Potions of Love 2

Chapter 17 - March


In San Diego …

Since the insurance company had totaled Johanna's car, Jim could pick up a rental, allowing Kate to not rely on her Dad for transportation.

Having two vehicles also allowed Jim and Kate to visit Johanna at different times and have one-on-one time with their favorite patient.

The convenience of two cars also gave Jim alone time with his wife as he tried to make her understand why he had shared all of the details regarding her accident with their daughter.

Johanna had been furious when she learned of her husband's discussion with their daughter. But today, she decided she needed to admit she probably would have made the same decision. It's their fault that they raised a daughter who is attentive to details and knows her parents as well as they know her.


When Kate arrived at the hospital, she was relieved to see her parents holding hands, smiling, and sharing private moments. Neither had noticed Kate standing at Johanna's door, so she turned and headed to the Caribou kiosk in the hospital's visitor area, allowing her parents a few more moments of privacy.

She was happy to see that her parents had made up, and the friction that had been present for the last couple of days appeared to have dissipated. Kate had made several attempts to explain to her Mom that she had pressed her Dad to be truthful about the circumstances of her accident. But her pleas had fallen on deaf ears.

Seeing her parents back to their usual compassionate selves was enlightening but made Kate miss Rick even more.

When Kate learned she had to leave for California two weeks early, she knew separating from her lover would be difficult. But Kate hadn't realized how sad it would make her. It was only Wednesday, but it felt like it had been weeks since she had felt Rick's touch.

As Kate was lamenting her hurting heart, she felt her cell phone vibrate in her pocket. She assumed her parents were checking to see why she hadn't arrived at the hospital.

But to her delight, Rick's smiling face appeared on her caller ID.

"Babe, is something wrong? Shouldn't you be in class?"

Before Kate could continue, Rick said, "Breathe, Kate. Everything is fine. Someone called our Professor out of class for an emergency, so I decided to try and catch you before you visited your Mom."

Kate relaxed but still struggled with her feelings about being separated from Rick.

Rick knew he didn't have much time for his call, so he concentrated more on determining how Kate was feeling, asking her to call him later with a detailed update on her Mom.

After telling Kate goodbye, with promises they would talk again, in a few hours, the lovers disconnected their call, with both experiencing intense feelings about not being together, especially when so much was happening in the lives of Kate's parents.

As Rick returned to class, he decided he wouldn't wait till Saturday to tell Kate he was flying to California early. He would surprise her later this evening with his new plan when they spoke about Kate's Mom.


Kate walked into her Mom's hospital room, followed by Dr. Mead.

"Good morning, Johanna; I'm happy your family is with you."

Jim and Kate exchanged looks as they watched Johanna tense up while waiting for her Doctor to explain the meaning of his statement.

Dr. Mead focused his attention on his patient as he knew what he was about to say would upset the entire family, especially Johanna. He walked to Johanna's bedside, gently resting his hand above her injured shoulder, and began.

"Johanna, as you know, when you shared that your shoulder pain was intensifying, we did another set of X-Rays. I am so sorry to tell you that with the swelling from the bruising diminishing, we were able to get a closer look at your shoulder. Your rotator cuff appears to be injured more than we initially thought."

He paused, closely watching Johanna's reaction and preparing to answer initial questions from his patient or her family.

Jim asked, "Dr. Mead, what does that mean for my wife's recovery?"

"Jim, I will be honest with you, I don't know yet. I will wait another day and then do an MRI of her shoulder to confirm if it's torn or severely bruised. If it's torn, we'll have some other decisions we must make regarding her care and rehab."

Dr. Mead then looked at Johanna and said, "Johanna, because of this complication, you will need to stay with us a little longer than we first anticipated. I am sorry, and I know that's the last thing you want to hear, but I will not release you until we have all our bases covered and can set up a proper rehab program to help you properly heal from your injuries."

Seeing the disappointment on the faces of the entire Beckett family, he tried to soothe their uneasiness by adding, "As hard as it is to hear this news, it's better we discovered the issue now. If we had begun your rehab program as planned, we could have caused even more damage and pain to your shoulder. So until we know what we are dealing with, the only movement we'll do for today is having you sit up in bed or your chair for a few hours."

Jim and Kate thanked the Doctor, with Jim walking the man to the door, then turning to look at his wife. Her disappointed look broke his heart, but as the Doctor said, he was thankful they had found the expanded injury.

Kate watched her parents for a few minutes, trying to come up with something to say that could cheer them up.

"Okay, you two. Let's drop the I just lost my puppy looks and concentrate on the positive side."

"If Mom has to stay quiet today, nothing says we can't work on our poker skills. Rick prides himself on being quite a player, and I know he'll be game to take you both on when he gets here in a couple of weeks."

