Cat rolled onto her stomach and looked Billie in the face. “Billie,” she said in a deep, threatening voice.
“What?”
“Up. Now.”
“Okay, okay. Geesh. Are you going to get the whip out next?”
Cat chuckled. “Don’t even go there.”
“TMI!” Doc said as he left the room.
Laura arrived right on time for Billie’s afternoon PT. She held the walker down as Billie pulled herself to her feet. Once her balance was secured, they headed down the hall, with Cat in tow, pushing the wheelchair in front of her in case Billie lost her strength during the walk.
It took an hour to walk down the hall and back. As they approached Billie’s room, she suddenly stopped and gripped the walker until her knuckles were white.
“Hon, are you all right?” Laura asked.
Billie’s gaze darted around, fear and anxiety evident on her face. “I’m hot. God, it’s hot all of a sudden.” She sniffed the air. “What’s that smell?”
Cat pushed the wheelchair closer to Billie. “Laura, get her into the chair and back to her room right now. She’s having a seizure. I’ll have the desk page Daddy.” Cat pushed her IV pole in front of her toward the nurses’ station. Within minutes, Doc was there with a team of technicians, hooking Billie up to an EEG.
“Daddy, I’ve seen these symptoms before. In fact, it happened once while I was anesthetizing a patient. It has the signature of a simple partial seizure,” Cat said.
“You’re right. Here’s our chance to collect enough data to know for sure if Billie is epileptic.” Doc hooked the terminals up to Billie’s forehead. “Did she experience other symptoms like changes in body temperature, sudden fear or anxiety, abnormalities in speech, sight, or smell? Did she complain of a stomachache, or did you observe any muscle spasms?”
“Changes in body temp for sure. And at one point, she stopped walking and just went stiff.”
“You know, I’m right here in the room with you,” Billie said as Doc connected the wires to the EEG machine.
“Sorry, Billie,” Doc said. “We doctors sometimes get caught up in the moment and forget the patient can hear what we’re saying. Just so you know, it does sound like a simple partial seizure. These tests should be more conclusive.”
Before long, the technicians finished, leaving Doc to monitor the graph being produced by the EEG, while Cat sat by Billie’s bedside, holding her hand.
“Cat, I feel fine,” Billie insisted each time Cat cast a worried expression her way.
“Hi there,” a voice said from the doorway. “What the hell?”
The expletive drew their attention to Jen standing there. Cat immediately became aware of how bad the situation might appear to her. Billie lay on the bed with multiple pads and wires attached to her head; Cat—an IV coming from her arm—sat next to her, holding her hand; and Doc was in the middle of the whole mess monitoring the equipment hooked up to Billie.
“Will someone tell me what the fuck is going on here?”
Cat rose from the chair and approached Jen, pushing the IV rack along in front of her. “Calm down, Jen.”
“My God, Cat, what the hell happened? I leave you alone for less than twenty-four hours, and I come back to this. Explain.”
“It’s not as bad as it looks.”
“How can you say that? Jesus. You’ve got a drip bag attached to your arm. Billie has wires coming out of her head. Don’t you dare tell me it’s not as bad as it looks.”
Cat grabbed Jen by the shoulders and shook her. “Just shut up and listen to me, damn it.”
Jen was stunned into silence.
“That’s better. Now I’m going to tell you this just once, so you’d better listen, okay?”
Jen nodded.
“All right. Billie might have had a partial seizure. The wires are connected to an EEG. She’s fine. As for me, well, you were right. Yes—all of you were right. I wasn’t taking care of myself. I passed out at work, and here I am. The drip bag is for hydration. I’m fine now.”
Jen’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears. She hugged Cat. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you and Billie mean so much to me. You scared the hell out of me.”
“We’re fine.”
“Okay,” Doc said as he switched off the EEG. “Finished.” He began to remove the pads and wires from Billie’s head.
Cat helped him, and soon, the EEG machine was pushed aside. Cat watched over his shoulder as he reviewed the tape it produced. “What do the results say?”
