Disclaimer: see chapter one

AN: sorry about the wait. This was supposed to be up a few days ago, but there was a maths test, and apparently studying for maths took priority over this. And then I had a science assessment, and an English one and a geography one. I think you get the picture, because the list goes on. So, I guess I'll stop boring you with this, and get on with the chapter.

Pentacibil, to my (very limited) medical knowledge, does not exist, and is a product of my hyperactive imagination.

Chapter Nine- Subtle Hints

Dr. Handley walked through the door of the room.

Scott had been moved out of ICU the day after his operation, and spent two days on the generalised ward. But, today was meant to be his last day in hospital, and he would soon be going home, if everything went to plan.

The doctor stood by the foot of Scott's bed and flipped through the notes. "Well, you seem to be recovering well, so we'll be able to discharge you today."

Scott raised his eyes gratefully heaven ward. "There is a God."

Dr. Handley suppressed a chuckle. "Don't get too excited. There's still the chemotherapy to go through."

Scott's face fell.

"And that is something I wanted to talk to you about." Dr. Handley paused. "There is a new chemotherapy drug, which was placed on the market last year. It's called Pentacibil."

"Right." Scott said slowly.

"It is a more effective drug compared to the ones I put you on last time. However, it's not all great. There are more side effects, and the dosages are much stronger. If that doesn't appeal to you, I can always place you back on Capecitabine and Fluorouracil, but I would recommend taking the Pentacibil because you will only need to take one drug instead of two."

Scott nodded slowly, processing all the information the doctor had just said.

"You don't have to make a decision now. I want to have a check-up appointment with you in two weeks, so you can tell me then." He handed Scott the hospital discharge forms. "Sign on the dotted line, and you're free to go."


The evening stars shone down on Tracy Island, like diamonds encrusted in the sky. Jeff and his family had flown back home after Scott had been discharged from the hospital.

Right now, though, Scott and Tash were relaxing in their room.

"Are you in any pain, honey?" she asked.

"A bit. Not much." Scott shrugged.

"Want me to get you a Panadol?"

Scott grimaced and shook his head. "No pain meds." Quickly changing the subject, and hoping to get away with it, he asked, "When's the first scan?"

"Two weeks. And don't change the subject. You and I still need to talk about some things."

Scott groaned inwardly; she had noticed what he had tried to do. "About what?"

"Treatment." She stated simply.

Scott groaned again, and sighed exasperatedly.

"I know you don't want to, but you'll have to do it sooner or later." She insisted. "You can't put it off."

"I know."

"And?"

"I'm leaning towards the Pentacibil. It's the one Dr. Handley recommended, and I trust his judgement." Scott stifled a yawn, and slid under the bed covers.

"Scott, not wanting to sound like a voice of doom, but what happens if this doesn't work?"

Scott didn't reply.


"Dad, we're going now." Scott called out, opening the villa door.

Jeff ran hurriedly to where Scott was. "Where are you going?"

"For an ultrasound."

Jeff's face had worry lines etched into them. "Why? I thought everything was going fine."

Scott blinked confusion clear in his crystal blue eyes. "The ultrasound isn't for me."

Tash was standing next to Scott, when she explained the situation to Jeff. "Dad, the ultrasound is for me."

Now, it was Jeff's turn to look confused. There was only one reason why she would need an ultrasound.

Swiftly, he pulled them both into a fatherly hug. "Congratulations! This is great news! What do you know so far?"

"Not much. Which is why we're going for the scan." Scott glanced down at his watch, and squirmed slightly. "Which we will be late for, if we don't leave soon."


"Any smart comments about the gel this time, Scott?" Tash asked sweetly, as she remembered what happened in her previous pregnancy.

Scott grimaced, and shook his head. "I learnt the hard way not to say anything."

The sonographer returned with the portable ultrasound machine, and waved the wand around her slight bump, until she could see a clear image on the screen. "There's your baby." She moved the wand around a bit more. "That's a hand, and an arm. Up there is the head." She took the wand off Tash's bump, and wiped it clean. "It's the right size, and has a strong heartbeat. Would you like to know the sex of the baby?"

Scott nodded, while Tash shook her head.

"Why not?"

"I like surprises."

"I don't." Scott muttered darkly. "I've had enough surprises this year."

Tash squeezed his hand lightly. "Are you sure you want to find out?"

Scott nodded determinedly to her, and she nodded to the sonographer.

"You're having a boy."


Jeff glanced up from his newspaper for the fifth time in two minutes, and scanned the outside surroundings.

Scott had called him a few hours ago, and told him that they were coming home. He didn't reveal anything else, and Jeff was filled with uneasiness. What if something was wrong with his latest grandchild? It would be just like his eldest son and daughter-in-law to not tell Jeff about it, as a misguided attempt to stop him worrying about them.

Unable to sit still any longer, Jeff threw his newspaper down on his seat in frustration, and marched up and down the hall, like a caged lion.

'Finally!' Jeff mused as he heard a key turn in the lock of the front door. 'About time too!'

He flew over to the just opened door. "What happened? Is anything wrong? Tell me what you know!" The words came out of Jeff's mouth thick and fast.

"Dad, relax." Tash laughed. "Everything's fine."

Still not completely satisfied, Jeff asked if they were sure everything was fine.

"Yes Dad. Everything's fine." Scott emphasised. "We went for a scan, and Tash and the baby are both fine."

"Do you know anything else?" Jeff subtly hinted. "Like what colour to paint the room?"

"It's a boy, if that's what you were asking."

Jeff couldn't keep the grin off his face. He was going to have another grandson.

AN: yeah, I know, strange ending. Sorry about the massively long wait, but I have been busy with tests and assessments. I should probably warn you now that waits between chapters will become longer, but I will update when I have the chance. And sorry, I should also have warned you that the chapter has a bit of a time jump. Please review.