We Will Be there For you
Summery: When Allie's health start to worsen the Hansen's are scared of what might happen. Will Allie pull through with the help of her family or will she need the help of the person who wanted to hurt her.
We Will Be there for You:
Sydney Hansen walked into the house early Monday Morning and found her foster child Allie sitting at the bar, eating cereal.
"Morning," Syd said going over to the counter to pur herself a cup of coffee. She looked at Allie who looked dazed and sleepy. "Al, you there?"
"What?" Allie asked, startled. She looked at Syd with a curious expression on her face.
"Are you OK?" Syd asked, giving her a concerned look. She came over to the bar with her coffee and sat down beside Allie.
"Yeah, just tired," Allie said with a reassuring smile. "Monday's and all. You know." Allie didn't want to tell Slyd the real reason she was tired, she'd been tired since the play had ended and Allie COULD NOT get sick, she still had the spring concert coming up and other stuff.
"OK," Syd said. "You'll tell me if something is bothering you won't you?"
"Sure," Allie said. She got up and put her bowl in the sink. "I'm gonna go brush my teeth and get my books together. Ashley is picking me up."
"Good because I need to get to the clinic early," Syd said. "The board of directors is coming in to monitor my progress and I have to make sure everything is in good condition."
Allie nodded and went upstairs to the bathroom. She turned on the water and looked at herself in the mirror. She hated Mondays and was always tired and snappish. She sighed and quickly brushed her teeh. Grabbing her bapcak from her room she ran downstairs and ran into the kitchen where Syd was gathering her stuff.
"Are you sure you're OK?" Syd asked as they headed to the car. Syd unlocked the car.
Allie opened the door and got in. She put her backpack at her feet and put on her sat belt."Fine, just tired. I hate Mondays."
"Join the club," Syd said as she pulled out of the drivway and toward the high school. "Well you can come home and rest if you want since the play is over with."
"Yeah," Allie said. She looked out the winodow at the familiar houses and streets. It was the first day of school back from spring break and Allie wasn't ready to go back. She'd had fun with Rachael and Syd. They'd gone shopping and stuff and Allie didn't want it to end because she didn't want to think about what had happened to Syd on opening night. Allie's father had came into the clinic and attacked Syd. Allie blinked back tears, remembering coming home to find Syd with a broken nose and a bruised eye. Mark and Abby had been there too and Allie had been shocked and angry at her father for doing this to her, to Syd.
"Have a good day," Syd said pulling up at the curb.
Allie grabbed her backpack and opened the door She climbed out. "Bye." Allie slammed the door and hurried inside. She found her best friend Ashley at her locker and ran over to her.
"Hey!" Ashley said, happy to see her friend. "Did your mood change overnight or something? You look like you lost your best friend or something and if I'm correct that didn't happen."
"I'm just upset about my father," Allie said opening her locker. "He shouldn't have done it."
"But he's in jail now," Ashley said as Allie slammed her locker shut. "He's not going to hurt you or Syd again."
Allie sighed and turned to her friend. "I know but he could still hurt us, he could get out again and that what's scares me. He wont give up until he's had his way."
"You know what you need," Ashley said. "A huge double chocolate fudge Sunday."
Allie smiled. Ashley always knew how to cheer her up. "Thanks."
"That's what friends are for," Ashley said.
"Best friends," Allie corrected. "I gotta go, I'm gonna go try to get myself awake, the bell is gonna ring any second."
"Bye," Ashley called and headed in the opposite direction.
Allie sighed and headed for Spanish. She hoped she would be able to shake the tiredness by lunch.
At the clinic:
It was mid-morning and Syd was already up to her elbows in patients.
"Mr. Tanner in two needs a tenus shot," Syd told Izzy.
"I'll get on it," Izzy said. "How's Allie doing with her whole father thing?"
Syd sighed. "OK, I guess. I'm really worried about her. I think what happened scared her more than she's letting on. I think she's afraid that she's going to lose me too and I think its scaring her. I'm going to talk to her tonight. I think she's getting sick, she's been tired lately."
"Are you gonna bring her in?" Izzy asked.
"I might, if she gets any worse," Syd said. "Whose up next?"
Back at the high school Allie walked into the cafeteria and found Ashley sitting at their normal table. She sat down and sighed.
"What's with you?" Ashley asked. She noticed the huge bruise on Allie's arm. "Did you have a fight with a locker or something?"
Alle looked down at the bruise. "I've been getting them a lot lately. I found them on my legs yesterday and the day before that."
"That looks pretty bad," Ashley said. "You may want to have Syd take a look."
"No way," Allie snapped. She took her sandwich out of her bag. "She'll just make a huge fuss over it and run all these test that I don't need. I'm sure they'll go away in a few days. I'm just clumsy that's all."
"Ok, whatever," Ashley said. "So how did the Bio quiz go?"
"Awful," Allie said. "Why they give a quiz the day we get back from break is beyond me."
Ashley took a bite of her sandwich. "So you want to go for ice cream after school?"
"No, thanks," Allie said. "I'm kinda tired and I need to rest."
"Hello, we just got back from break you can't be tired," Ashley said.
"I've been sleeping a lot this week I guess I just need to get back into the swing of things," Allie replied with a reassuring smile.
"Or you coild get Syd to see if anything is wrong."
"NO," Allie said. "I'm sick of everyone telling me what to do."
"OK take a chill pill," Ashley said. "You don't have to go acrad on me."
"Sorry," Allie apologized. She stood up and grabbed her lunch. "I gotta go, the bell is gonna ring soon."
"You didn't finish your lunch," Ashley said also standing up.
"I'm not hungry," Allie said. She turned to face Ashley. "I'm sorry I'm being such a jerk I'm just tired and the whole thing with Syd and my father really freaked me out. I have gym last period so I'm gonna go change." Allie walked out of the cafeteria without another word.
By sixth period Allie was feeling worse and she was startng to run out of energy.
"You Ok kid?" Josh asked coming up to her. He sat down beside her on the bleachers.
"I'm fine," Allie said. "You got a date with Syd tonight?"
"I'm supposed to," Josh said. "But she never called me back last night. When you see her would you happen to mention to her that she has a boyfriend who hasn't seen her in like a week."
Allie laughed. "Sure."
"Come on, we're about to start," Josh said.
Allie stood up and went to join the other kids. She sighed, she really didn't have the engery to play vallyball but didn't want to say anything. Have way through the game Allie began to feel lightheaded. She stopped, trying to catch her breath. She was sweaty all over and everything was losing focus. A buzzing sound rang in her ears.
"Allie are you OK?" Josh asked. His voice seemed far away.
Allie nodded slightly. Then she felt herself lean forward and everything went black.
Syd was reading over a chart when the door burst open. She looked up to see Josh rush in, carryng Allie.
"Oh my god what happened?" Syd asked running over to them.
"She passed out in gym class," Josh said. He laid her down on the table.
Syd started right away examinging Allie, wondering what was wrong. She lifted up her shirt and gasped. "Oh my god, these bruises don't look old."
"What could they be from?" Josh asked. He was just as worried about Allie as Syd was.
"I have no idea," Syd said. She didn't want to assume anything until she'd done a complete work up.
"Syd," Allie choked out, opening her eyes. "What happened?"
"You passed out in gym," Josh said.
"Allie when did you notice these bruises?" Syd asked.
"A couple days ago," Allie said. "Actually a week ago."
"Here sit up for me," Syd said. She helped Allie sit up and lifted up her shirt. Large, ungly bruises covered her back. "Allie did you know you have bruises on your back?"
"No," Allie said. "Maybe their from when my father used to hit me?"
"These look about a week old," Syd said. She helped Allie lay back down. "Don't worry we'll get to the bottom of this, you just rest." Syd motioned for Josh t follow her outside.
"Is she going to be OK?" Josh asked Syd.
Syd shrugged. "I don't know."
"What do you think it is?"
"I don't want to scare her," Syd said. "But I suspect she has Leukemia." Syd walked back into the room, trying to keep her suspians about the Leukemia to herself.
"What's wrong with me Syd?" Allie asked.
"I'm not sure yet," Syd replied stroking her forehead. "But don't worry we're going to get to the bottom of this. I may need to admit you to County for some tests."
"The hospital? No way," Alie snapped, sitting up. "I hate the hospital."
"I know but we can't get all the tests you need and I need to find out why you're getting all the bruises," Syd said. "They're not from when your father hit you Allie, these bruises look just a few days old."
"well I'm clumsy," Allie said.
"Not that clumsy," Syd said. "It'll only be for a day or two. But first I need to do some blood work here."
Allie sighed and laid back, she hoped Syd would nip this thing, whatever it was.
A few hours later Allie's blood test were back.
"So what is it?" Allie asked when Syd walked into the room. Everyone else had gone home and only Syd, Allie, Josh and izzzy were the left.
"You're blood work shows that your white blood cells count is low," Syd said.
"What does that mean?" Allie asked.
