Reyona was super happy when Andrea finally gave her a clean bill of health.
Alysyn also had her bandage adjustment the day before,
Her bandage was switched to a lighter dressing, and she could finally turn over on her back with some soft cushion to comfort her behind in the little period that the doctor said she could try resting on it.
"Any discomfort at all and I want you to turn over immediately." Andrea had instructed.
She even promised they could start with some sitting in a couple of days.
Allysyn was so happy about it and Reyona could understand how the girl felt.
Even she who could walk about, lie on her back and sit as much as she wanted, had felt constrained by the extreme carefulness with which she had to do everything.
All because those surrounding her think she was an egg that could break anytime from something as small as filling the tub for her own bath.
She could only guess what it must have been like for a kid who had to do what the adults say most times anyway.
Add that to tailbone surgery and boom, adults get to order her around more.
So she helped Allysyn make a card-like calendar that the girl decorated herself.
A calendar named "Countdown to Freedom"
Then they badgered Andrea into giving them a specific date when the latest dressing would come off and Allysyn could get to walk about and use the wheelchair if she so wished.
Exasperated but amused by their teamwork, Andrea gave them a five-day deadline.
Of course, she had to add an "If, and only if" term.
But that didn't stop the two from making the most of it.
Reyona even got some streamers to redecorate the medical room with Jane.
Then she changed the "Get well soon" banners and decor to "Out of here, soon."
They had fun all day as they took different pictures, and she made a video of Allysyn marking the first day out of the five days as the evening approached.
Then she thought of letting Allysyn talk about her feelings about what had happened.
Though she didn't want the girl to think of bad memories that could affect her, she had still hoped that the girl might say something about what had caused her surgery.
Reyona was afraid that the incident might cause Allysyn to turn back to that withdrawn girl that Reyona had initially met.
Yet it seemed that her fears had been for nothing.
Allysyn had been very engaged in everything that was happening around her.
Though she couldn't do much because she had to lie on her front almost every time, she was very active.
If Reyona were not really watching, she wouldn't have caught the few times when the girl would have some pensive look on her face, but then the next moment, she would be lively again.
So, as Reyona acted out the part of being a fawning reporter interviewing a big celebrity, she hoped the undemanding, playful atmosphere might let the girl talk about how exactly she felt.
Yet when Reyona shushed Junior's exuberant clap by telling him this was serious business, and then said "Light, Camera! Action; Alysyn had only started her narration from after she woke up from surgery till that moment.
When she was done, Reyona subtly asked "Is that all? Is there any other thing you want to add?"
"What, nuuh, there is no…yes!" Reyona's heart leapt only for her to hear. "And one more thing, Reyona the reporter is the best, bye!"
Yes, the girl could be a charmer when she put her mind to it.
It was just not what Reyona was expecting at the moment.
Reyona had no choice but to say cheerily "And that is a wrap."
It seemed therapy would be inevitable after all.
She just had to find a way to first make the girl understand that it was not because anything was wrong with her.
She had agreed to it for the first time after Reyona had made her understand that it was not meant for crazy people as her mother had made her believe.
Agreed and cooperated? Yes. Liked it? Reyona was not so sure.
The girl had more depth than an eight-year-old should.
For the moment though, Reyona played the recorded video and marvelled at how well Alysyn handled facing the camera.
Of course, Junior had to throw in his two-pence by saying that Allysyn looked silly.
And the latter couldn't be blamed when she found another use for her prop-up cushion.
Launching it at her brother's head.
All in all, Reyona knew there was a lot to be thankful for.
What would be the point in excess worry when things seemed to be progressing fine?
Though she knew there were still important issues to be addressed, as she watched Junior taunting his sister and the latter trying to cajole him to get closer, she knew she wouldn't trade moments like this for anything.
Then Andrea had given her an official clean bill.
Of course, she was feeling so much better already, but then Maxwell was not ready to relax until he got the official statement from the doctor.
So when Andrea gave the verdict, she hooted and danced around the house, almost tripping over Junior, who decided to dance along with her.
Then she celebrated the news by taking Max out on a shopping date.
She had expected him to grumble and probably offer to give her his card to do all the shopping she could while he was spared.
Instead, he jumped on the offer as excitedly as she did.
But then, that might have something to do with the fact that she mentioned that most of the shopping would be for the baby.
Most of what they got in Sydney was still there and Reyona would like to have others in Kayooma if they didn't go to Sydney again until she gave birth.
Her baby's things can never be too much anyway.
She also needed to get new clothes because her old ones were beginning to get too small for her.
Maxwell told her they could easily call the best personal shopper in town and get everything they wanted without leaving the comfort of their home.
She gave him a look and said "Where is the fun in that? This is meant to be a sort of date, anyway. But if you are not interested, I could go get another man out there to have a date with."
"And I would kill him," he said with a possessive look before gesturing towards the door. "After you, my queen."
Reyona laughed as she ignored Toria's grumbling that she had been tossed aside for a shopping partner who probably didn't know the difference between tulle and silk.
"Ignore her," Reyona said as she stepped past him.
Then she leaned slightly towards him as she whispered. "You might even get lucky, you know."
He was out of the door as fast as possible.
Who said men hate shopping?
They just needed the right motivation. She mused.