Unresolved Issues (25 page)

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Authors: Wanda B. Campbell

BOOK: Unresolved Issues
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Chapter 44
Finished with the Business section of the local newspaper, Dr. John Archer refolded the paper and laid it on the round table in the physician sleep room. “Four more hours,” he mumbled after checking his Movado. Serving as attending physician in the emergency room was not one of his favorite activities, but as medical director of St. John's Hospital, it was his job to make sure every service had adequate coverage. The Emergency Department was currently short staffed by three physicians. That meant Dr. Archer had to work a twenty-four-hour shift in ER.
So far, the day had been quiet, but he knew that was about to change. He'd been following the local news coverage of a hostage situation in Emery Bay all morning. Before Dr. Archer turned off the television, the reporter announced the standoff was over, but one of the hostages had been shot. There wasn't any doubt that the victim would be sent to St. John's, with it being the closest trauma center. No sooner had he taken his last sip of strong black coffee, his pager went off.
The ER resident, with chart in hand, met Dr. Archer as he rounded the corridor. As usual, he took the chart and quickly read the history and physical report as he continued walking toward room twenty-seven.
Thirty-two-year-old black male; six foot five, 250 lbs, GSW to the upper thigh . . .
When he finished, Dr. Archer agreed with the resident's assessment; the patient needed surgery immediately to remove the bullet and repair the tissue. “Let's get his consent,” Dr. Archer said and pushed open the door to room twenty-seven.
“Mr.—” Dr. Archer started, then looked in the top right corner of the chart for the patient's name. At that moment, his face turned beet red.
 
 
“Oh my,” Staci whispered. She had never met Derrick's father, but she knew without a doubt the tall red man in the green scrubs and white lab coat was her father-in-law. The resemblance was uncanny. The only difference between Derrick and his father was Derrick had a permanent tan. They were even the same height and shared the same curly black hair. Derrick's was just a little coarser, and Dr. Archer had a few gray strands.
Somehow the resident didn't notice the resemblance or that Dr. Archer looked like he would keel over and die at any moment. When Dr. Archer continued to stare, the resident took over.
“Dr. Garrison, Mrs. Garrison,” he started. “This is Dr. Archer, the attending physician. He's also the medical director for the hospital.”
Staci nodded. This is not the way she imagined meeting her father-in-law for the first time. “Hello, Dr. Archer. My name is Stacelyn.”
Dr. Archer finally found enough air to breathe and extended his hand to Staci. “Hello.” He shook her hand, then gestured toward her face. “Have you been seen yet?” he asked in reference to the dried blood.
His concern for her was unexpected. “No. I wanted to make sure my husband is taken care of first.”
“I'll send someone in here right away.” Dr. Archer finally turned his attention to his son, who he hadn't seen since that day, about six months ago in his office. He didn't know what to say to him then, and he didn't know what to say to him now.
“How are you, Derrick?” After Derrick looked at him like he was crazy, he added, “Outside of being held hostage, and then shot.”
“Life is good. I have a beautiful wife and wonderful family.”
That reminded Staci she should call Keisha.
“Sorry to hear about your mother's death.” Dr. Archer sounded sincere.
“Losing your one good parent is part of life.”
When Derrick said those words, Staci knew it was time to fast-forward. “My husband is in a lot of pain. Can we hurry this along, please?”
“Sure.”
Staci felt the grip Derrick had on her hand tighten as he listened to Dr. Archer explain the surgery to him like Derrick was a stranger off the street and not his own flesh and blood. Staci looked down at Derrick's face. The water in the corner of his eyes told her seeing his father hurt more than the gunshot. Their eyes locked, and she kissed his tears.
After obtaining the signed consent, Dr. Archer left the room with the resident on his heels, and placed the chart directly in the charge nurse's hand and barked out his orders. “Mrs. Garrison needs a complete physical right away. Page Dr. Price and have him meet me in operating room five.”
The last order took the resident by surprise. “Dr. Price? He's the chief of surgery. Any surgeon can perform this surgery.”
“I know he's the chief of surgery. I hired him.” The tone and Dr. Archer's facial expression was enough to keep the resident from asking more questions.
