Episode 48.

The next few days went smoothly.  Sarah and Peter had fallen into a comfortable routine.  And while Sarah was ready to go home, she also had to admit she was happy.  And her mental and physical health had seemed to improve over the previous 10 days.

On Friday morning, she was sitting on the couch, headgear on, watching TV when Amelia entered the room.  Amelia came over and sat, leaning up against Sarah.  Amelia said “you know, I am going to kind of miss it here.  I am excited to go home.  But I will miss it.  I will miss the people.  I will miss you Sarah.  Promise me that we will stay in touch.  Like we talked about.”

Sarah wrapped her arm around Amelia “of course sweetie.  And thank you so much.  You are just the sweetest.  Just the best roomie a girl has ever had.  You have made my time here so much easier and more comfortable.”

Amelia began to cry as she hugged Sarah.  She said “thank you.  This morning is going to be hard.  Having to say goodbye to everyone.  I can’t believe in less than three hours I will be leaving.  After a month, I feel like some of these people are family.  I am so excited to leave though.  To get my life back together.  I am going back to school.  I have already scheduled my classes at the junior college.  But I am scared too Sarah.  I am scared I will fall back into my old habits.  And fall back in with the wrong people.  I feel like a new woman.  But I am afraid I will not be able to resist the temptations of life.”

Sarah wiped Amelia’s eyes and said “life can be scary.  But, you ARE a new woman.  I know you are strong.  I know that you know what to do.  And what not to do.  And I am certain you will do incredible.  Please, let’s talk every day.  And once I get out, fingers crossed it’s Monday, let’s have lunch.  I will make a deal with you.  I will be your support group.  If you will be mine.”

Amelia squeezed her and said “thank you Sarah, that is a deal.”

Peter was having lunch alone at a deli around the corner from his office when his cell phone rang.  He looked down and saw it was from Vista View.  Thinking it was Sarah he answered cheerfully “hey babe.  TGIF.  How goes it?”

Dr. Higgins answered on the other end “Peter, it is Dr. Higgins.  There has been an incident.  Involving Sarah.”

Peter listened in shock as Dr. Higgins explained what had happened.  He jumped up frantically, knocking his unsweet tea over in the process.  He threw two $20 bills on the table and ran.  He slowed enough as he passed the counter to say “there is an emergency.  I left money on the table.”

Peter squealed tires as he pulled out of the parking lot of his office.  He was a sweaty mess.  He had sprinted from the deli back to his vehicle.  He was halfway to the hospital when he heard the siren and saw the blue lights in his rearview mirror.  His first thought was to put the accelerator to the floor.  But reason took over.  He knew a high speed pursuit would not help Sarah.

As he pulled over into a shopping center parking lot he screamed.  Once he had come to a stop he punched the steering wheel.  He sat there fidgeting, license and insurance card in hand, wondering what was taking so long.  He knew the officer was calling his tag in, but should it take this long he wondered.  Eventually, in his side mirror he saw the officer emerge from the squad car.  And he recognized the blond woman.  As Emily approached the drivers window, Peter held his license and insurance card out the window.  She took them, still not having recognized Peter., and said “do you know why I pulled you over?”

Peter answered “yes, I was driving entirely too fast.  But there is an emergency.” 

Looking at the license and hearing Peter’s voice clicked in Emily’s mind.  She said “oh, Peter, hello.  So, what kind of emergency made you drive so recklessly?”
 
Peter relayed to her what Dr. Higgins had told him.  She said “hang on just a second.”  As she walked away Peter could hear her talking into her radio.  A few moments later she ran back to his window.  She instructed him “pull into that space, lock your vehicle, and get in my car.”

Emily made incredible time getting to the hospital, blowing through multiple traffic signals and passing whole groups of cars, her blue lights flashing and siren blaring the whole time.  She came to a screeching halt in an emergency vehicle parking spot near the main entrance.  She let Peter out of the back seat, and he immediately sprinted towards the entrance.  Despite all the gear and body armor that Emily was wearing, she caught up with him just before he burst through the door.  She yelled “stop!”  He took another step.  She grabbed his shirt and said “Peter, stop.”  He did.  She said “rushing in like a maniac is not going to accomplish anything but scare everyone.  Breath.  And we will walk in together.”

As he entered the lobby of the hospital, he was surprised to see Dr. Higgins standing there with another officer.  The two pairs of people began walking towards each other.

Dr. Higgans was the first to speak, saying “Peter, I am so, so sorry.”

Peter, his voice shaking, said “tell me again what happened.  How it happened.  How is Sarah?  And can I see her?”

Dr. Higgins said “she and Julia are both still receiving treatment.  Please, come with me.  Sit.  I will tell you what I have gathered.  And as soon as they let us back to see Sarah, and Julia, we will.”

