A few minutes later, Charlotte sat drawing while Emily and Derek talked over what they should do.
It was definitely not the fun day Emily had in mind for her and Charlotte, and she was frustrated. She knew how much her little girl hated the doctor, yet that was the only place they could go.
Derek had done a quick google search and hadn't found anything concrete on what it could be, and Emily called Dr. Coves. She explained what happened to the doctor, who agreed Charlotte should be seen that day, and made an appointment for a couple hours later.
"Guess it's time to face the music" Emily sighed, looking sadly over at Charlotte.
Derek gave her a sympathetic smile and rubbed his hand on her shoulder.
"She'll be ok" he reminded.
Together, they walked over to the table where Charlotte sat drawing.
"Hey sweetheart, what're you drawing?" Emily asked softly
Charlotte didn't answer out loud but stopped her picture and moved it so they could both see.
It looked like a sea turtle, but Emily couldn't tell for sure.
"That looks great kid" Derek said, eliciting a smile from Charlotte.
"Charlotte how's your leg feeling?" Emily asked
Charlotte shrugged and continued to focus on her picture.
Emily had no idea how to bring this up. She looked to Derek for help.
He cleared his throat. "Hey Charlotte, do you remember when we talked about the doctors a few nights ago?" He asked gently
Charlotte's face fell; she knew where this conversation was headed.
"We're going to go back sweetheart, just so she can help your leg feel better." Emily explained carefully.
Charlotte was quiet for a second before whispering, "pwease no make me?"
Emily's heart broke in two. Her sweet, precious girl sounded like she was being punished again and was asking not to be.
Why did she hate the doctor so much?
Emily was going to cry in front of Charlotte if she stayed. She walked to the hall bathroom leaving Derek with Charlotte.
"Puzzle Charlotte?" Using their code word before the child could get too panicked.
"Remember what we talked about before, right? The doctor wasn't trying to hurt you before and she won't now. She's going to help your leg feel better."
Charlotte's fist curled up tightly. She was angry. They didn't listen to her.
"But I no want to!" she wailed. "You not wisten to me" she insisted, frustrated.
"Charlotte, that's not true" Derek countered, holding the girls hand. "Were listening. I'm listening. We're only doing this to help you."
Charlotte didn't care. She was tired. She was angry. And she was scared. She marched upstairs and curled onto her bed, wanting space. Soon, unintentionally, she fell asleep.
Derek calmed Emily down and they let Charlotte sleep for an hour before they had to get her up and take her.
She was still groggy when she woke up so Emily carried her downstairs and into the car.
Derek went with them.
She was still both groggy and mad once they got into the exam room, and when Dr. Coves came in, she buried her head into Emily, not wanting to see her.
"Hi Charlotte" she greeted, gently touching her shoulder in greeting.
Charlotte flinched sharply and turned to glare at the doctor.
Emily closed her eyes for patience.
She had seen Charlotte happy, sad, upset, confused, and scared, but angry was a new one to her.
"Ok, why don't you get her changed and onto the table. They exam won't take too long" she requested, excusing herself.
Derek also left the exam room. He knew Charlotte was no where near ready to have to get changed with a male in the room still, and didn't want to further upset her.
"Sweetie, I know you don't want to, but I promise you she's not going to hurt you. And we can get ice cream after," Emily offered, trying to get Charlotte excited again.
Charlotte's anger only turned to sadness. "I don't wike hew. I not get ice cweam if we can go home?" She asked Emily.
Emily hugged her small body. "Soon, love. Soon."
Charlotte let Emily change her into the gown, but was not cooperative.
When Emily got her leggings off she tried hard not to gasp at Charlotte's leg. This burn was serious.
Very serious.
It looked worse than it did just a few hours before. At least Emily knew she did the right thing bring Charlotte. She needed a doctor.
A couple minutes later Dr. coves came back in.
Charlotte refused to leave Emily's lap.
Her paper gown crinkled each time she moved and the later wearing it.
She sat and stared straight ahead.
"Hey Charlotte, can you hop yo here for just a minute for me?" Dr. Coves said kindly.
Charlotte shook her head determinedly.
"Honey the sooner I can have a look the sooner you can go." She told Charlotte.
The young girl pondered this for a second, before ultimately shaking her head no at that as well.
Emily knew there wasn't anything Dr. coves could say to get Charlotte to cooperate.
Emily quickly stood up and flipped Charlotte's body in her arms so her back was facing up, and sat on the exam table.
Charlotte was not happy.
A/N- sorry this is short, I've just been too tired! ! Please review!