CHAPTER 5 - You can't be serious. No way can I have cancer!
Alexa POV
"We will run a few tests, for I can see that this might be a little more than a stomach bug," she said, opening the door for her and spoke to one of the nurses. "Put her in bed four, do these tests," I heard the doctor say before they were whisked away.
"You okay?" Kayson asked Alex gently, squeezing my hand.
"I don't know," I replied as we walked. I was a little worried now. I knew this was more than a stomach bug. Not that I was going to say that to him. I was worried, but that was only natural. I did not like being in those beds.
"Hope I do not have to stay here long, these beds are impossible to sleep on."
I smiled though at him. "My mother hated these beds..." I gulped. She'd died here. Something that was not a good memory. I grimaced. What ever this was, it was giving me no peace at all.
Kayson tried to smiled gently at me. At least he was here for me. "It wont be anything to bad, just better safe then sorry," he said, reassuring not just her. "You'll be home before you know it.. and I’ll be with you the whole time. Okay?" he said as they came to a stop.
"Put this on," the older nurse said, handing me a backless gown and Kayson turned the other way to let me get changed.
"Tell me when your dressed," Kayson said.
I remembered these drafty gowns. They really sucked. People were in here to get better when they looked like you could catch a cold wearing one of them.
I sighed and put it on unhappily. "All done," I told Kayson. I was glad he was staying here with me. I would not be happy being here alone.
"And thanks for saying you'll stay here with me, Kayson." I smiled a little.
I was getting very embarrassed by this whole thing. I did not want to be here at all. This was all a turn of bad luck for me. That was all it had to be.
He chuckled lightly and turned to face me, pulling back the warm sheets for me to get in.
"No problem, you think I wouldn't of come?" he joked. "I shall stay by your side as long as you want me there." Kayson pressed his lips to my forehead as a few nurses came in.
"Hello dear," one said in a motherly fashion and smiled at Kayson. "We're just here to take a few tests...feel free to ignore us," she said, taking my arm and putting the band around it to take blood.
Kayson looked at me, holding my hand and not looking at the needle. Though he wouldn't say, he hated the sight of them.
I grimaced. Needles. Urrg. I hated them so much. Oh well if they were going to make me better i would put up with them. Nothing like another needle. I was used to them at least. My muscles tensed but I loosened them automatically. There was nothing wrong with a needle for goodness sake.
Nor did i want for them to find anything wrong with me. I hated being in this place. But i would do my best to be good for them. "What else do you need me to do?" I asked them, not taking my eyes from Kayson. It was easiest not looking where they were. Else I would get too tense again.
"Nothing at the moment love," the motherly nurse said.
"We'll take a look at this, then see where to go from there," she said, giving my leg a pat.
"Just stay here and rest," she said, leaving the room and Kayson sat back down beside me.
He smiled at me, not sure what else to do.
"Are you feeling any better?" he asked, worried still.
I grimaced at the thought, what had I gotten this time? I was getting nervous now and that worried me. I sighed though; things could only get better right? I smiled at him a little bit. "Not really no." Why did I have to feel like this was something more than some annoying stomach bug?
I sighed and thought about that. “What about you? Getting a little worried about me, are you?” I smiled as I sat there, I was feeling alright since he was in the room at the moment. I was not however looking forwards to anything else that happened in here.
The hours flew past, and we talked about everything. Each other, our pasts. Everything other then hospitals, needles and other such not so pleasant memories.
The doctor came in, the same one they saw first.
We now saw her name. Dr. Reid.
"Hello Alexa," she said smiling warmly, though it didn't quiet reach her eyes.
"Well, we have your blood test results back... and nothing has shown up, as I can see that you are still in quiet a bit of pain, I would like to do a Physical exam of your stomach area," she said and waited to see if that was okay.
I gulped. I’d known something was going on here. There really was nothing they had to hide from me. I was not the little kid they were used to. I could handle whatever this was that was annoying the crap out of me. I sighed, thinking about this.
"Go ahead,” I replied. I wanted to know just what I had gotten and I was not too pleased that there was something else that came up. “I want to know whatever it is that ruined what was planned to go out tonight, Dr Reids.”
There was nothing I wanted more than that.
The young doctor smiled, and Kayson chuckled lightly.
"Did you want me to leave?" he asked me, as he would only if I wanted him to and the doctor paused, waiting for my answer. He was worried, though he managed to keep that much from his handsome face.
I thought about that this time. I knew that he would not really want to leave me in here alone. I thought for a few minutes over what he'd been telling about. If I had to stay in here a while, I was going to have to vall my dad.
"No, don't go Kayson." I smiled at him. "I do not liked being in this place alone." There was no way I would be able to stand that. I sighed heavily. I definately felt weaker than I had been this morning and in the car on the drive over here as well.
He smiled lightly and squeezed my hand gently. "Then I shall stay," he murmured as the doctor shuffled around the small hospital room.
"Ready?" she asked, pulling down the sheets so she could access my stomach area.
"If a certain part hurts more than another, tell me, okay?" she said, running her hands over the stomach and pushing gently in other places.
Kayson looked over at me, not letting her feel alone for a single moment. He knew how hoard it could be, wanting to know and yet being too shy to ask.
