling delightful sensations throughout her body. Each kiss led to an even deeper kiss. It felt unbearable to separate at the end of each day.
Knowing she must inevitably make a choice between William and her job, Natalie decided to take time out to consider the situation. She bundled Chris into the car and headed for Newcastle, not to see her parents, but to stay in a cheap caravan at Swansea. She needed to immerse herself in nature, to free her soul to speak to her. After the long drive, they hurriedly threw their belongings into the caravan and walked along the foreshore, invigorated by a tangy, salt breeze. Chris stopped to fish beneath the bridge but Natalie continued, soothed by the murmur of gentle waves caressing the shore. She was captivated by the reflection of the sunset in the river, where screeching seagulls dived for fish and small rodents fossicked amongst the rocks. Yet, she did not feel alone. It was as if William were there, with her the whole time.
Awakening to a beautiful, sunny day, they had a quick breakfast and drove to Caves Beach. Chris and Natalie strolled along the beach. Waves rolled onto the golden sand, the water so clean and fresh, sparkling in the sunlight. They strolled over to the rock-shelf and sat looking into a pool, searching for little, brown crabs amongst the weeds.
“There’s something I need to tell you, Chris.”
“What?”
“I’ve fallen in love with a man at work. I want to be with him but if we get together I’ll lose my job.”
“Do you love him or do you really love him?”
She heard herself say, “I really love him.”
“Then go for it. I love you, Mum. If you lose your job I’ll work part-time or even steal if necessary.”
Natalie laughed. “That won’t be necessary, but thank you for your support. It’s important to me.”
She knew then what she must do – follow the call of her heart, just as the waves followed the call of the tide.
On her return to work, their daily meetings resumed. Natalie filled William in on her experiences in Newcastle and Chris’s willingness to accept their friendship. That Friday, William handed her a small, beautifully gift-wrapped present. Natalie held it, looking up at him, bewildered.
“Are you going to open it?” Nervously, she undid the wrapping to discover a tiny lump of gold. “This nugget is a symbol of our friendship. If you want to end the relationship at any time, return it to me and I’ll understand.”
Natalie bought a gold chain, to which she linked the nugget. Worn around her neck, hidden beneath her blouse, its presence reminded her of William’s love.
The following Friday evening they met up with William’s friends at the club. After a quick meal, they joined others on the dance floor. Natalie sat on William’s lap, as he whirled the chair around in rhythm with the music. Though others stared, they hardly noticed, so caught up were they in their own emotions. They kissed deeply. Then Natalie closed her eyes as they glided around the floor. If only this magic could last forever, but no, at the end of the evening, they had to leave each other and return to their separate lives.
Next morning, Natalie awoke in a cold sweat, alert to the possibility of someone at the club reporting back to Crystal Gardens what they’d seen. She remained on tender-hooks throughout the day. Then, at about two o’clock there was a knock on the front door. Natalie opened it. William looked up at her from a small, manual chair.
“I knew you’d be worried about being seen last night. I wanted to reassure you everything is all right Nobody at Crystal Gardens knows.”
Natalie sighed with relief. “How did you get here?”
“My nephew dropped me off. He’ll pick me up later if you want me to stay for a bit.”
“That’d be wonderful.”
His nephew appeared, dragged the manual chair up the two front steps into the living room and left without comment.
“I’ll make us a cup of tea.”
Natalie heard Chris from the kitchen. “Are you Mum’s new boyfriend?”
“Sure am!”
“Do you want to play a game with me?”
“What games have you got?”
“Come into my room and I’ll show you.”
“You’ll have to push the chair. I left my motor behind.”
“OK.” With that, they were off together to Chris’s room to check out his games.
By the time Natalie went into the room with drinks and a plate of biscuits, she found the two immersed in a video game, giggling like old mates.
Chris looked up. “William’s going to let me sit in his chair and push it by myself, one time when he’s not using it.”
“Wow, that sounds like fun.”
That evening, they relaxed in front of the television, relieved to be free of the worry of being caught out.
“Do you want me to stay the night?” William asked.
