Star Pupil
Chapter 16
Post-surgery; Katelyn was finally allowed a mild chicken soup and strawberry milkshake. She was in a lot of pain and Christine had to feed her due to both arms being braced against her body. She promptly fell asleep after eating, which gave Mike and Christine time to come up with a game plan so that she could stay in the hospital with Katelyn. Mike would go home and stay with the kids so she could stay with Katelyn. It was not an ideal situation, but someone needed to stay with Katelyn and they didn't want to ask their friends to care for their younger kids. Trey and Brad had both been caught miraculously and so the family was finally safe. Mike had tasked Tom and Danny to deal with the investigation so he could concentrate on Katelyn and the other kids.
After Katelyn woke up and Mike left, Katelyn asked Christine to wash her hair and she mentioned wanting it all cut off. Katelyn took great pride in her thick, curly hair that reached her waist. It was almost the exact same color as Mike's and Christine had always loved it. She wasn't sure why Katelyn would suddenly want to cut it so she asked.
"Sweetie, you've been growing your hair out for years. Why would you suddenly cut it off?" Christine asked as she braided it.
"Because…if I fought against them; before they chained me up, they would grab me by the hair and I don't want to ever give someone that chance again." Katelyn said.
"You understand Brad and Trey have been arrested?" Christine asked after pausing.
"Yeah, but I want it cut off." Katelyn insisted.
"Okay. Your dad was going to get a little rest and when he comes back, he'll bring the kids. I'll text Hannah and see if she can bring one of her fashion magazines so you can pick something you like. I'll also see if the nurse knows of someone who would come to the hospital if you're in a hurry." Christine said. She hated for Katelyn to lose her hair like that, but she understood.
"Isn't there companies that could use it for wigs for kids with cancer or something?" Katelyn asked.
"There used to be, but I don't know if they still exist. I can find out. Is that something you'd want to do?" Christine asked. It made her feel slightly better. And considering Katelyn's current predicament, it was good that she was thinking of others. Christine had even struggled with that once Brad got done with her. But then again, Katelyn was most like Mike.
"Yeah. My hair might as well be a use for someone. I was thinking about it anyways before this." Katelyn replied.
"Okay. I am going to step out and speak with the nurse. Is there anything you need before I do?" Christine asked. A counselor had already been in to speak with Katelyn and she had warned Christine that staying on top of Katelyn could do more harm then good. Katelyn needed privacy to sort through some of her emotions.
"Maybe a drink of the water?" Katelyn said. Christine immediately picked the cup up and put the straw to Katelyn's broken lips. She immediately took and drink and winced in pain.
"What's wrong?" Christine asked. Everything was wrong but Katelyn hadn't expressed that she was in a great deal of pain.
"I think a couple of my teeth got broken and that water is pretty cold." Katelyn said.
"Can I see?" Christine asked. As much as she could, Katelyn opened her mouth. Sure enough, there were several broken teeth and Christine figured the nerves were exposed. "I'll mention it to the nurse. We'll need to get those fixed quickly." Christine told her.
"I hate to be costing so much money." Katelyn remarked.
"Sweetie, the insurance is covering it. No worries. You just rest and relax." Christine told her gently. She gave Katelyn a kiss on the forehead before walking out of the room. She needed a moment because her heart was breaking a little. She found Katelyn's evening shift nurse, Sandy; at the nurse's station and gave her a faked smile.
"Sandy; I hate to ask, but Katelyn decided she wants her hair cut and asked about donating it for sick kids to get wigs. She wants it done as quick as possible. Is there a beautician that would come to the hospital?" Christine asked.
"My sister actually is. I can see if she would be available. Would it bother you if I gave her a bit of what happened to Katelyn so she understands why?" Sandy asked.
"Not at all. Do whatever you need. She's never expressed an interest in having anything but trims. She has been growing her hair out since she was five." Christine said.
"Is Mom okay with this?" Sandy asked.
"Not really, but I have to respect her wishes and at least she is wanting to help someone else. Its hair. It'll grow back." Christine admitted.
"Katelyn is a strong girl with a loving family. There is no reason she can't get through this. Its horrible, yes. She'll wear the scars for the rest of her life, but she is already taking ownership of it. I think the biggest thing for her now is to just get home with her brother, sisters and dad. She loves them intensely and when she spoke with the counselor, she mentioned that she was missing them a lot." Sandy said.
"Their dad is bringing them when he comes back this evening. He needed to rest and explain to our younger kids about the way Katelyn's face looks now." Christine explained.
"That'll be good for her." Sandy remarked.
"She loves her younger siblings, sometimes; I think, more then she loves Mike and I." Christine said with a laugh.
"She loves you and your husband deeply. I truly think that the love that she has for her family was what got her through everything and will continue to get her through. Just have a bit of faith. You have a strong daughter." Sandy said.
"Thank you. I needed a moment. It can get a bit depressing." Christine admitted.
"Don't be afraid to step away. You need to and she needs you to. It doesn't make you less of a mom. I will contact my sister and explain the situation. See if I can get her to come tomorrow." Sandy said.
"I appreciate it very much. I'm going to have Hannah, my other daughter, bring some fashion magazines so Katelyn can pick something she likes for a haircut." Christine told her.
"Good. Let us know if you need anything." Sandy said before Christine went back to the hospital room. Katelyn fortunately was asleep and it gave Christine time to text Hannah and explain what Katelyn needed, and in true Hannah fashion; she had all sorts of plans for a 'goodie basket' for Katelyn. It put Christine's mind at ease and gave her a moment to rest herself.