Chapter 2: A New Beginning
When we arrived inside her office down the hall and we each took a seat on either side of the mahogany desk. "Mrs. Mochi, may I ask why you wanted to speak to me personally?"
"We are good friends Mika, call me Chidori and we've known each for a few years. You were one of our favorite doctors here all those years ago. So I was thinking…"
"Thinking?" It dawned on me, "wait! do you want to do an emergency placement for the girl in my care?" My eyes grew big. Me and Itsuki had always wanted to have a child of our own, but we couldn't due to me having endometriosis.
"Yes, I think placing her in your care would be the best thing. You can fill out the form online right now and I can get it through and have a judge sign it by tonight." I was still in shock. It started to bring back memories from when I was placed with a foster family at a young age. "Mika, would you like to talk to Itsuki about this? I know you've always told me how you both wanted a child of your own."
"Yes, it's still a dream of ours, though I think I should talk to Itsuki about this really quickly. Let me ask him to come down here," I pulled out my phone and texted him to come here.
Itsuki arrived within two minutes, "Mika is all okay? I turned on a comedy show and she's eating her lunch," he announced, shutting the door behind him.
"Itsuki, Mrs. Mochi, wanted to know if we will be willing to take the girl in our care," I informed him.
Itsuki just stared, shocked himself hearing the news. "Wait what?" Was all he said. He fell back against the door to hold himself up right.
"Yes, Mr. Ito, it's called emergency placing. I, as a social worker, have the choice of who the child is placed with. Since Mrs. Ito is a head doctor at the city hospital, she's at the top of the list for a child to be placed with."
"Is that possible for Mika to be approved for this? We've never filled out the documentation for fostering."
"If you fill it out now, I can have it through at the snap of my fingers. We always have judges on standby twenty-four seven that can sign the agreement that you both are suitable to take care of her until such time."
"What do you mean until such time, Chidori?" I had to ask.
"By such time means, if her family is found. I will start the process of posting a found teenager after our conversation. If you two don't think you could handle this at this time, I have other families that…."
"I'll take the girl in," I wouldn't let her finish. "This...this will give me a chance at what it would be like to be a parent and to finally be a mother." Hearing myself say the word mother, put a smile on my face.
"Mika? Are you sure we are capable?" Itsuki asked and turned to me with a worried look.
"Itsuki, yes we are very capable of taking care of her. Our home in the city is a safe environment for her to live in until her family is found…" a thought occurred. "Chidori, What would happen if her family isn't found?"
"She would remain in the foster care system for ninety days before she's declared an orphan of the state. She would be available for adoption then," she explained.
I still stand with my decision. "I'll do it, even if she's just with us a short while. What's the website?" I immediately asked. Chidori typed away, turned the monitor to me, along with the keyboard and mouse. I took my time to fill out all the information for fostering the girl. "Okay, I just sent it."
"Then I shall take my leave now. I'll go to my main office and get everything submitted fast. I'll have our judge that's in today, to come down and sign off with the placement. I should have everything within the hour." We all stood up, "Mika, you'll be a wonderful foster mother," Chidori smiled my way and left for her office in the city.
Itsuki and myself stood in the office, trying to take everything in with the news. "Mika, what about work? We have full time jobs that keep us away from home for long hours."
"Well, I have so much vacation time left that I need to use up. I could use more of my time to do stuff around the house and a few other things. Besides, I can work from home and give orders if they need me for anything."
"Do what you need to do and if anything I can work from home myself on days they need you there."
"Thank you, Itsuki," I kissed him quickly and bear hugged him.
We made our way back to the small room where the teen girl was still awake and watching television. The girl looked up and smiled at us, mostly me, "how are you feeling dear?" She still smiled brightly, but still refused to speak to us. "I'm taking that you're feeling a lot better?" I watched her nod her head to us. "Good. Are you able to at least tell us your name?" I just watched her shrug her shoulders. "Can you remember your name dear?" With sadness I watched her shake her head no. It dawned on me that the teen girl might have a more serious issue. "Itsuki, I think she might have memory loss!"