I focused more on where her hands were going and I knew Kayson was watching me at the moment. There were several places that made me tense up as they twinged under her hands. "Ouch!" I yelped. Yep, something was definately in there. r was it just another internal ruise? I'd bruised ribs before and I knew the way that felt.
Not good at all. Something was there. I knew that for certain now. There were other things as well that i could feel. I felt like my stomach was bloated, yet I had not eaten since lunch. "Well, crap."
Kayson blinked, surprised at the sudden loud voices. I was normally a very quiet person, well, most of the time.
The doctors light hands continued, returning to the place which flinched at and probing a little deeper.
"Sorry Alexa, it might hurt a little bit... but we do need to find out what-" she started, stopping at a certain place. She looked up at me. "What were your symptons again?" she asked.
I grimaced at that. It definately hurt when she touched that spot again. There was nothing I'd thought would hurt so much. Finally she stopped touching me.
"Weakness, sore stomach, I vomited, and I feel bloated in the stomah though I have eaten nothing since around lunch time. That last one is new."
I hoped this was not anything serious. I was a little nervous now as i said what had happened this afternoon since i got home. She seemed to be figuring something out.
I looked at Kayson. "Did I forget anything?"
He shook his head. "No, I don't think so." He looked at the doctor as did I when she sighed at what I had said.
"We're going to run a few more tests. An upper GI series, which is an x-ray type of thing but for your stomach," she said, as a few nurses entered to take her to a different room.
"Wait, what do you think it is?" Kayson demanded, and she looked at him as if remembering I was not alone.
"Cancer," she said and left the room.
My eyes widened in shock at what she had said. "You have got to be kidding!" There was no way I could have cancer right now. No way at all. This was not fair. I was filled with fear now and that scared me. How could someone as fit as me have cancer? This was not fair at ll. I did not do anything to deserve this. My father was going to be very worried when he heard I was in here because of this. Though I knew that it was only right that I told him.
He blinked, staring at the door where she had left, but quickly turned to Alexa and tried to calm her. "Shh, she could be wrong," he said, kissing her forehead lightly and stod up to follow her, only to be stopped by one of the other nurses.
~~~
KAYSON POV
"Can I sit here at least?" he asked and the nurse nodded. He did not want to have to leave here at the moment, there was too much worry in him for Alexa at the moment. This was not something that she had happen often, she was rarely sick, or so he had learnt from her over the last few days.
He sighed, sitting and waiting for her, wondering if he should ring her father. He knew that they had no idea at the moment what was troubling her, but that was not something he was too concerned about at the moment. His only true concern was what was going on with Alexa.
He thought back over the things that had been happening recently. Alexa and him were getting closer these days, they liked to be talking with each other. Today he had been at the stables, working with Idi, but Sally had been completely missing. He wondered if she knew about Alexa making it onto the team or not. Surely she would want to know that Alexa had made it.
He could remember everything that they had done together over the last few days.
There was so much that could have happened to her that they wanted to eventually get to do. And for something like this to happen on one of the best days of her life, well at least he thought it would be one of them was not really fair on her.
~~~~
ALEXA POV
I was shocked when she said he couldn't come with me. But i knew that that was just something that they had to say. I would see him again soon I was sure of that. I was a strong girl, I would fight this, even if it was cancer. Though I did not know much about it at all.
Though I was completely taken aback by what she’said, I knew that I only had to do what they needed me to, then I would be back with him.
I sighed and followed them out of the room.
~~~
he nurses did not speak as they brought me back into the room an hour later, and I was not all that pleased what what had happened in there. They simply locked my bed back in place, before leaving us alone again.
"Alexa?" Kayson asked, standing up and moving over to sit beside me again.
I grimaced when I saw him. "That was not very pleasent what happened in there." I sighed. I had not liked all of that at all. Plus I was tired now. More tired than I had been beforehand. "You okay?" I asked.
I did not know what they had been looking for. "Your guess is as good as mine at the moment." I sighed, smiling weakly at him. "I better call my father. he'll want to know that I m in here, like mum was a few years ago. God he's going to be angry if they can't tell him what's wrong with me."
He nodded slightly and kissed her hair lightly. "No, no, you stay here and rest, I'll ring your father," he said gently, knowing phone calls had to be made from outside. he could deal with her father, he had a right to know, despite his attitude.
Kayson POV
He headed outside to dial the number. It rang a few times, and clicked as someone answered the phone. "Hello?" he asked when no one spoke.
"Hello, who's this?" asked Jacob on the other end of the line. He was a curious kid and Kayson could hear a car pulling up out the front of Jacob's house.
"Hello Jacob, its Kayson. Is your dad there?" He was currently leaning against one of the walls wanting to be back with Alexa.
Jacob chuckled. "Yeah he's in the driveway. He'll be inside shortly," the kid replied. "How're you going, Kayson?"
He chuckled at the kids voice, seeming to be able to tell that the kid was excited to be talking to him. "You know, school and that. How about you?" He would not tell Alexa's kid brother, he'd wait for her father.
"The normal, boring school." Jacob paused. "It was nice to hear from you Kayson. Dad's here. I'll put him on." Kayson heard him tell his father who was on the phone.
