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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 11, 2010 16:02:49 GMT -5
"Dinner tonight?', Keith asked as he and Shelby drove towards her grandparents home.
"I would love too, but I was out last night and then gone today. Plus I need to talk about the Dublin trip with my Dad."
"Okay, well I surf most mornings before the sun is up."
"Maybe, I'll take another jog in the morning."
"Same place?'", he put the VW into park in front of the house.
"Same place", she nodded with a smile.
"Oh," he said reaching into his backseat", since you have no clue what I have been up to, you have homework", he handed her a small bag.
"What is this?"
"The cd's and dvd's of our productions", he grinned," not to shabby if I do say so."
"So I am supposed to watch all of this tonight?"
"If you're bored and don't have anything else to do, then yes."
Shelby laughed and took the bag,"See you in the morning", she kissed his cheek and gave a wave as she walked up to the house.
Keith felt as if a puzzle piece had finally fallen into place as he drove home. Shelby was back in his life and she loved him. Now he only hoped that she would indeed agree to audition in Dublin and then he could not only spend the summer with her, but spend the entire tour as well.
"I'm home", Shelby called placing her purse and the small bag on the table near the door.
"You're home", Leona said wiping her hands on a towel," Would you like to give me a hand with dinner?"
"Sure Grandma", she replied," What are we having?"
"Shepherd's pie and some fresh bread. One of your grandfather's favorites."
Shelby put on an apron and set to helping with the bread, kneading the dough, and adding the items Leona instructed her too.
"How was your day with Keith?", Leona asked as she placed ingredients in a large baking pan for the shepherd's pie.
"It was good", she replied.
"Just good?"
Shelby laughed," It was wonderful, we really got the chance to catch up and just enjoy each other's company. I kind of blurted out that I loved him and he was okay with it."
Leona smiled gently," Did you talk about your condition at all?"
She shook her head," He has far too much else to worry about. He doesn't need to know about the tumor on my one good kidney."
"Honey, if you two are going to be serious then he deserves to know."
"I know that Grandma", she sighed," I just don't want to tell him yet. Not until I know for sure what the medication has done and what advice the doctors in Dublin give me."
Leona nodded and decided to put the conversation to rest," SO what did you two do?"
"Went to breakfast and then just walked around town. We actually went back to the park where we first met. It was very sweet. Oh, and he gave me homework!"
"Homework?"
"Yes, the dvd's and albums that his group has done. Figured I'd watch them tonight see what he has been up too."
"You'll have to tell me how they are."
"I will", she said as they went back to concentrating on cooking the meal.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 14, 2010 18:03:04 GMT -5
Shelby climbed the stairs to her room slowly. Nausea and fatigue were settling in heavily. She made her way to her room and changed into a pair of cotton pants with an oversized t-shirt. She put one of the cd's Keith had give her into the bose player next to her bed. She curled underneath the comforter as the drums of the first song poured through the speakers. She listened as the different voices sang and blended together. She lifted the cd case and found that the next song was sung by Keith and called "Mountains of Mourne". She closed her eyes as his voice flowed softly through the room.
"Hey Shels", Don said sitting on the edge of her bed," You skipping dinner?"
She pressed pause on the player," Yeah, just not feeling too hot."
Don placed a hand against her forehead," Talk to me", he said with a frown of concern.
She sighed," I am just tired, my body hurts, and if I move I may throw up. The usual."
"I thought the meds were supposed to help with some of this."
"Dad some of this is because of the meds. I figure if I just go to sleep I can probably sleep through it."
"Want me to make you soup or anything?', he smoothed her hair away from her face.
"Just a glass of soda if there is any. It will help my stomach."
"Be right back" , he kissed her forehead and head to the kitchen.