Doc spread the graph paper out on Billie’s lap so they could all see what he was pointing at. He started tracing the line on the graph with his finger. “See this ragged line, right here, on the beginning of the graph? This is data collected right after we hooked her up. And this part of the graph, the part that levels out and is straighter and less ragged, is data that was collected just prior to shutting the machine off. The ragged line represents seizure activity, while the straighter, smoother line represents normal brain activity.”
“So this data shows there was a seizure,” Billie said.
“Correct.”
“Epilepsy?” Cat asked, hearing an audible gasp come from Jen.
“Probably, but controllable with medication. There are several different kinds of drugs to treat epilepsy. The choice of drug is determined by the type of seizure and how well the patient tolerates the side effects. Billie, we’ll start you on one of these anticonvulsants right away. If we’re lucky, we’ll find the right one for you relatively fast.”
Billie nodded.
“Epilepsy? That’s bad, isn’t it?” Jen asked.
“Not necessarily,” Cat said. “Epilepsy is a neurological disorder, not a disease. In most cases, it’s not life threatening and it can be controlled with medication. The seizure we walked in on right after Billie’s surgery was pretty severe, yet she’s doing fine now.”
Jen released a sigh of relief. “Yeah, you’re right. Don’t mind me, it’s just my ignorance showing through. I guess I’ve got some reading to do.”
“I think we all have,” Billie said. “Especially me.”
“Billie, how did you feel when you learned Cat was ill?” Dr. Connor asked.
“I was scared. In fact, Doc had to force me to calm down before he’d take me to her.”
Cat reached her open palm toward Billie, who placed hers on top and folded their fingers together.
“Have any more memories surfaced?”
Billie squeezed Cat’s hand. “Only one.”
“Would you like to share it?” Dr. Connor asked.
“I’m not sure what it means. It was only a glimpse in time, an isolated moment. I don’t know what happened before or after it.”
“That’s all right. Maybe Cat can help fill in the blanks for you.”
“I saw myself sitting at Cat’s bedside in the hospital and telling her I loved her, but I didn’t realize it until she almost died. She said she had known all her life she would find me, that it was our destiny.”
Cat wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
“Cat, judging by the tears, that must sound familiar to you,” Dr. Connor said.
“Yes. I was in the hospital with appendicitis. It was only six or seven weeks after we met. Billie saved my life. I remember telling her I had loved her forever and knew I would find her one day.”
“Billie, how did you feel about Cat when you had the vision?”
“Confused.”
“Why confused?”
“What I saw in the vision was so intense, I could almost touch it, and when it was over and I looked at Cat, I still didn’t know her. I was confused. I had a glimpse of her in my past, but no knowledge of her in my present.”
“And what about the future?” Cat asked. “Am I in your future?”
Billie traced Cat’s jaw with her free hand. Warmth spread through her abdomen like tentacles. She took a stuttered breath and let it out, all the while, maintaining eye contact with Cat. “Yes.”
Chapter 33
Cat was released from the hospital the next morning with strict instructions from both Doc and Billie to take better care of herself. Cat and Billie had slept in the same bed for the last few nights, holding each other close while sharing thoughts and touches.
As much as Cat wanted to make love to Billie, she held back, electing instead to touch and caress her at every opportunity without crossing over the line into sexual advancement. She promised Billie there would be no pressure, and she was determined not to rush her. The last thing Cat wanted was to scare her away. She wanted Billie to make the first move. Cat was certain Billie would let her know when she was ready to take the relationship further. In the meantime, Cat had one goal in mind—a goal planted there by Jen: You’ll just have to make her fall in love with you all over again.
After breakfast, before Laura arrived for therapy, Cat and Billie discussed another visit from the children.
“I can’t wait to see them again,” Billie said. “I really enjoyed their last visit. It amazes me how fast they’ve captured my heart, and it didn’t seem to bother them that I’m somewhat limited at the moment.”