Dr. Higgins led Peter over to a table while Emily walked away, conferring with her colleague.  Dr. Higgins said “we don’t know why, but Kim showed up today.  Sarah did not show up for lunch.  Julia went to check on her.  She found Sarah, or I guess Kim, asleep on the couch in her suite.  Julia shook Sarah to wake her.  And she attacked Julia.  Or Kim attacked Julia.  She punched her, threw her across the suite.  She was on top of her wailing on her when two of our orderlies arrived.  It took all they had to pull her away and restrain her, and she even got some punches in on them.  We did call the police Peter.  I am sorry, we had no choice.  Both Sarah and Julia were transported here by ambulance.  What I know now is that Sarah, er Kim,  has a broken hand and she injured her back in the struggle.  She was sedated.  She still is.  And they have her restrained.  We don’t know who will wake up.  Sarah or Kim.”

Peter moaned “oh noooo.”  He buried his face in his hands.  Looking up he said “I want to be there when she wakes up.  Can I be there when she wakes up?” 

Dr. Higgins responded “yes, I want that.  Her doctors want that.  We all think it will help.”

Peter said weakly “thank you.”  He then asked “how is Julia.”

Dr. Higgins sadly answered “Julia took a beating.  She has a dislocated and broken shoulder.  She has a broken jaw and her braces shredded her lips.  From the punches she received.  But most troubling they found a broken vertebra in her neck.  The good news is she still has feeling and movement in her extremities, so it does not appear to be a SCI, spinal cord injury.  They are still treating her now.  She is going to have a rough road ahead of her.  Her jaw is wired shut and will be for awhile.  I have no idea how that will impact her orthodontic treatment, and at this moment that isn’t the priority.  They are also putting her in a shoulder spica cast along with a halo brace.  Because of her wired jaw, and the severity of her other injuries, they are also going to place a nasogastric feeding tube so they can be sure she gets the nutrients she needs to heal.  But it is going to be a long road for her, months.”

Peter shook his head back and forth.  He said “I am so sorry.  I am so sorry. Poor Julia.  She is so sweet.  Her and Sarah are friends.”  Looking up fiercely at Dr. Higgins he asked “how did this happen?  How did you let this happen?  To Sarah and to Julia.”

Dr. Higgins said “I understand you are upset Peter.  We all are.  And we don’t completely understand why.  I have already talked with Dr. Anderson.  And he has some ideas.  But there will be time to dissect the how and the why later.  And how to prevent it from happening again.  What is important now is making sure that both ladies receive the best medical care possible.”

Peter looked over in the direction of Emily and the other officer, who were still huddled together talking.  He turned back towards Dr. Higgins and said “so they are going to arrest Sarah as soon as she is physically able?”

Dr. Higgins said “I do not know Peter.  It is certainly possible.  It all depends on what Julia decides.  Whether she wants to press charges.  I am not going to even try to sway her one way or the other.  It is her decision.  She at least earned that from the beating she took.”

Peter sat in silence.  He finally said “I understand.  This whole thing is just a nightmare.  And Sarah was doing so good.  She was so happy.  And feeling so optimistic.  This is just a nightmare.”

Dr. Higgins agreed “yes, it is.  But we will get through it.  And we will give Sarah the best care we can.”

This last bit rubbed Peter the wrong way.  He blurted out “yeah, like the great care you have provided so far.”  Gesturing around the hospital he added “and here we are.”

Dr.  Higgins said “I am sorry Peter.  I truly am.  And know that in my heart I want nothing but the best for Sarah.  I hope you believe that.”

Peter sat there in silence thinking.  He said “I am sorry.  It isn’t your fault.  It’s just… it isn’t fair.”

Dr. Higgins said “no it certainly is not.”

They sat together in silence for several minutes until a scrub clad nurse approached them.  She said “Mr. Jackson?  Your wife, she is still sedated.  And do not be alarmed, but for everyone’s safety including her own we still have her restrained.  But would you like to see her?  Maybe talk to her?  Hold her hand?”

Peter jumped up and said “that is all I want at this very moment.  To hold her.  To tell her it is going to be ok.  That I am going to take care of her.”

Episode 50.

Time seemed to slow for Peter as he sat silently with Sarah.  The only sounds were the occasional beeping of one of the monitors hooked up to his wife and her constant deep breathing.  He did not even know what time it was when he heard the door behind him open.  The nurse from earlier was accompanied by an older gentlemen in a white coat.  As he approached, Peter gently released Sarahs hand, patting it lightly while taking care to miss the IV that was taped down on it. He stood to face the gentlemen.  He didn't even realize it, but he had positioned himself between Sarah and this man, subconsciously acting to protect her from anyone and anything.

The man approached and softly said "hello, I am Dr. Barnhardt.  I am Sarah's attending physician.  I understand you are her husband."

Peter said "yes, I am her husband.  My name is Peter."

Dr. Barnhardt said "it is a pleasure to meet you" as he stuck out his hand.  As they shook Dr. Barnhardt added "I just hate we have to meet under these conditions.  Would you walk with me?  So we can leave her in peace?"

