She knew it was a bad idea the minute he brought it to her attention. She argued but it was useless. His mind was made up and she was powerless to stop it. In order to kick off New York's flu vaccination campaign the governor and his family needed to be seen and photographed at the vaccination locations getting their yearly flu shots.
Both Charlotte and Daniel had gotten the flu growing up and had gotten the shot yearly. Conrad had also gotten the shot every year. Victoria had never actually gotten a flu shot because she had never actually gotten the flu. She wasn't stupid, she knew that a percentage of people get sick after injecting the virus into their immune system and she had sworn to herself that she wouldn't take any chances.
Until this year.
The day of the vaccine, the family looked picture perfect from the outside. Victoria had planned the perfect outfits for the perfect family. Conrad and Daniel had worn black suits with matching red silk ties. She knew Charlotte would never match her mother so she had found Charlotte a belted red dress with a Peter Pan collar and a lacy red dress for herself. She tried to busy herself that day, hoping to skip getting the shot but the photographer wanted to get a picture of Queen Victoria getting her flu shot. There was no escape for Victoria.
For the first two days her arm felt sore from the injection but otherwise she felt fine. She was grateful to her immune system that she hadn't had any serious ailments and went upon her normal day. On the third day, that all changed.
Her body felt three times heavier when she tried to get out of bed. She felt like she was freezing but her body was soaked in sweat. Her head hurt and she knew that if she had anything in her stomach she would have thrown up by now.
Instead of acknowledging that she might be sick, she pushed it to the back burner. She forced herself to shower and get ready as if everything was normal.
She felt like she was going to collapse but continued her way down the stairs. The rest of the family was already at the table, chattering about their lives. Daniel was making jabs at Charlotte's pleas for a car and Conrad was enjoying the time with his kids -and denying Charlotte a new car- when he noticed his wife.
"Glad to see you're finally awake, my dear." He said. She offered him a small smile but frowned when she saw the way he studied her.
"Mom, would you please tell Dad I need a car?" Charlotte begged without looking up.
"I'll think about it." She squeaked out.
"That means no." Daniel said, instantly receiving a kick from Charlotte.
"Mom you look disgusting! Are you sick?" Charlotte shrieked.
"That's gonna get you a car," Daniel said looking at his mom with his trademark smile. His smile faded when he noticed his mother. "Seriously, mom. Are you sick?"
"I'm just a little congested. Nothing to worry about."
"You're shivering." Daniel said, taking his jacket off to offer his mom.
"It's just a little cold in here. I'll check the thermostat," she whispered.
"If you're cold why are you so sweaty?" Charlotte asked.
Conrad stood up, moving closer to her. He put his hands on her arms, studying her face intently.
"Do you feel tired? Achey?"
"Honestly, I'm fine. I think I may have left the door open to the cupola last night. That's all," she lied.
"Are you achey, Victoria?"
"Just on my arm from that stupid flu stunt," she quipped, glaring at him. Even a dirty look felt like lifting a truck to her.
"Mrs. Grayson, here's your morning grapefruit." Martha said as she lifted the platter to show Victoria before placing it down. Victoria had meant to thank Martha but when she opened her mouth she threw up all over the dining room floor. She heard Charlotte's disgusted cries and her footsteps walking away but Victoria couldn't stop. She felt Conrad's arms around her, holding her up. When she finally stopped, Conrad lead her to the sofa.
"My God, Victoria! You're burning up!"
"Dad, has mom ever had the flu?" Daniel asked.
"Not that I remember."
"I think you just gave it to her."