"Hi, Mr. Collins," he said as Alexa's father spoke.
"I'm afraid I have to tell you something...and you might not like it," Kayson started, trying to order his thought.
"I'm at the hospital...with Alex, and I think you might want to come and see her, they think she might have..." he froze, choking on the words, "Cancer..."
"Is she alright? We'll come of course." There was worry in the man's voice as he replied to that. "Stay with her alright? She hates being in those beds. She'll need you. We'll come now."
"Of course, Sir, I haven't left her yet," he said "Were in bed four...I'll tell her you are coming."
He hanged up the phone and shoved it into his pocket, walking quickly back into her room.
***
“Hey Sleepy head," he said quietly, seeing her sleeping figure.
"Your dad and family are coming, okay? They will be here soon," he said, sitting down beside her.
"They're coming to see me?" I repeated, a little surprised. "I guess my dad does love me though he often makes it clear he does not."
I smiled though the expression did not meet my eyes. I was still tired but if my father was not far off, there was no chance of me going back to sleep. I missed my dad, and I wanted to see him.
"Yes," Kayson said with a smile. "Though, I don't think he has told your sister yet....or your brother."
"I spoke with James, great kid," he smiled, kissing her hair. "Try and rest, they might be a little while."
The minutes past, and a doctor peered in the room's window, motioning for him to come out and speak with her.
"I'll be just outside," he murmured, stepping outside.
I sighed as I heard that. "Don't go somewhere I can't see you," I muttered. i did not want to feel alone, if I could still see him then I would not feel alone. At least that much helped. I sighed, this was a long day for me.
Though I was tired, I was not that tired that I wanted to sleep any more. There was too many lumps in this bed for that to be even remotely possible.
I grimaced, looking at the needle in my hand connected to one of the machines. I hated needles so bad.
He shook his head.
**
"Of course not, just outside the door," he said gently, closing the door behind himself.
"Yes?" he asked, once outside.
"Are you her husband?" the doctor asked and Kayson shook his head. "No, I'm her boyfriend," he replied.
The doctor nodded and looked in the window to Alexa.
"Has her family been contacted?" he asked.
"Yes, but I am also part of her family..." he said and the doctor shrugged.
"Just had to ask."
"Of course, but do we know what is wrong yet?"
"Yes, but I best think we wait for her family."
"I am her family," Kayson said with annoyance.
**
The doctor nodded slightly, checking the board and stepped into Alexa's room and Kayson quickly followed.
"How are you going dear?" she asked and I could see that Kayson was getting annoyed with all these different doctors.
"We know what is wrong...but its a tricky problem. You have Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer...you have had it for a while now."
I blinked. Twice. Had he just said that I had cancer? Stomach cancer. “How the hell did I get that?” I grimaced at the thought. There was no way he could be serious. A look at the doctors face though told me that he was. I was completely shocked. More so shocked than you would have thought.
Worried too. That was something that had increased over time. I knew that was a thing that was only natural. Hearing that though, made me get even more worried. Not all cancer was treatable. I knew that. I'd heard about this type.
If I'd had it for a while, then there was no chance that I was going to get over this one. I knew that it had to be found early if there was going to be a chance for the person. My mind was panicking, but somehow I was managing to speak calmly though.
He met her eyes, seeming just as shocked as she was. The doctor turned without another word and closed the door.
Only for it to open a few moments later to greet Mr. Collins.
Then I turned my head towards the doorway as I heard my father asking where I was. He came in seconds later. “Dad!”
"Hello Mr. Collins," Kayson said, the shock still clear. He ran his hand though his hair, an old habit.
He smiled automatically at James and Talila, giving James a little wave.
“Here, have a seat," he said standing and offering her dad a seat.
“What happened Alexandra?” Frank asked. He was a little worried about me being in here. “Did you hurt yourself some how again, girl?”
“No dad. I got sick, which is a rarity for me, and ended up in here.” I sighed, I hated him calling me by my real name. Why couldn't he be like mom and call me Alex?
“Then what!” he exclaimed. “You are never sick, so don't try that one on me, Alexandra.” His voice was almost scolding.
“We just found out why I'm in here, dad. I've somehow contracted Abdominal Cancer.”
"Stomach cancer? There must be some mistake.”
“There's not dad. They did several tests.” I grimaced. I just wanted to get better, surely he knew that.
My father groaned and left the room. I'd failed him by the looks of it. Over his shoulder, he said, “I'll come get you two in an hour.”
That was not aimed at me or Kayson.
He blinked, and like that he had left again. Kayson had told him about the guess of cancer, and yet it was like he blamed her for 'catching' it?
"Hey guys," he said, opening the door for them to come in.
"How are you?" he asked, all smiles when he spoke to them. He wondered if they had heard.
Both my siblings looked scared when they came in. I knew why that was. They had likely heard that I had cancer. Somehow I got it, and none of them did. At least I knew it was not hereditary. I was the only one who remembered being here.
“This place is freezing,” Talila said, hugging me.
I smiled at her and at my little brother. “Looks like you already know why I'm in here. Not that I plan on not fighting this thing.”
James gave me a hug. Then he replied to Kayson's question. “I'm fine, just a little worried about my sister, thats all.”
