Finding the Way Home
Disclaimers: Sigh, if we owned SVU, the dang NBC website would show full episodes, the jerks. But we don't, so we'll have to wait until we can buy the video for this season, 'cause I forgot to set the DVR and didn't get to see Sat.'s show. PPPTTTHHHH….a full raspberry to you NBC!
Special thanks to SVUProductions, our SVU guru, for the info! We wouldn't have made it this far without you.
Calvin was wide-awake and full of nervous excitement, so he pounded Olivia with questions as the ambulance pulled into traffic. "How long will I have to stay at the rehab facility?" "I don't know, Calvin. I guess that depends on how quickly your arm and leg respond to therapy."
"Are you and Elliot going to get married?"
Olivia felt a hot blush rising up her face. "Maybe someday," she told Calvin honestly, "but not right now."
"When you do get married, I want a little brother. I've always wanted one."
Olivia nearly spit out her mouthful of coffee and the paramedic riding with them nearly choked on a laugh and turned it into a rather pitiful cough…
Chapter 14
Due to the horrendous traffic across the George Washington Bridge into NYC and then the Brooklyn Bridge, it was four hours later when the transport ambulance turned onto Ralph Avenue and pulled up into the entrance of a very attractive hospital with a protective overhang. The engraved marble sign on the side of the door read: One On One Residential Physical Rehabilitation Center.
Feeling the ambulance stop, the young paramedic in the back with Liv and Calvin jumped up and hurried to open the doors. Thomas had been a God-send during the trip. When he heard they'd be transporting a little guy, he had grabbed a travel size checker set, mini-Uno card set, and a set of playing cards from the lounge of his fire department "house" and thrown them in his work duffel bag. It was his experience that getting to Brooklyn was going to be a long journey and little guys needed something to keep them amused. Liv could have kissed him because Tom willingly played game after game after game. It was probably the most fun Cal had enjoyed since his ordeal began.
The driver of the ambulance had already gone in to notify the medical staff of Cal's arrival, so when Tom got the doors open Cal and Olivia were greeted by a smiling Doctor and R.N., and another gurney. Two orderlies help transfer Cal to the hospital's gurney and he gives Thomas a hug "Goodbye!"
Cal's room is in the Pediatric Unit on the third floor, with two big windows that overlook the gorgeous garden in the back of the hospital. As he's wheeled around, Cal glimpses the children's playground area out of the window. His eyes go wide, spotting a wooden pirate ship and swings, and monkey bars, and other equipment designed to encourage the children to reach, stretch, test and strengthen their weakened muscles. Cal just sees the fun and toys!
The room looks more like a child's normal bedroom than a hospital room. Which was absolutely intentional. Brightly painted walls, a desk with no chair (so that a child in a wheelchair can use it), carpeting designed never to snag a crutch; big bean bags; a 32 inch flat TV on the wall; huge yellow exercise ball, and shelves of books and games. Every pediatric room has its own handicapped friendly bathroom, and a large closet. There are even two comfortable, overstuffed chairs for visiting parents. What makes it apparent that it's not a normal kid's room is the hospital style bed with the rubber section behind it with oxygen outlets, special electrical units for various specialized equipment, blood pressure unit, and heart resuscitation unit. Over the bed is a Y-pulley for assisting in moving a child in and out of the bed.
Calvin found it very scary until Olivia pointed out his favorite Spiderman sheets and comforter were on the bed. And there were extra pillows where Theodore Bear Benson III could rest comfortably. [Teddy Bear, of course, ;) ] The hospital had actually called Olivia ahead of time to ask what Calvin's favorite superhero or special interest was. One on One was known for its exceptional efforts on behalf of all their patients, but they really went "to town" for the children.
Getting Cal settled comfortably, Doctor David Taylor invited Olivia to sit. R.N. Wendy Maynard also took a seat in the ordinary plastic chair next to Cal's bed.
