He Saved Me

Chp 29

Michael's POV
It's now around 5pm. Both Prince and Mia are in bed resting. I gave them both some medicine. Prince seems to be doing better than this morning, but Mia is still struggling. I am so exhausted. I haven't even had a chance to eat all day. Prince is my eldest, but when he gets sick he becomes such a baby. Today out of all days, he wants me to stay in his room with him. He said he wanted to play video games, but he was too weak to even sit up. I tried to get him to nap for a bit, but he refused to let me leave his side.
Then there's Mia, who is stuck to me like glue today. She wants me to carry her around the whole house. The second I try putting her down, she begins to whimper or cry. Her constant whining is driving me crazy. But I know my little girl is feeling so sick, so I can't even blame her. I guess this is what Emily meant by "clingy". I was so torn between my eldest and my youngest, they both needed my time and attention today. I had given Grace the entire month off since I was going to be home. But now I was contemplating asking her to come back.
Mia interrupted my thoughts when she pulled on my arms. I was sitting in the downstairs portion of my bedroom suite, reading a book and eating an apple. Or trying to at least. Her eyes were glossy and her face was flushed. My baby was in so much pain, my heart ached. "Come here sweetheart," I said pulling her into my lap. "Did you sleep well baby?" She placed her head against my chest, and just sobbed. "You don't feel well babygirl?" She nodded her head no.
I think it's time to call a doctor. She's been getting worse with each hour. The medicine clearly hasn't worked. I took out my cell phone and called my family doctor. I asked her receptionist if the doctor could please stop by to take a look at my daughter. The receptionist asked me to hold on, while she transferred me to her office. I looked down at my lap and found Mia, dozed off against my chest. I held her feverish little body tight, placing kisses on her forehead.
"Hello? Mr. Jackson? How can I help you?" Dr. Goldberg answered. Dr. Goldberg is a sweet lady in her mid-50s. She's been friend of the family's for years now. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my babies besides her.
"Hi Dr. Goldberg. I was wondering if you could come take a look at my daughter, Mia. Prince too if you can. I guess there's something going around, both of them have been really sick all day. Mia more than Prince," I said. I explained Mia's symptoms in details to her so she could have a general idea of what's going on before she got here.
As I was explaining to her, I felt something warm and wet on my lap. I was trying to focus on what Dr. Goldberg was saying, but that wet feeling was really bothering me. I moved Mia's sleeping body to the side and realized she had an accident. Jesus Christ. The doctor said she'll be here within an hour, and to just make sure they're hydrated and comfortable. I thanked her and hung up. I tried to wake up Mia in my lap, she needed to shower.
"Mia honey, wake up please," I said gently. She whimpered in her sleep. She refused to stand up on her own. Once she realized what happened, she began to cry again. "It's ok mama sh sh," I said while rubbing her back. I know how much she hated feeling embarrassed. Who doesn't? I helped her shower and got her back into bed. I quickly changed and asked Prince to just come to my room for the night. It'll be much easier for me to take care of both of them.
By the time Dr. Goldberg came, all 5 of us were in my room watching a movie. I made Prince and Mia some chicken soup, hoping it will help them. Blanket and Paris were in high spirits, enjoying the movie. I could tell Prince was trying, but this cold was really kicking his butt. One of my staff members escorted Dr. Goldberg into my room. I welcomed her and took her straight to Prince and Mia.
"Paris, Blanket?" I called out.
"Yes?" they answered.
"Why don't you guys give Prince and Mia some privacy. We'll resume the movie later," I said. They nodded understandingly. The room was getting too crowded.
"Feel better guys," Paris said to both of them as they walked out. Dr. Goldberg checked Prince and Mia's vitals. Everything looked okay. After a few simple tests she turned to me with a warm smile.
"It's the flu Mr. Jackson. Nothing to worry about. It's just that time of the year right now," she assured me. "I'm going to prescribe some antibiotics for both of them. They should be better within 2 days. They're fighters. Just make sure they're hydrated. We don't want them to get too weak," she said with a smile. I felt relieved knowing it wasn't anything serious. She made some small talk with them to lift their spirits before she got up from the bed.
"Mr. Jackson, can I speak to you privately for a moment?" she asked. I walked over to a corner with her, out of ear shot of the kids.
"Is everything okay Dr. Goldberg?" I asked concerned.
"Everything is fine. It's just that, I noticed Mia's bruises and scabs on her rib cage have still not healed. Have you been changing the bandages routinely?" she asked.
"Yes of course. Every single day. I just thought it was a slow process, so I didn't think too much into it," I answered. "Is it something to worry about?" I asked scared. God, I just wanted my little girl to stop hurting.
"It's probably nothing, but I'd like to do some more tests. Maybe she's had some internal injuries that are not visible to the naked eye. Maybe the doctors in New York didn't pick up on it," she explained. My heart felt like it was sinking. I really thought we were past that abusive incident. These new tests will only remind Mia of the trauma. "Why don't you bring her in tomorrow afternoon to the clinic? Is 3:45pm good?" she asked.
"Yeah sounds good," I said with sadness in my voice. "She's gonna be okay right?" I asked trying to stifle my tears. Dr. Goldberg put her hand on my arm and smiled.
"Don't you worry. I will make sure of it," she said. I shook her hand and thanked her for making a home visit. I know how busy she is, so I was truly grateful for her time. As the doctor left the room, I looked back at my little Mia. How much can a little girl take? I used to think I was stronger than anyone I knew, but Mia's starting to prove me wrong. I've never met someone so young, with so much fight in her. I pray to God that tomorrow's appointment goes well...