Family Ties
Chapter 16
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"I still don't see why Nick couldn't take me," Leslie debated as she sat upon
the examining table.
"Leslie, with the popularity between you and your brother it really wouldn't
have been wise," her father explained.
The doorhandle turned as a young blonde entered. "Hello, Leslie, I'm
Dr.While. Let's see if we can't find out what the trouble is, all right?" She
sat across from Leslie reading over her charts. "So, you've been extremely
fatigued lately?"
"Not just lately," Mr.Carter interjected. "Ever since August she's been tired
and sick on and off."
"Since August? Wow, that certainly puts a damper on your fun level, doesn't
it?"
Leslie gave a light smile annoyed at the woman's lack of wit. "Yeah."
"Well, let's take a look and see what we can do." She rolled forward placing
her hands upon the teen's glands. "According to the chart you've had
tenderness in the throat and fevers from time to time."
"Yes."
"Very serious?"
"Sometimes."
The physican changed instruments. "Just take normal breaths, Leslie.
Mr.Carter, has she seen any other doctors for this ailment through out the
length of her discomfort?"
"Yes, while she was on tour we stopped by a twenty- four hour clinic where
she was diagnosed with clinical exhuastion."
"Ah, so your the famous Carter Clan. Pleasure to meet you. Leslie, how long
did you rest after the tour?"
"I dunno...two or three weeks."
"Hmm...that should have kicked it. Have there been any other symptoms?"
Mr.Carter scratched his scalp. "Well, Nick and Angel mentioned some mood
swings."
Leslie glared. "I do not have mood swings!"
The doctor laughed patting her knee. "Oh, honey, you're female we all have
mood swings!" She returned to the chart. "Any change in your menstural cycle?"
The fourteen-year-old turned her father blushing as she quickly answered.
"No."
"How would you describe the fatigue?"
"Somedays it's not that bad and other times it's awful. I'll fall asleep
watching a movie or reading..."
"She's also been catching stuff a lot easier," Mr.Carter stated.
Dr.While smiled. "I'll run a few blood tests just to rule out mono and other
logical possibilities."
"Blood tests? As in needles?"
"I'm afraid so, sweetie, but I promise it won't hurt too much. I'll send in a
nurse, just relax."
********
"Daddy, it's been a half hour."
"These things take time, honey."
"I know, but it makes me freak out."
The doctor returned. "I'm sorry for the delay."
"Is it mono?" Leslie asked.
"No, I'm afraid not."
The blonde-haired man stood. "Then, what is it?"
The woman sighed. "I can't be sure. I'd like Leslie to go over to the
hospital for further observation."
"The hospital?" Leslie shouted.
"Yes, just to be safe. This could be very serious or it could be very minor.
I owe it to you to check every possibility. Just give your name at the
information desk in the main lobby and they'll guide you from there."
Chapter 17