The Road Trip [completed]

15

🎵🎵Bootstraps - Stand By Me

"Essabella Clarke?" a doctor in maroon overalls appeared in the reception area looking around for Ella.

Ella had almost fallen asleep beside Tom and got up with a jolt.

"I'm here!" she moved towards the doctor with Tom and David trailing after her.

"You are the next kin of Lois Clarke?" the doctor asked her looking through a sheet of paper Ella supposed contained Lois' information which she had filled almost an hour ago.

"Yeah, I'm her sister. Our parents are on their way here. Is everything alright with Lois?"

"I need an adult next of kin" the doctor was beginning to look distressed.

"I'm their guardian."Tom stepped in and said.

The doctor gave him an inquiring look and looked back on the sheet with Lois' info.

"Thomas Mensa?" she asked Tom.

"Yeah that's me. How's Lois?"

"I think we should sit down." the doctor gestured to the seats and sat down.

Ella and Tom sat on each of her and David sat beside Tom.
Already, he could feel a huge rift forming between him and Ella. Just when everything was going on so well, he thought.

"Lois' condition is complicated. She's bleeding internally and we did electronic imaging to try and find the source of the bleeding but it didn't work." the doctor looked at Tom as she talked.

"She was bleeding from her nose. Couldn't it be that the bleeding is coming from her brain?" Ella asked her.

"Given that she's still alive, we doubt that. The bleeding is getting serious by the minute and we have to operate on her and find the source of the bleeding and close it."

"Where do I have to sign?" Tom asked knowing where the conversation was going.

"I'll bring the papers right away." the doctor stood up and Ella stood up also to stop her.

"Wait Dr-"

"Dr. Newton."

"We were bringing Lois for a checkup by Dr. Gold. Is it possible that he could see her after the surgery?"

"I'm sorry but with her condition she would have to be on bed rest for at least four months."

"But there's this surgery Dr. Gold wanted to perform on her so that she could walk again!"

"I'm sorry Miss. We give priority to life first. What we need to think of is how to save Lois." the doctor snapped at her and walked away.

"But she really had her hopes up." Ella whispered and Tom put his arms around her reassuringly.

About 10 minutes later, the Clarkes rushed into the hospital sweating and panting and it was obvious they had been in a hurry. Mrs. Clarke saw them first and rushed to give Ella a hug. Ella hugged her mother back with tears that wanted to spill out.

"What happened?" Mr. Clarke asked Tom.

"The doctor came to speak to us. She said it's internal bleeding and they have to prep her surgery to close the source of the bleeding." Tom said.

"What about Dr. Gold? have you called him?" Mrs. Clarke pulled out of the hug to ask Tom.

"No actually. After the surgery Lois won't be in any condition for a checkup."

"My dear girl." Mrs. Clarke wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Where's the doctor who talked to you?" Mr. Clarke asked.

"She's going for the permission papers for me to sign but you can sign them now."

Mr. Clarke sat down and put his face into his hands. he felt like life wasn't fair to his family at all.
Was it something I did, God? Was it because I never really taught the kids about You? He thought bitterly.

An idea popped into David's mind and he decided to share it even though he strongly felt it might be disapproved.

"What if Dr. Gold operated on Lois the same time as they are closing up the source of the bleeding?"

"What?" Mrs.Clarke turned to him.

"Dr.Gold could operate on Lois today whilst the other surgeon is operating on her, simultaneously."

"Without examining Lois? That would be dangerous." Mr. Clarke said.

"Dangerous but not impossible." David said.

"This is my daughter's life we're talking about, you-" Mrs.Clarke was raising her voice.

"Wait Isabella, calm down." Tom said and asked Ella, "Give me Dr. Gold's number and let me call him."

Ella hurriedly fished out her phone from her pocket and found the number for Tom. He called the number and Dr. Gold answered on the third ring.

"Gold here. Who's this?"

"Thomas Mensa. Lois Clarke's guardian." Tom answered.

He looked around and realized how much they were all waiting for him to finish the call and relay what Dr. Gold would say to them.
I can't talk to him with them looking at me like that
To lessen the pressure on him, he left the reception area to continue the phone call.

Author's Note.

Another chapter up peeps. Please don't forget to share with your friends as well. I hope the medical terms weren't too confusing. Have a great day or night!