Finally the surgeon appeared. Approaching the three of them, he pulled up a chair and sat. "Lindsey is in recovery. There were three major sources of the internal bleeding and I think we got them all. While I was in there, I was able to get a look at her kidneys. One is in pretty bad shape but might be able to recover with the right care and diet, but only time will tell. The other one looks pretty good, so we are hopeful that we can help it along and there won't be any need for a transplant. The recovery process won't be easy, but it will be preferable to a transplant."
Catherine managed to speak. "And the bleeding is under control?"
"Yes. We should begin to see some improvement almost immediately. Once we are satisfied that she is ready to move again, she'll be sent to ICU for a close watch. Hopefully, she will have a private room in a couple of days."
"When can we see her?"
"I'll have a nurse call you as soon as she is moved to ICU. Do you know where that waiting room is?"
Gil nodded. They had spent a harrowing few hours there with Jim and with Sara. They were all too familiar with the room.
"Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate what you have done for Lindsey," he said while shaking the man's hand.
"I'm just happy to have good news to report. Hopefully, the news will get even better in the next few days." He nodded to them all and then left.
Catherine turned to Gil, leaning into him, tears sliding down her cheeks. "She's going to be okay, Gil. My…our baby is going to be okay." He held her close to him, relief washing over him. He had promised her that Lindsey would be okay, but he knew what the child was up against. He was relieved that his promise would be good.
They walked to the ICU waiting room, where they sat again, waiting. The phone on the desk startled them when it finally rang. Catherine answered it and received instructions from the nurse. Only two would be allowed back and only for a few minutes. Gil suggested that Lily go back with Catherine but she refused. "They both need you Gil….and I think you need to see her. I'll see her next time."
Catherine took his hand and they walked behind the double doors to the glass world of ICU. Once there, Lindsey's nurse met them and led them to their daughter. "She was awake when they brought her in but she's fallen asleep again. Ten minutes…no more this time."
Catherine nodded in acknowledgement as they stepped into the cubicle. Gil eyes were on Lindsey, taking in every minute detail of her situation. He read the monitors and studied her face. Her coloring was looking better already. He observed the various tubes and wires connected to her, checking her IV. She was too young to have this happening to her, he thought.
Catherine was clinging to his arm as she moved closer. Tentatively she reached for her daughter's hand. The warmth of her fingers relaxed Catherine. "Thank God," she whispered. Gil looked at Cath out of the corner of his eyes. Slowly, he nodded in agreement. Closing his eyes, he too sent out a silent thank you.
Their ten minutes went by too quickly. Gil held Catherine closely as they walked out together. She glanced back over his shoulder as they exited. Squeezing her in reassurance, he whispered. "It's okay, honey. You'll see her again in a little while."
It was a long day in the ICU waiting room. Every two hours they were allowed a visit. They alternated turns, but both Gil and Lily insisted that Catherine go in every time. Gil appreciated Lily's quick acceptance of his role. She didn't seem to question his place beside Catherine.
Sometime around lunch, Jim Brass showed up. He spent an hour with them, taking a few minutes to run down to the cafeteria to bring back some food and beverages. "You need to eat something," he told them.
As she sat nursing a soda, Catherine looked across at their closest friend. "There's something you need to know, Jim. We just found it out ourselves. But Eddie wasn't her father….Gil is." She waited to see how he reacted.
Jim looked from her to Gil and then back. "I guess I should be surprised, but I'm not. There has always been something special between the two of you. I just never realized that you were together…I mean, you've been dating other guys and Gil and Sara…."
Gil joined the conversation. "Lindsey was the result of one night when Catherine and Eddie were having a rough time. I, um….was never very proud of my lapse but I have to admit that I'm very happy about Lindsey. I just don't know how to tell her…or if we should."
Jim studied his friend's face for a long time, thinking. Finally he offered his thoughts. "Look guys, Nancy and I never told Ellie the truth. Now I'm not so sure it was a good decision. There was always this elephant in the room that was between us. Well, you know how things turned out with Ellie. Lindsey's a good kid and she has your strength, Catherine. She deserves the truth. And she deserves a good father….one that can love her unselfishly, something Eddie never seemed capable of."
Gil was deep in thought, considering Jim's words. Yeah, the kid was strong. But the idea of telling her…it made him nervous. On the other hand, he didn't think he could be content with just being 'Uncle Gil' anymore either.
Catherine seemed to be reading his thoughts. She reached over and squeezed his hand. We won't tell her just yet. But once she's home…she deserves the truth, Gil. And so do you." He looked into her beautiful eyes and smiled softly. He trusted her….after all; she was the one that was good with people. She would know how to tell Lindsey.
------------------------------------------------
Still good? Remember...reviews equals interest:-) I have lots of good stuff planned but if you are losing interest, I'll move on.
