TW- Medical Crisis (Collapse, seizure, hospitals)

Very long chapter here (8k words long) but I didn't want to break it up so yeah... long chapter.

Anyway, enjoy!

As always, don't forget to follow and comment. I appreciate each and every follow/comment so thanks to y'all.

Strap on your seat belts folks, the ride only gets wilder from here.

When Maddie's alarm clock started going off, she slapped it hard to turn it off with a moan. Her head was aching badly, already… Cautiously opening one eye she saw Stella rising to get herself ready for the day, her sister looking over in her direction.

'Rise and shining Maddie.'

'Mmm.'

'Oh come on. Don't give me that look.' Stella chuckled, picking up her pillow. 'Don't make me use this-'

The last thing she wanted or needed was to get involved in a pillow fight at this time in the morning. 'Mkay… I'm up. I'm up…' The room spun for a moment as she sat with her legs dangling from the bed, closing her eyes again for a second.

'Last one down for breakfast is a rotten egg.'

'Yeah Stells…' Maddie winced as she opened her eyes again, the light making her eyes hurt. 'Not… really in the mood.'

She walked over to her bed, looking closely at her. 'Maddie, you don't look so great. You okay?'

'Yeah, yeah, just fine…' She hoped she didn't look as bad as she felt. 'Just tired and another headache. I'll be fine once I've had some painkillers.' Right now she didn't even think she'd make it over to the dressing table where her stash was hidden. 'Would you mind grabbing me some? Top right drawer under the socks.'

Stella went over and opened the drawer as instructed, frowning as she found the boxes of painkillers. Most were empty but she found a sheet that still had a few left in it and after grabbing Maddie's water bottle from the top of the dresser, returned to her. 'How-how long have you been taking these for?'

'I don't know.' Maddie took the painkillers, popping three into her mouth and washing it down with a quick drink. 'It's not like those are addictive Stella, I only use them when I've got a headache.'

'Seems like you've been going through a lot… Maybe Dad needs to take you to the doctors.'

'Yeah…' Returning the lid to her bottle she placed it over on the bedside table. 'I'm gonna talk to Dad soon, okay? So don't go mentioning to him bout that top drawer, right?'

Stella thought about it for a moment then nodded with an accompanying sigh. 'Just make sure you talk to him soon about going in, okay?'

'Deal.'

'I better go get ready for school. You'll be right?'

'Yeah, yeah… I'll just give these five to kick in and I'll be out.'

After grabbing her things, Stella headed out to go jump in the shower and Maddie laid down again, closing her eyes while she waited for the painkillers to do their thing. Bubbles rose to come ask for attention and she gave the cat a couple pats then reached for her phone to text Mika. Mightn't be able to make it this morning to look after Bel and Dakota. You got them?

The phone went back onto her bedside table while she waited for a reply, hoping that her headache would settle down soon. After a few minutes, her phone screen lit up as a message from Mika came through.

Yeah, don't worry bout them. U okay?

Just fine. She texted back, the light from her phone really playing with her eyes. Didn't sleep well and feel like crap from a massive headache.

Oh no! Hope you feel better soon. You want me to ride them both too?

Please. That'd be great.

Alright. U get some rest. XO

After another good few minutes Maddie felt like she'd manage getting out of bed and so cautiously stood, going to her wardrobe to get dressed for the day. Though she didn't feel much like changing she knew she couldn't stay in her pajamas all day and so settled for a long sleeved light pink shirt with a horse head on the front and her light blue jeans.

Before putting her jeans on she took a moment to look at her wounds. They were healing up but would still scar. More scars to add to the ones already marring her skin. Permanent reminders of her struggles and inner demons… They were healing well though and so far, she hadn't cut again.

A sad smile came to her lips remembering her talk with Cordell last week. He hadn't gotten angry with her, he'd been really understanding actually. It had felt good to be able to talk to him about how she felt and get what had been bothering her off her chest. For once she actually felt like she was in control of herself again. Like she could move on. Move forward.

By the time she'd finished dressing, her headache had eased a little. Bubbles followed her down the stairs and she slipped into the laundry to feed her before heading into the kitchen. Only Bonham and Liam were still at the table, Stella and August having already left for school while Abeline was at the kitchen sink still washing up. 'Morning.' They smiled as she walked in. 'Dad already gone?

'He left early, something with work came up.' Liam replied, folding up the newspaper he'd been reading. 'Got any big plans for today kiddo?'

'Ah, the plans I did have I'm canceling.' She said, picking up the plate with some toast and a muffin she guessed to be her breakfast. 'Not feeling too great this morning.'

'You okay?' Abeline questioned, glancing over at her.

'Yeah. Just got a headache. Think I'll head back to bed if that's alright.'

'You want some aspirin honey?'

'Na, got some of my own. I'll be fine.' She forced a smile onto her lips. 'Might come back down later when I feel better.'

'I'll come check on you later.'

