Protecting the Black Wolf's Mate
By: wizardtho
Chapter 23:
Sam's POV
I tipped my beer to Charlie, then headed back in through the side door. I knew Paul wanted to surprise Leah when he asked her to move in, so I wouldn’t say anything about that.
As soon as I walked into the kitchen, Leah looked up at me with a smile from her place over a pot of melted chocolate. She was dipping the peanut butter balls into it on a toothpick, then placing the covered balls on wax paper. She said happily, "I texted Kim. She’s definitely in, and we’re using the excuse that I think Paul’s going to ask me soon. We’re not actually there yet, but it’s a valid reason for wanting to look. How are the boys doing outside?"
I chuckled, "Charlie all but ordered me to ask Bella to marry me. I figured he’d be threatening to rip off my jewels or something, but he was cool. I told him I hadn’t planned on asking his permission until I had the ring, but he said I already had it."
Leah chuckled, shaking her head, "That’s because he knows, Sam. He knows you’ll only ever want and love Little Mama. So, of course, it’s easy for him to give his blessing."
I nodded, "That’s what Charlie said, too. I talked to Emily. When Bella wakes on her own, we start a four-hour schedule with her. She’s to eat something and have a double-powder shake every four hours until Doc sees her around lunch tomorrow. She’ll reassess Bella, then we’ll go from there."
Leah nodded thoughtfully, "Good. I don’t think she’s been eating frequently enough to replenish her energy. I think it’s been just enough to not make it worse. We’ll get her better, Sam. I’ll stay on 24/7 until we do, if need be."
I shook my head, "What about Paul, Leah? You’re gonna want time with him. I can’t ask you to do that."
I hadn’t even heard Paul come in until he clapped me on the back, "Leah’s right, Sam. We’ll both be here as long as it takes to get Bella back in top form. You just got her, and we won’t let anything happen to take her away from you. We all need her, whether we’ve admitted it out loud or not."
I looked at them warily, but Leah insisted, "It’s settled, Sam. We both have clothes and necessities here, and you can still have your time with Bella tonight. Paul and I will make ourselves scarce to your old place for a few hours. We won’t let anything stop her from getting her energy levels back up. She’ll need to get used to me being around because if she has to go on bed rest later in the pregnancy, I’ll be here anytime you aren’t. Little Mama and those two miracles are important to not only this pack, but this tribe, Sam. You heard Quil. Tell me, when was the last time he blessed a pregnancy in ancient Quileute?"
I nodded, knowing she was right, then said, "I don’t think he has since Mama was pregnant with me. It shocked the hell out of me, but it felt like the ancestors were acknowledging my prayers and praises."
Leah and Paul both nodded, then Leah said seriously, "That tiny woman of yours is more special than any of us can comprehend, Sam. You know that. None of us can truly know what she’s meant for until it happens… but it won’t happen unless we get her back to her full health. I’ve been thinking about this since you went outside. That was some kick-ass magic that she pulled off to implant the twins, Sam. We’re not just talking about a little tired here, like she said, are we? We’re talking exhausted and no energy at all tired. Am I right?"
I thought about it for a minute, comparing her energy levels before the shockwave to after. Then I realized my mistake and dropped down into the stool as I covered my face with my hands, "I’ve been comparing the energy levels to before the shockwave like that was her norm. It wasn’t, though. She wasn’t at her normal, because of being out in the rain for so long. Jesus Christ, how could I be so stupid?"
I flipped my phone open to call Emily, not even giving her the chance to talk when she picked up. "I made a mistake, Doc. I was comparing her energy levels with the ones before the shockwave, like they were her normal levels. I didn’t take into account the rain and energy depletion there. Leah just made me really think about it. If Bella was already depleted a significant amount, then she’s running on zero. That’s with the double shots of powder since last night. She still hasn’t woken on her own either. I think you should get here as soon as you can."
She let out a string of ancient Quileute, then said in a rush, "Shit, Sam. Call the elders. I’m on my way. Call them now, Sam. I’ll be there in less than ten."
