At nine months of age, Paul had grown to twenty-seven inches, and weighed twenty-two and a half pounds. He was constantly fussy, and he had quite the set of lungs. I was convinced that he could be heard from Robert and Helen's house.
Paul was beginning the teething process. He was eating baby foods, and sucking down formula. He had figured out how to roll from his back to his belly.
Bret's jokes, using the word teething in place of teasing, were wearing on my nerves. One Tuesday evening in early December, Ruby must have seen it on my face. She pulled Bret aside. After their conversation, he stopped with the stupid jokes.
Audrey, Helen, Ruby, and Raina each made time in their schedules to watch Paul so that I could get a little rest. Raina and Ruby traded weekday afternoons, Audrey on Saturday, and Helen on Sunday. They were all encouraging to me, and gave me great advice.
Even though he was busy with work and school, Bret made time for me in the evenings. He took time off to join me taking Paul to every pediatrician appointment.
Our son was strong and healthy. He has my blue eyes, and was beginning to grow light-brown hair. He will probably grow up to be a heart-throb, like his dad.
Raina, and Eli Colgrade were seriously dating. They went out to dinner on Friday evenings. They often went dancing on Saturdays. Every Sunday afternoon they found something different to do.
The first Monday of Christmas break, Bret took me to see my doctor. I was experiencing acute abdominal pain. I had a sonogram.
"Your appendix is badly inflamed. You need to have it removed before it bursts."
I was handed written orders, and Bret drove me to the hospital. I checked in, and was taken in a wheelchair to a room.
"Honey, I'm scared. I've never had surgery before."
"You gave birth to our son. This will be a cake walk by comparison."
"But what if something goes wrong?"
"What if everything goes smoothly, and you are home in a couple of days?" He kissed me.
The surgeon entered the room.
"I'm Dr. Vijay Inhidowana. You must be Elise Whitaker?"
"I am, and this is my husband, Bret."
"It's nice to make your acquaintance." He shook both of our hands. The surgeon had a warm smile, and a gentle manor. He turned back to me.
"Are you ready to have your appendix removed?"
"No. I'm scared."
"Is this your first surgery?"
"Yes." He pulled up a chair beside my bed. He pointed at my abdomen.
"Your appendix is right... there. We will be doing what is called a laparoscopic appendectomy. I will make an incision about an inch long. With the tools we use, it will be done in a few minutes. You will spend a couple of days here in the hospital. As long as everything looks good, you will be going home on Thursday.
After I changed into a gown, a nurse wheeled me, in my bed, to the pre-operative area.
"This is just to help you relax. We still have to get you ready before we can knock you out for your procedure."
I was given an injection. Moments later, it was lights out for this girl.
YOU ARE READING
A Starling's Awakening
General FictionBook one of two in what may become a trilogy Honor, loyalty, and love - three words that are not familiar to those trapped in the cult of social status. At 17 years old, Elise Torgason was a beautiful, rich, spoiled brat, status worshiping, mean gi...