Here's one more for a couple of days. Thank you so much all who have written! This one 's for you!

Chapter 10

The rest of the week was busy, but without travel for which Spencer was grateful. He spent Saturday with Bittsy and Eleanor. They played a few board games and Spencer began to teach Bittsy chess which she "took to like a fish takes to water" Eleanor had commented.

"Children can be taught from the age of preschool," Spencer explained, "in fact, I was playing by the age of four. In my opinion, children by far are the fastest learners of all age groups. Their minds process information without bias and children are receptive to information, challenging concepts and facts with less intrusion of daily concerns. They're just better learners. Adults learn and memorize data, but have to exert themselves more…" Spencer stopped his long supposition when he saw the astonished expression on Eleanor's face.

"You played chess when you were four?" She asked.

"Yes." He answered. He was no longer surprised when others were astonished. He was used to it. To him it wasn't amazing. It just was and had been for as long as he could remember. Besides, he was very certain that Bittsy's intelligence was far above average. That also went a long way to explain her precociousness, which asserted itself.

"Mother, are you done drilling Spencer? We're playing chess right now." She asked with just a hint of impatience.

"Yes BamBam." Eleanor answered with a smile in her voice. "Finish the game and then time for supper. By the way, do you want to stay Spencer? We're having macaroni and cheese. BamBam's favorite."

"Thank you. I love macaroni and cheese." He answered.

Spencer didn't really even care about the contents of the meal. He just wanted to stay with Bittsy and Eleanor a little longer…

Sunday night was the beginning of one of the most obvious signs of chemotherapy. His mind supplied the medical term as he noticed several strands of hair on his sleeve; Alopecia. He reached up and ran his hand through his thick head of short hair and came back with a handful of hair and was shocked and oddly panicked.

He immediately called Eleanor and Bittsy's phone number. He didn't even give Eleanor a chance to say hello. "Eleanor I need help, I don't know what to do! My hair is falling out. What do I do?" He blurted out.

"Spencer? Breath. It's okay. Do you need come over?" She asked.

Spencer tried to slow down and control his panic. "Okay. Yes. I want to come over. Are you sure that's okay? Even though it's after nine, I mean I know it's late, are you sure? I can try to…" he continued rambling and Eleanor interrupted.

"Yes. Spencer come over here. It's okay. We'll figure it out. Just come over, it'll be okay."

Spencer hung up the phone without answering, grabbed his keys and locked the door behind him before hurrying over to Eleanor and Bitty's apartment.

Eleanor hung up the phone and wasn't surprised to hear the buzzer ring a few moments later. She knew what was happening. The last time Bittsy had chemo, she'd been the one who'd truly freaked out, even though she'd appeared outwardly calm. Hair loss even when you know it will happen was still upsetting.

She answered the buzzer and knew Spencer had taken the stairs by how quickly he knocked on the door. Opening the door to let him in, she schooled her expression to that of complete calm.

As soon as he came in, he was instantly apologetic. "I'm sorry. I don't know what to do. I knew this was going to happen, but I never thought what to do about it."

Eleanor led him over to the couch. "It's okay. I'll help you."

Just then, a voice from the hallway asked, "What's up Spence?"

Eleanor and Spencer both looked over at Bittsy. "Spencer just needed some help." Eleanor said.

Suddenly a look crossed over Bittsy's face. And she walked over to Spencer. The look was understanding and sympathy. "It's okay Spence. It'll grow back when we're done. We just have to decide what we want to do. Do we shave it all off before it all falls out or wait?"

Spencer looked down at his hands and answered. "I don't know. Everyone will know. Do I wear a hat or what? I don't wear hats."

Bittsy came over, sat down next to him and put her arm around him. Leaning her head against his arm she told him, "You need to call JJ. She'll help you decide. Let my mom call her. She'll want to help." Then Eleanor crouched in front of him.

"Bittsy's right. Let me call JJ."

Still looking at his hands, he nodded.