Shelby felt the tears again. It wasn't supposed to be like this, the pain wasn't supposed to be this bad. She didn't want to worry anyone and yet all she could think about was Keith and how to protect him from any of her burdens. She reached over and pushed play again. She wasn't even aware when her father returned with the glass of soda. She was in another place listening to Celtic Thunder, and it was a good place. Her mind wasn't on the aching and fatigue of her body, but wandering through the memories of her day with Keith and of looking forward to the next morning.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 16, 2010 17:24:03 GMT -5
Keith tucked his surf board under his arm as the cool cloudy mist swirled over the water. He made his way over to where he had met Shelby the previous morning. He was hoping to see her beautiful face and her smiling green eyes as he approached. He felt his heart slightly sink as he came upon their spot and did not see her. He sat on the rock staring at the water as it crashed angrily against the shore. Surely she would not have stood him up. Hadn't they agreed to meet? He wracked his brain to remember and to retrace the the events of the previous evening. He was wrapped in his own thoughts that he almost didn't hear the rasping voice calling his name.
"Keith", Shelby nearly shouted over the water, her chest was burning and her pulse was much too fast.
He looked up and smiled until he saw her begin to fall to her knees", Shelby", he said quickly rushing to her," Are you okay?"
She nodded," Yeah I was just", she sucked in a deep breath," running, late."
"Love, no need to kill yourself. It's okay," he helped her up and gently brushed her frazzled hair from her face. He wrapped his arms around her," Better now?"
"A little", she smiled," I wasn't feeling well and I didn't want you to think I wasn't going to show up."
Keith kissed her softly,"It's okay Shels, I am not mad. Well I sort of am upset and that is because you came out here not feeling well."
"I told you, I didn't want you to think I was standing you up."
"I'll take you home, you should be warm in bed", he led the way to his car.
"We can stay, I know you want to surf."
"No arguing", he placed a finger against her lips," We will go back to my flat and you can sleep in my bed. I'll make you tea and toast. Once you are feeling better then I will take you home."
Shelby smiled and kissed him," Fine, no arguing."
Keith laughed", That was far too easy."
Shelby didn't answer, simply allowed Keith to keep his warm arms about her as they walked. Once back his flat he made good on his promise, making her go to bed while he prepared tea and toast. He sat on the edge of the bed placing the tray on her lap,"looks good", she smiled.
"Hope it is, I'm not always the best cook," he picked up the tv remote and sat on the opposite side of the bed.
"You're not having anything?", she looked at him as she munched on the toast.
"had my wheaties before surfing, or what was supposed to be surfing", he grinned as he flipped through the channels.
"Knew the guilt trip would come along", she sipped some of the tea," What is in this?", she sputtered.
"No worries, special Irish blend to help you sleep," he winked.
"You spiked my tea Keith Harkin!"
"Only to help you sleep, I promise. I will even leave the room", he began to get up.
"Please don't", she placed a hand on his. She sipped more of the tea as he sat back down. She moved the tray to the small milk crate style night stand and pulled the blankets around her. She slid over to Keith's side of the bed, and lay her head against his chest," I am pretty sleepy", she yawned.
Keith laughed and draped his arm around her," Get some sleep", he kissed the top of her head as she began to doze off.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 25, 2010 11:45:13 GMT -5
Keith kept his arm around Shelby as she slept. This was his idea of perfection, her in his home, and curled up next to him asleep. So many things that had been missing were finally starting to fall into place. He gently brushed her hair away from her face as her eyes fluttered slightly. He wondered what was going on in her mind as she slept, he knew she was hiding something from him. He hoped that she knew she could trust him enough to talk openly. As his mind wandered her felt his stomach growl. He carefully moved her, adjusting the blankets to make sure she stayed warm. He placed a kiss against her cheek as he went to find something to eat.
Shelby awoke to find herself alone in the bed. Her mind briefly panicked as she forgot where she was. She stretched letting herself adjust. Keith's scent from the pillows and blankets washed over her causing a smile to spread across her lips. With the smile came a harsh tug as she thought of the truth he needed to know. A truth that would have to wait until after a visit to Dublin. No matter the outcome of the visit, she was going to audition to be able to do the tour with the group. The opportunity was far to immense to pass up. She stood and stretched her arms above her head and pulled her hair out of its ponytail. She cringed as she saw herself in the mirror. Her hair was tousled, and her clothes dishelved from sleeping. She quickly combed her fingers through her hair pulling it into a bun and tried to smooth her clothes.
