Spending her entire Saturday helping clean out Pop-Pop's attic. In her opinion any sort of work on Saturdays should be illegal, but at least this would get her out of the house. She may even find something of Grandma Lily's. Plus, Pop-Pop was paying them fifty dollars each. That would buy a pack of Burobu cards, a hardback Kuchi Kopi book, and she could enter her name in that drawing the aquarium was having that would let her name a shark. Oh yeah and Pete was going to let them swim in his pool when they were done. OK maybe it would not be so bad. She just wished that her stomach would stop hurting. Her stomach had been bothering her for two weeks now. Ever since she had that stomach virus. She got over it or at least she thought she had. She was not throwing up anymore, but her stomach ached all the time.
"Oh sorry! I didn't know anybody was in here!" Tina cried after accidentally opening the bathroom door.
"Doesn't anybody knock anymore?" Louise whined.
"Yay! Sibling bathroom party!" Gene cried.
"Ugh! Gene!" Louise moaned.
"Are you almost done?" Tina asked.
"Yeah" Louise sighed washing her hands.
"Are you OK?" Tina asked.
"My stomach hurts." Louise admitted.
"Again?" Tina questioned.
"Yes" Louise winced.
"You should tell mom. Pop-Pop just had surgery. He doesn't need to get sick." Tina suggested.
"I mean I don't want to work but I don't think I'm sick. I've been feeling this way for weeks." Louise reminded.
"I am glad my stomach doesn't hurt! Pop-Pop said he would show us he scars!" Gene cried.
"Gene! Stop it!" Louise cried.
Louise hoped the drive would settle her stomach. No luck. She told Tina her stomachache was not a big deal. Because she had been feeling that way for weeks, but that was only a half truth. She had been feeling bad for a while but today was the worst she had felt since getting sick. It was only a twenty-minute drive to Pop-Pop's house, but Louise knew it was going to feel like an eternity. Being stuck between Tina's puberty sweat and Gene's farts. Bob slowly made his way towards his father's house. Going on and on about how while Pop-Pop was supposed to be up and around. He still needed to take it easy and how serious a fall would be for him. He also reminded them that they were going to be working for at least two hours and if they goofed off too much. They would not be allowed to go swimming at Pete's house. They were five or ten minutes out when the pain in Louise's stomach hit a fever pitch.
"Dad! Stop at that gas station! I have to go to the bathroom! It's an emergency!" Louise cried.
"Didn't you lose the bathroom right before we left?" Tina recalled.
"Yes! But I have to go again! NOW!" Louise snapped.
"OK!" Bob replied, turning into the gas station.
Louise jumped out of the car and raced through the gas station to the bathroom. She locked the door behind her and fell to her knees. She retched and gagged, remaining on her knees until she was sure she was done. She stood, flushed the toilet, and washed her hands for over a minute. Before returning to the car where the rest of the family was waiting for her.
"You were gone a long time. Are you, OK?" Bob asked.
"Fine" Louise lied.
Louise buckled her seatbelt, and they were back on the road. Her stomach felt a little better after throwing up, but she still felt pretty awful. She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. Hoping to rest the remainder of the drive. Even if it were only ten minutes. They had been back on the highway less than a minute when she felt a strong jolt as the car swerved to the left. She opened her eyes just in time to see a car speeding down the center line between the center and right lanes. A pick-up truck was driving down the left lane. Bob tried his best to correct but it was too late. There was a loud bang and another jolt.
"Holy Shit!" Linda cried.
"Is everybody, OK?" Bob asked.
"My shoulder! My shoulder hurts!" Gene cried.
"The jelly packet I put under my bangs broke. Wait, I didn't put jelly under my bangs! Oh My God! My Face is bleeding! MY FACE IS BLEEDING!" Tina cried.
"Linda, Louise? are you guys, OK?" Bob asked.
"Fine! I am fine! Now let's check out the damage. I call any interesting, shaped glass!" Louise declared.
"I am fine. Are you OK, Bobby?" Linda wondered.
"My wrist kind of hurts." Bob admitted.
