Java Café

Today was a very big day for Noah and Luke as they were at the Java Café waiting for someone to show up. Who is that person you ask? A woman named Cheryl wanted to meet with Luke and Noah to discuss possible adoption with the two men. She was pregnant with her own child, a little boy, and she was due in only a couple of months but anything could happen. With Tom's help and being the lawyer for this adoption case, he was able to locate Cheryl with the help of a Private Investigator and found out she lives in Oakdale. So after she was contacted thanks to the adoption agency, Luke and Noah wanted to set up a meeting with her so they can meet face to face and discuss everything about the adoption. They were nervous as they didn't know that much about her, but from what Tom's private investigator found, she was good to go and had no big issues. There weren't any numerous crimes or anything that was damaging of her reputation, the woman was actually clean. But they had to be sure from meeting with Cheryl that she has a good heart, that she knows what's right for this child and that this child will be treated with a lot of love. Sitting at the table together, Noah was looking at the news on his phone before noticing his husband staring at the window.

Noah - "Are you alright babe?"

Luke - "Actually no Noah It feels like almost forever since we got here and Cheryl hasn't shown her face.. How long is she going to take?"

Noah - "Noah, she'll be here, I have a lot of faith that this will turn out for the best"

Luke - "I wish I could share the same sentiment but I got a feeling this may fall flat on our faces"

Noah shook his head and chuckled a bit.

Noah - "Luke, we got this in the bag. After we meet with her Tom is going to make sure that it's all legal, he'll come up with the paperwork and the rest will be signed, sealed, even delivered"

Luke looks over at Noah and starts to nod his head, believing some of what Noah said. The waitress walks up to them and asks them if they need anything since they earlier ordered coffee including some sweets. Telling her no, the waitress nods and leaves the two alone.

Luke - "Maybe you are right but remember...this is Oakdale, not Los Angeles. Anything is possible?"

Noah - "I know Luke, we just need to be positive on this. Tom told us Cheryl's record is clean, and there is no major tarnish on it too, so there is nothing to worry about"

Luke - "And look what has been going on...the people, not all but some were maniacs and it took my mom and Holden to protect me from him"

Noah - "You think Cheryl is going to turn into a maniac?"

Luke - "No...of course not...I just don't want this opportunity to blow up in our faces"

Noah puts his phone down and slowly places his hand on his husband's hand. Luke catches his husband's gaze on him who smiles at Luke, as he can tell Luke has his own doubts about this.

Noah - "Growing up Luke, I was taught to always take a chance on certain things. Our relationship is the one we mostly took a chance on...it couldn't have paid off if our love wasn't real but it was. Everything else after that...well..."

Luke - "Because of me"

Noah - "Because of me too...it takes two to tango remember?

Luke - "You make a good point there Noah, I just want this to work for us. Ten years ago I didn't expect to be in this position after Oliver died and it just...it just feels too perfect right now"

Noah - "I know, we just need to take advantage of this opportunity. Everything we'll have is in the palm in of our hands and we can make it happen"

Cheryl - "Excuse me? Are you Noah and Luke?"

Noah and Luke look up to see a pregnant Cheryl, a brunette woman as her pregnant belly was underneath the shirt and the jacket she wore. Cheryl was a beautiful woman and her being pregnant made Cheryl look radiant, like she's growing.

Noah - "Hi, are you Cheryl? Cheryl Banks?"

Cheryl - "Yes I am...are you Noah Foster and Luke Snyder?"

Both men nod their heads as Cheryl smiles, seeing them stand up to shake her hand. Luke was more relieved than ever now that she showed up as those doubts started to go away.

Noah - "Hi Cheryl, it's nice to meet you. Take a seat"

Luke - "Would you like anything to drink or eat since you just got here?"

Cheryl shakes their hands before shaking her head and sitting down.

Cheryl - "No thank you, I had breakfast this morning already before coming here. Maybe some water wouldn't hurt"

Luke - "Of course and don't worry, it's on me"

Cheryl - *Smiles* "Thank you Luke, that is very sweet of you"

Noah - "So what made you decide to come to us today for the adoption?"