"Hey there", Keith said standing in the doorway.
"Hi", Shelby said with a jolt," You scared me."
"Sorry", he laughed," Just thought I would check to see if you were awake."
"How long was I out for?"
"Few hours", he shrugged,"Feeling better?"
"I am", she said with a smile," Listen, I decided that I will definitely try out for the tour. I mean what is the worst that could happen? They say no? I have heard that before."
"Thank you!", he said sweeping her off her feet in a hug.
"Careful", she laughed with a wince at the pain in her right said,"Are there specific dances that I need to know?"
"Did you get to watch anything last night?", he asked as they went into the living room.
"No, I pretty much ate dinner and then went to bed. But, I did listen to a few songs and they are amazing!"
"Thanks", he grinned," You are lucky, because I have my own copies of the dvd's. I can show you some of the dances from the shows."
"Perfect!", she sat on the couch pulling her knees up as he set up the dvd player.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 29, 2010 8:12:56 GMT -5
"So what appointments does your dad have in Dublin?", Keith asked as Shelby helped him to pack the following Monday.
"Ummm, just ya know", she said trying to think quickly," Business stuff. He asked me to go with him on a few of them."
"On business appointments?", he said cocking an eyebrow.
"Yeah, wants me to learn about what he does", she laughed," all though I don't ever plan on getting into advertising."
Keith laughed,"Yeah, for some reason I don't see you behind a desk. I think a stage is more suitable to you."
"We'll see about that", she picked up a shirt to fold,"So, would you be upset if I wanted to try out to be Ryan's dancer?"
Keith shrugged," If you mean upset as in jealous maybe just a wee bit, but not really. It's a bigger role than what Caroline has and you should do it."
She grinned,"You'd be a little bit jealous?"
"Are you going to make a big deal out of this?", he teased.
"Not letting it drop at all!", she did a twirl and stopped in front of him,"Because seeing your face all red is too adorable."
Keith grabbed her sides tickling her playfully as she squirmed,"Now who's all red!"
"Stop, stop it", she laughed pushing at his hands,"Fine, you win."
"Thank you", he said kissing her tenderly.
"I love you", she smiled wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I love you too", he said kissing her forehead," Now since I am more or less packed, how is your packing coming?"
"Pretty much done," she said placing a final shirt in his bag and zipping it up," Now you are staying with us tonight right?"
"Right, sleeping on the couch if I recall what your Grandmother said."
Shelby couldn't help but laugh," The whole, he can only sleep on the couch, no sneaking going on."
"That would be it", he said with a snap of his fingers.
"Let's get your stuff in the car and then head to the house. You can help me take care of the horses for the night."
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 1, 2010 12:13:34 GMT -5
Shelby and Keith took care of the horses for the night and then made their way inside to get his bed made up on the couch.
"See you two in the morning", Don said kissing Shelby on the cheek.
"Night sir", Keith said with a nod.
"Night Dad", Shelby replied tucking the sheet into the cushion," If you want to finish up I am going to start a pot of tea for us."
"Sounds like a plan to me", he said spreading the blanket out.
Shelby went into the kitchen and quickly made sure that Keith was busy finishing making up the couch. She pulled the pill box out of the drawer taking the ones that she needed. Pouring a glass of water she popped a few into her mouth.
"Need any help?", Keith asked coming into the kitchen.
Shelby quickly shoved the remaining pills into her pocket," No, I was just thirsty so had some water."
He looked at her," What's going on Shelby?"
"What do you mean?", she smiled," I was just having some water before starting the tea."
"You shoved something into your pocket when I walked in," he crossed his arms.
"It's nothing, you know I wasn't feeling well last week so I am still taking a bit of medicine to make sure I'm not sick. Don't worry about it", she kissed his cheek.
"Why won't you trust me?", he asked honestly.
