(Chapter Three)
Sickness
Elizabeth's headaches did not go away, and after three days of them being increasingly worse, Jack was worried.
"You should go see the doctor, Elizabeth."
She was about to protest, but she knew he was right. "Alright, Jack. I will go today right after school."
"Thank you darling."
"Hi Abigail," Elizabeth said as she walked into the café before her day of school.
"Oh, hello Elizabeth."
"How is your day? Elizabeth asked, more to make conversation than to get an answer, but she got one anyway.
"Alright. So far no complaints. Nobody's dead, so I guess I haven't poisoned anyone with my cooking."
"Oh Abigail!" Elizabeth chuckled.
"How about you?"
Elizabeth let out a soft sigh that she hoped no one heard. "Alright." But Abigail was not so easily swayed.
"Still having those headaches?"
A slight nod was all that was needed to satisfy her dear friend.
"Did you see Doctor Shepherd yet?"
"Not yet."
"Elizabeth, you should go."
"I'm going right after school. Jack made me promise."
Abigail nodded and tried to keep conversation moving. "Would you like some coffee?" Abigail asked, holding up the coffee pot.
Elizabeth was about to say yes, but she got a funny feeling, almost a nauseous feeling. She never told Abigail about it. She did not want to worry her friend any further.
"Would you mind if I have some tea instead?" Elizabeth asked as the feeling slowly passed.
"Not at all," Abigail sweetly said as she carefully poured the tea.
That day after school, Elizabeth made her promised visit to the doctor.
The Infirmary door creaked open and Faith was there.
"Hello, Elizabeth," Faith greeted her. "Is everything alright?"
"I'm not sure." She admitted.
"I'll get Carson."
Elizabeth nodded and Faith snuck into the back room. She soon returned with Doctor Shepherd.
"Hello, Elizabeth. How can I help you?"
"I've been having these headaches."
"Oh? How long has this been going on?"
"A few days," she replied.
"Are they all the same, or do they get worse each day?" inquired the doctor.
"They've been getting worse."
"I see. Are there any other symptoms?"
Elizabeth shook her head slowly.
"None?"
"Well . . . this morning I felt a bit nauseous."
"Oh, I see. What made you feel that way?" Carson asked again.
"Coffee," Elizabeth said slowly.
"Coffee?!" Faith blurted out.
Elizabeth nodded slowly.
"Well, I think I know what's going on here."
"You do?" Elizabeth asked, feeling both relief and worry wash over her.
Both the doctor and the nurse nodded.