"I'm not the right person to answer that," Syd said. She knew the truth, that Allie had Leukemia but she iddn't want to scare her. "I'm going to admit you to County, to let a specialist look at you."
"What about school?" Allie asked as she got off the bed.
"I'll notiifty all your teachers and let them know what happened." Syd walked out of the room where Josh was still waiting.
"Guess we should postpone our date for another night," Josh said standing up.
"I'm so sorry," Syd said.
"I understand, what's most important is that you take care of Allie," Josh said. "I'll let all her teachers know what's going on tomorrow."
"Thanks," Syd said. She gave him a quick kiss. "Go home, get some rest I can take it from here."
"You sure?" Josh asiked.
"Yes, now go," Syd said.
"Call me when you know something," Josh said heading for the door.
"I will," Syd promised. She walked back into the room where Allie was getting her stuff ready.
"I'm almost ready," Allie said. "Is Josh gonna tell my teachers?"
"Yes," Syd said. "I had Izzy call ahead so Dr. Baker is expecting us."
"Is he the specialist?" Allie asked as she followed Syd back to the office.
"Yes," Syd said putting her coat on and grabbing her purse.
"I'll lock up Dr. Hansen," Izzy said.
"Thanks Izzy," Syd said. She slammed her locker shut. "OK kiddo let's go."
At the hospital:
Syd walked into the room where Allie lay. It was almost ten o'clock and Syd had admitted Allie at seven.
"Did you call Joanie and Jim and Robbie?" Allie asked.
"Yes," Syd said sitting on the edge of the bed. "They're going to come by tomorrow, I told them you needed to rest. Hannah is very worried about you."
Allie smiled. "Tell her not to be."
Then there was a knock at the door and Dr. Baker came into the room. "Dr. Hansen."
"Hi Dr. Baker," Syd said standing up. "This is my daugher Allie."
"Hi Allie," Dr. Baker said. "We're going to take you down for some tests in a few minutes."
"Like what?" Allie asked. She looked at Syd for comort.
"Nothing that will hurt very much, much like what Syd gave you at the clinic," Dr. Baker explained.
Allie sighed and Syd took her hand.
"Dr. Hansen can I speak with you outside," Dr. Baker said.
Syd nodded. "I'll be right back." Syd followed Dr. Baker out of the room and closed the door. "Was I right?'
"I'd like to run a few more tests but her white blood cell count is really low so yo may be."
Syd sighed. "I was hoping I was wrong."
"I know, we all do," Dr. Baker said in a gentle voice. "Don't tell her anything until we have the test results back. I don't want to tell her something that may not be true."
"Right," Syd said. "Thank you."
"A nurse will be in shortly to take Allie's blood and we'll have the test results by tomorrow."
Syd nodded and walked back into the room. Allie was flipping through the channels looking exstreamly bored.
'What did the doctor say?" Allie asked.
"He just wanted to talk to me about some things," Syd said, trying to pretend that nothing was wrong. "We're going to find out what's wrong with you soon."
"Good because I hate it here," Allie said. She turned off the TV and laid down.
"Why don't you get some rest and I'm going to go call Joanie and let her know what's going on," Syd said.
"OK," Allie said. "I love you Syd."
"Love you too kiddo," Syd said. She smiled and walked out of the room. Syd said and leaned against it, closing her eyes. She couldn't believe this was happening. In just a few short hours Allie's world would be turned upside down. Syd blinked away tears and headed for the pain phone. She stuck money in it and dialed. Joanie picked up on the third ring.
"Hello?" Joanie asked.
"Hey, its me," Syd said.
"How's Allie?" Joanie asked.
"Sleeping," Syd said. "The nurse is going to run some tests soon, we should have the results by tomorrow."
"She's going to be OK right?" Joanie asked.
Syd sighed. "I don't know. I've gotta get back in there, come here around ten OK, that's when we should know."
"We'll be there," Joanie said. "Tell Allie we're all thinking about her."
"I will," Syd said and hung up. She sighed and walked back into the room. A nurse was drawing blood from Allie.
"Almost done," the nurse, named Betty said. "Just hang in there."
"I'm trying," Allie said gritting her teeth. She took ahold of Syd's hand.
"Its OK kiddo," Syd said. She hated to see Allie in some much pain but she knew it was for the best.
"OK all done," Betty said. "We'll have the test results by tomorrow."
"Thanks," Syd said. She watched Betty go out of the room and turned back to Allie.
"I never want to go through that again," Allie said laying her head down on the pilllow.
"Why don't you get some rest," Syd said turning off the overhead light. "I'll just be right here if you need me."
Allie nodded and in minutes she was asleep.
"She's going to be OK dear," Lynda said appearing beside Syd, who sat in the chair beside Allie's bed.
'What if she's not," Syd said sitting up. "The only chance of surival is a bone marrow transplant and it can take weeks sometimes months to find a match."
"How do you know she even has cancer?" Lynda asked.
"the signs are all there," Syd said. "I knew it the moment I saw the test results at the clinic. I'd noticed she'd been tired lately but I figured it was just a cold. She never told me about the bruises."
"She has you for a mother, she'll pull through," Lynda said and then she was gone.
Syd awoke with a start and looked over at Allie who was sleepinging peacefully. Son shown through the window casting a bright light across the room. Syd stretched and stood up. She looked at the clock and relized it was nine thirty. Then there was a knock at the door.
"Dr. Hansen," Betty said. "I was just coming to see if you were awake. Dr. Baker is going to see you at ten."
"Thanks," Syd said.
"Do you need anything?" Betty asked.
"No, thanks," Syd said.
Betty nodded and left the room.
"Allie," Syd said rubbing her forehead, trying to wake her.
"What?" Allie mumbled sleepily. She opened her eyes. "What tme is it?"
"Amost ten," Syd said. "Dr. Baker is going to be in here shortly."
Allie nodded. "I'm starving."
"We'll wait before we get you anyting to eat," Syd said. "We've got to see what the test results say first."
Allie nodded. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "I didn't sleep very well last night."
"I know the feeling," Syd said.
"I want to go home," Allie said.
Then Dr. Baker came into the room. "Morning Allie, how are you feeling?"
"Tired," Allie said. "Do you have my test results back?"
"Yes, I do," Dr. Baker said. "Allie your white blood count is really low. Your white blood cells fight off infections. Allie I'm afraid I have some bad news, I'm afraid you have Leukemia."
"I have cancer?" Allie asked, her voice shaking. "But how?"
"I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that," Dr. Baker said. "Your bone marrow has quit working and that's why you have the bruises on your back, legs and arms. We'll start you on an instensive chemo right away. The chemo will make you very sick."
"I'll lose my hair won't I?" Allie asked. She couldn't believe this was happening to her.
"Yes," Dr. Baker said. "You're going to need a bone marrow transplant to help cure the Leukemia."
"What happens if I don't have the transplant?" Allie asked.
Dr. Baker looked at Syd and Syd nodded. He turned back to Allie. "Without the transplant you have a forty percent chance of surviving."
Allie looked at Syd, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Syd can answer any questions you might have," Dr. Baker said.
"Thanks," Syd said. "I'll be right back Al." Syd walked out of the room. "Dr. Baker."
Dr. Baker turned around.
"What if we can't find a match for Allie?" Syd asked. "More chemo?"
"We'll just have to wait and see," Dr. Baker said. "Does Allie have any real family she can speak of?"
"Her father but he's in jail," Syd said. She cringed at the thought of asking him for his bone marrow.
"Let's see how she does with the chemo and then we'll decide," Dr. Baker said. "I'd like to start right away and I suggest you tell your family as soon as possible."
"They're going to be here soon?' Syd said. She walked back into the room and sat down in the chair beside Allie's bed.
"Am I going to die Syd?"
"No, don't even think like that," Syd said.
Then the door opened and Joanie, Robie, Jim, Hannah, Tina and Pete came into the room.
"How are you feeling kiddo?" Joanie asked going over to the bed. She looked at Syd. "What's wrong?"
Syd sighed. "I'm afraid I have some bad news. Allie has Leukemia."
"Oh my god," Joanie said.
"Its true," Allie said. "Dr. Baker wants to put me on major chemo soon, possibly today."
"Is she going to be OK Syd?" Robbie asked.
"If the chemo doesn't work she's going to need a bone marrow transplant," Syd said. "But we'll get through this."
A few hours later Betty came back in and insterted an IV into Allie's arm. She also insirted a thing in Allie's chest so she wouldn't have to get stuck every time.
"This is so we don't have to stick you," Betty explained.
"Is the chemo going to make me very sidk?" Allie asked.
"Yes," Betty said. "And your hair will fall out."
"Great," Allie said. "Now I don't have any chance at getting a guy asking me out. No one wants go out with someone who has cancer."
"That's not true," Betty said. Then Syd came into the room. "Maybe Syd can talk some sense into you." Betty walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
"Its almost time for you to go for treatment," Syd siad. "I know you're scared and you have every right to be."