"I do trust you", she placed the full kettle on the stove,"What makes you think I don't?"
"Because you talk about not feeling well, I can tell you're tired a lot. Something more is going on and you're not telling me the truth."
"It's nothing, that's why. I was sick last week and now I am feeling better. No big deal," she leaned against the counter crossing her arms," Can we drop it now?"
Keith sighed," Fine, but if there is something that is wrong, you can talk to me. You should know that," he closed the space between them wrapping her in his arms.
Shelby buried her face against his neck inhaling is fresh clean scent,"I do know that Keith and I promise I will." She knew he deserved to know the truth about everything, she knew she was walking a line of danger by continuing to hide from him. But they were in love and happy and she didn't want lose that or lose him. She sighed as the kettle began to whistle,"Let's have some tea and then bed time."
"Agreed", he said kissing her gently.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 1, 2010 18:00:55 GMT -5
After their tea Shelby said goodnight to Keith and made her way upstairs. She dug the remaining pills out of her pocket once she was in her room. She sighed and went to the bathroom to finish taking them. She had been diagnosed with tumors in both her kidneys when she was younger. She had already had her left one removed and told that she could function with just the right one. A year ago on a check up they had found that the tumor on her right kidney had begun to wrap itself around the organ. She had undergone treatment and the tumor had shrunk some, but she was forced to be on different medication to keep the tumor from enlarging until she could get a transplant. The only person that may be a remote match for her was her mother. The mother that had walked away all the years before. And now that Siobhan actually knew the severity of the tumor her only response had been I don't know. Shelby sank to the floor of the bathroom as tears flooded suddenly and uncontrollably. If she waited too long for a transplant she knew the possibility and she was scared. She had finally been reunited with the man she loved, she was going to audition for a major tour and yet her health loomed like a giant beast waiting to swallow her whole. She fought to get her breathing under control and finally stood up. Without looking in the mirror she went to her room changed her clothes in the dark. Her eyes hurt and she needed to sleep. She sank onto her bed and gazed out the open window. She breathed in the sweet night air allowing it to fill her lungs and to try and relax. She jumped as she felt the bed shift next to her.
"Are you okay?", Keith asked softly," I heard you crying downstairs."
She turned over and looked at him,"I'm fine really", she placed a hand on his arm.
"Want me to stay a little while?", he smoothed her hair away from her face and stroked her cheek.
"Just til I fall asleep", she slid over and made room for him.
"Come 'ere", he said holding his arms open. He rested his chin on the top of Shelby's head as she curled up next to him," This better?"
"Much", she smiled up at him before closing her eyes.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 2, 2010 13:24:52 GMT -5
Don woke up before the rest of the house. He opened the door to look in on Shelby and saw her fast asleep in Keith's arms. He knew his former mother-in-law would not approve, but he knew that his daughter was safe and happy with Keith Harkin. He quietly closed the door and went to load bags into the car for the ride to the train station. He hadn't interfered with Shelby's time with Keith and it had honestly afforded him time alone to contemplate the severity of the situation. Since she was born she had been his little girl, after Siobhan left and he became a single dad. Shelby had taken to dance like fish to water by the time she was five. Anytime there was music on she was moving. He never denied her a dance class or an opportunity to study. As she grew older he noticed that at times she would be in so much pain she could barely move. After a bad episode he took her to the emergency room only to discover cancerous tumors on her kidneys. He was devastated to learn that his baby, turning into a young woman may not make it through to see her twenty first birthday. After the surgery, they had been told that she would be okay with the one kidney and now they had to get a transplant for her. He was beyond angry with his ex-wife. He knew that Siobhan had not wanted children, but she had seemed excited when she learned of her pregnancy. After 3 years it proved to be too much and she left them. Now his baby girl needed her more than ever and he feared greatly that she would not come through. That her selfishness would over power what was right.
Shelby woke slowly and saw Keith still asleep next to her, one arm draped abover her head the other over her stomach. She smiled and shook him gently,"Hey you", she whispered softly.
"More sleep", he groaned while stretching.
