Sweet Angel, page 11
part #5 of Commitment Series
“Like I've said, the five year survival rate for children with ALL is eight-five percent overall. Survival rates are based on the percentage of children who live at least five years after the cancer is found. Of course, several of them live beyond five years. With acute leukemia, children who are found to be free of the disease after five years are likely to have been cured, as it is extremely rare for the cancer to return after that amount of time,” Dr. Berry explained.
“That would explain the long-term low dose maintenance period,” Cat said. “I would think it would increase the likelihood of her being cancer-free after five years.”
“Exactly,” Dr. Berry replied.
Billie walked over and reached down for Skylar, who went into her arms eagerly. Kissing her cheek, she held the child close to her heart, feeling the heat of her fever through her clothing.
Skylar put her head on Billie's shoulder and said, "Mommy, I don't feel good. My belly hurts."
Cat and Dr. Berry both rose to their feet to look at the little girl. Lifting Sky's shirt, they noticed that the child's abdomen was somewhat distended.
The two doctors looked at each other knowingly, then at the worried expression on Billie's face.
Dr. Berry spoke. "Her liver and spleen are enlarged. We need to admit her today."
* * *
"Billie, slow down," Cat said as she grabbed for the restraining bar above her door to prevent herself from being thrown across the car.
Billie stared straight ahead, a hard set to her face, jaw clenched, brow creased, as she reluctantly slowed the car. Her knuckles were white as she tightened her grip on the steering wheel in an attempt to maintain control over her emotions.
Cat cast a worried glance at the woman beside her before her attention was drawn to the child sitting in the back seat.
"Mama, where are we going?" Skylar asked.
"We're going to the hospital, sweetie," Cat replied.
Skylar immediately started to cry. "Nooooo! I don't want to go to the hospital. They hurt me there," she wailed, causing Billie to grip the steering wheel even tighter.
Cat reached into the back seat and cupped the side of her daughter's face with her hand. "Love bug, I'm sorry, but you have to go to the hospital. Dr. Berry can't help you feel better if you're not there," she reasoned.
"She can come see me at our house," Skylar suggested in a shaky voice.
"Baby, there isn't the right kind of medicine and equipment at our house to make you better," Cat replied.
"Then bring some home from the hospital when you go to work tomorrow," Skylar demanded.
Cat sighed, wondering how she was going to convince this child that the hospital was the best place for her right now.
Billie had been listening carefully to the exchange, her anger slowing dissipating as she absorbed the child's logical approach to the situation. Seeing the exasperation on Cat's face, she decided to try a little convincing of her own.
"Sky," she said, drawing the child's attention to her. "You really do need to go to the hospital. Do you remember when Mommy was in the hospital?" she asked.
Skylar nodded and grinned. "You were bald, Mommy. You looked funny," she said, giggling.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Billie said dryly. "Well, guess what, rugrat, you're gonna be bald too. So take that."
"Really?" Skylar replied, her interest peaked. "Way cool!"
"So, you need to cooperate, okay? No fussing. Deal?" Billie asked.
Skylar considered what her mother had to say. "Are they gonna pick me?" she asked.
Billie exchanged a glance with Cat before answering. "They probably will, love, but Mama and I will be there to kiss it for you when they're done. Okay?" she asked.
"Can I have jello and pudding like you did when you were in the hospital?" Skylar asked hopefully.
"Lots of it," Billie replied.
Billie let the child think about it for a while as she looked at Cat, a hopeful expression on her face that the child would cooperate.
After a moment or two of quiet contemplation, Cat reached into the back seat and nudged her daughter. "So, what do you say? No fussing?"
"Okay, Mama," Skylar said. "But I want lots of jello and pudding," she added.
"It's a deal," Cat said, turning in her seat and extending her hand to Skylar who took it willingly as Cat sent a silent thank you to Billie with her eyes.
* * *
"Art, this is Billie. Look, I have a problem that I need to arrange for a couple of weeks off to deal with. I'll take vacation if I have to," Billie said to her boss over the phone.
