Ch. 15
"Do you think Dylan had to stay in for recess again today?"
"I didn't see him outside. But I don't know what he likes to do anyway."
"Do you think Dylan even wants to go outside?" Ricky asked.
James, Tessa, and Adam paused in their work around the art table, giving Ricky curious glances. The dark-haired boy shrugged.
"It's just that he never wants to go outside or do anything except watch TV, right? What would Dylan even do during recess?"
"I don't know," James admitted. "I think Dylan just hates being told he can't do something."
"Oh."
"And now he has to stay with you longer?" Tessa asked.
"Probably."
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay." James picked up a jar of shimmering gold paint and dipped his brush into it. Carefully, the little boy ran it over the side of his project, explaining as he worked,
"It's just, when my family said Dylan would be coming to stay with us, I was really happy. I wanted to help someone, but... I never thought Dylan would be like this."
"It's alright." Tessa gave James a small smile. "And it's not your fault. Are you okay?"
"I... I don't know."
"You said he wanted you to get in trouble too, right?" Adam asked.
"Yes."
"Don't worry, Hannah tries to do that with me. It never works."
"And your family would never let anything like that happen."
"I know." In spite of everything, James felt himself smile. "And they're still not mean to Dylan, no matter what he does."
"Oh, everything here is looking great!"
The kids looked up as Ms. Devon walked past their table. On the other side of the room, Ms. Kelly was passing out extra paint and brushes to some of the other kids, who were all busy working on their projects. Ms. Devon leaned over to get a better look at what James and his friends were doing.
"James, you and Tessa are presenting together, correct?"
"Yes, Ms. Devon."
"Wonderful. I have an idea as to what you're doing, but I'm eager to see how you'll do it."
"We've been working hard," Tessa assured her. "I think you'll like it."
"I'm sure I will. Ricky, Adam, how are you two doing?"
"Great! We're almost done."
"Yeah. I just need to finish my written part."
"That's wonderful to hear. And it's a good thing Ms. Kelly was able to give us an extra art session. With our early dismissal on Friday, I want to make the most of our projects. So, that's why our weekly tests will be tomorrow instead, okay?"
"Does that mean we only have to study our spelling and math tonight?"
"Yes. Thursday's homework will just be to finish your projects."
"Okay. Thanks, Ms. Devon."
"Of course. Best start cleaning up now; art ends in ten minutes." Ms. Devon smiled at the group before walking off to the next table to inform the kids there about the change of plans. James glanced back down at his work, reaching for the gold paint one more time.
"I just need to finish painting this, So Ricky and Adam, you can wash your brushes first."
"Ok. C'mon, Adam, let's go." Ricky picked up his paintbrushes and walked off with Adam toward the large sink at the back of the room, leaving James and Tessa alone. The little girl glanced over at James, who was moving his brush in small slow strokes.
"Are you okay, James? You don't look it."
James sighed, setting his brush down and keeping his eyes fixed on the result. "I had a pretty bad dream last night."
"Oh."
"And... I didn't tell my family."
"Why not?"
"I don't want them to worry."
"But they want you to tell them when you have a bad dream, remember?"
"I know. It's just... Dylan was in it."
"Oh." Tessa looked down at her own project. "And... with them?"
"Yes. And they listened to him."
"That must have been scary."
James nodded. "I know my aunts wouldn't have listened to Dylan; they didn't even want me, so there's no way they would have helped him if they'd been asked. But... I don't know."
"Do you think Dylan reminds you of your aunts? Like maybe that's they way they were when they were kids?"
"Hmmm." Spiker and Sponge as kids? Now that was a new thought. Had they been allowed to be as bad as Dylan when they were his age? Or... had someone been mean to them and so that was why they decided to do the same to him? "Maybe. But no one's been mean to Dylan and he hasn't been good."
Tessa shrugged. "Yeah, I know. My sister can be the same. Mom and Dad don't do anything bad to her and she still screams at them a lot. Sometimes, she yells at me too."
"What do you do when that happens?"
Tessa grinned at her friend. "Tell my parents, of course."
James returned Tessa's smile. "That's good. I guess I should tell my family about my nightmare. I just... I just don't want them to worry about me when they have to worry about what to do with Dylan."
"It'll be okay. Trust me, it's always better to tell your parents when your brother or sister is making you upset."
James gathered up his paintbrushes and followed Tessa over to the large sink at the back of the room where they held the soiled bristles under a cascade of clear water. "I've never had a brother or sister before. And neither did Dylan. I wonder if that's another reason he's so angry."
"Maybe. My sister once told me she was happier before I was born, but Mom said all siblings say that at least once and that it's not really true." Tessa paused, then added,
"Mostly."
James nodded. "I know my mum and my aunts didn't grow up together; my family found that out when they adopted me. But they probably wouldn't have been happy if they had grown up together."
"Do you think they would have been mean to your mother?"
"Probably."
"Well, then, I'm glad you mom didn't have to stay with your aunts."
"Me too. And... I still want to help Dylan, but I think I'll be happier when he goes back to his grandmother's house. I know that sounds a little mean, but..." James's voice trailed off, but Tessa just giggled.