"If you value your life you will act like you slept on the couch", she laughed.
He jumped suddenly,"See you downstairs", he kissed her cheek and snuck out of the room.
Shelby laughed to herself as she got out of bed. She quickly showered and dressed for the train ride down south. She checked her dance bag to make sure everything she needed was there and then checked her suitcase. She hauled both items downstairs as Keith finished folding the sheets and blankets,"Sleep good", Shelby grinned.
"Very", he winked," Let me help you", he took the large dance bag from her and took her hand as they went out to the car.
"Morning Dad", Shelby said as they approached the car.
"Hey you guys", he turned with a smile," I have my bags, and your grandparents things in already."
"These are mine", Shelby gestured to her luggage.
"You never learned to travel light", Don laughed.
"Most girls never do", Keith placed her duffel bag in the trunk of the car.
"No ganging up, that is not fair",she placed her hands on her hips with a laugh.
"Help me get my stuff", Keith pulled her back to the house"By the way, good morning", he said pulling her into him closely.
"Morning", she tilted her face to his accepting the kiss,"Thank you for last night by the way."
"As if I really wanted to sleep on the couch", he gave her a squeeze.
Before long the group was in the car and headed to the train station. They stopped for a quick breakfast and then finished their trip. After the luggage was unloaded and they were boarded the long trip began.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 4, 2010 18:38:56 GMT -5
The ride to Dublin was a long one, the scenery flew by in streaks of green, and patches of gray clouds with bits of sun. Shelby looked back at her grandparents and father who all seemed to be deep in conversation,"Thank goodness they're not staring at us anymore", she sighed and rested her head against Keith's shoulder.
He laughed,"You are the only child, no matter how old you are you will always be under the scope."
"Im not a kid anymore though, I swear they act like we are still 16."
"Sometimes I wish we were", he laced his fingers through hers.
"Why is that?"
"Well, we could get away with practically murder and plead innocent."
Shelby giggled,"Isn't that the truth."
"Plus I could erase all the time I have missed with you and not be so stupid."
"We were young, Lord knows I never thought it would come full circle like it has."
"You are such a Yank!", he clutched his stomach as he laughed.
"and you're such an Irishman with your Pubs and Guinness!", she pulled her hand from his pouting playfully.
"Nothing wrong with enjoying a pint", he pulled at her arm.
"No, you insulted me", she slid away from him.
"Get back here", he put an arm around her waist.
"You insult me and then want to cuddle?", she grinned.
"Please", he gave her a warm smile,"I promise I won't call you a Yank anymore."
"Liar", she laughed resuming her position next to him.
"Now that my dear is an isult", he said matter of factly.
"Get over yourself Harkin", she rolled her eyes.
"Shelby, Shelby", he shook his head,"You wouldn't expect me to be any other way and you know it."
"Sadly this is true", she reached up kissing him,"Just remember I'm not dancing with you."
"Ouch", he laughed.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 5, 2010 16:40:28 GMT -5
The train finally pulled into the station in Dublin shortly after night fall. People all stood and stretched gathering their things. Filing off the train was a slow process as people all stopped to retrieve articles and then moved forward.
"That took long enough", Michael complained as their group made their way towards the main entrance and exit area.
"Shush now Michael," Leona said," You're complaining isn't going to make things better."
"My mate Paul is coming to pick us up," Keith said in hopes of quieting a brewing argument.
"We appreciate it Keith", Don said,"he's okay with taking us to the hotel?"
"Sure is", he answered scanning the crowd,"There he is", he said pointing to a tall man with spiked brown blonde hair.
"He thinks the rooster look is in?", Shelby snickered.
"Not everyone has the surfer appeal like me", he grinned.
"What ever", she laughed.
"Byrom!", Keith called
Paul turned around and waved,"Harkin, ya made it in one piece!"
"Good to see ya mate!", he shook his hand.
"I see you brought a lovely companion, is this the Shelby I have heard so much about?"
