Dr. Jamison had just called Kyla and told her and Spencer to meet him in his office on the third floor. Kyla was fidgeting in a swivel chair by Dr. Jamison's mahagony desk. Spencer was standing by the large window overlooking the parking lot. She watched as people walked frantically below. She wondered how many people were going to receive horrible life altering news that day. She wondered how many people would lose loved ones and how many would rejoice at a second chance at life.
Dr. Jamison cleared his throat to announce his presence. "Kyla, Spencer. Would you both mind sitting, it's protocol."
"Right." Spencer said moving to the unoccupied chair to the right of Kyla.
"I'm so sorry" he started his voice drenched with sympathy. Spencer felt Kyla freeze up and she grabbed her hand.
"As I explained earlier the main thing we were trying to prevent called Ischemia occurred. It was the result of a complication known as intracranial hypertension. Basically it's high blood pressure in the brain and it caused the damaged blood vessel to bleed more. Since this bleeding wouldn't stop it damaged her brain tissue permanently."
"What does all of this mean?" Spencer asked fearing the answering.
"She's in a state of vegetation that she will never come out of."
"But medicine's always changing" Spencer said frantically trying to give hope to the situation. "She could get better if she stays alive."
"We have her on a ventilator so she will stay breathing but you're only prolonging your own pain. I'm so sorry Spencer but it's not good to harbor this guilt."
"No, she could get better! I can't just give up on her!" Spencer screamed.
"Spencer." Kyla reached out to grief ridden girl. "It's up to you on what we do with Ashley. You know Raife died last year and her mother is never around so they won't be making decisions. I give you complete power over the choice to stop or continue life support. She would trust you with her well being way before me." Kyla said rubbing Spencer's back. "Andy, please respect her wishes. What you think is best from a professional view may not always be best from an emotional appreciate your concern and your time. Thank you."
"Of course, once again use this room as long as you need."
"May I go be with Ashley?" Spencer asked with tears rimming her blue eyes.
"Yes. She's on the first floor at the end of the hall right past the reception desk."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Kyla asked.
"I'd prefer to speak to her alone, if thats okay?"
"I completely understand. Call me if you need anything okay Spence?" Kyla said looking at Spencer with concern.
"Yeah, I will" Spencer said as she turned to leave the small office. As she was walking down the corridor she faintly heard Andy say "If you want to get out of here, I get off in ten. We can go grab coffee and talk?"
"That'd be great" Kyla whispered in return.
When Spencer had opened her eyes Kyla and Andy were seated in the two chairs at the far end of the room. Lauren was looking intently at Spencer and Ashley remained as peaceful as ever.
Spencer decided it was finally time to address reality. Only she knew the real reason she came here today, besides to introduce Lauren to Ashley. It was time that Spencer let go of the physical reminders of the past for both her and Ashley's sake.
"Kyla?" Spencer asked walking towards her friend.
"Yeah?" Kyla replied raising her head to meet Spencer's gaze. "What do you need hunny?"
"May I talk to you for a second alone? I'm sorry Lauren and Andy for being so rude today." She added as Kyla and her started towards the door.
"No worries" called Andy as he slumped deeper into his chair.
"It's perfectly fine. This was a stressful day" replied Lauren as she continued to stand near Ashley.
Spencer smiled at how understanding her girlfriend was and continued into the hallway with Kyla.
"What's going on?" Kyla asked as soon as the door closed behind them. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, every thing's okay and I really hope it will still be after today." Kyla shot Spencer a quizzical look as she continued. "Remember how two years ago you put me in charge of Ashley's medical decisions?" Kyla nodded her head in agreement. "Well, the reason I asked you here today wasn't to be with me when I introduced Lauren to Ashley. It's because I've made a decision."