by Lyssa Layne
Her conversation with Olivia led to a discovery that Destiny had a history of UTI’s. What was so profound was that Cherie too had a history of them in her teen years; but because of her propensity to investigate, she did a lot of research and added cherries to her diet and hadn’t had one since.
When they spoke to Dr. Andrew the following morning, she handed him her notes and pointed to the database and let him come to his own conclusion, which concurred with hers. Details had been removed from her mother’s paper files including the fact that Dr. Andrews personally stopped the use of the Levofloxacin because there were better drugs to use on her infection. But the most telling response from Dr. Andrews came when she relayed Grace Hudson’s memory of the night of her birth. Her concerns continued to grow.
First and foremost was the fact that Dr. Benson as good as disappeared from the face of the planet. Where the hell could he be? Mark had someone watching the Benson house in case the doctor returned but so far the only person to stop there was the postman. And of course, the mail was checked.
Secondly, Mrs. Benson was still in the hospital suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Once her injuries were stabilized, she would be transferred to the home where Destiny had been for the past twenty years. The irony wasn’t lost on Cherie, except that she wanted Mrs. Benson and her husband to pay for all the problems they caused, plus they still didn’t know the whole story. And considering how things were now with Mrs. Benson’s injuries and the disappearance of her husband, it was unlikely they’d ever know the whole truth.
The climax to the three days blindsided her as she sat in Dr. Andrew’s office, Cherie sat waiting for the doctor to arrive.
Jason held her hand, offering support.
The difference in Jason was spectacular. He’d been at her side, not leaving her for a moment except to use the restroom or to get her food.
Her feet tapped the floor faster and faster as she grew impatient to get back to the hospital.
Dr. Andrews rushed into the room, excitement flushed his face. “We have to get to the hospital, now!”
A chill ran down her spine. “Why?” She clutched Jason’s arm to keep her knees from buckling.
“No, it’s good news. Desiree is awake.” The doctor waved his arms urging them out of his office.
Cherie faced him. “What do you mean, she’s awake…as in she’s over the worst?”
“No, she’s awake and talking. Your grandmother is with her now.”
Cherie turned to jelly and would have slumped to the floor if Jason hadn’t caught her. “What? How? Really?” Tears flowed freely down the sides of her face. She wasn’t surprised in the least that Jason too was emotionally affected.
Even Dr. Andrews’ eyes were glistening. “Come on, let’s go. I’ll drive.”
They jumped into the doctor’s BMW, and regardless of how smooth the ride was, the ten-minute drive to the hospital was more like three hours. Cherie couldn’t get there fast enough. “As happy as I am that my mother is awake, what are we dealing with? How old is she? Does she know who she is? Does she recognize Olivia? What aren’t you telling me?”
Dr. Andrews made eye contact with her in the rear view mirror. “Think positive. What the nurse was able to determine, between what Desiree and Olivia spoke of, her age is roughly sixteen, and right before she met your father. We can’t tell her who you are. She’ll be too emotionally unstable.”
“I understand.” But she didn’t, not at all. Her parents had always stressed that patience was a virtue, however, no way could they have foreseen this situation.
“Believe it or not this is a good thing. Desiree could be as she was when she was drugged and come back as a five-year-old. But the fact that she’s a teenager, closer to her real age at the time we lost her, makes me think some of what you and Olivia said to her got through.”
Cherie reached for her necklace, grabbing it with both hands to warm her from the inside out. If the doctor was right, this was a very good thing. She couldn’t wait to see for herself.
The doctor eyed her reflection again. “When we get to the hospital, I want to go in by myself to judge what exactly we’re dealing with. Then I’ll bring Olivia out and see what she has to say.”
Finally, they reached the hospital. Cherie didn’t wait for the car to come to a full stop before she jumped out and raced inside. The second she spied the gift shop she went in and purchased a vase of flowers, then at the last minute added a stuffed unicorn. Once she paid for the items, she hurried to her mother’s room.
