The Gift
Chapter 14
Andrea was shocked how tough the surgery was for Mike. He was in intense pain and wasn't one to complain. She felt sorry for him. Molly was given the bone marrow and stem cells, so it became a waiting period to see if she got better. The next day, as Mike and Molly rested, Mike's cellphone rang and Andrea saw Kara's name on the display. Mike was snoring and Andrea knew there was no possibility of waking him, so she answered it.
"Kara; its Andrea. Mike's resting and he's really hard to wake up." Andrea greeted.
"Damn, he's had the surgery, then?" Kara asked.
"Yeah; yesterday. Is something wrong?" Andrea asked.
"I really should talk to him, but Jillian overdosed. She's dead. I've spoken with the authorities. Because Mike is on Eli's birth certificate, he is his responsibility." Kara explained.
"Oh, my." Andrea said as she looked over at Mike. Twice widowed now, even if one marriage was ending in divorce beforehand. As upset as she was at Mike, she felt terribly and felt even worse for Eli. That poor baby boy. Even if Jillian was a bad mother.
"Can you have him call me as soon as he wakes up?" Kara asked.
"Of course. Is there anything I can do?" Andrea asked.
"Just be there for Mike. He and Jillian didn't get along; but he will feel guilt." Kara said.
"And Eli?" Andrea asked.
"He doesn't know what's happening. The neighbor lady is helping and I'm stepping in where I can." Kara answered.
"Let me know what I can do." Andrea asked before Kara hung up.
It was another hour before Mike roused and he was intense pain. Andrea waited for the nurse to change his bandage, help him to the bathroom and back before she told him of Kara's call. As Kara had suspected, Mike felt intensely guilty and was worried about Eli.
"I need to go back to Belgium. I want to be here with Molly, but…" Mike started.
"Mike; I understand but you can't. There is no way Doctor Garretty will clear you." Andrea said.
"I can't leave Eli like that." Mike said.
"Why don't you call Kara and see what is needed. I'll see about Molly's test results." Andrea suggested. She touched Mike's arm, knowing he needed a moment to collect himself. Even though the divorce had been filed for, he was still married to Jillian. He still cared about her. When she approached the nurse's station, Doctor Garretty was standing there. He smiled warmly at Andrea.
"Molly's test results are looking amazing. We have to monitor her, but I might release her tomorrow with Mike." Doctor Garretty said.
"Great. Question though, Mike's wife died in Belgium, and they have a six-month-old. They were estranged, but Mike is wanting to hop on a plane." Andrea explained.
"He can't. Maybe in a week, week and a half, but not now. Is the baby being cared for?" Doctor Garretty asked.
"Yeah, a neighbor lady and friend. Fortunately; that's covered." Andrea answered.
"I wish I could clear him, but it isn't possible. Probably an eight to twelve hour flight, on a hipbone that we bore a hole into, less then twenty-four hours ago? Infection risks are too high." Doctor Garretty said.
"You think Molly is on the upswing?" Andrea asked.
"I do. I think she's in the clear. You need to be mindful of her immune system for a while but the Leukemia is in definite remission. The bone marrow and stem cells helped greatly." Doctor Garretty answered.
"So, if I left her in Ally and Mike's care, and went to Belgium to get Eli, take care of the arrangements, and pack Mike up, would that be okay?" Andrea questioned.
"I wouldn't waste any time, because Molly needs you during her recovery, but yeah, I think that would be alright." Doctor Garretty answered.
"Perfect. Thanks." Andrea said before walking away. It wasn't a perfect answer, but it was the only one. As soon as she walked back in the hospital room, she could see how panicked Mike was. "I'll go. You can't leave. I will get Eli, pack your apartment up and deal with Jillian's final arrangements. I just need you to take care of Molly for me. She's doing better and will be released tomorrow, possibly." Andrea said. She squeezed Mike's hand and smiled. It wasn't what she wanted, but it was the best answer.