Jim and Johanna looked at one another and then back to Kate, shrugging their shoulders, with Jim answering, "Sounds good to me. I'm not letting this guy beat me at my own game. There are cards in your Mom's food table and some M&Ms we can use for chips."

Five minutes later, Kate and Jim had arranged their chairs around Johanna's bed, with Johanna winning the first deal. Even with limited mobility with her left hand, she could handle her cards and dealt a wicked first hand of Texas Hold Em'.

The poker game did wonders for all of their attitudes, and later, they noticed some hospital staff stopping by to see who was winning.

When the staff brought Johanna her lunch, Kate excused herself, offering to go to the cafeteria and get her and her Dad something for lunch. She thought her absence would give her parents a few minutes to privately visit about the news they had received earlier from her Mom's Doctor.

The remainder of the day went well for Johanna and her family. They played several hands of different poker games, saying they wanted to brush up on their options so they'd be ready to take on Rick when we arrived.


Kate was the first to leave the hospital a little before dinner, claiming she wanted to stop at the Mall on the way home to pick up a few things she had forgotten in her hurry to pack Sunday morning.

Jim assured his daughter he would be home in time for them to share dinner.

Kate kissed her parents goodbye, promising she'd return in the morning and telling her Dad she would plan something for their evening meal.

Following Kate's stop at a local Mall and a quiet dinner at home, Jim and Kate decided to call it a night earlier than they did the previous evening. Jim wanted to call and talk with Johanna as she was still upset about her extended hospital stay. And Kate wanted to return Rick's call early enough that he could also get a good night's sleep.

Jim's call to his wife turned out better than Jim had anticipated. It sounded like Katie's idea of playing poker helped relieve some of Johann's stress, and she agreed that she wanted to have the best possible rehab plan when she could return home.


Rick was sitting at his kitchen table attempting to work on one of the lab assignments he needed to turn in before the weekend, but he kept glancing at his cell phone, waiting for Kate's image to pop up on the screen. So when it finally rang, he answered before it could complete its first ring.

"Oh, Kate. It is so good to hear your voice," responded Rick, trying to sound relaxed about receiving a call from his lover.

"Babe, I agree. I have been waiting all day to call you back. What are you doing?" asked Kate as she closed her eyes, trying to conjure up an image of her lover.

"I'm working on one of my lab assignments, but I've been waiting for your call. How is your Mom?" Rick asked, with extreme concern in his voice.

Kate sighed as she explained the Doctor's new findings regarding her shoulder injury and the fact that she would have an extended stay in the hospital.

Rick had no trouble sensing Kate's concern and sadness regarding her Mom's injuries and decided to brighten her evening.

"Oh, Kate, I am so sorry. How did your Mom handle the news?' asked Rick before sharing his news.

"Both her and Dad were extremely disappointed, but I suggested we brush up on our poker skills so they'd be ready to play a few hands with you when you come out in another week," shared Kate, trying to sound more upbeat.

Rick was silent for a few moments, causing Kate to wonder if he had heard to comment about poker; when he answered,

"Kate, do you think they would be up to playing a game on Monday?"

It was Kate's turn to be stunned by Rick's question.

"Rick, what are you saying?" asked Kate, having no idea what her boyfriend met by his question.

Not wanting to cause his girlfriend any additional stress, Rick answered,

"Sweetheart, I was so concerned after our earlier talk where you told me that your Mom's accident may have been intentional that I talked with Mr. Mason and my lab professor and received permission to begin my Spring Break a week early. I am flying into San Diego Sunday evening. Can you pick me up?"

Kate couldn't believe what she had heard and replied, "Really? You will be here Sunday?"

"Yes, Babe. I'll be flying in on the same schedule you flew last weekend," explained Rick.

Kate vaulted out of her bed and began jumping around the room, repeating, "You'll be here Sunday."

Rick laughed as he tried to picture Kate pacing her room, hoping she didn't disturb her Dad.

"You bet I'll be there to pick you up!" Kate answered, excited that Rick would be with her in a few days.

Rick smiled to himself, then quietly asked, "Kate, your parents know we are a couple, right?"

Kate knew what Rick was asking and was glad she had already spoken to her Mom about their relationship and replied,

"Babe, I told Mom about our relationship, and she agreed to help me tell Dad. We'll have to have that talk with him a little earlier than we planned."

Rick sucked in a huge breath and squirmed in his seat, hoping he wouldn't have an encounter with Kate's Dad.

Kate could sense her boyfriend's discomfort and added, "There is nothing to worry about, Rick. Mom understands and is thrilled that we are so happy, so I know she'll help us explain things to Dad. And he's not as scary as you are picturing. He'll understand. And I know they are both going to love you too."

Rick wished he was as sure of Kate's Dad, but he kept those thoughts to himself before he said, "Regardless, I am so excited to see you Sunday."

