Illusions of the island *A LOST fanfic*

Chapter 51: Easing back in

"Maybe you should ease back a little and start off with a light patient load Jules. I mean it. You're still recovering. You may be able to function, but your brain needs time to heal.

Maybe you should take a few more days to rest."

Juliet wanted to roll her eyes at David, but instead grabbed for a chart.

"So, did you ever figure out why saltwater was filling my lungs?"

David put a hand on the counter in front of them and lowered his voice.

"It wasn't saltwater that was filling your lungs. It was some other kind of fluid. I sent some off to the lab for it to be analyzed. The smell of it was strange. Like something sweet. I'd say some kind of candy. It smelled kind of like when someone has ketoacidosis. But we checked your sugars, their fine. My point being here is, don't push yourself too hard Jules. I don't want your blood pressure sky rocketing and then you losing consciousness right in the delivery room. Would you like me to assist you? It would just be for today to see how you do."

Nodding, she checked her chart.

"First on the list: McKena Clarkson. Not too difficult. Hey, why'd you pick an easy one?"

David placed a hand on Juliet's shoulder and she shook her head.

"One step at a time Jules. Baby steps."

Stepping into the room, Juliet put on a smile and stuck a hand out to McKena's husband Tyler.

"You must be the daddy. I'm Doctor Burke. I'll be helping your wife bring your little one into the world today. Is there anything I can get for you?"

McKena smiled through the pain and spoke.

"An epidural would be nice."

Juliet nodded her head and took a seat in front of McKena.

"I'll call for an anesthesiologist once I've checked your progress ok McKena?"

McKena sighed and nodded. Wincing, she made small talk about the name she was going to give her little girl.

"I've always liked the name Morgan. Tyler and I decided on calling her Morgan Alaina. Morgan Alaina Clarkson. So, where are we?"

Juliet came back over the sheet and smiled.

"Three more centimeters to go. You are at seven right now. You get some rest, you'll need all your strength."

McKena reached out to Juliet with a left hand.

"Please stay. Just for a few minutes. It's nice to have another woman in the room to talk to. That and I'm afraid of needles."

Juliet took a seat in a chair on the other side of McKena. A couple of minutes later, the Anesthesiologist arrived, and McKena reached for her husband Tyler's hand and squeezed
Juliet's at the same time.

"Ok McKena, I want you to turn and lie on your left side. Don't move. What Doctor Amberson is going to do is give you some local to numb the pain, and then give you the epidural ok?"

McKena nodded and stayed still. Juliet saw her eyes dart to her back and she tried to shield her face with her right hand.

"Don't look McKena. Keep your eyes on Tyler or me."

Juliet watched the whole procedure play out and nodded towards Doctor Amberson who reciprocated and spoke as he got up to leave.

"Let me know when you're ready for the mother with quads."