They returned to the same room that Peter had earlier shared with Emily.  The nurse stood in the doorway as Peter and Dr. Barnhardt sat down across from each other.  Once seated, Dr. Barnhardt said "I want to talk to you about Sarah.  First, she will be fine physically.  She has a broken metacarpal in her right hand, what is often called a boxer's fracture.  Once the swelling goes down, we will put a cast on her arm and hand.  It should heal in 6-8 weeks with no complications.  She also has some bruising, from the fight, but these will fade quickly too.  Now, we also did find a crack in one of her vertebrae in her mid-thoracic, along with some tendon and ligament damage in that area.  Nothing is torn thankfully.  And it is only a crack, not a complete fracture.  And surgery will not be necessary.  She will need to wear a brace for 6-8 weeks however to allow it to heal.  We will be fitting her for a plastic clamshell brace.  Later, once we bring her out of sedation, we will take a form and have it fabricated here in our lab.  We are going to keep her overnight for observation.  And we are going to keep her sedated.  I have spoken with her psychiatrist Dr. Anderson.  I assume you know him?"

Peter shook his head and affirmed "yes, I know him well.  We have been seeing him for 10 years."

Dr. Barndhardt continued "good. He has explained Sarah's condition to me.  In light of Sarah's condition, and the fact he is the expert on it while I am not, he wants to be here when she wakes.  I agree with this.  He has explained that we just can't know who will be there when she does.  Whether it will be Kim or Sarah.  And he has explained they are vastly different people.  So, tomorrow afternoon, at 2 pm, we will change out her IV to one without a sedative.  She should become awake and cognizant shortly after.  I would also like you to be here.  Is that a problem?"

Peter responded "no, that is not a problem.  It would have only been a problem if you told me I couldn't be with her.  And just so you know, she has already awakened briefly.  Kim did.  She did not speak, I don't know if she was able.  But I talked with her. I could see the change in her.  And she let Sarah come back.  I think it will be Sarah who wakes.  I know it will be."

Dr. Barnhardt said "are you sure about that?  There is no way she should have been able to become cognizant.  Are you sure?  Maybe you were imagining it?  Or maybe you dozed off and just think that happened?"

Peter said "no, it happened.  She opened her eyes.  She tracked with me.  She lightly squeezed my hand.  Right before she went back to sleep, she even gave me a smile.  As best she could.  It happened.  And it is Sarah resting in that bed now, not Kim."

Dr. Barnhardt scratched his head.  He said "well, I won't argue with you over it.  But it is very unusual.  That should not have happened.  It should not have been possible.  But, if you say it did... regardless, I would still like for you and Dr. Anderson to be present when she wakes.  Now, as to what happens when Sarah is discharged is still up in the air.  Did an officer speak with you?"

Peter replied "yes, she explained everything to me."

Dr. Barnhardt said "good, then I will not waste my time or yours on that ugly business.  Now, I also understand you want to see and speak with Julia.  She is now in a room.  She has agreed to see you.  Do you still want to see her?" 

Peter responded "absolutely."

Dr. Barnhardt looked at the nurse and said "Mrs. Griffith, would you take Mr. Jackson to see her?"  As they both stood, Dr. Barnhardt said "Mr. Jackson, I am sorry we had to meet like this.  But, Sarah will be fine.  We will make sure of that."

After following the nurse through the hospital, they came to another door.  Before entering the nurse said to Peter "she is on a morphine drip for the pain.  So, she may be a little groggy.  And DO NOT say anything that upsets her, or I will have you removed from the room. Are we clear?"

Peter said "crystal".

The nurse opened the door and held it open for Peter.  As he entered, he found Dr. Higgins sitting in the corner of the room.  As he walked in, Julia cut her eyes towards Peter's direction, unable to turn her head.  As he approached Peter took in the site of poor Julia.  On her upper body was a white fiberglass shoulder spica.  It started just above her waist, covering her entire torso and right arm.  They was a bar integrated into the cast, providing support for her casted arm.  Integrated into the cast where four metal upright supports, which were attached to a metal ring that encircled the front two-thirds of her head.  Peter obviously knew what a halo brace was, and he knew that this ring was literally screwed into her skull.  As he approached closer, he looked into Julia's face.  She was tracking him with her eyes as he walked.  He noticed her mouth was very swollen, her lip was cracked in one spot.

He stopped beside Julia's bed.  As he had approached her, he was trying to decide what to say to her in his head.  She made the decision for him when she said "I guessh ya ah hea to tell me nah to presh charges."  As she spoke, Peter noticed her mouth did not move, unable to as it was wired shut.  But, he did notice she appeared to have gauze packed in her mouth between her lips and teeth.