"She's strong, she will be fine. She has us looking after her," Kayson said with a smile. "Did you guys want anything? I'll do a run to the cafe...hospital food sucks," he chuckled lightly, trying to keep them smiling.
“Dad's just annoyed because now he had to look after you two himself. I used to take that stress off of his hands,” I said, smiling at my siblings. “In no time at all this will hopefully be behind all of us, just as another ugly memory.”
“We know he's annoyed, but he seems to be more an more agitated these days. You gonna come home again?” Talila asked.
“No, I think I'll get too stressed back there.” That was only the truth. Dad would just get on my nerves. He'd been the reason I moved out.
He sighed, falling backwards into the chair.
"You know you guys can crash with me if you want?" he offered, they all could, for he lived right next to the hospital while they lived slightly more out of town. It would be nice to fill the quiet house for a while.
A doctor entered the room, again it was a different one.
"Hello Alex," he said brightly, smiling.
"I am your doctor now, I specialize in cancers and shall be helping you with the progress though it," he said, looking over each of the people beside her.
"I take this is your family?" he asked
I smiled at Kayson. That was a very generous offer from him. I knew that they would like that. “Might be a good idea. Give dad some space. He'll need it.”
My siblings seemed to like the idea, I could see that on their faces, and I was glad of that.
Then another doctor came in and I listened to what he said. “Okay then.” I managed to smile, a little at him. There was not much really to smile about at the moment.
He probably understood that. As if knowing you had cancer was anything good.
He liked this doctor, the sparkle in his eyes and the experience in his voice. He seemed to know what he was talking about at least.
He smiled at the children, and spoke to Talila.
"Hello dear, my name is Dr. Deasr, would you maybe like to take your brother for a walk?" the friendly doc asked, hoping she would. Some things a ten year old shouldn't have to know about.
"Take him Talila, go down to the gift shop and maybe buy some food," Kayson said, handing her some money.
I smiled as my sister and brother left the room. They knew I would still be here when they came back. They knew how strong I was. Again I was glad that I had Kayson. He knew how to look after me at least.
"Thanks," I muttered to him. "Good idea to get James out of here."
I did not want my little brother to be in here while we talked with the doctor. That would be no easy thing for him to handle. James did not understand all that much. He was too young to hear any of this.
The doctor smiled warmly, and shrugged lightly.
"It is hard enough telling a child that someone close to them is sick, let alone everything they will have to go though to get better," he said simply and Kayson liked the fact that nothing to do with 'death' was heard.
"Now," he started, checking the chart once more. "there is a few ways we can try and get you back up and running, though...some are not as successful as others, but i shall explain them all to you and allow you some time to chose," he said, giving her a reassuring smile.
"The first and most common way would have to be a gastrectomy, which is a type of surgery and we remove the stomach and the tissue around it, then there is Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy," he said.
"From the looks on these tests.. you have had it a while now and Chemo and Radiation are better for early finds, but they might work as well," he said.
"But, I must warn you, even with these therapy or surgery, our discovery might of been to late..." he said finally. "But we will do everything we can for you."
"Do you have any questions?" he asked, looking from Kayson to Alexa.
"If not, I shall let you chat for a while and return in a few hours."
Part of that certainly raised questions. But then again they were things i could not even think about.
"You mean I'd lose part or all of my stomach?" I asked. The idea was unthinkable about. I did not want to lose anything out of my body.
That was not possible for me to even think about. I would hate that, a lot. "You're lucky I trust you guys, at least i know that you'll help, you've had to deal with me several times in the past."
I sighed though. It did not look like things were going to get any easier.
"Yes, that would be if you had surgery though, if you went with the other ways, that would not be a problem though," he said and Kayson nodded and the doctor left the room with a 'I’ll be back soon.'
"What are you going to do?" Kayson asked once they were alone. He didn't want her having surgery, to many things could go wrong, but if it would work...
He took her hand in his gently, raising it to his lips and kissing it gently, thinking.
The choice was her's, he was just here to help.
I sighed. The decision was a hard one to make. “As much as I hate the idea of them taking stuff from me, I'd rather try that and hope it works.”
I thought about it. “I know about this sort of thing and I reckon that’s likely my best option, Kayson.” I sighed.
He kissed each of her finger tips lightly, not speaking only thinking.
He was hiding the emotion well, or at least trying to. It was hard, when someone you loved with all your heart, in pain.
"It is your choice," he said finally, his green eyes watching her every move.
"You have to go and do it...but remember whatever you chose I’ll be here for you, for all of it," he said with a small smile, though it didn't quiet reach his eyes.
My eyes sparkled for a second before the glitter faded away again. "I think thats the best option we've got. Although, money is an issue for me."
I knew that I would not have the money that would be needed to pay for this. Judging from my father's reaction, I would have no assistance from him.
That sucked. Where would i get the money from? I knew nothing would come from my dad. He'd let me die only too easily. "We better tell the doctor before my siblings get back. Talila may be my twin, but I am way more mature than her."
I sighed, reaching for his hand again. I felt so weak.
"Shh, do not worry about money...I have it covered," he said gently and reaching for her seeking hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"I shall be back in a moment," he said, seeing the doctor walking past. Giving her hand a gentle pat, he went outside and called Dr. Deasr.
