After the breakfast was over Jackson related what he had learned about Card to both Kate and Rick. This was ample proof to both that Caroline needed an out let. Kate smiled when Jackson spoke.
"I see much repressed anger. So I brought her up to the weight room to do a few rounds with the bag." Jackson said.
"That is good Dad" Rick said. "But I think she needs more professional help too."
Kate could not help but realize Card is much like herself. She escaped in to Rick's books when she could not face reality. Also with Jackson's encouragement Card is using exercise like she once did too. Then with Dr. Burke's help she possibly can still lead a normal life. I guess as normal as one who has inherited the massive wealth of the Bracken family. That is another problem. The trustees want to meet with her. She is so ill equipped to deal with anything from her legacy.
Kate was broken out of her thoughts when Rick said.
"Kate it is after 10 is now not a good time to call?" Rick asked.
"Yeah Rick can you all excuse me I need to make this a private call." Kate said getting up and walking into the bedroom and closing the door.
Kate was dreading to call the doctor but there was no other choice. Caroline needed help that love and understanding can not solve.
Carefully reclining on the bed the Minions objected to the change of scenery. Soon Kate was puking again.
"I wish you two were not so active." She softly said to her unborn children. "I guess you can not help being hyper due to your Daddy. They are certainly not my genes!"
Finally the Minions settled down and allowed Kate a brief respite. Taking full advantage she brought out her phone. Scanning the listing she found the right one and placed the call.
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Dr. Burke was reading the Sunday paper when his phone rang. He answered.
"Hello this is Dr. Burke." He said in his melodious tone which puts her at ease.
"Hello Dr. Burke so sorry to interrupt your Sunday Morning but this is Kate Castle." She said.
"Kate you are not interrupting anything important. How are you?" the Dr. said.
"Personally much has changed. I got a promotion at work then I found out I was pregnant. I got married and now the real reason I am calling. Rick and I are foster parents." Kate said.
"I see well congratulations on all those recent events. I am sure you are a bit stressed out would you care to talk about it? Perhaps in my office?" he asked.
"I would loved to go but unfortunately my pregnancy is a dangerous one. I am on bed rest 23hours and 40 mins a day not that I am counting or anything for 6 weeks." Kate said.
"I see that must be very boring and stressful so we have time now care to tell me how do you feel?" he asked.
"Well I feel I have lost all control in my life. I am totally dependent on everyone in the family. I mean I can not even get my own food. I feel worthless sometimes. I want to contribute but Rick prevents me from doing anything but talking." She said.
"Oh I see have you been keeping up with your journal?" The Dr. asked.
"No it is in my sanctuary 3 flights of stairs above me. I suppose I could ask Rick but I really do not want him up in my space. He snoops and there are too many things I simply do not want to explain. Well not yet anyway." Kate said.
"I see is there some thing like a computer or iPad where you can jot your fears and impressions down? I know it is not the same as pen to paper but it can help." He said.
"I'm afraid if I put something down others might read it and get the wrong impression." Kate said.
"Yes I can see your problem being immobile as you are your privacy is much curtailed. Well Kate the best thing is to write it anyway. They will have to deal if they see it. Do not be afraid of other opinions this is for your benefit only." The Dr. encouraged.
"Thanks for the advice for me. The real reason I am calling is about our foster daughter. We suspect she had been abused and sexually assaulted in her previous living arrangements. I was wondering would you be able to see her?" Kate asked.
"It depends Kate what is her age?" the Dr. asked.
"She is 15 she will have a birthday in a few weeks." Kate said.
"I see I normally only deal with adults but I am qualified to handle certain cases. I tell you what bring her by my office Monday for an evaluation. Say 11?" he said.
"That is great Dr. Burke Thank you. Rick will be escorting and maybe Alexis too since she has grown attached to her." Kate said.
"Yes I see it would be good to see her act in a familial situation." He said.
"Ok Dr. Burke I will tell them about the appt." Kate said. "Thank you very much."
"Kate remember write for your own benefit. I am glad to touch base with you. I am looking forward to speak with your foster daughter. You forgot to tell me her name?" he asked.
"Oh I am so sorry it is Caroline, but we call her Card. She seems to like that nick name." Kate said.
"Card what an unusual nick name. I will have to ask her about it. I will talk at you soon bye Kate take care." He said.
"Bye Dr. Burke and Thank You again." Kate said hanging up the phone.
She was getting hungry it had to be time for lunch.
"Now does Turkey tabasco sauce and pickles sound? Eh? Yummy?" She asked her stomach.
She heard no complaints so it must be good for them. Kate waddled out to the couch and laid down.
"So what did he say?" Rick asked breaking his conversation with Jackson.
"Rick I am hungry could you get me a turkey on Rye with Tabasco sauce and Monterey Jack? Plus Pickles please? Oh can you make it 2 sandwiches?" Kate asked.
"Sure honey I will be back in a moment." He said as he kissed his wife then headed for the kitchen.
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Upstairs Alexis was in her room. Finals were coming up and she was studying. It was strange since she usually had music on to study but with her hearing temporarily gone she could not find a reason to do it. She noticed a text.
"Can I come in?" she sent.
"Sure Card come on in" Alexis sent
Card opened the door she was dressed in sweats.
"That is a new look for you." Alexis commented.
"Oh yeah Jackson was teaching me how to hit the bag in the weight room." Card sent.
"Oh well Mom was the one who uses that normally I am sure she would not mind to share." Alexis teased.
Card laughed.
"Yes I supposed she would not. So how long of bed rest is she having?" she sent.
"Hmm I was told 6 weeks but maybe longer. Mom has a dangerous pregnancy." Alexis said.
"You mean she might die?" She sent.
"No she is in too good health. The babies inside her are at risk though." Alexis hugged her sister to reassure her Mom was fine.
"I see" she sent followed by "Thank you."
"You are welcomed…Card." Alexis said.
Card looked over at Alexis' computer screen.
"What are you doing?" She sent.
"I am studying for my Anthro final exam." Alexis said.
"Online?" She sent.
"Yes I'm taking all my classes this semester online." Alexis said.
"Why? I had tutors." Card sent.
"Tutors are great I had one for my violin. To get College credit you have to pass their classes. It's a racket. I want to be an ME like Lanie so I have to take their coursework and pass their tests." Alexis said.
"Oh should I be in college?" She sent.
"Well I do not know you could take the GED test or the SAT or ACT tests plus there is an online version for Columbia where I go to school. I could set it up for you later?" Alexis asked.
"Please do." She sent.
"Ok after I am finished studying I will come and find you Ok Card?" Alexis said.
"Yeah that would be good. Have fun studying." She sent then left the room.
Getting downstairs she played with the train for awhile. She could hear the grown ups talking.
"Card would you come here please." Jackson asked.
Card stopped what she was doing and came over and stood.
"Card I want to ask you a question. So do not feel afraid to answer ok?" Rick said.
"Ok Dad what is the question?" Card asked.
"I want you to talk to someone very important to your Mom and Me. He is a Doctor and he will ask you all sorts of questions. It will be important to answer him truthfully. Will you do that for us?" Rick asked.
"Yes Dad I will talk to your important doctor." Card said.
"That's my Girl" Rick said hugged her then the rest hugged her too.