"Yes I am the Shelby he has talked so much about", she extended her hand enjoying the crimson creeping into Keith's face,"This is my father Don, and my Grandparents Leona, and Michael."
"Pleasure to meet you all", Paul smiled and nodded," Leona I can take that bag for you, and we can all get out of this overly crowded station."
"Why thank you", Leona smiled,"Keith you friend is quite the gentleman."
"Only cause you don't know him", he said quickly.
"Heard that", Paul said,"Don't listen to him, he gets a little bent out of shape cause I tend to melt a few more hearts that he does."
Shelby laughed at the two,"This should be an interesting trip,"she nudged Keith with her elbow. They all made their way outside and to Paul's car.
"So Shelby,"paul began as the drove through the busy streets,"Keith tells me your auditioning for our tour."
"You are?", Don looked at his daughter.
She cringed and then quickly answered," Ummm yeah I just hadn't really talked about it a whole lot."
"Well, if you're as good as Keith goes on and on about, then you'll definitely have a shot."
"We need to talk", Don said quietly.
"Thanks", she said to Paul and then looked worriedly at Keith. He simply squeezed her hand in reassurance.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 5, 2010 18:29:29 GMT -5
"Look, I'll call you in the morning", Shelby said as keith helped her pull her bags into her hotel room.
"I'm so sorry Shels", he said hugging her,"I didn't know Paul would say anything, I didn't know you hadn't told your dad."
"It's okay", she sighed,"My Dad just worries, I mean my mom took off when I was so young and he just gets scared that I may get that wild thing too."
"Call me and let me know how things go", he kissed her tenderly.
"I will", she said closing the door behind him. She sat on the edge of the bed with her head in her hands when she heard a knock on the door, she reluctantly opened it to see her father's upset face.
"Are you insane?', Don said walking into her room," You are auditioning for a tour? What is going on in that head of yours Shelby?"
Dad, please! I want to do this, I need to do this for me!"
"You mean for Keith, he pushed you into doing this didn't he?"
"No, he didn't leave him out of this. This is about me and coming to terms with my life. I have been afraid for so long and now I'm not. I am good at dancing and you know that, this is a huge chance for me."
"What about your classes back in Phoenix? What will happen to them?"
"There are other teachers at the school. My students will be fine."
"Shelby, you have one kidney left and it's not completely functioning. What happens if you're out on the road and something happens?"
She felt tears and swallowed quickly,"Then I deal with it, I have been scared for a long time. I have been on medication after medication for a long time, and now finally I am taking some hold on my life as a 25 year old woman. I want to do this audition and see what happens. If I make it I make and if not then that's fine too."
"Does Keith even know about what is going on?", he sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her.
She shook her head,"I don't want him to worry, he's got enough right now. When the time comes I will tell him. I am begging you not to tell him."
"So are you just going to go on the road with no one knowing? I will not allow that, not with your life at stake!"
"Stop treating me like an invalid child!", she nearly yelled,"I know I am sick, I know I could die. I know all of this, it has been shoved down my throat since I was 12 years old. I am sick and tired of constantly being told that I can't do something because of this thing", she gestured towards her stomach,"I love you Dad, I do, but I can't live my life afraid to take a chance here or there", tears slowly trickled down her cheeks,"Please, I am begging you, don't say anything to Keith, and please don't stop me from doing this."
Don looked at his daughter and realized for the first time in a long time the woman that was standing in front of him. She was no longer the little girl that had enjoyed dancing with him or asking him to take care of her, she was a woman. A woman stating her intentions and plans for her life,"I trust you Shelby, but I need to know that if you make it onto that tour,"he swallowed thickly,"that someone will be watching out for you."
"I promise Daddy", she sat next to him hugging him tightly,"I promise."
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 10, 2010 9:09:06 GMT -5
"Shelby McConnell?", a nurse called.
"That's me", Shelby stood up and followed the woman.
"I'll be out here", Don said watching his daughter walk away.
"How have you been feeling?', the young woman with dark brown eyes asked as they entered the exam room.
