The Battle Within

by LaShawn Vasser

  Once she was finished, Leslie waved her forward, “Come on, let’s go see if we can find it. The intern pulling the results is new, so we might have to help her out. Otherwise, you might be here all day.”

  They entered a room full of files where an intern was sitting at a desk. There were rows and rows of files on one side and an area for test results on the other.

  The intern spoke, “Hi, can I help you?”

  “Yes, I’m looking for Andrew Rothchild.”

  “Do you have his I.D. number?”

  “Yes. I have it.”

  Leslie had been debating with herself about telling April something she’d recently discovered even before she’d run into her at the lab today. They’d been friends for years so running into her now just felt like a confirmation. “April…are you still dating Franklin Roth?”

  She smiled, “Not only are we dating…we got engaged a few nights ago! I would have called you, but you were out of the country at that convention.” April tossed her hand up and wiggled her fingers for Leslie to see.

  “Wow.” Leslie seemed flustered, “Oh my goodness. I figured it would happen sooner rather than later.”

  “He seemed to be taking his own sweet time, but, I landed him. Pat myself on the back for this one.”

  Leslie’s eyes looked everywhere but seemed to have trouble landing on April, “You know…we’ve been friends for a long time. And because we’re friends there’s something I need to tell you. It’s about Franklin.”

  “What about him?”

  “He’s been coming to me for a little while now.” She sighed, “I shouldn’t tell you this. I’m crossing lines and breaking every patient confidentiality law there is. But…we’re friends, and you need to know especially if you’re planning on marrying him.”

  “Leslie, you’re scaring me. Just tell me.”

  “You should be. April…I’ve recently diagnosed Franklin with Schizophrenia.”

  Her heart stopped. She couldn’t breathe.

  Leslie watched her face turn ashen white, “April…are you okay?”

  “We’re getting married in a couple of months. Why wouldn’t he tell me something like this?!”

  “He doesn’t know yet. I haven’t told him. We have an appointment tomorrow. I’ll tell him then.”

  April held on to a nearby table for support, “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  “April, I’m so sorry. He’ll need you more now than ever.”

  “Are you crazy? I can’t marry him now!” She pressed her hand to her forehead, “My god…I’m pregnant.”

  Leslie spoke calmly, “There’s no reason not to hope for a healthy baby, April. However, there are risks. We can complete some genetic tests to see if your baby has the gene.”

  “No.” April shook her head.

  “No? I understand your concerns, and yes the tests carry some risks, but it can be done relatively safely.”

  “Leslie, I’m going to need an enormous favor from you.”

  “Anything. You know I’ll help in anyway that I can.”

  “Don’t tell Franklin about this just yet. Give me a little time to prepare for it.”

  Leslie’s eyebrow went up, “Prepare? I don’t understand.”

  “Once you tell Franklin about his condition that would put more pressure on me to stay in this relationship. I can’t do that.”

  “I know this is a shock, you just need some time. Once you and Franklin…”

  “You’re not hearing me! There is no way that I’m marrying Franklin or keeping this baby. I don’t want any part of that disease. If I leave him right now, after you tell him, people would look at me like a cold-hearted bitch.”

  “April, you’re making some enormous snap decisions. And, you’re asking a lot. Franklin needs to get on a treatment plan as soon as possible.”

  “Leslie, I know the kind of life I was expecting with Franklin. I also know the type of life I want for myself. And if what you are telling me is true, he’s not dealing with a severe case of the flu. He has schizophrenia! That is a prison I would never willingly walk into.”

  “I can’t blame you for that. However, like I said, Franklin needs to get on a treatment plan as soon as possible.”

  “The disease didn’t just spring up from nowhere and if he’s had it for this long, a few more weeks of not knowing can’t hurt, can it?”

  “Weeks! I can hold off maybe a few days but not weeks.”

  “What if…” April chewed her bottom lip, “You know there is an opening in your department. I can put in a word or two with my father for you. He has influence and can make you the head of the Psychiatric Department.”

