Lost Soul
Chapter 3
Since Elizabeth had help with Christine, she scheduled her surgery for the following week. She knew that Mike was checking into doctors for Christine and was hopeful that Christine could be helped. Mike had to make a fast trip back to St. Louis, which caused Christine some issues, worried that he wouldn't come back. It wasn't until he walked back in that she settled down. He had a work related thing, but during dinner; he explained another purpose for his trip.
"While I was in St. Louis; I met with a neurosurgeon who has worked with the Navy. Explained some of your symptoms, Christine. He is wanting to examine you. And will have you go through an MRI and CT scan." Mike explained simply.
"Will it hurt?" Christine asked.
"There might be some discomfort with a few of the tests." Mike told her.
"I hope he finds something that works." Hannah remarked. Kaitlyn just rolled her eyes.
"Its important that we don't get our hopes up. The doctor was cautiously optimistic." Mike told them.
"I hope so too." Christine said with a big smile on her face. All she wanted was to be a 'normal' wife and mother again.
"When is the appointment?" Elizabeth asked.
"Next week. Day before your surgery." Mike said. It was not the most convenient, but it would have to work.
"What if they do a surgery on Mama?" Hannah asked.
"I doubt it will be so soon. He's a really busy doctor." Mike explained.
"If they have an immediate opening, get her in. I can wait." Barbara answered.
"Mom; you have cancer. Kind of makes yours the priority." Mike argued.
"Especially since all this is made up." Kaitlyn said before getting up and leaving the room. Mike started to go after her but Christine pulled him back down.
"She doesn't mean it." Christine told him. Mike and Hannah exchanged a look, but decided to keep the peace for Christine's sake. Elizabeth could understand it from a mother's perspective. She'd do the same thing. And even though Christine sometimes forgot how to dress herself or feed herself; she had not forgotten being a mother. She was not perfect, but she loved her daughters.
"Will it be in St. Louis?" Hannah asked.
"Yes. That is the downfall. It'll be a boring day, but if you both want to go with; we can make it a day." Mike said.
"I'd better stay home." Elizabeth said.
"Can I go?" Hannah asked.
"Can she go?" Christine repeated for Hannah.
"Yes. Leaves Kaitlyn." Mike remarked.
"She'll want to stay here." Hannah answered.
"I'd better give her the option though." Mike said.
"I'll talk to her." Elizabeth told him. She patted his hand, got up and walked to Kaitlyn's room where the girl was sitting on her bed. "Your dad wants you to have an option to go with them next week when they go for your mom's appointment. He'll need help with her, I'm afraid." Elizabeth said.
"No, thank you." Kaitlyn answered sarcastically.
"Kaitlyn, I want you to remember something. Your mother spent almost thirty-six hours in labor with you. I know this because I was there. She refused an epidural and was in misery. But when you were born, she was so happy she cried. Not because the pain was over, but because she had a beautiful baby girl. And I also know, she was hurt protecting you and your sister. What she went through was horrifying and I can guarantee you that this is not an act. Your mother was one of the most confident people I've ever met. Do you really think someone like that would allow themselves to be fed and dressed? The answer is no. And if you are going to exhibit this attitude, you can just stay here with me." Elizabeth told her. Kaitlyn shrugged her shoulders and Elizabeth walked out of the room. She shook her head at Mike but sat down next to Christine.
"Mike is going to take us for Chinese food. He said I used to love Chinese food." Christine told her. She obviously didn't remember loving it, but was excited anyways.
"You did. It was what you always asked for when you had your birthday dinner." Elizabeth said.
"I'm excited." Christine said and Mike squeezed her hand.
"Good." Elizabeth told her. She loved the younger woman's enthusiasm. It was contagious. She just hoped that things worked out for Christine. She wasn't sure Christine, Mike or Hannah would handle any bad news. And she also hoped that she was recovered by the time Christine had whatever procedures because Mike would need help.