Cheryl - "Well, as much as having a child is a great experience for me so far, I look around sometimes and notice those who are not in a relationship, single or not. They're lives are empty and they don't have anything to fill the empty void in their lives, something to bring them joy...when I looked you guys up...something was empty in your void so here I am"

Noah - "The two of us want to have a child so so bad Cheryl"

Luke - "We did get married almost ten years ago but we want to adopt the child you'll be giving birth too"

Noah - "Luke is right, were ready to go through the next phase of life together and this time with a child, it will make us more responsible"

Cheryl - "That, I can tell, tell me more about yourselves"

Noah and Luke smiled before telling Cheryl their story of how they got together and what defines their love. So far the conversation between the three was in a good start, there was no yelling, screaming, going back and forth, even no differences on issues. Noah and Luke were no threat to Cheryl and vice versa but at the end of the day the little boy in her pregnant stomach matters. Everyone in this world deserves a chance to be a parent and so did Luke and Noah, but for Luke he wondered if he was still with Reid, would he want to raise a child with Luke? Luke thinks Reid would have made a great father to their children that they adopted. Of course, since Reid was a neurosurgeon, it would be hard for him to parent a child but Luke got the feeling the man will make the time matter. A lot of people in Oakdale, including some of Luke's other friends thought that Reid and Luke were robbed of having the chance to be married, to raise their own family but Luke now was happy. His life with Noah was picking up and they were turning the page to be parents to this little boy.

Hughes, Lowell & Associates

Peter Lowell, a colleague of Tom Hughes and a lawyer at their law firm, was in his office while looking over important documents from his folder. Today he was meeting up with Casey and Allison including the woman he found, for adopting a child, so the man knew what he was getting himself into. The man has been a part of so many cases in his life, even when he was in law school Peter understood the basics of cases, including adoption cases. Everything had to be legal and everything had to be just right for Casey and Alison. This woman that Peter found was a good match for Casey and Alison as she didn't have any bad record which is a good sign. His father was once a judge for many cases and the one thing Peter learned is, you can never take your eyes on the prize. Feelings and emotions are two things you don't want when you are in a case, that only happens if someone you care about is on the stand, someone you've known for so long. Peter knew who Casey and Alison were when Tom introduced them to him during a special occasion and found them to be very respectful. His phone starts to ring as Tom picks it up and places it near his ear.

Peter - "Yes? They're here? Great...send them in"

Peter ends the call and gets up from his desk before the door to his office opens, then Casey and Alison come in. He smiles before walking up to them and shaking their hands, glad to see they're doing well.

Peter - "Casey, Alison, make yourselves welcome and have a seat. It is good to see you"

Casey - "Hey Peter"

Alison - "Hello Peter, thanks for taking this time to meet us"

Peter - "No problem at all, have a seat, we have a lot to discuss and a lot to go over"

Casey and Alison sat down in the two seats that were close to his desk. Peter gathered the documents before he sat down at his desk.

Peter - "Good news, I found the perfect candidate for the adoption"

Casey - "You did?"

Peter - "Correct"

Casey - "That's awesome Peter...do you know who it is?"

Peter - "Yes I do...her name is Arable Lansing. A woman in her mid 20's, around twenty eight years old and she is in good condition"

Alison - "What about her history?"

Casey - "Yeah...is it good or bad for Arable?"

Peter - "It's all good and she doesn't have any crimes or any major blind spots on her record"

Alison - "Wonderful...when do we get to meet Arable?"

Peter - "Actually she is on her way to the firm"

Casey - "So were going to meet her today?"

Peter - "Yes we will. You two will be able to meet her and get to know the young lady, then you two can tell me what you think"

Peter's phone rings once again and he picks it up, hearing from his receptionist that it was the woman they were all meeting with today .

Peter - "Yes...she's here...alright, send her in...thank you"

Peter puts the phone down again as himself, Casey and Alison hear the door open as the three of them stand up. Arable, a blonde haired pregnant woman comes into the office before Peter walks up to shake her hand.

Arable - "Hello everyone"

Peter - "Hello Arabel, I am Peter Lowell, the lawyer who is handling the case I like you to meet the couple who wants to adopt your child...this is Casey Hughes and his wife Alison Stewart Hughes"

Casey and Alison stand up to introduce themselves.

