Second Chance to Be A Family

Chapter 11

Leann's doctor friend had arranged for a full range of tests for both girls and Benji. Fortunately, the baby boy was completely healthy, and Kaitlyn came through her tests surprisingly well. It was Hannah that worried him though, because one test led to the next. There were words like severe vitamin insufficiencies and malnourishment thrown around. Finally, the doctor, Dr. Smith, met with Mike while Leann occupied the kids.

"Alright, since Katie is eighteen, I won't be disclosing any concerns where she is concerned and since Benji is her's; that's her decision. She did sign the paperwork that you could be apprised, and I will tell you; while she is not completely healthy, she is in much better shape then Hannah. Aside from Benji's diaper rash, he is also doing very well." Dr. Smith explained.

"So, what's going on with Hannah?" Mike asked. He already felt badly enough about how he treated her, to know that she was also ill, really bothered him.

"When a person eats the things that Hannah and Katie have been forced to eat, they could be exposed to worms, parasites, etc. In Hannah's case, the said parasites have eaten away at the lining of her stomach. I honestly don't even know how Hannah is even functioning." Dr. Smith explained.

"She can't get enough milk." Mike admitted. He felt like the worst father in the world.

"It helps. Coats her stomach. I have prescribed some medications to rid her of the parasites, but I will be honest; they may not work, and the parasites might go into one of her other organs, or worst yet, her brain. Mike, I am going to be completely honest; you might lose her. Hannah is a very sick little girl. The medications are going to make her sick. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills. Now, she must experience those side-effects because it will be her body ridding itself of the parasites. If it gets too bad, I will insist that she is admitted to the hospital. For now, keep her hydrated and comfortable. She may not understand what is happening, but it is imperative that she takes those medications." Dr. Smith answered. Mike rubbed his face with his hand. He had only gotten Hannah back, treated her horribly, and now he could lose her?

"Does she know?" Mike asked.

"Yeah, she does." Dr. Smith stated.

"Those prescriptions? I'd like to take her home and spend as much time with her as possible in case…in case, its too late." Mike asked as he stood up.

"Here you go. Do allow her as much milk as she'd like. That might have been her saving grace. Leann has my number and knows to call me. We will admit her to the hospital if necessary." Dr. Smith said as she also stood up, shook his hand and handed the prescriptions to him.

"Thank you." Mike said before walking out of her office. He had gotten both girls and Benji covered by his insurance that morning, so he only had to sign the paperwork. When he walked into the waiting room, only Leann was waiting on him.

"They are already walking to my vehicle. You okay?" Leann asked. They had walked out of the waiting room and Mike sat down on one of the benches in the hallway, pulling Leann down with him.

"I never thought…I just figured I would have plenty of time with her to fix it." Mike answered.

"So, have hope that you will but fix it in case you don't. Mike, I know how much you love Hannah, but she needs to know. Now, lets go get those medicines and get her home." Leann said before giving him a kiss. They walked out to her SUV, hand-in-hand. He still hadn't asked her to marry him, but he needed to. He just wanted the perfect moment.

Mike picked up the medicine for Hannah, along with some vitamins for Kaitlyn on the way home. Leann was already planning on making chicken noodle soup for supper because Hannah had to be started on the meds immediately. She had been pretty quiet on the way home. Mike got out of the SUV and helped Kaitlyn get Benji and his diaper bag out. She, Leann and Josh walked towards the house with Benji, but Hannah was messing around with Benji's car seat before she climbed out next to Mike. He was a little shocked when she pulled him into a hug and didn't seem to want to let him go.

"It's okay, honey. Everything will be just fine." Mike said into her hair, even if he didn't feel it. He kissed the top of her head just before she pulled away. There were tears rolling down her cheeks and it made him want to cry too.

"Dad, if I had to do it again, I would still make sure that Katie had the better food." Hannah told him with absolute confidence.

"I know, sweet pea. I know." Mike told her as he wrapped his arm around her. He kissed the side of her head and led her inside. By the time they walked into the kitchen, Leann had Hannah's medicines sat out with a glass of milk and a leftover roll. She took her medicine, drank the milk and ate the roll.

Within two hours, Hannah was in the bathroom, throwing up and running a low-grade temperature. Leann stayed in contact with Dr. Smith, or Sarah as Leann called her. Everything was normal so far, but Hannah was incredibly weak. Once she finished throwing up and Leann helped her into a pair of sweats and one of Mike's t-shirts, Mike picked her up and carried her into the living room and laid her down onto the couch. Despite the fever, she was chilled, and he wrapped a blanket around her.

"Do you need me to do anything else?" Mike asked, already prepared to stay close.

"Can you hold me like you used to?" Hannah asked. Mike immediately sit her up and slid in behind her. He pulled her onto his chest and began rocking her back and forth like he had done when she was a small child. There had been many times that he had dreamed about doing exactly what he was doing, but never because of the fact that his child would be critically ill. Hannah fell asleep pretty quickly, but Mike stayed behind her, thinking about when she had been little, and everything was perfect. The issues that both she and Katie were facing were things that Mike couldn't fix, no matter how much he'd like to.

"I love you, sweetheart, more then you could ever know. Just stay with me. I can't lose you." Mike whispered in Hannah's ear and then kissed her again.

I am by no means a medical expert so bear that in mind. I really know nothing about parasites or what they can do. There are advantages to fanfic because you can make your own storyline; so to speak. Thanks for the reviews!