by E. Ayers
The doctor looked at her with a shocked but slightly blank expression.
Cassie gave him her best Cheshire cat smile.
“Shawn is about to have a very complicated procedure done, and he has the finest cardiac doctors in this hospital.”
Cassie smiled brightly and motioned with her hand for him to continue.
“Shawn doesn’t have a thing to worry about. He’ll do just fine. When it’s over, he’ll be in recovery, and when he’s awake, they will take him to the ICU and watch over him until he’s ready to go home.”
Cassie mouthed, Thank you.
The doctor tussled Shawn’s hair. “Your biggest problem will be boredom. Better bring some coloring books with you.”
Two hours later, Trent was wheeled out to the waiting room. Cassie was surprised when she saw him in a partial body cast. But it was the bright smile on Shawn’s face that made the whole day seem worthwhile.
“Anyone ready to go home?” Trent asked.
***
Trent settled onto Cassie’s sofa. “No, I don’t want any pills. I’m hungry.”
Cassie passed him several take-out menus.
Flipping through them, he knew he wanted real food, not a sandwich, pizza, or Chinese. He handed her back all but one. “There’s money in my wallet. Jeffer’s Grill, the beef stroganoff and a garden salad with French dressing on the side.”
“What about Shawn?”
“He’ll eat it, too.”
She took the menu and made the phone call.
***
Trent scoffed down his food, what Shawn didn’t eat, and then Cassie’s leftovers on her plate.
“What do you have to drink?” Trent asked.
“Coffee, regular and decaf, water, cranberry and pomegranate juice, and Shawn’s little juices. I also have a bottle of Amaretto and an Irish whiskey. Did you ever fill your prescriptions?” Cassie answered.
“Only the antibiotic. I still have the other bottle from the beach.”
“You’re in pain. You should take something.”
“Give me the whiskey.”
“If you drink that and wind up in more pain, you can’t mix it with the meds.”
“I don’t care.”
“Shall I make coffee for it?”
“I don’t care.”
She bit her lower lip and fixed coffee. He’s a grown man and certainly capable of making his own choice. While the coffee brewed, she showed Shawn several websites where he could play games. It’s going to be a long night.
She fixed Trent a cup of coffee with a short shot of whiskey and handed it to him. “Where’s your antibiotic?”
“In my bag.”
She handed him a pill and then sat with Shawn for a few minutes, showing him several other games and how to play them. When she was done, she came back to Trent and gave him a kiss.
“Mind if I take a hot shower? When I’m done, I’ll fix the tub for Shawn and, once he’s settled in for the night, I’ll help you, unless you want to clean up before Shawn.”
Trent shook his head.
When she returned from the shower, Trent was sitting with his son helping him play his games. She watched the two of them for a moment, then went to the birdcage. The sky was clear, the air was warm, and the city sparkled below. She needed time to think.
Everything I have ever wanted in life is in my apartment, yet everything seems so wrong. We can’t stay here. We’ve got to find another place to live. I’ll call Amanda tomorrow. She might be able to help.
She watched the bustle of traffic below her. Her thoughts drifted between teaching at the university, and her proposal to create classrooms at the museum, back to Trent and Shawn. A cool breeze wafted through her balcony, bringing with it the scent of the river. She rested her head on the warm wrought iron bars encasing the balcony.
The door behind her opened then closed. Trent’s hand rested on her hip.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine. Thinking about things…about us. I want our lives to become one.”
“I can’t commit to marriage, not now.”
“I want the three of us to be together, a real family.”
Trent shook his head.
Taking his hand, she moved it to her breast. “You know what you do to me.”
“Oh, yeah, and it’s fun doing it.” He planted a kiss on her neck.
“It’s a shame you’re in a cast.”
He gave her breast a little squeeze, as his lips found her neck. “We’ve got bigger problems than my cast.”
She turned and gazed into his eyes. “What?”
~~20~~
Early morning light filtered into the bedroom and Trent groaned. Searing pain in his shoulder ran down his arm and across his chest.
“What’s wrong?” Cassie asked.
“Nothing.”
“Don’t tell me that. What’s wrong?”
“My shoulder.”
She found his pain meds and offered them to him.
“I got to get up.”
“Need help?”
He nodded and then gasped as she helped him into a sitting position. “I don’t want to be drunk on pain meds today.”
“There are plenty of people who do it for recreation.”
“I can’t imagine anyone wanting to feel that way.”
“Just take your pill. I’ll fix coffee.”
When she handed him a cup, she noticed his fingers on his left hand were swollen. “What did you do with the papers they gave you at the hospital?”
With effort, he turned towards her front door. “Over there.”
She picked them up and read through them. “Okay, your first mistake was, you weren’t supposed to be sleeping flat.”
She fixed a bag of ice, covered it with a towel, and found the little gel cool pack in the refrigerator. She stuffed two sofa pillows on his lap then put the ice pack into his hand and the gel pack over his fingers. Leaving him for a moment, she returned, shaking down an old-fashioned thermometer.
