Knowing You

Author's Note: Sorry it's been months since the last update but I lost my net so nothing I could do. Am still working 12 hour shifts and I worked last night and yet to sleep so if my editing job is less than decent I apologize. Just give a yell if there is anything major and I'll gladly fix it soon.



Chapter Eleven




“I’ll be right back,” the lady stood up and ran a hand down her skirt, removing a wrinkle that had never been there. In her hand was a personal check that had killed Taree to write out, is was a good chunk out of her savings for Cora’s college funds.


Taree nodded as she walked out of the office, leaving her alone to look around. She hadn’t paid much attention to the place when she’d arrived. After packing, taking a shower, saying goodbye to Cora and having an early breakfast, she’d headed out. Two hours of driving, one pee break later, she found herself in the financial section of the hospital. A receptionist had tried to tend to her but she’d insisted on speaking to the director.


The last thing she wanted to do after staying up all night is deal with some stupid secretary that didn’t know her asshole from her cunt. Taree yawned, eyeing a rather corny painting of a clown. What the hell were they trying to do, advertise suicide?


The woman had spoken to her after learning she was Tate’s aunt and that she was there to speak about the account. As expected, Dante’s name was the person responsible for the bill. He needed to shoot whomever had signed him up for the lousy insurance company. She hoped that he wasn’t paying extra for it.


She wondered how long it would take for the bank to clear the check. It couldn’t be too long, because she had to pee again. Sitting here listening to options and payment plans had sent her bladder into overload, the coffee helping. As soon as the woman returned she’d ask where the bathroom was. Or they’d be emitting her for bladder failure, and for good measure would charge her to replace the chair.


What bothered her now, was how Dante would react learning that she had written a check to cover his son’s medical expenses. It put a dent in her account, she wouldn’t think about that. As soon as this next edition went out she’d make most of it back. Plus, she’d made wise investments with her first endorsement check.


If Dante couldn’t pay for the normal hospital bill, how was he going to pay for the boy’s treatments after the surgery? She didn’t want to think about it, she shouldn’t get involved. Where the hell was the boy’s mother? That was the real question, why wasn’t Sheila here to help? She knew the woman wasn’t around, the woman had asked if she knew. Hell no, she didn’t know and she doubted the woman she remembered would do anything.


If the woman cared, she wouldn’t have given up her child and walked away. Taree didn’t sympathize with Sheila or care if she came back. What mattered is that the child was ill and she couldn’t let her parents risk losing their home. She’d help Dante, whether he liked it or not. Besides, once that check goes through there was nothing he can do about it. The hospital will have their money, end of story.


What was taking so long? Taree shifted in the seat, hearing the knob turn. It wasn’t the woman but a very pudgy male, in a grey suit. She’d toss his ass in front of a bus if he tried to tell her that the check wasn’t any good. “Yes?”


“Evening, I’m Mr. Summers, head of the financial department. I came to speak to you, Linda has informed me that the check has cleared.” He took a seat in the desk as if he belonged there. “Before I process I just want to make sure that you are certain. She says she’s discussed the treatment programs with you and the price ranges. Of course, everything will depend to what the father agrees to. Yet, she says that you have covered the accumulated bill and the estimated cost of the surgery.”


“Yes, and I plan to speak to my brother about the bill for the therapy. If my check has cleared, I’d like to leave. I left my number incase you need anything else from me.” She wasn’t looking forward to seeing her family again. Her nerves were raw from just being in the same vicinity. They weren’t home, she’d called and gotten the machine. She was going to assume they were here, since the boy was having therapy.


“No, though I’d like to say thank you. We don’t like to dismiss patients still needing care. Do you know which room your nephew is in?”


“Yes, I’m going to head on up there and see them.” She grabbed her purse, her stomach was in her throat. This part was taken care of, now it was time to face the music. Oh, they were going to emit her for passing out in the hallway.


The door closed behind her, just as well. She’d just written the largest check of her life, she needed a few minutes. Hopefully Kale had already called Maria, his girlfriend, to let the woman know that her parents wouldn’t be needing the loan after all and to lose the paper work.


She felt like a robot walking down the cold hallway, her mind focusing on getting her to the bathroom. At this rate she would either vomit or run out of the door screaming. The bathroom was located next to a set of elevators.


It was empty, she went to the toilet first. Her bladder was feeling better, her stomach was getting worse. Above her somewhere her parents were waiting around, about to get a huge surprise. Taree prayed that Dante was too concerned about his child to care about her sudden appearance. He might not want her here but she was still family. This Tate was unknown to her but her mother loved the child, so he mattered to her. Any child was important, even if it was his.


The flushing noise drowned out her heavy breathing, she had to get a grip. After washing her hands, she looked herself over in the mirror. The girl that had fled home wasn’t there, a mature version stood in her place. Taree wondered if they’d recognize her, if they had missed her.


She was wearing black slacks, a red turtle neck, and black flats. Her hair was pulled pack with a golden clip, keeping the wavy mass out of her face. It was a casual look, the best she could manage in the middle of the night.


