You drew stars around my scars

Surgery

Jessica had suffered from another bout of tonsillitis. She had been given another course of antibiotics but the doctor had advised Taylor to schedule a consult with an ENT surgeon to discuss having her tonsils removed because of the repeated infections.

Taylor had scheduled the appointment and told a very reluctant Jessica about it. The teen was nervous to have to have surgery when it wasn't absolutely necessary but she could see the benefits of it so had grudgingly agreed.

As they were sat in the surgeons office, he was completing a physical exam on Jessica – trying to ascertain whether the surgery was necessary. Taylor could see the teen was uncomfortable but she was complying with all the instructions. Finally, the doctor asked her to open her mouth, he used a tongue depressor then began poking around in her throat, making his final observations. The teen gagged harshly as he swabbed one of her tonsils, Taylor gripped her hand – rubbing her thumb over the teen's gently to reassure her. The doctor finally sat back – letting her relax "well, I would agree – surgery definitely seems like the most sensible option here"

Taylor instantly felt Jessica tense up but she just kept a tight grip on the teen's hand, she smiled kindly at the doctor "OK – so what is the process?"

The doctor looked between them "we can probably get her in next week. We will draw some bloods today – just to check she is completely healthy but if that's all ok, then I see no reason to delay it"

Jessica practically squeaked "a week?!" The doctor smiled kindly and Taylor nodded "it's better to just get it out the way buddy – we don't want it hanging over you..."

Taylor practically held her breath as she waited for Jessica's response and she smiled widely as the teen nodded "ok, fine"

The doctor looked between them both again "it's a very simple operation – totally routine BUT we do always have to explain the risks to allow you to make an informed decision..."

When they didn't protest, he carried on "There is obviously always a risk with any surgery. The main one with a tonsillectomy is a risk of infection however we will send you home with antibiotics to help prevent this. The other main risk is bleeding post operatively. Some people have to go back in for another operation to stop the bleeding but we will monitor you closely after the operation, to make sure this doesn't impact you..."

Taylor continued nodding along, encouraging him to continue

"They are the main risks – of course, there is some risk anytime you go under anaesthesia however like I said this is a routine operation, you will be under for 30-60 minutes, all very minimal risk"

Taylor turned towards Jessica, judging her reaction – the teen bit her lip but then nodded slowly "ok – let's schedule it"

Taylor and the doctor both smiled widely at the teen before beginning the logistics of scheduling the operation for the following Tuesday morning.

Monday evening, Tree came over for dinner – it was a day earlier than her usual weekly dinner but she had figured the teen could use some extra moral support and she knew she wouldn't be up to dinner the next day anyway.

Throughout the evening, the teen's nerves were evident and both the older women worked hard to reassure the teen throughout.

Tree sat next to her on the sofa "so, how are you feeling about it? Feel ready?"

Jessica shrugged "I guess...I'm a tiny bit nervous"

Tree smiled softly at her "that's totally normal honey, but you will be absolutely fine. Plus – think about how much better it will be to not keep getting tonsilitis every few months"