Part 13

With two large decafs sitting between them, Charlotte and Sam tried to put their minds aorund all that had happened in the last week.

"First you're pregnant," listed off Sam, counting on his fingers.

Charlotte shot him a look. "As if I did this all myself. If I recall, and count back correctly, you were the one so hot and trotting that week. Remember... the cowboy outfit." What was she saying? Out loud at least. Forty somethings weren't suppose to be trying new things in the bedroom. But they were.

Not to be swayed too far from his counting, "And two Jenny fell and is paralyzed." His head fell into his hands as a huge sob erupted from his chest. His whole body shaking, he cried, "What do we do?"

Charlotte leaned over and put her arm around him. "We drink these coffees, and then order 2 or 3 shakes to go. What'll it be?"

Sam said nothing. Keeping his head slumped towards his chest, he eased his body into his wife's and stayed there.

"What'll it be Sam?" whispered Charlotte, brushing the top of his head with a kiss. Her eyes were now closed and she breathed in what she called the Essence of Sam. A smell that only he held on to.

"It'll be three chocolate shakes. Then we'll see about breakfast tomorrow."

Charlotte smiled. "Good call."

Shakes in hand, the Penchots made their way back towards the bank of elevators. As Sam hit the up button a familiar voice came up behind them. "Charlotte, what brings you here?" It was Dr. Houseman, Sarah's dino gyno.

"Jenny fell. Her left arm is paralyzed."

"What? How?" Dr. Houseman's reaction wasn't a surprise. After all he delivered her into this world.

"The girls were jumping in the leaves, and she slipped and fell hard."

"Who is the attending physician?"

"Dr. Reid."

A wave of relief washed over Dr. Houseman. He's good. He tells it like it is, and pulls no punches. "

"Well," added Sam, "Right now he thinks we should wait to see if the spinal cord swelling goes down on its own."

The elevator bell dinged, and three people stepped out. Holding the elevator door open with his arm, Dr. Houseman, said, "I'll follow you up, if you don't mind. I'd love to see her."

Charlotte and Sam entered the elevator and said, "No, we don't mind. But I'm sure she won't remember you."

"It doesn't matter," smiled Dr. Houseman, "Because I remember her."