Seven Weeks Later
Kerry’s House
Smiling somewhat sadly, Kerry lifted her eyes as she slid the envelope across the table. The letter was halfway tucked inside, two pictures peeking from behind it. The childish scrawl belied the written words and Carter nodded as he glanced over the short note.
“She’s okay,” Carter sighed, and this time it was she who nodded.
“Yeah,” a pause, “she’s in a home, John. A home for emotionally disturbed children,” a grimace visibly set itself upon her face.
“They’re trying to help her,” he reminded her, though he knew his words would go unheeded.
“She’s not…” she began, halted, then continued after pondering thoughtfully, “Wouldn’t you be a little emotionally disturbed if your mother killed herself and your father had been molesting you for years? I think she has that right.”
“The counselors will help her, Kerry. She’ll be eligible for adoption, foster homes…”
“That’s a lot better,” her voice was edged in sarcasm, “I’ve been to better places, Carter, the orphanages and homes, and I’ve got to tell you…” her irritation was palpable.
“Hey,” he laid a hand on her arm, “that won’t happen. This is America – not that these things don’t happen, but it’s more… regulated – and we’ll monitor her, we’ll stay in touch, make sure she’s okay.” He sighed, fingering the edge of a picture, a blond child holding a soccer ball as she stood in front of a stand of trees, laughter peeling forth.
“It doesn’t fix things, though, Carter. It doesn’t make her okay, fix her past.” After a moment, she relaxed into the arm that had been slung across her shoulders.
“Doesn’t fix me.”
---
She took the proffered tablet and sat back with the psychiatrist, crossing her hands one over another on top of her stomach. “First Rhogam treatment,” she explained, downing the rest of the bottled water. “Twelve weeks to go.”
“I wasn’t aware that there were concerns over an Rh factor incompatibility,” he nodded toward the placing of her hands, the smallest of smiles gracing his expression.
Chuckling to herself, Kerry’s eyes twinkled as she replied, “You’re not aware of many things, Carl.”
He shared a grin, then allowed his expression to grow more solemn, “I’m aware of Hailey.”
“Yes,” Kerry nodded, she too falling somber. Her eyes slid to the side with a bit of a far-off expression as she turned inward to her own memories – both of Hailey and herself.
“Why don’t you tell me about her?” the psychiatrist, her colleague, prodded.
Kerry’s eyes flicked upward as she caressed her abdomen and the fluttering beneath.
And then she smiled and whispered, “Okay.”