Maddie nodded then headed upstairs again with her breakfast in hand. When she reached her bedroom she gratefully closed the door behind her, resting against it for a moment. Just the short trip downstairs had made her head feel like it wanted to explode… Lying back down on her bed she began to nibble away at her toast, hoping she'd feel better soon.

Something was wrong.

Dreadfully wrong.

Instead of her migraine easing after a third dose of painkillers, it only seemed to get worse. As another wave of pain went through her head, Maddie clutched her weighted blanket tighter in her hand, tears seeping from her closed eyes. It was getting worse. Something wasn't right.

She needed help.

The room spun as she sat up, her stomach lurching from the movement and she reached out to the wall to steady her. Wavering unsteadily on her feet she slowly made her way to the door, her hand on the wall so she didn't fall.

Somehow she made it to the door, the next hurdle being navigating the stairs down to the kitchen. Maybe though she didn't need to get down there; she could hear Abeline singing in the kitchen as she prepared lunch. When she opened her mouth to call out to her though, no sound came out. She tried again but without success. Something was really wrong.

She clutched the banister tightly as she slowly made her way down the stairs, her vision starting to blacken. She stumbled and would have fallen if it wasn't for her holding onto the handrail as tight as she was. Finally though, she made it to the bottom.

'Oh, you're up-' Abeline remarked, glancing up from her chopping for a brief moment before doing a double take. Maddie was holding onto the handrail like her life depended on it, her face devoid of any color. 'Maddie honey, are you okay?'

Hearing the question faintly, Maddie made no reply as she blinked hard to try and clear her vision, the floor moving beneath her. It didn't make any difference though, it was only getting blacker and blurrier. She could only just make out Abeline standing at the bench and moved towards her, letting go of the handrail. The last thing she remembered before everything went black was Abeline saying something then there was nothing. Just black oblivion.

Abeline dropped the knife she had been using, running to Maddie as the girl collapsed at the bottom of the stairs. 'Bon!' She yelled as she dropped to her knees beside her, Maddie starting to convulse uncontrollably. 'Bon!'

'What's going-' He started as he came in then stopped abruptly, Abeline sitting helpless beside their granddaughter. Without hesitation he grabbed his phone from his pocket and dialed 911, calling for an ambulance.

They waited, Maddie writhing uncontrollably on the floor. There was nothing they could do except wait for it to end.

Her seizure finally stopped after what felt like an eternity, Abeline and Bonham carefully rolling her over into the recovery position as instructed while they waited for the ambulance. After a moment Maddie seemed to come back to reality, blinking and winching as not only her head kept hurting but the rest of her body was aching too.

What happened? She wondered as her senses slowly returned to her. Vaguely she could remember hearing something that sounded like a dull thud banging against something, realizing after a moment that sound had been her head hitting against the floor. As her vision began to clear she could make out Abeline and Bonham kneeling down beside her, worried expressions on their faces.

'What…happened?' She managed to get the question out with great effort. 'What…'

'Maddie…' Abeline interrupted her gently, beginning to explain what had happened. 'You've had a seizure, sweetheart.'

As what Abeline said sank in she felt her heart sink. Something was wrong. Dreadfully wrong. If she'd just had a seizure then there was no wonder why she felt so damn dreadful… Her head was pounding with such ferocity she thought it might explode and her stomach- She sat up quickly before they could stop her, unable to keep herself from throwing up any longer. Her breakfast, accompanied by her water and the painkillers; most of it ended up rather embarrassingly on the carpet.

As soon as Maddie had started throwing up, Bonham had hurried for a bowl and managed to stop some of it from landing onto the carpet. Abeline kept rubbing her back, encouraging her gently as she kept hurling until she was only dry heaving. With her stomach finally empty she managed to stop vomiting, tears running down her reddened cheeks as she lent against Abeline to catch her breath. 'I'm… sorry…'

'There's no need to be, it was an accident honey.' She assured her, Bonham rising to get rid of the bowl and grab something to clean the carpet with. Seeing that cleaning the mess the girl had made was under control, Abeline kept her attention on comforting her trembling granddaughter. 'Maddie, honey… Have you had seizures before?'

'No…' Maddie shook her head then instantly regretted it as another wave of pain threatened to make her hurl again. 'Never…'

She was terrified.

Something was dreadfully wrong with her…

More tears slipped down her cheeks as she tightened her hold on her Grandmother. 'I'm scared…'

'I know. I know sweetheart.' She kissed her head gently. 'It's going to be alright though honey, you're going to be okay.' Bonham finished cleaning up the mess and returned to them, sitting down beside them on the carpet. 'We called for an ambulance, you're going to have to get checked out at the hospital.'

The thought of hospitals and doctors only served to frighten her more. She hated them but knew she didn't have much choice. She'd just had a seizure for crying out loud! That was far from being normal. 'Don't… don't let me go.'

'I've got you. I've got you sweetheart.' She said softly, Bonham placing a hand on her shoulder. 'I'm right here honey. You're okay. It'll be alright.'

'Just…Don't leave me… Please...'