  Leslie was intrigued, “Hmmm…could he really do that?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay…then, if you could make that happen, I can keep my mouth shut for as long as you need me to.”

  Chapter 5

  Present Day…

  “My goodness Vicky, every time I see this baby, I can’t help but be awed at how beautiful he is. I expected him to have sandy blonde hair like Angel’s but look at all of his curly black hair? He has your mouth and Jason’s eyes.”

  Proud didn’t even begin to describe how Vicky was feeling. She peered over Sandy’s shoulder as she held him in her arms, “He is beautiful isn’t he?”

  “There is no question about it.”

  A little, three and half foot, curly haired Angel Rutherford barreled into the sunroom like a rocket wearing her school uniform and a sparkling pink backpack, “Auntie Sandy…you’re here!” She threw her arms around her neck.

  Sandy was able to embrace her with one arm while holding the baby in the other, “Angel, my favorite niece in the whole wide world!”

  She giggled, “You know I’m your only niece right?” Angel then bent down to kiss her brother on his forehead and whispered, “Hi Jay.”

  Sandy glanced up above her head toward Vicky giving her the this girl is too smart look, then responded in a loud whisper, “No matter…you’re still the BEST!”

  Angel turned to Vicky and hugged her tightly, “Hi mom. Is he still sleeping? That’s all he does is sleep.”

  “Well…yes, babies need plenty of rest, so they sleep a lot. However, while he is sleeping, why don’t you go get changed and get started on your homework before your grandparents get here?”

  That wasn’t exactly what Angel wanted to do, but she went along with it anyway. She didn’t want to waste any time with her grandparents doing silly homework.

  “Okay.” She turned and waved, “See you later Auntie Sandy.” Like the little hurricane she was, Angel exited the room with just as much energy as when she entered it.

  Vicky took a seat on the sofa next to Sandy.

  “Oh…my…god…Vicky, Angel is growing up way too fast. She’s a little lady. What are you going to do with her?”

  “That’s a great question.” Sighing, “Right now my singular goal is to keep her from the internet. Lately, she’s been asking some awfully difficult questions about her father.”

  “Who? Ryan Carter?”

  “The one and only. There is so much garbage on the internet about everything that happened a few years ago. I just want to protect her from all of that. But, social media is everywhere even at her school. I knew the day would come that we’d have to discuss it. I just didn’t think it would be this soon. She’s only five!”

  Sandy was stumped, “I guess…I never actually thought you’d have to explain anything to her this early either.”

  “Exactly! So, how do I have a conversation with a five-year-old about her biological father signing his parental rights away, not to mention everything else that happened?”

  Sandy shook her finger at Vicky, “You know it’s those damn kids at her school putting crazy crap in her head. I say pull her out and homeschool her all the way through college. Maybe then you wouldn’t have to explain anything until she was at least twenty-five.”

  Vicky turned her head from side to side, “I wish I coul
d. Jason and I will just have to deal with this the same way we’ve dealt with everything else…the best way we can.”

  “True. I’m curious…did Ryan ever divorce his wife? What was her name, Alicia?”

  Vicky shook her head, “No. Can you believe that? I think they live to make each other miserable. But, get this, John Lucas mentioned at Angel’s birthday party that Ryan has launched another exploratory committee for a possible run at the Governorship. So, waiting until Angel is twenty-five to explain everything to her is definitely not a viable option.”

  Sandy rolled her eyes, “No, I suppose not. He’s such a scumbag. I can tell you one thing, if he does run, whoever is his opponent will get my vote.”

  “Mmm…mine too. It’s all so depressing. Let’s change the subject because I refuse to give Ryan anymore of my energy.” Vicky couldn’t help feeling like John Kincaid Rutherford II was such a blessing that to allow Ryan to dampen their spirits would be an insult to the blessing.

  Vicky smoothed her son’s hair away from his heart shaped face. Although Sandy still had him in her arms, she couldn’t get enough of looking at him. And, after two weeks, it was still hard to believe her little boy was real. “Let’s talk about the wedding! I know it’s only been a couple of weeks but have you and Roman set a date? Are you excited?”