"I don't want to be sick," Allie said, tears coming to her eyes. "What will my friends think? I don't want to be remembered as the girl who had cancer."
"And you won't be," Syd said. "Soon this will be all over and you'll go back to living a happy, normal life."
"My life will never be normal," Allie said.
Syd gave her a hug. "Just hang in there kiddo, things will get better."
The treatment took about an hour and by the time it was all over Allie was too weak to move. She had to be lifted back onto the bed and was wheeled back to the room.
"She did great," Betty said to Syd and Joanie. "She's going to be sick for a while."
"Thanks," Syd said. She walked over to the bed. "Hi, you did great."
"I feel sick," Allie said weakly. "I hate this. Maybe we can get Kyle in here and we can really do the scene where Jamie gives Landon the book of poems, I'll really have cancer then."
"Don't talk like that," Syd said. "In a few hours you'll feel much better."
"How long is that gonna be?" Allie asked wearily.
"Do you want some juice?" Syd asked.
"No," Allie said. She closed her eyes and was soon asleep.
Syd sat by her side, holding her hand. She hated to see Allie in so much pain but there was nothing she could do. Then Joanie came into the room.
"Hey I brought you some coffee," Joanie said handing Syd a cup of coffee.
"Thanks," Syd said.
'How is she doing?" Joanie asked.
"She's so sick," Syd siad. She sighed. "I feel so helpless there's nothing I can do."
"Ashley's called the house a dozon times, she's going to come by and see her on Friday and her teachers got all her assignments together."
"Thanks for taking care of all that Joanie," Syd said.
'No problem,she's our girl," Joanie said rubbing Allie's arm. "She's going to be OK right?"
Syd sighed. "I don't know."
A week later Allie's hair was starting to fall out a little and she was losing weight. She was sitting in the room talking on AOL on Syd's laptop to Rachael when the door opened.
"Al Ashley is here," Syd said.
"Send her in," Allie siad. She hadn't seen her friend since she'd been put in the hospital because she'd been too sick. She was feeling a little better but not much.
"Hey," Ashley said coming into the room, hollding a box. "How are you feeling?"
"OK, I guess," Allie said. "I hate being cooped up in here though, I feel like a prisnor but Syd said taht the chemo is gonna make me better."
"You're here isn't falling out?" Ashley asked.
"Its starting to a little but not by much," Allie said. "How is everything at school?"
"Fine, everyone is asking about you," Ashley said. "Kyle keeps asking about you. He said he was going to come by and see you."
Allie's eyes lit up. "Really? The plays over, he doesn't have to talk to me anymore, I'm a freshman."
"I don't think he cares about that," Ashley said. "I think he really cares about you Allie."
"Well as soon as he sees me like this he'll run away and never come back," Allie said.
"You don't look that bad," Ashley said sitting in a chair beside the bed.
"But I will," Allie said. "In about a month I'll be bald and ungly."
"Hey Al I'm gonna go grab a bite to eat," Syd said standing up. "Push the call button if you need anything."
"OK," Allie said. She turned back to her friend. "What's in the box?"
"Cards," Ashley replied sitting the box on the bed. "Practically the whole school sent you one. It'll probably take you weeks to read them all."
"Thanks for bringing them and for coming to see me," Allie said.
'That's what best friends are for," Ashley said. "Syd told me you're going to need a bone marrow transplant."
"Yeah. Syd and the rest of them gave blood but they're not a match. The only person who can help me is my father and he's stuck in jail. I don't think Syd will want to ask him after waht happened."
"But if you don't have it you'll die?" Ashley asked, tears coming to her eyes.
"I have a forty percent chance without it," Allie said. "But don't worry they'll find a match, even if it isn't my father."
"I hope so," Ashley said. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost my best friend."
Then Syd came back into the room. "How are you feeling Al?"
"Better than yesterday," Allie said. "Will you help me read all these cards?'
Syd smiled. "Sure."
"Hey Al I have to go," Ashley siad. "I promised my mom I'd pick my little brother up from school and its almost that time."
"Ok," Allie said. "Tell everyone I'm doing OK."
"I will," Ashley said. She gave Allie a hug and walked out of the room. Out in the hall she found Kyle leaning against the wall. "She wants to see you."
"I don't know if I can see her like that," Kyle said. "I thought that seeing her in that hospital bed on stage in the play was the only time I'd see her like that and I knew she was just playing a character. Thsi is for real Ash, she might actaully die."
"She wants to see you," Ashley said. "If you care for her like you say you do then you'll go see her."
Kyle sighed. "Thanks." Kyle walked quietly into the room and knocied quietly on the door. Allie turned her head and smiled.
"Hi Kyle," Syd said. "Have a seat."
Kyle sat down, feeling a bit nervous. Allie must have noticed.
"You don't have to be nervous," Allie said. "Cancer isn't catchng. Guess we can do the scene when Jamie is in the hospital for real now huh? Except I don't have a bible to give you."
Kyle laughed. "Yeah. How are you feeling?"
"Lousy," Allie said. "I'll lose my hair soon."
"You don't notice it," Kyle said.
"Thanks," Allie said smiling. "So how are things with you?"
"Good," Kyle said. "I"ve missed seeing you at the halls at school."
"Why so you can ignore me and act like I don't even exist," Allie snapped. "So you can tell all your friends that I'm just a freshman that just happen to be lucky enough to get to be in the play with you."
"Allie I didn't mean any of that," Kyle said.
"You just had to impress your friends didn't you?" Allie asked. She was crying now.
"I don't hang around those jerks anymore," Kyle said.
"Kyle I'm not Jamie," Allie said. "You don't have to hang around me just because I have cancer. I'll be back at school soon and you can go back to hanging out with your friends and talking bad about me."
"That wasn't me who did that," Kyle said. "That was Mark Chance. Believe me I got all over him when I found out what he'd said about you. I almost punched his eye out."
"You did not," Allie siad laughing. She was very flattered that Kyle had gone to all the trouble of defending her.
"I did too," Kyle said.
"Thank you," Allie said. She laid down, and looked up at him. "Ok why do I feel like I'm in the play all over again?"
"hey Al I've got to go call Joanie," Syd said standing up. She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.
"She's nice," Kyle said.
"Yeah. I don't know what i would have done without her. She saved my life," Allie said.
"After your father pushed you around?" Kyle asked.
"Yeah," Allie said. She winced at the memory. "but he's in jail now."
"I heard about what happned on openig night," Kyle said. "I'm sorry."
"We were pretty freaked out, Syd the most I think," Allie said. "I was really scared. I didn't think my father was capable of doing something that drastic."
"But you're OK and he's in jail," Kyle said.
"I know but it still scares me," Allie said. She couldn't beleive that Kyle Burns, the most popular guy at Providence high was talking to her. She couldn't wait to tell Ashley.
"Will they find a new donor?" Kyle asked.
"Hopefully," Allie said. "And if they don't then I have a forty percent chance of survival. Kyle I don't want to die like Jamie did."
"You won't," Kyle said. "I'll make sure of it."
Allie laughed through her tears. "How are you going to do that? Have a chat with God?"
"That and I'm going to see if I can donate my bone marrow," Kyle said.
"You don't have to do that," Allie said.
"I want to," Kyle said.
Allie smiled. She couldn't beleive how much Kyle had wanted to help. A month ago, before the play Kyle Burns hadn't even given her the time of day now he wanted to give her his bone marrow.
"I've gotta go though," Kyle said. "I"m going to ask my parents if I can do this."
"Thank you for coming by," Alie said.
"No problem," Kyle said. He gave her a hug and walked out of the room. Syd was in the hall talkign to Joanie.
"Dr. Hansen can I talk to you?" Kyle asked.
Syd looked up. "Sure." she led Kyle to a corner. "What's up?"
"I want to see if I"m a match for Allie," Kyle said. "I want to donate my bone marrow."
"That's very sweet Kyle but Allie isn't ready for a transplant yet," Syd said.
"Well when she is I want to see if I'm a match," Kyle said. "I"m going to go ask my parents and see if they approve. Could I come see Allie again tomorrow?"
"Sure, she'd love that," Syd said. She smiled. "If your parents have any questions they can call med and I'll try to clar them up for you."
"OK," Kyle said. He pusehd the button on the elevator and waited for it open.
"I think he really likes her," Joanie said coming up behnd Syd. "He really cares for her."
"he didn't even know her until they did the play together," Syd said. Then she saw JOsh coming toward them.
"How's Allie?" Josh asked giving Syd a quick kiss.
"Fine," Syd said sitting down on a bench. "Not as sick. Kyle Burns, the guy who played Landon came to see her. I think he really likes her. He wants to her his bone marrow."
"He's a nice kid," Josh said. "A Junior. Normally Juniors don't even notice freshman."
"That's what I'm afraid of, that Allie will get hurt," Syd said.
