Chapter 17

Nicol

When I heard them approaching the door I moved to where the assistant was standing. “Angel you ready?” I asked her as they walked in. “Yes mom.” The assistant went to call the radiologist and Nicolas and I was busy getting Nikki ready on the bed. “You promise.” She said to Nicolas. “I promise remember we made a pinky promise.” “Yes, and that is the most sacred promise there is.” “Exactly. I didn’t know how to tell the two of them the radiologist won’t let us stand there. She came in looked at me and Nicolas and said “You can wait outside.” I immediately saw Nikki starting to panic and the change on Nicolas’s face and demeanor, he was going to lose it I counted in my head 1, 2, ... I didn’t even get to 3 when he told the radiologist “Do you know who I am?” “No and frankly I don’t care.” “Well, you should I’m standing with her at the end of the machine you can get security to carry me out but not me or Nicol will be leaving Nikki here.” “You don’t have a choice it’s protocol.” “Give us something to wear because I promise you, we will not leave her.” The radiologist looked at me searching for someone on her side but I just shrugged because if Nicolas can get it right that we stay with Nikki I’m staying. “I’ll phone security.” “Before you do that call Dr. Versace and ask him what you should do.” “You not serious?” “Dead serious and if you still want a job, I’ll do that first.” She walked out of the room. Nikki looked at Nicolas like he was her hero. “I thought you were going to leave me here.” I went to his knees being her height while she was sitting on the bed. “What did I tell you sweet pea I’m not leaving and luckily they can’t make me.” I’m not sure I like this behavior yes good and well we are going to get what we want but now Nikki sees it and she thinks that is all she needs to do to get her own way. But I’m not going to worry about that I’m going to tell her it’s not normal and that Nicolas knew people in the hospital and that is why we could have stayed.

The radiologist came back into the room but I could see she was really upset; she gave Nicolas and me jackets to wear to keep us safe from the radiology. “Okay Nikki we are going to move you in now. The machine is going to make noises but please stay still don’t move and it will be over sooner than you think. “Can I hold Nicolas’s hand?” I was taken a back with that one I at least thought she would want to hold my hand but it probable makes sense he told her he will pull her out if something happens. I need to try and remember I’ll be sharing Nikki from now on I had her to myself for over 11 years I can’t be that greedy although I wanted to be. “Yes.” The radiologist said but it was so clear on her face she wasn’t happy about it. The machine started to move and she was moving into the small tunnel when she was in and looked back, she could see me and Nicolas I could see the relieve on her face. She stretches her arm and gave her hand to Nicolas. At this stage Nicolas and I didn’t speak yet so it was a bit uncomfortable. The machine started with its noises; Nikki didn’t like the noises she had grommets since she was little, I’m sure they’ve fell out by now but still noises was still irritating her. After what felt forever, we could hear the radiologist say that Nikki was a good girl and that everything was over. Nicolas let go of her hand and the bed moved out of the tunnel as soon as the radiologist said she can sit up she turned around and grabbed me around my neck. “Thank you thank you mom for letting Nicolas come with.” I looked at Nicolas over her shoulder “it’s a pleasure angel.” Every time I call her angel, I could see Nicolas didn’t like it because that was what he called me but I did it since she was born it would be weird if I stop now. I mean in a few months she will be 12 and most of the things I’m doing now would be wrong and I’m very sure I won’t be able to call her angel then. So, I’m going to enjoy it while I can. When she let go of me, she gave Nicolas the same hug “Thank you for keeping your promise.” “Always sweet pea.” The porter came and we put Nikki on the other bed. As we walked back to her room, I could see she was very tired. “Angel you can sleep Nicolas and I am right here.” “I’ll wait.” She said but her eyes where almost closed. “Sleep sweet pea I won’t let anything happen to you.” Then she closed her eyes and she was out.

“Thank you.” I said to Nicolas as we walked behind Nikki’s bed. “I’m doing it for her not you.” He said. I could hear the anger in his voice. “I know but I’m still thanking you.” “Pleasure but we need to talk.” “Nicolas, I know okay can we just find out what the results is and what the steps forward is before we get into the last 12 years.” “I probable don’t have a choice.” Again, he said it with anger to his tone. When we got to Nikki’s room and she was all settled. Nicolas asked me “When last did you have something to eat?” he knew me to well, he knew when I stress, I don’t eat that is maybe why I didn’t gain much weight when I was pregnant with Nikki. “Saturday evening.” “Fuck Nicol you can’t look after her if you don’t look after yourself. Do you still like burgers?” “Yes” Before I could say he said “Cheeseburger?” “Yes, and to drink?” “Just a diet soda please.” “And Nikki?” “It depends are we talking McDonalds or a fancy restaurant?” “If she likes McDonalds, I’ll get her McDonalds I already know you like them.” “Well then junior chicken with extra mayo and a slice of cheese also a diet soda.” He looked at me “You serious?” “Yes, Nicolas she has a few of your trades she doesn’t just look like you.”