"Yes?" he asked, pausing to look behind him to see the young man.
"She has chosen...we wanted to tell you before the others returned," he said and the doctor nodded, but stayed still.
"You know, young Kayson, she has a good chance...but there is a chance she might not make it? And all the treatments are quiet expensive," he said sadly.
Kayson nodded "I understand, but I must stay strong for her."
"Okay," he said, walking into the room together.
I smiled though. I could not let him do that. I might not make it and I knew it. Though if he was willing to cover all of that, well I would let him. I loved him and I knew that he would do whatever he could to protect me.
I sighed as he slipped out of the room and then came back in, followed by the doctor. I smiled as i saw the guy. He was pretty friendly at least.
I decided that I will let you take what you need out of me. Though i know that there are plenty of risks with that."
Kayson smiled slightly as he saw her, before moving to sit next to her.
"I see," the doctor said "It is probably the best choice… considering, but it is expensive..."
"We have it covered," Kayson said before the doctor continued.
He nodded "Well, I'll book you in for surgery...it should be within the next couple of days."
Kayson sighed and nodded his thanks as the doctor left the room as Talila and James returned.
I smiled as my siblings came back into the room.
"Sorry Alexa, but dad called. He's on his way to get us and wants us to meet him outside. We'll come and visit you though tomorrow, I promise," Talila said. "I'll look after him for the meantime, while you're in here."
I smiled gratefully at her. "Hopefully I won't be in here too long."
They both gave me a hug and left the room. I was sad to see them go. My father was not being at all like a parent about this. Kayson was being better than him. And that was a shocking thing.
"Bye guys," he called after them, seeing how sad they were and knowing they were hiding it from her, he was glad of that.
He sat beside her, playing with her fingers and thinking quietly.
A nurse popped her head in, her graying hair falling out of its bun.
"Dr. Deasr has booked your surgery for the day after tomorrow, it will be at 3pm," she said, giving the young couple a motherly smile. "You will stay here during that time.."
"Thank you," Kayson's deep voice rumbled as the nurse left and turned to Alex.
I sighed. So I would have to endure this annoying bed for three days? Maybe longer? That sucked for me. "Looks like I’ll need some stuff from home." Stuff I could not go and get either because I had to stay here. yet I did not want him to leave me here alone. God things ere very annoying right now.
"I might call Mrs. Jones and get her to pop round to my house and get some things for me. She's very fond of me, I teach her daughter at the stables."
I smiled at him.
No, you will stay right here," he said, flashing her a smile.
"I'll call her," he said gently, standing "I'll be right back."
"Rest," he commanded, closing the door quietly behind him and heading outside once more.
Once there he sighed, pulling the blue mobile from his pocket and dialed the number.
"Hello? Mrs. Jones is that you?" he asked, they had met a few times.
"Hello. Yes this is her. Who may I ask is calling?"
"Hi Mrs. Jones," he said "It's Kayson, Alexa's boyfriend." He paused, thinking for a moment. "Alexa said I should ask you, for we're having a bit of a....problem at the moment," he admitted, not really wanting everyone to know. "You see, were at the hospital, I don't really want to leave her so we were wondering if you could do us a huge favor," he sighed lightly.
"Could you look bring some of her clothes and other things to the hospital, for she will be here a while....it seems," he said and then remember the dogs "and could you maybe ask Kira to feed Prince and Idyllic...and feed Skye and Cira?" he knew he was asking a lot and hadn't even told her what was wrong with Alex, but he had to ask someone.
Mrs Jones chuckled for a moment and then replied, "Sure thing. What’s wrong with her?" She seemed a little surprised to hear that Alexa was in hospital. "Kira will look after the horses, no trouble. She likes helping out with Prince. Anything else you guys need?"
"She has cancer. Thank you, for helping us and no, nothing I can think of at the moment," he said, breathing a sigh of relief. It was good having such caring and kind people in there lives.
But Kayson knew that it should of been her father, sitting by her side, making her feel better. But no, he was here, being the boyfriend and the dad for her.
***
I sighed as I stayed where I knew I had to. This was going to be a long three days. No surfing. No horses. The worst of the things that I wanted to know. Cancer in my stomach? That was just wrong. I should not have been susceptible for that to me possible.
What was taking him so long?
"Thank you," he said one last time and hung up the mobile, shoving it again back into his pocket.
He paused at the coffee shop, ordering a latte and a coke for Alex. Holding the drinks carefully, he headed back to her room. A million thoughts buzzing in his mind.
He sighed, wishing it had been what the doctor had first said. At least then she wouldn't be in so much pain...or sick.
He would just do what he had to do, he decided in the end and pushed her door open, smiling.
"Hey, she's bringing the things over for you...and I got Kira to look after the dogs and horses," he said, handing her the coke carefully and sipping his latte.
"Can I do anything for you?" he asked, needing to do something.
"If there was someway for me to not have to stay here for the next few days I'd be a little more happy." I sighed. I sat up, not wanting to stay lying down all the time, and drank a bit of the Coke. "Thanks."
