Jacob pulled himself up from the increasingly uncomfortable hospital chair. He tried not to show his impatience but the minutes drifted by ever so slowly.
'We can't make it happen any sooner Jacob. Do you want to go for a walk?'
'As soon as I head down the stairs, the Doctor will come out. I am not leaving you here alone Mama.'
'Then come and sit beside me. You can share some of your excess energy with me.'
'Are you tired?'
'A little.'
Jacob sat down beside his mother. He rested his arm along her back so that she could place her head on his shoulder. Catherine smiled up at her beautiful son, feeling one moment of sadness for the lost time of his childhood. She said nothing. It would always be part of a loss which could not be recaptured. She knew its measure could only be endured.
It had been a long day for both of them. Mea had been admitted the afternoon before. Cathy spent the night at the hospital and Catherine and Jacob relieved her in the morning. Tired but happy to have been of help, Cathy went home to sleep. Sue was caring for Cilla and Vincent had gone below to check on Father and complete some urgent tasks. The schedule had everyone doing something but no one was to be burdened. They would all take turns. Today was surgery day and Catherine was determined to stay with Mea. Jacob would be her support until the outcome of the surgery was known.
'I wonder if it usually takes this long. It seems like hours.'
'It's a very delicate procedure. If anything were happening to Mea, Mitchell would come out.'
'I suppose you're right.' Jacob wasn't placated but he had no wish to distress his mother.
Both fell silent for awhile. It seems they had used up all their words over the past few weeks. The uncertainty had taken its toll on everyone.
Feeling a need to fill the emptiness of the moment. Jacob commented on the fact that waiting rooms were isolated from the real place where action was happening. He observed that just down the hall, behind the double swinging doors, lay a hub activity. Life and death issues overcome.
'When you think about it, philosophically, it isn't much different from court except everyone knows what is happening in there. Operating rooms seem to be like an inner chamber. I guess the judges quarters could be like that too.' His nonsensical ramblings and comparisons to the mysteries of his own job helped to put the wait in context. There were often long, frustrating delays at court too. His tone spoke volumes.
'Are you enjoying your job Jacob? I know what you promised me but I won't hold you to it if you are not happy.'
'There are times when I feel frustrated and challenged by the system but I have a lot to learn about human nature. Working within the justice system is the right way for me to learn Mama.'
'Hospitals and courtrooms are two places where the best and worst of us thrives.'
'I don't know why the courts have to be so adversarial. After all, the defense and prosecution both want justice for the victim but the lines of who the real victim is, becomes blurred after awhile.'
'Can you imagine yourself as a prosecutor?'
'No Mama…each role falls short of my ideal. I like Gramp's system better.'
'You father told me you were quite adversarial when you were younger.'
Jacob chuckled. He was caught by his own words. 'I was more idealistic and didn't know better then,' he offered as an excuse.
'There's nothing wrong in holding on to a little of that idealism.' Catherine leaned forward, needing to stretch. She held out her arms, breathing deeply, stilling herself.
She took a few minutes before turning to look at her son.
'I have been programmed to do a body inventory every four hours by my best friend and taskmaster, Terry. This is my upper body scan,' she offered in response to Jacob's look.
'I have never heard of phone physio. Only Terry could invent something like that.'
'She laughs as if she has a secret every time she calls me. I wonder what she is up to.'
'Whatever it is and whatever she is telling you, it's working Mama. You do look better.'
'Thanks son.' Her mini body workout made her aware of other needs. 'I think I will take a minute and go….
Catherine did not get to complete her sentence. Just then the double doors under discussion opened to reveal Mitchell Spelnik, striding towards them.
'Catherine.' He reached out his hands to her. "I am sorry this took so long. We got started a little late. There was some information we needed that was not available. We had to wait for it to be sent up.' He paused allowing his words to sink in. 'Mea is stable. She came through the surgery fairly well, better than I expected,' he conceded wryly. 'I have created what I hope will be a patent duct. Her liver looks 50-50. Her mother's hepatitis seems to have had some impact.'
