Finally Home

40. Tyler

Sam spent a good part of the next week going from doctor to doctor, clinic to clinic and test to test.

She had MRIs, hearing tests, CT scans, X-rays, psychological exams, neurology. I felt like we'd moved into the inside of a hospital by the end of the week. And I didn't care. Anything to help my daughter feel better. 

At the end, it was determined the car accident had left her with some damage to her auditory processing on the right side and that was causing the buzzing. It was recommended we get her fitted for a hearing aid to see if that helped with the buzzing.

"Wouldn't that just make the buzzing... louder?" Sam asked.

"No," the doctor said. "It would help amplify ambient sounds around you and block that buzzing sound. You should be able to hear your teachers and your friends better. It should help you focus on the people talking to you rather than the buzzing."

Sam seemed unsure. And even more so when the cost of hearing aids came up.  

She was silent on the way home, pretending she was flipping through the brochures.

"Sam?" Jenna asked, as we drove towards home. "What're you thinking?"

She looked up with tear-filled eyes.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"Sweetheart?" Jenna said, turning around to face Sam. I started looking for a place to pull over.

"I'm sorry," Sam said again.

"Samantha, what on earth are you sorry for?"

"It's just one thing after another with me. Diabetes, my fucked up head, the accident, my broken ankle then leg. Mark. Everything. I'm just a burden. I'm expensive and I keep getting more expensive," she cried. 

I stopped the car and Jenna hopped out and opened Samantha's door and pulled her into a hug.

"Samantha," I said to her as I came around the car. "Do you remember when Mark was suing us and we hired security to keep you, and us, safe? Do you remember what I told you then?"

She shook her head at me.

"Samantha, I would happily go bankrupt protecting you. Or, in this case, making sure you got the things you need to be healthy."

Samantha sniffled. But there was just the hint of a smile.

"Thanks, Dad." She said. I came over, put my arm around her and kissed her head.

"Can we go rescue your aunt and uncle from Rozilla?" I asked. Sam nodded. Jenna smiled at Sam, kissed her head and got back into the car.

At the house, Samantha came in quietly and went into the kitchen with her brochures.

"So?" Josh asked. "How did it go?"

"They suggested a hearing aid for her right ear. She's not thrilled because of the expense. But I think it's worth a try. If it'll help her with the buzzing noise, and help make her happy again, I'm all for it."

Josh nodded.

"What about Christmas?"

"Her doctors have given her the all clear. We haven't had a chance to tell her because of all the appointments."

"You gotta tell her. She needs something she'd consider a win," Josh reasoned. I knew he was right. We just hadn't had a chance to discuss it with her.

Jenna and Debby went into the kitchen to talk with Sam and get her a snack while Josh and I chatted.

A little while later, Josh and Debby left and we had dinner as a family. Samantha reluctantly discussed the hearing aids and we talked models and she made her decision.

"So, that leaves," I said. "Christmas to discuss."

Samantha looked at me. I could tell she was trying not to get her hopes up.

"We talked with your doctors about whether you should or could travel and we've all come to a consensus."

Sam looked ready to argue.

"And we all decided it would not be in your best interest..."

I saw fire flash in her eyes and she was about to argue her case.

"To make you stay home when you're clearly healthy enough to travel."

She frowned as she took in what I'd said.

"Wait," she said. "Did you say I can go?"

I nodded at her.

"Wait, really?" She asked. I nodded again. She jumped up and threw her arms around me.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She exclaimed. I smiled and hugged her back.

"There's just one condition," I said.

Sam frowned.

"You have to come home," I laughed. "No conspiring with B and Sarah to keep you in California."

Sam laughed with me.

"I dunno, Dad," she said. "I mean, it is California..."

Sam hugged and thanked Jenna as well and dinner, which was already a pleasant affair, was just a little happier.