Back inside the room, Staci soothed her husband's heart. “Honey, I know that was hard for you.” She wiped his eyes and kissed his cheek.
With his eyes still closed, Staci examined her husband. Her teddy bear was wounded, but he was her hero. The bullet in his leg was meant for her, but he lay there taking the pain without complaining one time. She didn't think it was possible, but somehow, the love she had for him had grown immensely.
“Thank you for coming for me,” she whispered and stroked his curly hair.
Derrick finally opened his eyes. “Anything for you, love.”
Chapter 45
Staci entered the emergency waiting room and was instantly greeted by a group hug from her parents and Craig. Alaina's tears of joy unleashed both Staci's and Carey's. Staci wanted to hold on to the security her family gave her and clung to them with everything she had. Today had shown her that life is precious and shouldn't be taken for granted.
Still holding on to her father, Staci hugged and kissed her other relatives who flooded the waiting room. She gave them an account of how Derrick ended up being shot. She could tell her father wasn't happy about Derrick being shot by a deranged man, but he respected him more for putting Staci's life before his own. Carey voiced as much, wearing the smile of a proud father.
“Where's Marcus?” Staci asked, looking around.
“He's upstairs with Shannon—she's in labor,” Alaina beamed. “I'm going to check in on her soon.”
“Wow, this is really something! Lashay is in postpartum, Shannon's in labor & delivery, and Derrick's in surgery.”
“And you need to get in some water,” Alaina said. “I stopped by the house and got you some clean clothes. Have you been checked out by a doctor?” she asked, brushing her daughter's hair from her face.
“Yes, Mama.” Staci leaned her head on her father's shoulders, knowing Alaina was about to treat her like she was a little girl. She didn't mind either.
“Come on.” Alaina pulled her away from Carey by the arm. “There's a restroom over there, and I have a fresh pack of wipes in my purse.”
“And if that's not enough, you can use some of mine,” Grandma Ana said and followed them to the restroom.
 
 
“Hey, guys,” Staci whispered, while slowly opening the door.
Marcus perked up at the sound of his sister's voice. Sensitive to his dilemma—wanting to support Shannon and also wanting to touch his sister—Staci walked behind him and gave him a big hug. Staci thought the tears in Marcus's eyes were because he was glad to see her. During Shannon's next contraction, however, Staci learned those tears had nothing to do with her ordeal.
She hugged Shannon between contractions. “How's my girl?” Staci took her hand, and Marcus took a break to ice his hand.
“How's Derrick?” Shannon panted.
No sooner had Staci finished with the update, including Derrick's unexpected sighting of his father, Alaina and Julia came prepared to work until the end. Staci relinquished her seat to her mother and stood against the door watching and cheering.
Forty-five minutes later, her nephew was born, followed six minutes later by her niece. Being able to watch the vaginal birth was an honor for her. Just hours ago, Staci didn't think she would get the chance to see the babies at all. They were the cutest little babies. Staci used Marcus's digital camera and took pictures for the family. As she focused the lens on Marcus holding his son and daughter, one in each hand, tears rolled down Staci's face. This time, she cried because for the first time she didn't feel the emptiness she usually felt at the birth of a baby and she no longer felt jealous.
She inconspicuously left the delivery room and headed down to the surgery waiting room.
“Mrs. Garrison,” Dr. Archer's voice startled Staci and she suddenly spun around. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.”
“How's my husband?”
“Better than expected,” Dr. Archer said proudly. “The bullet missed the two main arteries in his leg and the bone. Basically, all we had to do was to remove the metal, then clean and repair the tissue. With good physical therapy, the only reminder he'll have of this incident is a small scar.”
The look on Dr. Archer's face was that of a relieved father, not that of an emergency room physician, Staci observed. She stared at him, debating if she should say what was on her mind or just keep it to herself. Today had proven that life is short, with no guarantees, no second chances. Staci took advantage of the opportunity.
“Dr. Archer, let me tell you something about my husband and your son.” She waited for him to walk away, but he didn't. Dr. Archer didn't show any emotion. “I've known Derrick for eight years, and I wouldn't trade anything for the times we've shared, not even the bad times. Despite your rejection and the lack of a father figure, Derrick has grown into a great man, whom I love with all my heart. He's a great dentist and now a great husband.
