The Specialist and I

43

Two days left. Then I meet my dad's secret. While my mom talked about men and women sleeping together, I zoned out. I already know about that stuff from health class and my child development class. Killer, Bullet, and Buster all laid in a pile on my bed.

"Sarah!", dad yelled, "Sarah!"

"Dad, mom left! She works today, remember?", I said.

"Lori, grab your keys. We're taking Annabel to the hospital.", Dad said.

"What?! What's wrong with her?", I asked.

"I don't know.", dad said.

I grabbed my keys and we both left the house. I got in the driver's seat and started the engine while Dad held on tightly to Annabel in the passenger seat. I drove to the hospital as dad tried to get Anna to wake up. She passed out 3 minutes ago. I parked and we brought Annabel inside.

While dad talked to doctors and nurses, I set Annabel on a table and checked her over. I felt her stomach.

"Crap. Doc!", one of the doctors came over, "Her stomach is full of fluid and she has a collapsed lung. She's dehydrated."

"Get a crash bed! Stat!", the doctor yelled and turned to me, "Are you a doctor?"

"No. Not a vet either. I'm a junior in high school.", I said.

"How did you know what was happening then?", the doctor asked, "Are you interested in the medical field?"

"I have a friend who happens to be a doctor. He taught me how to diagnose someone. Thanks to him, I saved my boyfriend and now my sister.", I said.

"How old is your boyfriend?", the doctor asked.

"I'm not answering that.", I said.

Anna was taken to surgery.

"Fair enough. how old is your sister?", the doctor asked.

"4 almost 5.", I answered, "She hasn't had any surgeries in the past and this has never happened before."

The doctor nodded and left. I took my phone out as it started vibrating.

"Who's that?", dad asked.

"Orion.", I answered and walked out to my truck as I talked to him, "Hey, Orion. What's up?"

"Your father and I were supposed to have a meeting today. Do you know where he is?", Orion asked.

"Yeah, I do, actually.", I said as I got in my truck and closed the door, "Anna is in the hospital. Dad's in the waiting room. I rushed them both over here."

"Oh. How is Annabel?", Orion asked.

"Not good. Can you bring Rhyan down? I'd like to see what he thinks since he's her primary doctor.", I said.

"I can. In fact, I'm on my way there now. Rhyan is on his way. He'll be a couple minutes behind me.", Orion said.

"Okay, I'll see you soon. You can park next to me. I'll take you in.", I said.

"Alright.", Orion said and hung up.

While I waited, I called mom.

"Mom, Anna's in the hospital.", I said trying to make sure she'd be able to hear me over the background noise on her side.

"What?! Why?", mom asked, it suddenly got quiet on her end.

"She has a collapsed lung, fluid in her stomach, and she's dehydrated. Rhyan is on his way and so is Orion.", I explained.

"At least she'll be in good hands with Rhyan. Let me know what happens, okay? She's only four....", mom said.

"I will. Promise.", I said and looked next to me, "Got to go mom. Orion and Rhyan just arrived."

"Okay. Tell Anna that I love her.", mom said, "Give her my love and be there for her. I'll be there as soon as I can."

Mom hung up as she had to get back to work.

I got out of my truck and leaned on the hood. Orion and Rhyan got out of their vehicles and came over to me. Together, the three of us walked inside.

"So, what's going on with Annabel?", Rhyan asked.

"She has a collapsed lung, fluid in her abdomen, and she's dehydrated. They took her to prep her for surgery a few minutes ago. They're giving her the oxygen mask for the anesthesia.", I explained.

"They're giving her anesthesia?! Doesn't anyone check medical files anymore?", Rhyan growled and ran toward the surgery rooms.

"What's wrong with giving her anesthesia?", I asked.

Orion looked at the floor for a second then at me with a serious face, "Annabel is allergic to the anesthesia. If they give her even the smallest dose, it'll kill her."

"Oh my god.", I muttered.

Rhyan came back a few minutes later with Anna.

"I'm taking her to my facility.", Rhyan said and glared at the doctors that followed him, "I have better equipment and I'm her doctor. I know what's best."

"No. Her family does.", the doctor I was talking to earlier said, "Her family brought her to us. Not you."

"Because he was unavailable and treating another patient. He's the one we trust with her. Not you. He's a military doctor for crying out loud! We're a military family! A unit sticks together and takes care of each other. Dr. Rhyan goes further than that and takes care of his comrade's families as well. Not to mention, he checks medical history. Unlike you. My sister would have died if my dad's partner didn't call me. I'm suing you.", I growled, "See you in court."