It took an hour for the police to arrive and handle the accident, assessing the damage and taking statements from both Bob and the other driver. The other driver was OK had very little damage to his truck. The Belcher family car took some damage but thankfully nothing severe. A tow truck was called to take it to Zeke's family's body shop. It was another fifteen minutes before Teddy arrived to drive the family to the hospital to get checked out.
"Bob! Linda! Tina! Gene! Oh Louise!" Teddy cried pulling the family into a tight hug.
"Ow!" Gene cried.
"Seriously Teddy." Bob moaned.
Since they had the worst injuries Gene and Tina climbed into the cab of Teddy's truck. While Bob, Linda, and Louise climbed into the bed. Teddy drove slowly to Devereux Medical Center. Bob and Linda went to reception and explained what happened. While the kids took seats in the waiting room. Bob and Linda returned moments later with a stack of clipboards. Linda got to work filling out the forms. While Bob called his dad and explained why they would not be coming over to help after all.
"Alright, Louise any pains or possible injuries?" Linda asked.
"I said I was fine! Hey, why do you have a clipboard for me? I said I was fine!" Louise shot back.
"Honey your father and I agreed it would be best for all of us to get checked. The insurance company only pays medical bills if you go within so many hours of an accident. We just think it would best to get you checked out now while it's free. Then wait and end up having to pay later." Linda explained.
"I won't need to go to the hospital later. Because I am fine!" Louise snapped.
"Louise, I believe that you weren't hurt in the accident, but you said your stomach has been bothering you. Maybe you should get that checked." Tina suggested.
"My stomach is fine! That flu bug just hits some people harder than others! Jessica said she was sick for three weeks. In a few days I will be fine." Louise hissed.
"Tina is right Louise. That could be serious. Maybe insurance won't help us, but we are not going to let you suffer." Linda insisted.
"Thanks a lot Tina!" Louise cried.
Linda shifted nervously on the exam table. She did not have any injuries from the crash. Some bruising to her hands from the dashboard and her arms were a little sore but she did not think anything was broken. Still, it was better to get checked out early. Plus, like Louise, she had been feeling off the past few weeks. She felt almost like she did when she was pregnant but knew that was impossible. She hadn't gone through the change yet, but Bob had a vasectomy after Louise was born.
"Alright Mrs. Belcher you said that you had bruising to your hands and arm pain?" Dr. Philps asked.
"Yes" Linda confirmed.
"Well, we are going to run a few X-Rays to rule out any breaks, but first we are going to run a quick pregnancy test. Just to be on the safe side." Dr. Philips explained.
"OK but my husband had a vasectomy nine years ago." Linda replied.
"It is just a precaution." Dr. Philips reminded.
Tina winced as Dr. Jones dabbed the cut on her head with antiseptic. The bad news was that it was a deep enough cut to where she was going to need stitches. The good news was that because of her age. The hospital had arranged for a plastic surgeon to treat the wound. Which would mean a less significant scar. Still, it bothered her. She was grateful to be alive and relieved her family was mostly OK, but she hated that she was going to look different now. Even if it would just be a small scar. Even if it were covered by her bangs what would Jimmy Junior think?
"Are we doing, OK?" Dr. Jones asked.
"You said it would just be a small scar? If any? Right?" Tina questioned.
"Yes, and your hair will cover what scar there may be and even if you change hairstyles a little concealer will hide it in a flash." Dr. Jones assured.
"The thing is there is this boy, Jimmy Junior. I really like him, and I think he likes me back, but what if he does not like scars?" Tina asked.
"Well, most guys dig scars but if he cannot see past what will ultimately be a tiny imperfection. He is not worth your time. Find somebody who loves you scars and all." Dr. Jones explained.
"I know but I really like Jimmy Junior." Tina whispered.
Gene hated that he had to go through getting checked out alone. Of course, he understood that Linda needed to be checked as well. He just did not understand why they could not wait for her to be done. It was just his shoulder that was injured. Why did doctors have to be in such a rush all the time?
"Alright Gene can you stretch your arm out for me?" Dr. Davis asked.
"No! NO! I can't! OW!" Gene cried.