"Hey about about I take you out to dinner," Josh said. "You look like you could use a few minutes away from this place."
"I can take care of Allie," Joanie offered. "And I'll call you if anything happens."
"Thanks," Syd said smiling.
"OK let's go," Josh said. He put an arm around Syd and led her to the elevator. "We'll be back."
"Don't worry about us," Joanie said. "We'll be fine." Joanie walked back into the room where Allie lay watching TV.
"Where did Syd go?" Allie asked as Joanie sat down in the chair.
"She went out with Josh for a bite to eat," Joanie said. Then she heard a phone ring. "Oh Syd must have left her cell phone here." Joanie picked up the phone and punched the on button. "Hello?"
"Syd its Elizabeth," Elizabeth said.
"Hi Liz its Joanie," Joanie said. "Syd's out right now."
"What are you doing with her cell phone?" Elizabeth said. "She called me a few days ago and I haven't had a chance to call her back. She said something was wrong with Allie but she didn't say what."
"There is something wrong with Allie," Joanie siad. "She has Leukemia."
"Oh my god," Elizabeth said in a shocked voice. "I-is she OK?"
"She's hanging in there," Joanie said. "But I think it would be best if Allie told Rachael herself."
"I'll get her," Elizabeth said.
"Al do you want to tell Rachael what's going on?" Joanie asked.
"Sure, I guess I'll have to soon enough," Allie said. She grabbed the phone from Joanie.
"Allie is everything OK?" came Rachael's voice.
"No," Allie said almost crying. "I'm in the hospital Rach, puking my guts out."
"You're that sick," Rachael said.
"Its from chemo," Allie said. "I have Leukemia."
"WHAT??" Rachael screamed. "Are you serious?"
"Very serious," Allie said. She was crying now. "I have to have a bone marrow transplant and if they don't find a match I have a forty percent chance of surviving. My friend Kyle Burns who played Landon in the play came to see me today. I think he really likes me Rachael.'
"Do you like him?" Rachael asked.
"Yes," Allie said smiling. "He's going to see if he's a match so he can give me his bone marrow."
"Wow that's great," Rachael said.
"My hair is starting to fall out Rachael," Allie said. "In about a month I'll look like a freak."
"No, you won't," Rachael said. "L:ook I'll try to come see you soon. I think Elizabeth was going to tell my dad what's going on. Just hang in there Allie."
"I will," Allie said. She turned off the phone and handed it to Joanie.
"You're going to be OK," Joanie said sitting in a chair with the phone in hand.
"I know," Allie said.
At a nearby delly Syd and Josh sat talking and eating.
"So what did the doctor say about Allie?" Josh asked as he ate a sandwich.
"He said she's responding well to the chemo," Syd said. She sighed. "I never thought she'd have to go through this. Its killing me to see her so sick."
Josh reached for Syd's hand. "I know but she'll get through this, she has you."
Syd smiled and leaned in for a kiss. "Thanks."
The next few days passed by in a blur. Allie underwent chemo every day and was often too sick to have visitors. Kyle was with her everyday, from the moment till school let out till late at night. Syd came into the room around eight and found Kyle sitting in a chair holding Allie's hand while Allie slept.
"She went to sleep about twenty minutes ago," Kyle said. Allie had just gotten done with chemo. "I read to her."
"Kyle I want to thank you for spending so much time with her. Allie really likes it and it really helps me out," Syd said.
"I know I've been horrible to her, before the play and all," Kyle said. "I don't care if she's a fresham, she's great and age doesn't matter does it?"
"Not if you really care for someone," Syd said.
'I really care for Allie Dr. Hansen," Kyle said. 'I didn't realize it till I started working with her on the play and all. After the play ended I pretended to not notice her and I went on with my business like the play had never happened. The thing is I did notice her, even after the play ended."
Syd sat down in a char beside him. "Have you told her how you felt? Have you told her what you just told me?'
"I'm afraid she won't feel the same way and she'll laugh at me or get mad," Kyle said. He took Allie's hand.
"She's going to hate me for telling you this but she likes you too," Syd said.
"Really?" Kyle asked, sounding surprised.
Syd nodded. "Yes."
Kyle didn't know what to say. Here he was sitting by Allie's bed, holding her hand, the girl who had only been a spec on a peice of paper a geeky freshman but now was something more special then that.
"Why dont you go home and get some rest," Syd said. "Allie is probably going to be asleep for a while."
"I don't want her to wake up alone," Kyle said.
"I'll be here," Syd promised. "You can come back tomorrow since its Saturday."
"Thanks," Kyle said He got up and gathered his stuff. He kissed Allie on the hand and walked out of the room, running into Joanie.
"Whoa! You just leaving?" Joanie asked.
"Yeah," Kyle said scooting past her. "See you tomorrow."
"Bye," Joanie said. She turned to Syd. "Was he here all this time?"
"Yeah, I had to pry him out of that chair," Syd said. "I think he really cares for her Joanie."
"She needs someone of the opposite sex to care for her since she never got that from her father," Joanie said. "How long has she been alseep?"
"About thirty minutes," Syd said. "How did Rachael take the news when Allie told her?"
"I think she was shocked and upset," Joanie said. "Elizabeth told you to call her. when you get a chance."
"OK I'll call her later," Syd said. "I'm going to go home and shower and eat a little something. Is Hannah with Dad?'
"Yeah," Joanie said. "Tina said she could spend the night with her and Robbie after she got off work. I'll stay with Allie."
"Thanks," Syd said. She grabbed her coat and purse and wen tover to give Allie a kiss on the forehead. "Call me if anything happens."
"I will," Joanie said. She sank into a chair and sighed. Would Allie ever be normal again?
The next day Kyle came at around eleven. Allie had her chemo session at three so he figured he'd spend a few hours with her before she was too sick to talk.
"Hi," Allie said smiling when Kyle walked into the room. "Syd told me what you said and I like you too."
Kyle didn't expect her to come out and say that. "I know, Syd told me hope you'e not mad."
Allie shook her head. "No, I'm not. No boy has ever liked me before."
"I'm sure that's not true," Kyle said sitting down in a chair beise her bed.
"Yeah, it is," Allie said with a laugh. "Thanks for being there for me."
"I couldn't sit back and watch you suffer," Kyle said. "I have something to confess."
"What?" Allie asked.
"I've liked you the day we started working on the play together," Kyle said. "I knew you were a freshman and all but I couldn't help it."
"I liked you too but I knew you were a Junior and way out of my legue," Allie said. "So what now?"
"Well I was thinking I could read to you after your chemo," Kyle said.
"Its not till three," Allie said. "I want to get out of this room so bad."
"Maybe Syd will let me take you outside for a stroll," Kyle said.
Then Syd came into the room followed by Joanie and Tina.
"Just the person we were lookng for," Allie said to Syd. "Can Kyle take me on a stroll, outside?"
"I promise I'll bring her straight back in," Kyle said.
"Please I need some air," Allie protested. "The walls are starting to cave in on me."
"Sure I guess that'd be OK," Syd said. She tossed Kyle a blanket. "Use it."
"Yes, ma'm," Kyle said. he helped Allie out of bed and into the wheelchair. She was so frail and skinny Kyle was afraid to touch her. Her hair had begun to fall out and she had a scarf tied around her head.
"I look hedious," Allie complained as Kyle pushed her out the door.
"You look fine," Tina said.
Allie sighed.
"Come on cheer up," Kyle said as he wheeled her down the hall.
"I'll try," Allie promised. Kyle wheeled her down to the lobby and outside. They sat in the park behind the hospital for a while talking and breathing in the fresh air.
"So what are we now?" Allie asked. "Are we a coupe or what?"
"I guess," Kyle said shrugging.
"I wouldn't try kissing," Allie said. "I might puke all over you."
"We'll wait until you're out of the hospital," Kyle said. He kissed her hand. "I can kiss your hand can't I? I have been anyway."
Allie laughed. "Yes, you can." Allie leaned against his shoulder, feeling the beat of his heart in her ear.
"We should probably go in," Kyle said after a few minutes of silence.
"I wish I could stay out here forever," Allie said as Kyle wheeled her back toward the building.
"Me too but its almost time for lunch," Kyle said.
"And for once I'm starving," Allie said. For weeks she'd been so sick she hadn't been able to keep anything down and now she was craving food.
"That's a good sign," Kyle said as they rode the elevator up to the cancer floor.
"Yeah and then in about two hours I'll be puking my guts out again." Kyle wheeled her back to her room and when he wheeled her in they found Dr. Baker there, waiting for them.
"Allie I need to talk to you," Dr. Baker said. Allie didn't like the tone of his voice.
"What's wrong?" Allie asked, afraid of what the answer might be.
"I'm afraid the chemo we have you on now is not working," Dr. Baker siad. "The only chance you have of surviving is a more intense chemo or a bone marrow transplant."
"And without it?" Kyle asked.
"Without the intense chemo and the transplant Allie has a forty to fifty percent chance of surviving."
