Family Matters…
A/N
So this is the sequel to "Zoe and Max-Miracles" I hope that you all enjoy, and don't be fooled into thinking it's all fluff-it isn't… that's all I'm saying for now!
Set a month after the last chapter of Miracles, so it makes Zoe around two months pregnant with Mini Walker number three :D
Trigger warning for this chapter, and others too. This fic is quite personal to me because the type of cancer Zoe's dad has is the same type my Grandma, who passed away because of it, had 5 years ago, I'm writing this fic to help myself let go and deal with it, so I'd appreciate it if you could all be nice :-)
Reviews welcome,
Laura xx
"I feel ill" Zoe stated. She was snuggled up in bed with Max, Sophia and Ethan were in their cots, asleep.
"Well you generally do when you are pregnant! Remember your morning sickness last time?" asked Max, giving her a kiss.
"Ugh" Zoe sighed.
"Seriously though, are you sure that you don't want me to get you something?"
"No, I'm fine" his fiancée said. At that moment, her phone went off. "Can you see who that is, please?" she asked.
"It's a text from your sister, Lily. She says that could you please ring up soon, your mum has some news… but it's not good" Max informed Zoe.
"Oh" she nodded in understanding.
"Max… You promise that you'll support me? If the news is what I think it is, I'm going to need lots of help" Zoe said.
"Of course" he pulled her close. "I love you to bits" he smiled.
"I love you too"
"The news isn't about you, is it?" Max looked rather worried.
"No, it's about my Dad. You see, he's been having various tests, it's for thyroid cancer, its terminal but it's very rare" Zoe replied.
"Ah, okay. How come you didn't tell me before?" he enquired.
"Mum didn't tell me until yesterday."
"Oh." Max frowned. "Why?"
"She didn't want to worry me" answered Zoe.
"Well, whatever happens, I'll be with you"
"I know you will" Zoe replied as one of the twins started to cry.
"I'll go and get the twins, then we'll ring my parents" she said.
"Okay"
Zoe went to Sophia and Ethan's room and carried them back to her and Max's room.
She handed Ethan to Max and sat down on the bed, Sophia in her arms.
"Da-da" Ethan murmured.
"Da-da" Max repeated, distracted by Sophia, whose hand was dangerously close to Zoe's hair.
"Ow!" Zoe squeaked as Sophia pulled her hair. Max chuckled.
"It's not funny!" The clinical lead protested as Max passed her her phone.
"Hmm" Max disagreed.
"I'm ringing my mum now" Zoe said.
Max jogged Ethan up and down on his knee to keep his son quiet.
Zoe dialled her Mum's number on her phone and waited for her to pick up.
"Zee?"
"Hi mum, have you had the news about dad?"
"Yes. It's definitely thyroid cancer, stage five. Terminal. At most, he has three months to live" Zoe's mum, Alice, stated.
"Okay." Zoe gulped, she thought he Dad would have longer. "Is he going to start chemo soon?"
"Yes, that'll only prolong his life though. He's having treatment at Holby Hospital so you can see him. Would it be okay for us to come and stay for a while?"
"Sure" Zoe replied. "I'll ring you later, bye for now. Love you Mum, tell Dad I love him too, won't you?"
"I will, love you too Zee"
Zoe put her phone down on the bed and nodded at Max. "Stage five. Terminal." She said.
"Oh, Zoe" Max said, pulling her close.
"He's only got months" his fiancée said, beginning to cry.
Max kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back gently. "I love you Zoe, and I promise we'll get through your Dad's illness together"
"I know." Zoe sniffed.
"We've got work at 1, but d'you want me to call in sick for us?" Max enquired.
Zoe rested her head against his chest and shook her head. "No, it's okay. I'll go in and do some paperwork.
"Okay, I'm sure Rebecca won't mind." Max smiled.
"Yeah, good thing Connie's not in today!" Zoe replied. She was getting on with Connie now, but the two were still a little cautious around one another.
"I agree" Max nodded.