Page 79 of The Summer Arrangement
“Do you know what’s wrong with her?” I ask desperately.
“I can’t say for certain, but please note I will make sure Emilia’s considered a priority until we find out.”
The moment he steps out, my sister steps to my side and wraps around me. In a quiet whisper, she says, “It’s gonna be all right. We’ll get through this.”
*****
I’m stuck in the worst game of hurry up and wait of my life.
The last few hours have been a blur. Milli’s been poked, prodded, and given a series of tests. She’s had both a CT scan as well as an ultrasound, and we’re waiting on the results so the doctor can tell us how to proceed.
The worst part of it all—I still haven’t heard from Cameron.
Since I still don’t have any concrete updates, I’ve held off on calling again. I know him. He’s already going to freak out. He felt guilty enough leaving her here. I can’t imagine how he’ll react to knowing we’re at the hospital.
Glancing at the clock, I realize we’ve been here for less than three hours, though let’s face it, it feels like three years. It’s agonizing waiting like this. Every nurse that comes in to check on her has me jumping in my seat, hoping they’ll bring us something substantial to proceed with. Now that Milli’s pain is managed, and she’s currently napping, sitting here is almost bearable.
“I’m going to use the restroom and check in with everyone. Do you need anything?” Lanie asks, standing near the door.
“No. I’m good.” I sigh, leaning my head back against the wall behind me. I close my eyes and do my best to remain relaxed.
Lanie’s been my rock through this. She’s held my hand and asked questions I didn’t even think to ask the doctors. I don’t know what I’d do without her or the rest of my family for that matter.
I’m startled by the door sliding open.
When I see Dr. Wilks instead of a nurse, I’m simultaneously relieved to know I’ll get answers, yet on edge for what’s to come. Her grave expression doesn’t help. She doesn’t examine Milli or look at any charts. Instead, she grabs the rolling stool and sits down in front of me.
“I’ve just gotten the results for all her tests and there’s no doubt in my mind Emilia’s appendix is the culprit. From what I can tell, it hasn’t ruptured… yet. But I’m not willing to take that chance much longer.”
“Her dad’s in California…” I start but don’t know where I’m going with it.
“I understand that. But this truly is an emergency situation. If her appendix ruptures, it’ll be far worse for Emilia and herrecovery. Thankfully, the paperwork you brought in allows you to make the decision for him in his absence. But in this emergent situation, the hospital would operate on her regardless of any paperwork. I’d like to get her prepped and into surgery within the hour if possible. It could very likely rupture at any time and the sooner we get it out, the less complications we’ll have going forward.”
Handing me the papers she has in her hand, she points to the place where I would sign for consent.
Fuck, what do I do? Cameron should be the one making this decision.
She needs this, Elizabeth. Get your shit together. Stop freaking the fuck out and sign the damn paper.
Taking a fortifying breath, I reach for the pen in her hand and scribble my signature across the page.
“Okay, we can let her rest for now, but in a few minutes, a slew of people will be in here to care for Emilia. I find it’s easier if the parent, or in your case caregiver, stays with their child until they go under. This means we’ll have you get gowned up and have you join us in the operating suite. Once she’s under anesthesia, a nurse will lead you to the waiting room for family and visitors.”
Holy shit. This is happening so fast.
“Ms. Lancaster?”
Shit. She’s waiting for a response. “Okay. I’ll do that.”
“I promise the moment the surgery is over, I’ll personally come to tell you how it went. I know this is scary, but it’s necessary. I’ve successfully completed this exact surgery dozens of times. She’s in good hands. I assure you. Do you have any questions for me before I leave to get prepped?”
“Uh… how long does it typically take?” I ask, trying to get all the pertinent information for when Cameron finally calls.
“It typically takes about an hour. If for some reason it goes longer, I will send someone from the OR to update you.”
I nod in understanding. God, this is so much to take in. “Okay. Thank you.”
The door opens, and a determined nurse comes in, pushing buttons on monitors and unhooking cords from Emilia. I feel so helpless just standing here watching them. But not wanting to get in their way, I stay seated beside Milli’s bed.
