Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Cassandra’s POV

"Do you think he has any broken any bones?" I asked, panicking already. The thought made me so scared that I had no idea that I was holding my breath unconsciously. If it hadn't been for Julian's strong hold on my hand, I would have suffered from a mini-stroke. I could bear anything but I couldn't see Max in pain. I felt guilty that I hadn't been able to give him much attention lately because of my own health. Azura had done more for him than I could as his mom.

"I don't think so. He wouldn't be so quiet then. Broken bones can be quite painful. Also, the doctor would have informed us immediately. So whatever happened to Max, it should be something minor. Don't worry," said Julian, making me feel a little relieved. He might have felt my cold hands and started rubbing them absent-mindedly and it helped a lot.

"Get a grip over yourself, Cassie. Everything will be fine," he comforted me. My nervousness reduced a little and I smiled up at him with relief.

"I'm okay, let's go inside," I said, ready to face whatever the doctor had in store for us. He led me inside the Pediatrician's chamber. He immediately gave us an update on Max's condition. We saw the X-ray reports that they had immediately taken out.

"It's nothing serious, No sprains or broken bones. Physically he hasn't hurt himself anywhere as he had been saved very efficiently. The tests have proved that Max suffered from severe dehydration before his fall. He was so scared that the trauma accompanied by his dehydrated body, caused his unconsciousness," said the doctor. We were shocked to hear what the doctor had to say. How could Max be dehydrated?

"Dehydration? But how is that possible, doctor? We take care of him so well," I said confusedly. Julian too agreed and we looked at one another, puzzled by the diagnosis.

"Maybe he's not drinking adequate water, juice, or milk. Check his food intake for the last twenty-four hours. It's nothing serious. Small children tend to get dehydrated if they don't drink adequate fluids. You need to monitor them more," he said with a smile. Julian and I nodded and decided to act on this immediately.

"Yes, doctor, can you give us a diet chart for him?" I asked him. The doctor handed us a diet chart and explained it well.

"Once the IV drip finishes, you can take Max home. Just don't leave him alone today. He will take some time to recover from the trauma," the doctor said and we thanked him and took our leave.

Once we were outside, Julian turned to look at me.

"How can Max be dehydrated? Doesn't Nora take care of him?" asked Julian angrily, "I have to speak to Nora about it," he added. I knew that Nora took good care of Max. It was only that she was overworked. I didn't want Julian to unnecessarily blast the poor woman for no fault of hers.

"Don't be harsh on her, Julian. She does a lot for Max but she has too much work on her hands. I was sick also since morning today and she had to run up and down taking care of me. Maybe Max didn't co-operate when she handed him his milk or juice," I told him as he scowled as if deep in thought.

"Why didn't you tell me before? I would have arranged for extra help before going to work. It's decided. Nora will only look after Max and you. I will keep another housekeeper for the other work," he said decisively but I felt guilty.

"That's not necessary. I'll take care of Max from now on," I said but Julian stopped me by placing a finger on my mouth.

"Let me decide what's necessary and what's not. I want you to rest and we'll engage another housekeeper. This is not up for argument. I've decided, and it's final," he said as he held my hand and led me to Max.

My heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of love seeing Max fast asleep in the emergency room. Azura was also lying down beside him with her leg in a cast. "How are you Azura?" I whispered to her as I sat down beside them, my heart going out to her. She flashed us a bright smile.

"It's an ankle sprain, otherwise I'm fine. They've given pain relief medications," she said smiling and I felt indebted to her. I couldn't imagine what would have happened if Azura hadn't saved him. A shudder went down my spine at the thought. I owed it to her. She was indeed brave and selfless, not having thought about herself before attempting to save Max.

"I can't thank you enough for saving Max, Azura. I can't imagine what would have happened if you weren't there," I told her as tears pooled in my eyes at the thought but Azura just brushed off the praise.

"Don't worry, Cassie, everyone's fine. God has saved us. You're pregnant, you shouldn't stress yourself so much," said mom who was sitting with Azura. I smiled at her and wiped my eyes.

"Yes, mom. I won't," I promised her.

"Addy, take Azura home. She needs rest. I'll come and see you tomorrow. Take care, okay?" She said and Azura nodded. The nurse helped her to a wheelchair and Adrian wheeled Azura away. Mom and I sat and discussed what the doctor had informed us. Mom too agreed that it was better to hire more help to relieve Nora. After Max's drip was over, we took him home. He was still traumatic and clung to me and Julian all the time. Thankfully, Mom and Dad stayed overnight with us. We were thankful for their support. Max slept with us on our bed instead of in the nursery. Julian told him bedtime stories and fed him his supper, ensuring that he had lots of fluids. My heart swelled up with more love seeing the two of them together.

The next day mom arranged for a housekeeper for us and Nora was only made in charge of Max and me.