'Was the damage as bad as you anticipated?'
'A little worse than… but not as bad as some I have seen.'
'What happens now?'
'We wait. Listen, Catherine. Mea will be in PICU for at least 24 hours. She will have one on one nursing care. She will be unconscious but she will want for nothing….'
'Except me'
'I agree that you are paramount to her recovery but right now, sedation is critical, giving her body a chance to heal unimpeded. When she is awake she will need you far more. If you can rest for 24 hours you will be stronger for later.'
Jacob, listening carefully to this exchange, wanted to encourage his mother to accept the suggestion but he felt uncomfortable. The surgeon's solicitous behaviour towards his mother rankled.
Catherine was more interested in seeing how Mea was doing first. 'Are you sure she's alright? Can I see her now? I will do what ever is best.'
'I'm sure. You can have a few moments with her once she comes out of recovery. If you choose to go home, I promise we will call you if there is any change.'
'Thanks Mitchell.'
Turning to her son she whispered, ' Jacob, I'm just going to the rest room. Wait for me. We will go in together.'
Jacob watched his mother turn away. He was surprised to find the doctor still standing, eyes following Catherine. Jacob moved between Mitchell's line of sight and his mother's departing back.
'Was there anything else?'
"I just wondered if her husband was coming…um.. uh…to..see… um…Mea.'
'You mean my father?' Jacob's tone was icy. Unlike his mother, he had not reconciled with Dr. Spelnik. The rudeness of their first visit was still festering in him. Now he did not like how this man was eyeing his mother and any criticism of his father was unacceptable.
'Your Father? Yes, yes, of course. I just haven't seen him. Your mother has been alone.'
'No. I have been here with my mother. I have another sister who can't be neglected during this crisis. My father is with her.'
'I see. It seems to me, that your father's place is with your mother.'
Jacob was taken aback, dumbfounded by this man's assertion.
Jacob was about to speak when he sensed his mother behind him. He held his tongue remembering that Dr. Spelnik's skill was integral to the health and well being of Mea. The surgeon was all smiles towards Catherine.
'I'll ask the nurse to come and get you when Mea is settled in the unit. If you have any further unanswered questions after you see her, tell the nurse to page me.'
'Mitchell, I can't thank you enough.' Catherine reached out her hands to emphasize her gratitude. They were quickly captured.
'You are welcome Catherine but Mea's recovery is our goal, not the surgery.'
Jacob was pointedly excluded from the conversation. He felt a knot of anger surface in his throat. Could I be jealous of this man?, he thought. Whatever was brewing within, he suppressed it. Turning away from the sight of his mother's hands being held by the Doctor, he took out his cell phone and sent a text message to Cathy. She would let everyone know that Mea was out of surgery.
'Jacob?'
'Yes Mama.'
'What's going on?' Did Mitchell say something to you?'
'About what?'
'Is there something about Mea that you are not telling me?'
'Why would you think that? Don't you trust him?'
Catherine took a deep breath and placed her hand on Jacob's shoulder, forcing him to face her. 'We are having a conversation of questions. They lead nowhere. Tell me if Mitchell said anything to you about Mea'
Happy that he did not have to lie, Jacob looked his mother straight in the eye and denied any such exchange. Catherine knew her son was not lying and yet she felt something had happened. 'I have long since forgiven him for his behaviour on our first visit. Look what he has done since for Mea and for us. We owe him a debt of gratitude.'
'He will be paid for his skill and work Mama.'
Catherine sighed. It wasn't the time to force a confrontation with her son. Something had upset him. She couldn't imagine that he would hold a grudge for all these weeks. Mitchell had proven himself to be quite human and very supportive.
'Did you send a message home?'
'I did. I'm just waiting for a reply. Mama, I am just going to walk down the hall. I won't be long.'
