Topic: Back to Business 1

PrlUnicorn

Date: 2009-02-06 07:26 EST
While Collie had often avoided people for various reasons, she rarely shirked a responsibility. Despite wanting to knock that chip off the shoulders of the clinic's Director of Administration, she got back to business as usual. Either Colleen or Nicole, 17, and Rhiannon, 15, delivered the meals as per the agreement.

On Friday, she brought the last of the week's meals along with her granddaughter, Limele. Colleen was not exactly her normal self and the little girl's company helped her focus on the task at hand instead of reminding herself of something that had been cut short. The truth was that she was sadly mistaken, she had it wrong, she always did when it came to those things. She felt used and it hurt, gods, it hurt. She had spent Thursday morning crying on Dris's shoulder. When she finally cried herself out, he held her for the rest of the night. The redhead rarely let anyone see her tears, to even get a glimpse was a sign of deep trust. She was a firm believer in letting people hear her roar, but never to see or taste her tears. To allow it was a weakness, a weakness that she could not afford.

If only she had not opened up. Would've, should've, could've, it was too late for that. She'd opened her heart after saying "never again? and as always, the old wounds grew deeper every time. There wasn't a way to go back and change it. Kirin proved it wasn't a wise idea even when you had the means. Something else would go wrong.

For Anya, Collie delivered a Lemon Ginger Fajita Salad with chicken for lunch. For dinner, the side dish was Broccoli and Tortellini Alfredo and to go along with it, Lamb Chops with Orange Butter. Lunch for Ali was a Chicken Crescent Calzone; dinner was lamb kabobs. The dessert, however, was not of her own making; it was Ariana's baklava.

Letters written on Colleen's letterhead were dropped off with the food.

Doctor Maranya Valkonan Chief of Staff Riverview Clinic Rhydin

Dr. Valkonan,

I have taken the liberty of drawing up a formal proposal for the Director of Administration regarding therapy animals that we discussed. I have modified the plan somewhat. Navarra Farms will take separate and full responsibility for any insurance costs incurred.

I will be out of the realm for a brief time. In order to avoid a conflict of interest, power of attorney has been granted to Ariana MacGyldren to act on my behalf in this matter. I have chosen Mrs. MacGyldren as she is a trusted friend and lives closer to the clinic than any of my grown children. My solicitor, should she be required, is Rachael E. MacLeod, who resides in Mellor.

Sincerely,

C. Colleen MacLeod Navarra Farms

Mr. Ali al-Amat Director of Administration Riverview Clinic Rhydin

Dear Sir,

I am writing regarding the recent discussion with Dr. Valkonan, Chief of Staff, regarding therapy animals. I would like to propose a formal agreement on the matter.

Navarra Farms will provide the dogs and handlers to facilitate this project. Initially, this will be twelve dogs and one handler per animal unless otherwise agreed. Collies, Alsatians, and several other breeds are available. The first, however, is the best suited for young children. If the dogs are to be housed on the premises owned by the clinic, funds will be provided to cover construction of suitable housing as well as other necessities. Medical care will be be provided pro bono by William MacLeod-Striker DVM. As to the concern of liability insurance, Navarra Farms will agree to underwrite and assume the full financial burden.

There is great potential for this project. Various programs utilizing a variety of animals to assist patients have had remarkable results. It is hoped that Riverview's patients might also benefit from such programs.

As I will be out of the realm in the near future, I should like to discuss this matter with you. If that it not possible, Mrs. Ariana MacGyldren will have power of attorney to act in the matter until my return.

Sincerely,

C. Colleen MacLeod Navarra Farms

PrlUnicorn

Date: 2009-02-06 09:01 EST
Once the deliveries were made, there were other things to be attended to. Collie felt the slight tugging on her hand and looked down to find her very patient charge looking up at her.

"Can we go see the babies, now, Gran?" Limele asked.

"Of course, mavourneen, and, perhaps, an ice cream afterward."

At four, Limelenath Sulriniel had a tumble of dark waves that fell about her shoulders and hid her pointed ears. Like her grandmother, her eyes changed color according to her mood. Unlike Colleen, green meant the girl was delighted. She had the same curiosity in her eyes that her aunt, Rhiannon, did at her age. Her small sneakers squeaked as she walked on the buffed floors.

When they got to the nursery, Collie lifted the little girl up so she could see better.

"Gran, are we takin' one home?" Limele's face lit up as she thought about that. A little brother or sister to play with, to share secrets with, and, maybe, to lay blame on when she was caught doing mischief.

"No, love, they likely all have families to go home to." Collie couldn't help but smile. Out of the mouths of babes.

"But what if they don't?"" Her eyes grew wide. "They'd haveta get a home, Gran!! The orphage is filled!!"

"That's orphanage, lass." She was trying not to smile, but it was a hard task given the girl's enthusiasm.

