CHAPTER 2
Tuesday came and Ray woke thinking he has just the worst dream that he ever had in his life. Ray walked slowly into the sitting room only to see Fraser and Dief asleep on the couch. Then the realisation that it was real so VERY REAL not a dream sunk in. Putting his hands through his hair Ray went into kitchen to make the breakfast it was going to be a very long day.
Fraser woke just as Ray finished making the breakfast. Fraser felt slightly embarrassed to have slept in. Ray seeing Fraser was awake, "Hey Frase ready for breakfast bacon eggs toast and bark tea, trying to sound cheerful but sounding shaky instead. Fraser smiled, "Morning Ray that would be lovely thank you sorry for sleeping in". Ray frowned shaking his head, "Ah don't worry about it you needed your rest".
Fraser and Ray sat eating there breakfast at the table while Diefenbaker ate his beside them. Ray chanced his arm, "Well Fraser want to go for a walk or we could see if we could get in an hour horse ridding at that place we went to a few weeks ago, I'd love to learn to stay on". Fraser looked up, "I don't think so Ray, Ah come on Fraser it will be nice I could bring a hot date there you know impress her". Fraser gave a half hearted smile he knows what Ray is trying to do and was very grateful for that so to save arguments agreed. After they tided up after breakfast they headed off.
Not much was spoken during the day just small chit chat. Eating dinner was nice but quite as well. You could cut the tension with a knife not argument tension but the tension of not knowing what to say to one another not even making eye contact for fear one of them would break down.
After a very long day back at Ray's apartment. Fraser was packing his bag for his stay in the hospital. Opening the closet door were his uniform hung a sinking feeling came over him. As he ran his fingers over his uniform thinking will I ever wear this on duty again or will the next time be my funeral. After finishing packing Fraser had his last bite to eat with Ray before he had to fast for the next day. It was such a long night not one of them slept at all.
Pulling himself together Fraser dressed for the hospital. Ray had been up hours pacing trying not to wake Fraser as he had been awake all night Ray could hear him move around all night and talking to Dief. As they drove to the hospital in silence the tension and nerves were building. Before entering the hospital, Ray put his hand on Fraser's shoulder saying "Your going to get through this everything is going to fine" hoping the words he was saying were true. Fraser gave a small smile and nodded.
All booked in and forms signed for the permission to do the operation and signed as Fraser's next of kin at his request. After taking his pre med Fraser began to get dozy. Ray stayed with him watching him slowly drift off. Before Fraser was full out Fraser grabbed Ray's arm, "Look after Dief" then Fraser was out leaving Ray with tear filled eyes again. Ray couldn't remember crying this much as a child god it hurt to see his friend like this. The doors open and in came the orderlies came in to bring Fraser to the OR.
The nurse told Ray to go home that It would be hours before he's even be allowed to see Fraser. Ray didn't want to leave but the nurse was very instant so Ray did and brought Dief for a walk and something to eat before going home.
Ray stood in the middle of sitting of his apartment not knowing what to do with himself. Ray knew if he sat down he'd think too much and that would drive him around the twist. Ray tried watching TV but all the ads were about Cancer research a walk for Cancer about friendship every channel had something got to do with Cancer. So Ray turned off the TV. Putting his hands through his hair Ray stood up looking for something else to do. Looking over to a closed door next to his bedroom went over and opened it. It was a room full of junk Ray was never in that room didn't even know what size it was. Ray always thought it was a walk in closet Stella only ever went in there. So Ray decided to clear it out completely. Ray thought at least it would occupy his hands and hopefully his mind.
As Ray went through the room filling bags of clothes for the charity shops. Boxes of rubbish and nick knacks. The room was getting bigger and bigger. It turned out to be a second bedroom Ray didn't know that he had. Before long Ray had the room completely clear only a bedside locker and some paintings were left. Ray then thought that the room would be perfect for Fraser when he gets out of the hospital and he wouldn't have to live in Consulate any more. Plus Ray would love to have him as a room mate. If in deed Fraser did have Cancer. Ray could watch him and help him and Fraser would still have his own space if he needed it.
Remembering he had a spare bed that hey got as a wedding gift down in the storage room in the basement he Ray went o get it. Lucky a neighbour was there to give him a hand in putting up to the room. Pulling out bedding and pillows he also got as wedding gifts did up the bed and hung the paintings on the wall. Ray had the room looking very homely. Hoping Fraser would accept it. And move in.
Ray was sparked back to life by the ringing of his phone. Ray quickly picked it up it was the nurse telling him he could come and see Fraser now. Ray was out the door before he was even off the phone leaving Dief asleep in there hopefully new room on a bed he bought from the local pet store only the best for his best friend's companion.
Fraser was still asleep when Ray arrived. Ray stood over Fraser just looking down still numb. Fraser looked so pale and worn out what ever the result it was a hard road already just how much harder was it going to be. Ray had to admit he was Frightened. Ray took Fraser's hand in his and sat down as tears swelled up in his eyes. Ray felt Fraser squeeze his hand as he came around. Fraser's eyes brightened up when he saw Ray, "Ray good to see you, Fraser said in a raspy tone. Ray smiled trying to hide his emotions but failing, "Hey Benton Buddy how ya feeling". "Cold I'm cold, Fraser said back. So Ray pulled the covers up a bit higher. Ray asked if he wanted him to get another blanket. But Fraser didn't want him to leave just yet and said no I'm-I'm fine Ray.