"I knew something was up with you. Billie, where are you?" he asked.
Billie hesitated. Art really didn't need to be worrying about her.
"Billie, I won't agree to the time off unless you tell me what you're up to. Look, I'm not just your boss, I'm your friend. Now talk to me," he insisted.
"I'm at the hospital, Art," Billie said, her voice cracking with emotion.
"Are you hurt?" was the first question out of his mouth, remembering the two times he had rushed her to the hospital for beatings she had endured at the hands of anti-gay activists, and a would-be rapist.
"No, Art, I'm fine," she said.
"Is it Cat? The kids?" he asked, his voice laced with panic.
"Art, it's Skylar. She...ah...she's real sick." Billie cleared her throat, obviously having a difficult time speaking.
"What is it, Billie? You can tell me. Take your time," he urged.
"She has cancer, Art. My baby has leukemia," Billie managed to get out before covering her mouth with her hand to stifle the tears.
"I'll be there in five minutes, Billie," he said, hanging up the phone before she could object.
Moments later, Billie joined Cat who sat in the waiting room near the hospital's admissions area. Skylar was sitting on her lap, her head resting on Cat's shoulder.
Billie sat down next to her wife and child. Reaching over, she stroked Skylar's hair, then leaned in and kissed her cheek, which was flush with fever.
"What did he say?" Cat asked.
"He said he'd be here in five minutes. He didn't give me the chance to discuss the time off once I told him about Sky," Billie said.
"He's a good friend, Billie," Cat replied.
"Yes, he is. I don't think there'll be a problem with me taking a short leave. One of us can spend the days with Sky here, and the other can spend the nights. That way one of us can also be home with Seth and Tara at night," Billie reasoned.
Cat just nodded her head then looked at her wife. "Did you call your Mom?" she asked.
"Yeah. She said Seth and Tara are worried about Sky, but everything else was fine. She said not to worry about them...that she'd be here for us as long as we needed her," Billie explained.
"Billie, I know you are having a hard time believing her sincerity, but I really do think she cares deeply about Skylar," Cat commented.
Billie sat there clenching her hands in her lap, her right leg bouncing up and down with nervous tension. "Maybe," she replied solemnly.
"Mrs. Charland?" the nurse asked.
Both women looked up at her. "Yes," Cat said.
"Mrs. Charland, come with me. We have Skylar's room ready," she said.
Following the nurse down the hall they passed the main desk and saw Dr. Berry there, talking to a nurse and writing notes on the paper attached to her clipboard. She smiled when she saw them coming. As they approached, she put the clipboard down and reached out her arms to Skylar. The child went to her willingly.
"Hi sweetness," she said to the little girl. "Ready to go see your room?" she asked.
Skylar started to cry and rub her eyes with balled fists. "I don't wanna stay in the hospital," she whined.
Billie started to step forward, but was restrained by Cat's hand on her arm as they watched Dr. Berry walk away from them, still holding Skylar in her arms.
"Sky, honey," the doctor said, walking toward the little girl's room. "You need to stay here for a little while so we can make you feel better. You want to feel better, don't you?" she asked the child.
Skylar shook her head yes.
"Well, then, let's make a deal. If you are a good girl and stay here with all the nice nurses, I'll get permission for your moms to stay with you. Sound good?" she asked.
Skylar's face lit up. "Can Mama and Mommy sleep here too?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes, they can," Dr. Berry said as they entered Skylar's semi-private room.
Skylar looked at the single bed. "I think we need a bigger bed, Dr. Berry," she said in all seriousness, "'Cause me and Mommy and Mama can't fit in it," she observed.
Dr. Berry tilted her head back and laughed. Turning around, she looked at a blushing Cat and Billie before commenting on the child's observation. "Sky, honey, Mama and Mommy will have to take turns staying with you. I'm afraid this is the biggest bed we have. Is that okay?" she asked.
