The Ransom of Dr. Dave
Part 39
A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian
Jing-Mei: I don't know what to say. How? When?
Sophie: I should have been honest with you from the start. I did want private time with Davey but that is not the only reason I spent the night here. The other morning while I was taking a shower I felt a lump. I had hoped that I was imagining it but I wasn't. Later that day, I was in the ER and ran into Kerry. I didn't want to make a big deal over this but I asked her if she could take a look and give me her opinion.
Jing-Mei: What did she say?
Sophie: She said she couldn't be sure but I didn't like the look on her face. She set up an appointment with oncology for me. They took me right away. After a few quick tests, the doctor booked an OR and I had a biopsy done. It was quick and simple. Back in Italy, it probably would have taken a few days at least a week. I was just coming back from resting after the biopsy when I saw you and Rusty in Dave's room this morning.
Jing-Mei: No wonder you said you had plenty of sleep.
Sophie: Before you came up, I saw Kerry watching Dave through the window. I had to know if the results to my biopsy were in. She told me. I knew it. Before she even opened her mouth I knew.
Jing-Mei: You were thinking the worse?
Sophie: No, I just know that look. I've seen it before.
Rusty came running over to Sophie and Jing-Mei breaking up their conversation.
Rusty: I'm hungry. I'm hungry.
Sophie: I have to get him something to eat. Do you want to go over to Doc Magoo's with us.
Jing-Mei: I have to make a phone call. I'll meet you later on and we'll talk some more about your condition.
Sophie nodded and took Rusty's hand and they headed to lunch. Jing-Mei started to go over to Dave's bed to check on him when her cell phone rang. She excused herself and went to the solarium to answer her phone.
Jing-Mei: Hello Dr. Chen here. (pause) Mummy, I was just going to call you. Did you hear anything about the visas. (pause)Thank you Mummy and tell Daddy I said thank you too. (pause) I know you don't approve of my personal life but isn't there anything I could say that would make you come and visit my son and your grandson. He needs to meet his only grandparents. Please, I know once you see Antonio you'll just fall in love with him and Dave too.
Ms. Chen: Antonio-- you even gave him an Italian name. It's bad enough his last name is Italian but why his first. Why not something Chinese?
Jing-Mei: That's Dave's middle name and I like it. Mummy, why does everything about me have to be Chinese. Why can't I mingle with others who aren't Chinese?
Ms. Chen: Are you ashamed of being Chinese?
Jing-Mei: Of course not. But I'm willing to explore other cultures. You and daddy never let me do that when I was younger. I am a grown woman and don't know why I can't be proud to be Chinese but still have non-Chinese friends.
Ms. Chen: And boyfriends. You are disgracing thousands of generations of our ancestors. As long as you intend to have that... that Italian as a boyfriend I will not socialize with you and that maggot and his demon spawn will not be welcomed in my home. They are simply not in our league and you could've done much much better.
Jing-Mei: DON'T YOU EVER CALL THEM THAT AGAIN! How dare you! You've never even met Dave so how can you judge him. What the hell gives you the right to put anyone down! Just because Dave wasn't as fortunate as us financially doesn't make him any worse than us or us any better than him. (pause) If you really feel that way then why did you help us with the visas and extensions?
Ms. Chen: We did it for you. Not for them. Because you are our daughter and we don't approve of your personal life but we love you. We want to make you happy. As far as I'm concerned that punk boyfriend of yours got exactly what was coming to him. If you ask me they were too easy on him and he will do the world and you a favor if he never wakes up.
Jing-Mei(furious)NOBODY ASKED YOU, MUMMY!! IF DAVE AND ANTONIO AREN'T WANTED AT YOUR HOUSE NEITHER AM I! GOODBYE, MUMMY UNTIL YOU COME TO YOUR SENSES!!
Jing-Mei puts away her phone and wipes the tears from her eyes when she is approached by Dr. Mercede.
Dr. Mercede: Jing-Mei, I have set a date to start the first of a series of plastic surgeries for Dave.
Jing-Mei: Good, when?
Dr. Mercede: One week from tomorrow. As long as there aren't any further complications with him we are set to go.
Jing-Mei: Dr. Mercede, please try to keep Dave looking as handsome as he was before his attack.
Dr. Mercede: We have a picture of him and my team are some of the best surgeons. (cocking an eyebrow at Jing-Mei) Would it make a difference if Dave didn't look like he did?
Jing-Mei: Of course it wouldn't. Dr. Mercede, are you saying there may be some deformity with Dave?
Dr. Mercede: I can't say no, but I guarantee you we will do our very best on him.
Jing-Mei: Thank you, doctor.
Jing-Mei heads over to Doc Magoo's and meets with Sophie and Rusty.
Jing-Mei: Sorry, but my phone call took longer than I expected.
A waitress walks over to the table.
Jing-Mei: Just tea, please. I spoke with my mother and your visa extensions are all set.
Sophie: I appreciate everything you have done for us, but I won't be needing my extension.
Jing-Mei: Why not?
Sophie: After the month's up, I will be returning to Italy.
Jing-Mei: For good?
Sophie: No, I'll try and make it back, and I hate to ask another favor after all you've done already for me.
