Part 263

Becca awakened to a soft movement by her bed. Slowly opening one eye she was greeted by the floating bouquet of Mylar balloons that Nick had left the previous evening. Sleepily she smiled, reaching for the shiny ribbons that held them in place, and that's when she found Nick's note.

Becca was still smiling when they brought Garrett in for his first feeding of the day.

"Good morning Mrs. Carter, how are you feeling this morning?"

"Like I've been run over by a bus," she smiled.

"Sounds about right for the second day," she laughed. "Let me check your blood pressure before this little one grabs all your attention."

Becca lay still as the cuff inflated around her upper arm, an all too familiar feeling.

"Relax," the nurse laughed. "Holding your breath won't make it any lower."

Becca let out the breath she'd been holding and smiled. "It was worth a try."

"This is a lot better this morning, 136/90. In the moderate range." She helped Becca sit up and get comfortable before handing the baby to her. "Your breakfast should be here soon, if you need anything just buzz."

As the baby nursed she took advantage of the quiet time, singing to him softly as she counted his fingers and tiny toes. One tiny hand wrapped around her finger as he gazed up into her eyes. His tummy was finally full and Becca watched in wonder as his blue eyes drifted shut, peaceful and content. She was about to fall asleep herself when Dr. Anthony walked in tiredly.

"How's my favorite patient?" he asked.

"I'll bet you say that to all the girls!"

"Only the ones whose husband and friends have provided such entertainment to all the student nurses," he grinned.

Becca groaned. "Sorry."

He laughed. "Don't worry about it. In fact, they all promised to visit the children's ward this afternoon."

"That sounds like them," she smiled. "You look tired."

"Tired is all relative at this point. I had an all night delivery and another was just admitted." He shook his head. "I figured I'd better come see you now, because I might not make it later. Let me take this little one off your hands for a minute." He smiled as he took Garrett from Becca and placed him back in his bed.

Becca sighed as she leaned back against the pillow.

"I see from your chart that you took something last night. Good girl. You feel better this morning?"

"I think so, still pretty tired."

"Becca, you've been through a lot in the past month. It's not that easy to bounce back. Let's take a look."

Once again he carefully examined Becca's incision and was almost finished when Becca tensed and moaned.

"Ohh … oww…" Becca felt her abdomen tighten and to her utter mortification, felt a rush of hot sticky fluid between her thighs. "God, I'm so sorry."

"It's what I expected. Bec, you're bleeding pretty heavily." He rang for the nurse as he reassured her. "It's just a minor setback, Becca, but I want you off your feet today."

"But Garrett-"

"You can keep him with you as much as you want today, but if you get tired send him back to the nursery. You need to rest and that's what our staff is here for." Just then his pager went off. "Duty calls," he sighed. "Take care, and I'll try to get back by later."

"Thanks," Becca said wearily as the nurse helped her into a fresh gown and changed the sheets.

* * * * *

Dr. Anthony was just signing off on Becca's chart as Nick and Julie stepped off the elevator.

"Doc!" Nick called.

"Morning Nick," he smiled. "You doing okay?"

"Much better," he grinned. "How's Becca?"

"She's been through a lot," he said, hesitating because Nick wasn't alone.

"Oh, I can leave," Julie began and turned away.

"No, stay," Nick said, pulling her back. "This is Becca's friend, Julie. She can hear whatever you need to say."

Julie looked surprised, but said nothing.

"Honestly? I'm concerned. Becca's been through some serious trauma. It's going to take her a while longer than normal to recover."

"What are you saying?" Nick asked quietly.

"When do you leave for your next show?"

"We have a show in Ottawa tomorrow night and then two days later in Montreal."

The doctor rubbed his tired eyes. "I can't in good conscience allow her to make that trip. She needs to be off her feet for a few more days at least and not traveling for at least a week."

"A WEEK?"

"Nick, she overdid it yesterday and is paying for it today. She's bleeding heavily and I don't need to remind you that her blood pressure is still a factor in all of this."

Nick looked so defeated that Julie wanted to cry.

"A week in the hospital?" Nick asked.

"I'm afraid we don't have much choice. I understand the bind you're in-"

"Nick? What about me?" Julie asked.

"What about you?"

"Becca could stay with me. I have plenty of room, and I know you have all the baby stuff on your bus. Becca told me."

"Doc?" Nick asked hopefully.

"I'm not convinced. She still needs to be monitored."

"It's perfect," Julie reassured him. "My next door neighbor, Lynne, is a nurse. She's not working right now so she could help me!"

Nick noticed the way her eyes were sparkling. "Let me guess…"

"She's on the list, too. She's got it bad for Kevin," Julie laughed.

"It's settled then. Make sure I get a copy of Lynne's credentials. I'll need to keep in close contact with her." Dr. Anthony made another notation in Becca's chart and turned toward the delivery room.

"Doc?" Nick called. "I'd like to get her settled before I have to leave. This is going to be hard on her."

"The earliest I can even consider releasing her is tomorrow. If she takes it easy and does well today I'll discharge her first thing in the morning. I'm sorry, I know that's cutting it close, but it's the best I can do."

"Thank you, I'll take it! Come on, Julie. Let's go see Bec."

"Tell you what, you go let her know what's going on. I need to get things ready and let Lynne know what I just volunteered her for."

"Julie, thank you. I can't-" Nick's eyes were filled with gratitude.

"It's okay, Nick. Just get Kevin to help bring the stuff over later. The look on Lynne's face will be thanks enough."

Nick grinned at her. "It's a deal. Later!"

* * * * * * *

Julie flipped open her cell phone as she walked to her car. Grinning, she dialed the familiar number. "Lynne? Do NOT go anywhere, stay right where you are. You are NOT gonna believe this!"

Part 264                             The Dance Index(3)