Peter responded "no Julia, that is not why I am here.  And please, do not try to talk. I know it has to hurt.  I love Sarah with all my heart.  And I never want anything bad to happen to her.  But I am not here to talk about her.  I am here to talk about you.  To tell you how sorry I am about all of this.  And to tell you I will do anything I can to try to make up for it.  And to offer you whatever help and assistance I can.  I feel so horrible about all of this.  Please, PLEASE, let me know what I can do for you."

Julia looked into Peter's face.  After a moment of silence she said simply "thank you."

Peter was not sure what else to say.  So he said "I wasn't exactly sure what to say to you Julia. Other than I am sorry.  I thought about starting off by saying 'wow, some people will do anything to get out of work for a few days', just to lighten the mood.  But, I didn't know how you would take that.  Or if it would be appropriate."

To his surprise Julia actually laughed as best she could and then said "owww".  The nurse that was observing said 'please, do not laugh".

After a deep breath, Julia said "you wah rah right nah to start wih tha line.  But ish funny.  I was wannin a vaca, but thish is nah wah I hah in mind.  I am scared.  Ha I am gonna pay ma bills while I am out of work?"

Peter said "don't worry about that.  We will make sure bills are not an issue."

Dr. Higgins had been listening in and added "that is right Julia.  Our workers comp policy will cover your medical expenses.  And as soon as you feel up to it, I will welcome you back to Vista View.  I will find a spot for you while you mend.  So, do not worry about finances.  That is the least of your worries."

Peter reached down and grabbed Julia's left hand.  He said "and whatever you need; bills paid, errands run, household chores, grocery shopping, whatever you need; I offer my humble services.  It is the least I can do.  So, now that that is put to rest, how do you feel?"

Julia said "like I faugh Mike Tyson.  Sarah shou do MMA.  I guessh ish a goo thing I got braces when I did, they sah I would have lostht shome teeth if it weren fah them.  Even if tha did destroy mah lips.  My shoulder hurtsh pretty bah.  My neck doeshn't, but where they screwed thish halo on does.  Really bad."

Peter said "I am so sorry.  Just so, so sorry.  I wish there were two of me.  So I could stay with you and stay with Sarah."

Julia said "go, be with her."

Peter leaned down awkwardly and gently hugged her, being careful to not jostle her or hit the uprights of her halo brace.  As he straightened up he again said "Julia, I AM so sorry.  And I meant what I said.  Anything you need."

As he left Dr. Higgins followed behind him.  In the hallway Dr. Higgins said "thank you.  And unfortunately, I am going to have to leave here soon.  I spoke with Julia's boyfriend.  And between us, I think he is an as**ole.  He said he was too busy to come see Julia this evening.  Can you believe such a thing?  Anyway, I wish there was someone to stay with her tonight."

Peter said "I will check in on her.  I imagine she will sleep.  I hope she does.  She needs it.  But, if not, I will stay with her.  Or at least split my time between Sarah and her.  They are keeping Sarah sedated.  She needs to rest too."

Dr. Higgins asked "so how is Sarah?"

Peter relayed the story he had told Dr. Barnhardt, and also his reaction that it should NOT have been possible.  Dr. Higgins said "I believe miracles happen every day.  Some big, some small.  I am not saying that was one, but I believe you.  And I am glad Sarah is back.  Now, you have my cell phone.  If there are any developments or changes, let me know immediately."  Peter was surprised when the normally prim Dr. Higgins gave him a big hug.  As she hugged him she said "I am sorry I let this happen."

After she released her grip on him, Peter said "this isn't your fault.  I was just upset.  And angry.  You didn't let this happen.  There is only one person to blame, and he is dead.  But thank you.  And be sure and tell Izzy that Sarah and I miss eating dinner with her tonight." 

Dr. Higgins said "even in all this, you are thinking of others.  Of my Izzy.  Thank you.  Now let me go.  But let me know if anything changes or if I can do anything."

For some reason Peter didn't understand, a question popped into his head from dinner several nights before.  He knew it was strange timing, but he asked anyway "what did Izzy mean when she called you 'gramma' the other night?"  Dr. Higgins said "it is complicated.  And a story I don't share with many.  Certainly not guests.  But I will with you.  Just not right now.  Deal?"

Peter said "deal.  And I will do my best to look in on both Sarah and Julia."

As she turned to leave Dr. Higgins replied "I know you will" and then was gone.

Peter went back into Julia's room.  She cut her eyes in his direction and said "Peta, go see your wife."

Peter said "I will.  I promise.   But you are stuck with me a little longer." 

Julia asked "wash Dr. Higginsh able to get in touch with ma boyfren Nathan?"

Peter knew lying was wrong.  Regardless, he didn't think this was the right time for Julia to reflect on her relationship with her boyfriend.  Instead of telling the truth, that Nathan was a shithead who had told Dr. Higgins he was too busy to see Julia, Peter instead said "no, she was not able to get in touch with him.  It went straight to voicemail.  His phone must be dead or he doesn't have service.  She said she would keep trying him." 

