Three Wishes (Dreams Come True #3) by Emma Nichols

Author:Emma Nichols [Nichols, Emma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-05-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Ben

We arrived at the hospital shortly before ten at night. They took one look at Ollie and immediately stuck her in a room to keep her away from more germs. She was given ibuprofen for the fever while they ran further tests. Her oxygen saturation was low, in the high eighties. The entire experience felt surreal to me. I marveled at the ease with which Charlie navigated through it all. She knew dates, treatments, she used words I’d never had cause to really pay attention to before. I watched as she expertly handled the on call emergency room doctor.

“You know your daughter best,” he began calmly. “Tell us what you think, what you’d like to see done.”

Her shoulders heaved as she sat on the gurney holding Ollie. “Well, given her history, I’d like to do a chest x-ray, check for the flu and RSV, and draw some blood for cultures as a last resort.” Charlie stared at him, a determined look on her face, ready to argue if necessary.

“I think that sounds like a reasonable plan. We’ll keep it as non-invasive as possible.” The doctor stood up from the rolling stool and moved to examine Ollie. “Okay, Olivia. I need to ask you some questions.”

One eye peeked open and she nodded slightly. “’kay,” she mumbled.

“Does your tummy hurt at all?” He felt around her abdomen.

Nodding, Ollie grunted, “Yeah.”

“Like you’re going to throw up, or just uncomfortable?” He stared at her with a frown.

“Uncomfortable.” Her grip tightened on Charlie’s sweater.

The doctor turned to the nurse on the computer who was ordering the tests and making notes in the chart. “Let’s get a urinalysis too. It could be a urinary tract infection.” Finally, he listened to her lungs, her heart, and looked in her ears, nose, and throat. “So, we’ll get working on these tests and hope to have some answers for you soon. Hang tight.” He reached out and patted her shoulder a few times.

I know he was doing his job, but I was bothered by the familiarity between them. I felt like an outsider and as much as I cared about Ollie and Charlie, this bothered me as well. Leaning on my thighs, I folded my hands and stared at the floor to collect myself and figure out how to help.

When I looked up, Charlie was rocking Ollie back and forth. “Do you want me to hold her for a bit to give you a break?” I stood and stepped closer.

“It’s okay. I’m used to it.” Charlie wouldn’t meet my eyes. She hadn’t the whole time we’d been there, maybe even during the drive. I was too focused to notice. It started gnawing at my gut. Guilt.

“I know you’re used to it. Maybe you could get used to having help because I’m happy to do it.” I sighed in frustration when she failed to respond. “I get it, Charlie. This is all my fault. I’m sorry. I don’t know how to fix this other than to be here for both of you.

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