The Gift
Chapter 13
Mike was rather disappointed that Molly didn't remember who he was. At four, Mike had been in and out of her life, and out for two years. Molly only called him Daddy, because Andrea introduced him as Daddy. While they waited on his test results, Mike tried to reconnect with her.
Andrea made the arrangements to wire the money back into Mike's account and he called his attorney. He already had worked out the terms of his divorce, as long as he got full custody of Eli. The lawyer would begin working on everything. His theory was that Jillian would take the money and run.
He also put in for a transfer and told Andrea if he didn't get it, he'd retire. His commission was nearly up, and he wanted to come home, hopefully with Eli. He called a few times to check on Eli, and per his neighbor, the baby was fine, and Jillian was out partying. Finally, Molly's oncologist came in and sat both Mike and Andrea down.
"Alright, Admiral Slattery; you are a perfect match for Molly, in both stem cells and bone marrow. We really need to do these procedures as soon as possible. Time is really of an essence with Molly and we have a very small window of time." The doctor explained.
"Well, I'm ready. I want her to get better and I will have to go back to Belgium to take care of a few things before I come back for good." Mike said.
"Sir, I hope you understand, the bone marrow transplant is fairly rough for the donor. You won't be able to just jump on a plane and fly halfway across the world, and frankly; there isn't time for you to go back to Belgium beforehand. We will bore a hole into your hipbone and extract the marrow." The doctor explained.
"I…know. Its not going to be that hard for her, though?" Mike asked.
"No. For her, it'll be fairly uncomplicated. Best case scenario, it'll be two weeks before I can release you to fly. A day in the hospital and then two weeks recovery time. There's chances for infection, and you will be uncomfortable. If you still want this; we can do it this afternoon at two; but you need to understand; this will be quite painful." The doctor answered.
"Schedule it for today." Mike answered back. The doctor nodded and left them.
"Mike; thank you. I know you're worried about Eli. I will help you however I can." Andrea said.
"I just hope that Inger can keep Jillian away from him. Kara is going to look in on them. I'd better call into work." Mike said. He got up and left the conference room to make his calls, and Andrea went back to Molly's hospital room, where Ally was waiting with Molly, who had woken up.
"Where Daddy?" Molly asked, as she played with the stuffed teddy bear Mike had brought her. She called Mike Daddy, but didn't seem to fully understand what daddy meant.
"He had to make a call, but will be back soon. Do you like your bear?" Andrea asked and Molly hugged the bear to her.
"Yep!" Molly said.
"Good. Daddy is going to have to have a surgery to make you feel better, but Doc G tells me it won't be too bad for you." Andrea explained, using Molly's nickname for her doctor. He had suggested it to her since Doctor Garretty was hard to say for little kids.
"Does Daddy need my teddy bear?" Molly asked.
"I think he'll be alright." Andrea said. She was touched by Molly's thoughtfulness. The little girl barely knew Mike, but wanted to help him. Just then he walked in and gave Molly a smile. He had a few things in his hand.
"I have to go in and take a shower before surgery. Also, I don't really have anything very comfortable with me…" Mike said.
"I'll go, get what you need." Ally offered.
"Thanks. I'll write my sizes down. Just sweats and stuff." Mike said as he walked to the table, wrote his sizes down and gave Ally his debit card. She left, and he gave Molly a kiss before he went in for his shower. "The nurse said once the surgery is done, they'll bring me in here to recover. Said it would be better for both of us." Mike said.
"How's Eli?" Andrea asked.
"He's okay. Inger hasn't seen Jillian since I left. Says she isn't at the apartment. Kara is checking on them, so that makes me feel a little better. I hope I won't be in your way here?" Mike asked.
"Mike; I would want you in here too. And if she understood what was happening, Molly would too." Andrea answered. Molly was playing with her teddy bear.
"I appreciate that. I'll have to figure out where I will go after the hospital. I can't imagine you'll want me at your house." Mike remarked.
"At some point, we are going to have to talk about this, but right now; I don't have the energy to. My main concern is her, and your recovery. You can stay with me. You don't need to be in some hotel." Andrea told him.
"Andrea; I appreciate…" Mike started, but Andrea put her hand up.
"You've burnt a lot of bridges, but you were a good friend to me once, and you gave me an incredible gift. If I can help you recover and get Eli, then we are even. I don't know what will happen later." Andrea said. She wasn't dismissing a friendship with Mike. Afterall, they had Molly, but things would have to change. She still didn't think she was in love, but he had hurt her deeply.