No Time to Waste
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: I'll repeat here for those who may not have seen the notes at the end of chapter 2 that I generally skip describing bureaucratic crap. In this case, I skip the part of how Ethan's neurologist was chosen. If you enjoy reading that kind of thing, I suggest a career with the IRS.
`
Chapter 4
Two meetings.
`
After Ethan's CT scan, the neurologist requested additional tests, including an MRI.
The next morning, Ethan's parents were met at Ethan's room by his doctor, Dr. Womack. He led them to an office where another doctor waited. On his desk were two computer monitors, one of which was aimed toward where visitors would sit. After the Craft's sat down, the waiting doctor spoke.
"Mr. And Mrs. Craft, I'm Dr. Javier, your son's neurologist. We've just finished examining your son's test results. There is really no easy way to say this . . . the tests confirm the Ethan did, in fact, suffer a mild stroke." After letting the Crafts recover from their initial reaction, he continued. "First, let me make clear that we won't know if there will be any noticeable effects for Ethan until he is awake. It is very possible that a stroke as mild as this will leave no changes whatsoever."
"That's good to hear," said Mrs. Craft, "but what if . . . what if there are, as you say, changes?"
"That is what I'd like to prepare you for. The tests we use can pinpoint the area of the brain affected by a stroke. There are some areas of the brain that we have a very good idea as to what they do. It appears that your son's affected one of these areas." Dr. Javier turned on the monitor facing the Crafts. A computer image of a brain appeared. "I'll want another MRI for tonight to confirm this, but it appears to have been centered in the occipital lobe, the brain's vision center." As he said this, he pointed to an area at the back of the brain that was colored a light red. "Also, the CT scan from yesterday revealed a moderate bruise on his brain." After hitting a few keys, another image appeared. "Unfortunately, the bruise is also centered on the occipital lobe. While we will run all the normal tests and exams when he revives, this makes me most concerned with his eyesight."
"Did the stroke cause the bruise?" asked Mr. Craft.
"They can, but I suspect that this one was caused by the crash."
"Why is this the first we're hearing about a bruise?"
"I already spoke to Dr. Stevens about the CT images from the night of the crash. He interned under me in neurology before choosing trauma. He told me that there was too much swelling of the brain to read much of anything in them, and after viewing them for myself, I have to agree."
"Doctor," asked Mrs. Craft, "what are the odds Ethan's vision has been affected?"
Dr. Javier gave a deep sigh at this. "I wish I could tell you something solid, but I've learned that this is something that is just too unpredictable to place odds on. I'm quite serious when I tell you that I've seen worse looking results turn out to be nothing, and almost unreadable results lead to major losses in sensory and motor function. I can prescribe medicines that can reduce the chances of another blood clot, and thus another stroke of this type, happening again. As for the effects of this one, all we can do now is wait for Ethan to revive, and hope for the best."
~~~~~~~~
While this meeting was happening, another was happening at the office of Dr. Gordon.
"I'm glad you could see me so quickly, sir." Matt said as he sat in a nice leather chair.
Dr. Gordon winced at the use of 'sir', but decided to let it pass. "Matt, your family has always been kind to my son, and I know he sees you as something like a little brother. With everything that's going on, and everything you've done to help, reworking my schedule for you was not a tough thing to do." Taking his own chair, he continued. "Your father was rather surprised when I told him that you ASKED to see me, but after talking to your mother, they agreed. How did they react with you last night?"
Matt smiled slightly. "It was weird. Mom said all the support stuff, like 'If you think this will help, then we're behind you on this' and 'If this gets you to open up, then you should do it'. But I could tell that she was nervous around me all night. Dad was harder to read. All he did was agree with mom and look distracted. All and all, it is a very strange night."
"Well, don't let it trouble you. While it is normal for teens to seek the council of people other than their parents, it is just as normal for parents to be unsettled by this the first few times it happens. You should talk to them, reassure them that you still need them. They already know it, but it's still good to hear"
"I will, if they'll let me when this comes out."
"Matt, you have two good, loving parents, and I have no doubt that they would forgive you of anything you could do. But that does bring us to the reason we're here. Matt, what is it that has you so troubled that you needed to see me as a patient?"
Matt sat silently for a moment, clearly gathering his thoughts and courage. Dr. Gordon decided Matt needed some encouragement in order to start. "Matt, if it will help, why don't I tell you what little I know from talking to your parents, then you can pick up from there." Matt nodded, but his face was far from certain. "I know your parents are both concerned because they believe you have been staying away from Lizzie, as compared David, Miranda, and Ethan. Your mother also said that, when she asked you about it, you all but confirmed this, but hinted at a reason beyond the normal feelings we all feel when we see a loved one in the condition like Lizzie's. And your face just now tells me that this somehow connected with the term 'loved one'. Am I right so far?"
