The following takes place between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm
-5:00 pm- Michelle said as she shook Tony roughly, Tony, wake up!
Almost immediately the Police officer, Jordan Burkins, and a man who had been in the court audience came over.
I'm Dr. Taylor, the man said as he gently put Tony on his side so he could look at the bleeding wound. What happened here?
He was fine, Michelle said, clearly frightened, through tears, And then he fainted...I don't know...he was shot in the neck yesterday, but he was supposed to be okay...he was fine.
Dr. Taylor removed the bandage to examine the wound more closely. The skin around the wound was red from irritation and the blood seemed to be clotting.
the doctor muttered under his breath. Looks like an infection; that's probably what started the bleeding.
Is he going to be alright? Michelle asked as she wiped her tears.
It doesn't look to good, Dr. Taylor sighed. If the infection gets worse the tissue inside the wound would swell up next to the esophagus causing it to close up and he would suffocate.
Michelle gasped as she covered her face with her hands and began to cry. How could this be happening? She had noticed he looked like he had a headache and wasn't feeling well. But even so, he was fine. How could things get any worse? Why?
By then the paramedics had arrived with a gurney on which they placed Tony.
They're going to take him to the hospital, Dr. Taylor said to Michelle. I'd be happy to take you over; you shouldn't drive.
Michelle eyed him hesitantly. He looked harmless enough. He was a middle-aged man with graying hair and dark, leathery skin. She finally agreed.
By the time Dr. Taylor and Michelle had arrived at the hospital Tony had already been taken to the E.R.
Sit here, Dr. Taylor said as he escorted Michelle to a nearby chair. I'll go see what's going on.
Michelle sat, thoroughly exhausted. But she wouldn't let herself sleep, not until she knew Tony was alright. She looked to her right and noticed two people sitting at the far end of the hall. She closed her eyes and didn't give it a second thought. But a moment later she looked again. Was that Kim...and Jack? She couldn't be sure, but it did look like them. She got up from her seat and walked towards them. As she got closer she realized it was them.
Kim noticed Michelle walking towards her. But Jack didn't.
Michelle said loudly giving Kim quick hug.
Kim put a finger to her lips. Shh, dad's asleep.
Michelle looked over to where Jack was sitting. Sure enough, he was sleeping.
We've been here awhile, Kim explained. In and out with Chase.
Oh, how is he? Michelle asked, looking as though she really didn't care.
Still very weak, but I think he'll be okay, Kim paused, looking thoughtfully at Michelle. Why are you here Michelle?
Michelle tried to muster all the strength left inside of her just to keep her from breaking down again.
It's Tony, he fainted right after his trial, She explained.
But I thought the doctors said he was going to be okay, Kim said, clearly confused.
So did I, Michelle replied, But the doctor said it was an infection...could suffocate him. She finished in barely a whisper.
I know how you feel, Kim said, trying to offer some comfort.
Michelle put a hand on her forehead and closed her eyes. Oh, God...I think I'm going to be sick.
Kim couldn't believe was happened next. But it did. Right there Michelle threw up. Now Kim thought she was going to be sick. Michelle looked distraught.
Oh, no...I'm sorry, Michelle said as she ran to the nearby hospital appliance cart. She grabbed some pinesol and towels and began to wipe the tile floor frantically.
It's okay Michelle, Kim said, kneeling down to help Michelle. How long have you felt like this?
Um...about a month...maybe two, Michelle replied. Mostly in the he mornings, you know, off and on.
Kim stopped wiping the floor and looked up at Michelle, eyes wide.
About a month, or two?! She nearly shouted. Why haven't you told anyone you've been sick?
I didn't think it mattered, Michelle shrugged. I guess I never thought it was serious.
They finished cleaning the floor and put the things away. Then Kim took Michelle by the arm and said, Come on, you're coming with me.
But, Tony... Michelle began to protest.
Tony's in good hands right now, Kim said, pulling Michelle along. Let's worry about you.
Kim found a nurse and pulled her aside.
Excuse me, this lady here has been sick for about two months, She explained. She needs to see a doctor.
Well, I'm an R.N. The nurse replied. I can see her.
The nurse, Kayla Warner, and Michelle went into a nearby room while Kim waited outside.
So, what seems to be the problem? Nurse Warner asked.
I've had morning sickness for a while, Michelle explained. It's really no big deal.
The nurses eyebrows went up. Morning sickness, huh?
She opened the cupboard and pulled out a box.
God to the bathroom, read the directions, and do what it says, The nurse explained.
Michelle asked, What is it?
Pregnancy test, Nurse Warner said as she pushed Michelle into the bathroom.
Michelle just stood dumbfounded. No way, she thought. But she couldn't really be sure, so she took the test.
As she cam out she handed the nurse the plastic stick. She waited a minute and then smiled.
she said. You're defiantly pregnant.