The line went dead, so I barked as I flipped my phone shut and open again, "Leah, go get Charlie, and pick up Sue now. Make her close up on an emergency if there isn’t enough help. Get her here now, Leah. Paul, I’ll call Jared and Kim, to get them to pick up Billy. You pick up Quil. We need the elders. I’ll make all the calls, just fucking go, now."
They both grabbed keys, dashing out the door as I rang Jared. As soon as the line went through, I barked, "Isabella’s in danger and we need the elders. You’re picking up Billy on the way. Get Kim and go, now."
I hit end, then pulled up Quil’s number. As soon as he answered, I said, "Isabella’s lost too much energy, Quil. She’s not woken since lunch, and Emily wants you all here. Jared and Kim are on their way to pick up Billy. Paul’s on his way to you. Leah’s getting Sue with Charlie."
He called for the ancestors to watch over my angel in Quileute, then choked out, "I’ll get everything ready that we’ll need, Sam. Stay with her until we get there."
I whispered, "Call Billy for me. I need to go be with her." He agreed, then I hung up the phone.
I sprinted up the stairs three at a time, not caring about damaging them. When I looked into the room, she hadn’t even moved position since I left. I choked back a sob, then curled around her in the same position as before, whispering, "I’m so sorry I didn’t see it. Please don’t leave me, My Angel. I love you, Isabella. Hang on for me... please."
Bella's POV
This sleep was different… deeper… and I didn’t know how to get through the fog. Something kept telling me I shouldn’t fight it, though. At different points, I could hear faint drum sounds, as well as an ancient Quileute song. It was nothing I could recognize, of course, but I felt like it kept me sane in this ever-present fog of a dream. I clung to the song anytime I could hear it, then anytime I couldn’t, I would think of my little ones growing inside me.
That’s when the images started. Words... like newspaper headlines... scrolled across my vision, warning me of the danger I was in. "Energy level too low: deep sleep to conserve for babies. Do not fight it. Stay calm."
Jesus Christ… I couldn’t even warn anyone in the fog I was in. Why couldn’t I have gotten the damn warnings before I fell asleep? Right, because that would have taken energy to see more than the words… but still. How the hell was I going to warn anyone?
I heard the drum sounds again. I prayed to the ancestors to let my family know somehow, of the danger the twins and I were in. I prayed and prayed for them to please send a signal to someone who could help, so my little ones would have a chance to be brought into this world.
I prayed for so long that I couldn’t tell how many times the drums and song had stopped and started again, when finally I heard through the fog, "I’m so sorry I didn’t see it. Please don’t leave me, My Angel. I love you. Hang on for me… please. They’re on the way to help you, Isabella, just hold on for me."
Praise the ancestors… they heard my prayers. Sam said they’re coming. The elders must be on their way with Emily.
The fog took over again, only for me to faintly hear the drums and ancient Quileute song.
Sam's POV
Leah was the first one to arrive back with Sue and Charlie. They rushed right up into the room. I had just enough time to make completely sure Isabella was covered before Sue and Charlie clambered through the door. I hadn’t even realized I was crying until Sue wiped at my cheeks, asking as she held them, "How is she, Sam? Has she woken?"
I shook my head, then curled myself back around her as I whispered, "She’s in such a deep sleep. She didn’t even flinch when I spoke to her. She hasn’t moved position since lunch. When I came in, she hadn’t moved an inch from the time I left. She’s been so still, Sue. I just… I can’t…"
Sue whispered something to Leah, but I couldn’t be bothered to listen. I just wanted to hear my imprint say something… anything… to let me know she wouldn’t leave me alone in this world. I wouldn’t make it without her. Leah whispered to me softly from next to my ear, "They’re almost here, Sam. Paul and Jared are only a few minutes away."
Just then, Emily bound into the room out of breath, instantly going to Isabella’s side of the bed. She asked everyone to leave the room so she could examine my sleeping beauty. Charlie, Sue, and Leah left quietly, closing the door behind them. I didn’t move from my position, but Emily did her assessment of my Angel without asking me to.
When she was done checking her over, she made sure the sheet was pulled back up before asking, “What do you feel from her?”
