Chapter 216

Even though I was terrified I would lose Alex this morning, I smiled when he returned from the bathroom.

Then, I began to talk about what we would do when he was well again, as Benson made him comfortable on the recliner.

“We must do some traveling together,” I said. “I’ve never been farther from the city than Lake Pocono.”

“That sounds wonderful, sweetheart,” Alex agreed. “There are several places I would enjoy visiting with you.”

Benson tucked another blanket around Alex. “I must wait in the foyer now. The doctor will be here any moment.”

Benson left the room, and I pulled a small chair close to my father. I didn’t intend to leave his side until it was over.

“Have you made your choice yet between your two suitors?” Alex asked.

“Not really,” I replied. “But I’m close to a decision.”

Victor and William are both excellent men,” Alex stated. “I approve of either as long as you’re happy.”

Our conversation was cut short when Benson returned with Dr. Stedman.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Alex?” Dr. Stedman asked.

“I’m positive,” Alex replied firmly. He looked into my eyes and squeezed my hand. “I love you, Daisy.”

“And I love you,” I said.

The room grew tense as Dr. Stedman started an IV in the back of Alex’s left hand.

After a saline solution was flowing into Alex’s veins, Dr. Stedman produced a full syringe from a red medical container and injected the new medication into the IV bag.

“How long will it take for all the medication to enter my bloodstream?” Alex asked.

“Less than an hour,” the doctor replied. “If it becomes uncomfortable, let me know. I can slow the infusion. I’m going to monitor your vital signs closely during the process.”

I moved to give the doctor better access to his patient.

“Your mother and I spent a lot of time in this room,” Alex told me. “Joanna insisted on putting your bassinet here, next to the couch.”

I looked around at the comfortable surroundings. “That’s why this room has always felt like home.”

Alex began to look even more tired. “The rocking chair she sat in to put you to sleep is in the attic. She liked it where this chair is now. That's why I always sit here and why I want to be here now.”

I put a hand on his shoulder and watched the fluid in the bag run through the tube and into his veins.

“Please, let it help him and not kill him,” I silently begged.

But as the medication continued to flow into his veins, Alex grew more sleepy. Before long, his eyes closed, and he stopped talking.

The doctor checked his pulse. “His heart rate is slow, but it seems stronger. We must wait to see what happens.”

After another hour, Alex was in a deeper sleep. The doctor took a syringe from his bag and drew blood from Alex’s other arm.

He handed the blood sample to Benson. “Have someone rush this to my office. It will tell us what is going on with Alex.”

Benson took the vial of blood and hurried from the room. He returned to report Joe promised to have it to Dr. Stedman’s office in a few minutes.

The wait became unbearable when Alex couldn’t be aroused by shaking him or calling his name.

“What’s happening, doctor?” I asked.

“I’m sorry, Miss Wilson, but I just don’t know,” he replied after shining a flashlight into Alex’s eyes to check his pupil's reaction. He drew another vial of blood and handed the vial to Benson.

“The first blood test results should be done soon. I need this one taken for testing too,” Dr. Stedman said. “It’s the only way to know what’s happening inside Alex.”

While Benson took the blood to Joe, Dr. Stedman got a phone call. I watched his face as he listened to the caller. A smile bloomed on his face, and he turned to me.

“The results of the first blood test show a drastic improvement to Alex’s red blood cell count,” he said.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“It means there is hope,” he replied. “Alex is responding to the new treatment. If his body can handle it, I believe it will make him well.”

I brushed back Alex’s hair. “How much longer until we know?”

Dr. Stedman shrugged. “I don’t know. If Alex awakens in a few hours, I believe he will be out of danger.”

The second blood test showed even more improvement, but Alex remained unconscious.

“Perhaps we should move him to his bedroom,” the doctor suggested.

“I’ll turn down the bed and get his wheelchair,” Benson said.

“Benson, I said I wanted to stay here,” Alex said. “But I do have to use the bathroom.”

“You’re awake!” we exclaimed in unison.

Alex stretched and opened his eyes. “And I feel marvelous. Like I had the most splendid night's sleep.”

Dr. Stedman moved to Alex’s side to take his vital signs. “You’ve done it, Alex. The new treatment is working.”

---

Alex was back on his feet that afternoon. He claimed to feel much better, which showed in the more youthful way he moved.

After the second successful infusion of the new medication a few days later, Dr. Stedman was confident Alex’s prognosis was excellent.

After a week, Alex insisted I stop watching him constantly and do something fun.

“Take your friend Amy shopping and buy yourselves whatever you need for your prom,” he suggested. “Have the bills sent to me.”

“I think I’ll take you up on that,” I sighed.

Shopping with Amy would be a needed distraction. The only time I left the house all week was to take my finals, which I aced. My last year of school was over, except for the prom and graduation ceremonies.

But I felt depressed sometimes.

I was overjoyed that Alex was going to live, but Victor had disappeared from my life. He hadn’t called or dropped by since the day I told him I was going to the prom with William.

It was just as well. I promised the Goddess to heed her signs if she spared Alex. And I owed William big time for finding the treatment that saved Alex’s life.

There was no way I could go to the prom with Victor. William had to be my choice.

I called Amy to ask her to go shopping for prom, and she got excited.

“I was going to wear the gown you gave me for your ball,” she said. “But I would love another gown to dazzle Justin.”

“Joe will take us in the limo,” I said. “We’ll pick you up in an hour.”

Amy was ready and waiting when Joe pulled the car in front of Gray’s restaurant. She giggled when Joe held the door open for her.

“Riding in this car makes me feel like a queen or something,” she said. “Where are we going shopping?”

“Gisele’s. I love her clothes.” I jumped when my phone buzzed. But when I glanced at the screen, it was just a spam text.

Disappointment washed over me, and it must have shown on my face.

“You still haven’t heard from Victor, huh?” Amy said.

I shook my head. “I left a voicemail and texted him last night, but I haven't heard from him in a week. This is the longest I’ve gone without him since we met, and I miss him.”

“Go to his office or apartment and talk to him,” Amy suggested.

“It’s probably better if I don’t,” I said. “I promised to be with William.”

“Are you sure the Goddess wants you to be with William?”

Amy asked.

“My vision was of William saving me,” I reminded her.

Joe pulled into Gisele’s lot and parked next to another limousine. The car looked familiar, and Ramsley, Lana’s chauffeur, stood beside it. My heart raced when I heard Lana’s voice.

Diana became excited, too. I heard her mumbling in the back of my mind.

I gasped when I saw a tall, dark-haired man on the other side of the limo with his back to me.

“It must be Victor!” I slapped the car seat between me and Amy. “Who else would help Lana shop at Gisele’s.”

After getting out of the car without waiting for Joe to open the door, I ran toward them.