'I'll come with you honey.' Abeline was quick to reassure her. 'You won't be alone, promise.'

'Dad?'

'I'll call him soon honey, once you're on the way to the hospital.' Bonham replied.

Maddie looked over at him after a moment. 'I-I'm sorry.'

'What for darlin? Don't worry bout the carpet, it can be cleaned.'

'No. Not the carpet.' Maddie replied, hanging her head in shame. 'For not saying something was wrong sooner.'

'How long have you been feeling sick for?' Bonham questioned after a moment, knowing that was something the paramedics would ask later.

'Been gettin headaches and migraines for months… Never like this though.' She said softly. 'Thought it was just stress, thought it would go away… I didn't want to say anything and cause everyone to worry unnecessarily and with everything that's happened…' She let her words trail off into a sigh as she closed her eyes, resting against her grandmother. 'I'm sorry… Just didn't want to worry you all.'

Didn't want to worry you.

They waited, an ambulance arriving not long after and after informing them about what had happened, they confirmed that Maddie did need to be seen to at the hospital. As Abeline had promised, she went along with her, Bonham staying behind to gather a few things. Once he'd grabbed what Abeline had said they'd need he started out to his truck, grabbing his phone out to ring Cordell.

Cordell was in a meeting with Captain James, the D.A and Cassie when his phone began to ring. They looked over at him as he turned the ringer off and set it to vibrate, apologizing for the interruption. Denise started talking about the case they were working on and after a moment, his phone began to vibrate again. 'Sorry-sorry.' He pulled his phone from his pocket, seeing that he had missed a couple of texts as well as the previous call from his father. 'I uh-I think I need to take this call.'

Denise waved him away, Cordell rising from his seat and crossed the room to accept the call. 'Dad-I-I'm in a meeting-'

'Cordell, Maddie had a seizure.' Bonham replied, getting directly to the point as he stopped the truck at a stop sign. 'We called an ambulance, Abby's with her heading to the hospital now.'

'W-what?' He questioned in disbelief, lowering his voice. 'What happened?'

'I don't know Cordell. She was in bed most of the morning with a headache then when she came downstairs she collapsed. Look, I'm sorry to bother you at work but Maddie was asking for you.'

'Yeah, yeah. I-I'll be there.' Ending the call he turned back to the group. 'I-I'm sorry. I've gotta go. Maddie's had a seizure.'

'She alright man?' Larry questioned with concern.

Cordell placed his phone back into his pocket. 'I don't-I don't know. She-she's never had a seizure before…'

'Go.' Densie instructed. 'Keep us posted.'

'I'll come with you.' Cassie said, turning to the Captain and he nodded his approval. Together they headed out of the meeting room, Cassie having to jog to keep up with Cordell's long strides. When they got to the truck she went to the driver's side, motioning for him to get in the passenger seat. 'Get in. I'll drive.'

Hospitals.

Maddie hated them.

The horrible, cold, sterile environment that only brought with it horrible memories…

After being brought in by ambulance she was taken into the ER, the noise and activity going on around her doing little to help her aching head at all. A short while later, seeing how much pain she was in from the noise and the bright lights, Abeline had gone to speak with one of the nurses at the desk. With a little persuasion on her part, the staff had managed to find a quiet room for Maddie to stay in while she waited to be seen and she had been extremely grateful to be moved.

'Sure was not how I had planned my day out…' Maddie remarked with a gentle sigh after having been silent for a while, Abeline seated on a chair beside her. 'I'm so sorry about this…' She apologized, looking up at her grandmother. 'I didn't want a fuss…'

Abeline offered an encouraging smile, stroking back her hair. 'It's not your fault honey, you can't help it if you're feeling ill.'

'I know…' She sighed again. 'I still feel bad though.' Silence. More waiting. Maddie drifted off to sleep for short periods while they waited. After having woken from another short nap she looked back over at her grandmother. 'What-what's the time?'

'Ah…' Abeline looked down at her watch. 'Just after two.'

'Damn… I'm going to miss watching Rose's riding lesson.'

That brought a soft chuckle from her. 'What?'

'Rose, the girl I helped find what was missing a couple weeks ago.' Maddie began to explain. 'She's taking riding lessons at the center now and I promised her I'd be there to watch.'

'Well, I'm sure she'll understand when you don't show up today.'

'I know… I just don't like to let her down.' She sighed gently. 'You got my phone?'

'No, I think Bon has it. I forgot to get mine too.'

'Oh, good on you!'

'I was a little preoccupied to be worried about getting phones, young lady.' Abeline replied with a gentle laugh. 'Besides, screen time won't do that headache of yours any good.'

'I wasn't planning on using it. I just wanted you to send Rose's mom a message for me.'

'Well it's just going to have to wait.'

Maddie sighed again. 'I guess I ain't got much of a choice.'

A short time later, an older male doctor came in to see them. 'Dr. Andrews.' He introduced himself. 'Sorry about the wait. You must be Maddie.' He said, Maddie nodding. 'And you are-'

'Abeline.' She replied. 'Grandmother.'