Summery: When Allie's health start to worsen the Hansen's are scared of what might happen. Will Allie pull through with the help of her family or will she need the help of the person who wanted to hurt her.
We Will Be there for You:
Sydney Hansen walked into the house early Monday Morning and found her foster child Allie sitting at the bar, eating cereal.
"Morning," Syd said going over to the counter to pur herself a cup of coffee. She looked at Allie who looked dazed and sleepy. "Al, you there?"
"What?" Allie asked, startled. She looked at Syd with a curious expression on her face.
"Are you OK?" Syd asked, giving her a concerned look. She came over to the bar with her coffee and sat down beside Allie.
"Yeah, just tired," Allie said with a reassuring smile. "Monday's and all. You know." Allie didn't want to tell Slyd the real reason she was tired, she'd been tired since the play had ended and Allie COULD NOT get sick, she still had the spring concert coming up and other stuff.
"OK," Syd said. "You'll tell me if something is bothering you won't you?"
"Sure," Allie said. She got up and put her bowl in the sink. "I'm gonna go brush my teeth and get my books together. Ashley is picking me up."
"Good because I need to get to the clinic early," Syd said. "The board of directors is coming in to monitor my progress and I have to make sure everything is in good condition."
Allie nodded and went upstairs to the bathroom. She turned on the water and looked at herself in the mirror. She hated Mondays and was always tired and snappish. She sighed and quickly brushed her teeh. Grabbing her bapcak from her room she ran downstairs and ran into the kitchen where Syd was gathering her stuff.
"Are you sure you're OK?" Syd asked as they headed to the car. Syd unlocked the car.
Allie opened the door and got in. She put her backpack at her feet and put on her sat belt."Fine, just tired. I hate Mondays."
"Join the club," Syd said as she pulled out of the drivway and toward the high school. "Well you can come home and rest if you want since the play is over with."
"Yeah," Allie said. She looked out the winodow at the familiar houses and streets. It was the first day of school back from spring break and Allie wasn't ready to go back. She'd had fun with Rachael and Syd. They'd gone shopping and stuff and Allie didn't want it to end because she didn't want to think about what had happened to Syd on opening night. Allie's father had came into the clinic and attacked Syd. Allie blinked back tears, remembering coming home to find Syd with a broken nose and a bruised eye. Mark and Abby had been there too and Allie had been shocked and angry at her father for doing this to her, to Syd.
"Have a good day," Syd said pulling up at the curb.
Allie grabbed her backpack and opened the door She climbed out. "Bye." Allie slammed the door and hurried inside. She found her best friend Ashley at her locker and ran over to her.
"Hey!" Ashley said, happy to see her friend. "Did your mood change overnight or something? You look like you lost your best friend or something and if I'm correct that didn't happen."
"I'm just upset about my father," Allie said opening her locker. "He shouldn't have done it."
"But he's in jail now," Ashley said as Allie slammed her locker shut. "He's not going to hurt you or Syd again."
Allie sighed and turned to her friend. "I know but he could still hurt us, he could get out again and that what's scares me. He wont give up until he's had his way."
"You know what you need," Ashley said. "A huge double chocolate fudge Sunday."
Allie smiled. Ashley always knew how to cheer her up. "Thanks."
"That's what friends are for," Ashley said.
"Best friends," Allie corrected. "I gotta go, I'm gonna go try to get myself awake, the bell is gonna ring any second."
"Bye," Ashley called and headed in the opposite direction.
Allie sighed and headed for Spanish. She hoped she would be able to shake the tiredness by lunch.
At the clinic:
It was mid-morning and Syd was already up to her elbows in patients.
"Mr. Tanner in two needs a tenus shot," Syd told Izzy.
"I'll get on it," Izzy said. "How's Allie doing with her whole father thing?"
Syd sighed. "OK, I guess. I'm really worried about her. I think what happened scared her more than she's letting on. I think she's afraid that she's going to lose me too and I think its scaring her. I'm going to talk to her tonight. I think she's getting sick, she's been tired lately."
"Are you gonna bring her in?" Izzy asked.
"I might, if she gets any worse," Syd said. "Whose up next?"
Back at the high school Allie walked into the cafeteria and found Ashley sitting at their normal table. She sat down and sighed.
"What's with you?" Ashley asked. She noticed the huge bruise on Allie's arm. "Did you have a fight with a locker or something?"
Alle looked down at the bruise. "I've been getting them a lot lately. I found them on my legs yesterday and the day before that."
"That looks pretty bad," Ashley said. "You may want to have Syd take a look."
"No way," Allie snapped. She took her sandwich out of her bag. "She'll just make a huge fuss over it and run all these test that I don't need. I'm sure they'll go away in a few days. I'm just clumsy that's all."
"Ok, whatever," Ashley said. "So how did the Bio quiz go?"
"Awful," Allie said. "Why they give a quiz the day we get back from break is beyond me."
Ashley took a bite of her sandwich. "So you want to go for ice cream after school?"
"No, thanks," Allie said. "I'm kinda tired and I need to rest."
"Hello, we just got back from break you can't be tired," Ashley said.
"I've been sleeping a lot this week I guess I just need to get back into the swing of things," Allie replied with a reassuring smile.
"Or you coild get Syd to see if anything is wrong."
"NO," Allie said. "I'm sick of everyone telling me what to do."
"OK take a chill pill," Ashley said. "You don't have to go acrad on me."
"Sorry," Allie apologized. She stood up and grabbed her lunch. "I gotta go, the bell is gonna ring soon."
"You didn't finish your lunch," Ashley said also standing up.
"I'm not hungry," Allie said. She turned to face Ashley. "I'm sorry I'm being such a jerk I'm just tired and the whole thing with Syd and my father really freaked me out. I have gym last period so I'm gonna go change." Allie walked out of the cafeteria without another word.
By sixth period Allie was feeling worse and she was startng to run out of energy.
"You Ok kid?" Josh asked coming up to her. He sat down beside her on the bleachers.
"I'm fine," Allie said. "You got a date with Syd tonight?"
"I'm supposed to," Josh said. "But she never called me back last night. When you see her would you happen to mention to her that she has a boyfriend who hasn't seen her in like a week."
Allie laughed. "Sure."
"Come on, we're about to start," Josh said.
Allie stood up and went to join the other kids. She sighed, she really didn't have the engery to play vallyball but didn't want to say anything. Have way through the game Allie began to feel lightheaded. She stopped, trying to catch her breath. She was sweaty all over and everything was losing focus. A buzzing sound rang in her ears.
"Allie are you OK?" Josh asked. His voice seemed far away.
Allie nodded slightly. Then she felt herself lean forward and everything went black.
Syd was reading over a chart when the door burst open. She looked up to see Josh rush in, carryng Allie.
"Oh my god what happened?" Syd asked running over to them.
"She passed out in gym class," Josh said. He laid her down on the table.
Syd started right away examinging Allie, wondering what was wrong. She lifted up her shirt and gasped. "Oh my god, these bruises don't look old."
"What could they be from?" Josh asked. He was just as worried about Allie as Syd was.
"I have no idea," Syd said. She didn't want to assume anything until she'd done a complete work up.
"Syd," Allie choked out, opening her eyes. "What happened?"
"You passed out in gym," Josh said.
"Allie when did you notice these bruises?" Syd asked.
"A couple days ago," Allie said. "Actually a week ago."
"Here sit up for me," Syd said. She helped Allie sit up and lifted up her shirt. Large, ungly bruises covered her back. "Allie did you know you have bruises on your back?"
"No," Allie said. "Maybe their from when my father used to hit me?"
"These look about a week old," Syd said. She helped Allie lay back down. "Don't worry we'll get to the bottom of this, you just rest." Syd motioned for Josh t follow her outside.
"Is she going to be OK?" Josh asked Syd.
Syd shrugged. "I don't know."
"What do you think it is?"
"I don't want to scare her," Syd said. "But I suspect she has Leukemia." Syd walked back into the room, trying to keep her suspians about the Leukemia to herself.
"What's wrong with me Syd?" Allie asked.
"I'm not sure yet," Syd replied stroking her forehead. "But don't worry we're going to get to the bottom of this. I may need to admit you to County for some tests."
"The hospital? No way," Alie snapped, sitting up. "I hate the hospital."
"I know but we can't get all the tests you need and I need to find out why you're getting all the bruises," Syd said. "They're not from when your father hit you Allie, these bruises look just a few days old."
"well I'm clumsy," Allie said.
"Not that clumsy," Syd said. "It'll only be for a day or two. But first I need to do some blood work here."
Allie sighed and laid back, she hoped Syd would nip this thing, whatever it was.
A few hours later Allie's blood test were back.
"So what is it?" Allie asked when Syd walked into the room. Everyone else had gone home and only Syd, Allie, Josh and izzzy were the left.
"You're blood work shows that your white blood cells count is low," Syd said.
"What does that mean?" Allie asked.
