Free Sister Betty Says I Do by Pat G'Orge-Walker Page A

members. They remained with her while Leotis and Sharvon, who’d also grown impatient, left to see if there was any further word on Freddie’s condition. They soon returned with a doctor, but it wasn’t one of those who’d seen Freddie when they first arrived.
    While the others remained seated, Sister Betty rose to meet them.
    â€œMiss Becton,” the doctor began, “under normal circumstances I would not be able to discuss Mr. Noel’s condition with you, because you’re not a family member.”
    Sister Betty clutched her Bible to her chest. Her eyes darted about, almost pleading, as she replied, “But I will be soon.” Pulling her Bible away from her chest, she extended it as though she wanted the doctor to swear upon it. “I’ve got to know. . . .”
    â€œPlease calm down, Miss Becton.” The doctor stopped and pointed at Sharvon. “Your attorney has provided me with a duplicate legal power of attorney, such as the one that was among Mr. Noel’s personal property when he arrived. The hospital is well aware that Mr. Noel has no living relatives.”
    Sister Betty, stunned, gave Sharvon a questioning look. When had she and Freddie drawn up such a document? She was happy they had, but why was it a secret? She didn’t have time to dwell upon that. It was what it was.
    The doctor was short and very thin and spoke with a noticeable facial tick that, after every few words, made him appear to smile. Dr. Lee Y. Chang was the name on his ID plate. “As I was saying,” the doctor continued, “Mr. Noel is resting comfortably. We gave him several tests. Two returned with signs of perhaps old rib injuries. There’s bruising that appears to support it. Other than that, none showed any trauma from his fall earlier today and were inconclusive as to its cause. There are other concerns that need addressing by his primary care provider. We’ve faxed over a report with that information.”
    Sister Betty took a few steps forward until she was almost nose to nose with the doctor. “Old rib injuries and bruising. I’m not quite sure what to make of it. What does all that mean?” She remained rooted in place, although he’d moved a few steps back. “Is my Freddie gonna be able to come home, or are you keeping him?”
    â€œHe’s getting dressed as we speak. However, I’m not prepared to say this won’t happen again, because we still don’t know everything. He’ll need further testing, and perhaps his medication may need adjusting.”
    â€œFurther testing,” Sharvon echoed. She was about to say more, but the look upon Leotis’s face stopped her cold. Had he read the same thing in the doctor’s voice as she had?
    â€œI would suggest, since he lives alone, that you speak to our social services department. It’s good that Mr. Noel is financially able to afford what many of our patients cannot. They can recommend or help you find a home attendant. For the time being, he’ll need one who is able to spend at least six to eight hours a day with him.”
    â€œHe won’t need social services,” Sister Betty said sharply. “I can take good care of him.” She turned and pointed to Leotis and Sharvon. “My cousin Sharvon is staying with me. I can depend on her for help if I need it.” Sister Betty then pointed at Leotis. “My pastor lives two doors away. I know without a shadow of a doubt, he’ll be available to me and Freddie. He always has.”
    Both Sharvon and Leotis nodded, confirming what Sister Betty had said.
    The doctor withdrew a small pad from his breast pocket. “That’s good to know.” He then began writing something on the pad. “This is a prescription that should for the moment help with his high blood pressure. As I said before, some other meds may need adjusting, but I don’t want to do that. Let his private doctor render a