"It's okay. Dad says he can't wait till Katie goes to college sometimes. It's not mean; he just wants some peace and quiet."
Slightly cheered, James and Tessa put their brushes away and returned to their table to pack up their projects. The little boy looked down at his work, glad to see the gold paint had dried well. Since all he had to do was study his spelling and math tonight, he could finish his project tomorrow.
"Oh, Tessa?"
"Yes?"
"I have a great idea for our projects. Do you still have the stuffed dog we used in our racing game?"
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"Well, this was to be expected."
"Indeed. So, when is Amelia's surgery scheduled for?"
"Tomorrow afternoon. I'll be overseeing the operation and it should be done by early evening. I'm sorry, but she will not be permitted visitors. Perhaps Friday?"
"Weather permitting. I'll see if I can bring Dylan in for a short visit after the schools let out for their early dismissal, but it will depend on the storm."
Dr. Harmond met Mrs. Ladybug's eyes. "Is a storm for certain?"
"Yes. And if I'm right, it will last through Saturday."
"I see. Is that why several expecting ladies have booked overnight stays from Friday until Sunday morning?"
"Yes, that was my idea. Obviously there's no guarantee that all of the women in question will go into labor, but I've looked over the records of those who are due to give birth within the week or who have other health conditions. I think it would be best if the were to stay in the hospital in the event that they do go into labor. I'd rather not risk them driving in the upcoming conditions or waiting on an ambulance that may also have difficulties in the storm."
Dr. Harmond nodded. "It's for the best. And some other doctors are setting up temporary shelters for any and all who need them. Was that Mayor Centipede's idea?"
"It was. He's a brash fellow, but he does care."
"And thank goodness he does. From what you've been telling me, Dr. Ladybug, Manhattan and all of the surrounding boroughs are going to be feeling the brunt of Mother Nature this weekend."
"I'm afraid so. But with any luck, this will be the last winter storm of the season. Of course, the beginning of March is always a gamble, but I don't think we'll be seeing much snow after this."
"Fine by me." Dr. Harmond shook his head and closed Amelia Anderson's file. "I think we have enough of a problem here. I'm hoping removing the kidney stones will clear up Amelia's symptoms, but she spiked a fever this morning. We're monitoring her closely and I ordered a new round of bloodwork, but this could be a sign of infection. She'll already need to spend two to three weeks recovering; an infection could mean she may not recover as well."
"Will she stay in the hospital?"
"For now. But I'm going to recommend she be moved to a long-term care facility in Brooklyn, if only to ensure she has a place there. I don't feel well enough letting her go home and have her ascend and descend several flights of stairs alone."
"Could a live-in nurse be assigned to her?"
"In time, perhaps, depending on how well Amelia recovers. Right away, though, I would feel better if she was being monitored. The facility in Brooklyn is used to handling patients like Amelia and given what we know about possible kidney infections, it's better that she be in a place that has trained staff to monitor her condition rather than just one person."
"I understand. Unfortunately, that would mean that Amelia regaining custody of her grandson anytime soon will be next to impossible."
"I'll be frank, Dr. Ladybug, I don't see Amelia being able to care for a young boy in the near future. While the surgery could go well and I could be wrong about the infection, I know you have seen her medical records. Her blood pressure is high, she is at least fifteen pounds overweight, and her most recent bloodwork shows she is at risk for developing diabetes. I've already given this report to Rachel Gould, but unless she makes some changes after she recovers, her health is going to continue to decline."
"Oh dear me." Mrs. Ladybug sat back in her chair with a sigh. "I wish I could say differently, but Amelia is also at risk of impacting her grandson's health. I'm sure Rachel already told you about Dylan's constant demands for sweets."
"Oh yes, I've heard."
"He's also not a very active child. We're both very aware at how quickly a child can turn from a dumpling into a string bean once they enter puberty, but between his appalling diet and no desire to exercise, Dylan may well end up with the same problems as Amelia sooner rather than later."
"I fear the same. Does Rachel know how you feel as well?"
"Yes. She's already working at setting up a meeting with a family court judge. Amelia being in a long-term facility will likely make the ruling easier, as if she cannot look after him properly while also recovering from surgery..."
Dr. Harmond nodded. "Unpleasant, but I think it's better for everyone. Although, I know this means you and your family will have to look after the boy for a bit longer now, yes?"
"Certainly past Sunday. And probably all of next week as well, depending on when the family court can review Dylan's case." Mrs. Ladybug sighed again. "I know he's given us all headaches, but I do feel sorry for him."
"Of course." Dr. Harmond stood up, glancing at the clock. "Hmm, nearly five. Are you working late tonight?"
"Until eight o'clock, at least. Last minutes patients and all that. And Mr. Grasshopper has an extra rehearsal tonight instead of Friday. Centipede, Miss Spider, and Earthworm will be home with the children for dinner and bed tonight. Glowworm is snug inside the Statue of Liberty, but we're bringing her home tomorrow to shelter from the storm. The City can last a few nights with an electric bulb. But I'll call the others and inform them of Dylan and Amelia's situation." Mrs. Ladybug shook her head as she headed for the safety of her office. "I just hope there won't be too much strife at home when Dylan hears he has to stay with us for a bit longer."
If only.