"I'm not the right person to answer that," Syd said. She knew the truth, that Allie had Leukemia but she iddn't want to scare her. "I'm going to admit you to County, to let a specialist look at you."
"What about school?" Allie asked as she got off the bed.
"I'll notiifty all your teachers and let them know what happened." Syd walked out of the room where Josh was still waiting.
"Guess we should postpone our date for another night," Josh said standing up.
"I'm so sorry," Syd said.
"I understand, what's most important is that you take care of Allie," Josh said. "I'll let all her teachers know what's going on tomorrow."
"Thanks," Syd said. She gave him a quick kiss. "Go home, get some rest I can take it from here."
"You sure?" Josh asiked.
"Yes, now go," Syd said.
"Call me when you know something," Josh said heading for the door.
"I will," Syd promised. She walked back into the room where Allie was getting her stuff ready.
"I'm almost ready," Allie said. "Is Josh gonna tell my teachers?"
"Yes," Syd said. "I had Izzy call ahead so Dr. Baker is expecting us."
"Is he the specialist?" Allie asked as she followed Syd back to the office.
"Yes," Syd said putting her coat on and grabbing her purse.
"I'll lock up Dr. Hansen," Izzy said.
"Thanks Izzy," Syd said. She slammed her locker shut. "OK kiddo let's go."
At the hospital:
Syd walked into the room where Allie lay. It was almost ten o'clock and Syd had admitted Allie at seven.
"Did you call Joanie and Jim and Robbie?" Allie asked.
"Yes," Syd said sitting on the edge of the bed. "They're going to come by tomorrow, I told them you needed to rest. Hannah is very worried about you."
Allie smiled. "Tell her not to be."
Then there was a knock at the door and Dr. Baker came into the room. "Dr. Hansen."
"Hi Dr. Baker," Syd said standing up. "This is my daugher Allie."
"Hi Allie," Dr. Baker said. "We're going to take you down for some tests in a few minutes."
"Like what?" Allie asked. She looked at Syd for comort.
"Nothing that will hurt very much, much like what Syd gave you at the clinic," Dr. Baker explained.
Allie sighed and Syd took her hand.
"Dr. Hansen can I speak with you outside," Dr. Baker said.
Syd nodded. "I'll be right back." Syd followed Dr. Baker out of the room and closed the door. "Was I right?'
"I'd like to run a few more tests but her white blood cell count is really low so yo may be."
Syd sighed. "I was hoping I was wrong."
"I know, we all do," Dr. Baker said in a gentle voice. "Don't tell her anything until we have the test results back. I don't want to tell her something that may not be true."
"Right," Syd said. "Thank you."
"A nurse will be in shortly to take Allie's blood and we'll have the test results by tomorrow."
Syd nodded and walked back into the room. Allie was flipping through the channels looking exstreamly bored.
'What did the doctor say?" Allie asked.
"He just wanted to talk to me about some things," Syd said, trying to pretend that nothing was wrong. "We're going to find out what's wrong with you soon."
"Good because I hate it here," Allie said. She turned off the TV and laid down.
"Why don't you get some rest and I'm going to go call Joanie and let her know what's going on," Syd said.
"OK," Allie said. "I love you Syd."
"Love you too kiddo," Syd said. She smiled and walked out of the room. Syd said and leaned against it, closing her eyes. She couldn't believe this was happening. In just a few short hours Allie's world would be turned upside down. Syd blinked away tears and headed for the pain phone. She stuck money in it and dialed. Joanie picked up on the third ring.
"Hello?" Joanie asked.
"Hey, its me," Syd said.
"How's Allie?" Joanie asked.
"Sleeping," Syd said. "The nurse is going to run some tests soon, we should have the results by tomorrow."
"She's going to be OK right?" Joanie asked.
Syd sighed. "I don't know. I've gotta get back in there, come here around ten OK, that's when we should know."
"We'll be there," Joanie said. "Tell Allie we're all thinking about her."
"I will," Syd said and hung up. She sighed and walked back into the room. A nurse was drawing blood from Allie.
"Almost done," the nurse, named Betty said. "Just hang in there."
"I'm trying," Allie said gritting her teeth. She took ahold of Syd's hand.
"Its OK kiddo," Syd said. She hated to see Allie in some much pain but she knew it was for the best.
"OK all done," Betty said. "We'll have the test results by tomorrow."
"Thanks," Syd said. She watched Betty go out of the room and turned back to Allie.
"I never want to go through that again," Allie said laying her head down on the pilllow.
"Why don't you get some rest," Syd said turning off the overhead light. "I'll just be right here if you need me."
Allie nodded and in minutes she was asleep.
"She's going to be OK dear," Lynda said appearing beside Syd, who sat in the chair beside Allie's bed.
'What if she's not," Syd said sitting up. "The only chance of surival is a bone marrow transplant and it can take weeks sometimes months to find a match."
"How do you know she even has cancer?" Lynda asked.
"the signs are all there," Syd said. "I knew it the moment I saw the test results at the clinic. I'd noticed she'd been tired lately but I figured it was just a cold. She never told me about the bruises."
"She has you for a mother, she'll pull through," Lynda said and then she was gone.
Syd awoke with a start and looked over at Allie who was sleepinging peacefully. Son shown through the window casting a bright light across the room. Syd stretched and stood up. She looked at the clock and relized it was nine thirty. Then there was a knock at the door.
"Dr. Hansen," Betty said. "I was just coming to see if you were awake. Dr. Baker is going to see you at ten."
"Thanks," Syd said.
"Do you need anything?" Betty asked.
"No, thanks," Syd said.
Betty nodded and left the room.
"Allie," Syd said rubbing her forehead, trying to wake her.
"What?" Allie mumbled sleepily. She opened her eyes. "What tme is it?"
"Amost ten," Syd said. "Dr. Baker is going to be in here shortly."
Allie nodded. "I'm starving."
"We'll wait before we get you anyting to eat," Syd said. "We've got to see what the test results say first."
Allie nodded. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "I didn't sleep very well last night."
"I know the feeling," Syd said.
"I want to go home," Allie said.
Then Dr. Baker came into the room. "Morning Allie, how are you feeling?"
"Tired," Allie said. "Do you have my test results back?"
"Yes, I do," Dr. Baker said. "Allie your white blood count is really low. Your white blood cells fight off infections. Allie I'm afraid I have some bad news, I'm afraid you have Leukemia."
"I have cancer?" Allie asked, her voice shaking. "But how?"
"I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that," Dr. Baker said. "Your bone marrow has quit working and that's why you have the bruises on your back, legs and arms. We'll start you on an instensive chemo right away. The chemo will make you very sick."
"I'll lose my hair won't I?" Allie asked. She couldn't believe this was happening to her.
"Yes," Dr. Baker said. "You're going to need a bone marrow transplant to help cure the Leukemia."
"What happens if I don't have the transplant?" Allie asked.
Dr. Baker looked at Syd and Syd nodded. He turned back to Allie. "Without the transplant you have a forty percent chance of surviving."
Allie looked at Syd, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Syd can answer any questions you might have," Dr. Baker said.
"Thanks," Syd said. "I'll be right back Al." Syd walked out of the room. "Dr. Baker."
Dr. Baker turned around.
"What if we can't find a match for Allie?" Syd asked. "More chemo?"
"We'll just have to wait and see," Dr. Baker said. "Does Allie have any real family she can speak of?"
"Her father but he's in jail," Syd said. She cringed at the thought of asking him for his bone marrow.
"Let's see how she does with the chemo and then we'll decide," Dr. Baker said. "I'd like to start right away and I suggest you tell your family as soon as possible."
"They're going to be here soon?' Syd said. She walked back into the room and sat down in the chair beside Allie's bed.
"Am I going to die Syd?"
"No, don't even think like that," Syd said.
Then the door opened and Joanie, Robie, Jim, Hannah, Tina and Pete came into the room.
"How are you feeling kiddo?" Joanie asked going over to the bed. She looked at Syd. "What's wrong?"
Syd sighed. "I'm afraid I have some bad news. Allie has Leukemia."
"Oh my god," Joanie said.
"Its true," Allie said. "Dr. Baker wants to put me on major chemo soon, possibly today."
"Is she going to be OK Syd?" Robbie asked.
"If the chemo doesn't work she's going to need a bone marrow transplant," Syd said. "But we'll get through this."
A few hours later Betty came back in and insterted an IV into Allie's arm. She also insirted a thing in Allie's chest so she wouldn't have to get stuck every time.
"This is so we don't have to stick you," Betty explained.
"Is the chemo going to make me very sidk?" Allie asked.
"Yes," Betty said. "And your hair will fall out."
"Great," Allie said. "Now I don't have any chance at getting a guy asking me out. No one wants go out with someone who has cancer."
"That's not true," Betty said. Then Syd came into the room. "Maybe Syd can talk some sense into you." Betty walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
"Its almost time for you to go for treatment," Syd siad. "I know you're scared and you have every right to be."