By the time Cherie reached the door to her mother’s room, Dr. Andrews was racing to meet her. Jason struggled to catch up while giving Cherie a wide grin. With her treasures in one arm, she clung to Jason as Dr. Andrews went inside. Unable to stand still, she pranced around the hall, like a little girl in need of the restroom.
Jason wrapped his arms around her. “Calm down. Don’t forget, Desiree isn’t going to know you, “And you can’t call her Destiny, not yet, not even by mistake.”
Cherie took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You’re right, I have to chill. Not just for my mother but for my grandmother’s sake as well. I’m sure this is going to send her into a tizzy.”
When Dr. Andrews return with her grandmother in tow, Olivia was beaming. “Do you know how long it’s been since I heard my daughter’s voice since she recognized me? I can’t get over it. And it’s all because of you, Cherie.” Olivia hugged her and held on for dear life.
Cherie was stunned, glancing from Olivia to Dr. Andrews. “Me, what’d I do? What’s she talking about?”
Olivia scowled at Dr. Andrews. “She doesn’t know?”
“I still need to talk to the doctor on duty, but it appears as if your research into the old files, discovered that thanks to Dr. Benson, he was treating her wrong, to the point that the entire diagnosis was off. Not only that, but you caught on to how she reacted to calling her Destiny, and finally I believe the two of you talking to her was the key to her waking up. I think she heard you and felt safe enough to come back.”
“What?” Cherie was shaking. Was it really possible her mother heard all they said? “Are you kidding me? Really?”
“I’m afraid to say more, let me get a full update, and I’ll fill you in. In the meantime, you can go see Desiree, but just remember, nothing about who you are, or calling her Destiny.”
“I understand.”
Jason stopped Cherie. “I just got a text from Mark, it’s urgent I go meet him. I’ll call you as soon as I have anything. Good luck. I love you.” He kissed her.
“I love you too,” she shouted at his retreating back.
Olivia clasped her arm, tugging her toward the room. “I can’t wait for you to meet her.”
Cherie entered the room fearful of what she’d find. Olivia was so happy, it couldn’t be that bad. She leaned around the corner and peeked in. There, sitting up in bed, was her beautiful mother, brushing her hair, humming to an old country song and smiling as only a carefree, happy teenager could.
She’d had a shower, her hair was almost dry, and her long snowy white tresses cracked with each stroke of the brush.
Olivia moved around Cherie. “Hello honey, I’m back, and I brought a friend with me.” Olivia waved her closer. “This is Cherie Michaels. Cherie this is my daughter, Desiree.”
Cherie had never tried so hard to control her emotions. Every part of her wanted to throw her arms around her mother, so that acting like a stranger hurt beyond belief. Ordering her left hand out, she offered, “A pleasure to meet you.”
Desiree smiled. “Thank you for coming.” She tilted her head. “You look so familiar. Do I know you?”
It was the hardest thing she’d ever done to reply, “Not that I know of, but then again, I feel like I know you from all the things Gr—Olivia told me about you.” She’d almost made the biggest mistake.”
“Mother, how soon until I can go home? Is Daddy coming to see me later?”
There was a catch in Olivia�
��s throat. “Let’s me talk to the doctor.” She raced from the room.
Cherie did her level best to keep the conversation flowing. “How are you feeling today?” There were so many things she wanted to ask but couldn’t. Would there ever come a day that she’d be free to ask?
“I feel great actually. I’m antsy to get up and walk, but they won’t let me until I meet with the doctor.”
“That’s probably for the best.”
“What I really want is to go home and finish the book I was reading. I can’t wait to see how it ends.” Desiree continued to play with her hair.
For all appearances, she was happy, no issues, no troubles. If only life were that simple. “What were you reading?”
Desiree sighed. “A Knight In Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. I love the men she writes about.”
“I read that one, and you’re right, I love the heroes. If you like that one, you’ll love her latest, Secrets.” Cherie was beyond ecstatic talking about books, it was one love they shared which was very special to her.