Matt gave him a rueful look. "You sure you need me here?"
"I only have an incomplete outline of your situation. I can't help you unless you fill it out with the details."
Matt thought for a moment, then began. "You have that right idea about it being about loved ones." Dr. Gordon noticed the use of the plural 'ones', let Matt continue. "One thing my folks missed is that Lizzie isn't the only one I have a hard time being around. Did you know that I was with Miranda when she first come back?"
"Yes, I'd heard about that."
"Did you know that was the first, and so far only time I was able to make myself look at her for more than five minutes?"
"No, I didn't know that. Why is that?"
"Guilt. You see, when we were called about the crash, at first all I could think about was Lizzie. It was somewhere on the way to the hospital that I started worrying about the others, with Lizzie still the biggest worry. Or so I thought. But, somewhere along the way, I found myself not thinking and worrying about Lizzie as much as . . . Miranda." He said the last so softly it could barely be heard, but he was heard.
'Oh, my' thought Dr. Gordon "Matt, do you have feelings for Miranda?"
Matt nodded, then spoke. "A couple of months ago, I caught myself noticing her more, thinking about her more, dreaming . . . well, anyway, I had thought that it was just a revival of the crush I had on her a few years ago, so I didn't give it much more thought. Then the news of the crash came, and found myself more worried about her than Lizzie, MY OWN SISTER! I mean, even though I love Miranda, Lizzie's my sister, I should be worried about her more, I should . . ."
Matt's speech was approaching light speed, so Dr. Gordon brought his hands up to get Matt's attention. "Matt, stop for moment, please." When Matt paused, he continued. "Did you hear yourself just then? You admitted to more then just feelings for Miranda, you said you love her. I think I know now what you've been putting yourself through. If I may?" Matt nodded. "You've been feeling guilty about your new found feelings for Miranda and her importance to you. You've been avoiding both girls because seeing either of them reminds you of your guilty feelings. You also are afraid to tell your parents because you believe that they will see this as a lessening of your love for Lizzie, and in turn them. Does that about cover it?"
Matt nodded "Yeah, it does."
"Matt, you've loved your sister, your whole family, all your life, correct?"
"Yes."
"You've loved Miranda for a couple of months, and only known about it since the night of the accident, correct?"
"Yes."
"Well, Matt, that explains to me what happened, and why you have NOTHING to feel guilty about."
"WHAT?!?"
"Calm down and I'll explain. Your love for your family is a constant, something that has always been there. Therefore, it is something your mind doesn't feel the need to think about, it just IS. Your feelings for Miranda, on the other hand, are something new, a puzzle that your mind wants to figure out. It's only natural that your mind would need to work out what it doesn't understand. This does NOT mean that you love your sister or parents any less, or that you would be any less hurt if you were to lose one of them. Your worry for them is still there, in your subconscious. This is proven by your feelings of guilt. Your conscious mind is just a little busy right now trying to figure out your feelings for Miranda. In time, you'll find a balance."
"How long?"
"Be patient, Matt. You'll know. I can tell you that letting your guilt about this control you will only make it take longer. Be easier on yourself. As I said, this is nothing to feel guilty about. The earlier you accept that, the better off you'll be."
"I'll try, sir. What you say makes sense. It's just not as easy to do as it is to say."
"Well, there are a couple of things I'd like you to do that might help. First, trust your parents. Tell them what you've been feeling. Trust me when I say that they will understand, and they might be able to help. Second, when you feel up to it, you should tell Miranda how you feel." Matt paled at this idea. "Matt, I know it will be difficult, it normally is, but if you really love her, you need to tell her. If nothing else, she has the right to know."
"Your right, I do have to tell her. Not just for the reasons you say, but . . . I nearly lost her before I knew I loved her. I can't risk waiting for 'the right time', only to have her die before I tell her. There's no more time to waste, not on the important things."
Dr. Gordon looked at Matt with something close to awe. "Matt, for you to grasp that, as young as you are, is . . . the only word is amazing. Is there anything else you need to ask about this?"
"No. I think I can handle it now. Thank you."
"I agree, I think that you can handle this. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?"
"Not that I can think of."
"Well then, why don't I drive you to the hospital. I think you have a lot of people you need to talk you."
Matt slowly stood up. "Alright, let's go."
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Next chapter, someone wakes, someone freaks, and more.