'Good to meet you.' He nodded, grabbing the chart off the end of the bed. 'So, Maddie.' He looked up at her after reading over what had brought her into the ER and the obs the nurses had taken. 'Tell me what's been going on. How are you feeling now?'

'I've been better.' She replied softly. 'Got a really really bad headache right now and I feel like I'm going to throw up again.'

'Alright. We'll see about getting you something to help with that shortly. Can you tell me a bit more about how you've been feeling lately?'

Maddie looked at Abeline for reassurance and Abeline nodded, squeezing her hand reassuringly. 'Um… I've been getting bad headaches and migraines for a few months now.' She started, the doctor beginning to take notes down as she spoke. 'I thought it was just from stress and hoped they'd go away but they've been getting worse.'

'Have you been to see anyone about the headaches?'

'No… I didn't want to have my family worrying about me… There's been a lot of stuff going on and I didn't want to add to it so I didn't say anything.'

'I see.' He wrote down a couple more things. 'Anything else? Besides the headaches?'

'I've been getting dizzy and feeling light headed.' She focused on a loose strand on the blanket, not wanting to look at Abeline. 'Nauseous all the time too. I haven't been able to eat much and I've lost a bit of weight in the last couple months.'

'How much weight?'

'About twenty pounds.' Maddie admitted after a pause. 'I realized that a couple weeks ago.'

Matthew nodded, adding that to his notes too. 'Anything else Maddie?'

'My eyes have been playing up a bit, like I'm seeing double sometimes. Other times it gets blurry.' She thought for a moment. 'I think that's it.'

He nodded again then glanced up at her from the chart. 'And the headaches. Tell me about them. What makes them come on? When do they happen?'

'I've been waking up with them almost every morning. They don't really seem to go away. Bright light or loud noises make them worse.' Maddie replied. 'I could put up with them most of the time with some aspirin but it doesn't work like it used to. I can usually put up with pain but they've been really bad this past week or so.'

The doctor turned to Abeline. 'Have you noticed anything else you could add?'

Abeline thought for a moment, trying to think back if there had been anything unusual to speak off. 'Honestly, I haven't noticed any of this, what Maddie has just said.' She looked at her granddaughter for a moment then back to the doctor. 'But she has been distant lately. I'll be talking to her and it's like she doesn't hear. She'll be staring off into the distance at something for a moment or two then come back to reality.' He added that down into his notes. 'She's had some mood changes too, been more emotional and wanting a lot of affection the last few weeks. I didn't think anything of it at the time. Like she said, we've been having some family things happening lately.'

'Alright…' He finished writing up a few last notes then returned the chart to the end of the bed for a moment. 'I'll just do a quick examination and then we'll see about getting you something for the pain, okay?' The girl nodded and he began his examination, taking her blood pressure and listening to her heart and such. When he'd finished he wrote his findings down onto the chart.

Maddie was waiting to be asked about the scars on her arms, having been changed into a hospital gown when she'd arrived. To her relief, he didn't though and when he'd finished his examination she could breath a little easier.

'I'm going to request some tests-' Matthew started once he'd returned the chart to the end of the bed. 'And you'll need to stay overnight for observation.'

She nodded soberly. 'What kind of tests?'

'Some bloods, scans. We'll try to figure out what's going on inside that pretty head of yours.' He joked, a little smile coming to her lips. 'It's nothing to be frightened off. We'll just do some tests and yeah… try to find out why you've been feeling so bad lately.'

Maddie managed a timid smile. 'Thank you.'

He nodded. 'I'll have a nurse come in soon and she'll get you started on some medication to help with the pain.'

'Okay.'

Abeline smiled at him. 'Thank you doctor.'

Dr. Andrews headed out and Maddie looked down at her hands, fully expecting Abeline to be cross with her for not telling someone she was feeling sick. There was silence though and after a time she cautiously looked over at her. 'You're not going to get mad at me?'

'What would getting mad do sweetheart?' She questioned gently. 'I just wish you'd have told one of us.'

'I'm sorry. I just-'

'Didn't want to worry us.' Abeline finished off her sentence. 'I know.' She tucked a lock of the girl's hair back behind her ear. 'But it'll be okay. Everything will be alright. They'll find out what's going on and you'll be feeling better in no time.'

Maddie managed a sad smile, hoping Abeline believed from it that her words had helped in some way. They really hadn't though because there was this-this feeling, deep inside her. Telling her something was wrong. Really wrong… She looked away again, a soft sigh escaping her lips. 'I hope so…'

'Hey-hey-' Cordell started as he and Cassie walked into the waiting room, Bonham and Liam getting up to meet him. 'You-you heard anything yet?'

Bonham shook his head. 'Nothing yet. Abby's with her.' He motioned for his son to sit, the four of them taking seats to wait once more.

'What… what the hell happened?' Cordell questioned as he sat, Cassie pulling over a chair to join them. 'Seizure?'