The trip to the elevator had her rethinking making a run for it. She could just let the financial department spill the news. “Oh, no need to pay the bill, some dumb chick came in and did it for you.” That wouldn’t go over well. They’d find out that she’d done so and would want to know why she hadn’t stopped in to see them as well. Paying a bill wasn’t exactly the only way to show support, she hated having a conscious.


The ride was made alone, stopping on the fifth floor way too soon. Having no choice, she stepped out into the hall. The signs indicated that the room she was looking for was to her right. Another few minutes and she’d be face to face with her parents, possibly Dante.


A nurse greeted her, she managed to fake a smile. ‘Deep breaths, you can do this. The worst case scenario is they tell you to leave.’ What she needed was someone to support her, where was Joey when the blonde was needed? Right, she was babysitting, so her daughter wouldn’t have to witness this reunion.


She almost jumped through the roof as her cell phone rang. Ignoring the Turn Cell Phones on Vibrate sign, she flipped it open. Her trip was halted as the bank called her to confirm the check. The woman on the other end sounded confused when she chanted her social and claimed to have written the check. She knew they were just making sure she’d written it before allowing it to be proceeded. No doubt the hospital would have it in by the end of the day. It was nice to know that the bank wouldn’t let someone rob her blind.


Her watch had her pausing, it was almost ten. How long had she sat in the office, and in the bathroom? She stuffed the phone back into her purse, turning at the sound of talking. A very handsome male dressed in a white coat was walking towards her, along side another doctor. Wow, why didn’t they have em like that where she lived? Then she wouldn’t mind getting a flu shot every year.


He gave her a smile as he walked by, maybe passing out in the hall wouldn’t be a bad idea. She refrained from whistling at his retreating backside, which was hidden beneath the lab coat. Shaking the image from her head she looked at the nearest door number.


Her walk led her to another crossway, the signs indicated that she should head left. Why did hospitals feel the need to make one lost? She grumbled a few swear words to herself, she hated this place already. A shiver of dread ran down her spine as she neared her goal. It had to be the next door down, which was cracked.


Her breath caught hearing her mother’s voice through the slit. She was here, should she just walk in or wait? There was a discussion going on inside, knocking would be rude. Taree nibbled on her bottom lip, unsure of herself for the tenth time today.


“Yes, this is Dr. Stanton, he’ll be the doctor performing the surgery.” This was an unknown voice, but it sounded rather young.


“It’s nice to meet you.” This was her stepfather, he sounded tired and stressed. “I told the woman that came in yesterday that we are still waiting to hear back from the bank. As soon as it goes through, how soon can you schedule it?”


“It’s already been scheduled for next week.” This was an unknown older voice, that had a rasp to it, probably a smoker. “I’ve come to discuss preparations, and the risks with you. I thought it best while the boy was in therapy.”


“I see but how did you get approval? The woman assured us that you wouldn’t have approval until the down payment was received.” It felt wonderful to hear her mother’s voice again. “I assure you that we are very grateful and will do what we can.”


“Um, I’m not sure. We got the clear about thirty minutes ago.” This was the young one again, she had to wonder if it was the cute doctor. “Usually, it doesn’t happen until then in these cases.”


“Yes, that’s what we were told too.” Dante, it had her floored. She hadn’t thought far enough to examine how hearing his voice would make her feel.


“You could always call them and see what arrangements were made. But they should have already discussed it with you since you are the father. Is it possible the mother was contacted? Perhaps, she made a payment, as a relative it would have been accepted without question.


They had questioned her sanity, Taree thought to herself. She’d done more than cover the old bill but had covered what they estimated the surgery would cost in full. Inside her stepfather was saying he was going to call down to see what was going on.


Taking a deep breath she spoke loud enough so that her own voice would carry through the crack. “I did it,” she sounded lame even to her own ears. She reached forward to push the door open, the silence actually echoed.


Everyone in the room was looking towards the doorframe, making her feel two inches tall. Taree was ready to run, run far, run fast and never look back. No one was speaking, not even the doctors. What the hell were they staring at? Feeling the need to explain what she said she tried again, “I mean I paid them, by check, to cover it.”


“Well, that explains it.” The older doctor was the first to react to her announcement. He smiled and walked towards her with a hand outstretched. “Dr. Stanton, you’d be?”


“The aunt,” she left it at that. The doctor was probably greeting her kindly knowing she’d just paid for his next package of Twinkies. Being raised with manners she did take the hand he was offering. The younger doctor just smiled and turned back towards the quiet father.


“Taree?” The name came out in a harsh cry before she found herself hurled against the doorframe by the weight of her mother. “You came, you’re home.”


“I can’t breathe!” The arms around her chest loosened, allowing oxygen to circulate. Taree returned the hug, trying to fight back tears. She hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed her mother. This wasn’t the reception she’d dreaded, she’d take it.


“Oh my, I hardly recognize you, you’ve changed.” Her mother was doing what most kids hated. Hands caught her face in a tight grip, as if to help examine each new wrinkle. “You’re all grown up.”


