Chapter 44：Friends Like These

It turns out Jordan's worst fears came into being..they were too late after all.

"I'm sorry for your loss Mr Carter," the doctor said sympathetically.

"What happened? What went wrong?" Jordan tried to make sense of it all. "Was she stressed? Under pressure?"

"She had and ectopic pregnancy so it's none of the reasons you've stated."

"What does that mean in layman's terms doctor?" Jordan inquired.

"For pregnancy to happen, the ovary has to release an egg into the Fallopian tube, where it stays for about 24 hours. There it has to come in contact with the sperm to be fertilized. The fertilized egg stays in the Fallopian tube for 3 or 4 days before it heads to the uterus. There it attaches to the lining and continues to grow until a baby is born. But if the fertilized egg implants in the Fallopian tube or somewhere else in the abdomen, you end up with what's called an ectopic pregnancy. In these cases, the pregnancy can't continue normally, and it requires emergency treatment, which in your wife's case is necessary." The doctor broke it down in simple terms.

"Are you saying that she's going to need surgery?" Jordan was perplexed.

"I'm afraid so. The reason being her Fallopian tube ruptured so we need to do a laparotomy which means we make an incision in her lower abdomen and insert a thin, flexible instrument called a laparoscope to remove the ectopic pregnancy. If her Fallopian tube is damaged, we may have to remove it as well. Meaning she might not be able to have children in the near future.."

"What?! Isn't there another way?"

"I was just explaining the worst-case scenario Mr Carter..let's not jump ahead of ourselves. for now at least." Dr Burns patted him on the shoulder, "I've got to and get ready for the surgery. You can come this way and fill in the necessary paperwork."

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Against his better judgment Jordan decided to call Lana's mother, out of courtesy more than anything. She flat out refused to visit her daughter at the hospital and have Jordan an earful. After they exchanged unthinkable expletives he hung up and promised never to call her again and she happily agreed with him.

"Well can't say you didn't try?" Jones commented and Jordan gave a brief shrug.

"I called Kyle and asked him to bring Maya with," Jordan divulged. "They should be here any minute from now."

"Smart move," Jones approved. "Maya would probably be the best person to talk to Lana-she can totally relate."

Kyle was Jordan's closet friend and mentor. His wife Maya had a miscarriage a while ago and he had called her to help soften the blow when Lana woke up. She would probably be shaken to the core after the doctor delivered the news.

"There they are at the Reception-" Jordan indicated with a point of his finger, "I'll go over and get them."

"We're here to see Lana Carter?" Kyle was saying to the star-struck receptionist.

"Oh my gosh, Kyle Kinley!" She put her hand over her mouth in amazement.

"That's what she said!" Jordan recited as he came from behind.

Kyle turned around with an amused look on his face, "Jordan "freakin' Carter! You rascal!"

They did their bro-hug and handshake, "Kyle Kinley!" Jordan punched him on the shoulder.

"Hie Jordan," Maya enfolded him in a tight embrace.

"Sorry, she's not into Ben 10s." Kyle quipped, "she prefers a real man," he said as he tensed his arms.

"Thanks for coming guys..I-"

"Don't sweat it, dude. That's what friends are for right?" Kyle reiterated.

"How are you though? Any word on Lana's condition?" Maya grabbed Jordan's hand and they advanced down the spotless corridor to the hospital cafeteria. Nurses and other medical staff couldn't help but turn their heads as they looked at two of America's hottest heartthrobs pacing down their hospital hallways. Some were bold enough to approach them and asked for selfies or autographs.

They sat down and ordered coffee as Jordan gave a recount of the incidents that led up to this point.

"She's-uh-in surgery right now," Jordan revealed everything the doctor had just told him.

"And how are you feeling about all of this?" Kyle put his hands around the cup and studied Jordan's face for a reaction.

"I don't know-cocktail of feelings I guess.."

"I can only imagine." Maya's face fell as she reached over the table and squeezed Jordan's hand.

"You're probably riddled by guilt more than anything else right?" Kyle hit the nail on the head.

"Yeah.." Jordan suppressed the tears that threatened to spill over and focused on the white surface of the table until his vision got blurry.

"I shouldn't have left her like that-" his voice broke, "but I panicked!"

"It's too late for regrets." Kyle voiced quietly. "You just have to try and do the right thing from here on."

"I don't even know where to begin.," he said in a strangled voice.

"We're here to help you in any way we can okay?" Maya spoke in her soothing voice that could calm a storm.

"Uhmm- hie Jordan.." Lisa and Olivia arrived then positioned themselves in front of Jordan at the table.

"Hey Liv, Lisa-thanks for coming."

"Jones called and told us about Lana-" Olivia surveyed the other people seated with Jordan and let out a loud shriek- "Oh my gosh Kyle Kinley!"

The patrons in the cafe gaped as they realized who was in their midst-two well-known idols that you would only dream about bumping into in a place like this.

"Well since Kyle needs no introduction then I'll move on to his wife," Jordan chortled, "Kyle-Maya, this is Olivia and Lisa, Lana's best-friends."

"Nice to meet you ladies," Kyle held out his hand and Lisa clung onto it.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" She was like a record on replay.

"Sounds like a hit..what do you think wife?" Kyle was in stitches.

"Maybe you should give her a hug?" Maya suggested, "she looks like she could use it?"

"YES! PLEASE!" Lisa whooped eagerly.

"Count me in!" Olivia rushed forward but Kyle's arms were encased around Lisa, who looked like she had died and gone to heaven.

"Don't be left out Liv-come here?" They did a group hug thing and the girls swooned to the point of almost passing out.

"I think that's enough dude..we don't want any more casualties." Jordan joked and then his face got serious, "the doctor's coming," he announced, "let's go over and hear what's the verdict."

"Whatever it is-you will get through it," Kyle attested. "Both of you."

The group of friends followed the doctor into the waiting room and waited for him to deliver the news-good or bad. That's when Dr Burns said the most dreaded words that no one wants to hear:

"Mr Carter..I have good news and bad news.."