If You Believe (George Harrison/Beatles FanFic)

Chapter 17

A/N - My wonderful Beatlemaniacs--Updating a tad early, Friday won't hit here for another 4.5 hours, but I'm in a Beatle mood and thought, "what the hell." I just watched the trailer for "Get Back" and it looks great (much better than the ever-dismal "Let It Be"). Reviewers have said that George and Ringo are sort of ostracized, but Dhani Harrison gave it a stamp of approval, so I'll watch it on November 25th. I hope you are all starting to enjoy your weekend--and have a wonderful Saturday and Sunday. Thank you as always, for stopping by---Annie and George are facing some tough times. If you have time, I'd love to read your comments. You are all truly the best! :-) Enjoy! love, Lara xo

Annie answered the door and Dr. Shaw entered the house with his normal, easy-going smile.

"Hello, Annie," he greeted. "How are you doing today?"

"Nervous as hell, thank you," Annie joked. "Let's go into the kitchen. George is there."

"Lead the way...," he answered her.

"And how are you, Dr. Shaw?" Annie turned and asked.

"Doing well, Annie. Thank you."

Dr. Shaw greeted George warmly and shook his hand. He sat across from Annie and George and pulled some papers from his bag.

"Well, your test results came in and George, I unfortunately have to deliver some bad news. I'm sorry to report that the test results show you have been infected by the hepatitis B virus, with liver involvement. Annie, you are not infected."

"Okay," George looked at him steadily. "What does all that mean in English?"

The doctor took a long breath. "Hep B is a virus just like the flu is a virus, only this is a very serious virus that can affect long term health."

"Well, how did I get it?"

"It is passed through unprotected sex, the sharing of needles, or any transfer of blood, even something as simple as a paper cut."

Annie looked at George with wide eyes, confusion and worry flashing across her face.

"Doctor Shaw," George said as he squeezed Annie's hand. "I've been faithful to Annie and it's been well over a year since I had contact with some the bad decisions I've made in my life. Why am I sick now?"

"No answer for that George. Everyone is different."

"So how do I get rid of it?"

"Unfortunately, hep B attacks the liver and your liver is compromised. I know you're a vegetarian so it's not your diet, but you'll have to stop drinking. That's the first thing. Secondly, I'm going to give you a course of antiviral medicine. This may lessen the symptoms and restore your health. However, hep B isn't curable, George, but it is manageable."

"What about Annie?"

"Her tests came out negative."

"I'm glad, but how can that be? We've been sleeping together for a year. If this is passed through sex, she would have gotten it."

"It's very possible she did. She might not have even known. Her body created antibodies to fight the virus and they won. Now she's immune. She won't catch it again. Unfortunately, lifestyle choices play a big role in this. Giving up drinking is the first thing you must do to help yourself and, excuse me Annie, maintaining a monogamous relationship," Dr. Shaw explained carefully.

"That's easy. I know I rather failed in that area before, but it's not an issue any longer. And if I have to give up drinking, I'll give up drinking."