Chapter 172 Lingering Issues
Lauren sighed, watching Matthew squirm in Kimberly's arms, her heart aching.
Ethan sped to the hospital with Matthew. He went to register while Lauren and Kimberly waited outside the pediatric clinic.
Lauren glanced at their number, anxiety rising. Over fifty people were ahead of them. When would it be their turn?
Ethan noticed Lauren's anxiety and left without a word.
When he came back, he had a doctor with him.
Ethan smiled at Lauren. "Lauren, this is Dr. Christopher Lee from pediatrics. Let's let him take care of Matthew."
"Dr. Lee, my child has a high fever. Can you check him out?" Lauren asked, her nerves frayed.
Christopher smiled. "Sure, follow me to the exam room. Let's take his temperature first."
Kimberly and Lauren followed Christopher. After some tests, Matthew was diagnosed with bronchitis. Christopher recommended hospitalization for IV treatment.
Lauren rushed to handle the paperwork but realized Matthew didn't have a birth certificate, making him undocumented and unable to be admitted.
Ethan, worried when Lauren didn't return, asked Kimberly to wait while he looked for her.
He found Lauren crying in a corner.
Ethan quickly squatted next to her. "Lauren, Dr. Lee said bronchitis isn't serious. Matthew will be fine."
"Ethan, what do I do? Matthew can't be admitted!" Lauren said, tears streaming down her face.
Ethan gently patted her back. "Lauren, don't worry. Tell me what's going on. We'll figure it out together."
Lauren explained the situation. Ethan's expression grew serious.
"Lauren, I'll ask Dr. Lee to get Matthew admitted first. We'll sort out the ID issue later," Ethan said.
Lauren cried with gratitude. "Thank you."
Ethan took Lauren back to Kimberly and then went to find Christopher to arrange Matthew's admission. Kimberly, hearing the whole story, was even more impressed with Ethan.
"No one helps others like Ethan. He really cares about you," Kimberly said seriously to Lauren.
Lauren didn't know what to say. She understood Ethan's feelings but had her own dilemmas.
Thanks to Ethan, Matthew got admitted, and Lauren felt a wave of relief.
Watching the needle pierce Matthew's tiny foot, Lauren's heart broke. She wished she could take the pain for him.
Ethan patted her shoulder, trying to keep her strong. Lauren forced a smile.
Matthew's illness was exhausting. He cried whenever he felt uncomfortable, and Lauren held him all night, comforting him, feeling heartbroken and guilty.
After seven days in the hospital, Matthew finally recovered. Lauren was utterly exhausted, finally understanding the hardships of being a mom.
Seeing Matthew healthy again, both Lauren and Kimberly sighed with relief.
But Lauren still worried about Matthew's identification. Now divorced from Quentin, she didn't know what to do.
Ethan had been by her side these past few days, taking care of her. In her most helpless moments, he became her rock, and he liked that feeling.
After Matthew's illness, Ethan became even more important to Lauren, visiting their home often.
Lauren had something on her mind. After much hesitation, she decided to talk to Ethan.
"Ethan, Matthew's identification is really troubling me. What do you think I should do?" Lauren asked.
Ethan was momentarily stunned. He was happy Lauren sought his opinion. But he realized Quentin still needed to handle this, as Matthew's father.
"Lauren, we need to resolve Matthew's ID issue soon. And Quentin is the key," Ethan said honestly.
Lauren was frustrated at having to go to Quentin.
"Can you find out if we can get Matthew's ID under the Walker family?" Lauren asked hopefully. She didn't know much about this and relied on Ethan.
Ethan shook his head. "Matthew is a Robinson. They won't agree to register him under the Walker family. Plus, since you're divorced, your name hasn't changed. Quentin has to handle this."
He didn't want Lauren to see Quentin either, but it was necessary.
Lauren's eyes dimmed. She felt helpless.
Seeing her reluctance, Ethan was secretly pleased. It meant she was growing more distant from Quentin, and his bet with Quentin was nearing victory.
"Lauren, how about I talk to Quentin on your behalf?" Ethan offered.
"You?" Lauren was surprised.
Ethan smiled. "Yes, you don't want to face him. I know everything between you two. I think I can explain it to Quentin."
Lauren thought it over seriously and then firmly declined. "No, Ethan, I think it's better if I handle this myself."
Though he didn't push her, Ethan was disappointed. Lauren still didn't fully trust him, especially when it came to something related to Quentin.
