Following two days of comprehensive tests on Julia Chantal, Doctor Fogg has been able to conclude and validate that this young girl dying of cancer is indeed a perfect specimen to be administered with Compound B81F.
However, that is not to say that everything has gone to plan. It hasn’t and the sole reason, reasons really, for that is the insistence of Julia’s parents on visiting their daughter whenever the fancy takes them. That is why the dying girl has been pulled out of stasis for the reunion that is currently taking place in their daughters expertly equipped abode.
“Why is it that Julia says nothing has taken place to help her condition?” Angela says directing her question to Doctor Fogg with an accusatory tone that clearly indicates that the woman is ready for a fight.
“Tests first had to be performed to check Julia’s condition. The procedure she will undergo is taxing and we need to ensure that putting her through it would not result in complications, such as a cardiac arrest.” Doctor Ichabod Fogg replies with his predetermined defence.
“Ange, I know this is hard for you, it’s hard for me too. But Doctor Fogg is our daughter’s only hope and it’s clear he is doing everything within his power to help her.” Tyler utters attempting to placate his wife who is growing angrier and more confrontational with each passing day. It isn’t helping. He’s told her as much but his words have not been met with anything other than rebuttals that quickly descend into full-blown arguments. It’s like she wants to argue and is spoiling for a fight, all the time.
“Ok, then what did these tests conclude?” Angela queries in no way convinced by the answer she has been given as to her it sounds like it has been rehearsed.
“They suggest that Julia is strong enough, for the moment, to transition to the next stage of assessment.”
“What is the next stage?” Tyler queries without a hint of the scepticism that Angela is clearly suffering from.
“Cognitive.” Doctor Fogg replies before Tyler then asks, “Why do you need to do cognitive tests?”
It is clear that the man is confused as to the reason why they are necessary, so Doctor Fogg explains.
“Cognitive tests must be undertaken to ensure that Julia being administered with an experimental drug will not negatively affect her cognitive abilities. After all, I don’t’ want to cure your daughter only to hand her back to you with new complications. You’ve suffered enough, all three of you.”
“And when will these tests be conducted, because I for one would like to be present for them?” Angela questions suspicious and curious all at the same time.
She doesn’t get a response at first as Doctor Fogg hesitates while he considers his options before concluding and uttering, “They can begin immediately, if you wish?”
Ichabod knew from the moment the words left Angela’s mouth that his only option would be to accept defeat. If he hadn’t he would have drawn undue attention, even if that attention was only going to be from Angela Chantal. It’s why he relented and offered what he did. He wouldn’t have otherwise, especially as being backed into a corner is not something he enjoys suffering through.
Angela smiles because she has been issued with the exact offer she had been hoping for and why she replies, “I would indeed Doctor.” It’s a clear confirm and she couldn’t care less if it grates with the highly educated medical professional trying with all his might not to stare at her with daggers in his eyes.
“Nurse…” Doctor Fogg says snapping his fingers to draw the attention of a nearby member of his team, who quickly flits over to join the trio.
“Can you get Julia ready for the immediate commencement of the cognitive tests please?” Are the next words that pass Ichabod’s lips as he keeps his grey eyes focused on Angela.
“Kiddo looks tired, is this really the best time?” Tyler asks without identifying as to whether he is speaking to Doctor Fogg or his wife. Perhaps it is aimed at both of them, though something tells Ichabod that it is aimed at Angela and not him. Though, he cannot be sure and so answers, “I’m afraid now is as good of a time as any. Your daughter, sadly, is not going to get any stronger than she is now.”
“Now it is then.” Angela states flatly cutting off her husband whose brow furrows when she then adds, “Seeing as there isn’t going to be a better time.”
“Very well.” Doctor Fogg utters in the moments before he departs from the couple who clearly have designs to chat about the conversation that has just transpired. He has no wish or want to be present for that. It is a distraction and not a welcome one.
Once Doctor Fogg is out of ear shot Tyler queries, “Why are you pushing this so hard?”
His tone is accusatory and he nibbles on a section of his lower lip absentmindedly in the moments after the words have passed his lips.
“Cause there is something odd going on here.” Angela fires back. She isn’t willing to be made to feel guilty about her decisions. She wants their daughter back as much as Tyler but needs to know that she is safe here in the hands of these people.
“Oh…no. Not this again. This is our daughter. Stop searching for some grand conspiracy that doesn’t exist. Not everyone and everything has some dark secret that needs to be exposed. It’s an obsessive habit and you need to let it go. You aren’t a reporter any more. You gave that life up. We both did.” Tyler fires back exasperated by his wife and the way she insists that everyone has an angle.
“What I used to do has nothing to do with this?” Angela retorts almost too quickly.
“It has EVERYTHING to do with this. But it shouldn’t. Julia does not need to be dragged into whatever fantasy you’re constructing in your head. It isn’t right. She isn’t some lure. She’s ours.” Tyler spits managing to keep a lid on his boiling anger as he stabbed his index finger toward his wife while he spoke.
“A lure! You think I’m using Jay as a lure? What kind of mother do you think I am? I want the best for our daughter. I always have but DO NOT stand there and question MY motives. There is something that doesn’t feel right about this place and that doctor. As Jay’s mother I can feel it.” Angela roars in reply, her anger flowing unchecked as her nostrils flare violently even after she has stopped speaking.
Tyler doesn’t rise to her screams. Instead, he shakes his head and calmly, though through gritted teeth, utters, “You can never see the world in any light can you Ange? Everything has got to be drenched in the deepest darkest shades of black.”
And with that Tyler concludes the conversation. He doesn’t want to speak to his wife for a while, which is why it is a relief to see Julia’s hospital bed being wheeled down the corridor with her in it. It gives him more than enough of an excuse to depart, which he does, to catch up to their daughter as she heads towards the testing area.
Simon A Jackson - Writer 