“That won’t work. I’m drinking coffee.”
“I’m not going to put it in your mouth.”
“Oh, no!”
She grabbed his good arm and stuck the thermometer in his armpit.
“What?”
“It works. With six kids in the house, my mom didn’t have time to wipe down a thermometer when we were sick.”
“I got one that you put in the ear. Correction, I had one. It’s still at the house.”
“I’m sure there are lots of things still at the house.” She sat across from him and sipped her coffee. “I’m really sorry. If I hadn’t opened my mouth, you’d still be home.”
“And my son would still be thinking that his surgery was a death sentence.”
“Shh!”
“I’m not hiding anything. I’ve always been truthful and honest with him.”
She frowned. “Maybe too honest.”
He smiled at her. “Do I get to watch you take a shower being I can’t have one?”
“I’ll fix the tub and help you bathe.”
***
Cassie stopped by Mrs. Winston’s office.
“The city’s attorney’s office wants you to call them.” Mrs. Winston said, as she picked up several phone messages and handed them to Cassie.
The thought of talking to the city attorney sent a ton of weight onto her shoulders. She wanted nothing more than to forget about Hughie Fitzgerald. Cassie looked through her stack of messages and stopped at one. “Joseph Snyder?”
“School board.”
“Oh. Did he say what he wanted?” Her curiosity piqued.
“He only asked to speak with you.”
“Thanks.”
“How’s your young man?”
“Apprehensive. He goes to the hospital today.”
“I meant his father. Didn’t he have his surgery yesterday?”
Cassie smiled at the term young man. “He’s taking his pain meds, which is why I want to get back there
.”
She thanked Mrs. Winston and left for her own office. She looked over the attendance figures and started to return the phone calls. It took longer than she had expected, but she smiled with satisfaction as she raised her arms and stretched. Scooping up a few papers, she made copies that she could take with her, then left her office.
***
When Cassie walked through the door, Shawn was on the computer playing a game and Trent was dozing on the sofa. A blond lock fell over Trent’s forehead. She couldn’t resist the urge to push it back.
“Cas?”
“Shh, go back to sleep.” She planted a small kiss on his cheek before setting her computer on the table across from Shawn. She grinned at the little boy and he flashed her a big smile. He’s such an easy child to have around.
She pulled up the school board files before returning Joseph Snyder’s call. "Shawn, I need you to be very quiet. I have to make an important call for work."
The little blond nodded.
She dialed the number. She spoke briefly with Mr. Snyder. “It’s quite simple. I’m an educator. I want to bring history, science, and art to the children. The museum can supplement their education and give them opportunity to explore in a way that isn’t available in a classroom. Think of it as a partnership that expands traditional instruction.”
“It’s going to cost money.”
“We’re talking pennies to expand their minds.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“I’ve done my homework. Have you done yours?”
She spoke to him for a few more minutes, and then ended the call. She wrinkled her nose at Shawn and giggled. “Are you ready for some lunch? Because I’m starved!”
He followed her as she looked in her cabinets, and then through her refrigerator.
“Well, there’s not much here, but I can make some chicken salad sandwiches.”
“With soup?”
She reached over and picked him up so he could see the cans. “Which one?”
“Daddy likes this one.”
“Do you like it?”
He grabbed the can marked Cream of Mushroom.
“I can do that. Want to help?”
He nodded.
“Pull up a chair.”
As soon as they were done and had the sandwiches made, she poured the soup into bowls and woke Trent.
Shawn had just taken a bite of his sandwich, when Trent looked at his son and sternly said, “Put it down and spit it out!”
Shawn dropped his sandwich and spit into his napkin. “Why?”
“I’m sorry, son. You’re supposed to be on clear liquids today. This medicine.” Trent shook his head as if to clear it.
“What other things do I need to know about?” Cassie asked. “I’ve got Jell-O.”
Shawn readily accepted the small containers.
“I’ll run down to the market and see what else he can eat,” she offered.
“Eat your lunch. I’ll go when I’m finished.”
“No, you won’t. You stay here and I’ll take him with me. He can wear his mask.” She reached over and put her hand on Trent's forearm.
“I don’t want to sleep this day away.”
“Your fingers look better. How do you feel?”
“Drugged.”
“Do you hurt?”
“Just a mild ache.”
“There’s a small play park behind the building. There’s no reason why Shawn can’t play. We’ll both take him, if you are feeling up to it.” She took Shawn’s glass of milk that he hadn’t touched, and exchanged it for a bottle of flavored water.
“I’m so sorry, Shawn. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
“It’s okay, Daddy.”
Cassie put her hand on Trent’s thigh. “I’m sure with some food in your tummy, you’ll be feeling much better” She turned to Shawn. “Give me a chance to clean up, and I’ll take you to the market while Daddy rests.”
Trent looked at his son and then at her. “He shouldn’t--”
“He’ll be just fine with me. Stop worrying.”
***
After playing in the park for several hours, Cassie fixed a simple meal for Trent and her, while Shawn ate more Jell-O.