'Maddie came down for breakfast after you had already gone-' Liam started to explain. 'Said she wasn't feeling well and had a headache so she grabbed her breakfast and headed back up to her room.'

'Abby went to check on her a couple times-' Bonham took over from where Liam had left off, his son not having been there at the house when Maddie had collapsed. 'She seemed alright then before lunch she came downstairs and collapsed. I wasn't there when it happened, your Mama was and she called for me. We called an ambulance and…' His voice trailed off. 'Here we are.'

'Anyone told Stella and Augie yet?'

Liam shook his head. 'We thought it best to wait till we had something we could tell them.'

Cordell nodded, fiddling with his hat in his hands.

They waited.

Finally, a doctor came to see them, Cordell and the rest of them standing as he walked in. 'How is she?'

'Maddie is doing fine right now, you will be able to go see her soon.' He replied. 'Dr. Andrews.'

'Cordell Walker.' Cordell shook his hand. 'Maddie's father.'

Matthew motioned to the seats. 'Let's sit.' After they were seated once more, he began to explain. 'We're going to keep Maddie in for observation overnight, we're going to need to run some tests.'

'What-what's wrong with her?'

'I'm not sure yet.' He replied honestly. 'From what she's exhibiting there could be a number of things going on. We won't really know until the results of her tests come in.' He looked down at his watch briefly. 'My shift is about to end but I'll be sure to send everything over to her usual GP. After the tests tomorrow she can go home. I'll arrange to have her GP get in touch with you when her results come through and they'll take it from there.'

'Thank you.'

'I'll have someone come get you when she's been moved over to the children's ward.'

'Appreciate it.' Bonham said as the doctor left, looking back at his son. 'Maddie will be just fine Cordi.' He remarked after a moment.

Cordell nodded, still fiddling with his hat. 'I know… Dad… I uh… I better go call Captain James, let him know I won't be back at work today.'

'I can do that.' Cassie offered as she stood. 'Would you like me too?'

After a moment, he nodded. 'Ah yeah… Thanks Cas. Appreciate it.'

Cassie headed down the hallway to make the phone call, Cordell returning to his thoughts as they continued to wait. A person didn't just have a seizure out of the blue. Something had to be wrong. He just hoped and prayed it wasn't anything serious.

A nurse came to let them know which room Maddie had been moved to a little while later, the four of them heading on up to go see her. Cassie had called Captain James, filling him in on what was going on and he'd been willing for Cordell to take the rest of the day off. Even if he hadn't been, Cassie had a feeling Cordell wouldn't have wanted to go back to work anyway. He was worried about Maddie, understandably too. They all were.

Maddie looked over as the door opened, a small smile coming to her lips when she saw it was her father with company in tow. 'Hey…'

'Hey sweetheart.' Cordell replied softly, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. 'How are you feeling?'

'A bit better now. My head doesn't hurt as much.' After the doctor had been to see her, a nurse had come in a little while later, setting up some medication through the IV line they'd hooked her up to. 'You should be at work Dad, I'm okay.'

'James gave me the afternoon off so you're stuck with me I'm afraid.'

Maddie looked over at Cassie. 'You got the afternoon off too?'

'No. Got to get back to work I'm afraid.' She replied. 'But I thought I'd drop in and see you. Hope you feel better soon Maddie.'

She managed a small smile. 'Thanks Cassie.'

'Well, I better get to work…' Cassie tipped her hat. 'Catch you all later.'

Cassie headed out, Bonham and Liam stayed to visit for a bit then headed out to go find something to eat, Abeline going with them. Finally it was just Cordell and Maddie, silence falling.

'Why-why didn't you tell us you've been feeling sick?' Cordell started softly after a time, seated in the chair beside the bed.

'I was going too…' Maddie replied with a sigh, picking at a loose thread in the blanket covering her. 'Just never seemed to be the right time. I mean, with everything that's happened lately… I know-' She glanced over at him. 'I know I should have told you but I just didn't want a fuss. I didn't want to worry anyone.'

'And ah… how's that working out for you?'

'Yeah…' She sighed again heavily. 'I'm so sorry Dad. I-I just didn't want anyone to worry… We-we've just… had so much going on lately. Please… please don't be angry with me.'

How could he stay cross at her with the look on her face? She was scared, frightened. 'It's okay baby…' He placed an arm around her, holding her close. 'I'm not angry with you honey…' Cordell pressed a kiss to her head. 'I-I just wish… you'd told us… You-you really scared me sweetheart. All-all of us.'

'I know… I scared myself too.' Maddie admitted after a moment then glanced down at his watch. It was almost four o'clock. 'Dad can-can you pass me my phone please? I just need to send a quick message.'

'You think that's wise? With your headache?'

'Two seconds Dad. Promise.'

With a sigh he got up, heading over to the table where Bonham had left Maddie's phone. 'Two seconds Maddie.' He repeated as he handed it over. 'It won't help your headache.'