"I don't want to be sick," Allie said, tears coming to her eyes. "What will my friends think? I don't want to be remembered as the girl who had cancer."
"And you won't be," Syd said. "Soon this will be all over and you'll go back to living a happy, normal life."
"My life will never be normal," Allie said.
Syd gave her a hug. "Just hang in there kiddo, things will get better."
The treatment took about an hour and by the time it was all over Allie was too weak to move. She had to be lifted back onto the bed and was wheeled back to the room.
"She did great," Betty said to Syd and Joanie. "She's going to be sick for a while."
"Thanks," Syd said. She walked over to the bed. "Hi, you did great."
"I feel sick," Allie said weakly. "I hate this. Maybe we can get Kyle in here and we can really do the scene where Jamie gives Landon the book of poems, I'll really have cancer then."
"Don't talk like that," Syd said. "In a few hours you'll feel much better."
"How long is that gonna be?" Allie asked wearily.
"Do you want some juice?" Syd asked.
"No," Allie said. She closed her eyes and was soon asleep.
Syd sat by her side, holding her hand. She hated to see Allie in so much pain but there was nothing she could do. Then Joanie came into the room.
"Hey I brought you some coffee," Joanie said handing Syd a cup of coffee.
"Thanks," Syd said.
'How is she doing?" Joanie asked.
"She's so sick," Syd siad. She sighed. "I feel so helpless there's nothing I can do."
"Ashley's called the house a dozon times, she's going to come by and see her on Friday and her teachers got all her assignments together."
"Thanks for taking care of all that Joanie," Syd said.
'No problem,she's our girl," Joanie said rubbing Allie's arm. "She's going to be OK right?"
Syd sighed. "I don't know."
A week later Allie's hair was starting to fall out a little and she was losing weight. She was sitting in the room talking on AOL on Syd's laptop to Rachael when the door opened.
"Al Ashley is here," Syd said.
"Send her in," Allie siad. She hadn't seen her friend since she'd been put in the hospital because she'd been too sick. She was feeling a little better but not much.
"Hey," Ashley said coming into the room, hollding a box. "How are you feeling?"
"OK, I guess," Allie said. "I hate being cooped up in here though, I feel like a prisnor but Syd said taht the chemo is gonna make me better."
"You're here isn't falling out?" Ashley asked.
"Its starting to a little but not by much," Allie said. "How is everything at school?"
"Fine, everyone is asking about you," Ashley said. "Kyle keeps asking about you. He said he was going to come by and see you."
Allie's eyes lit up. "Really? The plays over, he doesn't have to talk to me anymore, I'm a freshman."
"I don't think he cares about that," Ashley said. "I think he really cares about you Allie."
"Well as soon as he sees me like this he'll run away and never come back," Allie said.
"You don't look that bad," Ashley said sitting in a chair beside the bed.
"But I will," Allie said. "In about a month I'll be bald and ungly."
"Hey Al I'm gonna go grab a bite to eat," Syd said standing up. "Push the call button if you need anything."
"OK," Allie said. She turned back to her friend. "What's in the box?"
"Cards," Ashley replied sitting the box on the bed. "Practically the whole school sent you one. It'll probably take you weeks to read them all."
"Thanks for bringing them and for coming to see me," Allie said.
'That's what best friends are for," Ashley said. "Syd told me you're going to need a bone marrow transplant."
"Yeah. Syd and the rest of them gave blood but they're not a match. The only person who can help me is my father and he's stuck in jail. I don't think Syd will want to ask him after waht happened."
"But if you don't have it you'll die?" Ashley asked, tears coming to her eyes.
"I have a forty percent chance without it," Allie said. "But don't worry they'll find a match, even if it isn't my father."
"I hope so," Ashley said. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost my best friend."
Then Syd came back into the room. "How are you feeling Al?"
"Better than yesterday," Allie said. "Will you help me read all these cards?'
Syd smiled. "Sure."
"Hey Al I have to go," Ashley siad. "I promised my mom I'd pick my little brother up from school and its almost that time."
"Ok," Allie said. "Tell everyone I'm doing OK."
"I will," Ashley said. She gave Allie a hug and walked out of the room. Out in the hall she found Kyle leaning against the wall. "She wants to see you."
"I don't know if I can see her like that," Kyle said. "I thought that seeing her in that hospital bed on stage in the play was the only time I'd see her like that and I knew she was just playing a character. Thsi is for real Ash, she might actaully die."
"She wants to see you," Ashley said. "If you care for her like you say you do then you'll go see her."
Kyle sighed. "Thanks." Kyle walked quietly into the room and knocied quietly on the door. Allie turned her head and smiled.
"Hi Kyle," Syd said. "Have a seat."
Kyle sat down, feeling a bit nervous. Allie must have noticed.
"You don't have to be nervous," Allie said. "Cancer isn't catchng. Guess we can do the scene when Jamie is in the hospital for real now huh? Except I don't have a bible to give you."
Kyle laughed. "Yeah. How are you feeling?"
"Lousy," Allie said. "I'll lose my hair soon."
"You don't notice it," Kyle said.
"Thanks," Allie said smiling. "So how are things with you?"
"Good," Kyle said. "I"ve missed seeing you at the halls at school."
"Why so you can ignore me and act like I don't even exist," Allie snapped. "So you can tell all your friends that I'm just a freshman that just happen to be lucky enough to get to be in the play with you."
"Allie I didn't mean any of that," Kyle said.
"You just had to impress your friends didn't you?" Allie asked. She was crying now.
"I don't hang around those jerks anymore," Kyle said.
"Kyle I'm not Jamie," Allie said. "You don't have to hang around me just because I have cancer. I'll be back at school soon and you can go back to hanging out with your friends and talking bad about me."
"That wasn't me who did that," Kyle said. "That was Mark Chance. Believe me I got all over him when I found out what he'd said about you. I almost punched his eye out."
"You did not," Allie siad laughing. She was very flattered that Kyle had gone to all the trouble of defending her.
"I did too," Kyle said.
"Thank you," Allie said. She laid down, and looked up at him. "Ok why do I feel like I'm in the play all over again?"
"hey Al I've got to go call Joanie," Syd said standing up. She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.
"She's nice," Kyle said.
"Yeah. I don't know what i would have done without her. She saved my life," Allie said.
"After your father pushed you around?" Kyle asked.
"Yeah," Allie said. She winced at the memory. "but he's in jail now."
"I heard about what happned on openig night," Kyle said. "I'm sorry."
"We were pretty freaked out, Syd the most I think," Allie said. "I was really scared. I didn't think my father was capable of doing something that drastic."
"But you're OK and he's in jail," Kyle said.
"I know but it still scares me," Allie said. She couldn't beleive that Kyle Burns, the most popular guy at Providence high was talking to her. She couldn't wait to tell Ashley.
"Will they find a new donor?" Kyle asked.
"Hopefully," Allie said. "And if they don't then I have a forty percent chance of survival. Kyle I don't want to die like Jamie did."
"You won't," Kyle said. "I'll make sure of it."
Allie laughed through her tears. "How are you going to do that? Have a chat with God?"
"That and I'm going to see if I can donate my bone marrow," Kyle said.
"You don't have to do that," Allie said.
"I want to," Kyle said.
Allie smiled. She couldn't beleive how much Kyle had wanted to help. A month ago, before the play Kyle Burns hadn't even given her the time of day now he wanted to give her his bone marrow.
"I've gotta go though," Kyle said. "I"m going to ask my parents if I can do this."
"Thank you for coming by," Alie said.
"No problem," Kyle said. He gave her a hug and walked out of the room. Syd was in the hall talkign to Joanie.
"Dr. Hansen can I talk to you?" Kyle asked.
Syd looked up. "Sure." she led Kyle to a corner. "What's up?"
"I want to see if I"m a match for Allie," Kyle said. "I want to donate my bone marrow."
"That's very sweet Kyle but Allie isn't ready for a transplant yet," Syd said.
"Well when she is I want to see if I'm a match," Kyle said. "I"m going to go ask my parents and see if they approve. Could I come see Allie again tomorrow?"
"Sure, she'd love that," Syd said. She smiled. "If your parents have any questions they can call med and I'll try to clar them up for you."
"OK," Kyle said. He pusehd the button on the elevator and waited for it open.
"I think he really likes her," Joanie said coming up behnd Syd. "He really cares for her."
"he didn't even know her until they did the play together," Syd said. Then she saw JOsh coming toward them.
"How's Allie?" Josh asked giving Syd a quick kiss.
"Fine," Syd said sitting down on a bench. "Not as sick. Kyle Burns, the guy who played Landon came to see her. I think he really likes her. He wants to her his bone marrow."
"He's a nice kid," Josh said. "A Junior. Normally Juniors don't even notice freshman."
"That's what I'm afraid of, that Allie will get hurt," Syd said.
"Hey about about I take you out to dinner," Josh said. "You look like you could use a few minutes away from this place."