I shook my head, "Just a deep sleep. Foggy and thick, almost. It’s hard to describe."
She nodded, "She’s in an almost coma-like sleep, Sam… most likely to conserve the very little energy left in her tiny body. I need to put in a PICC line, to feed her intravenously. I can’t chance moving her, so I won’t be able to do it in the hospital."
She reopened the door, then said, "Leah, go meet Paul and Jared outside. Make sure they bring in my equipment. I need the portable ultrasound and my emergency surgical kit. It’s a large train case."
Leah dashed down the stairs as Emily looked at me, "Sam, I need to put a catheter in her upper arm leading into the vein going to her heart. Once the catheter is in, I’m going to pump fluids filled with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals into the catheter through an IV line. I’ll need to draw blood and inject antibiotics into the IV before I put the fluid bags up, though. I have to have a starting point, to know how much to give her. I also have to place a urine catheter so that there’s a way for her bladder to be relieved while she’s in this deep sleep. I’ve closed down my office for an emergency. I’ll be taking over the room across the hall until she’s better. Do you understand?"
I nodded, choking out, "Just don’t let them leave me, Emily. I can’t lose them."
She nodded, looking at me seriously, then said, "I’ll do everything I can, and the elders will do everything they can. Between the lot of us, we won’t give up."
Paul came in with a portable machine then, with Jared carrying a large case right behind him. Quil and Billy both looked at me from their positions by the door, though Quil asked, “When can we begin, Emily?”
She shook her head, "Everyone except Sue and Sam needs to stay out until I get the line in, the blood drawn, the antibiotics in, and the fluids running. Give me a max of 45 minutes. Rushing me any more than that could be making cause for complications. I'm already having to place the line in a non-sterile environment, hence the antibiotics. Please, go wait with the others. Sue and I will get started right away.”
Leah poked her head in, "Doc, Kim and I need something to do. Do you need anything else you don’t have here?"
Emily tossed her keys to Leah, saying, “Grab all the IV bags you can. I need a pad and pen to give you the list of bottles to get.”
Leah handed her a legal pad and pen, so Emily furiously scribbled several things down. She handed that back to Leah, saying, "I need all of those, all the saline bags you can get, and sterile IV line. It has to be changed periodically. I also need bandages to cover the PICC placement. They have to be changed regularly. I don’t know how long I’ll need to keep her on TPN after she wakes, but I don't plan on leaving here until she's off it."
Leah nodded, jotting down the other things Emily had mentioned, then hurried out of the room. I faintly heard Paul guiding everyone besides Sue down to the great room, promising to make coffee. Sue entered the room, closing the door behind her.
Emily whispered to me, "Sam, you can stay in the room, but I need you off the bed while I do this. Bring the chair to this side of the bed, so you can hold her hand. I’m sure she can feel you near. I need her on her back for this, Sam, so you or I need to roll her carefully."
I nodded, whispering, “I’ll do it.”
I got off the bed and gently rolled my Angel onto her back, then kissed her stomach twice over top of the sheet, "Hang in there, Little Ones. Emily is going to give Mama what she needs to make the three of you better. Just stay strong for me, alright?"
I kissed her stomach twice more before moving the chair to the other side of the bed. I sat down in the chair, leaned over, then took Isabella’s hand in mine. I kissed it over and over as I whispered, "Please hang on, Angel. Don’t give up. Please, don’t give up. I need you, Isabella. You and our twins."
Emily set the machine up, having Sue place a sterile towel under Isabella’s arm. After she rubbed her arm down with alcohol, she placed the other towel over her arm to keep the germs from the area. As Emily set up the needle and IV catheter, she explained to Sue what she needed her to do. Sue was going to keep track of the IV catheter moving up Isabella’s arm with the ultrasound while Emily placed it in the proper position.
I concentrated on my mate as they started. I was grateful when I didn’t feel any pain from her. I whispered to Isabella that Emily was here placing an IV to give her and the babies nutrition, and just to hang on. I told her over and over that I loved her, that I needed her to be strong. Eventually, I closed my eyes, praying to the ancestors to keep the three of them safe, to help guide them back to me.