I smiled at him. I was glad to have him with me. "What's happening with the dogs? Are they staying at home or are they going to be with Kira? I know she'll look after them. The horses will be safe. Can I get you to take a note to my boss at the stables?"
"Sorry...doctors orders," he said, smiling slightly "And no problem, if you want something other then hospital food...let me know."
He sat quietly, listening to her pile of questions and tackled each one slowly.
"I am not sure where the dogs will stay...but Kira and Mrs. Jones can decide that themselves...and of course, I'm sure he'll understand."
"Skye would probably like staying with Kira. I know Kira likes dogs, and Skye's met her before. I babysat Kira not long after getting Skye. Before I met you."
I smiled. 'Can you get me a piece of paper and a pen?" I might as well write that note. My boss was not going to enjoy having to get someone else in, but she understood me.
"Sure," he said, looking around and spotting a pen and notepad on the table beside her.
"Here, write it and I shall run it to her first thing tomorrow," he said, handing it to her.
He would do a loop tomorrow, run home, dogs, horses, shops and quickly back here. It had to be done, he just didn't want to leave her by herself. He also made a note to ring Kayson and Talila.
The door opened quietly and Dr. Deasr entered, his old smiling self.
"Good news, a spot has opened up in surgery....we can take you down now, if you want...easier then waiting," he said.
I'd only just picked up the pen and written,
Sally,
I wont be able to take the lesson tomorrow. I'mBefore the door opened again and I heard the doctor come in and say that tehre was a place that he could fit me in now.
I looked up at him. 'Can I jsut finish writing a note for my boss? Then sure, you can take me down there," I replied.
He blinked, and like that they wanted her in surgery.
"Of course," the doctor said kindly, letting a nurse into the room.
"Do you mind as you right if we prep you for surgery?" he asked, knowing they only had so much time.
Kayson looked up, staring at the doctor somewhat dumbly, unable to process the facts.
They wanted to take the girl he loved and cut her up? Now?
If they had a few days...he might of been able to keep it together, but a few hours.
He sighed, running a hand though his hair and nodding to himself.
Whatever they needed to make her better....
I sighed and nodded. I looked at Kayson for a moment. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Why don't you take that note over to the stables while I'm out of it?"
I read back over what I'd already written.
Then I tore the pages off and crumpled it into a ball. It sucked.
Then I wrote again.
Sally,I can't come into work tomorrow. I'm in hospital but don't worry about me. I'll recover and will explain when I'm out of here. I know this is short notice on you, but I will not be able to take that lesson. I am really sorry.
Thanks,
Alexa Collins.
I sighed, she was the one sponsoring me at the moment. She'd handle it though.
"I know," he said, staring at the floor, seeing the simple grey pattern which sat there with new eyes.
It was said that one in three people will die outright in surgery, one in four will die of later of complications.
He didn't care, as long as it wasn't his girl.
"She'll understand Alexa," he said, taking the note from her and the nurses moved around her.
"I'll be waiting..." he murmured.
I kept my eyes on him as they worked around me. This was going to be hard for him to do. I knew that some people did not make it through the surgery. I was strong though, I would survive for him.
There was no way I was going to let this annoying cancer get the better of me. No chance at all. I was not that silly to let something kill me so easily.
"I'll see you soon," I said. "I love you, Kayson."
"Love you to, Alex," he said, making himself a promise as they wheeled her from the room. His green eyes blinked, knowing he better ring her dad but knew he couldn't care less. But he would, for Talila and Kayson.
She was strong, and if stubbornness helped she was all set.
He put his head in his head, sighing into the now silent room and waited.
I was sad to leave him behind. I felt like part of me was being left behind in that room with him. Which did not feel right. I sighed though, knowing that soon I'd be back with him.
The eyes flickered with the clocks hands, the noise was starting to get to him and the hands seemed to be teasing him. Time had stopped, so it seemed, though the rest of the hospital was flying fast.
Finally, a hour had past. Another. And another.
He was getting worried, how long did these things take?
Another hour moved slowly and he paced the room.
The room's door opened, and Alex was wheeled in, her lovely eyes closed as she slept off the medication.
"She did fine, everything went well...we will have to do more tests later to make sure it worked," the doctor said, leaving them.
He sighed with relief, falling back into the chair and pulled something from his pocket.
I knew that i was not with the rest of the world. But i was getting closer to everyone else. I groaned, shifting a little in the hard bed.
I struggled with the sleep that i was in. I could feel my mind getting active again. Then my eyes opened, though things were a little blurry.
For a moment i was confused as to my surroundings. "Where am I?"
He smiled, glad to see her eyes open.
"Hey beautiful," he murmured, brushing the hair from her face.
"You just had surgery...but its all good...sleep and i'll be here when you wake up," he promised quietly.
He scooted his chair closer to her bedside, fingering the little blue box but decided to leave it for later.
"Sleep," he murmured again.
I sighed. "I don’t want to sleep." No I didn't. I wanted to get out of here. "I've done enough sleeping for one day."
Urrg, my mind was a mess at the moment. Yet I could not sleep. I didn't want to. "I want to go home and see Skye again."
He sighed, knowing how stubborn she could be.
"Alex, you just had a major operation...you must rest...have a sleep, wake up and we can talk," he said gently.
