"When I talked about chronic undernutrition, that wasn't an accusation."
She nodded again and wouldn't meet Reaves's gaze, even though she could feel him looking at her.
"Let's start again at the beginning, shall we?"
"Okay." She had a feeling he was doing this for Reaves's benefit, but that was probably a good thing for both of them.
"The bloodwork came back showing severe iron deficiency anemia, and also B12 deficiency. Now, I think you understood, but I'll say it again so there's no doubt. We're not talking about cancer. We're not talking about anything fatal. We're talking about a body and a system that have simply run out of fuel."
He smiled kindly. "From what I understand, you work hard. In addition to being mom to a very lively six-year-old girl. And from what we discussed earlier, taking care of yourself hasn't been your top priority."
She dropped her chin to her chest. Taking care of Zia was her top priority. It had been since the day she'd found out she was pregnant.
"We've already discussed the fixes. We'll do iron infusions and B12 shots. Caroline, our nurse, will do the first of those for you on Friday. Then we'll see you back again on Tuesday for another B12 shot. And next Friday, we'll do a second infusion and a third shot and go from there. In a month, we'll run your blood again and see where things stand. But I fully expect we'll be able to move to maintenance B12 every three months after that."
He rested his elbows on the desk and leaned forward. "I think the prescription I already gave you—the most important one—is the one you'll struggle with the most."
She nodded mutely, and he turned to Reaves. "There's no need for you to look so horrified. In fact, I'll be depending on you and your father to help administer this prescription."
Reaves sat up a little straighter. "I'll do anything."
She squeezed his hand tight. She didn't deserve this man.
"And from what your father told me on Sunday, I know that he feels the same way." He smiled at Alara. "About both you and your daughter." His smile faded. "And forgive me—I acted with the best of intentions, but I'm afraid that moving your appointment forward only added to your concern, didn't it?"
She nodded.
"I probably shouldn't admit this, but it was a courtesy to a friend. When Charles told me about you and your daughter, and how he thinks the world of you both, I wanted to get you in sooner."
Alara could still only nod.
He addressed Reaves. "The most important part of the prescription is rest and diet."
Alara braced herself, waiting for Reaves to let go of her hand and demand to know why she'd made such a big fuss over nothing.
Instead, he squeezed it again. "We've been doing our best with that, haven't we?"
When she finally turned to meet his gaze, she saw nothing but care and concern in his eyes.
"You have. You and your dad and Faye have been feeding me so well—me and Zia. And no one minds when I fall asleep, andeveryone tells me to get all the rest I can. It's me that's been screwing up. You've all been doing everything you can."
"Hey." He cut her off. "You're the one who's been doing the best you can. You've just had to do so much all by yourself for so long. It's not surprising that you'd get run down, is it? I'd be run down if I tried to do everything that you do."
She shrugged, not knowing what to say—especially with the way Dr. Ambrose was smiling as he watched them.
"Have I explained everything more clearly this time?"
She nodded, feeling bad. "You explained everything clearly in the first place. And thank you, you've been so good to me. I just… I'm mad at myself, if I'm honest. I did this to myself." She shook her head. "And then worse, everyone else has not only had to step up to help me, but I've had everyone worried as well." She glanced at Reaves. "I know I have. I'm so sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for. Why would you be sorry when we just found out that everything that's going on is fixable?"
Dr. Ambrose nodded. "He's right, you know. And one thing I will say is, this happens more than you'd think. It's very common, really. It's not a failure on your part. If anything, it's a measure of a loving mom who hasn't always had a support system." He gave her a kind smile. "But it seems to me that if you can accept it, you'll have all the support you need now."
She gave Reaves a small smile and murmured, "I know."
She pushed her chair back. "So basically, I just have to eat and rest and come back for infusions and injections."
Dr. Ambrose chuckled. "Yes. But don't list it like they're items you can check off and be done with and carry on as you were. It's an easy fix, Alara, but it's not a fast fix. Even though we'll get you off to a fast start with the treatment, it'll be a couple of weeks before you notice a difference. It won't be an overnight change, but you will start to feel better." He frowned. "And since I won't see you again beforehand, I should warn you now. The first iron infusion on Friday may leave you feeling worse, not better. Just for a day or two." He glanced at Reaves. "So. Rest, eat well, no stress, no anxiety. This weekend, nothing more taxing than relaxing and taking it easy." He smiled. "And let yourself be taken care of."
