Loving Lizzy (The Serenity Mountain Series Book 6)

Chapter Thirty Nine

At oh two hundred, Lizzy’s phone began to ring. The caller seemed persistent as Lizzy knocked her device to the floor as she fumbled to find it half asleep in the dark. Michael turned on the light and rose from the bed to retrieve it for her.

Knowing no good comes from calls in the middle of the night, her heart raced as Michael passed her the phone and she hit the answer button.

“Hello?” she answered groggily.

“Lizzy!” Diana sobbed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to do.”

She sat straight up as she placed her on speakerphone for Michael to listen to the call.

“Take a breath, and tell me what’s the matter,” her calm and professional voice kicked in.

“The baby’s sick. I told you she stayed up all night with croup, but now she’s running a fever. Caleb started coughing and I called the pediatrician’s office. They said I can’t see the doctor since my insurance expired unless I pay upfront. His inhaler’s running low, and it doesn’t seem like it’s working. Mama’s still sick,” her panicked voice sent the couple into action.

“Diana, hang up the phone and I’ll call you back in a few moments. Michael’s getting dressed now and will come check on the kids. Let me help him get out the door and I’ll give you instructions,” she ordered.

“Thanks,” Diana hung up the phone.

Michael pulled his pants on and grabbed a shirt. “I don’t know what they have. Diana’s at risk and we can’t bring them here and expose you. Call Chase and Kassie, tell Diana to stay in the bathroom with the steam running for the kids. Ask Chase or Kassie to meet me there. They can check her mom.” He went to his office to grab supplies.

Lizzy nodded and called Diana back first. She didn’t wait for formalities as she answered.

“Michael’s on his way. Unlock your apartment door and take the kids into the bathroom and sit with them in the steam. Do you have any baby acetaminophen?”

“No.” She whispered, sounding ashamed.

“Don’t worry, Michael carries some in his bag. Listen to me, everything will work out. I’m calling someone for your mom. Do you feel sick?”

Diana paused. “I don’t feel good. I thought it was because of the chemo. I can’t afford to pay them tonight. Will they accept a payment plan or maybe the organization can help with medical bills? I’ll need to ask…”

“We’ll work it all out, I don’t want you to stress yourself out about any of this. I told you we’re in this together. You made a good decision by reaching out.” Lizzy followed Michael into his new office as he pulled out his doctor’s bag and added a few items before kissing her forehead. She motioned for him to call her with updates as she attempted to calm the hysterical mom. “I’m hanging up to find someone to check on your mom.”

She barely heard Diana whisper goodbye before hanging up.

Lizzy called Kassie.

“What’s wrong?” Kassie’s concerned voice came over the phone. She rushed to reassure her.

“It’s not me. Diana’s in trouble. The kids and her mom are ill, and she says she’s not feeling good either. She’s not sure if she’s sick or if it’s the effects of chemo,” Lizzy blurted out as she heard her friend move about the room. “Michael asked if you or Chase can meet him at her apartment, he’s already on his way there.” Lizzy heard her murmuring to her husband.

“Chase will leave now and he’s calling Michael. I’m getting dressed. You can’t be around them,” Kassie reminded her.

“Whatever it is, I know they’re in great hands.”

Lizzy hung up the phone. Now wide awake and sick with worry over her friend, she pulled on her robe and padded to the kitchen for a cup of tea. She settled into her chair and placed her phone on the tray next to her and waited.

* * *

Michael knockedon the door and opened it slightly, calling Diana’s name. He slipped on a mask decorated with puppies. He heard the shower running and her crooning a lullaby to the crying baby. The sound of Caleb coughing sent Michael in the direction of the bathroom.

He knocked again. “It’s Michael, may I come in?”

The door flew open. Diana’s exhausted face met his. Dark circles outlined her eyes and she weaved where she stood while holding the baby.

He reached out and plucked Faith into his arms while guiding the young mother to sit on the toilet.

“Hi Caleb, your mom says you got a frog in your throat. Do you think I can find him?”

Caleb’s bright red cheeks, pale skin, and bloodshot eyes told Michael the little boy suffered from more than a cough. Faith felt warm too. Michael’s hand went to Diana’s forehead. The weakened woman almost leaned into his hand for support.

“Can you take Caleb and bring him into the living room?” He walked back into the area and pointed to the couch. Placing Faith in the portable crib, he opened his bag and walked over to the little boy who clung to his mother’s thigh.

“Caleb, do you remember me from the hospital? You played a game on my phone, and we put a puzzle together. Can I see if I can find the silly frog who’s making you cough?”

The feverish child nodded his head as he stayed close to his mom.

Michael dug in his bag and pulled out a small stuffed puppy. “He’s my friend, Mac. He likes to give hugs to my patients when they’re scared. Can you hold him while I listen to your chest?”

He held the toy close to him to encourage the child to come toward him. When he drew close and plucked the toy from Michael’s hand. Michael listened to his heart and lungs. He drew a stick from his bag and his otoscope. “Yep, definitely a frog jumping around in there. Can I use my light and see if he went into your ears and throat?”