“I’ll have to look for it at the bookstore next time I go to town.
Guilty overwhelmed Cherie. Desiree would hate the way bookstores were almost a thing of the past. Some of Cherie’s best memories were of wandering the aisles of the old bookstores, taking her time while trying to pick out her next read. When she left today, she’d order some older books online and bring them to Desiree as a gift.
“What are some of your favorite books?” Desire asked.
Cherie took a seat. “A couple of my favorite books are older. I love The Mirror by Marlys Millhiser—I—”
“I loved that book.” Desiree sat up. “It was hysterical. Can you imagine waking up and you’re suddenly your grandmother?”
Cherie saw forward, “I thought it was even funnier how her grandmother was in her place, can you imagine coming forward in time and talking about your period so frankly when that was taboo in your time?”
“That book was so funny in so many ways. But at the same time, I loved seeing the grandmother/mother/daughter point of views. It was so insightful.”
“I totally agree.” Cherie chuckled. “Another favorite is Amanda/Miranda by Rickard Peck.”
Desiree crossed her legs, so excited, her body practically vibrated. “How funny, that’s another favorite of mine as well. I love anything to do with the Titanic, but can you imagine being such a snotty mean person that even your family would rather accept the servant as their family?”
“Sounds like we have similar tastes in reading material, I’ll bring you some books next time I come to visit,” Cherie said.
“I’d like that.” Desiree turned on her side.
Before they could continue their discussion on books, Olivia returned with Dr. Andrews.
“You’re mother tells me you’re anxious to escape.” He flashed a smile. “Aren’t we treating you well?”
“I still don’t know or remember why I’m here. The funny thing is I feel like I’ve been asleep so long, like Sleeping Beauty. It’s as if I went to sleep in my room last night and woke up here.” Desiree reclined on the bed.
“You had an acute urinary tract infection.”
“I’ve had them before, and this never happened.”
“Yes. This one was more severe. You were unconscious when your mother brought you in.” He pointed to the IV and several bags flowing into her arm.
Cherie took careful note of the details the doctor shared so she could maintain the charade.
“You’ll need to stay a few more days until your numbers come down.” Dr. Andrews patted her foot. “In the meantime, you just relax, let your body heal, and we’ll take good care of you.”
“Mother, will you bring the book on my bedside table when you come back?”
Olivia paled in response.
Cherie squeezed her grandmother’s hand and nodded. She’d make sure to bring the right book.
One of the kitchen staff whooshed in to deliver Desiree’s dinner.
“Honey, we’re going to the cafeteria and get some dinner. We’ll be back in a bit,” Olivia said.
Desiree pulled her tray closer, removed the cloche and sniffed her dinner. As if her stomach had a nose, it growled. She excused herself and dove in.
Cherie, Olivia, and Dr. Andrews made their way to the cafeteria.
Dr. Andrews was loading his tray, as Cherie stopped at the salad bar. Scanning the room for her grandmother, she found Olivia at the cashier with a cup of tea and two packages of saltines.
Cherie found Olivia seated at a small table and sat down beside her.
Olivia stared into her tea, stirring it aimlessly.
“Really grandmother, you need to eat more than that.”
The cafeteria was packed; staff and visitors alike all bustling to grab something to eat and get back to work or family. The clang of utensils, glassware, and trays filled the dining room.
Dr. Andrews joined them. “Is that all you’re eating?” His voice was stern.
“I’m not hungry. I’m feeling guilty. I managed to avoid the topic of her father. But I can’t ignore the fact that her father is gone. How do I tell her he died? What do I say? Not to mention, what happens when she looks in the mirror and sees how old she is?” Olivia’s lips quivered, unshed tears rimmed her bottom eyelid.
Dr. Andrews covered her hand. “As much as I think we need to hold off telling her the truth, the second she sees herself in the mirror will be a disaster, if we don’t prepare her. At the same time, we need to move her back to the home and yet you heard she wants to go home, no way will she understand if we send her there. She has no memory of the place. The last place she remembers is being home.”