“What time does he go to the hospital?” Cassie asked.
“Six thirty.”
“Oh, dear. That doesn’t give us much time. Shawn, I’ll fix your bath.” She pushed her plate to one side and quickly went to her bathroom and began to run water in the tub.
A minute later, Shawn was by her side. “Daddy always says three inches of water.”
“And how much is three inches?” she asked with a grin.
“This much.” Shawn held up his fingers.
“Well, my tub requires much more water.” She filled the tub and turned on the jets.
Shawn’s eyes grew big as he watched the water swirling.
“These are the buttons.” She pushed each one and showed him what it did. “Now, off with your clothes, and don’t drown! Do you need help with your hair?”
Shawn shook his head.
She noticed he had pulled off everything, but his Batman underwear.
“Soap, shampoo. And this is conditioner. Don’t use too much shampoo, or you’ll foul up the jets.”
He stood perfectly still and she giggled. “Um, why don’t I turn around so you can pull off your undies and get into the tub? It’s awfully big, and I want to make sure you are safe before I leave the bathroom.”
“No peeking.”
“No, sweetie. No peeking.”
Once she was certain he was settled in, she left the bathroom. “Call me if you need anything, and don’t go getting out all by yourself.”
“How is he?” Trent asked.
“I think he’s fine. Why don’t you go sit with him? Take a little father-son time, while I take care of the dishes.”
“You know this isn’t going to work. I can’t bring him back here from the hospital. He’s going to need his own room and a bed.”
“I know. We’ll work something out.” She watched as Trent headed for her bathroom.
When Trent returned, he and Shawn were wearing clean clothes, and she smiled at her men. She looked at her watch and made a frown. “Think I’ve got enough to time and shower and change?”
Trent nodded. “If you’re quick.”
Showered and wearing a knit dress, she returned to the living room. Trent was packing Shawn’s things for his hospital stay.
She cocked her head to the side and asked, “Got the body crayons?”
“Right here.” Trent reached into a side pocket. “This is going to be payback.”
Shawn giggled.
They drove the few blocks to the hospital and parked in the high-rise garage. The admission process was rather quick, and soon Shawn was in a room on the pediatric floor.
“Pirates! I got a pirate room!”
“Did you know that the kids from Drake Magnet School paint these rooms?” Cassie asked.
Trent looked at her questioningly.
“Dallas Nixon started it. She comes back every year to help the other students.”
“I didn’t know that. Did she do this room?”
“I’m not sure. I think the kids sign their names.”
“They do. It’s a game. And I’m not telling,” said a pretty, redhead nurse who came to check on Shawn.
What they thought was going to be a long boring night, was filled with activity. Someone came and took blood from Shawn. Then several doctors stopped by to check on him. Tate Bia and Katie Olsen stopped by for just a moment, and brought Shawn a super plush teddy bear and a bag full of goodies.
“Cassie, Trent, please call me. Everybody is coming to my house tomorrow morning. You know we are all…” Tate looked over at Shawn, “waiting to celebrate.”
Cassie smiled. “I’ve got your number in my cell phone. I’ll call and let you know as we do.”
Tate nodded. “Good. Dad said that he couldn't say a word one way or
the other.”
Tate gave Shawn a kiss on the top of his head and then hugged Trent and Cassie as she and Katie left.
Trent and Cassie settled Shawn into his bed and, just as they were about to turn out the lights, Robin Callahan appeared at Shawn’s door.
“I came to see my grandson.”
“Grandmom!”
“No,” Trent said.
Cassie put her hand on Trent’s good arm and leaned into him. “For Shawn’s sake, let her see her grandson, and don’t make a scene.”
Trent stormed out of the room.
~~21~~
Cassie sat still and let the woman visit for a few minutes. Then as Robin Callahan was about to leave, Cassie stood.
“Shawn, I’ll be right back. I need to talk to your grandmother for just a minute.”
She steered the woman out of the room and down the hall. “Please. I don’t want trouble.”
“You don’t want trouble? Seems to me you’ve caused quite a bit of it.”
“Mrs. Callahan, please. I think we can all settle our differences at a later time. Right now, we need to keep things as positive as we can for Shawn. Will you be here tomorrow?”
“Of course, I will.”
Cassie nodded. “Then let me handle Trent.”
Robin Callahan turned and walked down the hallway. A small sigh escaped as Cassie returned to Shawn’s room.
“I’ll be right back, sweetie. I think Daddy went to find a cup of coffee.”
“No, he didn’t. He’s mad at Grandmom.”
She took a deep breath. She knew there was no point in trying to lie about it. “You’re right. I’m going to go find Daddy.”
She gave Shawn a quick kiss and went to find Trent. She spotted him in a small waiting room at the far end of the hall. In the dim light, she could see he had tears rolling down his cheeks.
She sat next to him and ran her fingers through his hair. “He’s going to come through this and be fine. You’re giving him the chance to live a healthy life.”
Trent wiped his tears with the back of his hand.