Casey - "Hello, I am Casey Hughes"

Alison - "And I am Alison Stewart Hughes"

Arable - "Hi, nice to meet the two of you"

Arable shakes both of their hands before she sits down in a chair to make herself comfortable. The one good thing Casey, Alison and Peter can all see was that she's healthy and the child was also in stable condition.

Peter - "Have a seat everyone. Arable, would you like something to drink?"

Arable shakes her head.

Arable - "No Peter, I am fine but thank you for asking"

Casey, Alison and Peter all sit down before moving forward.

Peter - "So Arable, what made you decided to come here today"

Arable - "A lot of things, I want to make sure this child is protected and loved by two people who will make sure the child has the best care possible"

Casey - "And that's where we come in Arable, we'll do the best we can to make sure this child is taken care of for sure"

Alison - "Casey is right, everything about a child is so special as it makes you want to know the experience of parenthood"

Peter - "Tell us more about yourself"

Arable continues to talk to Casey and Alison on herself including other things, even why she wants to give the child to them. Most of the reasons she mentioned to them were honest, sincere and she really meant it. She told them at first she wanted to actually abort the child because Arable felt this child didn't deserve to be a part of this cruel world that we live in. But at the same time she felt this child didn't deserve to die or be eliminated for no reason, as the child deserves to grow up in a world that will offer her opportunities like never before. Her being pregnant was unexpected and she didn't want to have a child, not when she was still young and has a long bright future ahead of herself. The child doesn't need to be brought up with parents who have no respect for the little one. Casey and Alison were impressed and liked how much Arable spoke of her life and what she wants for the child. It was like their dreams were coming true as for Alison, the one shot for her to be a mother was ripped away from her a long time ago thanks to you know who. Even if he was to blame, Alison could have made better choices like the one she made by marrying Casey, then deciding to start their own family.

The Lakeview Hotel

Once his workout was complete in the hotel gym, Simon grabbed the towel he used and wiped the sweat off of his face. Taking a sip of the water bottle he brought from his room, the man closed his eyes and sighed, remembering the other day when he found out the news about him having a brain tumor. Hell yeah it sucked, he didn't like it, but the man wasn't going to cry or complain, he was going to fight this. Earlier today the man had an appointment at Memorial for chemotherapy, but this was going to take a toll on his health, Simon can take it. He hoped that it wasn't too late for him as the man went to his room to take a shower. When Simon was finished, he got dressed up before leaving his room. Using the elevator the man goes to the lobby and heads to the diner section of the hotel for breakfast. The man always made sure to eat his breakfast after he works out, but maybe it would calm some of the nerves Simon had about the chemotherapy. Maybe some support would work out so he'll call Katie or Henry to see what's going on with them, his thoughts are interrupted when he bumps into Lucinda.

Simon - "Oh...I am so sorry about that ma'am"

Lucinda - "Maybe next time you should...Simon Fraser?"

Simon - *smiles* "Miss Lucinda Walsh...it's nice to see you again, good morning"

Lucinda - "Good morning to you as well Mister Fraser. I've heard a lot about your latest adventures, I hope you're little friend is done hurting the people I care about"

Simon - "He's in lock up right now and still stewing over it, not that I care but he's going to be expedited to Australia. You and Oakdale won't have him to see him anymore"

Lucinda - "I hope you're right Simon, but anyway, are you on your way out of Oakdale?"

Simon - "Not yet ...I got some unfinished business to take care of. Before leaving the hotel I was about to have breakfast until I bumped into you"

Lucinda - "So was I. John of course is on his shift at the hospital so I guess I am all by myself...unless you would like to join me?"

Simon nodded his head a little bit and shrugged his shoulders before he smiled. He could use some company since today was a big one for him, but should he tell Lucinda?

Simon - "That works for me, I could always use the company"

Lucinda - "Shall we?"

Lucinda and Simon go to the dining area as a waiter guides them to a table. They both sit down at the table and are given menus for the two. For Lucinda, who once had cancer, maybe Simon could get advice from her on how to deal with a sickness even when his condition was different. Ordering what they wanted to drink, the waiter nodded before they started to look into the menus.

Lucinda - "So, what are you planning for today?"

Simon weakly chuckled.

