Fresh Hope
Several years had passed. Marty and Todd were now teenagers. Marty had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. She had grown to want to be a doctor like Dr. Larry. She wanted to treat the sick and save the lives of others. Dr. Larry had taught her everything he knew about medicine. When Marty wasn't at school, she was accompanying Dr. Larry as he treated his patients. Dr. Larry was so proud of Marty and all of her accomplishments.
"Where are we going today?" Marty asked Dr. Larry. She was curious about which patients they would be seeing as they made their rounds. She tried to focus on what today would bring, but it was lovely outside and Marty wanted to be out in the sunshine, enjoying nature.
Larry smiled at his adopted daughter. He and Meredith had been given the privilege of adopting Marty. She was their daughter now, and they were all very happy. But inside, Marty was sad. She missed Todd. She missed him with every breath she took into her lungs. Someday she had hoped to revive their bond, but it hadn't happened yet, and she was heartbroken. Something was missing without Todd. She wished they had never grown apart. She longed to reconnect with him. Sadly, he hardly ever came to school, and when did, he was a jerk and a bully to everyone. Something had changed in Todd, making him angry and sullen. He was always getting into fights. He had many black eyes and bruises, but Marty knew that not all of his injuries were from fighting. Peter Manning was still abusing his nephew. Marty was certain of it. She wanted to help, but she didn't know how. She was powerless to help her best friend.
Marty looked at her adopted dad over the lesson book she had been reading. She had been studying for a history test at school. She was eager to help Larry when he went to see his patients. "We are going to Peter Manning's house," explained Dr. Larry. "Barbara Manning is going to have a baby. Sadly, things aren't going well with her pregnancy. This is her ninth one."
"Is she going to be alright?" Marty asked.
"I'm not sure, Marty. She's had many miscarriages," stated Dr. Larry. "I'm not sure if this pregnancy is going to turn into another tragedy. She needs strict bed-rest and care. I'm afraid she's having a very difficult time with it. Would you like to come with me to check on her?"
Marty nodded her head. "I would like that very much," she told him. "Maybe I can help?"
"Of course you can help, sweetie," said Dr. Larry as he grabbed his black doctor's bag. "You're learning so much already about healing the sick. It comes natural to you."
"I want to be a doctor, too, one day," Marty stated.
"I am sure you'll do a wonderful job," Dr. Larry agreed as he and Marty left the cottage.
A horse was waiting for them in the nearby stables. It wasn't long until they were on their way. Marty was bubbling with excitement, eager to help her adopted dad. She would help Barbara and maybe with their tender, loving care, Todd's aunt would not lose another baby. Maybe this time, she would have a precious baby girl or boy to love. In the process, she and Todd could get closer. Maybe he would forgive her, for whatever she had done to cause his anger. Maybe they'd be close again, as they once were.
Marty smiled as she rode on the horse with Dr. Larry. She couldn't wait to see Todd. She couldn't wait to revive their bond. The sun was shining and it promised to be a beautiful day.