At some point, I heard Sue whispering in my ear, "It’s done, Sam. The PICC line and urine catheter are both in. Emily is taking blood and putting in the antibiotics now."
I nodded, whispering, "Thank you, Sue. Can you call everyone up please?"
She nodded, "Dear, does Bella have anything strapless that you can slip on her before I get them? They’ll need her out from under the covers."
I nodded, "Her closet. You should be able to find something in there."
Sue disappeared into Bella’s closet, then came back a few minutes later with a strapless white gauze dress that smocked from the top to the waist.
I dressed Isabella in it with Emily’s help as Sue went to get the others. I folded down the sheet and blanket when Isabella was done being laid against the pillows, then got back up next to her on the bed. I laid my head next to her neck, then placed my hand on her lower stomach over our little miracles.
Emily added syringes of things in small glass bottles to Isabella’s IV bag, then gently tipped it back and forth to mix it, hooking the IV line to Isabella and the bag when she was done. She hung the bag up, then wrote down the time and date with what was in the IV, sticking the sticker on the bag. She made sure the IV was flowing at a decent pace, then said, "Sam, I’m going downstairs to the exam room. I need to use that as my lab, if that’s okay with you. I have to run these tests on the blood, so I have that starting point we talked about."
I nodded, "Whatever you need, Emily. If you don’t have it and need it, I’ll find a way to get it for you."
Emily shook her head, "I have all the equipment, but I may need to have the boys transport it here, then set it in the room for me. I should be alright for simple tests, but anything more complex than this will get tricky without them. Sam, there’s no way I'm going to let her go take that test Thursday if she wakes before then. I’m going to have Charlie call to postpone it. I’ll have him tell them that she came down with an infection from being lost in the woods for so long."
I nodded, "It’s for the best. Is it alright for the elders to start now?"
She nodded, "I’ve already warned Sue that they aren’t to move her or mess with the bandage or tubing. They can start the ritual, though." I nodded, then she ducked out of the room, just as the elders filed in.
Sam's POV
I tipped my beer to Charlie, then headed back in through the side door. I knew Paul wanted to surprise Leah when he asked her to move in, so I wouldn’t say anything about that.
As soon as I walked into the kitchen, Leah looked up at me with a smile from her place over a pot of melted chocolate. She was dipping the peanut butter balls into it on a toothpick, then placing the covered balls on wax paper. She said happily, "I texted Kim. She’s definitely in, and we’re using the excuse that I think Paul’s going to ask me soon. We’re not actually there yet, but it’s a valid reason for wanting to look. How are the boys doing outside?"
I chuckled, "Charlie all but ordered me to ask Bella to marry me. I figured he’d be threatening to rip off my jewels or something, but he was cool. I told him I hadn’t planned on asking his permission until I had the ring, but he said I already had it."
Leah chuckled, shaking her head, "That’s because he knows, Sam. He knows you’ll only ever want and love Little Mama. So, of course, it’s easy for him to give his blessing."
I nodded, "That’s what Charlie said, too. I talked to Emily. When Bella wakes on her own, we start a four-hour schedule with her. She’s to eat something and have a double-powder shake every four hours until Doc sees her around lunch tomorrow. She’ll reassess Bella, then we’ll go from there."
Leah nodded thoughtfully, "Good. I don’t think she’s been eating frequently enough to replenish her energy. I think it’s been just enough to not make it worse. We’ll get her better, Sam. I’ll stay on 24/7 until we do, if need be."
I shook my head, "What about Paul, Leah? You’re gonna want time with him. I can’t ask you to do that."
I hadn’t even heard Paul come in until he clapped me on the back, "Leah’s right, Sam. We’ll both be here as long as it takes to get Bella back in top form. You just got her, and we won’t let anything happen to take her away from you. We all need her, whether we’ve admitted it out loud or not."