'I know. I know.' Opening her phone she saw she had a ton of text messages and a couple of missed calls from Mika, quickly turning the brightness down before she went into her messages. After sending a quick text to Jenny to let her know she wouldn't be able to be there to watch Rose's lesson, she opened Mika's thread.

She sighed softly, reading through the messages Mika had sent. They went from concerned to very concerned to almost panic.

Maddie, answer me! Please! Are you okay?

I'm okay. She started to reply. I couldn't get to my phone. I'm up at the hospital right now. I'm okay though, don't panic.

Hitting send she was about to hand the phone back to her father when another text came through.

OMG Maddie! Are you alright? What happened?

I may have had a seizure… Really freaked Gramps and Mawline out. I'm being kept overnight for observation and have tests and such in the morning.

Seizure? Maddie! Okay. When I get off work, I'm coming in.

No, no. You don't have to.

Don't have to? Maddie Walker, you are the stubbornest friend on earth! What room are you in?

A slight chuckle came to her lips. Hey, if I don't tell you, you won't know will you?

Don't make me message your father!

You haven't got his number.

Beside the point. I'm coming to see you and you ain't going to stop me!

Fine. Fine. See you soon.

After Mika had replied with a thumbs up she handed the phone back, resting her head against the pillow. Her father had been right, the light hadn't done her headache any favors. 'Mika is going to come see me.' She said after a moment. 'Someone was slightly in panic mode because I wasn't replying to her messages.'

Cordell chuckled softly. 'Seems like this Mika girl cares about you then.'

'Yeah, she's a good friend.' Maddie smiled sadly. 'You know, for the first time in my life, I can say I actually have a friend.'

He didn't quite know how to reply to that.

'It's nice.' She continued. 'Having a friend. One that actually cares about me. It's going to take some getting used to though.'

'Then what am I? Just dear old Dad?'

Maddie chuckled, turning to him. 'I know you care about me Dad. It's just nice to have someone my own age, you know…'

Cordell nodded. 'I know.'

'And I appreciate you being here with me.' She said after a slight pause. 'My real father wouldn't have cared enough to come sit with me in hospital. You will need to go to work tomorrow though, I can't keep you from your job for too long.'

'I-I'm staying as long as you need me.' He replied, tucking a lock of her hair back behind her ear. 'That was my promise I made you, remember? Back-back when I adopted you.'

A tired smile came to her lips. 'In sickness and in health, I will be here. I will never walk away. I remember.' She yawned softly. 'I think I need to take a quick power nap before Mika arrives.'

Cordell chuckled, smiling at her. 'Then sleep Maddie. I'll be right here.'

The rest of the family came back in to visit before dinner, Maddie appreciating the gesture and assuring them she'd be okay. Cassie too dropped by once her shift was over, bringing with her some tacos to share. Knowing that hospital food didn't taste the greatest she'd thought to bring it by and also too that her partner would forget to eat if she didn't remind him. After being there for a little while she'd headed out, same as the rest of the family. Cordell though was going to spend the night with her, knowing how much she hated hospitals.

Maddie had heard back from Jenny earlier too, Rose's mom assuring her it was okay that she couldn't make it and that she hoped it wasn't anything serious that had prevented her from being there. Though she'd told Mika where she was, she hadn't told Jenny. Besides, Rose didn't need to know she was in hospital and anyway, she'd be out tomorrow.

With the medication helping alleviate her headache she contented herself with reading a magazine Abeline had dropped by for her. It was the latest edition of Horsewyse and though it was slightly boring, it was something to pass the time. She'd also brought in her pajamas, Maddie more than happy to slip into them and out of the horrible starched hospital gown. Thankfully, Cassie didn't seem to notice her arms when she'd come in to visit earlier or if she did was luckily too polite to comment.

The nurses had seen the week old wounds but apart from making sure they weren't infected, left it alone. It was on record anyway that she had a self harming problem and she was grateful they didn't ask questions. Apart from Bonham and Cordell, no one else knew about her relapse and she was content to keep it that way.

Cordell had gotten Abeline to bring in his work computer, having decided he'd work some on the case he and Cassie were currently assigned. It would make up for the time he'd been off earlier in the day. He sure had been worried when he'd gotten the call, glancing over at his daughter as she read. He was worried about her though he tried not to let it show to her. What if there was something seriously wrong with her? He didn't want to think about it, didn't want to jump to any conclusions but he just had a feeling. Call it a father's intuition but he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

'Knock knock.'

Maddie rolled her eyes at the mischievous tone in Mika's voice, folding up her magazine. 'Come in, come in.' Mika entered with a grin, a stack of horse magazines in one hand and a bunch of wildflowers in the other. 'I am getting out tomorrow Mika….' She remarked with a chuckle seeing the amount of magazines she'd brought with her.

'Well, you can't say that you'll be bored.' She replied, placing the stack down on the bedside table then handed the flowers to her to smell. 'Evening Walker.' She greeted, Cordell acknowledging her presence then returned to his laptop. 'So…' She brought over a spare chair, taking a seat beside her and took the magazine so Maddie didn't have any distractions. 'Spill the beans.'

