After the echo, I'm allowed to get dressed, and then we go to Edward's office to discuss the treatment plan. I look around, twiddling my thumbs as I take in my surroundings. Behind his desk are loads of books, more than I can possibly count, and a few picture frames. I can't help but notice the only woman in the pictures is an older one—probably his mom. There's another with her and a child, an older one, probably from his childhood. Other than that, the rest is fairly sterile. He's got multiple models of hearts, a basic picturesque painting, and some laminated pages with heart information.
"I'm sure you know everything there is to know about what's going on with you," Edward says. "But if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them."
Emmett decides the question is directed at him and fires off question after question, which Edward answers with ease. At some point, I might need an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, but right now, my heart is beating as well as it can on its own. He tells us the worst case and best case scenarios, and I feel comfortable with his knowledge.
The multiple degrees and certificates on his walls help too.
We're in the appointment for over an hour, but Edward never rushes or makes me feel like we're taking too much time.
"I'll want to see you monthly," he says, turning toward the computer on his desk. "What day works best for you?"
I snort. "Any day. Kind of got nothing going on, after all."
I miss structure and plans. I miss school and my part-time job at the bakery. I'm still so angry I caught a virus that could damage my heart so badly and cause me to lose everything. I wonder if Sweet Treats could use some help. Maybe I'll call Ms. Sue and ask. She used to love me as a kid, letting me help out, but I never had an actual job there. I'm not sure how well I'll do health wise, but I'm sure I could get some hours and get out of the house.
"All right, we'll do the second Monday of every month. Sound good?"
I nod. "Sure."
"I'll try to make it work with my schedule," Emmett says.
I raise a brow. "You know you don't need to chaperone each appointment, right?"
"We're in this together, remember? You're stuck with me. And if I do have to miss some, I know Edward will take care of you."
Yeah, I wouldn't mind some care from the lumberjack.
I'm dying and horny. I'm allowed to think about these things.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