"I'd like to give you and Cal an outline of how we will address his rehabilitation and therapy. Turning to Cal, and addressing him directly, he continues, "Since, God be Thanked, your mind does not have to be re-trained to perform normal functions, we will concentrate on your one major issue: mobility; the ability to walk and move normally. We are very pleased to see that your legs were constantly moved, massaged, and exercised while you were in Holy Cross. Sometimes, that doesn't happen. It's really going to be a huge help to you, Calvin. Now, what we propose to do is…"
Frankly, at this point, Cal tunes out. It's nice that the Doctor includes him, but he doesn't really care, and he's really, really sleepy. He drifts off, leaving Olivia to listen, intently, to Dr. Taylor.
"…have Calvin in intense mobility therapy three times a day. We'll be "changing up" his routine every day. We've found, especially with kids under 12 that not knowing what's coming next really stimulates them and keeps them interested in what we're doing. We will focus on strength, endurance, and mobility. Re-establishment of balance and co-ordination through the use of specially adapted toys and sports equipment will balance out the treatment. And what he probably will hate to hear is that, starting tomorrow, he'll be back in school. We have a contract with the Brooklyn school system for the services of eight teachers covering the elementary through high school years. We have three fully equipped and handicap-friendly schoolrooms for the grade school, middle, and high school divisions."
Laughing, Olivia agrees that the school announcement will not be Cal's favorite part of this program, but at least he is a good student.
Dr. Taylor continues, "Ms. Benson, one of the most important factors in the recovery of children is the involvement of the family. We hope that you will be an integral part of his therapy program. Is there a Father involved in his life? If so, his participation is also vital."
As if conjured out of magical nothingness, Elliott Stabler walks through the door of Cal's room in time to hear Dr. Taylor's last statement.
Smiling broadly, he answers, "That would be me. I'm Det. Elliot Stabler. I'm not his dad yet, but I am his father figure and he and Olivia will be living with me and my three kids once Cal is released." Moving over to Liv, he bends down and lightly kisses her, which makes her smile broadly. "You can be assured that Olivia and I will be here every free minute possible to learn and to participate in Cal's recovery. And to check he does his homework. He wriggles out of the homework routine any chance he gets! And my kids have already been begging to come and spend time with him."
Dr. Taylor and Nurse Maynard join in the "smile-fest" and he concludes, "That's excellent. The family's support really does make a huge difference in the speed of a child's recovery. I think we've covered everything and we'll leave you alone so Olivia can fill you in on the treatment program Detective Stabler."
"Just Elliot, please, or El. That's what everyone calls me."
Thanking El, Dr. Taylor lets them know that the cafeteria on the first floor serves excellent food, and that there are several excellent restaurants and delis within a five minute walk of the hospital, should they want to get some dinner.
The two medicos depart and Elliot and Liv take advantage of the sleeping Cal to give each other a proper embrace and a much livelier kiss. (Or should I say, kisses, lots of kisses!)
Elliot decided to occupy one of the comfy armchairs with Olivia occupying his lap. Snuggling into El's chest, she rests easily and they proceed to have a discussion concerning house hunting in Queens or Brooklyn. They agree they need to list their homes right away, at the same time they're seeing property for sale. They agree they'll view foreclosures but will be extremely careful about becoming involved in such a sale.
When 'Livia's stomach growls, loudly, El laughs and asks if she would like to go out for dinner or down to the cafeteria. She thinks it over and says, "Neither, El. I don't want Cal to wake up and find no one here. We'll wake him in a few minutes and then I think you can either go get something from one of the delis or bring something up from the cafeteria. I think we'd better find out if they want Cal to eat what they have planned for the childrens' dinner tonight."
Smiling at how Olivia immediately puts Cal's needs before her own enjoyment, Elliot agrees. And catches another kiss.
A little voice from the bed gleefully pipes up, "Boy, if you guys keep that up maybe I really will get that little brother I want!"
Two adult voices, in unison, "CALVIN!"
To be continued…
It's the button at the bottom. Go for it, go for it, go for it. Got it, slamdunk! Now say nice things, LOL!