I looked at them warily, but Leah insisted, "It’s settled, Sam. We both have clothes and necessities here, and you can still have your time with Bella tonight. Paul and I will make ourselves scarce to your old place for a few hours. We won’t let anything stop her from getting her energy levels back up. She’ll need to get used to me being around because if she has to go on bed rest later in the pregnancy, I’ll be here anytime you aren’t. Little Mama and those two miracles are important to not only this pack, but this tribe, Sam. You heard Quil. Tell me, when was the last time he blessed a pregnancy in ancient Quileute?"
I nodded, knowing she was right, then said, "I don’t think he has since Mama was pregnant with me. It shocked the hell out of me, but it felt like the ancestors were acknowledging my prayers and praises."
Leah and Paul both nodded, then Leah said seriously, "That tiny woman of yours is more special than any of us can comprehend, Sam. You know that. None of us can truly know what she’s meant for until it happens… but it won’t happen unless we get her back to her full health. I’ve been thinking about this since you went outside. That was some kick-ass magic that she pulled off to implant the twins, Sam. We’re not just talking about a little tired here, like she said, are we? We’re talking exhausted and no energy at all tired. Am I right?"
I thought about it for a minute, comparing her energy levels before the shockwave to after. Then I realized my mistake and dropped down into the stool as I covered my face with my hands, "I’ve been comparing the energy levels to before the shockwave like that was her norm. It wasn’t, though. She wasn’t at her normal, because of being out in the rain for so long. Jesus Christ, how could I be so stupid?"
I flipped my phone open to call Emily, not even giving her the chance to talk when she picked up. "I made a mistake, Doc. I was comparing her energy levels with the ones before the shockwave, like they were her normal levels. I didn’t take into account the rain and energy depletion there. Leah just made me really think about it. If Bella was already depleted a significant amount, then she’s running on zero. That’s with the double shots of powder since last night. She still hasn’t woken on her own either. I think you should get here as soon as you can."
She let out a string of ancient Quileute, then said in a rush, "Shit, Sam. Call the elders. I’m on my way. Call them now, Sam. I’ll be there in less than ten."
The line went dead, so I barked as I flipped my phone shut and open again, "Leah, go get Charlie, and pick up Sue now. Make her close up on an emergency if there isn’t enough help. Get her here now, Leah. Paul, I’ll call Jared and Kim, to get them to pick up Billy. You pick up Quil. We need the elders. I’ll make all the calls, just fucking go, now."
They both grabbed keys, dashing out the door as I rang Jared. As soon as the line went through, I barked, "Isabella’s in danger and we need the elders. You’re picking up Billy on the way. Get Kim and go, now."
I hit end, then pulled up Quil’s number. As soon as he answered, I said, "Isabella’s lost too much energy, Quil. She’s not woken since lunch, and Emily wants you all here. Jared and Kim are on their way to pick up Billy. Paul’s on his way to you. Leah’s getting Sue with Charlie."
He called for the ancestors to watch over my angel in Quileute, then choked out, "I’ll get everything ready that we’ll need, Sam. Stay with her until we get there."
I whispered, "Call Billy for me. I need to go be with her." He agreed, then I hung up the phone.
I sprinted up the stairs three at a time, not caring about damaging them. When I looked into the room, she hadn’t even moved position since I left. I choked back a sob, then curled around her in the same position as before, whispering, "I’m so sorry I didn’t see it. Please don’t leave me, My Angel. I love you, Isabella. Hang on for me... please."
Bella's POV
This sleep was different… deeper… and I didn’t know how to get through the fog. Something kept telling me I shouldn’t fight it, though. At different points, I could hear faint drum sounds, as well as an ancient Quileute song. It was nothing I could recognize, of course, but I felt like it kept me sane in this ever-present fog of a dream. I clung to the song anytime I could hear it, then anytime I couldn’t, I would think of my little ones growing inside me.
That’s when the images started. Words... like newspaper headlines... scrolled across my vision, warning me of the danger I was in. "Energy level too low: deep sleep to conserve for babies. Do not fight it. Stay calm."
Jesus Christ… I couldn’t even warn anyone in the fog I was in. Why couldn’t I have gotten the damn warnings before I fell asleep? Right, because that would have taken energy to see more than the words… but still. How the hell was I going to warn anyone?