"Gran, can you get another baby' Like Kitty and Rick" You could bring them home!! And love them all up!!" She was almost bouncing as she thought about it.

Collie closed her eyes a moment. Just a few days ago, she'd considered that very thing, the desire to have another child. But dreams, even to the fair folk, were fragile things. Finally she thought of something to say, "I could, lass, but then I would not be able to take you gallivanting about." She punctuated the sentence by lightly tapping the child's nose.

"Aunt Dee Dee says Granny Kirin is getting a baby."

"Yes, she is and I'm going to see her."

Colleen was somewhat envious of Kirin. She'd seen how that tall and ruggedly handsome man looked at her and how Kirin looked at him. How wonderful to be so lost in someone else that the rest of the world disappeared for a time.

Thankfully, Limele's questions had ended and the young one was yawning. She was dropping off to sleep as Colleen went to the visitors lounge to make a call. Anyone is earshot could have heard her as her voice faultered, "It's me. Come home. I need you." It was all she said before closing the cell phone.

Ali al Amat

Date: 2009-02-19 14:52 EST
Mr. Ali al-Amat Director of Administration Riverview Clinic Rhydin

Dear Sir,

I am writing regarding the recent discussion with Dr. Valkonan, Chief of Staff, regarding therapy animals. I would like to propose a formal agreement on the matter.

Navarra Farms will provide the dogs and handlers to facilitate this project. Initially, this will be twelve dogs and one handler per animal unless otherwise agreed. Collies, Alsatians, and several other breeds are available. The first, however, is the best suited for young children. If the dogs are to be housed on the premises owned by the clinic, funds will be provided to cover construction of suitable housing as well as other necessities. Medical care will be be provided pro bono by William MacLeod-Striker DVM. As to the concern of liability insurance, Navarra Farms will agree to underwrite and assume the full financial burden.

There is great potential for this project. Various programs utilizing a variety of animals to assist patients have had remarkable results. It is hoped that Riverview's patients might also benefit from such programs.

As I will be out of the realm in the near future, I should like to discuss this matter with you. If that it not possible, Mrs. Ariana MacGyldren will have power of attorney to act in the matter until my return.

Sincerely,

C. Colleen MacLeod Navarra Farms

"Lei, take this down and give it a read for me, would you?" Ali dropped into the chair across from his assistant's desk, laced his fingers together over his stomach. The chair encouraged slouching.

"Sure thing, Boss. Ready when you are," Lorelei chirped, hit a few buttons and looked expectant.

"Ms. MacLeod. I apologize for the delay in my response, and hope to speak to you upon your return to the realm. Pursuant to your proposal regarding the service animals to be made available to Riverview Clinic patients, Doctor Valkonan and I are in full agreement that this will be of tremendous benefit to both the clinic and Navarra Farms. Our partner in law will be in contact with your solicitor and Mrs. MacGyldren to start work on the contract, and our insurance department will work out the details of liability and present them for our joint review. Any materials you can provide referencing these other programs you mention would be of assistance in bolstering our promotion of the program to the community. Thank you for your willingness to...hmm."

"Willingness to what?"

"...something about helping the Clinic's patients. Help me out, here."

Lorelei squinted her big blue eyes at the ceiling, twirled a braid. "Willingness to assist us in our endeavor to..."

"...endeavor to..."

They looked at one another.

"Willingness to assist us in our endeavor to...encourage the growth of Riverview Clinic's ability to foster the health of children and families in Rhydin." Ali finished.

"Boss, no. That's way, way too long. You sound pedantic." Lorelei tapped lightning-fast at her computer, then said, "What about, Thank you for your willingness to assist Riverview Clinic in its fostering of the health of blah blah blah."

"All right. Anything else?"

"You might," Lorelei sounded almost...timid as she advanced the idea (perhaps the nurses were rummaging about in his personal life again, in which case it was already all over the hospital), "say something about wishing her a safe journey in her travels."

"Oh. Yes. Of course," Ali said. "Finish it out and let me see it, if you would." Ms. Colleen MacLeod Navarra Farms

Ms. MacLeod,

I apologize for the delay in my response, and hope to speak to you upon your return to the realm. Pursuant to your proposal regarding the service animals to be made available to Riverview Clinic patients, Doctor Valkonan and I are in full agreement that this will be of tremendous benefit to both the clinic and Navarra Farms.

Our partner in law will be in contact with your solicitor and Mrs. MacGyldren to start work on the contract, and our insurance department will work out the details of liability and present them for our joint review. Any materials you can provide referencing these other programs you mention would be of assistance in bolstering our promotion of the program to the community.

Thank you for your willingness to assist Riverview Clinic in its fostering of the health of the children and families of Rhydin. We wish you a safe and happy journey, and a swift return from your travels.

Sincerely,

Ali al-Amat Director of Administration, Riverview Clinic

"That will do. Thank you, Lorelei."

"Well, yeah, Boss, it's what I get paid for. Sushi at one, don't forget."