Skylar looked over at Cat and Billie who were grinning and nodding their heads at the child. Looking back at Dr. Berry, she said, "I guess that's okay. Can they have lots of jello and pudding too?" she asked.
"Jello and pudding it is," replied Dr. Berry as she placed the sick child on the bed. "All right, little one, why don't you get out of those clothes and into this hospital gown so I can examine you," she finished, giving the gown to the child.
Cat made a move to help her, but Dr. Berry motioned for her to let Skylar do it herself.
Cat looked a little put out at the doctor's instruction.
"Look, Cat. I know it's a natural instinct for a mother to want to help a sick child, but too much of that, and she'll become dependent on you, then pretty soon, she'll expect you to do everything for her," Dr. Berry explained.
Billie came up behind Cat and wrapped her arms around the woman, pulling her back against her chest, in an effort to soothe hurt feelings. Bending over, she whispered in her ear, "She's right Cat. I know it goes against your nature, but let her keep her independence."
Billie placed a light kiss on Cat's cheek and whispered, I love you, before releasing her.
When Dr. Berry finished with her evaluation, she excused herself and left the room to order an IV and the insertion of an implanted catheter for Skylar.
Cat climbed onto the bed next to Skylar and sat with her back against the headboard. Skylar immediately tucked herself in against her mother, while Cat's arms instinctively wrapped around the little girl.
Billie half-reclined across the middle section of the bed, facing her wife and daughter. She rubbed Skylar's leg.
"Sky, honey, Mama and I have been talking about our work schedules, and if I can take the time off from work, I will stay with you during the days, and Mama will stay with you at night," Billie began.
"You've got it, Billie," said a deep voice from the doorway.
"Uncle Art!" Skylar exclaimed in a weakened voice at the sight of the big man.
Art walked over to the bed and scooped Skylar up into his arms. "How's my favorite girl?" Art asked the child, hugging her close and kissing her feverish cheek.
"I gotta bellyache," Skylar said.
"Boy, that's too bad," Art said. "Is that why you're here?" he asked.
"Dr. Berry says I have 'kemia and I hafta stay in the hospital for a little while, but Mama and Mommy can stay here too if they want, and they can even sleep here," Skylar explained, wide eyed.
"Oh, really?" Art asked. "Cool. Sounds like Mom will be spending some time with you during the day for the next couple of weeks, 'cause I don't want to see her at work until you feel better," Art said to the child, but looking sideways at Billie.
"Thank you," Billie mouthed to her friend and employer.
Art looked over to Cat. "Cat, are you able to get time off?" he asked.
"As a matter of fact, I can. I have asked the hospital only to schedule me for surgeries on an emergency basis, at least until Skylar is released and is being treated on an outpatient basis," she explained.
Just then, the technician came in to insert the implanted catheter and start an IV. The minute Billie saw the tray of needles and tubes she turned green and clutched her stomach.
Seeing her wife's reaction, Cat excused herself for a moment and took Billie aside. "Sweetheart, why don't you go to the cafeteria and get us each a coffee while they do this. I'll stay with her. Okay?" she suggested.
Billie looked down at Cat, a worried expression on her face. "Cat, I feel like I'm deserting her," she said.
Cat touched the side of Billie's face. "Billie, it's okay, really. I'll tell you what," she said, grinning, "Why don't you stop at the gift shop downstairs and bring something back for her, all right?"
Billie lowered her head and placed a tender kiss on Cat's mouth, receiving shy grins from the technicians who were readying the equipment for the procedure. "All right, love. Can I bring anything else back for you?" she asked.
"Just coffee and yourself. That's everything I need," Cat replied.
Billie smiled and kissed her once more before kissing Skylar and promising the child that she would be back in a few minutes.
Handing Skylar over to Cat, Art excused himself and followed his friend out for coffee.
* * *
Billie walked with determined strides toward the elevator, Art right behind her, struggling to keep up.
"Charland, will you slow down?" he said irritably.
Billie stopped when she reached the elevator and pushed the down button. She kept her back to Art the whole time.
