Don't Shoot the Messenger

31 - some test results

short chapter - under a thousand words.

(kind of a filler chapter for loose ends)

* edited

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Claire POV

Dr Mortini walks in at last.

"I know that you have been very anxious to hear the results of the biopsy. I sent samples to other labs to verify our conclusions; I did not want any possibility of error. I have the last results in now and they all agree. The meningioma was not cancer. It was atypical, which means that it could have become cancerous. It is remotely possible there could have been some few cancer cells which were not evident in the samples. Not every cell was tested after all. Detailed scans will be performed at intervals to be certain. Beyond a set point your risk of cancer will be no worse than anyone else's."

"As you know, the pressure on your normal brain tissue deformed it and disrupted neural pathways. It is possible that over time, some recovery will be made as the tissue attempts to revert to its natural state. Also, the brain is malleable and  neural pathways can be retrained." He tells us. "Your husband has already found a Hospital with an excellent reputation for rehabilitation."

"The bottom line is that you are going to live, and there will be lengthy recovery. Though you may not get full function back, you are going to be getting better now instead of worse. I hope that you will forgive me for not telling you the initial findings until I had verified the results."  Alissandru glares, but nods reluctantly.

I stare at Alissandru. This has been hanging over me for so long... the tumor, the fear of him leaving me when he learned I was seriously ill...all of it... just...gone. It isn't real yet, not to me. I should feel happy, not...numb, disbelieving. I'm going to wake up ...or something bad will happen. I'm still waiting for the punchline, or the punch.

Alissandru looks worried that I'm not ecstatic. "This is good news. The best thing he could have told us! Why aren't you happy?"   "I've been living with this reality for months, I sort of adjusted to it as my new normal... and it's... like someone yanked the rug out from under me and I'm waiting to fall."   "Good things can happen too Claire. We found each other, didn't we?" I hear the door close as the Dr leaves us our privacy.

His fingers brush over my bandages. I know I must look a fright without a stitch of hair or even makeup, but his eyes are soft. "I'll believe it for both of us until you can. I'll remind you every day that this is real. You are still beautiful to me. To see you here, alive. It's a gift. I was so afraid..." His eyes darken. I see the shadows that haunted him for days while he tried with all his heart to please me.

"I'm sorry."       "Never do anything like that again." He orders me, and his voice rings with power and pain. "I swear."   "They said you will be on strict bed rest. Unfortunately no 'exercise' for at least a month." I shoot him a disbelieving look "You can think of that NOW?"  "I might stop when I'm dead.... " Heated eyes devour me.

"You could rock the cyborg look, but I had them save your hair. It was more than long enough for a wig maker to use it. It won't be as long, of course. You will lose several inches, but it should be ready before you check out of the hospital." He kisses my hand gently. I can't believe he's mine. "You really love me?" I whisper with wonder... "I'll convince you if it's the last thing I do" He growls. "...I really thought you loved that sap. I hate to admit that he's a good man, but he was willing to die to protect you. I can forgive a lot for that." "He is a good man, but not my man. It makes all the difference."

Remembering our first meeting in his office, I was so afraid of Alissandru. I was certain that I was close to death itself. Crying on Greg's shoulder at school... He was so concerned and supportive that day. What might have happened if I hadn't shut him out? If I had told him the truth about why I was crying? Greg had resources I hadn't known about; he could have helped with my surgery. If things had been different, would I have ended up with him instead? If things had been different... but they weren't. He meant well. He had courage... but Greg seemed a pale shadow next to Alissandru. It was hard to imagine now that I could have ever chosen Greg over him.

"I thought my life was over when I first saw you. Who could have guessed that instead of shooting the messenger, we would end up here?"   "I have a much better ending in mind, love. But you will have to give me a little time to prepare." His surprises are always worth waiting for.

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Question:

What would you re-name the story?    I am open to ideas.  

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A/N

Actually 2/3 of the tumors of the meninges are benign. I thought this would fit the story better; before cutting the text a bit I wrote it in as 1/3. I actually did a little research, and there is such a thing as atypical tumor cells... A Dr. would take extra time to verify the findings and be certain there was no possibility of error.

I knew a guy who had surgery involving his upper spine...

Her surgery did as well, for the part of the tumor threatening the brain stem. He was flat on his back for a month. She would not be able to do anything for quite a while. The breathing issues when she cried are also reasonable. 

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