It was good to see Dr. Andrews mulling over options. She didn’t want the responsibility of deciding what to tell or when to tell it. This was a doctor’s call.
Leaving the ultimate decision to Dr. Andrew’s, they finished their dinner then went to visit Desiree, but she was already fast asleep. They spoke to the nurse and left the hospital.
Dr. Andrews went back to the home. He wanted to talk with a psychologist he was friendly with and get some advice.
Meanwhile, Cherie and Olivia went home. Once there Martha brought them some tea.
“I had to say it aloud, but I may have to accept the fact that I’ll probably never know the truth about my parents.”
Olivia put her arm around her. “I know. I was so hopeful when she woke up, but I don’t know enough about the mind to offer any suggestions. I have to remind myself to follow the doctor’s orders. It’s not easy being a mother and having to sit by watching your child suffer and there is nothing you can do.”
Cherie sipped her tea. Their evening tea was becoming the perfect end of the day treat. “That’s why I got into research journalism. I hated that feeling.”
Olivia set her cup and saucer on a coaster and turned to her. “Why don’t do you a story about something like this. Use other names, but show how hopeless it feels to be a relative with no power. How it’s up to the family to research as well. I’m not internet savvy, but you, you’re so smart and such a fantastic researcher, this is a grand opportunity. It would make a great story.”
Cherie sat up straight. “You’re right. When things calm down, I’ll do that. Thank you for having confidence in me.” Her interest piqued, Cherie’s brain spun out of control. How many people, every single day, got put in to medical situations and had no idea where to turn, who to ask for help or what their rights were.
“Don’t be silly. If you weren’t here now and I was going through this alone, they’d need to find me a room as well.”
“Same goes for me.” Cherie took hold of Olivia’s hands. “I know I wasn’t very happy that first day in Jason’s office, but I want you to know, I’m very lucky to have you as a grandmother.”
Olivia’s mouth opened, but she burst into tears.
Cherie pulled her close, crooning. “I know, grandmother, I love you too!”
##
To say he was excited was an understatement. He was free, really free. Jason couldn’t wait to get to the house and tell Cherie the news.
He raced into the Alexander house straight to the library where evening tea had become something at the end the day Cherie and Olivia shared. While he would have loved to have time alone, he couldn’t wait.
The front door banged shut. Jason flew into the room, picked Cherie up and swung her around in his arms. “He did it. Mark was able to prove my father did all those adoptions legally. He never accepted a penny, and the money the families paid when to orphanages to keep them going, better food, clothes, beds, and necessities.”
Olivia sat back on the couch. “I never doubted Mason for a minute.”
“I’m so happy for you. I saw how hurt you were when you thought he’d done something so morally wrong. I’m glad Mark was able to vindicate your father.”
Jason’s relief was so great, it lifted the betrayal he’d felt when the possibility came up that his father had dealt in selling infants. It didn’t change how his father treated him, but at least it changed how he viewed his father. Time would heal the rest of his wounds.
“It’s more than that. Now I can honorably ask you to marry me. There’s nothing for me to be ashamed of, nothing for me to fear since Mark proved he wasn’t responsible for the chaos he brought to you and your family.”
Olivia covered her mouth, “I’m so happy for you two. I heartily approve.”
Cherie pulled away, slapped her hands on her hips and then at the last minute charged forward and stabbed a finger into his chest, forcing him to take a step back. “Not so fast buster, I didn’t hear a question and until I do, I’m not responding. You’re not going to boss me around, or take anything for granted, do you understand. If this is going to work, it’s going to be a give and take equally, got it?” Her hands were back on her hips as she glared up at him.
Before, he’d have been put off by Cherie’s reaction, but all he could do was laugh. “See this is why I need you, and why you’re the woman I want to marry. You’re not afraid of me, you’re not afraid to stand your ground, and you’re not afraid to make your mind known, to everyone. I need that kind of woman in my life. Cherie, will you marry me?”