Julia soon fell asleep.  Peter quietly exited the room and made his way through the maze of a hospital to Sarah's.  He found her still sleeping peacefully.  He sat in the gloom watching her sleep, reflecting on the day, the horrible day.  He heard a soft knock on the door.  The nurse from earlier entered and said "Mr. Jackson, visiting hours are over.  I am sorry, I need to ask you to leave.  You are free to wait in our waiting area.  She is sleeping peacefully, she will through the night."

Peter knew he couldn't win this fight, so he stood.  Instead of walking out the door though, he first went over to Sarah.  He leaned down towards her face and said "I love you so much baby.  Get your rest.  And I will see you in the morning."  He then gently kissed her on the lips.

As he followed along behind the nurse, she said "also, there is an Officer Milton that wants to speak with you."

She once again took him to the side room where they had met earlier.  He found Emily sitting there, the springs in her mouth sticking out because of the big smile on her face.  As he entered she stood and said "Peter, I have wonderful news.  Julia woke about 20 minutes ago.  She wanted to speak with an officer, so I met with her.  She said she is not willing to press charges.  I don't know what you said to her, but it must have worked.  And that poor woman, she is going to have a long road ahead of her."

Peter exhaled.  He hadn't even been aware he was holding his breath.  He looked over at Emily and said "thank you.  I didn't even ask her not to.  But, I am so grateful.  And she will have a long road to recovery.  But, I did promise her I would do everything I can to make it easier.  I owe her.  And I owe you.  Thank you."

Emily smiled at him and said "you are welcome.  I am just doing my job.  Speaking of which, with visiting hours over, why don't you let me take you back to your vehicle.  And I need to get home, my shift was supposed to be over hours ago.  I am supposed to be wearing my headgear right this minute.  I am going to be in the doghouse."

Peter looked at her and asked "if your shift is over, why didn't you leave?"

As she stood she said "because of you.  And Sarah.  And because it was just the right thing to do."

He followed Emily out of the hospital in silence.  Once at her car she said "ok, this is breaking policy, but why don't you hop in the front seat?"  As she held the door for him "I know it might feel weird riding in the back of a squad car, even though we both know you didn't do anything wrong.  Plus, it will be easier to talk."

As Emily attached her seatbelt Peter said "you said you were going to be in the doghouse for not wearing your headgear.   Who's doghouse?"

Emily looked over at him and replied sheepishly "I think you know.  I don't understand it.  She thinks my springs are cute.  And she loves it when I wear my headgear too.  It is just so strange."

Peter smiled and said "it really isn't that strange.  Sarah is the same way."

Emily raised her eyebrows and responded "really?"

Peter said "yep, I am going to bring it with me tomorrow.  No, I don't plan on wearing it through the hospital.  But I will wear it while I sit with her.  Do you have yours with you?"

Emily said "I do, in my purse.  I will put it on when I get home."

Peter said "why not now?  If I had mine, I would.  Why not, it isn't like either of us is going to be shocked by it.  Or judge the other."

Emily looked at Peter.  She said "Dr. Parker should hire you.  As her headgear motivational speaker.  I can't believe I am going to do this.   Again."

She got out of the car and popped the trunk.  As she got back in the drivers seat she had her headgear pouch in her hand.  She said again "I can't believe I am about to do this."  Using her rearview mirror she guided the facebow into her mouth, then attached the cervical and then high pull straps.  Looking at Peter she puckered her lips and said "muah" and then laughed.  As they pulled out of the parking lot Emily said "I can not believe I am wearing this.  But I am off duty.  And Maria will be so happy to see me come home wearing it."

Peter said "you know, it doesn't look bad.  Just different.  Have you ever heard of an Interlandi headgear?  I got one after you left the other day. It is a beast.  I will show you when we get back to my vehicle.  And it isn't any of my business, but what is the story with you and Maria?  Were you a 'thing' before your appointment the other day?"

Emily said "you are right, it is none of your business.  But I like talking about her.  No, Maria and I were not a thing before the other day.  But, and I can't explain it, something happened between us the other day.  And now we are a thing.  And I will leave it at that."

Peter smiled and said "that is exciting.  And isn't it strange how sometimes great things seem to come from not so great things?  And usually completely unexpected."

Emily said "yes, I guess it's true.  Flowers need the rain to grow."

Arriving back at his vehicle Emily said "we are here."  She pulled a card out and handed it to Peter.  She said "here is my card.  I don't think I will be involved with this case anymore.  It is closed.  It will all just be an incident report in a file somewhere.  But if you have any questions my number is on there."

As Peter got out of the squad car he said "thank you so much.  And hang on.  I promised you something."