Natalie nodded.
“I’ll ring my nephew and arrange for him to collect me tomorrow.”
With William’s guidance, Natalie undressed him and rolled him out of the manual chair into bed. How wonderful it was to cuddle up together and make love in a sweet, gentle way.
Next morning, Natalie had only just managed to get herself dressed before William’s nephew arrived. He dressed William, lifted him into the wheel-chair and pushed him to the car. Natalie felt a wave of sadness as she watched them draw away.
Chapter 36
The screeching of rubber wheels on the tiled floor caught Natalie’s attention. William careered into her office, jerking to a halt so suddenly that his whole body shuddered. “The bitch has done it again.”
“What this time?”
“With so many staff members leaving, there aren’t any wards-men available on afternoon shift to toilet the men. Matron told us we have to wait until the next shift arrives at 11.00 tonight before we can use our bowels. Derek’s in a state. He always uses the loo at 6 o’clock, after dinner. He told her he had the right to use the toilet when he needed to. She advised him to use a bit of self-control. That really got him going. He said he’d use his bowels at six o’clock, whether she liked it or not. She didn’t care, just called him an animal.”
“That’s dreadful.”
“He retaliated, telling her she couldn’t speak to him like that. He said, ‘You won’t get away with this.’ I heard her muttering under her breath as she left, ‘We’ll see about that.’ I’m worried about what she’ll do next.”
“That’s cruel. Something has to be done.”
“I didn’t think things could get any worse but they have. Can I use your phone to call a mate to come up and help Derek with the toilet later on?”
Natalie handed him the receiver and he made the call. “That’s one problem solved. I’ll catch you later.” With that, he was on his way.
Next morning all was quiet. Natalie had a feeling something was wrong. She left the office and made her way to the solarium. Despite the sun flooding through the windows, there was an eerie silence. Paul sat glumly looking into space. Natalie approached him. “Where’s William?”
Paul’s head began to wobble up and down. His upper body lurched backwards and forwards as he tried to get the words out, finally stuttering, “They’re still in bed.”
Natalie hurried along the corridor, where she could hear moaning and screaming coming from one of the men’s room. She opened the door and went in. William, Derek and Sam lay helpless in their beds. Derek was a strange shade of grey. Not sure if he was alive, she grabbed his hand. Thank God it was warm.
She went over to William. “We’ve been calling out for three hours but nobody’s come.”
“Hang on. I’ll go and get someone.”
Outside in the corridor, she caught sight of a wards-man and yelled, “Come here. What’s going on?”
He re
mained where he was until Natalie caught up with him. “Matron won’t let us get them out of bed. She wants to teach them a lesson because of what Derek said to her yesterday.”
By now Natalie was shaking with fury. “Get staff and help them all out of bed.”
He looked at her bemused.
“Now!”
He scurried away.
Natalie returned to the men’s room.
Derek was lying on his back, unconscious. Natalie went over to his bed and squeezed his still warm hand. He roused himself. “God, take me away from this cruel, nasty world. I don’t want it any more. I never asked to be born a cripple. I don’t want to be trapped in this crippled body. Let me be free of it and dependence on others. God, take me away. God, just take me home. Wrap me in your blanket of love and take me home. Take me away from all this.” Tears flowed down his cheeks onto the pillowcase.
Natalie struggled to hold back her own tears. “Help’s coming, Derek. Help’s coming.”
Sam looked at them from the next bed. “We’ve been calling out all morning but no one’s come near the room. To start with I tried to reassure Derek. I knew he couldn’t move at all. He’s been lying in the one position all night. He must be aching all over. At least I was able to roll onto my side. Then I got frightened when he started to sweat profusely. His breathing became laboured. He started to shake all over. I thought he was going to die.”
Four members of staff walked in the door to help the men out of bed and into their clothes. Natalie left the room and marched to Matron’s office. Matron looked up, a startled expression on her face, as Natalie entered the room. “If Derek doesn’t pull through, you can expect a charge of murder laid against you, you heartless bitch.”
Parallel Lives Page 18