Caleb nodded.

He kept a straight face as he checked the boy’s ears and throat.

“I think I found him. Can you drink some apple juice and take some medicine for me? It’ll help your friend. Then maybe he’ll stop making you cough and go back to his pond.” He took a juice box from his bag and a bottle of children’s acetaminophen. He measured the dosage and squirted into Caleb’s open mouth with a syringe and handed him the juice box.

Michael smiled at Diana to put her at ease. “My friends will arrive in a few minutes, and we’ll get you everything you need. I’m checking on the baby.”

He ran the thermometer across her forehead and swiped it with an alcohol pad. It registered at one hundred and one. He checked her ears and throat. “Diana, when did you last change her diaper?”

“When I put her in her pajamas at eight o’clock. She’s usually wet by now.”

Michael nodded as he listened to the child breathe. Trying to stay calm for Diana’s sake, he picked up his phone and texted Kassie.

Who’s on their way and what’s their ETA?

Chase’s two minutes away.

She replied.

We need transport to the hospital. Infant has suspected pneumonia and child with bronchitis and ear infections.

Bring them to Serenity. We’ll take care of Diana and her mom.

Kassie reported.

Notify Chase.

He texted.

Done. I’ll meet you at the hospital.

She responded.

Michael put his phone down and approached Diana. “Faith needs fluids and IV antibiotics. Caleb has bronchitis and ear infections in both ears. You’re running a fever. Where’s your mom?”

Diana hung her head as she hugged herself. “She’s in the bedroom.”

A knock on the door alerted Michael to Chase’s arrival and he walked to the door and opened it. Saint and Shadow flanked him.

“We thought you might need help.” Shadow offered as the men all slipped on masks.

Michael turned his attention to Chase. “Her mom’s in the bedroom. She’s running a fever.”

Chase headed toward the room. All three men donned gloves.

Diana sat on the couch, holding Faith and Caleb curled himself to her side.

Saint placed his hand on her knee and spoke in a soothing tone, “Now don’t you get yourself tied up in knots. Dr. Michael and Dr. Chase will have you right as rain in no time. For now, we need to get you someplace where you can rest and get the medical attention everyone needs. If you can help me pack a couple of bags, we’ll be ready to leave by the time they assess your mom.”

“I don’t have any money to pay you,” A tear slid down Diana’s cheek.

Shadow walked over and held his arms out for the baby. “We’re Lizzy’s friends and she sent us to help you. We don’t do it for money. You need to worry about telling us what to pack and getting better.”

Diana nodded as Saint picked up Caleb and asked him questions about his friend in his arms. Shadow took the packed diaper bag and a large suitcase of clothes, diapers, and formula to the car while Michael placed Faith in the car carrier and found Caleb’s jacket.

Chase came out of the bedroom. “She’s changing and packing her bag. We’ll take them to Serenity. Shadow will drive you with the kids and I’ll help Diana and her mother and follow behind you.”

Michael turned to her. “I’m taking you to Serenity. You’ll get the care all of you need and you won’t have to worry about the bills. We’ll start Faith on fluids and Caleb on a breathing treatment and antibiotics. Chase will take care of you and your mom.”

Diana scanned the men in front of her. “Will we be right behind you?”

“Yes, I’ll get the kids buckled in and Shadow and Chase will drive you and your mom. If you need further reassurance, call Lizzy.” He noticed her hesitance in handing over her children to a bunch of masked men. Diana glanced at her children and her mouth firmed. The tired, worn-out mother blew out a weary breath and nodded her head.

Michael turned to Saint as he zipped up the boy’s jacket and they headed to the car. Michael leaned in the backseat and buckled the kids in. Luckily, Chase brought his truck which contained Em’s car seat for Caleb.

Diana helped her mother as Shadow grabbed their bags and Chase led them to Shadow’s truck. As soon as everyone entered the vehicles, Saint pulled out.

Michael called Kassie, who answered on the first ring.

“I have Faith, an infant of six months, with possible pneumonia and Caleb, age six, suffers from asthma, bronchitis, and ear infections.” He turned his head to see the child gazing out the window. “I need him started on a breathing treatment when we arrive. Can you update Lizzy? I need a pediatric IV ready and x-rays for Faith. Chase is following behind with mom and Diana.”

“We’re prepped and ready. I’ll take the child to x-ray when you arrive. Doc already called and gave report. I’ll call Lizzy now.” She hung up. Michael watched Caleb’s eyes get heavier and eventually he closed them.

“Pull up to the doors, I want Faith x-rayed right away. Kassie will meet us and take her, and I’ll get Caleb started. Find out if one of the cabins can be made available for them to use after Chase examines them,” he ordered as Saint made his way through the city.

“Got it,” Saint acknowledged him. “No wonder they fell sick, when we dropped off supplies, the woman kept the kids bundled and she shivered on that poor excuse for a couch. Kassie managed to get the heat turned back on. I imagine it was too late.”