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: I'll repeat here for those who may not have seen the notes at the end of chapter 2 that I generally skip describing bureaucratic crap. In this case, I skip the part of how Ethan's neurologist was chosen. If you enjoy reading that kind of thing, I suggest a career with the IRS.
`
Chapter 4
Two meetings.
`
After Ethan's CT scan, the neurologist requested additional tests, including an MRI.
The next morning, Ethan's parents were met at Ethan's room by his doctor, Dr. Womack. He led them to an office where another doctor waited. On his desk were two computer monitors, one of which was aimed toward where visitors would sit. After the Craft's sat down, the waiting doctor spoke.
"Mr. And Mrs. Craft, I'm Dr. Javier, your son's neurologist. We've just finished examining your son's test results. There is really no easy way to say this . . . the tests confirm the Ethan did, in fact, suffer a mild stroke." After letting the Crafts recover from their initial reaction, he continued. "First, let me make clear that we won't know if there will be any noticeable effects for Ethan until he is awake. It is very possible that a stroke as mild as this will leave no changes whatsoever."
"That's good to hear," said Mrs. Craft, "but what if . . . what if there are, as you say, changes?"
"That is what I'd like to prepare you for. The tests we use can pinpoint the area of the brain affected by a stroke. There are some areas of the brain that we have a very good idea as to what they do. It appears that your son's affected one of these areas." Dr. Javier turned on the monitor facing the Crafts. A computer image of a brain appeared. "I'll want another MRI for tonight to confirm this, but it appears to have been centered in the occipital lobe, the brain's vision center." As he said this, he pointed to an area at the back of the brain that was colored a light red. "Also, the CT scan from yesterday revealed a moderate bruise on his brain." After hitting a few keys, another image appeared. "Unfortunately, the bruise is also centered on the occipital lobe. While we will run all the normal tests and exams when he revives, this makes me most concerned with his eyesight."
"Did the stroke cause the bruise?" asked Mr. Craft.
"They can, but I suspect that this one was caused by the crash."
"Why is this the first we're hearing about a bruise?"
"I already spoke to Dr. Stevens about the CT images from the night of the crash. He interned under me in neurology before choosing trauma. He told me that there was too much swelling of the brain to read much of anything in them, and after viewing them for myself, I have to agree."
"Doctor," asked Mrs. Craft, "what are the odds Ethan's vision has been affected?"
Dr. Javier gave a deep sigh at this. "I wish I could tell you something solid, but I've learned that this is something that is just too unpredictable to place odds on. I'm quite serious when I tell you that I've seen worse looking results turn out to be nothing, and almost unreadable results lead to major losses in sensory and motor function. I can prescribe medicines that can reduce the chances of another blood clot, and thus another stroke of this type, happening again. As for the effects of this one, all we can do now is wait for Ethan to revive, and hope for the best."
~~~~~~~~
While this meeting was happening, another was happening at the office of Dr. Gordon.
"I'm glad you could see me so quickly, sir." Matt said as he sat in a nice leather chair.
Dr. Gordon winced at the use of 'sir', but decided to let it pass. "Matt, your family has always been kind to my son, and I know he sees you as something like a little brother. With everything that's going on, and everything you've done to help, reworking my schedule for you was not a tough thing to do." Taking his own chair, he continued. "Your father was rather surprised when I told him that you ASKED to see me, but after talking to your mother, they agreed. How did they react with you last night?"
Matt smiled slightly. "It was weird. Mom said all the support stuff, like 'If you think this will help, then we're behind you on this' and 'If this gets you to open up, then you should do it'. But I could tell that she was nervous around me all night. Dad was harder to read. All he did was agree with mom and look distracted. All and all, it is a very strange night."
"Well, don't let it trouble you. While it is normal for teens to seek the council of people other than their parents, it is just as normal for parents to be unsettled by this the first few times it happens. You should talk to them, reassure them that you still need them. They already know it, but it's still good to hear"
"I will, if they'll let me when this comes out."
"Matt, you have two good, loving parents, and I have no doubt that they would forgive you of anything you could do. But that does bring us to the reason we're here. Matt, what is it that has you so troubled that you needed to see me as a patient?"
Matt sat silently for a moment, clearly gathering his thoughts and courage. Dr. Gordon decided Matt needed some encouragement in order to start. "Matt, if it will help, why don't I tell you what little I know from talking to your parents, then you can pick up from there." Matt nodded, but his face was far from certain. "I know your parents are both concerned because they believe you have been staying away from Lizzie, as compared David, Miranda, and Ethan. Your mother also said that, when she asked you about it, you all but confirmed this, but hinted at a reason beyond the normal feelings we all feel when we see a loved one in the condition like Lizzie's. And your face just now tells me that this somehow connected with the term 'loved one'. Am I right so far?"
