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CHAPTER NINE

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Meanwhile Chet was in the treatment room, trying unsuccessfully, not to give in to unconsciousness. He was also becoming depressed and scared. He knew he was hurt bad, AGAIN, and wondered what was going to happen THIS TIME!

He also felt horrible about putting Jeanette and Timmy through this once again. He really was beginning to feel like he was nothing but trouble to everyone. God, he was more of a disaster magnet than Gage. Instead of that thought making him feel better, it only served to make him feel more dejected.

Without realizing it, Chet had succumbed and when he again became aware of his surroundings, he was in a different place.

He was now in the burn unit of Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Mark Craig was talking to Jeanette as he awakened.

"Well, Mrs. Kelly, seeing as you are a nurse, I can tell you professionally, we are looking at a rather extensive recovery time. He has major burn injuries with 34% of his upper body having third degree burns, which is why he is not in too much pain. Plus he has multiple grease and second degree burns over 83% of his whole body, which will prove to be painful when the morphine wears off. He also has many first-degree burns on his face and hands, which are the least of his problems.

We need to carefully observe his intake and output, as you well know. That is the main reason for the foley catheter in burn patients.

Plus we will try to prevent contractures, but with the severity of the burns on his arms and hands, there is no guarantee. I am aware that Mr. Kelly is a fireman but you wouldn't want false promises, would you?"

Just as Dr. Craig said this, Chet coughed and said, "No, doc, I wouldn't. GOD, why didn't I let Smith just kill me or let that damn fire just go? Damn, I wish I were dead! Jeanette, I love you and am so sorry to be putting you through this hell. Why don't you just annul the marriage and be rid of me?"

Jeanette just stared at Chet, realizing that it was the depression and fear talking, but unable to separate that from Chet. Dr. Craig tried to defuse the situation a bit, by saying, "Mr. Kelly, please don't talk like that. At least you are alive."

"Yeah, doc, if you call this living! I've been nothing but trouble since the day I was born. Just ask my mom, she'll tell ya!" And in his anger, he attempted to remove the IV, at which point Dr. Craig grabbed his hand.

"If you are going to attempt to harm yourself,. Mr. Kelly, I will have to order you to be restrained. You don't want that, do you?!"

Looking from him to Jeanette, who was crying, Chet reluctantly shook his head negatively.

"Chet? What are you talking about? I LOVE YOU and always have and will. I won't even consider leaving you. I am having your child, for heaven's sake. Please stop being so derogatory of yourself. WE will get through this together, just like we did with what Smith did to you."

Chet then smiled slightly at his wife and apologized. "I'm sorry, honey. It's just the shock, I guess and hearing what the doctor said. It's scary. This time I may really be unable to return to work."