I heard the drum sounds again. I prayed to the ancestors to let my family know somehow, of the danger the twins and I were in. I prayed and prayed for them to please send a signal to someone who could help, so my little ones would have a chance to be brought into this world.
I prayed for so long that I couldn’t tell how many times the drums and song had stopped and started again, when finally I heard through the fog, "I’m so sorry I didn’t see it. Please don’t leave me, My Angel. I love you. Hang on for me… please. They’re on the way to help you, Isabella, just hold on for me."
Praise the ancestors… they heard my prayers. Sam said they’re coming. The elders must be on their way with Emily.
The fog took over again, only for me to faintly hear the drums and ancient Quileute song.
Sam's POV
Leah was the first one to arrive back with Sue and Charlie. They rushed right up into the room. I had just enough time to make completely sure Isabella was covered before Sue and Charlie clambered through the door. I hadn’t even realized I was crying until Sue wiped at my cheeks, asking as she held them, "How is she, Sam? Has she woken?"
I shook my head, then curled myself back around her as I whispered, "She’s in such a deep sleep. She didn’t even flinch when I spoke to her. She hasn’t moved position since lunch. When I came in, she hadn’t moved an inch from the time I left. She’s been so still, Sue. I just… I can’t…"
Sue whispered something to Leah, but I couldn’t be bothered to listen. I just wanted to hear my imprint say something… anything… to let me know she wouldn’t leave me alone in this world. I wouldn’t make it without her. Leah whispered to me softly from next to my ear, "They’re almost here, Sam. Paul and Jared are only a few minutes away."
Just then, Emily bound into the room out of breath, instantly going to Isabella’s side of the bed. She asked everyone to leave the room so she could examine my sleeping beauty. Charlie, Sue, and Leah left quietly, closing the door behind them. I didn’t move from my position, but Emily did her assessment of my Angel without asking me to.
When she was done checking her over, she made sure the sheet was pulled back up before asking, “What do you feel from her?”
I shook my head, "Just a deep sleep. Foggy and thick, almost. It’s hard to describe."
She nodded, "She’s in an almost coma-like sleep, Sam… most likely to conserve the very little energy left in her tiny body. I need to put in a PICC line, to feed her intravenously. I can’t chance moving her, so I won’t be able to do it in the hospital."
She reopened the door, then said, "Leah, go meet Paul and Jared outside. Make sure they bring in my equipment. I need the portable ultrasound and my emergency surgical kit. It’s a large train case."
Leah dashed down the stairs as Emily looked at me, "Sam, I need to put a catheter in her upper arm leading into the vein going to her heart. Once the catheter is in, I’m going to pump fluids filled with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals into the catheter through an IV line. I’ll need to draw blood and inject antibiotics into the IV before I put the fluid bags up, though. I have to have a starting point, to know how much to give her. I also have to place a urine catheter so that there’s a way for her bladder to be relieved while she’s in this deep sleep. I’ve closed down my office for an emergency. I’ll be taking over the room across the hall until she’s better. Do you understand?"
I nodded, choking out, "Just don’t let them leave me, Emily. I can’t lose them."
She nodded, looking at me seriously, then said, "I’ll do everything I can, and the elders will do everything they can. Between the lot of us, we won’t give up."
Paul came in with a portable machine then, with Jared carrying a large case right behind him. Quil and Billy both looked at me from their positions by the door, though Quil asked, “When can we begin, Emily?”
She shook her head, "Everyone except Sue and Sam needs to stay out until I get the line in, the blood drawn, the antibiotics in, and the fluids running. Give me a max of 45 minutes. Rushing me any more than that could be making cause for complications. I'm already having to place the line in a non-sterile environment, hence the antibiotics. Please, go wait with the others. Sue and I will get started right away.”
Leah poked her head in, "Doc, Kim and I need something to do. Do you need anything else you don’t have here?"
Emily tossed her keys to Leah, saying, “Grab all the IV bags you can. I need a pad and pen to give you the list of bottles to get.”
