I Should've Known: Book Two

Madeline

I watch Dr. Sharpe start her inspection on my mother. Despite of her weakness, my mother still gives me a wide smile. She knows I'm nervous. She knows I'm worried. She told me the other day that I was going to get old fast if I continue to be this worried. I nearly cried remembering all those times I would tell her that when she would tenderly be worried about me.

But I stay strong for her as Dr. Sharpe explains to me why she's doing certain things. This inspection is for her to determine how she's going to approach my mother's condition. She throws away her gloves and turn to me. "I want to talk to you just outside the room while the nurses help your mother dress up."

I nod and give my mother a smile. I tell her that I'm just going to discuss a few things with Dr. Sharpe and she gives me a tender smile. My heart begins to shiver as I step out and listen to Dr. Sharpe's news in perfect British.

"It's worse than I thought. I will do my best but I can see why the doctors back home told her that there's nothing they can do."

"How do you know without even getting bloodwork back?"

"The her physical exams are not the best. I believe you know it, Dr. LaRue."

I can't help but turn surprised at the way she's called me. She gives me a warm smile and says, "There's no shame in stepping down from work for maternity reasons. I believe you still got it in you."

I do a small chuckle and say, "I have to admit. I miss my days in the hospital without contractions. But I would not change a single thing."

"Well, I'm sorry you have to be back to the hospital in this situation."

We both look back at my mother trying her best to talk with Wolf. He's already bad at speaking with people in English. He stutters and even seems to act out some things. This makes my mother laugh loudly. I think she's amused by him and purposefully says some sentences so he can continue acting out his response. Luckily, she will be seeing more of him now.

My heart suddenly begins to form this kind of armor. An armor I did not imagine having in a long time. An armor just in case she...

My smile disappears and tears start up in my eyes. I clear my throat and keep my eyes on my mother laughing. My voice is a quivering whisper as I say, "What if...what if she doesn't make it?"

Dr. Sharpe is silent for a moment. I know she's watching me now as I hold in tears. Her soft voice is enough to keep down my sob as she says, "Then at least she will be remembered as a fighter. Just like her daughter."

I turn at the feeling of her hand on my shoulder and nod. "Thank you."

"Hey. You said it yourself. It's worth a try. We can't give up now."

"You're right."

"Perfect. Why don't you guys get something at the cafeteria while we wait for her blood work? I'll have one of the nurses call you over to my office so we can discuss our best treatment for your mother."

"Thank you, Dr. Sharpe. You don't know how much I appreciate this."

She gives my shoulder one last squeeze as she says, "Stay strong."

Before she walks off, we turn to the sound of someone coming from a corner. It's Hazel. She does not seem sad or exhausted. She just has a blank face until her eyes meet ours and that bright smile I have not seen in a while comes back.

"Hello," she sweetly says. She stops to see my mother all ready to go and she gives her a wave. My mother blows her a kiss and Hazel turns back to us. "How is she?"

"We're waiting for her blood work," I say. "She's fine now. We're going to get something to eat. Do you want to join us?"

She gently shakes her head. "My lunch starts in an hour. I still have a few more patients to see on Oncology."