"Memory loss? Are you sure, Mika?" We were both whispering to one another so we wouldn't scare her.
"Yes, in cases with small head injuries we usually ask the typical questions. Watch," I turned my attention back to the young teen. "Dear, are you sure you don't know what your name is? or even how old you are?" She just shook her head no. "See Itsuki. But I checked her test results and they seemed to be normal. Hopefully in a few days she'll remember."
"Hopefully you're right on that, Mika." Itsuki's stomach growled, alerting me he needed lunch. He got to his feet, "Mika, do you want anything to eat or drink?"
"I'm good for now. But if you are hungry you know where the cafeteria is." It's right when you come inside. This hospital made sure that the staff could grab a bite to eat before they started their day at work here. I knew I should eat since I haven't had anything yet, but I wasn't hungry at this time.
"I'll be back soon," Itsuki then left us to find himself some lunch.
While he was away, I took a seat on the bed with her. The young mysterious girl rested her head along my shoulder, almost curled. "Are you tired?" I whispered softly.
The young teen nodded her head. "Try and rest. I'll stay with you for the time being." The girl smiled and closed her eyes and fell asleep quickly. "I hope to hear your voice soon dear," I whispered softly.
Itsuki had returned thirty minutes later along with Doctor Katio. "How is our mysterious patient doing?"
"She seems to be doing good so far, Doctor Katio. Though I feel that she may have memory loss. I wonder if the small bruise on the back of her head may have caused it?" I pointed to the exact spot along her scalp.
"Mmh, you may have something there. When you both found her, were there any rocks at the bottom of the well or just dirt?" He stood there with his hands behind his back and clipboard in hand.
"When I jumped down to get her out I didn't see any rocks. So you could have hit her head along the edge of the well before she hit the ground," Itsuki informed the doctor.
"But it doesn't explain how she ended up down there Itsuki," I said quietly. I didn't want to wake the girl.
"Hopefully the officers and all can put the puzzle together and figure it out," Itsuki informed us.
"I hope you're right about that."
As we were all talking the intercom went off, "Doctor Katio, you're wanted in TICU immediately," a female voice announced, allowed. "Doctor Katio, you're wanted in TICU immediately."
"If you'll both excuse me," Doctor Katio left fast, running in the direction of the special cares unit.
"Must be a serious case that he's needed for. I'm happy that she didn't have to be brought there," I explained to Itsuki.
"What's TICU, Mika?" Itsuki asked, curiously.
"It stands for Trauma Intensive Care Unit. It's a place for seriously injured or sick patients that may or may not make it. I'm usually in there a few days a week," I informed him. "The other week, in the city, we had about fifteen cases and lost five patients."
As we both continued to talk, the girl woke up and gave me the biggest smile She continued resting her head along my shoulder. "I guess we should introduce ourselves to her, Itsuki. Hello dear, my name is Mika and this is my husband Itsuki," I said cheerfully. I pointed to myself and to my husband who sat across from the bed. The teen eyed each of us for a few moments, not knowing who we were. But she looked happy to not be by herself.
We spent the time asking her simple yes and no questions when we were informed Chidori was waiting for us in the same office. I got up from the bed when the girl grabbed her wrist with a scared look on her face.
I smiled at her and cuffed her rosy cheek again, "it's okay dear. I'm going to be right down the hall to talk with somebody. I'll be back very soon. Here, watch some television again and I shouldn't be more than a few minutes," I said softly. I smoothed the girl's cheek and turned on a popular teen show.
Itsuki and me left the room and arrived back at the same office. Inside, not only was Chidori in there, but the judge included. "I'm sorry that it took a bit for me to get here, there was a bad car accident right outside the courthouse. Anyways, I am Judge Hiro," he announced himself to Itsuki and me.
"It's okay Judge Hiro," I informed him. It came to mind that I knew who was brought in for the doctor to rush over to TICU. I knew what to expect from victims in car accidents. I said a little prayer for all involved and for the doctors and nurses tending to the injured.
