Chapter Two

"Well, looky here," the boisterous blonde announced. "We've got ourselves a newbie!"

Evelyn Jarvis was a seventeen-year-old spitfire, and lucky for Wendy, a true mother hen. She welcomed Wendy into the group with a great big hug. "And aren't you a lucky girl because this happens to be the winning team," Evelyn grinned, giving Wendy a warm wink.

Introducing Wendy to as many people as possible those first days at the hospital had made her feel as welcome as coming home. Wendy knew she wouldn't have adjusted nearly as well if it hadn't been for Evelyn's optimism and constant nurturing. The two girls spent one roller coaster of a month together at "camp" (as they liked to call it) last November, and had been best friends ever since. Evelyn was a trooper, in more ways than one, and was also Wendy's rock on several occasions. Evelyn lived in a neighboring state, so the friends did not get to see each other as often as they had liked, but they kept in touch regularly with phone calls, texting and video messages. Thank God for technology!

Evelyn had happily taken Wendy under her wing, and taught her the ins and outs of hospital living. For instance, the secrets to getting along with some of the crankier nurses, how to go about getting an extra ice cream from the nursing assistants, and the invaluable advice of finding your "happy place" during the more uncomfortable procedures. Life would have been unbearable if it hadn't been for Evelyn. She had earned a special place in Wendy's frightened heart, and had quickly become one of the most important people in her world.

Of course, Wendy's parents were never far, but there were some things that she just didn't feel like she should share with them, for fear of scaring them even more than they already were. Evelyn was her confident and Wendy had come to rely heavily on her.

"You've got this, girl," was Evelyn's catch phrase, and she made Wendy feel as if she really did have some control over her uncontrollable situation.

* * * * * * * * * *

Wendy thought back on those days often, reminiscing over the vast emotions she had felt. It was unbelievable how far she had come since then, not that it was easy, mind you. And making the drive back to Woodland Children's Hospital always stirred up strong emotions and memories, some intensely sweet and others down right horrifying. But it was unavoidable.

Watching her parents from the back seat of the car, Wendy felt a whisper of regret. She knew this trip was difficult on them; it was written all over their faces, and she was completely helpless to the outcome. Only time will tell, she sighed. Meanwhile, everyone tried to put on a brave face and pretend like they weren't thinking the unspeakable thoughts floating around in their heads.

Last time they made this drive, there had been fluffy mounds of white snow on the ground, but this time was much different. April flowers were beginning to bloom amongst the green grass, and she could just make out buds on the trees.

That first trip back in November had been so somber. Everything outside was dying...the leaves, the flowers, the grass...and their hopes and dreams for a happy future...although no one would actually admit to that one. Negativity was a taboo subject in the Darling Household, and Wendy made sure that she stayed far away from it, especially in front of her parents. She had to be strong for them.

As the hospital campus came into view, Wendy held her breath. She was always taken aback by the immenseness of the institution and of all the stories taking place inside. She knew her circumstance was no more special than any other child's, and that always made her feel a special closeness to all of the patients seeking treatment, no matter their age, no matter their illness. To Wendy, they were all connected and woven together with their struggles and triumphs.

"Ready, kiddo?" Mr. Darling asked as he parked the car.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Wendy gave a weak smile.

Wendy's mom smiled back and pulled off her sunglasses, "Okay then - let's do this. For maybe the last time," she added hopefully.

Walking into the hospital was another experience all together. It was a state-of-the-art facility all the way. Wendy appreciated the modern architectural design and the colorful paintings that decorated the walls. Her favorite artwork on display were the paintings and pictures submitted by the young patients. She always loved to look at the children's creations and marvel at their imaginations. But she knew she couldn't look for too long before her emotions got the better of her. Reading their little autographs on each piece, she couldn't help but wonder if the child was a survivor, or if they had succumbed to whatever ailment had brought them there in the first place.

Once they reached the 4th floor of the children's hospital, the Darlings began to recognize several familiar faces.

"My, my, my! If it isn't Miss Baby Girl," exclaimed a pleasantly plump black woman in lavender nursing scrubs.

"Camille!" Wendy cried, running into the woman's arms. She sighed deeply, remembering the many times that she had sought comfort in the nurse's embrace.

"Well now, let me get a look at you, girl," fussed Camille, patting Wendy's face and giving her a once over.

"Nice, very nice! You've put on a few pounds since the last time you were here," Camille said, looking pleased.

"More then a few," Wendy rolled her eyes.

"You look good, girl! Your cheeks are filling in nicely and you've got some meat on your bones," she smiled, pinching Wendy on her sides and making her giggle. "Plus, I'm digging the new do," Camille touched Wendy's long caramel colored locks. "You are looking a little pale, though. Come on, we better get you ready for your test. Now there's no reason to be nervous because it's the exact same as the last time you had it done. Dr. Grant is here today and he's waiting for you."

Wendy smiled. Dr. Grant was one of her favorite doctors at the hospital.

Camille escorted Wendy and her parents back to the designated waiting area to get them settled and then took Wendy back to prepare for her test. Wendy's parents each took turns giving her a hug and words of encouragement before Camille walked her to the procedure room.

Wendy could not shake the feeling that something seemed off with Camille. She was her usual wonderful, chatty self, but something about her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Maybe the hospital is extra busy these days, Wendy wondered. She remembered how many of the nurses became personally involved with the young patients, and eventually their emotionally challenging jobs would take a toll on them.

It would be hard not to fall in love with the kids, especially the youngest ones, Wendy sighed. She was not so sure that she could be a pediatric nurse in a hospital, but she was glad that there were so many loving people that could. They worked really hard to make the hospital feel homey for the patients, and the kids and their families greatly appreciated their efforts.

"Good afternoon, Wendy," Dr. Grant said warmly, walking into the procedure room after Wendy had put on her hospital gown.

"Hello, Dr, Grant," Wendy answered back with a tight smile.

"You're familiar with what we will be doing today, right?" he asked. "Do you have any questions for me at this time?"

"Is it going to be just the same as the last time?" Wendy inquired nervously.

"It will be just like the last time. Camille is going to clean a spot on your back with an antiseptic liquid. Then we will ask to lie on your side with your knees pulled up and your chin tucked down. You are going to feel a prick as I inject a local anesthetic that will freeze the area, and then I will insert a needle to pull out some fluid. It won't take more then thirty minutes or so, at which point I will allow your parents to come back and see you - if you would like that. Are you ready?"

"Yes," Wendy took a shaky breath.

"Alright then. I'm going to step out for a few minutes while Camille preps you, and then I will be back in." He gave Wendy a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before he left the room.

"You ready, honey?" the nurse asked. Were those tears in Camille's eyes? Before Wendy could look more closely, Camille turned her back to gather what she needed for the procedure.

"Wendy, I'm going to ask you to lie on your side and pull your knees to your chest. You are going to feel something cold against your lower back; that is just the antiseptic. We need to get that area nice and clean for Dr. Grant."

After Camille prepared the area, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Are you ready for me?" Dr. Grant asked, peeking his head into the small room.

"We're ready, Doctor," Camille answered.

Dr. Grant walked in and began to gather his tools and gloves. Wendy noticed that he placed a comforting hand on Camille's shoulder just before they began. Was Camille not feeling well? Something just wasn't sitting right with Wendy.

"Okay, Wendy, let's get started. You are going to feel me poking around with my fingers before I insert the spinal needle..."

Wendy only half listened to the doctor as she went to find her "happy place".

Pretty scary procedure, don't you think?

If you have enjoyed this chapter, I ask that you kindly consider leaving me a vote/comment. Thank you so much for reading!