He nodded. “I'll go talk to her mom.”
He stood up as I went to my office and called the hospital. They would have a surgical consult ready for Leigh Ann when she arrived.
“Hannah, we need your help. Leigh Ann's mom is freaking out,” Donna said, coming into my office.
I frowned, unsure of what Donna was talking about until I got to the hallway. Karina was sitting in one of the patients chairs and crying. Leigh Ann sat in her lap looking confused.
“What do I do? I don't know what to do,” she mumbled, rocking back and forth. She wasn't moving to get in the car and Donna looked frustrated.
“I don't think she's safe to drive,” Donna said to no one in particular.
“How many more patients do we have today?” Dr. Matthews asked Donna.
“Just two,” Donna replied without even having to check the schedule.
“Okay. I think we can handle that on our own.” Dr. Matthews put his hand on my shoulder and it took all my willpower not to show how much I enjoyed it. “Will you drive them to St. Joe's? She's not going to be able to do it.”
I didn't have to think twice about that. I was Leigh Ann’s godmother. If I had to carry her there on my back I would do it.
“Of course.” I nodded and then realized that it would be a while at the hospital tonight. “I guess my quiet night in isn't happening.”
He nodded, understanding my code. I wouldn't make dinner tonight. “I'm sure you might be able to have one later.”
He would wait up for me.
I flashed him a small smile before going to Karina and Leigh Ann. “Come on, Karina. Let's go get in the car. I'll drive.”
She sputtered a thank you as she clung to her daughter. It took a moment for her to realize that we were leaving. She grabbed her things and then handed me her keys.
“You drive. I'm not good,” she told me. I smiled and nodded. Karina was an awesome friend, but she tended to freak out in emergencies.
We got Leigh Ann in the car and Karina sat in the backseat so she could hold her daughter's hand for the drive. It took me a moment to figure out all the controls for the minivan, but we were off in no time.
The drive to the hospital was uneventful. Karina sat in the backseat looking like she was headed to a funeral and Leigh Ann slept. I tried to tell her that this was a common thing, but Karina was too wrapped up in her worry to really listen. I put on some of her favorite music and and just drove.
At the hospital, things went to plan. The surgical consult agreed that it was appendicitis and Leigh Ann was whisked off to surgery. I sat with Karina and kept her calm while they operated on her daughter.
Karina's husband, Tom, showed up, looking far calmer than Karina.
“Is she okay?” he asked me, giving his wife a hug.
“She's in surgery,” I told him. “They should be done soon.”
“Thanks for being here.” Tom squeezed his wife. “I knew she'd be okay with you, Hannah.”
I smiled at the compliment. We all stood when a surgeon came out a few minutes later. Karina clung to Tom.
“S
he did great,” the doctor announced. “We caught it with plenty of time. She'll be in recovery for a little while, and then you guys can head home.”
“Oh thank god,” Karina gasped, collapsing into a chair. Relief rippled out of her in waves. I couldn't blame her. I had been worried about Leigh Ann, too, but I knew what was going on. Still, it was a relief to know my favorite kid was okay.
“Can we go back and see her?” Tom asked the doctor.
“Sure. I can bring two of you back,” he replied.
“I'm going,” Karina said, getting to her feet. “She needs me.”