"Babe, I thought I had a week and a half ahead of me before we would be together. Thank you so much for making this happen," shared an elated Kate.

After sharing several I love yous, and numerous promises to text later, the two lovers ended their call. They were both excited about the weekend ahead, with one being more apprehensive than the other.


Kate and her Dad shared an early morning breakfast since Jim had mentioned that he needed to stop by his office before returning to the hospital.

Jim explained the news to Johanna and assured her he would try to return to the hospital by 10:30 am.

Kate told her Dad that she would go directly to the hospital and be there when visiting hours began for the day, expelling a sigh of relief that she could tell her Mom about Rick's early arrival.


With her Mom off her diet restrictions, Kate stopped and picked up some of her favorite glazed donuts and two Caramel Macchiatos as a morning surprise.

"Morning, Mom. How are you doing?" announced Kate as she entered her hospital room, carrying her early morning treats.

Seeing her daughter holding a familiar-looking box from her favorite donut shop, plus two go cups, brought a sweet smile to Johanna's face.

"Oh, Katie, I am doing great now. It's wonderful to see you and that special box that you are holding," answered her Mom as she grinned from ear to ear.

Kate laughed and set a go-cup down in front of her Mom, then pulled out a couple of napkins, handing them to Johanna as she opened the donut box, so her Mom could make her sweet selection.

The two Beckett women sat quietly for a few minutes savoring their morning treats.

After finishing her donut and enjoying half her coffee, Johanna looked closer at her daughter and said, "Katie Bug, you look pleased this morning. What's up?"

Kate just shook her head, again wondering how her Mom could read her moods so quickly, but rather than trying to figure out that question, she fessed up, saying,

"Mom, I talked with Rick last night, and he plans to be here Sunday evening. He was able to get a release from his classes for next week, and he's concerned about you too, so he is coming out early for Spring Break," shared Kate.

"That's great news, Katie. I know you have been missing him," replied Johanna as she continued watching her daughter.

Kate began chewing on her lower lip, which was a giveaway that she had more to say about Rick's arrival. Confident that she knew what her daughter was worried about, Johanna took the lead and said, "Katie, I will talk with your Dad when he gets here later this morning."

Kate shyly looked at her Mom, saying, "Thanks, Mom. I hope Dad understands."

Johanna laughed and added, "Katie, we may be older, but we know how life goes, and I am sure he will understand and accept the new turns that you and Rick's relationship has taken over the past several months."

Kate was not as confident in her Dad's reaction, but she nodded and said, "I hope so, Mom."

"Listen, Katie. Your Dad may grumble and stomp around initially, but you must remember you will always be his little girl. And knowing there is another man in your life will be something he has to learn to deal with."

Johanna paused, waiting for a reply from her daughter, but hearing none, she continued, "Why don't you plan to go and get lunch for you and your Dad like you did yesterday, and while you're gone, I'll talk to him and help him begin to move in the right direction as to how life will be with you and Rick in our home."

Hearing her Mom state their upcoming living situation in those terms made Kate uncomfortable.

Johanna tried not to laugh but added, "Katie, I will remind your Dad about how things were between us when we were your age, and I am sure that will help him to understand,"

"Oh, Geez, Mom. Thanks for burning that image in my mind. I am not sure that statement was necessary for you to share," said a blushing Kate Beckett.

Johanna did laugh out loud this time as she said, "Now, you have an idea of how your Dad may react. Don't worry, Katie, everything will be fine."

Kate quickly changed the subject, thanking her Mom for her help as she shared,

"I told Rick we practiced our poker moves, and he is looking forward to playing with you and Dad."

Johanna smiled as she reached for her daughter's hand, saying, "That will be fun, Katie."

Shortly after their exchange, Kate's Dad walked into the room, looking happier than he had been when they parted earlier. Seeing the familiar donut box on Johanna's table, Jim said, "I sure hope you two saved me a donut," as he leaned in to kiss his wife.

The three Becketts were chatting when Dr. Mead entered Johanna's room, smiling as he shared the results from the MRI we did earlier that morning.

"Morning all, we have good news!" the Doctor said as he looked toward his patient.

"Johanna, your rotator cuff is severely bruised as we first thought but has no tears. So the physical therapists will begin your rehab later this afternoon." The Doctor then continued with additional instructions,

"Johanna, I know you, and I expect you to follow the PT's instructions to the letter. Do not try and be an overachiever. Your recovery will go much faster if you behave yourself," said a smiling Dr. Mead.

Kate was surprised by the Doctor's direct statement, but watching her parent's reaction, it appeared they were all comfortable with his orders and thanked him for the fantastic news.

Wanting to allow her Mom time to talk with her Dad and knowing they would both appreciate some privacy after receiving Dr. Mead's news, Kate stood, saying she would go and pick up lunch for her and her Dad.