'Mika….' Maddie groaned, resting her head back against her pillow as she placed the flowers down on the bed next to her. 'There's not much to say. I woke with a rotten migraine, collapsed, had a seizure which was so fun-' She said with intended sarcasm. 'Then got a trip in the ambulance to here. Not much else to report.'

'They say what's wrong with you yet?'

She shook her head. 'Nope. Got tests and such tomorrow, so I guess I'll find out something in a couple days. They're giving me the good stuff though,' She motioned to the IV bag above her. 'Head feels better than it has in a long time.'

Mika let out a long sigh. 'What are we going to do with you?'

'What?' She chuckled. 'It's just some headaches and a little seizure.'

'Maddie, if you hadn't noticed, it ain't normal to have a seizure. Stop treating all this like a joke. This is serious!'

Maddie sobered. 'Don't you think I'm all too painfully aware of how serious this might be? My mom died of cancer, Mika!' She replied. 'I saw what she went through and to think I might be sick too scares the crap out of me.'

'I-I'm sorry…' She started softly after a pause, feeling bad for what she'd just said. 'I didn't know…'

'It's fine.' She sighed heavily, picking at the loose string again. 'I shouldn't have snapped. I'm just… scared, you know?' Mika nodded, placing a hand on top of hers. 'But that's a conversation for another time. How's my girls?'

'They are-they're doing great. Both of them behaved for their exercise and yeah, they're good. You don't have to worry about them, I'm doing my job.'

'I know. Just can't help but be a little worried. I love those two more than is good for them.'

Mika laughed. 'When I get a horse of my own, I'm sure I'll be the exact same. Speaking of that… What do you think about the little paint gelding in the competition?'

'Paint Me Picasso?'

'You know the horses by name?'

She shrugged. 'It's easier than remembering the trainers' names. Have you seen some of them?' They both chuckled. 'Anyway… You like the little pinto?'

'Yeah. I don't know, I just feel drawn to him I guess. Silly ain't it?'

'Nope. That's how Bel and I met. Saw her in the auction pen after she sold and knew she was the one. Dad convinced the meat buyer who brought her it was in his best interest to sell her to him and well, that's how I got her.'

'I can see your Dad being persuasive if the situation arose.'

Cordell glanced over the top of his laptop at them. 'You two talking about me?'

'All good things Dad.' Maddie assured him with a chuckle. 'You go back to doing whatever it is you're doing there.'

Mika chuckled at their banter then turned her attention to Maddie again. 'So, Picasso?'

'He seems like a good horse, depends what you want to do. He's being trained for jumping and dressage, is that what you're interested in?'

She nodded. 'I'd like to get on the jumping team one day. I mean, I could ride one of Nina's jumpers but I want my own horse. One I can bond with.'

'Fair enough. Well, if you're interested in him, I'd say come along with us up to Fort Worth. You'd be able to look at him before the auction then.'

'I'll think about it.'

At a gentle rapping on the door, the three of them looked up to see a lady standing there in the doorway, also with flowers in hand. 'Is it okay if I came in?'

'Sure.' Maddie smiled, Geri giving her a hug after she came in and she gave her one back. 'Mika, this is Geri. Geri, this is Mika. She's one of the girls from the stables I've got Bel and Dakota at.'

'Hi.' Geri smiled warmly at her.

Mika smiled back. 'Nice to meet you.'

Cordell closed up his laptop, placing it aside as he stood. 'G-Geri. Didn't expect you to drop by.'

'Well when Denise told me that Maddie was in hospital I thought I should come by.'

'D-Denise told you?'

'Yeah…' She nodded. 'Kinda thought it'd be important enough for you to have told me yourself…'

Maddie and Mika shared a look.

'Um… why don't-why don't we step outside. Okay?'

'Okay.'

The two adults left, closing the door behind them and Maddie let out a sigh of relief. 'Oh boy…'

'I'd say.' Mika remarked. 'Who is Geri? She your stepmom or something?'

She shook her head. 'No, she's Dad's girlfriend, kinda, I think? Maybe they're still together, I don't know. It's complicated. Geri's a Davidson.'

Mika's eyebrows raised. 'Davidson? Davidson, Davidson? The same Davidson's who took your home?'

'Yeah… We only just found out last week, after everything else, that Geri was given away by her father at birth. Gale never knew. Marv Davidson told her the baby died.'

'Eash…Talk about skeletons in the closet.'

'I know. Dad hasn't heard from her since that came to light but well…' She let out a long breath. 'She's here now.'

'I can see why you didn't want to say anything. Family drama… sounds like fun.'

'You and I must have a very different idea of what fun is.'

Mika chuckled. 'Apparently.' She took a look over at the door then back at Maddie. 'So, do you like her? I mean, as a potential step mom?'