Jing-Mei: Your Dave's sister. Your practically family. Anything I can do to help.
Sophie: I will be returning to Italy but I think Rusty should remain here with his daddy. I know it's asking a lot but could he stay with you until I return.
Jing-Mei: I would love to keep Rusty but...
Sophie: I'll make sure that the support checks that come from Dave's disability insurance are sent to you to cover his expenses.
Jing-Mei: That's not it. It's just the language barrier. It's very difficult to communicate with a child who can't speak English.
Sophie: Yes, I was thinking about that too. So I'm way ahead of you. I spoke with Capt. Amos and he's arranged for a new guard who speaks fluent English/ Italian to protect you. He's also going to arrange for me to have police protection over in Italy.
Jing-Mei: You really thought this through. Have you told Rusty yet?
Sophie: Yes, that's what we were talking about over lunch. He's a little upset but I think he'll be okay. He likes you.
Jing-Mei: And I like him too. Yes, he can stay.
Sophie: Thank you.
A few minutes goes by before anyone says anything. Jing-Mei sees that Sophie is troubled and in deep thought.
Jing-Mei: Are you okay, Sophie?(snapping her fingers)Sophie. Hello Sophie.
Sophie: Oh sorry... I was a million miles away.
Jing-Mei: I see that. I was thinking about going over to Dave's apartment and start moving his things if you want to come.
Sophie: Yeah, sure sounds great.
Jing-Mei: Just as long as we are back by 4:30 in time for Antonio's feeding. I'm going to try to breastfeed him again. Sophie, what's the matter? (pause) What am I saying? I know what's the matter. Did you tell your husband about your diagnosis, yet?
Sophie: Yes, that's where I was coming back from when you came to Dave's room after feeding Antonio. He was upset but not surprised.
Jing-Mei: Not surprised? Why not?
Sophie: Do you remember when I told you that it wasn't my choice not to breastfeed Marissa.
Jing-Mei nods.
Sophie: About a year and a half before Marissa was born I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. It had already worked itself through the breast so I had to have a mastectomy. I started chemotherapy afterward to make sure it wouldn't spread. After 3 months, I was finally in remission. Four months later, I found out I was pregnant with Marissa. I was told that everything was fine. That the chances of having a healthy baby were excellent. Like you, after Marissa was born she wouldn't take to my only breast. But I kept trying, until I found out the cancer was back. I went back on chemo and some other meds so it was impossible to breastfeed my little daughter. That's why I told you that I recognized the look on Kerry's face. I've seen it before. The last time I fell out of remission.
Jing-Mei: My god. Did Dave know?
Sophie: Yes, I didn't want to tell him because I didn't want to worry him but he needed to know.
Jing-Mei: Dave never said anything. I wish I had known. Will you be going through chemo again?
Sophie: No, I couldn't go through that again.
Jing-Mei: But you can't just give up, Sophie.
Sophie: Do you think I want to. I have my husband, daughter and nephew to think of. Not to mention, Dave and Antonio. I want to live a long life. But that's not going to happen.
Jing-Mei: You don't know for sure.
Sophie: Yes I do. The cancer has made it's way into my breastbone and is spending throughout my lungs. Kerry and the oncologist both agree. It's terminal. I'm dying.
Jing-Mei's eyes are starting to form with tears and she reaches over the table and gives Sophie a comforting hug. Rusty doesn't know what's going on but he sees that they are upset so he hugs his aunt and Jing-Mei too.
Rusty: I love you Aunt Sophie and Mama Jing-Mei.
Sophie bends down and takes Rusty's face into her hands.
Sophie: We love you too, Rusty.
Jing-Mei: Is there much pain?
Sophie: It comes and goes. Kerry gave me a prescription for Percocet.
Jing-Mei: If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
At Dave's apartment, Jing-Mei bangs on Mr. Santini's door.
Mr. Santini: Yes, can I help y...Dr. Chen and Sophie. Please come in.
Sophie: Hi, Mr. Santini. How are you?
Mr. Santini: Fine. Sophie, still beautiful as ever.
Sophie: Still the charmer.
Mr. Santini: And Dr. Chen, your a lot lighter than the last time I saw you.
Jing-Mei: Much and yes I had the baby, Antonio Grant.
Mr. Santini: Dr. Dave's got a son. Speaking of which, this must be Rusty.
Sophie introduces Rusty and Mr. Santini.
Mr. Santini(shaking Rusty's hand)Quite a grip for a little guy.
Sophie explains that Rusty doesn't speak English so Mr. Santini translates.
Rusty: I'm big boy.
Mr. Santini: He's got his father's demeanor (pause) It so nice to see you again, Sophie.
Sophie: You too, Mr. Santini but this isn't really a social call. We came to clean out Dave's apartment.
Mr. Santini: Well, let me get the ke... Wait is something wrong with Dr. Dave? He's not...
Jing-Mei: No, he's not. I found us a house and I want to be totally moved in before I bring the baby home from the hospital.
Mr. Santini starts to cross himself and muttering a small thank you in Italian, grateful that Dave is still alive. He gets the key and takes them upstairs.