“Do you want to know how great he is?” Dr. Archer didn't answer, and she pressed on. “Derrick is here because he took the bullet that was meant for me. He lay on top of me and left himself at the mercy of a crazed maniac. Derrick was willing to give his life to keep me safe.” She stepped closer to him and asked. “Why can't you accept him? From where I stand, he's a better man than you are.”
Dr. Archer swallowed hard at Staci's statement. “That's very noble of him, protecting his wife and child.”
Staci expected him to give her an explanation for rejecting Derrick, but what he said confused her. “Derrick and I don't have any children,” she replied, shaking her head. “And what does that have to do with you not accepting him?”
Dr. Archer motioned his hand toward her stomach. “I was referring to the child you're carrying.”
Staci shook her head once again. “I'm not pregnant.”
“According to the lab test from your exam, you are.”
“What are you talking about?”
Dr. Archer realized his daughter-in-law really didn't know. “For some strange reason, I feel honored to be the one to announce the pending birth of your first child. We routinely check urine for pregnancy, and your urine tested positive.”
“Oh my God.” Staci instinctively covered her stomach, trying not to get too excited. “Are you sure?”
“If you want, I'll have the lab draw your blood for a stat BHCG,” he offered. He explained the test checked for pregnancy hormones in the blood.
Staci tried to remember the last time she'd had a visit from Mother Nature. She hadn't had a period since two weeks prior to her and Derrick's reconciliation. That was eight weeks ago. She'd been so caught up in the euphoria of their reunion, she'd lost track of her cycle. Then her mind went back to the nausea that had awakened her for the past two days.
Could I really be pregnant?
“Where's the lab?”
Chapter 46
“Father, thank you for your never-ending grace and mercy. Thank you for your protection and love. Thank you for your forgiveness and restoration. Thank you for being true to your Word. You are a very present help in trouble. Thank you for helping me out of trouble today. Thank you for the life you've given us. Amen.”
“Amen,” Derrick joined in Staci's prayer.
“I didn't know you were awake.” Staci stood from kneeling in front of the guest chair and walked over to the bed. “Hey, you.”
She would never tire of looking into his eyes and playing with those curls.
Derrick received the gentle kiss on his lips, but was concerned. “The surgery must have gone well. You look pleased.”
She happily gave him his prognosis and filled him in on current events. “Guess what?” she asked, placing her hand on his. “You're an uncle.”
“When?”
“A few hours ago. Shannon went into labor during the standoff.”
His smile disappeared, replaced by as sullen glaze. “I'm glad I made Marcus turn back.”
Staci assumed his change in demeanor was due to their inability to conceive and attempted to soothe him. “Honey, it's all right.”
Derrick corrected her. “No, baby, everything is better than all right.” His smiled returned. “Tell me, what are the names of my niece and nephew?”
“First of all, you have the order wrong. Your nephew was born first, and, of course, his name is Marcus Jr. Your niece, Mariah, came into the world six minutes later.”
“Marcus and Mariah.” Derrick pronounced the names while shaking his head.
“Or, as my brother refers to them, Prince Marcus and Princess Mariah.”
“I should've guessed. Your girls are too much. Brian got Briana, and now Marcus has his two.” Derrick always made fun of how Lashay and Shannon wanted all of their children to be named after their husbands.
“I wouldn't laugh at my girls if I were you. I love my man, just as much as they love theirs, if not more. When I have our baby, I'm going to name her after my man too.” Staci laughed, but Derrick knew she was serious. “Something like . . . Derrika or Derisha.”
“Lord, please help me.” Derrick chuckled. “I pray by that time, your crazy self would have come to your senses.”
“I don't know.” Staci shrugged her shoulders. “I'm pretty crazy about you and nine months is not a long time.”
Derrick's eyes were focused on the curve of her lips; it took a moment for him to digest her words. His face twisted with confusion. “What did you just say?”
“I said, we're going to have a baby. Our baby,” she beamed.
Derrick was stunned. “You're pregnant? How?”