Catherine watched her son stride down the corridor. His long legs carried him swiftly and easily past the wheelchairs, stretchers and staff of the unit. He turned heads as he walked. There was no doubt he was a striking man. She could see much of his father in him. The thought of Vincent brought a slight smile to her face. She knew he was worried. She kept her thoughts light. In spite of the distance which separated them, any hint of concern on her part would activate their amazing connection. He would be downstairs in a heartbeat.
Jaocb returned from his short time out to see a smile on his mother's face.
'What are you thinking about Mama?'
'Your Father.'
Catherine wasn't sure, but she sensed a release of tension in her son. She observed his body language for a few seconds. Catherine wondered whether he needed his father here. Was this crisis, too much to cope with alone? He knew as well as anyone that certain circumstances dictated his father's physical absence but his energetic presence was seldom far away.
Before she could ponder this further, the double doors opened again. A young woman appeared. 'Mrs. Wells?' I am Dr. Grayson. Dr. Spelnik asked me to let you know that Mea has been sent to the PICU. You can see her there.'
'I'm sorry, what is the PICU?'
'Pediatric ICU. It is just down one floor to the left. Dell is her nurse. He will discuss Mea's care over the next 24 hours.'
'Did you see the surgery?'
'I am the anesthetist. Mea tolerated the procedure well. She is a brave little girl. Any questions about the actual procedure, you should address to Dr. Spelnik.
Catherine smiled her thanks. As an attorney, she understood the importance of one person overstepping another's territory. She wondered why Mitchell had sent an MD to talk with her but maybe that was how things were done. This young woman hardly seemed old enough to graduate high school much less medical school.
Catherine looked up at Jacob. He was smiling at the Doctor, appearing much more relaxed. Catherine introduced them.
'Is Mea your daughter?' the young woman asked with a slight frown.
'No she's my adopted sister.'
Dr. Grayson smiled again, appearing to be confused by the dynamics of the family. 'If you will excuse, my next case is ready. Goodbye and good luck.'
Catherine and Jacob made their way to the PICU. They were stopped at the entrance to a large area, cubicles enclosed in glass, lights from machines flashing all over. Catherine felt weak, remembering her own father's stroke and how he looked in the ICU when she went to see him. She held on to Jacob, squeezing his arm.
'Don't worry Mama. It will be fine.'
A young man approached them with a smile. He introduced himself as Dell. He outlined the rules, asking them to wash, mask and gown. He gave a full explanation of the unit, his role and what he would be doing. He spoke easily and knowledgeably, generating a sense of confidence.
Catherine's first sight of Mea was frightening. She lay on a flat bed, seeming more yellow than ever in contrast to the white sheets. There were tubes everywhere. She was attached to so many machines. Her little body was limp. Only the rise and fall of her chest, held any sign of life. Catherine could hardly breathe. Tears filled her eyes and overflowed. She sobbed. Jacob placed his arm around his mother for support. He too felt the sudden rush of fear when viewing the helpless infant.
'Can I touch her?' he inquired.
'Hand or feet. Nowhere else.'
Jacob choose to place his smallest finger in her one free hand. As he made contact with her, he closed his eyes, infusing her with warmth and love. He encouraged his mother to touch her feet.
His voice was a tearful whisper. 'Mea, we love you baby girl. You are everything that is precious to us. Fight this and come back strong. We love you.'
Jacob knew that Mea received the message. He willed a flow of energy to enter her even though he understood Mea was the only one who could direct the course of her recovery. To Jacob's intuitive sense, she felt very close to the edge, but he hoped she would find enough in this life to bring her back. He also sensed the energy of Jerrie, Mea's biological mother, hovering.
'This is not her time.' Jacob whispered. 'Watch her. Protect her but don't draw her. She is meant to be with us.'
Catherine continued to touch the little foot. 'I don't feel any response from her Dell. Is she alright? Even in her sleep she will usually move her toes.'
'You won't feel any response from her right now Mrs. Wells. She's in a coma.'
'In a coma? Oh no….oh God!
Jacob was able to catch his mother seconds before she fell to the floor.