"Okay, I have all the papers here for you to both sign. I just want to double check that you both want to take up this offer of taking the teen in?"
I took a deep breath and smiled at Chidori, the judge and Itsuki. "Yes we are willing to try and foster her," I announced, proudly. With the papers placed down, we all signed in our proper spots.
Judge Hiro gave us a big smile, "congratulations on being temporary foster parents for the young teen. I wish you all the best." He shook all our hands and then left.
Walking out of the office, Chidori turned to us and said "thank you, Mika. I know you'll both do great and I'll call you if her family comes forward. I do have the information from the doctors of the outfit she came in. That will be the key evidence for us to help knowing if they are telling the truth are not."
"Thank you, Chidori. I'll come up with a name for her when I think of one," I informed my dear old friend.
"Oh yes! How did I forget that? When you come up with one just give me a call. No rush."
We made our way back to the room to find the girl fast asleep again. She looked so peaceful. I walked in and pulled the blankets up and covered her up so she wouldn't get cold. I even turned off the television so it wouldn't wake her up. Rubbing the side of her cheek, "rest well and we'll see you tomorrow," I whispered softly.
"I think it's best we head home now. We'll come back tomorrow and see her. Don't worry about making dinner, Mika. Let's stop and get something by the house," Itsuki whispered, quietly.
I looked at the sleeping girl again and brushed her natted hair away from her face, "okay Itsuki." We walked past the girl's nurse, "Nurse Hetome, if she wakes up and wonders where we are, could you let her know we'll be back tomorrow to see her, please?"
"Of course Doctor Ito. I'll be sure to inform her when she wakes up."
"Thank you." With that, we left the hospital.
It was about eight at night when we got home and ate our meal in silence. Not long after, we both cleaned up our dinner and headed upstairs for bed. Cuddling up with one another, we both fell asleep in each other's arms.
0/0/0/0
It was six in the morning when I first woke up and Itsuki was still laying beside me fast asleep. It was an unexpected long day yesterday and I didn't want to wake him. I quietly got up and made my side of the bed by pulling back the covers. Before walking downstairs, I walked over and kissed his forehead as he slept.
I then headed downstairs to make a pot of hot water for my morning tea. As I walked into the kitchen, I picked up the silver tea kettle, filled it with water and then placed it on the gas stove. While I waited for the water to boil, I took a seat at the kitchen table. I couldn't stop thinking of the girl we found yesterday. I began wondering where the girl would have been placed if I didn't didn't agree with taking her in. I believe Chidori would have put her in a family that takes kids in quickly for temporary custody.
The tea kettle whistled, bringing me out of thought. I got up and turned off the gas to the stove. With the tea cup already on the counter, I pulled out a jasmine tea bag and placed it inside the white cup. Pouring the steaming water into my cup, Itsuki finally made his way into the kitchen. "Good morning, Itsuki. Would you like a cup of jasmine tea?" I asked happily.
"Sure, that sounds fine and thank you," he said, yawning. I made him a hot cup of tea and placed it in front of him. "What's on the agenda for breakfast?"
"Not sure, just have a lot on my mind. I'm sorry Itsuki," I was about to get up, but he stopped me by grabbing her hand.
"Mika, no! I should be sorry. You do so much, now allow me to make you my mother's breakfast egg roll dish. You sit and enjoy your tea," he informed me, getting up and grabbing every ingredient he needed to cook with.
"Thank you, Itsuki. I'll plan a proper dinner for us tonight," I said happily. Sitting there watching Itsuki work his own magic, a thought occurred, "I guess sometime today I should make up the other guest bedroom for her to stay in. I'm thinking of the one that overlooks the forest."
"That's a great idea Mika, I'm going to take my time making this. Mother always told me to take it slow. I'll call you when it's done," turning his head, giving me a gentle smile.
