Page 36 of Believe
Riley walked away and they just stilled, unable to move or think.
“This sucks,” said Gibbie. “That kid deserves a chance to walk and run. Hell, she needs to be able to dance.”
“Baby, she’s been given the gift of life,” said Irene appearing before them. “That’s a powerful gift to give.”
“We know, Mama Irene,” said Rory. “But she’s innocent. She’s done nothing wrong and yet she’s being punished.”
“Baby, she’s not being punished. That tumor was just somethin’ that happened. Our doctors have given her a chance at a normal life. But even if she can’t walk, she’s alive. She’ll live and go to school and marry and have friends. That’s the gift my babies.”
“You’re right, Mama Irene,” said Stone nodding at the ghostly grandma. “She’s been in great spirits. We’re the ones moaning about this. Let’s just pray that the pond does its magic once again.”
“I’ll pray with y’all,” said Irene as she disappeared.
When the men entered Madeline’s room, she was smiling and chattering away with Doc.
“And then in another episode the guy turns into a vampire and falls in love with a ghost. It’s the coolest show ever!” she said with an exaggerated expression.
“I’ll have to try and catch up on that,” smiled Doc. “It looks like your bodyguards are here.”
“Do I need bodyguards?” she asked with a smile.
“Of course,” said Rory. “Every princess needs bodyguards.”
“I’m not a princess,” she laughed.
“How are you feeling, kiddo?” asked Stone.
“Good. I’m scared about this pond. I can swim but I don’t know if my legs will move.”
“Just take it a minute at a time,” said Max. “I’m going to get in with you to make sure you’re okay. Don’t worry about a thing.” Her expression said she still wasn’t sure and she looked at the men, nibbling on her bottom lip and nodded.
“Speak up, kiddo,” said Rory. “Say what’s on your mind.”
“My aunt and uncle. They’re so worried and they’re working so hard. I’m worried about them. If, um, if something happens to me will you take care of them?”
“Nothing will happen to you,” said Rory. “We won’t let it and we always keep our word.”
Doc turned and stared at his teammate. Giving a promise like that was risky. It could backfire. All they could do was hope that Mama Irene’s magic would help the child.
It seemed to take an hour to get her secured to the padded board and moved to the ATV. Driving carefully along the path, the men only smiled at one another realizing that someone, most likely Matthew, had smoothed the path completely. It was as if they were driving on new asphalt.
“Here we are kiddo,” smiled Max. “Listen, Madeline. I have to take my clothes off for this or we’ll ruin the water.”
“Do I have to take my clothes off?” she asked.
“Honey, you do,” said Rory.
“Oh.”
“It’s alright, I’m here,” smiled Piper. She kissed Rory, giving him a wink. “Riley called and said our favorite patient would need to take a swim and the only people available were yucky boys. Blah!”
“They’re not yucky,” laughed Madeline. “They’re just, um, boys.”
“Okay. I’m going to help you get undressed and cover you up. Then I’m going to get in and the boys will hand you to me. Okay?”
“That sounds better,” she smiled.
Her gown made it very easy to get her undressed. When Piper was undressed, she dove into the warm waters, grateful to be out of the blustery winds.