"The doctors want to run a few more tests in the morning, and then we will see okay?" he said.
I grimaced but sighed as my eyes closed again. I could not keep them open.
He smiled fondly at her sleeping figure, leaning over and kissing her forehead gently.
"Sleep,” he murmured gently and leaned back into his chair.
I sighed as I slept. I knew this was going to be no easy journey ahead of either of us. My father did not seem to care that the cancer I had could possibly be life threatening. That was something that saddened me.
I loved him so much and now i was aware that my father was not pleased that I was even in this place again. Out of my whole family, I was the one in here the most. I knew that was something that angered him more than anything else. He hated having to make trips into the hospital.
I sighed as I slept. It was not easy for me to sleep in this bed. I rolled over, winced and shifted back onto my back. My belly was a little more sensitive than normal. That annoyed me, but I knew what was the cause of that so I could not stay annoyed. That was the price I had to pay, if the cancer was removed. I could handle that. I was sure I could, even though it might annoy the hell out of me.
But of me when I was asleep. Plus Kayson was here. He'd promised to stay with me.
I was glad of that. He was always there for me when I needed him. The one person who did not see me as a freak because of my strange eyes.
When I woke up the next morning, I smiled as I saw him. He was still asleep, but he seemed as uncomfortable as I had been. I sighed and knew that he would not take long to wake up, now that my eyes were on him. I'd left my phone on silent over night, so that no one interrupted the quiet of the hospital.
Reaching over with one hand i picked it up and checked for any messages. There was only one. From my grandma. She was worried about me. I quickly texted her back saying that I was fine and recovering from the surgery. Also that I would call her the moment i left the hospital.
I would not leave her in the dark. That would be cruel of me if I did. Out of all my mother's kids i resembled our mother most. Because of that, my grandma saw me as a second daughter. We were really close to one another. We always would be.
Kayson smiled as he watched her sleep, the little shifted and slight movements were a safety blanket to him.
When morning came he smiled as he saw me awake again. "How are you feeling?" he asked, shifting closer to the bedside, taKing my hand.
"Well enough to text my worried grandmother," I replied. I smiled at him, sitting up a bit. It hurt a little but that was something I found easy to ignore this time. "Definitely recovering. Though I am amused that you managed to sleep at all last night. You would have been so worried about me."
It was then that my stomach growled. "Oh good, I did not lose my whole stomach then." I chuckled. Somehow the sound had made me feel normal. "Did you take that note to my boss?"
I hoped he had done so. I glanced at the clock. The lesson was about an hour away and i would not be there to take it.
"I don't even remember sleeping..." he said, smiling lightly, nor did he feel like he had slept. Bags were starting to appear under his eyes.
"Yes. notes gone...Kira took it for you, when her mother came to drop your stuff over," he said, and nodded at the bag.
"Your stuff is all in there...now what did you want to eat? There is some things here...but maybe something other then hospital food?" he asked with a chuckle. His hand remained in his pocket, clutching to something tightly, waiting.
"As soon as i get out of here I am going to have to talk to my boss. She'll need to know the full story about why I cannot work, and how long for. I did not have the time to tell her all the details with that note. She'll need to talk to me personally."
I smiled though. "I feel a lot better already, though a little sore." I chuckled. "yeah I am a little hungry, though the hospital food sucks."
"You still have to take it easy though.." he warned gently, kissing my head lightly.
His hand dipped into the other pocket on the deep sea-green jacket and pulled out a red wrapped bar. "Here. Kit Kat Caramel Chunky, your favorite," he said with a chuckle, giving it to me.
He opened his mouth to speak, but the door opened and Dr. Deasr entered.
"Good morning Alex, how are you feeling?" the good natured doctor asked.
I grinned at him and ate it quickly. Though when the doctor came in i looked in that direction.
I feel good actually, Dr Deasr." I smiled at him it made me happy though when I spoke to him this time.
The doctor smiled at me, nodding as he moved closer to the two of us.
"I just need to check the area...make sure everything is in one piece," he said, rubbing her stomach area gently.
It was slightly bloated, and he frowned lightly at that.
"Be right back..." he said, heading out of the room and Kayson staring after him.
I sighed as the doctor left again. Something looked like it was wrong... He'd frowned. That worried me. What could be wrong this time? I felt fine, completely fine.
Then the doctor came back in and I looked towards him worriedly. "What did you find?" I was a little worried but not all that much.
"It's bloated, I just needed to ask someone a question...for it is quiet bloated, but I spoke to a fellow doctor and he said it should be normal. We will keep you another night, run a few tests and you should be home by tomorrow," he said, clapping his hands together.
"I shall return in a few hours," he said, leaving the room once more.
I nodded to what the doctor said. No point in arguing. He knew what was best in this scenario. Not something I was likely to admit out loud though.
I smiled at Kayson though when he left. "Don't need to worry so much about me now. Looks like I am recovering." There was a hint of my normal happiness in my voice, that had not been heard since yesterday morning. I was pretty happy, taking in the circumstances right now.
He kissed my forehead.
"Can I get you anything?" he asked, squeezing my hand gently and rising it to his lips, thinking.