"I can take care of Allie," Joanie offered. "And I'll call you if anything happens."
"Thanks," Syd said smiling.
"OK let's go," Josh said. He put an arm around Syd and led her to the elevator. "We'll be back."
"Don't worry about us," Joanie said. "We'll be fine." Joanie walked back into the room where Allie lay watching TV.
"Where did Syd go?" Allie asked as Joanie sat down in the chair.
"She went out with Josh for a bite to eat," Joanie said. Then she heard a phone ring. "Oh Syd must have left her cell phone here." Joanie picked up the phone and punched the on button. "Hello?"
"Syd its Elizabeth," Elizabeth said.
"Hi Liz its Joanie," Joanie said. "Syd's out right now."
"What are you doing with her cell phone?" Elizabeth said. "She called me a few days ago and I haven't had a chance to call her back. She said something was wrong with Allie but she didn't say what."
"There is something wrong with Allie," Joanie siad. "She has Leukemia."
"Oh my god," Elizabeth said in a shocked voice. "I-is she OK?"
"She's hanging in there," Joanie said. "But I think it would be best if Allie told Rachael herself."
"I'll get her," Elizabeth said.
"Al do you want to tell Rachael what's going on?" Joanie asked.
"Sure, I guess I'll have to soon enough," Allie said. She grabbed the phone from Joanie.
"Allie is everything OK?" came Rachael's voice.
"No," Allie said almost crying. "I'm in the hospital Rach, puking my guts out."
"You're that sick," Rachael said.
"Its from chemo," Allie said. "I have Leukemia."
"WHAT??" Rachael screamed. "Are you serious?"
"Very serious," Allie said. She was crying now. "I have to have a bone marrow transplant and if they don't find a match I have a forty percent chance of surviving. My friend Kyle Burns who played Landon in the play came to see me today. I think he really likes me Rachael.'
"Do you like him?" Rachael asked.
"Yes," Allie said smiling. "He's going to see if he's a match so he can give me his bone marrow."
"Wow that's great," Rachael said.
"My hair is starting to fall out Rachael," Allie said. "In about a month I'll look like a freak."
"No, you won't," Rachael said. "L:ook I'll try to come see you soon. I think Elizabeth was going to tell my dad what's going on. Just hang in there Allie."
"I will," Allie said. She turned off the phone and handed it to Joanie.
"You're going to be OK," Joanie said sitting in a chair with the phone in hand.
"I know," Allie said.
At a nearby delly Syd and Josh sat talking and eating.
"So what did the doctor say about Allie?" Josh asked as he ate a sandwich.
"He said she's responding well to the chemo," Syd said. She sighed. "I never thought she'd have to go through this. Its killing me to see her so sick."
Josh reached for Syd's hand. "I know but she'll get through this, she has you."
Syd smiled and leaned in for a kiss. "Thanks."
The next few days passed by in a blur. Allie underwent chemo every day and was often too sick to have visitors. Kyle was with her everyday, from the moment till school let out till late at night. Syd came into the room around eight and found Kyle sitting in a chair holding Allie's hand while Allie slept.
"She went to sleep about twenty minutes ago," Kyle said. Allie had just gotten done with chemo. "I read to her."
"Kyle I want to thank you for spending so much time with her. Allie really likes it and it really helps me out," Syd said.
"I know I've been horrible to her, before the play and all," Kyle said. "I don't care if she's a fresham, she's great and age doesn't matter does it?"
"Not if you really care for someone," Syd said.
'I really care for Allie Dr. Hansen," Kyle said. 'I didn't realize it till I started working with her on the play and all. After the play ended I pretended to not notice her and I went on with my business like the play had never happened. The thing is I did notice her, even after the play ended."
Syd sat down in a char beside him. "Have you told her how you felt? Have you told her what you just told me?'
"I'm afraid she won't feel the same way and she'll laugh at me or get mad," Kyle said. He took Allie's hand.
"She's going to hate me for telling you this but she likes you too," Syd said.
"Really?" Kyle asked, sounding surprised.
Syd nodded. "Yes."
Kyle didn't know what to say. Here he was sitting by Allie's bed, holding her hand, the girl who had only been a spec on a peice of paper a geeky freshman but now was something more special then that.
"Why dont you go home and get some rest," Syd said. "Allie is probably going to be asleep for a while."
"I don't want her to wake up alone," Kyle said.
"I'll be here," Syd promised. "You can come back tomorrow since its Saturday."
"Thanks," Kyle said He got up and gathered his stuff. He kissed Allie on the hand and walked out of the room, running into Joanie.
"Whoa! You just leaving?" Joanie asked.
"Yeah," Kyle said scooting past her. "See you tomorrow."
"Bye," Joanie said. She turned to Syd. "Was he here all this time?"
"Yeah, I had to pry him out of that chair," Syd said. "I think he really cares for her Joanie."
"She needs someone of the opposite sex to care for her since she never got that from her father," Joanie said. "How long has she been alseep?"
"About thirty minutes," Syd said. "How did Rachael take the news when Allie told her?"
"I think she was shocked and upset," Joanie said. "Elizabeth told you to call her. when you get a chance."
"OK I'll call her later," Syd said. "I'm going to go home and shower and eat a little something. Is Hannah with Dad?'
"Yeah," Joanie said. "Tina said she could spend the night with her and Robbie after she got off work. I'll stay with Allie."
"Thanks," Syd said. She grabbed her coat and purse and wen tover to give Allie a kiss on the forehead. "Call me if anything happens."
"I will," Joanie said. She sank into a chair and sighed. Would Allie ever be normal again?
The next day Kyle came at around eleven. Allie had her chemo session at three so he figured he'd spend a few hours with her before she was too sick to talk.
"Hi," Allie said smiling when Kyle walked into the room. "Syd told me what you said and I like you too."
Kyle didn't expect her to come out and say that. "I know, Syd told me hope you'e not mad."
Allie shook her head. "No, I'm not. No boy has ever liked me before."
"I'm sure that's not true," Kyle said sitting down in a chair beise her bed.
"Yeah, it is," Allie said with a laugh. "Thanks for being there for me."
"I couldn't sit back and watch you suffer," Kyle said. "I have something to confess."
"What?" Allie asked.
"I've liked you the day we started working on the play together," Kyle said. "I knew you were a freshman and all but I couldn't help it."
"I liked you too but I knew you were a Junior and way out of my legue," Allie said. "So what now?"
"Well I was thinking I could read to you after your chemo," Kyle said.
"Its not till three," Allie said. "I want to get out of this room so bad."
"Maybe Syd will let me take you outside for a stroll," Kyle said.
Then Syd came into the room followed by Joanie and Tina.
"Just the person we were lookng for," Allie said to Syd. "Can Kyle take me on a stroll, outside?"
"I promise I'll bring her straight back in," Kyle said.
"Please I need some air," Allie protested. "The walls are starting to cave in on me."
"Sure I guess that'd be OK," Syd said. She tossed Kyle a blanket. "Use it."
"Yes, ma'm," Kyle said. he helped Allie out of bed and into the wheelchair. She was so frail and skinny Kyle was afraid to touch her. Her hair had begun to fall out and she had a scarf tied around her head.
"I look hedious," Allie complained as Kyle pushed her out the door.
"You look fine," Tina said.
Allie sighed.
"Come on cheer up," Kyle said as he wheeled her down the hall.
"I'll try," Allie promised. Kyle wheeled her down to the lobby and outside. They sat in the park behind the hospital for a while talking and breathing in the fresh air.
"So what are we now?" Allie asked. "Are we a coupe or what?"
"I guess," Kyle said shrugging.
"I wouldn't try kissing," Allie said. "I might puke all over you."
"We'll wait until you're out of the hospital," Kyle said. He kissed her hand. "I can kiss your hand can't I? I have been anyway."
Allie laughed. "Yes, you can." Allie leaned against his shoulder, feeling the beat of his heart in her ear.
"We should probably go in," Kyle said after a few minutes of silence.
"I wish I could stay out here forever," Allie said as Kyle wheeled her back toward the building.
"Me too but its almost time for lunch," Kyle said.
"And for once I'm starving," Allie said. For weeks she'd been so sick she hadn't been able to keep anything down and now she was craving food.
"That's a good sign," Kyle said as they rode the elevator up to the cancer floor.
"Yeah and then in about two hours I'll be puking my guts out again." Kyle wheeled her back to her room and when he wheeled her in they found Dr. Baker there, waiting for them.
"Allie I need to talk to you," Dr. Baker said. Allie didn't like the tone of his voice.
"What's wrong?" Allie asked, afraid of what the answer might be.
"I'm afraid the chemo we have you on now is not working," Dr. Baker siad. "The only chance you have of surviving is a more intense chemo or a bone marrow transplant."
"And without it?" Kyle asked.
"Without the intense chemo and the transplant Allie has a forty to fifty percent chance of surviving."
