Benton was watching his wife Amanda eat the simple breakfast of oatmeal and toast that the hospital prepared for her. Seeing his wife eat the food while enjoying the latte Benton got for her; she listens as Benton gives her an update over the events of Sunday.
“So the elder council knows of your Bi-polar disorder,” Amanda states between spoonful’s of oatmeal; “you had to expect that Benton. What of our daughter? What was Frieda doing yesterday?”
“After we talked at Tachibana’s estate with William Anderson and his son Eric, she left with them while I completed some business regarding my actions last Thursday.” Benton sipping his coffee he continues; “Frieda decided to go on a shopping spree with Eric; starting at Awareness.”
“Awareness,” Amanda looking up; “Did you go as well? You suit is from their store.”
“No.” Benton answers; “Frieda got me a couple of suits from there.” Getting up to close the door to her room and drawing the blinds; removing his shoes; Benton shifts into is were-panther fursona. “Have to admit; wearing a suit that won’t split and break when I shift does have its appeal.”
“I’ll say,” Amanda also shifting into her fursona clearly aroused; despite her recent injuries stemming from being infected with hookworm thanks to tainted civet coffee, Amanda was looking far better than Friday evening when she was wheeled into the emergency room.
“Calm down Amanda,” Benton shifting back to his human form; “there will be plenty of time for that bit of fun.” Benton putting his shoes back one and sipping his coffee he continues; “from what Lance told me, Frieda had lunch with Eric, Spencer Lawson and Martha Anderson at a place call Grrrrrrr; a new restaurant that cater exclusively to weres. I didn’t get the full details but apparently they make a hell of a dessert that will drive any feline were crazy.”
“Well I guess we have to check that place out,” Amanda still in her fursona sipping her Latte: “what else?”
“They continued their shopping spree and a big box store an hour outside of Moon Lake,” Benton answering; “anything else you will have to ask Frieda herself after school.”
“I will,” Amanda stating.
“A couple other things,” Benton looking at his wife; “I called my dad. Anton and Esmeralda are coming to town.”
“Your parents are visiting,” Amanda looking surprised; “what possessed you to call them?”
“Lance, suggested I do that,” Benton responding; “from what I gathered with my tense chat with dad; my bipolar issues come from mom’s side of the family. They are coming over to explain more and to see Frieda for the first time.”
“What else Benton,” Amanda looking at her husband.
“Lance suggested that Frieda also be tested for bipolar disorder,” Benton answering; “He was told that the condition can skips generations. Lance is also getting tested as well."
“Smart of your brother to think of that;” Amanda responds. “Despite the fact that you despise him; your brother always had a level head, unlike you.”
Before Benton could respond, Doctor Tora Tachibana enters to room. Noticing the blinds drawn he sees Amanda in her fursona.
“I take it you want to get out of here fast,” Doctor Tora looking at Amanda.
“Wouldn’t you,” Amanda glaring; “pretty sure the nurses would be glad to be rid of me.”
“No argument here,” Doctor Tora states looking her his patient's chart; “I’ll be back to check on you later.”
“Before you go doctor,” Benton getting up; “would it be possible to have my daughter tested for bi-polar disorder?”
“You’re worried she might also be bi-polar?”
“Yes,” Benton grumbling the sooner the better. Preferably tonight.”
“I’ll talk to doctor Abigail Robinson then,” Doctor Tora answering; “She will let you know.”
“If not tonight then Wednesday,” Benton stating; “tomorrow evening is a were-panther gathering.”
“I’ll let her know,” Doctor Tora answers as he leaves the room, closing the door behind him.
*****
Frances put down Benton’s medical file and sipped her coffee now cold. Getting up she dumps the coffee down the sink of her washroom and heads back to her desk. Looking at the schedule Rudy left her; seeing that the only free time she would have for Benton is Wednesday after lunch; she get on her phone and calls him up.
******
Benton talking to his wife hears his cellphone ringing, looking at the caller I.D and seeing its Frances twist he answers the call.
“Benton Knight,” Frances speaking; “this doctor Frances Twist.”
“I know,” Benton answers, doing his best to remain calm; “I was told by the elder council to expect your call. Look, lets drop the pretense; your calling because the elder council wants you to help treat my bipolar disorder and help me deal with my anger issues.”
“Benton,” Frances responding; “looking at your medical file I can discern that the two may be connected. The earliest I can see you for an initial assessment is this Wednesday after lunch. Will that do?”
“Yes,” Benton quickly answers.
“Good,” Frances answers; “Now before I go I must ask you are you taking the medication doctor Abigail Robinson prescribed to you?”
“I started taking it last night,” Benton answers.
“Okay, keep taking the medicine; “Frances answers. “We’ll talk again when you see me at my office. I trust you know where that is?”
“I do,” Benton answering; sighing he struggles to phrase his next response, “and th-thank you for agreeing to see me so quickly.” Benton quickly hangs up. And looks at his wife who was clearly gob smacked and Benton’s moment of civility.