"Alexa...will you be alright for a moment? I need to ring someone..." he asked, smiling warmly into her eyes.
I smiled at him. "no there is not much that i can thing of."
He nodded, content that I was okay, and shifted slightly and yawned, staring at the closed door.
The eyes struggled to stay open, but he wouldn't sleep until she did.
A hour past, maybe more, I was never sure and the door opened. Not the doctor, but my family.
Talila and Kayson, Frank was nowhere to be seen.
"Hey guys," Kayson said, smiling at them. "Where’s your dad?"
There was no struggle for me to keep awake at the moment. I knew that my family was coming though, seeing that my father was not here angered me.
"Does he not even care? When mom was in here he wouldn’t leave her side," I exclaimed.
"Yes well. We're not sure about him. Granma and grandpa will be here soon, Alexa," Talila said, hugging me. "You better be getting out of here soon."
"I think I might be out of here tomorrow."
"Thank goodness for that. Dad's not a good cook. He keeps burning things that you would not," Kayson added.
Kayson sighed, staring at the empty doorway, wondering if he even did care? He had to, somewhere deep down.
"Offer still stands guys...feel free to crash at my place whenever you want," he said, smiling at Kayson and Tailia "I can cook pretty well if I say so myself.." he chuckled.
A nurse bustled into the room, smiling at everyone and turning to me.
"We just need to run a quick test...and then you can come back," she said. "Your family has to wait here though...but it wont take long" she added.
"Hey, you won't be cooking by yourself, Kayson." There was no way I was going to let him do all the work. "I'll still be able to do stuff, just not as much as I used to." before they knew it, I'd be back to normal. He knew that I was not lazy at all.
Kayson smiled at me, before nodding to the nurse once. "Go, take your test, and I know you will help," he said, kissing her cheek as they wheeled her from the room.
'Be good," he called, turning to the kids; "Now...did you guys need anything? And is your dad even here?"
Talila answered his question this time. "No, dad's not here. He does not want to even come into this place. He only would if she was actually dying. Otherwise he cannot be bothered."
"Hey Talila, I'm just going out into the corridor, I can hear grandma and grandpa," Kayson said. "I'll find them and show them the way in here." He slipped out.
Kayson stood as the grandparents entered the room. He had heard lots about them, yet was to meet them.
"Hello," he greeted them, shaking each of their hands.
"I'm Kayson."
When Alexa’s grandparents came in Talila leapt to her feet and hugged them. The only difference between Alexa and her were our eyes.
"Grandma, Grandpa!" Talila paused. "Alexa will be back soon."
Kayson nodded, thoughts running though his mind. "Yes, she should be back any moment....they just had to run a few small tests to make sure that the surgery worked.." he said, smiling at each of them.
"And it is a pleasure to finally meet the two of you, Alexa has told me many good times in your company," he said with a grin.
I sighed as I was brought back into the room. "Grandma, grandpa!" I was really pleased to see them. I had missed them a lot more than anyone knew.
"I'm so glad to see the two of you."
My grandma chuckled. "You had us worried as well, Alexa. I'm glad you thought to reply to my text earlier."
"I had to do something. I was sure Talila would have told you already." I laughed, then my eyes looked towards Kayson.
Kayson smiled as I returned, glad to see the smile upon my face once more. When I smiled, it made him, just the look of relief made everything seem worth it.
"You okay?" he asked, kissing my forehead gently and giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
"As I said before, Kayson, I'll be fine. You need to stop worrying about me so much."
He smiled at my grandparents, brother and sister before offering his seat to the older couple.
"Please, sit."
"Thank you, Kayson," my nana said, taking his seat.
I patted the edge of the bed, my eyes on Kayson. I did not seem to mind having him taking up a bit of space. I did not need all of it.
"Hopefully I wont be still here tomorrow. All this lazing about is killing me." I missed the beach, and Perception Prince. Laying about like this was not healthy for me. I felt like a lazy slob who did nothing and expected the world to work around her. And i hated it.
Kayson patted her knee as he settled on the end of her bed. "But Alex, it's my job to worry for you," he chuckled "for you need someone to."
Kayson yawned quietly, staring out the small rooms window, watching the people as they walked past, or in some cases ran. He was about to say something as the door opened, Dr. Dears entered the room.
Hello all," he said, still smiling that happy grin. "Good news, the surgery went well...you will have to take it easy as you just had major surgery though...of course." He looked at Kayson. "Don't let her lift anything heavy, nor running etcetera...she cannot open the stitches, or it could get infected," he said and Kayson nodded. "You will stay tonight, but tomorrow you can leave at around lunch time," he said, nodding to everyone and left.
I smiled though, it was a little silly of me to say that I guessed. Plus we really were together now. I knew my dad would not be so easy about that one but he'd get over it. When the doctor came in, I hoped he was not going to again tell me I could leave tomorrow.
Alas, he did. I heard what he said and sighed. Riding was out of the question, but who said I had to ride in order to exercise my horse? There were other ways, and I knew about them.
Kayson smiled at me, deep sea-green eyes sparkling with warmth. "Home tomorrow, but no riding," he said, looking at me with meaning.
"Okay?" he said, squeezing my hand. He would make sure I would not end bac