Thankfully the chapel was empty when Rick walked inside. He knew that if he had seen anyone else he probably wouldn't have been able to stay. Everyone would know him and they would look for any kind of gossip on him and his family.
He walked in and sat down on one of the many pews. He honestly didn't know where to start. So, he simply looked forward and managed to say, "I'm not sure where to start of what to say. I've never had a reason to, but my son is sick and I..."
It was then that Rick broke down and looked down at his hands. He started again, "I'm not even sure if you exist and... well, my son is very sick and..." Rick took a deep breath and he felt a sob break forth. He had never been in this position before. Any time he had been faced with a problem like this he was able to use his money or fame to get what he wanted or needed.
He closed his eyes and continued, "I'm not sure why I'm even here. I guess I figured that it can't hurt. If you do exist, please look over my little boy. He's so little and he has barely started his life. I would change places with him if you'd let me."
Even as he said it, Rick realized that it was impossible. It didn't make him feel any better. All it did was make him feel helpless and impotent. His son was sick and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it.
That was when he noticed a man standing off to the side. He was an elderly gentleman and he wore a soft smile. He looked at Rick and said, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to intrude,"
Rick swiped at his eyes and shook his head, "It's okay. I was just leaving."
"Would it be okay if I said a prayer for your boy?"
Nodding Rick told him, "It can't hurt and if it helps him it's worth it."
"What's his name?"
"Noah, Noah Beckett."
The man smiled and nodded, "It's a strong name. It means long lived and comfort. I have a feeling that everything will be okay. Would you be okay with my visiting him? When he's up to it."
"I'll check with his mother, but I'm sure she won't mind."
With that, Rick turned and left the chapel and he found his way back to Noah's room. The room was still empty except for Kate. She was sitting in the room with Cindy and they were talking softly. When Kate saw him come back into the room, she smiled and got up and walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around him and refused to let go. Rick kissed the top of her head and whispered, "It's okay Kate."
"You can't know that Rick. What if we lose him? He's so little and..."
Rick put his finger on her mouth and then whispered, "Think positively Kate. He's my son afterall."
Kate leaned against his chest and let out another sob. After what seemed like hours, Kate and Rick heard the sound of their son being wheeled back into the room. He was still asleep, but the doctor assured him that he would be waking up soon.
The next few hours passed by in a blur. Noah was a bit grumpy when woke up later that evening. He complained about being sore and his throat hurt. So, the nurses brought him plenty of ice cream. They also assured Kate that the soreness would go away in a day or so.
Early the next morning, Doctor Darby came to give Kate and Rick the news. She smiled softly at them and said, "He does have leukemia. I wish the news was better, but it could be worse. We are going to start him on chemotherapy and then depending on how he responds to it we will see what other options we have."
Kate looked at her and asked, "What can we expect going forward?"
"He will get sick from the chemotherapy, but even though it might seem like he's getting worse, the radiation is actually helping his body fight the cancer. The good news is that if he has to have a transplant then we've had almost a thousand volunteers. I still want to test the immediate family. They will be the best match. I'll set up the tests for later today."
Rick and Kate both nodded and they went to sit with their son. Kate wanted to take her son and run away from this awful place. Wanted to go back to the way things were before. Back to the time when her sons whole life stretched before him. He was supposed to be playing and having the time of his life. Not laying here in a hospital bed fighting for his life.
Kate looked over at Rick and she knew that the look on his face was the same as her own. They both felt completely helpless. As parents, they wanted to help and protect their children. They both felt helpless and afraid of what the future might bring.
They sat there staring at one another for the longest time. Until they heard a voice say, "Can we come in?"
Kate looked up and saw her parents. She stood up and hugged her mother tightly. Holding her mother there in the hospital room Kate completely broke down. Johanna hugged her daughter tightly and let her cry. She rubbed her back and kissed her daughter's forehead. Whispering words of comfort to her only daughter.
It was in the middle of this that Beth appeared in the doorway. The little girl walked into the room as if she owned the place. Rick smiled at her confidence and Noah welcomed his new friend. Beth looked at Rick and asked, "Can we take him to the club room?"
Doctor Darby had followed her inside and the doctor laughed, "If he feels up to it. He's still a bit sore."
Beth nodded and then she looked at Kate crying. Rick could see that she was thinking hard to herself. She finally shook her head and walked over to where Johanna and Kate were standing. She tapped Kate on the back and Kate turned around to look at the little girl. Beth smiled brightly at her and before anyone in the room knew what was happening, Beth threw herself at Kate and hugged her tightly. Kate allowed her hands to wrap around Beth's shoulders and the little girl told her, "It's going to be okay. Doctor Darby is the best. She cured me and she will do the same for Noah."
Kate could only nod at the little girls optimism. To be young and innocent again was something that Kate was longing for right now. Kate whispered, "Thank you."
Beth smiled up at Kate and then held out her hand to her. Kate took it and Beth led her from the room and down a winding corridor. Kate wasn't exactly sure where they were going, but she didn't question the little girl. She knew that it was important to Beth, so she would go along with her.
They finally arrived at a brightly decorated door. It had been painted in all bright colors. Across the door it was written, "The Club" and Beth told Kate, "Open the door."
Kate did as she was asked and when she opened the door she saw the most beautifully decorated room ever. The wall was decorated with all of the Winnie The Pooh characters and across the wall was written, "Welcome To Pooh Corner"
To say that she was amazed would be an understatement. She saw that there were a few toys scattered around the floor, but for the most part, it was simply a happy place. A place that was so different from the rest of the hospital. It was definitely a happy place.
Kate asked, "Is this where you want to bring him?"
Beth nodded, "The rest of the gang is going to come here later today. They are getting everything ready for him."
Kate wanted to ask so many questions, but decided that they would wait for later. She simply said, "I think he will like this."
Beth brightened and told Kate, "He will. He can come here whenever he wants. When the chemo gets to be too much. We don't have a lot of toys, but he's welcome to play with whatever we do have. We have a tv in that corner over there and some DVD's."
Kate smiled at the little girl. Then she took her hand and told Beth, "Would you like to go back and sit with Noah? At least until the rest of the kids get here later."
Beth nodded and ran over to the counter and grabbed a small stuffed animal from behind it. Kate decided right then and there that she was going to do something for these kids and this place. It needed more toys and games.
She took Beth's hand and they walked back to Noah's room. Kate smiled when she heard laughter coming from inside the room. She knew that the coming weeks were going to be hard on her son. And laughter was going to be hard to come by. She wanted to make sure that he had reasons to smile and she had a feeling that it would start with Beth and the amazing club she'd seen downstairs...