"OK we are definitely going to need to X-Ray that." Dr. Davis replied.
"Can't it wait. I want my mommy!" Gene cried.
"I will call her doctor and see if she is done yet but unfortunately, we have other patients waiting. We cannot wait." Dr. Davis explained.
"But I need her!" Gene cried.
"I will see what I can do." Dr. Davis assured.
Lucky for Gene they were still waiting for the results of Linda's pregnancy test, and she was able to leave her exam to come and be with Gene during his X-Rays. Gene changed into a pink gown with kittens on it and was soon led down the hallway to the X-Ray room. The overall X-Ray process was not long, and Linda was able to wait with him for his results.
"The bad news is that Gene definitely broke his collar bone. The good news is that it is a clean break and will not require surgery. Though he will likely need a few weeks of physical therapy and in my professional opinion. He definitely needs ice cream for dinner." Dr. Davis announced.
"Oh, my poor baby! Of course, anything he wants!" Linda gasped.
"Do I get a cast? I want a pink one! With bedazzles!" Gene cried.
"No cast just a sling and unfortunately, we only have them in blue, but Nurse Patricia upstairs keeps a bedazzler at the nurse's station. I will see if I can borrow it." Dr. Davis explained.
Bob grimaced at the sight of the brace on his arm. The good news was that his wrist was not broken, just a mild sprain. At least he was semi ambidextrous and could flip burgers with both hands but still this was not an inconvenience he desired. Especially given he was still having to help his dad out.
Louise balled herself up on the exam table and prayed to be transported anywhere else but here. She hated hospitals with a burning passion. She hated doctors. She wasn't even hurt. Her stomach was bothering her, and her side hurt a lot, but it was just the flu. Just a stupid little bug sticking around way longer than it was welcome. She did not need to be here. She just wanted to go home or even over to Pop-Pops to work. Anywhere that was not a hospital. Which she definitely was not scared of, she just did not like them. She was definitely not scared to death, and she certainly did not wish that her daddy were able to be with her. What was taking her doctor so long anyway? She knew doctors saw patients in order of urgency and she was not hurt, but she did want to go home. Where were those idiots? She just wanted somebody with her. The door opened. Was this ordeal finally almost over? No, it was just Tina and Louise doubted Tina was secretly Douggie Houser.
"Hi Louise! I got my stitches already and since mom is waiting for some test results and dad had to go be with Gene. I asked if I could stay with you." Tina announced.
"Are mom and Gene OK?" Louise asked.
"Gene broke his collar bone. He is OK but scared, and mom is waiting on some sort of test." Tina explained.
"Well, I am not scared. I don't need anybody." Louise insisted.
"Maybe you don't need anybody, but you still should not be alone." Tina insisted.
"Thank you, Tina." Louise whispered.
"Anytime" Tina replied.
"So do you have a scar?" Louise asked.
"No, they got a plastic surgeon to stitch me up and she said I probably won't have a scar." Tina explained.
"Lame" Louise scoffed.
"Alright Ms. Belcher. My name is Dr. Johanson I will be seeing you today." Dr. Johanson announced from the doorway.
"I know you are a busy lady. So, I will save you a ton of hassle. I am fine. My stomach hurts a little, but I am not hurt or sick. So, let's get those discharge papers. My sister here is fourteen, surely, she is old enough to sign them." Louise insisted.
"I may be busy, but I would feel a lot more comfortable if you got checked out." Dr. Johanson insisted.
"Fine but you are wasting your time." Louise scoffed.
"So, it says here your stomach has been bothering you?" Dr. Johanson asked.
"Yes, but it hurt before the accident. So that should save you all the internal bleeding tests. It is just the virus that has been going around. Some people are just sick longer. Can I please go now?" Louise pleaded.
"LOUISE!" Tina warned.
"How long have you felt sick?" Dr. Johanson asked.
"Two weeks" Louise admitted.
"Hmmm well I have had patients experience symptoms for up to three weeks, but I would still like to rule a few things out. I am going to need you to answer some questions." Dr. Johanson explained.
"Goody" Louise sighed.