Peter unlocked his vehicle as he approached it.  Emily could not see his face as he stood at his open driver's door, so she did not see as he inserted the facebow in his mouth.  But she couldn't miss the huge set of straps that he placed over his head, encircling both the top of his head as well as around the top of his neck.  She unconsciously reached up and felt the straps on the side of her face.  Peter turned and leaned into the mirror.  She watched as he attached the elastics from the headgear to the facebow.  Once done Peter turned and smiled at Emily and said "now THIS is headgear."  As he walked back over to her car he added "and I am not nearly as pretty as you, so I don't pull it off nearly as well.  While you drive home tonight, just know you aren't the only grown-up driving home wearing headgear." 

Emily said "thank you Peter.  I guess we are in this together.  Maybe we need to form some type of support group.  Grown-ups with headgear!  But enough about that, please know I will be thinking about Sarah tonight.  Please, since you have my card, let me know how she is doing.  Give me some updates.  Please?"

Peter smiled at her and said "I absolutely will.  And thank you for the ride.  And for taking my mind off of all this at least for a few minutes.  Actually, thank you for everything today.  You are a good one.  Now, go, you need to get home.  And I will let you know how Sarah is doing tomorrow."

Hopefully the last few chapters answered a few questions.  Such as what the casts are all about.  And just as an FYI, while researching some details on dissociative disorder and autism, I found a real life example of it.  Of a woman who was cutting herself being put into two long arm casts to prevent it.

Hopefully, the story has not gotten too far out in left field and is still enjoyable.  And hopefully I haven’t made too many mistakes.

I check to see if you have posted another chapter every day. Even when I fall behind on my reading, I still check to see what you have added.

Don't worry about the mistakes, they aren't affecting the story. If I see something I feel needs to be fixed, I'll mention it.

Just keep telling the story you want us to read and we'll keep reading it.

You are becoming one of the more prolific writers here and I appreciate your dedication to providing us with an entertaining story to read to take us away from everyday life, even for a short time.

Episode 53.

Peter had been listening in rapt astonishment.  With a pause in the narrative, Peter said “Dr. Higgins, I am so sorry.  I had no idea.  But why…”

Dr. Higgins replied “please Peter, let me finish.  Then if you have questions ask.  This is hard for me to talk about.  I am afraid if I start answering questions I won’t finish.” 

She looked at Dr. Anderson and asked “honey, could you get me something to drink?  A water?”

Dr. Anderson patted her hand and replied “of course sweetie.”

As he stood and left the room Dr. Higgins continued “so Peter, you are a smart man.  Obviously Robert and I are more than colleagues.  I will touch on that with what I am about to say.  But really, that is another story.  I want to finish talking about how Vista View came to be.”

She continued “so, eventually they deemed me no longer a threat to myself and allowed me to go home.  I continued to see Robert weekly.  And he uncovered something in me.  A desire to help others.  With his help, I went to college and got my bachelor’s degree in social work.  Upon graduating I worked as a social work.  The pay sucked.  But that was not a worry.  The working conditions were chaotic.  But I felt I was at least helping people.  And paying my penance.   Because Peter, not a day goes by that I don’t feel guilt about my Sarah Grace.  But at least Robert had taught me how to channel it into something healthy.  Instead of trying to drown out or pickle it with alcohol.

At this time Dr. Anderson returned with a bottle of water.  He handed it to Dr. Higgins and said “here you go sweetie.”  She took it from him and said “thank you honey.”  She unscrewed the cap and took a long drink.  She then continued her story.

“After a year I realized I wanted to do more.  I wanted to focus on addiction counseling.  And I wanted to help more than one person at a time.  I went back to school and got my masters, and then my PhD.

I had a vision.  That vision was Vista View.  With Roberts logistical help and contacts, and the financial backing of the Higgins Fund - it is a philanthropical trust established by my grandfather and chaired by my older brother, Vista View was born.  I would like to say that my parent’s parenting methods worked fine for my two brothers.  They are both very successful.  My younger brother is a world renowned orthopedic surgeon.  And my older brother, who is now retired and focuses his time managing the Higgins Fund and playing golf, was the CEO of two different fortune 500 companies.  No, they were very successful, I was always the black sheep of the family.”

Dr. Anderson stopped her and said “Susan, you are very successful too.  Do not belittle all you have done.  And are doing.  This is not a knock on your brothers, but you have done more to make this world a better place than either of them every thought about.”

Dr. Higgins looked at Dr. Anderson “honey, thank you.”

She looked back at Peter and said “and Peter, you seem to be a wonderful, caring, selfless man.  I think Sarah is so fortunate.  But you are not the only wonderful, caring, selfless man in the world.  But again, Robert and I are a different story, for a different time.”

Looking at Dr. Anderson, she said “but you did break my heart that day you told me you could no longer be my doctor.  Until you explained why.  Again, I don’t want to get side tracked.  Vista View.”

