A First Wave - The Emergence

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Shelby

I find the room that was set up to do the Skype call with Elizabeth. Calling Carol first, I explain the situation to her and make sure she is ok with what I am proposing. She does not even hesitate which I knew she wouldn't. Carol has worked with me for many years and is always ready to help out in any way.

As I take a seat in front of the computer I pull up the information to call Elizabeth and a few seconds later she is on the screen. She is a beautiful young girl with an Eastern European look. Long dark hair, skin a light golden brown, and big brown eyes which normally, probably shine bright but look dull and withdrawn. I don't want to waste any time. Hopefully I can give her some reassurance that everything will be okay. At least give her some support.

"Hi, Elizabeth. I am Dr. Stone or you can call me Shelby," I say with a smile. I lean into the picture which makes my face look too big. I am not a live-video type of person. "Sorry." I lean back as she leaned back when I brought my face to the screen.

"Are my parents okay?" The worry in her eyes is beyond noticeable. I can't even imagine what she is going through and my heart sinks.

"Yes, right now they are intubated. That means they have a machine helping them breathe so unfortunately they can't talk to you. This will help their bodies fight off the virus they have." She looks down from the camera, trying to hold in her tears and be strong.

"Elizabeth, look at me," I say as she looks back to the camera with tears forming in her eyes. "We are doing everything we can to get your parents home to you. It is going to take some time. I know you want to see them as soon as you can. Before your mom was intubated she told me you are by yourself and there is no family around. I told her I would make sure you were okay." I finish, watching her facial expressions which were solemn until I mentioned her mother, then a small smile came over her lips.

"I will be fine. I have food and water and Mom said not to go anywhere or answer the door." She wipes her eyes.

"Well, that is very good advice but I also think it is important you are not alone. If something should happen to you..." I pause, not saying the things that come to mind. "I have a colleague who is going to come stay with you and she will be able to keep you updated on your parents." Her face lights up on the screen right in front of me. "Her name is Carol and she will have a badge like this." I hold up my badge for her to see. "She already has your address and I told her I would let her know when to come over after I spoke to you."

"That would be nice. It is hard to be alone without my parents, Dr. Stone." She pauses and looks down, holding her emotions together.

"Elizabeth, it's okay to feel the way you are feeling. You don't have to be strong all the time. You have my number now and I want you to call me anytime you need to talk, okay?." She nods. After hanging up with Elizabeth I call Carol and let her know the plans.

"Great," Carol says. She gets it and starts moving around.

"What are you doing?" I ask, amused by Carol.

"Finishing up what I need to bring. A thirteen-year-old girl has essentials she needs." She opens her bag to the camera. It is filled with junk food, magazines, make-up, and some personal items. I laugh as we hang up and I feel good that Elizabeth will be okay. I know she will be in good hands with Carol.