Bette and Tina jumped to their feet as soon as they heard the door open.

Dr Roberts entered the small waiting room, immediately focusing his attention on Bette and Tina.

Please sit down. He motioned with his hand. His expression was hard to read as he took a seat opposite the women.

Bette took hold of Tinas hands and they both looked nervously at the doctor as he flicked through his notes.

Im not going to lie to you. He said trying to sound as sympathetic as he could. We have got one very sick little girl on our hands.

Is she going to be okay? Tina asked shakily, gripping Bettes hands tightly.

Well, we did the spinal tap, and drew some CFS, were waiting for the results of that as we speak. However it does look like your daughter, has contracted the meningococcus bacteria strain of meningitis.

Is that serious? Bette interrupted.

It is very serious. The doctor looked at Bette and Tina with raised eyebrows. They knew from his face Ellie was lucky to be alive. Lets just say you are very lucky you brought Ellie in when you did. At the moment she has been attached to an IV so we can flood her bloodstream with antibiotics. We are also giving her a steroid called Dexametaone. This can help reduce the risk of hearing loss in children of Ellies age.

Shes also hooked up to a respirator so she can have supplemental oxygen to help her with her breathing. I know this must sound kind of scary right now, but I can assure you we are doing everything in our power to pull your daughter through this. Dr Roberts smiled assuredly at them both.

So shes out of the woods, shell be okay? Bette said hurriedly, getting to her feet, as Dr Roberts rose from his seat.

Shes okay for now. Well know more within the next 48 hrs.

Could she die? Tina whispered.

T Bette flung round to face Tina.

Could she die? She repeated. Not taking her eyes of the doctor.

I cant really answer that question honestly, until we get the results. Said Doctor Roberts.