Fix Me

“I do try.”

“I’ll talk to her again and then give you a call,” I told her.

“She’s going to need to be in the right headspace before I’ll do it,” he said, getting very serious. “This surgery could be great, but if she doesn’t want it, there is such a thing as mind over matter. She could hinder the results.”

I blew out a breath. “Trust me, I know all about a person keeping themselves sick.”

“I don’t want to pressure her into doing something she doesn’t want. If she is truly not interested, it’s okay.”

“Thank you. I’ll talk to her. Is there a timeline?”

She shrugged. “Not necessarily, but I am looking at a new position at a hospital in Scotland. They are doing some new things there that I would like to learn.”

I laughed. “You really are a go-getter.”

“I love learning! I love all the new techniques and practices that are coming out. It’s hard to get the training here in the US. I have to travel the world and pick it up where I can.”

“I get it. I’ll talk to her. I think if she can talk with you, it might help her feel better about the situation. I know she wants her sight back, but I think she would prefer it if there was a magic wand option.”

Ellis laughed. “Maybe by the time I retire, that will be an option. Until then, it’s scalpels and lasers.”

I winced. “Might not be such a great idea to tell her you’re taking a scalpel to her eyes.”

“Talk to her. Let me know.”

I nodded. “I will.”

We talked for another thirty minutes, catching up on what we had been doing the last few years. She had lived a big life in a short time. We said our goodbyes with my promise to call and let her know either way. I left the coffee shop and drove back out to the Sullivan place.

I wasn’t sure how to broach the subject with Bree without sounding too pushy. I knew she was frustrated with me and her father talking to her about it. I hoped she understood we both cared about her a great deal and were only trying to do what was best for her. I was confident in Ellis, especially after talking to her and listening to the experiences she had. I knew she wouldn’t attempt to do the surgery if she wasn’t confident it could work.

Now, I just had to convince Bree of that. I had the benefit of knowing Ellis and seeing her in action. Bree didn’t and I didn’t get the impression she was willing to just take my word Ellis was good. I decided I would do some research on Ellis and then present it to Bree. She needed all the facts to make the best decision.

Chapter Three

Bree

I WAS BORED. I HAD listened to the last few chapters of the audiobook and without Luke around, I was kind of stuck. I knew that was exactly what I wasn’t supposed to be. I was supposed to be learning independence. Getting up from the chair in the solarium, I made my way to the kitchen. It was something Luke and I had been working on. I could find my way to the fridge by myself, but picking something off the shelf without sticking my hand in something or knocking things over was a little trickier.

Feeling around, I found an apple and a bottle of water. “Good job Bree, you can get yourself a snack,” I murmured, carrying my bounty out to the patio.

My father was working from home today while Luke had the day off. I knew today was the big day. Luke was moving onto the property. Initially, I had been thrilled with the idea and had planned many sleepovers. Then he dumped me, so there wouldn’t be any sleepovers.

I sneezed, nearly tripping as I walked into a chair. I felt around for the table, put down my water and then took a seat. This damn cold was lingering. Luke had insisted I drink some stupid syrup that he absolutely swore by. It was too bitter. Or maybe it was me that was bitter.

Sitting in the quiet of the backyard, I listened to the birds, hearing the sound of the water fountain in the distance. It was so quiet. I felt very isolated, even though I knew there were neighbors, and my father wasn’t that far away. Being alone was something I had always been okay with before the accident. Now, when I was alone, I felt like I was on a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

The counselor that had insisted on visiting me in the hospital kept telling me it would get better. She suggested I join support groups and work with an experienced rehab specialist. I hadn’t done either of those things. Doing that meant I was officially blind and would be for the rest of my life.

Once again, I realized I was walking the line. I had not chosen my team; seeing or not seeing. I wasn’t entirely convinced I even had a choice. Luke thought I did. My dad thought I did. And now the good doctor, Ellis Tanner said I did. But did I? Did I really have a choice?

“Penny for your thoughts,” I heard Luke say softly.

I twisted my head around. “I didn’t hear you come up.”

“I’m stealthy like that,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. His hand rested on my shoulder. “Sorry, I should have made sure you heard me. How are you?”

“I’m fine.”