A\n: I don't have the book, so if there is any mention of how Keith's mother died please let me know and I will revise this chapter. I post in here that he was young when she passed, so if that doesn't line up, someone please inform me. Also, I hope the characters aren't too OOC, and that you enjoy. Please review, and if you have any ideas for chapter 3, drop them in the review as well!

God Bless,

Sarah.

Caroline thought it best to sit down and speak to Henry as soon as they could, so when Natalie left for school, they immediately left for Keith's house. It didn't take them long to find his home, but when they did Caroline couldn't help but for her eyes to widen at the sight of it. It was small and run-down, with spare tires littering the barren lawn, and broken gravel leading up the front walkway to the door. They didn't seem dirty, really, just cluttered. Perhaps, tired. Caroline assumed most of their money had been spent on chemotherapy, and at that, oddly enough, her face brightened. They could take a breather now; save money. She would do anything she could to help save Keith's life, and lessen their burden in the process.

Neither Pete, nor Caroline had work today, so they stepped out of the car in jeans, and casual, classy shirts.

"We're doing the right thing." Pete said confidently, shutting the car door.

They walked up to the door and knocked quickly, hearing Henry's yell of: "Be right there!"

They hollered back, "no problem!" and waited.

After some time, he answered the door, apologized for the delay, and asked what he could help with.

"Well, it's actually what we can help with."

Confusion flickered in his eyes.

"I'm Caroline, and this is my husband, Pete. We're Natalie's parents."

At the mention of Natalie's name, Henry smiled widely. Caroline could tell Keith talked quite frequently of her daughter to his father.

"I have heard so much about your daughter, Mrs. Anderson. Please, come in."

They willingly entered the house and took a seat on the couch he led them to.

"Can I get you anything? Pancakes? Freshly made. Orange juice, too."

"No, no thank-you." Pete replied.

Henry smiled congenially and sat down on the chair across from them. "So, what brings you to our home?"

At school, Natalie jumped out of her car quickly and flashed Keith a now, genuine smile.

"This is what I like to see." He grinned, hugging her.

"Mornin', partner."

"Keith, my parents-"

"-Did you tell them?"

"No! No, Keith, my parents…They're paying for more chemo!"

Keith stared at her, disbelieving.

"What? What are you-"

"- they wrote a check to give to your Dad for 3 months of the experimental chemo he couldn't afford."

Natalie couldn't discern what emotion was playing on his face, or if there was any. Soon, though, she deducted that it was anger. His eyes flashed with annoyance.

"You told them?" He asked carefully, teeth clenching tighter with each word. "After my great night with them, you said, 'oh, yeah, he's going to be dead soon,' right?"

"Keith, I-"

"-save it." He climbed into his truck.

Natalie didn't attempt saying anything else as she watched him start the car and drive off. She knew it was a sore subject for him, why wouldn't it be? But this was amazing news…why would he react so poorly?

"Henry," Caroline began. "as you know, Keith met us for the first time last night, and I do have to begin with telling you just how respectful and kind your son is. He is quite the charmer and," she paused, taking a deep breath. "He deserves life…to the fullest, and the longest. Henry, Natalie told us about Keith's Leukemia, and we want to offer a little something to help." At this point in time, she handed over the check. Henry took it as though it would break like fine, thin glass china. For a moment, Caroline feared that he'd decline their more than generous offer, but finally, with tears forming in his eyes, he pressed out a barely audible: "Thank-you."

Caroline smiled. "Don't thank us. Just keep fighting. If he needs any other treatment that you cannot afford, please don't hesitate to bestow that information on us. We want to help, and we will take the same measures we would if he were our own child."

Henry smiled. "Thank-you so much. It's only Keith and I here…My son, is my closest friend. It's been just us since he was nine."

"Well, you've done a wonderful job raising him yourself. I have high hopes for his recovery, and if you keep us involved, we won't hesitate to stay and help along the way, in any way possible."

At that moment, the front door opened and Keith walked in, tears filling his eyes as they had Henry's.

"I know I should be at school," he spoke softly. "but Natalie just told me about the check, and I can't let you both do this for me."

"Keith," Pete stood. "You deserve this- you deserve a fighting chance, and we want to give that to you."

Thoughts flashed through his mind of leaving Natalie at school like he just did, of all the rude comments he had offered her lately, of her telling him, just yesterday, that she was pregnant. He had ruined her life, and now her parents, (just as prim and proper as she once was), stood before him wanting to save his life.

"Mr. Anderson, please," he smiled crookedly, nervously, shoving his next words out just as hard as swallowing a sword would be. "I don't deserve this…Natalie is pregnant."

Caroline's eyes widened and Pete seemed to take only a moment to process this before replying calmly: "Keith, how is that your concern? She was with Rafael, you know that, right?"

"No, sir, she dated him, but was never w-with him."

"Well, son, as disappointed as I am, my wife and I aren't taking back life from you when it's in your grasp. Besides," he looked sternly at him. "it seems your affairs aren't all in order."