She looked at Peter and continued “so, the doors of Vista View were open.  We had a staff.  And we had patients, excuse me, guests.  But the first few years were a little rocky.  At least behind the scenes.  But, I felt like we were helping women.  Many who suffered from addiction, and all who suffered from some form of mental illness.  After a few years, we really got our feet under us.  And then one day, a new guest arrived.  She was a skinny, anti-social blonde girl in a scoliosis brace who had spent the last year in and out of jail for prostitution and drug possession charges.  Her latest arrest had led to a psych evaluation, which eventually led her to Vista View.  This was Izzy as she liked to be called.

Over the first few weeks I got to know Izzy, at least as much as she would let me.  But watching her, I saw someone else.  I saw my Sarah Grace.  I dug into Izzy’s background.  I found she had been orphaned when her parents, her adopted parents, had died in a car wreck.  Her parents were a Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Sallinger.  He was a pediatrician at the hospital where Izzy was dropped off, a new born wrapped in a pink blanket with a little pink toboggan on her head.  This was before ‘baby dropboxes’, a place to drop off unwanted children, were as big a thing as they are today.  Now many hospitals have them, as do some police and fire stations.  Anyway, someone, no one knew who as this was before the time when there was a camera on every lamppost, had dropped this newborn off in the middle of the night at the hospital where Dr. Sallinger worked.  Dr. Sallinger and his wife were unable to conceive.  He was working the night that she was dropped off and one of his duties was to periodically check the ‘dropbox’.  It is rare that anyone actually leaves a newborn, but that night it happened.  And Dr. Sallinger was who found her.  Upon seeing this little newborn, he fell in love.  He and his wife adopted her.  They named her Issabella.”

Dr. Higgins stopped and took another drink.  She then continued “Peter, I mentioned yesterday I believe miracles happen everyday.  One day, as I watched Izzy.swim I had an epiphany.  I don’t know why.  I don’t know how.  But I knew Izzy was my granddaughter, the child my Sarah Grace had delivered shortly before her death.  But I couldn’t prove it.  Until Robert had an idea.

One day I went to Izzy and asked her if she had ever heard of Ancestry.com or 23 and me, the dna testing businesses that tell customers their lineage.  And of course she had.  You know Izzy, and how excitable she is.  She begged me to let her do it.  That was my hope.  We sent it off for testing.  She was so excited.  But I had an ulterior motive.  And maybe it wasn’t the most ethical thing to do.  But, I had to know.  I also had her DNA and mine testing by another local lab.  They matched.  There was a 99.9% chance that Izzy was my granddaughter.

I couldn’t just tell her.  So, after getting our results back I told her about another DNA database that could narrow things down even further.  I asked her if she was curious who her biological parents where, as long as they were in the database.  She said she wanted to.

A few days later, after much deliberation, I brought Izzy into my office. I had Robert there with me.  He had cautioned me against it.  But once he realized my mind was made up was going to support me completely.  I was more nervous that day than any other time in my life.  I was afraid Izzy would hate me.  Would hate her mother, my Sarah Grace.  But, and maybe it was selfishness on my part, I felt I had to tell her.  Her life story.  Which was also my daughter’s story.

After I told her, she broke down and cried.  I went to comfort her, completely prepared for her to push me away.  Reject me.  Hit me.  I deserved it.  I was prepared for her to tell me she hated me.  That she never wanted to see me again.  But she let me hold her.  And when she was cried out, she hugged me back.  And she called me ‘gramma’.

So, that is my story.  And Izzy’s story.  I love her more than anything in the world.  And I hold myself responsible for her health issues, physical and mental.  There is no doubt in my mind they are the result of Sarah Grace’s alcohol and drug use while she was pregnant.  And Sarah Grace’s alcohol and drug use were because of me and my poor decisions and poor parenting.

Izzy is my second chance.  To try to make right what I did so wrong those years ago.  Everyday when I wake up, my goal is to help women.  And Izzy.  And to give her the life I should have given my Sarah.

Peter, maybe it is just a coincidence that your wife’s name is Sarah.  But I don’t think it is.  I could not save my Sarah.  But we are going to save your’s.”  As she finished speaking, Peter noticed the tears running down Dr. Higgins face.

You are an excellent writer, my friend! There is so much going on, but it all fits together so well. These last few chapters have been really intense, especially the last one. I worry when writing if there is not enough orthopedic or orthodontic content, but they often get more likes than others. I think once someone gets into a story, they like to know more about the characters as people. You are doing this very well! Thanks!!!

Episode 54.

Peter stared at Dr. Higgins.  He wanted to say something.  But where would he even start he thought.  He finally said simply “Dr. Higgins… I just, I had no idea.  I am so sorry.”

