Page 47 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“So you were two when you moved to Plum Island?” Harley asked.
“Yes, and Liam was five,” Jennifer answered.
“How old were you when you first got sick?” Harley asked, hoping he wasn’t overstepping.
“I was five.” Jennifer slowed down to turn onto the main highway as they neared Boston. “I was getting short of breath, passing out, and always had bad chest pains. Andrew got a doctor from Boston to come and check me out.”
“Why didn’t he just take you to Boston?” Harley raised his brows.
“I don’t know,” Jennifer said with a shrug. “I was five, and I didn’t ask. The doctor who looked at me was the one who rushed me to Newbury Port Hospital. I was in hospital for months after that, hooked onto a machine. The day before my sixth birthday, I had a heart operation and was told I had a very special heart.”
“You had a heart transplant at six?” Harley’s brows shot up as he looked at her in surprise.
“No, the doctor my father brought to us from Boston fixed my heart,” Jennifer told him. “I don’t know all the medical terms. I’ve always tried not to think about the fact that I nearly died at the age of five.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring it up,” Harley told her.
“Oh, no.” Jennifer smiled reassuringly. “I don’t mind talking about it. I leave all the medical stuff to my doctors and I live my life as best I can while taking care of my heart and the rest of my body.”
“And you’ve done a marvelous job of taking care of your body.” The words slipped out of Harley’s mouth before he could stop them. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that to sound as lecherous as it did.”
“It’s okay.” Jennifer laughed. “And thank you for the compliment.”
“You said you go for checkups twice a year?” Harley moved the conversation away from the thoughts that had found their way to his tongue without his permission.
“I do,” Jennifer confirmed. “And thank you for reminding me. I must get my records transferred to a new cardiologist in Newbury Port.”
“You haven’t done that yet?” Harley asked her in alarm. “Shouldn’t that have been one of the first things you did when you got back to Plum Island?”
“Who died and made you my parent?” Jennifer glanced at him with a raised eyebrow.
“I’m just concerned.” Harley raised his hands. “Sorry, but I know how quickly a person’s health can change, and if you’re able to prepare the nearest hospital, it’s best to do it.”
“Thank you for your concern for my health.” Jennifer held up her arm where a silver bracelet slid to her wrist. “See. I have a cardiac bracelet to alert medical professionals to my condition. Andyes,all my details are up to date. I changed my address the day before I arrived home.”
“That’s a good thing to have,” Harley told her. “My niece Emily has one for her hearing problem and allergies.”
“Emily’s Daniella’s daughter, right?” Jennifer enquired.
“Yes.” Harley nodded. “She’s fifteen going on forty. Emily is the caretaker of our family. She always ensures none of us miss a birthday or special day.”
“I’ve only met her a few times,” Jennifer told him. “I didn’t know she had hearing problems.”
“She lost her hearing when she was seven,” Harley told her. “Emily was prone to ear infections that caused damage to the middle eardrum.”
“Oh no!” Jennifer’s eyes were filled with compassion as he glanced at Harley. “I’m sorry to hear that. How awful for her.”
“She has partial hearing,” Harley told Jennifer. “Daniella is forever researching the latest treatments for Emily.”
“Your family has been through so much.” Jennifer’s voice was barely audible. “And now I’m dragging you into my family drama.”
“You didn’t drag me into anything,” Harley assured her. “I’m glad I can help in any way, even if it’s just for support.”
“Thank you,” Jennifer said, slowing down as they reached the Boston city limits. “Liam said we must go straight to the hospital when we arrive.” She expertly navigated her way through the Boston streets. “Georgia and Molly want to meet us.”
“I’m glad you agreed to meet them,” Harley admitted. “I’m not saying anything bad will happen, and I’ve only got positive thoughts for Molly. But if anything did happen, you’d feel better about yourself for having met her. Even if it was just for a brief moment.”
“That’s deep.” Jennifer smiled as she turned into the hospital parking area. “And absolutely right.” She found an empty parking place and parked the car. Switching off the engine, she leaned over the steering wheel, gazing at the hospital. “I thought I’d never see this place again.”