  “Actually, I’m freaking out a little bit. I still can’t believe I’m getting married! Roman has been working like crazy, so we haven’t done much for planning, but yes, we have set the date.”

  “Wow…so this is really happening?”

  “Yes, it is…two months from Saturday.”

  “Two months! That’s like in…two months!”

  Sandy laughed, “Yeah…it’s exactly two months or sixty days.”

  “Why so soon? Is that enough time to plan?” Vicky’s eyes widened, “Oh my goodness…you’re pregnant! Jay’s going to have a best friend!”

  Throwing up her free hand in protest, “Wait…whoa there. While Roman doesn’t want a long engagement, we’re not having a shotgun wedding.”

  “Why the rush then?”

  Pursing her lips, Sandy responded, “Need I remind you that you and Jason were married within a year of knowing each other?”

  Looking sheepish, Vicky smirked, “That is true.”

  Sandy couldn’t meet Vicky’s eyes, so she continued to admire the baby, “We’ve already exceeded your record. When it’s right…it’s right. So, there is no need to wait.”

  Vicky raised her eyebrow, “Hmm…okay.”

  “What? What do you mean by hmm…I know that look. If you have something to say, just say it.”

  Vicky was hesitant but decided to go for it. This might be her last chance, “Have you…spoken to Franklin?”

  Sandy eyes almost rolled back into her head, “Really? Franklin? Look, Franklin and I have been over for my goodness…two years or more. We’ve both moved on but apparently you and Jason just can’t seem to do the same.”

  “It’s not that we can’t move on. I just think…”

  “Don’t start to say something and not finish. I’m just too nosey for that. Please, go ahead because honestly, I don’t want to have to revisit this conversation again.”

  “Alright…fine. Honestly, I just think there is still so much there between you two. The energy when you’re in the same room is palpable. I’m sorry, but I’ve never felt that energy with you and Roman or Franklin and April for that matter.”

  “Vicky, have you forgotten that Franklin chose April? He. Chose. Her. So, I moved on. I’m not going to beg anyone to be with me. I have too much pride for that…at least now. You of all people should remember how much time I’ve wasted chasing the wrong men, Joshua, and Franklin just to name a couple. I don’t have to chase Roman. He loves me. And…Roman is a good guy. I can check all the boxes with him.”

  “Putting Joshua and Franklin in the same sentence just seems wrong. But, when you say it like that…I can’t really argue his case. And…” Vicky looked heavenward, “Joshua Jones was a mess.”

  They stared at each other a moment before bursting out into laughter. Sandy was glad she could finally laugh about it.

  Once the laughter died down, Vicky continued, “Don’t get me wrong…I like Roman. I just loved you with Franklin. But, you’re right. You’ve both moved on so; it’s time that Jason and I let it go too. I’m just happy that Roman does seem to really love you and treats you like a princess. Every woman deserves that.”

  Sandy smiled cheekily, “He does…doesn’t he? And, it feels so good. My past is just that Vicky, my past and I’m fully embracing my future…with Roman. You’re my best friend, so please be happy for me.”

  Vicky tilted her head to the side, “Without a doubt…I will always support you. But, as your best friend, it’s my responsibility to make sure I ask the tough questions. All I want is your happiness.”

  Sandy didn’t need Vicky’s approval, but she wanted it nonetheless. Even though she put on a convincing self-assured front, her support made the decision to get married feel better. “Thanks, that means a lot to me.”

  In an attempt to lighten the mood, she joked, “I really did date some jerks before Roman, though, didn’t I? Speaking of, is Joshua still with CkR?”

  “Oh god NO! He could read the writing on the wall and was one meeting away from getting his pink slip when he resigned. As a matter of fact, he left shortly after you. Get this…I heard he is working for the Alicia Carter Foundation. The rumor is they are having an affair.”