Matt gave him a rueful look. "You sure you need me here?"
"I only have an incomplete outline of your situation. I can't help you unless you fill it out with the details."
Matt thought for a moment, then began. "You have that right idea about it being about loved ones." Dr. Gordon noticed the use of the plural 'ones', let Matt continue. "One thing my folks missed is that Lizzie isn't the only one I have a hard time being around. Did you know that I was with Miranda when she first come back?"
"Yes, I'd heard about that."
"Did you know that was the first, and so far only time I was able to make myself look at her for more than five minutes?"
"No, I didn't know that. Why is that?"
"Guilt. You see, when we were called about the crash, at first all I could think about was Lizzie. It was somewhere on the way to the hospital that I started worrying about the others, with Lizzie still the biggest worry. Or so I thought. But, somewhere along the way, I found myself not thinking and worrying about Lizzie as much as . . . Miranda." He said the last so softly it could barely be heard, but he was heard.
'Oh, my' thought Dr. Gordon "Matt, do you have feelings for Miranda?"
Matt nodded, then spoke. "A couple of months ago, I caught myself noticing her more, thinking about her more, dreaming . . . well, anyway, I had thought that it was just a revival of the crush I had on her a few years ago, so I didn't give it much more thought. Then the news of the crash came, and found myself more worried about her than Lizzie, MY OWN SISTER! I mean, even though I love Miranda, Lizzie's my sister, I should be worried about her more, I should . . ."
Matt's speech was approaching light speed, so Dr. Gordon brought his hands up to get Matt's attention. "Matt, stop for moment, please." When Matt paused, he continued. "Did you hear yourself just then? You admitted to more then just feelings for Miranda, you said you love her. I think I know now what you've been putting yourself through. If I may?" Matt nodded. "You've been feeling guilty about your new found feelings for Miranda and her importance to you. You've been avoiding both girls because seeing either of them reminds you of your guilty feelings. You also are afraid to tell your parents because you believe that they will see this as a lessening of your love for Lizzie, and in turn them. Does that about cover it?"
Matt nodded "Yeah, it does."
"Matt, you've loved your sister, your whole family, all your life, correct?"
"Yes."
"You've loved Miranda for a couple of months, and only known about it since the night of the accident, correct?"
"Yes."
"Well, Matt, that explains to me what happened, and why you have NOTHING to feel guilty about."
"WHAT?!?"
"Calm down and I'll explain. Your love for your family is a constant, something that has always been there. Therefore, it is something your mind doesn't feel the need to think about, it just IS. Your feelings for Miranda, on the other hand, are something new, a puzzle that your mind wants to figure out. It's only natural that your mind would need to work out what it doesn't understand. This does NOT mean that you love your sister or parents any less, or that you would be any less hurt if you were to lose one of them. Your worry for them is still there, in your subconscious. This is proven by your feelings of guilt. Your conscious mind is just a little busy right now trying to figure out your feelings for Miranda. In time, you'll find a balance."
"How long?"
"Be patient, Matt. You'll know. I can tell you that letting your guilt about this control you will only make it take longer. Be easier on yourself. As I said, this is nothing to feel guilty about. The earlier you accept that, the better off you'll be."
"I'll try, sir. What you say makes sense. It's just not as easy to do as it is to say."
"Well, there are a couple of things I'd like you to do that might help. First, trust your parents. Tell them what you've been feeling. Trust me when I say that they will understand, and they might be able to help. Second, when you feel up to it, you should tell Miranda how you feel." Matt paled at this idea. "Matt, I know it will be difficult, it normally is, but if you really love her, you need to tell her. If nothing else, she has the right to know."
"Your right, I do have to tell her. Not just for the reasons you say, but . . . I nearly lost her before I knew I loved her. I can't risk waiting for 'the right time', only to have her die before I tell her. There's no more time to waste, not on the important things."
Dr. Gordon looked at Matt with something close to awe. "Matt, for you to grasp that, as young as you are, is . . . the only word is amazing. Is there anything else you need to ask about this?"
"No. I think I can handle it now. Thank you."
"I agree, I think that you can handle this. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?"
"Not that I can think of."
"Well then, why don't I drive you to the hospital. I think you have a lot of people you need to talk you."
Matt slowly stood up. "Alright, let's go."
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Next chapter, someone wakes, someone freaks, and more.