Better Together
Chapter 14
Christine smiled as she watched the three girls sleeping in her bed. Audrey had been a bit thrown off by the 'slumber party' but Katie and Hannah had been happy to participate. Junk food, stupid movies, home pedicures and thankfully; no nightmares. They would all feel better when Mike was home where he belonged, but that could be weeks in the future.
Katie needed her rest so if it meant more slumber parties; than so be it. Christine slipped out of bed, went to the bathroom and then downstairs so she could call and check on Mike. Per his nurse, he had slept well and was already in physical therapy that morning. As long as he didn't overdo it, he would be fine. Christine told the nurse that she would visit a little later and to tell Mike to behave himself.
Slumber parties had always included pancakes so Christine went to work. She could hear the girls moving around upstairs and pretty soon; Audrey was downstairs with her waiting on breakfast. She was thrilled to visit Mike and was already planning on which drawings she would be taking him. It was a Saturday so they would all be able to visit Mike. And after breakfast, cleaning up and getting ready for the day; they all packed up in Christine's SUV and drove to the hospital. As soon as they walked in; Christine could tell Mike was exhausted.
"Therapy not go well?" Christine asked him quietly.
"Just wore out." Mike answered. She bent down and kissed his cheek, and was immediately worried.
"Mike; you're running a fever!" Christine said.
"Ssh." Mike said, pointing at their daughters, who fortunately hadn't heard them.
"Girls; I'll be right back." Christine told their daughters. She walked out and found the charge nurse; relaying her concerns. The nurse followed her in, and sure enough; Mike was running a 102 degree fever. Too quickly, the girls were ushered out into the waiting room and Christine watched them do a series of blood tests on Mike.
"Seriously; I am okay." Mike said.
"You aren't running a temp for no reason. You just relax." Mike's nurse, Sandy said. Christine and Sandy stepped out and were met by Katie.
"What's going on?" Katie asked.
"Your dad has a fever. Kind of a high one." Christine explained.
"We are doing blood work to see what is going on. It could be an infection." Sandy told her.
"He thinks he is fine." Christine told Katie.
"So, what happens if he does have an infection?" Katie asked.
"We will treat with antibiotics. The key is not letting him become septic. I'll send this blood to the lab so we can start treatment as soon as possible." Sandy explained before leaving them.
"Katie; why don't you stay here with your dad. I will take the girls home and come back a little later to pick you up. Your dad needs to rest but I know you'll feel better being here." Christine said.
"Are you sure? After everything?" Katie asked.
"I am. Just call me if there any major changes." Christine said, knowing that Katie would blame herself for Mike developing a fever and she had to trust Katie again sometime.
"I will. Thanks, Mom." Katie said.
"You're welcome, sweetheart. Just take care of him, okay?" Christine asked as she gave Katie a hug. Katie nodded in response once they pulled apart and then walked back into the hospital room; leaving Christine to take the girls back to the house and not worry too much.