“We’ll take care of them. She deserves a break.” He shook his head.

They rolled up to the doors and Kassie ran out. She threw open the door and removed the child from the car seat in the back. “Take Caleb to exam station one, everything’s set up there.”

She headed toward x-ray as he lifted Caleb from the car seat.

“I want my mommy,” Caleb whined as Michael held him to his chest.

“She’s coming, buddy. I’m taking you in here to make your ears feel better,” he assured the sandy-haired child.

“Will you get the frog to come out?” The boy rasped out.

“Oh yeah, and when you feel better, I’ll take you down to the lake and show you where his new home is.” He placed him on the bed. A pair of child sized hospital pajamas lay on the bed along with a toy truck, a puzzle, a coloring book, and crayons. The nurse handed him the tiny mask and the Albuterol treatment. “Now, I need you to keep this mask on to help Mr. Frog breathe. He’ll think you’re a superhero.” The child’s eyes lit up at Michael’s explanation. He adjusted the mask and helped him change into fresh garments. He pulled the tray over, and the nurse sat on the bed and began to play with Caleb as Michael walked into the hall.

Diana’s mom doubled over coughing and Chase ushered her into the room next door. Shadow assisted Diana as she peeked in on Caleb and then allowed him to take her into the room across the hall.

A few minutes later, Kassie carried a crying Faith to her mom. “The slides are getting read now. I know you received chemo yesterday, and you’re exhausted. I’m Lizzy’s friend, Kassie. If it’s okay with you, little Miss Faith and I will walk the halls until the films return. Then Michael will discuss her treatment with you. He’s finishing up his orders for Caleb, and he’ll come in here next to give you the rundown.”

A nurse walked in and covered Diana with warmed blankets and elevated her head. She went over the kids” allergies, her mom”s, and Diana”s. Kassie walked up and down the hall as she soothed the child in her arms. Another nurse assisted Chase. A short while later, they congregated at the nurse’s station.

“The films show pneumonia, and she’s got an ear infection on the left side. Caleb’s breathing seems better, and the nurse is reading to him. Diana’s mother tested positive for the flu. Diana tested negative but I’m not happy with her vitals. Her BP reads high. I can’t imagine the stress she’s feeling right now and she’s beyond exhausted.” Kassie informed him as Chase finished his paperwork.

“We’ll get her settled with a nurse and an aide in the cabin. Caleb can go with her, and she can administer the breathing treatments, antibiotics, keep Diana’s vitals, and alert us of any changes. I recommend you leave her mom, Debbie here. We don’t need to expose them and can provide the care she needs. We already admitted Faith and started antibiotics and Kassie will stay here until I return. Lizzy is frantic, go home and care for your wife. I’ll call with any reports,” Chase ordered him.

“Thank you for all the help. Shadow and Saint went down to the cabin to stock the fridge, drop off supplies, and their luggage,” he wearily sighed.

“You can shower, and I laid out a fresh pair of scrubs in the physician”s quarters. I know you wore masks…” Kassie informed him as she kissed her husband goodbye.

Michael smiled. “You think of everything. I don’t want to expose Lizzy.”

“Victoria, Maddie, and Carol will go to Lizzy’s while we handle things here.” Kassie already turned with Faith in her arms. Her chubby little hand wrapped in Kassie’s long hair and her head rested against her shoulder as she turned into the room she designated as Faith’s. Michael witnessed Chase watch her hold the baby in her arms with a sad expression on his face.

“I’ve stayed engrossed in my own life; I didn’t ask how things turned out for you and Kassie.” He stood and leaned against the counter as Chase typed out the rest of his orders.

Chase glanced down the hall before he spoke, “It didn’t take. She’s working nonstop and volunteering for everything at Lady Bug’s school. Maddie tried speaking to her and Kassie denied how upset she felt. Victoria will try next. Lady Bug will spend the weekend with Nugget and June Bug. Then I’ll sit down and reason with her.”

“I’m sorry to hear it. Will she discuss adoption?”

“Yes, we agreed to do three rounds, and this counted as the second. Then, we’ll discuss the adoption route. Ivan talked to us about considering adopting from Russia. I’m sure if Kassie agreed, he’d have a kid on a plane and in her arms the next day.” Chase leaned back in the chair.

Michael patted his shoulder in silent solidarity. He left the nurse’s station and turned into the physician’s quarters. He removed his clothing and placed everything in a bag left out for him. He turned on the shower, scrubbed down, and changed into the extra scrubs. He grabbed his bag and then realized he left his car at Diana’s. He stopped outside the doors wondering how he planned to get home.

“I left my car at Diana’s,” he rubbed his hand over his head.

“Come on, I’ll drop you off. Kassie will hold down the fort until I return. In a couple of hours, I need to get Lady Bug up and dressed for school.” Chase motioned toward his truck. “Leo will get your car back to you in the morning.”

Michael walked to the truck and counted his blessings.