“Dr. Garrison, if you don't know how . . .” She raised an eyebrow.
“Well, not how, when?” Derrick couldn't believe his ears.
“My guess is the night we got back together.” They both smiled and reminisced on how wonderfully magnificent and powerful that night had been. “It's early, but both the urine and blood test show I'm definitely pregnant. And the vaginal ultrasound your father—I'm sorry—Dr. Archer had radiology perform, shows a seven-week-sized embryo. That would put us right at that night or that weekend.”
Derrick was elated and didn't ask why his absent father knew about his wife's pregnancy before he did. All he wanted to do was hold her in his arms, but the IV line was in the way.
Once again, Staci read his mind and walked to the opposite side of the bed and leaned against him. He squeezed her as hard as he could with his free arm. “Baby, you've made me the happiest man in the world. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, teddy bear.”
First she heard him sniffle; then she felt his teardrop on her forehead. She knew those were happy tears, just like hers.
“Since we're sharing good news, I have some of my own,” Derrick stated.
“What's up?” She lifted her head so she could see his face.
“How do you feel about being a minister's wife?”
Staci's eyes bulged. “Derrick, when did the Lord call you into the ministry?”
“Years ago, but I've had Him on hold, and He refuses to hang up. That was a big part of my struggle. I have been running from the call since before I met you.”
What he said just made perfect sense to her. From the first day they met, Staci thought he should be on a platform of some kind, witnessing and telling others about Jesus. Derrick, an astute student of the Bible, could expound on the Word better than most preachers she knew. And now since his rededication, his revelation of the Word was deeper than ever. He'd even brought Staci to her knees a few times during their Bible study time together. Derrick definitely had what it takes to become a great minister. He loved God, and he loved God's people.
“I'd be honored,” she answered, then added, “as long as I get my own ministry time.”
Her grin made him grin. “You and our children will always come first.”
“Just how many children do you want?”
“As many as you're willing to give me.”
“Dr. Garrison, you keep being as good to me as you are now and I'll have as many of your babies as you want.” Staci kissed him, and it happened again. She didn't think it possible, but the love she had in her heart for her husband expanded once more.
“In that case, Mrs. Garrison, we're going to need a bigger house.”
 
 
“You are so bad.” Staci removed Derrick's hands for the umpteenth time. She'd been trying to dress him for discharge, but now with the IV gone, he couldn't keep his hands off her. She'd been there an hour, and he
still
didn't have his shirt on. But he had allowed her to carefully slip his shorts on over his bandages.
“I can't help myself. Besides, it's all I can do for the next two months,” he pouted.
“If you're a good boy, one day we can go for a ride, and
I'll
drive,” Staci winked.
“I promise to be a very good boy.” His facial impression of a little boy was so cute, Staci couldn't help but to lean over and kiss him.
Derrick wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him, laying his head against her abdomen. “My baby,” he moaned and squeezed her. “My baby is growing in there.”
She stroked his curls and pressed him even closer to her body. That's how Dr. Archer found them.
“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt,” he said entering the room.
“Then why didn't you knock?” Derrick snapped.
Dr. Archer's eyes bounced from his son to his daughter-in-law. He didn't know if he should leave or not.
Finally, Derrick asked, “What brings you here? Are you filling in for the discharge nurse today?”
“I wanted to speak to you before you left.”
Derrick didn't say another word, but waited for John Archer to say whatever it was he had come to say.
Staci used the distraction to finish getting Derrick dressed. Now he allowed her to slip on his shirt without any resistance.
“Let me help you with that,” Dr. Archer said when Staci moved the wheelchair next to the bed. Without hesitation, he helped Derrick maneuver into the wheelchair.
His heart pounded, and his eyelids blinked violently, but miraculously, Derrick's breathing maintained an even rhythm. As a child, he'd imagined his father's first touch would be a warm embrace or a pat on the back, not the vice grip John Archer used to lift him from the bed into the wheelchair. “Thank you,” Derrick mumbled, suppressing his emotions.
“Ready to go home, Dr. Garrison?” The discharge nurse walked into the room carrying the discharge medication and instructions. “Hello, Dr. Archer.” The curly redheaded nurse paused. Her eyes studied her patient, and then the medical director. “Wow, Dr. Archer, a couple of hours in a tanning salon and a little black hair dye and the two of you could pass for twins. Are you related?”