Dr. Higgins gave him a forced smile and replied “thank you, but you have nothing to apologize for.  No, I am the one responsible.”  She went silent.  One could have heard a pin drop in the small room.  She finally said “I trust you will not discuss what I have told you with others.  But, I wanted you to understand why I sometimes act like I do.  And you to know I will do everything I can for Sarah.  I completely trust Robert.  I trust him enough to have the thing I love most in the world, Izzy, stay with her.  I also have trust in Sarah.  She is one of the sweetest, most nurturing people I have ever met.  I could tell that immediately by how she treated Izzy.  I trust that Sarah will do her part in her recovery.  And she will not hurt anyone.  Or let Kim come back and hurt someone.  Because I will be honest with you, after what happened to Julia, I am not very fond of Kim.  She is not welcome at Vista View if that is the way she is going to act.”

Peter couldn’t help but smile at this last part.  He said “thank you.”

Dr. Anderson said “so Peter, we are all in agreement?” 

Peter looked at him and nodded as he replied “yes.  But I want to be involved every step of the way.”

Dr. Anderson responded “excellent.  And Peter, you must be involved every step of the way.  What do you say we go to Sarah’s room and sit with her?  It won’t be long until they wake her.”

Peter said “I do have one request.  When Sarah wakes, and I know it will be Sarah, can we please remove her restraints immediately?  She is claustrophobic.  And it rips me up to see her tethered to her bed.”

Dr. Anderson said “I will speak with Dr. Barnhardt.  But I do not see a problem with that.”

When the trio entered Sarah’s room, Peter immediately went to her while Dr. Higgins and Dr. Anderson stood back.  Sarah appeared to simply be sleeping peacefully as Peter leaned down over her.  He said “hey baby, it’s me.  You are going to wake up soon.  Please, don’t be alarmed or scared.  I will explain everything.  Until then, rest.  I will be right beside you.”

He rolled the stool over beside her bed and seated himself.  He took her uninjured hand in his.  He felt her squeeze his hand almost imperceptibly.  He looked at Sarah and said “thank you baby.  I love you too.” 

This caused Dr. Anderson to look at him with a questioning look.  Dr. Anderson approached the bed and Peter gestured with his head down towards Sarah’s hand.  Dr. Anderson said “Sarah, hello.  It’s Dr. Anderson.  And Dr. Higgins is with me.  We will also be here when you wake.  Sarah, if you hear me, can you squeeze Peter’s hand?”  He watched in amazement as he saw her thumb move, gently squeezing Peter’s hand.  He looked at Peter and soundlessly mouthed “it is Sarah”. He moved back over beside Dr. Higgins and whispered “I am almost certain it is Sarah.  She squeezed Peter’s hand.”

The trio sat in silence, Peter holding Sarah’s hand, for the next 15 minutes.  Then, the door to the room opened.  A nurse entered followed by Dr. Barnhardt.  Dr. Barnhardt softly said “we are going to change out Sarah’s IV.  She will wake soon.”

Peter looked at him and asked “I am ok to stay here?”

Dr. Barnhardt responded “yes, you are fine.”  Peter noticed Dr. Anderson move beside Dr. Barnhardt and quietly converse with him.  Peter could not hear what was said, but he did see Dr. Barnhardt nod up and down.

The nurse quickly changed out the IV.  Peter said to Sarah “baby, you will be waking soon.  Remember, do not be alarmed or frightened when you wake up.  You may be a little groggy and confused.  But everything is ok.  And boy, do I have a story to tell you.”

It was about 10 minutes before Sarah began to stir.  Then, she opened her eyes.  Peter squeezed her hand and she looked in his direction.  He cheerfully exclaimed “hello sleeping beauty.  I am so glad you are back.  Please don’t be alarmed.  Don’t try to move just yet, just relax.”

Peter could tell she was still groggy as she looked around the room.  She weakly asked “what’s going on?  Where am I?” 

Peter said “Sarah baby, you are in the hospital.  There was a little accident.  But you are ok.  Just relax.  I will explain everything.”

She looked down at herself and said “what happened to me?”  She tried to raise her right hand to get a closer look at it.  That is when she realized she was restrained to the bed.  With panic in her voice and on her face she asked “why am I tied down.  Oh God, what happened.  What did Kim do?”

Peter leaned in and hugged her.  He said “we will talk about that.  But you are safe.  And Kim is gone.  And they are going to unbuckle you.”  He craned his head around towards Dr. Anderson and Dr. Barnhardt with a pleading look in his eyes.  He saw Dr. Barnhardt nod to the nurse.  She approached the bed.  Peter said “I am going to let go of you for just a second.  So this nice lady can unbuckle you.  Sarah, you have a little boo boo on your right hand, so be careful with it.”

The nurse first unbuckled Sarah’s left wrist, then reached over and carefully removed the cuff from around the splint on Sarah’s right wrist.  When the nurse moved towards the foot of the bed, Peter moved back in and hugged Sarah.  With her arms now free, she sat up and wrapped herself around Peter.  Neither even noticed the nurse unbuckle the cuffs from around her ankles. 

As they held each other, Sarah said “tell me what happened.  Tell me what I did.”  With his right arm Peter stroked her back.  He responded “I will baby.  But first, I just need to hold you.”