Simon - "Well it's...funny now that you've asked it...I got an appointment today at Memorial"

Lucinda - "Oh? Hopefully that little adventure you had with the group didn't completely worn you out"

Simon - "It didn't...but that's not the reason why...I got a brain tumor"

Lucinda gasped after Simon told her what she didn't want to hear. A brain tumor? Now that took her by surprise and from the look on Simon's face, the man wasn't lying to her.

Lucinda - "You have a brain tumor?"

Simon nods, not happy to tell her but he had to open up to someone. At least with Lucinda it would be straightforward and no BS, she wasn't going to hold back.

Simon - "Yes I do...I found out after we came back from Avayanna...just the way Susan told me this Lucinda...I just don't know what to do"

Lucinda - "Is there chemotherapy?"

Simon - "Yes there is but it may not be enough...I only got six to seven months to live"

Lucinda's hand flew to her mouth in shock and sadness. This young man was starting to go through his own process due to the brain tumor he has, how could this happen to Simon?

Lucinda - "You poor thing...how do you feel about it?"

Simon - "How do I feel?"

Lucinda - "Yes...and be honest my dear...this is Lucinda Walsh you are talking too"

Simon took a deep breath and thought of what to say. He wasn't planning on Bsing Lucinda or making stuff up, that would be just cruel.

Simon - "Honestly...I have been through a lot over the years...the action, the adventure, the enjoyment of it all...the thrill of the chase. And now...now a brain tumor is going to be the end of my life...I am scared. I don't even know what's going to happen next"

Lucinda puts her hand on top of Simon as she looks at him sympathetically. She could tell that Simon may be cool on the outside but on the inside, he's freaking out, like he was about to crack.

Lucinda - It's okay to be afraid Simon, all of us in this town and in this world, were all afraid"

Simon - "You went through cancer once Lucinda, it was never easy for you"

Lucinda - "You're right...it wasn't...going to those appointments and the chemotherapy, it was like going through hell. But I couldn't give up Simon...that's not my DNA"

Simon - *Smirks* You're too stubborn to die aren't you?"

Lucinda- "I'm Lucinda Walsh honey, it's going to take more than cancer to destroy me Fraser, just remember"

Simon nodded and grinned before the waiter came back to get their orders, but Simon was already at ease from listening to Lucinda. Talking to her, Simon felt even safer than speaking to a stranger about this. Someone who didn't understand what it's like to have a brain tumor, cancer, or any kind of disease was in denial. Simon never took anything for granted in his life later on when he experienced the highs and the lows with Katie, his other ladies, etc but this, this was something he didn't see coming. But then again, the man was fit, healthy and full of life, you can be all of those kinds of things in any way, shape or forum. Life had a crappy way of throwing it right back in your face the harsh way, and Simon is getting a taste of it for sure. He could learn something from this, that you don't just sit back and cry, bitch or complain, you have to move forward before having a plan. Kicking this brain tumor's ass was Simon's plan, taking every action, every choice that's available, as he'll be damned to go down like this. There was no way Simon was losing to this brain tumor, that you can believe.

Java Café

Luke and Noah from talking to Cheryl could see that the young woman has a great heart. She wanted to make sure that the two men continue to give her child a steady and safe upbringing when they go back to California. It sounded like everything between Luke and Noah was going to be complete, and the heartache would go away from Luke's perspective. Life with Noah seemed impossible when other things came into the picture including Oliver Reid. That man was always on his mind when he would be in the hospital for a doctors appointment and imagined Oliver being there with him or walking down the hallways of a hospital. Olivier would be so proud of Luke for being a father, even proud for him to move on with his life and be happy with Noah. Oliver and Noah never had any hard feelings towards each other. Noah backed off to give Luke space to grieve for Oliver but Noah waited for him in California. And Noah was glad when Luke left Oakdale and joined him as the rest was history. But now as they were back in Oakdale for this adoption and making sure they see it through with Cheryl.

Noah - "You know Cheryl, I am glad we're having this one on one. I believe we both know how important this is"

Cheryl - "Of course, there is no doubt in my mind from just talking to you both that you want this. Is there anything else I need to know before moving forward?"

Noah and Luke thought about it before looking at each other then shaking their heads. They went through every single thing the three have discussed, so that was it right?

Noah - "No, not really, Luke?"

Luke - "Nothing on my end"

Cheryl - "Good because I don't want this child to be harmed or get hurt. I am not saying you two would hurt him...it's just the town of Oakdale"

Luke and Noah were confused.