"Not bad", she answered taking a seat on the edge of the examining table,"pain from time to time, nausea, some side affects of the medication. I have to be careful with how much I do because I have been getting tired easily."
"Sounds normal with something like this," she smiled kindly,"What I'll do is get your blood pressure and then the doctor will be in."
"Thanks", she mumbled. She extended her arm as the nurse fit the cuff around her arm and then turned on a machine. She hated the blood pressure machines, they made her arm feel as though it may pop off from being squeezed so hard.
"Your blood pressure is a little low, but not too bad."
"I haven't eaten this morning, too nervous."
"That could be a reason", she wrapped the stethescope around her neck and jotted down a few notes,"I will send the doctor in."
Shelby waited until the nurse was out of the room and then took out her phone. She typed a short message to Keith,"Everything is okay. We are at an appointment, will text you when we leave." She sighed and waited to see if he would respond, she jumped when the phoen vibrated with a new message. She smiled as she read his reply,"Have a good day,I love you. Call me when you're able."
"Shelby, how are you?", Doctor Winston came into the room,"I haven't seen you in forever!"
"Been about 9 years," she smiled,"which is good I think anyway."
"Means that kidney of yours is still doing well. Been keeping up with appointments back in the states?"
"Like clock work," she nodded.
"Perfect", the elderly gentleman smiled," Let's take a look, ifyou can lie back for me."
Shelby lay on the table and lifted her shirt exposing the long scar from surgery,"Feel anything?", she asked as he pressed around her one kidney.
Dr. Winston slightly grimaced as he felt around her side,"Seems something is either swollen or the tumor may have grown."
"That can't be, I mean I have been doing everything I was told with the medications and the water and diet. I mean everything you have said I have done."
"Let's get an MRI done and explore a little further, no reason to panic", he smiled gently,"Why don't you go into the waiting room while I get the order for the test ready?"
"Yeah", she sat up and then made her way back to the waiting area, her mind suddelny swimming.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 11, 2010 18:15:57 GMT -5
"What happened?", Don looked at Shelby as she walked into the waiting area.
"They....they want to......do an MRI", she stuttered not meeting his eyes.
"Why, what happened?", he helped her into a seat next to him.
She shook her head as tears fell", The tumor may have grown."
"Oh God", he took his dauhgter in his arms as she cried,"Let's just wait to see what they say, okay."
"This just can't be happening", she sobbed," I have done everything, the medicines, diet, everything they said to do I did. Now it might......might be for.....nothing."
"Honey, we don't know what's going on yet. It could be swelling right? Maybe water retention", he was grasping at anything to try and calm her down," I know that you don't want him to know, but do you want me to call Keith?"
"No", she mumbled," After the test I will decide."
"I'll get you some water", he kissed her forehead and went to a small water cooler in the corner.
Shelby wrapped her arms around herself, she was suddenly cold with the realization that her disease may be beyond her control now. The thought of having to face the reality and tell Keith. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Here ya go", Don handed her the small cup.
"Thanks Dad", she sipped at the cool liquid. They sat in the waiting room for about another hour. Before they were called back to the testing area.
"Shelby, you know how these things work right?", Dr. Winston asked as he helped her onto the small table of the machine.
"You get to take pictures of this stupid thing", she answered.
"Just make sure to stay still", he smiled warmly.
"I'll be in the room with the Doctor", Don gave her hand a squeeze and followed the doctor," Doc what are we looking for here?"
"Any enlargement in the tumor, any movement it may have made", he turned to the technician," Let's get started."
Shelby lay still, her mind churning uncontrollably. Images of Keith filled her mind. Their summer together when she was sixteen. He had been nothing but a beach bum then, they would have fires on the beach with his friends and he would play his guitar. He had made her feel so safe and warm, even when she knew she was sick, he had made it all disappear. Now everything was different, she knew her love for him was not that of a sixteen year old, but of a woman who knew her own heart. A heart that had been stolen at a young age. She swallowed the tears that threatened again. Her eyes hurt and she actually began to feel sleepy.