“I haven’t changed that much,” she didn’t think so. She was trying to listen to what the doctor was saying. It was hard but she caught the important words, what she wanted to hear. Taree walked towards the empty bed beside her mother. It wasn’t the time for a talk, this was more important.


“He’ll be taken down around eight, the surgery is scheduled for eleven. Depending on how well he does after, we can discuss the options. He might be able to go home, but he’ll still need to continue therapy. As I told you yesterday, there are options as far as where you wish to continue. I’m sure you’ll be able to find one that is willing to work with you.”


Taree felt ill as they went to discuss the side effects, what to expect. Things she was sure they had already been told. It was procedure to talk about it, to make sure the parents wanted to go ahead with the surgery. No need for the doc to cancel his manicure if he wasn’t going to be needed. With what they were wanting to charge the fat man could pay Paris Hilton to do it.


Too soon both doctors left, leaving her alone with the three. Now was the time to flee, before the questions began. Taree squirmed as her stepfather turned to her finally, Dante had yet to look her direction again. Large arms pulled her into a tight embrace, but the man didn’t speak.


“We’re glad you came back. It’s such a hard time right now,” her mother filled in the silence. “I really want to yell at you but I won’t. This isn’t the time for it, but don’t think you’re getting off that easy young lady. As soon as we are home, we need to have a serious talk.”


“I kind of figured that much,” which was why she was thinking about getting in her car and driving away. She was too old for lectures and didn’t want one.


“Good, I do have some questions.” What mother didn’t? “First, where is my granddaughter? Second, how did you find out? And what exactly did you use for a down payment?”


Taree went to answer, in the same order. “Cora is with Joey, Kale told me, and I didn’t put a down payment. I paid the ongoing bill as of this morning, I paid the estimated amount of the surgery in full. I’m sure they’ll find a way to make him still owe something but it won’t be much. As for your loan, it won’t go through. The girl you spoke to that day is actually Kale’s girlfriend, which is how he knew about the loan. He is going to call her and tell her to lose the paperwork. There is no need for you to do it, I covered it.”


“You shouldn’t have,” Dante knew he couldn’t do anything about it now. He was grateful but wasn’t sure how to express it. Why would she do it? Kale had informed her but that didn’t explain why she had interfered. “There is no point in you putting yourself in debt. The loan would have taken care of it.”


“Yes, I know I shouldn’t have since you didn’t ask but there is nothing you can do about it now. The loan would have barely covered the down payment, it still would have left a large bill. Tell me how you planned on covering the bills, the loan and still manage the cost of the treatments? Besides, I didn’t put myself in debt to do it.” Taree wasn’t going to feel guilty about what she did.


“How? Did you mortgage something? Dear, no one has that much money laying around.” Her mother saw her affronted look, “you know what I mean. How can you afford it? Aren’t you a single mother?”


“You know for someone I haven’t talked to in seven years you sure know a lot about me.” She wasn’t sure how her mother had known that the grand was a girl or that she was still single. Kale had a loud mouth and she was going to put a foot in it. “If Kale told you that much then you should know I can take care of myself. I had the money in the bank, that’s all I’ll say. I wasn’t doing anything with it. It’s better spent on my nephew than on a new bikini.”


“Either way, thank you.” Her stepfather spoke past the lump in his throat. “We were fretting, it shames me to admit it. Dante has been there for us these last three years and it hurt your mother and I that we couldn’t help.”


“You’ve done enough,” Dante wasn’t going to let his father feel guilty. They’d given him and his son a place to live. Helping with the bills was the least he could do. His eyes swayed to the female standing close to the bed. She looked different somehow, yet he’d recognized her the moment she’d opened the door. It had been hard to believe she was standing in the doorway.


“How long are you staying?”


Would her mother be disappointed if she said she was going back today? Yes, that would bother them. “I have to go back today, at least long enough to grab a few things and pick up Cora. Joey would watch her but I’d like to bring her down.”


“That would be wonderful. We gave Tate your old room but you could use the couch. We got a new one, it pulls out into a bed. It should be big enough for you and the little one, no need to stay at a hotel.”


“Thanks Mom, I’ll do that.” She was sure Cora would be happy about finally meeting more of her family. It meant there were more people to dote on her.


“Splendid, me and your mother have been arguing over who she looks like. I say she’s you but your damn mother keeps saying she looks like that Kale.” Her stepfather beamed at the prospect of proving his wife wrong.


“Huh?” Taree wanted to ask him how they’d seen a picture of her child period. She knew how, she was going to have a long talk with Kale. “She looks like both of us, she acts like him though. You’ll see what I mean after she’s been in the house for an hour.”


“As long as she isn’t like you,” Dante put his opinion out. He could remember her at a young age, always talking and following him like a lost puppy.


“Nope, she’s really mean.” Taree made plans to teach her child to kick the big man. Or maybe use his toothbrush to clean the toilet. Her daughter had been wanting a new game system, the perfect bribe. “I’ll need to head back, so I can be back in the morning. I’ll give you my number in case you need to call before then.”



Next Chapter: The showdown and apology............