Chapter 18

Nicolas

I wasn’t too happy with myself and my behavior today I’m not usually the kind of guy that throws around his name or threaten people with money but today was different I needed to see Nicol and thank God I did or else I wouldn’t have known Nikki was in the hospital. I was mostly upset with myself that I threaten the radiologist in front of Nikki. I know that was definitely not a good example but I was not going to break the first promise I’ve ever made to my daughter that would be the worse way to start a relationship, although I had no clue how we were going to navigate this. As we walked back to Nikki’s room Nicol told her she could sleep we will be right there but clearly, she was afraid to, when I told her I’ll be there the whole time she closed her eyes and slept, that made me feel good for some reason. I told Nicol we needed to talk but she reminded me there where more pressing matters at the moment and yes, I agree but the why’s? where making me crazy. When we got to Nikki’s room, I could see Nicol was dead on her feet and if she didn’t change that much, I was also sure she hasn’t been eating at all today.

“When last did you have something to eat?” I had to ask I wasn’t prepared for the answer though “Saturday evening.” “Fuck Nicol you can’t look after her if you don’t look after yourself. Do you still like burgers?” “Yes” Before she could tell me which one’s I asked “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.” I couldn’t believe my ears if I have to eat McDonalds like in Uni that is what I order always, “You serious?” “Yes, Nicolas she has a few of your trades she doesn’t just look like you.” She was really mine I thought to myself yes, I thought so earlier and yes Nicol confirmed it but her pointing out she looked like me and she likes the same kind of food than me I was just stunned. “I’ll be right back.” Nicol looked worried for a moment “What if she wakes up and you are not here, you promised her Nicolas.” “I know I’m just going to call my driver I’ll be outside the door I’m not going anywhere Nicol.” I said that with a little bite to it. I walked out and called Geoffrey; I gave him the order then I walked back into the room. Nicol was sitting on the recliner with her feet to her chest wiping tears from her face. For a moment I got soft and walked to her. When I touched her hand, I could still feel that electricity that went through us, clearly, I’m not over her or my body isn’t. “What’s wrong Nicol? Why are you crying?” “What if it’s something serious Nicolas?” “I can’t live with myself if something happens to her, she’s my whole world.” “Let’s not jump to conclusions shall we, let’s wait to hear what the doctor tells us.” “Yes, but still, I’m scared Nicolas.” For some reason I pulled her towards me and hugged her it caught both of us off guard but she went with it she didn’t push me away like I though she would she actually pulled me closer to her holding me.

Someone was clearing their throat behind us and when I looked over my shoulder, I saw it was the doctor. I whispered in her ear “It’s the doctor Nicol.” I almost called her angel. Fuck get your head on straight. I got up and walked towards him, Nicol also got up from the recliner. “Can we talk outside.” It didn’t look good his face was very serious and when Nicol saw the seriousness on his face the tears started rolling again, I took her hand in mine holding her for support.

“What did the test say doctor?” Nicol asked “She has a lung abscess.” “Okay what does that mean?” I asked a bit irritated “A lung abscess is a collection of pus in the lung that forms a cavity. It’s usually caused by a bacterial infection in the lung tissue that leads to cell death and pus collection.” “Okay how do we threat it?” “Normally with antibiotics but she’s been on antibiotic’s countless times, best way forward now will be to drain it surgically the operation will take 10-20 minutes and if we keep her on the antibiotics for another few days after the operation, she will be fine.” “And the constant pneumonia will that go away?” Nicol asked the doctor. “Yes, but you know and I know we need to do this surgery Nicol it’s the only way to help her now.” “I know and when do you want to do it?” “I’ve opened a theatre for her I can take her now, she hasn’t eaten much today, had she?” “No, the little she did eat I had to force her.” “Well then if it’s okay with you I’ll take her now?” The doctor said, I hear operation and drainage and I was freaking out, the first time I properly see her and they are going to take her for an operation so many things can go sideways. “Wait just a minute I know I’m new in the picture but what is the risk of this procedure?” “No, you have the right to ask that, complications of having the abscess are chronic abscess, empyema bleeding and bronchopleural fistula.” “That is if she doesn’t get the operation?” “Yes.” “We don’t have a choice Nicolas she needs this.” “Okay who’s going to tell her?” “I’ll explain it to her.” The doctor said.