Noah - "What do you mean?"

Cheryl - "Some of the people, well most of them have dangerous personalities like Paul Ryan or Emily Stewart Ryan, his wife...I mean are you guys friends with them?"

Noah - "Were not that close with them if that is what you think"

Luke - "Yes, especially Paul Ryan, the man makes my skin crawl from time to time"

Cheryl - "I was just asking, some people in this town are rotten to the core and I don't want this child affiliated with them"

Noah - "Cheryl, they have their own families and I am pretty sure they don't care that much about us"

Luke - "We are close and are friends with other people though. The Hughes is one of them and they've been supported us too"

Noah - "I'm close with the Snyder's too thanks to my relationship with Luke"

Cheryl - "Sounds like the two of you aren't alone throughout all of this"

Luke - "And neither would we, family is everything"

Noah - "I mean without them, what are any of us really? Being in this world would be challenging with no loved ones"

Cheryl - "Right. I have family myself who live in Oakdale but we make sure not to air our business out in front street"

Luke - *Chuckles* "Yeah, about that...some people in town love to have the attention on themselves"

Cheryl - "Well I should be going"

Cheryl stands up from the table along with Noah and Luke. With today's conversation over, she was more confident in where things were heading.

Cheryl - "It was nice meeting the two of you today, you guys are really good people and I know this child will be in good care"

Noah - "Likewise, you're a good person as well. You've done a lot of good to stay healthy and make sure the baby is taken care of"

Luke - "If anything happens let us know, here's my phone number"

Noah - "Here's my phone number as well"

Luke and Noah both show Cheryl their phone numbers before Cheryl puts them in her phone address book section.

Cheryl - "Alright, all set. And I take it your lawyer Mister Hughes will be in contact with me at some point?"

Noah - "Yes, he is one of the best lawyers in the town and the guy won't let you down"

Luke - "Noah is right, if you need anything on a legal standpoint call him"

Cheryl - "I will, see you both later"

Cheryl leaves the Java Café as Luke and Noah watch her walk out and when she is no longer seen, the two men embrace each other. They were so happy with joy after how this day has gone.

Luke - "I can't believe all of that happened with Cheryl"

Noah - "And it did...were going to adopt this child Luke. All of our dreams will come true"

Luke - "You're right, I believe this adoption will go through and then we'll be parents"

Noah - "Now...how about we go back to our suite, spend alone time together?"

Luke - *Smile* "I love it..let's go"

Noah pays for what they had at the cafe today before leaving the cafe together, hand in hand to the car. Heading to the Lakeview Hotel together where they were staying, new beginnings were already happening for the two men. From lovers, to being married, they're going to be parents by adopting Cheryl's baby boy who will be coming out at some point this year from their conversation. This is what Luke and Noah always wanted from the start of their historic love, they knew that there were a lot of challenges, a lot of obstacles to overcome. When they thought it was all over due to controversy in the past, Noah came back during a difficult time for Luke after losing Oliver and that helped Luke heal in time;. Losing Oliver was such a blow for Luke as he thought about the future between himself and the doctor, but him being happy and in love with Noah was something Oliver wanted in the end. A child is going to be challenging to raise but with the love and guidance that Luke and Noah learned from so many families in this town, they're ready.

Hughes, Lowell & Associates

Watching Casey and Alison and Arable talk to one another in well thought conversation of this adoption made Peter smile. The past couple of adoption cases he has handled became very contentious and almost sickening to the point, where those who were fighting for adoption would resort to low tactics. He or she would go around and dig up dirt that Peter never knew of since the Private Investigator who works for the firm gave him all the information. It was info Peter needed on the parents who want to adopt the child or the mother giving birth to the child. But this time around, Peter felt there was none of that as he sat in his office, seeing the three people continue to talk things out. Peter wondered how Tom's adoption case was going between Luke, Noah, and the woman that they're meeting with today. From the last time both Tom and Peter spoke to one another the other day at lunch, Peter could tell that Tom was proud of him for how he was handling the adoption case. The day he came into Tom's law firm nine to ten years ago as a relative of the Lowell family, Tom could see the potential in Peter including the promise of him.