"Thank you, dear," giving him the same gentle smile, I headed upstairs. I made my way to the linen closet at the top of the stairs to grab the white bed sheets and pillowcases. Then I proceeded to the second bedroom down the hall. The medium sized room faced the back of the house. It overlooked the trees and the lake of the forest. Making my way over to the full size bed, I unfolded the bed sheets and placed each piece on the mattress. I did the same with the pillowcases as well. Then soon after, I made my way over to the bedroom closet and pulled out the white jasmine petal quilt and laid it over the mattress.
Once the bed was fully made, I went over and sat along the big bay window sill. Opening up the window to allow the fresh morning breeze to blow through, I looked out over the horizon and took in its beauty. "I hope she enjoys staying here till her family is found." Even if it's just a day, a week or a few months, I'll enjoy every moment of it.
It wasn't too long after I got done with the room when Itsuki called me down for breakfast, with a new fresh cup of tea waiting for me. What shocked me more, was what he had placed on the table "Itsuki, wow! fluffy pancakes! I haven't had those in such a long time."
"I thought you would like something else for a change. Yep, mother's specialty, fluffy pancakes, with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon." As we ate, "Mika, when do you think she'll be released from the hospital?" Itsuki wondered.
Placing my chopsticks down, "it all depends on Doctor Katio. He could release her today, tomorrow, or several days. If he allows her to be released today, then I'll have to visit the mall. I can't allow her leave in a hospital gown."
"I wonder if calling Doctor Katio would be best? That way you know. I could call my sister to see if she has any clothes that Kairi no longer wears? I think the girl is close to Kairi's age. You could even try asking your friends. They do arrive tonight."
"That's a good idea. We'll finish eating, then you call your sister and I'll call Doctor Katio. Then after that I'll call my friends."
We both finished with our meal and made our calls. I got told the young girl could be released today. Itsuki was in luck, his sister informed him that she had just gone through her daughters clothes and was getting ready to take them to donations. She told him that he would drop them off later in the week after he explained the reasoning for them.
When I told my friends the news, they were both shocked. I told them I would explain everything when they arrive tonight. I was in luck, they too had clothes that they were getting to take to donations. So all I had to do was get an outfit for her to wear home today and a couple pairs of underwear, plus a bra.
0/0/0/0
Once we both arrived at the hospital around noon, we made our way back to the same little curtain-closed room from yesterday. We found the teen sitting up and watching tv again. She turned her head and smiled as we walked inside. "Good afternoon dear," I greeted her. The teen held her hand out for mine once again and I took a seat next to her.
Not soon after Doctor Katio came in. "Good afternoon, Mr and Doctor Ito. I bet you're happy to get her out today?" He asked. I knew he was back to do another last vital check on the girl.
"Good afternoon, Doctor Katio. Yes we are. She seems to have healed up more overnight," I said cheerfully. I turned to face the teen who was still holding my hand and bringing it to her pink cheek.
"Yes she quite has. But there is one thing I forgot to mention to you both yesterday," he said worriedly.
"What's that?" I asked, worried myself. The girl now rested her head along m y shoulder.
"I think she may have been attacked by a dog at one point. If you see it here," he addressed. He walked over to the teen and pulled back her hair. "She has bite marks along her neck, here and here But the markings look to be a few years old."
I checked myself and felt the little teeth indentations, "how did I not notice this? They do look like they are a few years old." I turned to the girl and asked, "dear, do you remember being attacked by a dog?" The teen did the same thing again and shook her head no. I stroked the girls hair that really needed to be washed and combed. "It's okay. What time would be good for her leave today?"
"She can be discharged at the normal hours we have. So after three, if that's good for you?"
"Three in the afternoon will be perfect for us." I still need to get her an outfit. The mall is right down the street and I could walk there and grab her the stuff I think she would need. After Doctor Kaito left, I turned to Itsuki and asked him, "would you be okay waiting here as I go down to the mall for about an hour, dear?" He knows what I am after.
"Of course, Mika. Take your time." I was getting ready to leave, when he handed me the car keys. "Take the car."
"Thank you." I turned towards the girl and gave her a bright, soft, gentle smile. "I'll be back in an hour, hun." With that I left the hospital to buy an outfit.