'Mika-'

'Just asking, just asking.' She replied, holding her hands up in surrender. 'Curious is all.'

'Yeah well we all know what happened to the cat.'

'So….?'

Maddie sighed. At least talking about Geri would keep her mind off other things for five minutes. 'I do like Geri. I mean, I haven't really been around her a lot but she's nice. Reminds me a bit of my mom.'

Mika nodded. 'I think she's nice.'

'You literally just met her two seconds ago. You can't make a judgment of someone that quick.'

She shrugged her shoulders. 'I can. Did with you.'

'And look where that got the pair of us.' Maddie chuckled. 'Wouldn't have it any other way though.'

'Me either.' Mika looked down at her watch. 'Look, I'm going to have to run. My day starts at four and I still have things I need to do back home.'

'Okay.'

'Keep me posted, alright?' She asked as she stood, giving her a hug. 'Let me know how your tests go.'

'I will. Thank you for the flowers and for the magazines.'

'No worries. You keep them as long as you like, I don't expect you to read them all tonight.'

'Alright.' Maddie chuckled. 'Thanks for coming in.'

'You get some rest.' She said as she headed for the door.

'Yes, yes.'

'I mean it.' Mika shook a finger at her. 'I'm getting your dad's number on the way out and I'm gonna be keeping tabs on you.'

'Oh swell.'

'That's what friends are for, right?'

'Yeah yeah.' Maddie rolled her eyes, offering her a lazy wave. 'Bye.'

'Trying to get rid of me now, are ya?'

'You're the one whose day starts at four.'

'Too right.' Mika sighed. 'The things we do for the love of horses… I'll catch you later. You message me back tomorrow or I'll come hunt you down.'

'I will. Promise.'

Mika left, Maddie returning to her reading as she waited for Cordell and Geri to return. A short while later the door opened again, Geri coming in alone. 'Your Dad's gone for a walk.' She said as she took a seat in the chair Mika had vacated. 'He'll be back soon.'

Maddie nodded, placing her magazine aside again. 'Everything okay with you and my Dad?'

'Yeah, yeah. Nothing for you to worry about.'

She raised an eyebrow. 'You and Dad have something in common.'

'What?'

'You're both absolutely terrible liars.'

That brought a soft chuckle from Geri. 'Yeah… yeah, guess we are.' After a moment though she sobered. 'How are you doing honey?'

'I-I'm okay…' She managed a small smile. 'Booked in for some tests and scans tomorrow so maybe they'll find out what's going on with me.'

'I'm sure they will.' Geri tried to reassure her. 'Think you've given your Dad quite the scare.'

'Think I've given everyone quite a scare…' Maddie said softly. 'Myself included. These past couple of weeks ain't exactly been easy.'

'No…' She agreed. 'No, they haven't been.'

'I'm guessing judging from earlier, Dad didn't tell you what happened?'

Geri shook her head. 'No…. uh, it was Denise that mentioned it in passing. Guess I'm a little mad he didn't think to tell me.' She sighed. 'I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry.'

'Hey, I know my Dad. He doesn't always think.'

'No, no you're right there.'

'But hey, Dad does care about you.' Maddie said after a moment. 'I know that for a fact.'

Geri smiled at that. 'Yeah… Guess he just has a hard time showing it sometimes.' She looked down at the magazine on the bed. 'What's that you're reading?'

'Oh, Mawline brought it in for me. Just reading an article bout trick riders.' She opened the magazine back up again. 'Looks cool hey?'

There was a picture of a girl dangling off the saddle by her feet over the horse's rump as it was in a full gallop. 'Looks kinda dangerous to me…'

'What's life without a little danger?' Maddie grinned. 'Reckon Dad would have a heart attack if he saw me doing that.'

'Yeah, I reckon he would too.'

A moment later she closed the magazine, placing it aside with a soft sigh. 'I'm worried about Dad.' She started softly, not noticing that Cordell had returned, stopping just outside the door when he heard what she'd said. 'I know he's worried about me and I don't want him to be. I'm okay, he doesn't have to worry.'

'Think that's your Dad's job though.' Geri replied with a slight chuckle. 'Worrying about you.'

Maddie shook her head. 'That's part of the reason too why I didn't want to say anything bout me feeling sick these past few months. When Dad worries about me it makes me upset cause he's upset. I don't want people around me being sad because of me. And with everything that's happened, I just want my family to be happy again. I want things to go back to what they were.'

I just want my family to be happy again.

Cordell, standing outside the door, had heard everything. As Geri started to reply back to Maddie he quietly slipped away back down the hallway to let them have some more time for private conversation. He knew he shouldn't have eavesdropped but hearing what Maddie had said, about her wanting them to be happy again, it played on his mind.

He stopped, leaning against a wall in the darkened hallway, again fiddling with his hat as he did when he was worried or nervous. Even though it was evident that Maddie had been struggling with the headaches and stuff for awhile, her first concern had been about them. Her family. Standing there, her words played over in his mind.

He just hoped and prayed it was nothing serious.