CHAPTER 4
Jo rushes into the hospital, and rings the bell at the receptionist desk. Sam follows about 3 paces behind her. The receptionist walks to the window.
Receptionist: May I help you?
Jo: Yes, I'm Jo McGuire. Someone, uh, Cindy called and said my daughter, Lizzie, uh, Elizabeth is here.
Receptionist/ Cindy: Yes, I'm Cindy. She's here. Let me make a phonecall. She dials. This is Cindy from ER Admitting. I've got a Jo McGuire here inquiring about her daughter, Elizabeth. They're moving her up to ICU?...
Jo stands in shock. A million thoughts go through her head. ICU? Oh my God, my baby! God, let her be okay! I can't live without my Lizzie! What if...? Oh! She can not complete that thought. Sam puts a stablizing hand on her shoulder. She takes a couple cleansing breaths.
Cindy: ... Okay, I'll take them up right away. Thank you. She hangs up the phone and looks at the distressed couple. Elizabeth's in ICU upstairs. It's a bit tricky to find, so I'll take you to her.
Sam: Thank you.
Once they reach ICU, Cindy introduces Jo and Sam to the ICU receptionist.
Cindy: Sheila, this is Jo and Sam McGuire. Their daughter, Elizabeth has just been admitted.
Sheila: Speaking with a twang. Oh, yes! She's in Room 3. Such a beautiful gal. The doctor's in with her now. Doctor Robertson. Ya know, Cin, the one I have a crush on. Cu---te! (2-syllables, that is) Turns to the McGuires. It's nice to meet ya'll both. I'm sorry to hear about your little girl.
Sam: Thank you.
Cindy: Can I show them to the room?
Sheila: Oh, sure.
Cindy takes the couple to Room 3. There, they see a doctor and team of nurses surrounding a bed. Machines buzz and beeps and wires trail from the machines to the bed. The curtain's pulled, and all the McGuires can see of their daughter, is her feet. Jo squeezes Sam's hand as tears fall from her eyes. Doctor Robertson leaves Lizzie's bedside and introduces himself.
Dr. Robertson: I'm Doctor Robertson. You must be Elizabeth's parents.
Sam: I'm Sam, and this is my wife, Jo. How is Lizzie?
Dr. Robertson: She's sustained some serious injuries. Let's go to the family room, so we can sit and discuss your daughter's condition. He escorts them next door. Her right arm, left leg, and collarbone are broken. However, she's sustained much more serious injuries. When she hit the car and then hit the ground, she sustained a serious concussion. There's swelling and bleeding in the brain. He pauses, letting the couple take it in. There's bruising around the occipital lobe, which controls sight. In addition, due to her extensive brain injury, she's in a coma.
Jo: Inhales sharply and puts her hand to her mouth. Oh my little girl!
Sam: Dear Jesus.
Dr. Robertson: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but her condition is critical. Her heart stopped twice en route to the ER, and there's internal bleeding. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to locate the source. We may be taking her up to surgery if the bleeding does not stop.
Sam: What are her chances?
Dr. Robertson: If she wakes up, then her chances of survival rise dramatically. Worst case scenereo would be a persistent vegetative state. Best case? Complete recovery. The next 48 hours will be critical. He pauses. Two years ago, my son was in here after a bad fall. ICU can be a really scary place. Trust me when I say that I'll do everything I can to help your daughter.
Jo: Thank you.
Sam: Can we sit with her?
Dr. Robertson: Sure. One more thing, does she go by Elizabeth or Lizzie?
Jo: Lizzie.
Dr. Robertson: I'll make a note of it in her chart.
Sam and Jo go back into Lizzie's room and sit in the chairs by her bedside.
Jo: Lizzie? Jo strokes her daughter's head. It's momma. Honey, dad's here too.
Sam: Hi, baby. We love you, princess.
Jo: Lizzie, can you hear me? She studies her daughter, noting the lines coming in and out of her body. You're in the hospital. You were in an accident. Lizzie moans. I know it hurts. Just sleep now. I'll stay here with you.
Sam: I need to go call Matt. Is the school's number in the cellphone? Jo nods. Okay, I'll go call. I'll be right back.