  “Weren’t they already? I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised. Rats deserve each other.” Sandy laughed, “But if Ryan is going to run for Governor, that’s going to really cramp Alicia’s style. She’s going to be pissed. Wait…then again…nothing seemed more important to her than that Governor’s mansion.”

  “I suspect you’re right.”

  Jason entered the sun room just as they were finishing up their conversation. He walked over to Vicky and captured her lips with his, “Hey Mrs. Rutherford.” She still made his heart smile.

  “Hey, Mr. Rutherford.” And, Jason still left Vicky breathless.

  Sandy fanned herself, “My goodness the temperature just went up a thousand degrees in here.”

  Jason grinned as he turned his attention to Sandy, “Hey Sandy.” At the sound of his voice, his son started to squirm and threatened to cry.” She slowly rubbed his little back trying to soothe him.

  Jason gave her a curious look, “You look good with him. Are you practicing for one of your own?”

  Of course, that would be the exact moment Franklin would appear in the doorway.

  Jay’s squirming got a little more intense, and he started a full-on cry. Sandy adjusted him so that his head lay on her shoulder as she rocked him back and forth patting his back, “Shh…don’t cry. Auntie Sandy is here.”

  She felt his presence the second he walked into the room. For god’s sake when was she going to stop feeling so connected to this man?

  It was even more frustrating knowing Vicky and Jason watched them intently looking back and forth from one to the other, waiting for some tale-tell sign or reaction.

  Franklin’s face was impassive. And, Sandy was tired of all the Sandy and Franklin noise. Everyone needed to understand that she was getting married to Roman, and he was her future…not Franklin. She put on her brightest smile, “Who knows…it’s possible.”

  As he stood at the threshold of the door, Franklin couldn’t understand why the world was conspiring against him? His breath was caught in his chest. The most beautiful woman he’d ever seen looked like a natural with the baby. And, was possibly thinking of having one of her own…with Roman. It made him nauseous.

  Coolly, he spoke, “Hey Vicky…Sandy.”

  Almost in unison they returned his greeting.

  However, Franklin focused on Sandy, “You do look like a natural with the baby.”

  Swallowing the lump in her throat, she responded, “Thank you.”

  The energy that
Vicky referred to earlier was threatening to choke everyone in the room. Fortunately, Jay put them all on notice. He was not to be ignored and began to cry in earnest.

  Vicky hated to hear her son crying but was actually grateful for the interruption. “I’m sure he’s probably hungry.”

  Jason bent to retrieve him from Sandy. He held him close to his chest as he gently stroked his back. His voice was low and soothing, “Alright buddy” as he placed him gently in Vicky’s arms. “I’ll be right back.” He left the room to go get his bottle.

  Franklin took a seat opposite Sandy. “So, Sandy…how is your business coming along?”

  She sat up a little straighter, “It’s great actually! Better than I would have anticipated considering we’re still in our first year. And, thank you for sending over your step-mother. She made a beautiful and expensive purchase.”

  He shrugged, “No problem. She loves expensive jewelry, and you sell ridiculously expensive jewelry. So, it worked out.”

  Jason managed to come back with a bottle in record time.

  Vicky looked at him skeptically, “Is that bottle warm enough?”

  “It’s perfect….promise. Just like you and Jay.” Then, handed it to her. Vicky tested it and he was right, it was perfect. Jay took the bottle down hungrily.

  Sandy continued, “Actually, thank you all for referring some of your friends and family to my boutique.”

  Jason joked, “You know I’m going to do everything in my power to help. Otherwise, Vicky would never forgive me.”

  She eyed him lovingly as she continued to give Jay his bottle, “And…you better know it, Mr. Rutherford!”

  Franklin looked longingly between Vicky and Jason, “These two make you need dental work.”

  Sandy nodded in agreement, “It’s just plain disgusting.” Laughing, “I need the name of your dentist too, Franklin. They’re so sweet on each other even my teeth ache.”

  “Apparently Vicky, our son’s godparents think we are too sweet on each other? Is that even possible?” He asked as he leaned over and kissed her passionately on the lips.