Royals: Part 6

Chapter 3

"I can't believe this is happening," Jackie gasped as she and Elizabeth ran through the echoing halls of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears over the frenzied noise from the cheering fans.

Elizabeth threw open a door, revealing Nanny Sophia rocking a small, wailing form in her arms. Jackie immediately took her daughter, holding her close to her chest.

"What happened?" Jackie asked, her voice a bit panicked.

"She's been fussy all day, I thought she was just a bit upset because you've been out, but as soon as we got here I knew something was wrong. She's got a high fever, both of her ears are bright red- I'm so sorry, Your Highness," Nanny Sophia said, her normally kempt french twist in shambles.

"It's not your fault," Jackie breathed. She gently wiped at the tears that continued to spill down Mary Kate's cheeks. "What's the matter, Mary?"

Mary Kate let out a loud cry and wrapped her arms around Jackie's neck.

Jackie's heart felt shattered into a million pieces. She'd abandoned Harry when he needed her the most, and Mary Kate seemed to be in excruciating pain.

"Let's get her to the hospital," Jackie decided. "Elizabeth, can you call for a car and tell Michael what's going on," she said, referencing Harry's press secretary. She could imagine the moment that Harry made it to the bottom of the steps, in front of thousands of people, turning around to see that she wasn't there. "Tell Michael that Harry should stay, I can handle this."

"I'm on it," Elizabeth said, stoicism in her voice.

Nanny Sophia handed Jackie a blanket, which she used to cover Mary Kate, hiding her from sight. Jackie tried to soothe her sobbing daughter as best she could as the women rushed through the halls, Elizabeth leading the way to the parking garage.

Chris, Jackie's body guard, was waiting in an idling car, Mary Kate's carseat in the back.

"Is she alright?" Chris asked, looking worried.

"No," Jackie breathed, buckling Mary Kate into her seat as quickly as she could. "Will you take us to St. Mary's Hospital?"

"Of course," Chris said. Jackie sat in the back seat with Mary Kate and Nanny Sophia, Elizabeth climbed into the front with Chris. "I suggest you duck down in the back, so the paps don't see you."

Jackie and Nanny Sophia obeyed as Chris sped out of the garage. Jackie's mind was racing. What was happening at the Games? Was Harry giving his speech? Did he know where she was?

The twenty minute drive to St. Mary's was torturous. Jackie had never seen Mary Kate so upset. Luckily, Elizabeth called ahead, so as soon as Chris stopped at the door to the emergency department, Mary Kate's pediatrician was waiting at the door.

"Let's get you inside before anyone sees," said Dr. Jones, ushering Jackie and Mary Kate inside. Elizabeth and Nanny Sophia were on her heels, Chris going to park the car somewhere private. Dr. Jones escorted Jackie and Mary Kate into an examination room.

Mary Kate clung to Jackie as Dr. Jones looked in her ears.

"You poor thing," Dr. Jones murmured.

"What is it?" Jackie asked, rubbing Mary Kate's back in an attempt to soothe her.

"She's got terrible infections and fluid build up." Dr. Jones was typing and clicking on her computer. "This is the fifth time in the past three months, correct?"

Jackie nodded.

"I recommend we place some tubes in her ears to help with drainage. It should solve the recurrent infections."