"Billie," Art said.
No reply.
He tried again, this time placing his large hand on her shoulder. "Billie, talk to me," he said.
Billie lost it. Dropping her chin to her chest, she covered her face with her hands and started to cry.
Oh Great! This is just great, Art said to himself as Billie cried. He was just no good when women cried. Whenever his wife, Marge wanted her way with something, all she had to do was cry. Art didn't know what else to do except open his arms to his friend and hold her. Billie cried in the circle of Art's arms, clinging to him in silent desperation.
Realizing they made quite a spectacle standing there, he gently nudged her into the stairwell near the elevator, where they sat side by side on the stairs, Billie tucked comfortably under Art's arm, her head leaning on his shoulder. Art said nothing as he held her and let her cry out her sorrow.
Finally, when she had exhausted her reserve of tears, she lifted her head off his shoulder and looked at him, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry, Art," she said.
"You have nothing to be sorry about, Billie," Art said. "Your child is sick. If that isn't reason enough to be upset, then I don't know what is. Tell me, Billie, is there anything Marge and I can do for you or Skylar?" he asked.
Billie covered her face with both hands and wiped her tears away. "I don't know what anyone can do, Art, short of hoping and praying that the treatment works. God, if she dies...," Billie couldn't go on.
"She won't die, Billie. You're giving her the best medical attention possible. She has you and Cat and the kids praying for her, not to mention your friends and family. She'll make it, Billie, I know she will," he said, hugging her once more.
Billie looked at Art at his mention of the best medical attention possible.
"Art, there is something you can do for me," she said.
"Anything, Billie, just name it."
"I'd like you to start processing a malpractice suit against one Dr. Carl Sorensen for me," she explained.
"Malpractice suit?" Art asked curiously.
"Yeah," Billie answered, a look of hatred filling her eyes. "Dr. Carl Sorensen. He's the son of a bitch that misdiagnosed Skylar's illness. Cat and I brought Skylar to him nearly two weeks ago with the same symptoms she is experiencing now, and we made a point of stressing the bruise on her leg that has been there for over three weeks with no sign of healing. That bastard diagnosed her with an ear infection. An ear infection! Just a few days after seeing Sorensen, we took Sky to Dr. Berry, and she said there was no recent sign of an ear infection of any kind. Can you imagine that?"
Billie was on her feet during this tirade, pacing back and forth in the stairwell. Stopping, she faced Art once more.
"Art, Dr. Berry said Sky's chances of survival are highly dependent on how well she responds to treatment…and if we caught it early enough. Sorensen may have cost us two precious weeks of time. Those two weeks may make all the difference in Skylar's survival. I want to see him loose his license, Art. He can't have the opportunity to do this to another child," Billie finished vehemently.
Art watched his friend and coworker intently while she explained her case, thanking the heavens above that it wasn't him she was going after. Sorensen didn't stand a chance.
"All right, Billie. I understand, and I support you 200%. I'll file the petition tomorrow," he said.
Billie looked at him through misty eyes. "Thanks, Art. I don't know how to thank you for your support. You're a good friend," she said.
"No thanks are necessary, Billie. You'd do the same for me. By the way, you take all the time off you need, no questions asked, all right?" he said.
Forcing a smile, Billie thanked him once more and kissed him on the cheek, causing an attractive blush to spread across his handsome brown-skinned features.
Billie extended her hand to her friend, helping him to his feet.
"Let's go, big guy. I've got to go buy my kid something, not to mention a coffee for her mother. She'll have my hide if I forget that," Billie joked, trying to lighten the mood.
* * *
"Sky, honey, you have to sit still," Cat instructed the child as the technician tried to numb the skin prior to inserting the needle for the implanted catheter.
"Mama, he's gonna hurt me. I don't want that needle," Skylar cried.
"Sweetheart, after this tube is in, they can give you your medicine through it every day," Cat explained. "Would you rather they gave you a needle every day instead?" she asked.