"All done", Dr. Winston said over the loud speaker into the small room.
Shelby waited as the small table moved out of the large x-ray tube,"Find anything?", she sat on the edge and looked at her father and the doctor.
"Let's go back to my office and I'll explain", the doctor held the films in his hands.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 12, 2010 23:42:13 GMT -5
"Come on in", Dr. Winston held the door to his office open. It was furnished with a large wooden desk and a leather chair behind it. Books lined the shelves and framed degrees hung on the wall.
"Please tell me what you found", Shelby said sitting across from him along with her father.
"As you know Shelby the situation with your tumor has been precarious for a long time now."
"I'm well aware", she nodded folding her hands in her lap.
"It appears that the tumor has actually started to grow, the growth is slow, but it's there."
"So what do we do?", Don held his daughter's hand watching her knuckles going white with her changing grip.
"Bottom line the sooner the transplant comes the better", Dr. Winston perched on the edge of the desk.
"And if it doesn't?', Shelby barely choked out.
"Then you will be on dialysis by the end of the year and primarily confined to a bed."
"What about medications and pain relief?", Don questioned.
"I will give some new prescriptions and order follow up appointments. We will monitor you while you're in Ireland, I will give you a reference for a doctor in Donegal."
"I..... I am trying out for a major touring show,"Shelby began," and....and I need to know......... can I do it?"
Dr. Winston took a deep breath,"What I am going to tell you I know you will not abide by, so I will say this. You have to take care of yourself. Not letting your body get run down, sleep, nutrition, prescriptions, and some one who is aware of the situation."
She nodded,"There will be someone," she gathered her purse and jacket,"Thank you Dr. Winston."
"You can stop at the nurse's station for your prescriptions", he shook hands with Don and Shelby.
"Shelby", Don said quietly.
"Not now Dad", she answered,"If you can pick up the paperwork I will meet you at the car," she made her way out the door to the warm summer air of Dublin. She pulled out her phone and text Keith,"Dinner tonight please, need to talk." she waited for the response. Finally it came "Are you okay? I can come now" She typed through tear blurred eyes. "I will meet you at Paul's, I am okay I promise. I just have somethings to tell you."
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 15, 2010 9:21:10 GMT -5
Shelby stared at the sheet of paper in her hand. It held two addresses, one belonging to Paul and the other the dance studio where she would be auditioning. She hoisted her bag on her shoulder and went downstairs to get a cab. She needed to let off steam before seeing Keith, she needed to work out what she was going to say to him and prepare herself for what he may say to her. She was scared of the entire situation now, and fear was not something that she was accustomed to. Once at the dance studio she changed into her black leotard and pink skirt, her toe shoes slipped easily onto her feet. She stretched and warmed her body up for a work out. She turned on a clasical piece by Mozart and began her dance routine. She glided across the floor turning piroets, arabesques and other moves. Her mind floated easily away from any thoughts besides the music.
Keith had waited for Shelby to contact him or to show up at Paul's, when she did neither he figured she would probably be at the studio. The day in Dublin was warm and he walked the short distance from Paul's flat. Her text messages had worried him evenwhen she said she was fine. He knew something more was going on. He heard the music as he walked into the studio. He opened the door and simply stared awe struck by the site before him. She had leaped into the air landing gracefully and continued her movements. Her body moved as if liquid in perfect time with the music. He dared not interrupt her as she continued. The music finally ended and she ended her routine in a simple graceful pose. This is when her shoulders began to shake,"Shelby?", he said carefully.
Shelby turned at the sound of his voice,"What are you doing here?", she swiped at her eyes quickly.
"I didn't mean to intrude, just I thought you would be meeting me at Paul's."
"I'm sorry, I should have called you. I just......I just needed to clear my head."
"What's going on", he crossed to her and enfolded her in his arms,"I only want to help you."
"I know you do", she sighed,"This is not something that is going to be easy. I just need you to listen and it's okay if you get angry, just be honest with how you are feeling."
"Okay", he said slightly unsure of the news she was about to break to him.
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