"Okay, what's wrong with my baby?" demanded Piper when they got back to her room.
"We aren't sure," said Lyman. "He suddenly went into respiratory distress. That was the reason for the Code Blue. It's just standard procedure in a situation like this. With a newborn as young as your son any change in his condition can be serious. Dr. Peterson is one of the best pediatric surgeons in the country. He couldn't be in better hands."
"How dangerous is it?" asked Piper.
"I won't really know until I have a chance to talk to the medical staff," said Lyman. "But I implore you to stay in your room for the time being. I'll let you know the instant I know anything. You have my word. But the medical staff has to be given the time and opportunity to do their jobs."
"I'm just supposed to sit in here while my baby may be dying in there?" demanded Piper.
"Is there anything you can do to help him?" Lyman asked.
"I don't know," said Piper. "I don't even know what's wrong with him."
"Then let the medical staff do what they're trained for," said Lyman. "I can assure you they'll do everything they can to help him. I know it's not easy especially for a new mother but the best thing you can do right now is wait. As I said, the moment I learn anything I'll let you know."
"Okay," said Piper reluctantly. "But I'm not going to wait long. I want to know what's going on soon."
"I promise," said Lyman smiling. "The instant I know anything."
Piper sat patiently while Dr. Lyman left her room. As soon as she was alone she called for Leo. He orbed in almost immediately. She explained to him everything she knew about the situation.
"Don't they know what's wrong with him?" asked Leo.
"Not yet," said Piper. "Dr. Lyman told me he'd tell me the instant he knew anything. I just don't know what could be wrong. Chris never mentioned anything about this when he came back from the future. What do you think it could be?"
"I don't know," said Leo. "But don't be concerned. When the doctors are finished I'll sneak in and make sure he's okay."
"I hope so," said Piper. "That's assuming he's okay. Respiratory distress means he was having trouble breathing. What if he dies before you can get to him?"
"I'm sure he won't," said Leo. "I've been around a long time. And you aren't the first of my charges to have a baby. Respiratory distress is not an uncommon occurrence with newborns. He's been breathing liquid for nine months and the change to breathing air can sometimes cause some minor problems."
"Technically I'm not your charge any more," said Piper.
"You are my ex-wife," said Leo. "And Chris is my son. That makes you my charges no matter what anyone else might say."
"Thanks," said Piper. "I just hope he's going to be okay."
"I'm sure he will be," said Leo. "But like I said, once the doctors finish with him I'll make sure that any problems he has go away. It's the least I can do after all that's happened the last year or so."
"Okay," said Piper. "I guess all I can do is wait until the doctor comes back and lets me know what's going on."
"I'll be right here," said Leo. "I'm not going anywhere."
Piper laid her head on Leo's chest. Despite his reassurances, she couldn't help but worry about Chris. She was his mother. And worrying was part of the territory especially with a newborn. As they waited she prayed silently that everything would work out.