Derrick mentally prepared himself for his father's denial. Staci stood behind the wheelchair with her hands resting on his shoulders. Nothing could have prepared them for what they heard next.
“Derrick is my eldest son,” Dr. Archer smiled at the nurse.
Derrick swallowed hard—real hard.
“That explains the strong resemblance. Dr. Archer, you sure have some strong genes,” the nurse commented before going over the instructions with Derrick and Staci.
Derrick was grateful for his wife because he couldn't comprehend anything the nurse said. “What did you say?” he asked Dr. Archer the second the nurse made her exit.
“Honey, I'm going to get the car.” Staci paused in front of Dr. Archer. “It's way past time for you to have a talk with your son.”
Father and son stared at each other, both with a look of fear. Dr. Archer nervously rocked back and forth on his heels, as if the motion increased his courage.
“I've arranged for a physical therapist to come to your home three days a week. That way, Staci won't have to drag you down the hill.” Dr. Archer talked as if he hadn't just dropped a bombshell. “I know you and Staci are financially stable, but if you need anything, give me a call. Here's my home number.”
“How do you know I live on a hill?” Derrick asked, reluctantly accepting the card from his father.
“Derrick, from the day you were born, I've always known where you were. I knew every house you lived in and every school and graduation you attended. I was there the day you graduated from both Humboldt and UCSF.”
“You knew all that, yet you didn't want me?”
Dr. Archer placed his hands inside his pockets. “Derrick, I'm a selfish person. I've been that way all my life. Every decision I've made in my life has been to please me and to further my agenda. I married my wife because marrying into a prestigious family would help further my career. You were conceived because I wanted to know what it felt like to have sex with a black woman. Once I found out, I was hooked so I continued. When Cora announced her pregnancy, I paid her to remain quiet because I didn't want an illegitimate child to interfere with my professional goals. Back then, moral reputation was important.”
Derrick lowered his head and massaged his forehead. He didn't want to hear any more, but he had to know the reason why his father rejected him.
“I've treated my two other children the same way I've treated you. Sure, I lived in the same house with them when I was home, but I didn't make myself available to them. Outside of graduations, I never made one recital or one performance where my kids were involved. There's not much I can tell you about my children other than their sex and birthdates. I provided a good life for them financially, but they wanted me. They wanted my time, and I wasn't willing to give them that. Now that they're adults, we're more like strangers. I haven't spoken to either of them in almost a year. My wife and I have a living arrangement, not a marriage.”
Derrick exhaled long and hard as his heart pounded in his chest. Every day of his life he'd carried the burden of rejection—all because of selfishness? This was unbelievable.
“So you don't hate me because I'm black; you're just a self-centered jerk.”
Dr. Archer hung his head. “I didn't think my life was so bad, until you came into my office that day. I didn't know how to respond to you, so I babbled a bunch of nonsense. I wanted to call you and explain, but I didn't have the courage. Then the other day, I had a talk with Staci.” Dr. Archer sighed. “She said that you're a better man than I. And I agree.”
Derrick swallowed the lump that threatened to explode in his throat and saturate his being with raw emotion.
“I've achieved every professional goal I'd set for myself, but now that I've reached the top, I have realized that's not enough. I realize that success is nothing if there's no one to share it with.”
Dr. Archer appeared afraid to make his next statement. He wrung his hands, then ran a hand through his hair. “I'm not saying I want to hang out with you every day, but, Derrick, I would like to get to know you. I would also like to see the baby after it's born, if that's all right with you and Staci.”
Derrick remained quiet and still. He wanted him to leave. He needed the seed donor to vacate. His father sounded sincere, and the look in his eyes said he was sincere, but Derrick wasn't ready for his father to see him cry.
“I'll give you a call.” Derrick's voice was so faint, he wasn't sure he'd said the words out loud.
“I'll call and check on you in a few days,” Dr. Archer offered, seemingly understanding Derrick's need to be alone right now. Derrick nodded, and Dr. Archer left the room.

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