"Have you noticed a change in bowel movements? Any diarrhea? Constipation? Are your stools darker or looser than normal?" Dr. Johanson asked.
"Some constipation and I don't look at my poop because I are not a freak." Louise scoffed.
"OK. Well, I may try to get a sample later. Now you said you didn't hurt your stomach in the accident, but have you had any falls or bumps to the stomach since your pains started?" Dr. Johanson asked.
"Nooo" Louise lied.
"Louise that's your I'm lying no." Tina commented.
"What happened?" Dr. Johanson questioned.
"The day my stomach really started to hurt I got hit in the stomach by a dodgeball, but I doubt it ruptured anything. I mean it's been two weeks surely; I would be dead by now if that were the case. Plus, the girl that threw it is weak and stupid and I hate her." Louise explained.
"Louise! Why didn't you tell anybody?" Tina demanded.
"Because it was Halloween. I did not want to miss trick or treating, and it was not a big deal and plus she hit me for being a narc. Why risk further retaliation? Chloe Barbash is a monster." Louise explained.
"Does Chloe bully you often?" Dr. Johanson asked.
"Yes! OK? Are you happy? Happy to know I get bullied by a sentient porcelain doll with the brains and muscle definition of spaghetti?!" Louise snapped.
"No and as somebody who had to deal with many Chloe Barbashs in my day." Dr. Johanson replied.
"Did Chloe hit you because you told Mr. Frond that Lynette was bullying me?" Tina asked.
"Yes" Louise whispered.
"Well, most likely if anything it is just a bruise to the stomach, but I would still like to run some tests just to be sure. Do you mind putting this gown on for me?" Dr. Johanson explained holding up a gown similar to the one Gene had worn.
"Do you have anything that isn't stupid?" Louise asked.
"What do you like?" Dr. Johanson asked.
"Any sharks?" Lousie questioned.
"No sharks but I do have fish or dinosaurs." Dr. Johanson replied.
"Dinosaurs" Louise replied.
Louise reluctantly changed into the green gown. It was still a little babyish for her taste but at least it wasn't a pink nightmare. She climbed back onto the exam table with Tina hovering close by. The first test was pretty benign. Dr. Johanson just mashed on her stomach and told her to tell her when it hurt. Her stomach hurt with the mashing, but it wasn't too bad. Then Dr. Johanson got to her left side. The side that had been aching for weeks now.
"Agggh!" Louise screamed.
"Louise!" Tina cried.
"Is this pain new since the accident or have you had it before?" Dr. Johanson asked.
"Two weeks around the same time my stomach started hurting. Maybe a little before." Louise confessed.
Bob and Linda had arrived by the time they were ready to subject Louise to the major tests. Only one parent could go back, and Louise wanted Bob with her. Linda and Tina retreated to the waiting room. Tina noticed that Linda kept looking at something in her purse. She furrowed her brow with worry but did not want to ask. For now, she was only concerned about Louise. After a while Gene could no longer contain his hunger. Bob gave him and Tina twenty dollars and sent them to the cafeteria to grab something to eat. Dr. Johanson returned not long after Tina and Gene left. The smile previously on her face was replaced by a grim expression.
"Mr. and Mrs. Belcher I have Louise's test results." Dr. Johanson replied.
Linda sent Tina a text letting her know they were meeting with Dr. Johanson but should be done soon. Before following Bob and the doctor down a long, narrow hallway to a cramped office. Scans of Louise's abdomen were on a lightboard behind the desk.
"What's wrong with my baby?" Linda demanded.
"Louise reported severe side pain to me. An X-Ray and cat scan showed a large mass on Louise's left ovary. We also noticed lesions on her stomach and liver." Dr. Johanson explained.
"Like a cyst?" Linda gasped.
"That is what we are hoping it is but after hearing other symptoms that Louise has, spotting the other lesions, and noticing that her familial medical history showed that her grandmother died of ovarian cancer. I would like to have a biopsy done as soon as possible. Our next available appointment is Monday at ten but if the pain worsens or if anything comes available sooner, we will take her back right away." Dr. Johanson explained.