Leah handed her a legal pad and pen, so Emily furiously scribbled several things down. She handed that back to Leah, saying, "I need all of those, all the saline bags you can get, and sterile IV line. It has to be changed periodically. I also need bandages to cover the PICC placement. They have to be changed regularly. I don’t know how long I’ll need to keep her on TPN after she wakes, but I don't plan on leaving here until she's off it."
Leah nodded, jotting down the other things Emily had mentioned, then hurried out of the room. I faintly heard Paul guiding everyone besides Sue down to the great room, promising to make coffee. Sue entered the room, closing the door behind her.
Emily whispered to me, "Sam, you can stay in the room, but I need you off the bed while I do this. Bring the chair to this side of the bed, so you can hold her hand. I’m sure she can feel you near. I need her on her back for this, Sam, so you or I need to roll her carefully."
I nodded, whispering, “I’ll do it.”
I got off the bed and gently rolled my Angel onto her back, then kissed her stomach twice over top of the sheet, "Hang in there, Little Ones. Emily is going to give Mama what she needs to make the three of you better. Just stay strong for me, alright?"
I kissed her stomach twice more before moving the chair to the other side of the bed. I sat down in the chair, leaned over, then took Isabella’s hand in mine. I kissed it over and over as I whispered, "Please hang on, Angel. Don’t give up. Please, don’t give up. I need you, Isabella. You and our twins."
Emily set the machine up, having Sue place a sterile towel under Isabella’s arm. After she rubbed her arm down with alcohol, she placed the other towel over her arm to keep the germs from the area. As Emily set up the needle and IV catheter, she explained to Sue what she needed her to do. Sue was going to keep track of the IV catheter moving up Isabella’s arm with the ultrasound while Emily placed it in the proper position.
I concentrated on my mate as they started. I was grateful when I didn’t feel any pain from her. I whispered to Isabella that Emily was here placing an IV to give her and the babies nutrition, and just to hang on. I told her over and over that I loved her, that I needed her to be strong. Eventually, I closed my eyes, praying to the ancestors to keep the three of them safe, to help guide them back to me.
At some point, I heard Sue whispering in my ear, "It’s done, Sam. The PICC line and urine catheter are both in. Emily is taking blood and putting in the antibiotics now."
I nodded, whispering, "Thank you, Sue. Can you call everyone up please?"
She nodded, "Dear, does Bella have anything strapless that you can slip on her before I get them? They’ll need her out from under the covers."
I nodded, "Her closet. You should be able to find something in there."
Sue disappeared into Bella’s closet, then came back a few minutes later with a strapless white gauze dress that smocked from the top to the waist.
I dressed Isabella in it with Emily’s help as Sue went to get the others. I folded down the sheet and blanket when Isabella was done being laid against the pillows, then got back up next to her on the bed. I laid my head next to her neck, then placed my hand on her lower stomach over our little miracles.
Emily added syringes of things in small glass bottles to Isabella’s IV bag, then gently tipped it back and forth to mix it, hooking the IV line to Isabella and the bag when she was done. She hung the bag up, then wrote down the time and date with what was in the IV, sticking the sticker on the bag. She made sure the IV was flowing at a decent pace, then said, "Sam, I’m going downstairs to the exam room. I need to use that as my lab, if that’s okay with you. I have to run these tests on the blood, so I have that starting point we talked about."
I nodded, "Whatever you need, Emily. If you don’t have it and need it, I’ll find a way to get it for you."
Emily shook her head, "I have all the equipment, but I may need to have the boys transport it here, then set it in the room for me. I should be alright for simple tests, but anything more complex than this will get tricky without them. Sam, there’s no way I'm going to let her go take that test Thursday if she wakes before then. I’m going to have Charlie call to postpone it. I’ll have him tell them that she came down with an infection from being lost in the woods for so long."
I nodded, "It’s for the best. Is it alright for the elders to start now?"
She nodded, "I’ve already warned Sue that they aren’t to move her or mess with the bandage or tubing. They can start the ritual, though." I nodded, then she ducked out of the room, just as the elders filed in.