Boarding House Blues Ch. 02

"Would you like me to drive you to the hospital?"

"You don't have to do that, Dwayne."

"I'd like to. Besides; I've seen a hot blue sports-car in the garage that I'd really like to drive."

"Oh, OK. That's my car."

"Great! You mean we can use it? You see I've never driven a sports car like yours; and besides, I want to meet Alice again."

Mr Whyte was too elated to think about the significance of Dwayne's last remark.

Before they left, Mr Whyte went through his wife's wardrobe. He selected an outfit from among the things she had kept from her college days.

He showed Dwayne, "Do you think these clothes will be OK?"

"Yeah. I like that black skirt; it will really set off the green blouse. Don't you think she'll need a bra or camisole under her blouse?"

"Um, you're right; it's a bit cool out... What the hell is a camisole?"

"A sort of woman's singlet or T-shirt."

"How do you know about such things?"

"Easy; I work at Macy's, remember."

"Well it'll have to be some sort of T-shirt thing then, since I don't know her bra size."

And with that Mr Whyte went to fetch a camisole from the same draw where he had found his wife's college memorabilia.

As they approached the hospital reception desk, a distant voice yelled, "WAYNE! What are you doing here!" It was Dwayne's mother; she only called him Dwayne when he was in serious trouble.

He replied, "Hi Mum. This is my landlord, Mr Whyte. His daughter has just woken up after years of being in a coma... Sorry; Mr Whyte this is my mother, Mrs Edythe Richards."

"Hello Edythe, my name is Philip."

"Hello Philip. Your daughter is in the end room on the right." Edythe pointed down the gloomy hallway.

When they enter Alice's room she immediately lit up, "Oh Daddy! I'm so glad you're here." She was seated on the side of the bed without any tubes or wires attached.

Mr Whyte reached Allison just as she finished her greeting They hugged and he sobbed with joy, "Thank God you're finally back with us."

As he released her, Alice glanced at Dwayne, "Hi Wayne; it's nice to see you again."

"Hi; you looking much better."

Mr Whyte suddenly looked puzzled. "I didn't know you two knew each other."

Dwayne answer was intentionally vague, "I think we have shared some common dreams, that's all." At which Alice blushed profusely.

Dwayne walked up to Alice and attempted to kiss her on the check; but Alice turned her face and planted her puckered lips firmly on his mouth.

Mr Whyte smiled; he truly smiled for the first time in seven years. He liked Dwayne a great deal, and he felt he had not only been given his daughter back, but with interest...