Nurse came in, "Hey Constable Fraser good you're awake how you feeling my dear, Fraser tried a smile, I'm sore and a bit cold, hang on there so my sweet and I'll fetch you a warmer blanket ok the nurse turned and left to get it. The nurse cam back in a few minutes later with it saying, "there you go my sweet all things going well you should be allowed out in the morning and rest till you get your results back do you have somewhere to stay. Ray jumped in before Fraser could answer, "Ya I've his room all ready no problem, Oh dats great my dear you have a good friend here haven't you Constable Fraser, Yes I do Fraser was very puzzled. The nurse left to tend her other patients. Fraser looked at Ray, "Ray I can't put you out of your room I'll be fine at the consulate". Ray smiled, "Nonsense Fraser your not putting me out of my room, what do you mean Ray". Ray just said you'll see and gave a wink.
Ray was very reluctant to leave when visiting hours were over. Ray had to by the Consulate to pick up Fraser's stuff so he could surprise Fraser and have it in his room. Ray had already organised to pick it up with Inspector Thatcher. Ray was saddened by how little Fraser owned Ray felt that it was not much for a life time of memories. Only then did Ray remember that Fraser must have lost a lot in the fire at his apartment.
Ray turned up bright and early to pick up Fraser but had arrived before the doctors made there rounds. Ray walked into Fraser's room and Fraser was still in bed looking slightly brighter but still very pale. "Hey morning there Benton Buddy, Morning Ray how are you today, Ah Frase that should be my line when they letting you out of here, As soon as the doctors have made there rounds Ray Fraser said in a kind of shaky voice now. "There also going to tell me when I need to come back for the results Ray, Ray looked down, "Ok Frase".
It wasn't long before the doctors came in and Ray was about to leave them to it when Fraser grabbed his arm asking him to stay. Doctors did there exam poking and prodding. Then Dr Greely stepped forward and gave Fraser the run down on what they had done during his surgery. "Mr Fraser, we discovered once we had you under that the lump was a bit bigger then in the first exam so I'm afraid we had to remove your Testical". Fraser looked blanked faced and just nodded. While Ray took hold of his hand and squeezed it. The Doctor continued it doesn't appear to have spread anywhere else but we will no more once we have your results back in a few days, do you have somewhere to stay because I want you on bed rest for a little bit". Once again Ray jumped in, "Ya he's staying with me". Doctors handed over the discharge papers and left.
Fraser turned to Ray, Ray I really can impose on you like that". Ray put his hand on Fraser's shoulder, "Don't be silly now Pitter Patter lets get at her, Dief's at home in his room waiting for you," Fraser looked even more puzzled, Ray just said again, "You'll see", with another wink.
The trip home was quite Fraser was very tired and was starting to drift off. When Ray pulled into the car park outside his apartment now there apartment he hoped. Ray brought Fraser up first and would come back down for the bags later on. Ray held Fraser to keep him balanced his steps were tender and every one of them sent pain up through him. Once inside Fraser smiled, "You clean up, Ray smiled also, Only for you Bento Buddy but don't get used to it". Ray lead Fraser to the door which had a big sticker on that read 'BENS ROOM' . Fraser looked at Ray with a very confused expression Ray opened the door to reveal a new room.
Fraser was stunned as they walked in he could see his books on the shelves his fathers trunk under the window and his clothes in the closet. Fraser spoke as he sat on the bed, "I-I don't understand what how why". Fraser was lost for words. Ray crouched in front of him to look him in the eyes. "Fraser this is your room if you want it if I'd known this was here ages ago I would have done this then I didn't know it was here. I wouldn't have let you live in that dam office". Fraser's eyes teared up and he looked into Rays eyes, "I-I don't know what to say Ray I-I,". "Fraser were friends right, Fraser nodded, look let me do this for you besides it will be nice to have a roommate isn't that right Dief, Dief gave a happy yap sound from him coming over to join them. Fraser found his words just, Thank you kindly Ray I'd like that very much". "Greatness, now get yourself some sleep and I'll go down and get your bags". Ray waited till Fraser was settled and a sleep before going for the bags.
Fraser couldn't believe that Ray had done this for him. Everything looked so well in the room. The room felt comfortable Fraser felt like he was home as tears threatened to sting his eyes as he fell asleep.
The next two days passed in a blur. Fraser did what he was told and stayed on bed rest. Ray even brought up the spare TV from storage and put in his room helped him to the bathroom when he needed and shower when he needed. Fraser thought to himself dose Ray know how grateful I am for this dose he know how good a heart he has how am I going to thank him and repay him for his kindness. Was there enough thanks in the world for that.
Just settling down for breakfast the phone rang. It was Dr Greely the results were in and they had the meeting set for two o'clock that day it was better to get it over with Fraser thought. Both Fraser and Ray lost there appetite at that but ate anyway because they didn't know when they were going to eat again that day.
Two o'clock came around rather quickly. Fraser and Ray sat in front of Dr Greely Ray stayed at Fraser's request. Dr Greely sat down and open Fraser's file. Fraser could tell by Dr Greely's face that he was getting the news he was expecting. Ray felt just as nervous after all this was his best friend his brother for god sake. Ray reached out and took hold of Fraser's hand hoping it would offer some sort of support. Dr Greely then began, "Constable Fraser your test results show that it was indeed Cancer I'm afraid but we caught it at a very early stage and the samples from the surrounding tissue show no sign of it so it hasn't spread anywhere else,". Fraser grasped Rays hand tight. Dr Greely continued, we would like you to have some treatment though just to be on the safe side I'm putting you on at least five to six course's of Chemo therapy and radiation treatment". Fraser once again just nodded and looked blank faced a million thought and question went through his head. "Your treatment will begin in the next week or so I'll call you as soon as it's set up ok". Fraser nodded again stood and shook the doctors hand taking his letter and left with Ray.
Thank you for reading I hope I put enough feeling into this it has been a hard story for me to write but getting my feelings out help. Stick around for more thank you for reading. Reviews welcome.