“They love you very much. It doesn’t matter to them that your head is shaved or that your speech is slow. You’re their mommy.”
“What was I like with them?”
“You’re the playful parent, always initiating tickle wars and wrestling matches.”
“Really? I wish I could remember.”
“Give it time, love. It’ll come back.”
“I hope so. When do you think they can visit again?”
“I was thinking maybe this evening after dinner. In fact, when Laura’s finished and you’re doing OT, I’ll run home for a change of clothes and then to Mom’s to see the kids. I’ll talk to them about it then.”
When Laura arrived, she and Cat walked Billie up and down the hall with her walker. Billie was making remarkable progress. She beamed with pride as she negotiated the hall with little difficulty. Before returning to the room, the trio spent some time in the solarium, resting, and helping Billie learn how to raise and lower herself into a chair with just the aid of the walker. When they got back to Billie’s room, Laura helped her into the chair, gave her a quick hug, and promised to come back later in the afternoon.
Cat placed her hands on the armrests on either side of Billie. Their gazes lingered for long moments. “I’m so proud of you. You’ve come so far in such a short time. You’ll be ready to come home soon, I think.”
Billie pulled Cat down to sit across her lap. Cat rested her head on Billie’s shoulder. “I’ve missed this so much,” Billie said.
Cat lifted her head. “What did you just say?”
Cat could see the confusion and anxiety in Billie’s eyes.
“Did you remember something?”
Billie shook her head. “No, not really. This just feels familiar. It feels right.”
Cat nodded. “It is right. It feels right because it is right.” She cuddled back into Billie’s arms and remained that way until the occupational therapist arrived for Billie’s session. Cat left for home.
As Cat pulled into the driveway, she noticed Jen setting out for her power walk. She honked the horn and motioned for Jen to come over.
Jen opened the car door. “Hey, there. Are you taking a break from the hospital?”
Cat climbed out of the car. “Sort of. Billie’s in OT, so I thought I’d get a change of clothes and run over to your place to collect the mail.”
“Actually, I’ve been leaving the mail on your kitchen counter.”
“Oh, okay. Thanks.”
“Are you in a hurry to get back to the hospital?”
“Well, I don’t want to be gone too long. Why?”
“I was hoping I could talk you into keeping me company on my walk. I’m betting you can use a little stress relief.”
“You got that right. I’d love to go. Give me a few minutes to change.”
Moments later, Cat was changed into spandex running shorts, a short T-shirt, and a pair of running shoes. Not wanting to push too hard after Cat’s hospital stay, they took a brisk but easy walk. Despite the mildly taxing nature of the workout, they were both covered with sweat by the end of it.
“Come on in the house,” Cat said. In the kitchen, she walked over to the growing pile of mail on the counter and sorted through it, filling up the rubbish bin with junk mail. She managed to weed the pile down into a stack of three or four bills. “Not too bad,” she said when she finished.
Jen handed Cat a cup of coffee she had brewed while Cat was going through the mail. “Here, drink this. A shot of caffeine is just what you need.”
Cat took a sip. “Oh, Jen, this is good. You’re right, I needed this.”
“How are things going with the big guy?”
Cat gave a big smile. “She’s made remarkable progress, even since yesterday.”
“Has any more of her memory returned?”
“Not really. I see glimpses of her old self, but it’s more behavioral than memory. Does that make sense?”
“Are you saying you’re seeing old behaviors, but they’re random rather than the result of a memory?”
“That’s it exactly.” Cat took the last sip of coffee.
“Want some more?” Jen asked as she refilled her own cup.
“No thanks. I need to get into the shower before I visit the kids and get back to the hospital.”
“Okay. I’ll just finish my coffee and head home.”
“All right. Thanks for the walk. It was a nice break. I needed the exercise.” Cat hugged Jen and kissed her cheek. “Hey, if you’re free, how about coming to visit during Billie’s afternoon PT? You can see how much better she’s doing.”