Mr. Santini: How's Dr. Dave doing?
Jing-Mei: The same. He's having more surgery next week. Hopefully, it will be the last for awhile.
Mr. Santini: I hope so. If you need anything please ask, I'll be downstairs. Just let me know when we can get up to see him.
Mr. Santini leaves and Jing-Mei, Sophie and Rusty start looking around the apartment.
Sophie: Where are we going to pack everything? We forgot boxes.
Jing-Mei: Let's just get things together. Mr. Santini probably has some boxes down in the basement. He's so nice.
Sophie: Yes, he is. Do you know he gave Davey his first job back in Italy? His first legal one anyway.
Jing-Mei: I'm going to ignore that last part. What kind of job?
Sophie: Mr. Santini use to own a fruit market in Sicily. He did a good business. Dave made deliveries and cleaned up. He started there when he was 9, I think. That might have had a lot to do with why Davey became a doctor. That and spending so much time in the hospital as a patient.
Jing-Mei: Really!
Sophie: Mrs. Santini and Davey were watching the store one day when they were robbed. The thieves got everything in the register but during the robbery, Mrs. Santini had a heart attack. The thieves left and Davey, who was unharmed, called an ambulance then gave her rescue breathing and pressed on her chest. He use to watch a lot of St. Elsewhere and Trapper John M.D. when he was young. He started her heart and she was breathing on her own but she was still critical. Unfortunately, she died a week later but Mr. Santini was so grateful to Davey. He said if Davey wasn't there, his wife would have died at the store and he wouldn't have had this time with her. He got to say things that he needed to, to her and their last week together was wonderful. I guess Mr. Santini was the closest thing to a father that Davey ever had and Mr. Santini looked at Davey like a son especially after what Davey did.
Jing-Mei: I see where Rusty gets his heroics at now. When I collapsed at the house, the day before Antonio was born and he called 9-1-1. I don't know what I would have done without him.
Sophie: He is a special little boy created from very special people. Dave and Jada are good people. Jada was a wonderful mother and Dave would have been an excellent father if he'd given himself the chance. He will have a chance to be a good father to both Rusty and Antonio. (pause) Well, I guess we had better get started packing.
Jing-Mei, Sophie and Rusty started pulling Dave's belongings out of the closets and dressers and putting them in the boxes that she got from Mr. Santini. They found a picture album in the bottom of Dave's chest. They started looking at the photos.
Jing-Mei: Is that your mother and father?Sophie: Yes.Jing-Mei: She's beautiful--your mother and your father--he's a.. very handsome.
Sophie: Handsome yes, but his personality and attitude sucked big time.
Jing-Mei: He looks like he would have been a good father.
Sophie: Appearances can be deceiving. He was a lousy father. I think the only reason he even agreed to have that picture taken was because he was high as kite or drunk.(pause) I guess we're done here.
Jing-Mei: Yes, I want to get back to the hospital. Luka and Mark said they would help move the big things not that there's much to move. Just Dave's tv and his favorite chair and a stereo system.
Rusty had wandered off and Sophie calls for him. He comes running from Dave's bedroom with a pair of boxing gloves on.
Jing-Mei: What's he got there?
Sophie: I haven't seen them in a long time. I didn't even know he still had them.
Jing-Mei: Well they're a little small for Dave now but they look like they're just right for Rusty, if he wants them.
Sophie translates and Rusty nods and he starts sparring.
Sophie: I think he likes the idea.
Jing-Mei: He looks like a natural too.
Sophie: Davey was. It's in the Malucci blood. All Malucci men are good fighters.
Jing-Mei: Dave has proved that beyond a single doubt.
Mr. Santini and some of the apartment residents drop by and help carry the boxes down to Jing-Mei's car. As the last boxes are moved, Sophie calls for Rusty who is still fascinated with the boxing gloves punching around at the air.
Sophie: Rusty, it's time to gooooooooooo......(Rusty spun around unexpectedly and struck Sophie in the chest)Rusty jumps back and starts crying.
Rusty: I'm sorry, Aunt Sophie...I'm sorry.
Both Sophie and Jing-Mei see how upset Rusty is.
Sophie: Come here sweetheart, I'm alright. It's okay. It was an accident. I know that.
Jing-Mei: Are you sure you're okay? That was a hard hit to a sensitive area. Why don't you get checked out at the hospital while we're there.
Sophie(rubbing her chest where she was hit) Really, I'm okay. That's not necessary.
Jing-Mei: I think it is. I'm a doctor and a woman. I know what could happen for any woman that gets hit in that area but one who has...breast cancer it could be extremely sensitive. When Dave gets better he's going to be mad at me if I didn't look after you. So promise me you would get checked out.
Sophie: Alright. I will. Promise.
The three of them leave for the hospital and Jing-Mei can't help but worry about Sophie. This family, Dave, Sophie and Rusty---three of the nicest, sweetest people in the world--why does bad luck just seem to follow them around. Now she and Antonio are connected to the family---would the bad luck follow them too. Well, she loves Dave, his sister and both his sons so whatever they go through she would too. Unofficially, she was now a Malucci---for better or worse.
To be continued. Please read and review.