A Saint for Life by Nicole Heck Page B

visualizing it in my head. I can’t stop thinking about it.”
    “He kissed you?” Janice laughed.
    “Yes,” I hesitated, “but that’s not it.”
    “Well?” Janice asked.
    “He really cares about Gabe. I could see it in his eyes, the way he spoke to him. He even carried him upstairs to bed.”
    “Look at that smile on your face!” Janice and I laughed in happiness.
    How could I have fallen so quickly in just one night?

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    {17}
     
    Christian
     
    “Hi, I need to speak to Dr. Sheehan.”
    “What’s your name?” the receptionist asked.
    “Christian Michaels.”
    “Do you have an appointment?”
    “Not exactly.”
    “You need to make an appointment first.” She looked back toward her computer.
    “I just need to talk to her for ten minutes. It’s important.”
    “I’m sure it is, but Dr. Sheehan has a busy schedule today.”
    “Can you ask her if I can see her? Tell her it’s regarding Gabe Gingras.”
    “Have a seat.” She didn’t sound too thrilled.
    I was about to turn around to find a seat when I felt someone tugging on the back of my sweatshirt.
    “Excuse me.” I turned around at the sound of the quiet voice.
    “Excuse me. Are you Christian Michaels?” The little boy continued.
    “Yes, I am. What can I do for you?” I bent down to his level.
    “Mom! It is him!” He yelled across the waiting room to a woman with dark curly long hair who motioned for him to come back to her.
    “Can I get a picture?”
    “Sure thing!”
    “Mom! He said he’ll take a picture with me!” He grabbed my hand and ran toward her.
    I bent down next to him and wrapped my arm around his shoulders.
    “Say cheese,” the mother said, and we both smiled.
    “What do you say?” She looked at her son as her eyebrows lifted.
    “Thank you!” The little boy gave me a big hug and ran off to grab a book from the shelf.
    “Thank you for making his day a little brighter.”
    “Not a problem,” I responded before sitting down. I watched the little boy pick out a few books and play with the toys. His hat fell off, and I saw his bald head. How could so many little kids be affected by something so terrible?
    “Mr. Michaels?” the receptionist yelled out. “Mr. Michaels?”
    My mind had been wandering off, thinking about what these kids have to go through each day and all of the challenges they must face.
    “Mr. Michaels!” I stood up quickly.
    “Sorry, I’m here.”
    “Dr. Sheehan said she can see you quickly. Follow me.”
    I was nervous. I didn’t even know what I was doing here. When I woke up this morning, the only thing that was on my mind other than Zoe was helping Gabe.
    “Wait in here. She’ll be right in.” She closed the door behind her.
    I looked around. All of Dr. Sheehan’s degrees and certificates were framed on the wall. On her desk were pictures of her family. The wall to my right had brochures for different treatments and informative packets about acute leukemia. As I bent down to itch my leg, my eyes caught sight of the vents along the bottom of the wall. I had another idea.
    “So what can I do for you, Mr. Michaels?” Dr. Sheehan opened the door and sat down at the desk in front of me.
    “I just had a few questions about Gabe Gingras.”
    “Unfortunately, I can’t give you any information since you aren’t immediate family. What is your relation to him?”
    “I’m a friend of Zoe’s. Can you actually keep this meeting between us? She doesn't know I’m here.”
    “Why are you here?” She leaned in closer and her right eyebrow lifted.
    “I want to help Gabe. Is there anything I can do? Zoe mentioned the treatments are expensive.”
    Dr. Sheehan smiled at the conclusion of my proposal.
    “Yes, there is. I can give you this packet, which will give you a general idea of what the treatments cost for cancer patients with and without insurance.”
    “Ok, great. Thank you.” I flipped through the pages.
    “So you really want to help?” She took off her