“I’d like that, but are you sure tall, dark, and dangerous won’t mind?”
“Why should she?”
Jen shrugged. “I just don’t want to embarrass or upset her, that’s all.”
Cat slapped her on the arm. “Don’t be silly. Of course she won’t be upset.”
“All right then. It’s a date.”
“Good. Now I’ve got to take a shower. I’ll see you later.”
While Cat was in the shower, Jen lounged against the kitchen counter, finishing her coffee. When she was done, she rinsed her cup, put it in the dishwasher, and shut the coffeepot off. Just as she reached for the doorknob, the phone rang.
Without thinking, she picked it up. “Hello?”
She was momentarily met by silence. “Hello?” she said again.
“Who is this?”
“Billie? Billie, this is Jen.”
“Jen, what are you doing there? Where’s Cat?”
“Cat’s in the shower. We’re both kind of sweaty right now. In fact, I was on my way home to clean up too.”
“I want to talk to her.”
“Sure, hold on. I don’t hear the shower running anymore. I’ll get her for you.”
Moments later, Cat picked up the phone as Jen was leaving. Before speaking into the phone, she called out, “Thanks for everything, Jen. It was fun, and I really needed it. See you this afternoon, hon. Bye.” Then, into the phone, Cat said, “Hey, sweetie,” just in time to hear a click and a dial tone. Startled, Cat called Billie’s room, but no one answered. She peered at the phone and hung it up.
Chapter 34
When Cat arrived at her parents’ house she noticed Seth’s newly shaved head. She grinned from ear to ear, hugged him close, and whispered to him, “Mom is going to be very touched, honey.” He grinned back at her and blushed.
She spent the next hour visiting with her mother and the children.
“Is Mom ready to come home?” Seth asked.
“Not yet. She’s getting better, so I expect it will be sometime soon.”
“Can she walk now?” Tara asked.
“With a little help, yes, she can.”
“Cool.”
“Does Mommy still talk funny?” Skylar asked.
“A little, but that’s getting better too, except when she’s tired or upset.”
“I hope she comes home soon,” Seth said. “We really miss her.”
“Yeah, we really, really, really, miss her,” Tara said.
“I miss having her at home too. Let’s hope she keeps getting better fast.”
“When can we see her again?” Seth asked.
“How about tonight, after dinner?”
“Can we?” Seth turned to his sisters. “Do you want to visit Mom tonight?”
Tara and Skylar jumped up and down and clapped their hands.
Cat hugged each child. “Why don’t you go play and give Mama and Grandma some time to talk before I go back to the hospital.”
“I call the Nintendo,” Seth shouted as he ran into the other room.
“No fair. I want the Nintendo,” Tara said.
“There are two controllers—share!” Cat called after them. Skylar wrapped her arms around Cat’s leg. Cat brushed wisps of hair away from her forehead. “What about you, lovebug?”
“I’m tired.”
“Come here, sweetie.” Cat lifted Skylar into her arms and carried her into the living room. She laid her on the couch and tuned in a favorite cartoon on the television. “There. If you feel sleepy, you can just close your eyes. Okay?”
“Okay, Mama.”
Cat went back to the kitchen and sat at the table. “I’m beat.”
Cat’s mother wrapped her arms around Cat and held her close. “I know this is hard for Billie, but I can’t help but feel for you as well. Your father told me about your fainting spell at work. Caitlain, you know you need to think of yourself first. Otherwise, you won’t be able to be there for everyone else. You’re carrying a pretty heavy load right now. If you plan to go on at this pace, you’ll need to eat and sleep to keep up your strength.”
Cat leaned her head into Ida’s arm. “I know, Mom. And you’re right, it’s been hard.” Cat began to cry.
Ida held her closer. “Let it go, sweetheart. I know how difficult this must be for you.”
“You don’t know the half of it, Mom. Can you imagine Daddy waking up one day and not knowing who you are? I feel like I’ve lost everything.”
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