Fractured Family

Rose Malone sat on the edge of the bed willing her legs to work. The rehab she used had released her was satisfied with her progress after her 4th surgery to her brain in the last 8 years. She was a lone Wolf. Her uncle Sal gave her work overseeing project sights across the United States.

Doing the basics was tough after this last surgery she had to relearn basics. She was lucky her uncle had damn good insurance package. She had a week before she was scheduled to fly back to the states.

She had at least had gotten a service dog. A pretty Aussie shepherd named Honey. Who needed to be took to do her business.

She got up legs slightly shaking. Put on theHoneys vest and hooked her leash. She had never had her own pet before. Her father never would permit her or her siblings to have pets. She checked the time and saw it was 3. She hadn't ate yet. She found a nice diner with beautiful outside seating on a patio. She bought the British fish and chips.

Midway through her meal her phone rang. Seeing it was uncle Sal she answered. He knew she would be back next week.

"Hey uncle Sal what's up?" She asked while throwing Honey a chunk of fish.

"Darling your needed home early. Not for the company but your father has fallen ill and doctors don't want him working the ranch."

"I can't fly yet unless special care is taken." She answered.

"Already taken care of. I also told Blake and Hunter who have been living on the ranch. They're getting your nana's old home ready for you. Also a local ranch that specializes in horses for people in your situation to send a horse to the ranch. I didn't know if I should tell your mama Maria or not. Plane lands in a hour." He told her.

"She will need to be informed I guess. Will get a ride to airport." She said.

She paid her bill. Ordered a taxi and grabbed her things from her room.

She got to the airport quickly setting every metal detector. She showed them the evidence forms they needed verifying she had metal in her head. Then went to the convenient pharmacy in the airport grabbing things for her and Honey. The metal detectors gave her a migraine from hell.

She saw the plane landing and headed out. There she was met by a private nurse who just so happened to be Blake's wife Melanie. They chatted a bit while they took off. She learned her dad had suffered a major stroke brought on by years of stress.

"He brought it on himself. He always was a hard man to live with. From what I have heard through friends he gave all us kids the boot at 17. Somehow he managed to let the boys back. Meanwhile I have been on my own with the last few years being hell. But I was taught to be tough and hold my own." She told Tonia.

"Why didn't you reach out?"

"My father wouldn't have cared."

" Your mom had to threaten divorce in order for him to let the boys back so I understand."

"I hadn't heard that."

"Your mom is a tough italian. Your dad loves her too much to see her go."

"Good to know. So how far out from the ranch the airstrip."

"Your mom insisted the ranch be upgraded but they were short on funds so Uncle Sal bought the neighbors ranch and added a private airport and added about 75 acres of ranch land. He gifted Blake and I the house which is near your nana's old cabin."

"Old man Jenkins old place?"

"Yes he couldn't do it alone anymore."

"I guess things do change. I am gonna get a few minutes sleep before we land."

She worried about the road ahead. How much embarrassment, fights and trials awaited her.

The plane landed smoothly

Tasha took off leaving her to her use her own ability. Limited as it was. She tried getting her footing to find her legs weak. She looked around for her walker. If she could take that down the steps after she tossed her wheelchair down. Honey was right there as she was trained to be. The pilots had gotten off to take the luggage out. She managed to get to the door of the plane. Took the first step

everything went black until she came to by honey licking her. The youngest pilot rushed over to help her.

"Here let me help you to your place. She pointed her banged up hand to the cabin that looked to be in top shape. He helped get her to the bedroom. He brought her bags in left the keys and left.

Around 5 the next morning there was a light rap on the door. She tested her feet and they were working ok today. Flight must have played havoc with her system.

She slowly made her way to the door. Her mom was there with a hot dish.

She bustled in setting the dish on the counter. Then her mom hugged her. Telling her she was sorry.

"Mama it's ok. In a few weeks I will be back to normal but still have to watch for seizures."

"Your bruised fresh what happened? Melanie is supposed to keep eye on you. She is a flighty one. Hold on I get first aid kit from car." Her mom still the firecracker Italian she remembered.

"You sit down." She gently helped her to the family room. "I should have been there to help. I know bout folks with short circuit of brain. Your nana had it, it skipped me then found you. I go to town and get you everything you need as I know cupboards are bare. And why this dog not leave your side?"

"Mama she is my service dog. She has been specially trained to help when I have an episode. As does the horse Uncle Sal arranged. How is papa?"

"Bullheaded but now realizes he made mistakes when it came to his kids. His doctor helped me explain to him your health difficulties. He wishes to see you and get better bond. Aye look at your arm. You need to eat too. I do this now before I go see your papa in hospital then shop and come back." Her wounds were cleaned And a huge plate of baked ziti, broccoli salad, rolls and 2 huge slabs of chocolate cake were placed before her. She kissed her mom on her cheek before she left.