Page 27 of Beneath the Surface

“I've been informed that Emma's cancer has relapsed. Can you tell me about your perspective on her current treatment plan?”

Eleanor looked away. “Well, the chemotherapy... it's so harsh on her. She's so young, and I just don't know if it's the right thing for her anymore. I mean, it's... it's just so much.”

“I've also been told there are some disagreements between you and Mr. Coltrane regarding her treatment. Can you elaborate on that?”

Her voice shook, “Thomas is so focused on the chemo, but there are other ways, less harmful ways to treat her cancer. I've been reading about alternative treatments, things that might be easier on Emma.” She paused. “But Thomas won't listen.”

Isobel had read up on Emma’s mother’s proposed alternative treatments. They all had been debunked. Following them would be a guaranteed death sentence.

“It's important to consider all options, but we need to ensure Emma's health is the priority. Are you aware that the medical community, including the alternative medical community, are not in favor of the treatments you are looking at?”

Eleanor sucked on her lip. “Thomas and the doctors told me. But they don’t know everything.”

“How has this situation affected your new relationship with Andrew?”

She startled. “Andrew? Well, he... he supports me, of course. He wants what's best for Emma too. But...”

Isobel sensed her hesitation. “Eleanor, it's essential to be honest here. Is there a concern that continuing Emma's treatment might affect your relationship with Andrew?”

Eleanor struggled to maintain her composure. “It's not that simple. Andrew and I, we've... we've been planning our future together. And, yes, Emma's illness... it complicates things. But I love my daughter. I just want what's best for her.”

“Your love for Emma is clear. However, her health and well-being must come first. How does Emma feel about her treatment and your involvement?”

“She's so brave, but she's scared. She doesn't understand why we're not all on the same page.”

“It's crucial for Emma to feel supported by both of her parents. We need to find a way to prioritize Emma's care while addressing your and Thomas’s concerns.”

Her mother dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “I understand. I just... I don't want to lose Andrew over this, but I can't lose Emma either.”

“Eleanor, is Andrew pressuring you in any way?” Isobel asked.

“Pressuring? No,” she whispered.

“Thomas tells me you leave Emma alone at night to go out. Is that true?”

Eleanor looked down at her feet. “Yes, but Andrew says it’s necessary.”

“We'll work together to find the best solution for Emma. Thank you for your honesty, Eleanor.” Isobel walked her to the waiting room.

Isobel called Andrew into her office and pointed to a chair. “Please, sit down.”

Andrew glanced at his watch, his expression tight with impatience. “I don’t have much time, Doc. Let’s make this quick.”

Isobel folded her hands calmly in her lap. “I’ll get straight to the point, then. Eleanor has mentioned you’ve had difficulty balancing your time between her and Emma.”

His face darkened, a sneer tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Difficulty? That’s putting it mildly. Eleanor’s always torn between me and her sick kid, and, frankly, it’s exhausting.”

Isobel raised an eyebrow. “Exhausting for you, or for Eleanor?”

Andrew’s gaze sharpened, a flicker of irritation flashing in his eyes. He leaned forward, his voice lowering with menace. “You ask a lot of questions, little girl. But if you want an answer: both. But especially for me. I didn’t sign up to play nursemaid to her dying daughter.”

Isobel held his gaze, refusing to flinch. “Emma is a child, Andrew. She’s Eleanor’s daughter. That responsibility comes with the relationship.”

His frustration flared, and his voice rose. “And that’s the damn problem. Eleanor’s constantly distracted, always worried about Emma. I’m invisible half the time. Honestly, it’d be better if...” he trailed off, his tone icy.

Isobel’s eyes narrowed, her voice growing cold. “If what, Andrew?”

He smirked, leaning back in his chair, his tone now cruel and calculated. “If Emma wasn’t around. If she... passed away. Then Eleanor could finally focus on me. On us. Without all this... baggage.”

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