Arable - "The two of you are really good people and I can see that this child will have a lot of support growing up"

Casey - "Thank you Arable, Alison and I have had a lot of issues of trying to have a child together. But this...this moment is huge for us"

Alison - "He's right, and we know just from talking to you that you're doing the right thing for the child's best interest at heart"

Arable - "I appreciate it, many families or couples don't get this opportunity while it falls flat due to interference from others who make it impossible"

Casey - "And we can guarantee you Arable, there will be no interference from anyone who will get in between us for the adoption"

Alison - "He is right Arable. No one in our families, friends...none of them is going to make trouble for this and neither should they"

Peter - "If that happens Arable please contact me, you have my number so just call so we can meet again. That way you can tell me and we'll take it from there"

Alison - "Or if it happens to us Peter?"

Peter - "Same thing, contact me immediately and we'll discuss what we do moving forward"

Arable - "I should be getting home but it was nice meeting the two of you. I'll be attending an appointment at Memorial in a couple of weeks, would you two like to come to the appointment?"

Alison and Casey smile before they along with Arable and Peter start to stand up. Arable was really giving Casey and Alison the chance of a lifetime, so they weren't going to refuse

Casey - "That would be a capital Y-E-S, of course we would like to attend"

Alison - "I agree, you should contact us when it happens. Do you have our phone numbers?"

Arable - "No I do not but I can show you mines and you can show me your phone numbers"

Casey - "That works"

Alison and Casey show Arable their phone numbers as Arable puts the numbers in before she finishes.

Arable - "There, all done but it was nice meeting you all. Have a great day"

Peter - "Let me walk you to the door on your way out but it was great seeing you today Arable"

Casey - "See you next time Arable"

Alison - "Bye Arable, nice meeting you"

Arable leaves the office as Peter leads her out the door before he comes back inside satisfied. There were not hitches, not mess ups, nothing damaging or the conversation going sour which is good thing..

Peter - "Well...that was great, wasn't it?"

Casey - "Yeah, everything went so smooth and there wasn't a hiccup"

Alison - "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Casey - "What do you mean?"

Alison frowned and knew she shouldn't bring this up but at the same time but it was necessary to get it out of the way. It was better to also get

Alison - "I mean...yes, Arable is a very nice person and she would not harm the child but something may happen to prevent the entire adoption"

Peter - "Alison, I double checked her record when my PI investigated her, the record is clean"

Casey - "I'm with Peter, I think she's fine but let's not be too negative okay?"

Alison - "I'm sorry guys, I just want the adoption to go through so that we can adopt the child and move forward"

Casey caresses Alison's face with his hand, almost causing a shiver to where Alison would never get tired of these days. Casey's warmth and the way he spoke to her, the way he held her in his arms or whenever they laughed, that's Casey's doing

Casey - "Me too but you know the process Alison, I believe that we'll get to be there once he or she is delivered by one of the doctors and we'll also get to hold him"

Peter - "Not only that but sign the official paperwork once the birth is over. Arable will sign the paperwork to make it completely official. If you guys excuse me I need to get ready for a case I have tomorrow"

Casey - "Sure Peter, thanks for everything man, we appreciate it"

Alison - "Yes, thank you so much Peter, please call us if anything changes. Have a great day"

Casey and Alison leave the office and the law firm all over together happy, excited, awestruck of how this day turned out for them. For Alison she always wanted to be a mother the day she became pregnant and this was without Casey, after they went through the bad break up, but the moment it was all taken away form her, she felt there was nothing that can be done to have a child again. Even when they got back together, even getting married, they tried so many times but nothing happened. Now with adoption, it wasn't the same because you didn't have to worry about going through the motions again each and every time, another woman was going to have the chance to give birth and to give the couple the child they always wanted. They didn't care about the gender, as long as the child was okay and healthy, that's all that matters. For Peter, as he got ready for his next case, the man wasn't ashamed or felt guilty of what he's doing. Even if you are guilty as sin, Peter will do what he can to help but at the end of the day, it's all up to the law to figure everything out.

The Lake view Hotel

When they made their orders earlier for breakfast, Simon and Lucinda continued talking to each other as Simon never felt alone anymore. Now of course he had his friends and those he considered in Oakdale as family but by not being alone anymore, it meant that he gained a new ally in Lucinda, based upon their own tragedies when it came to medical issues. Lucinda never thought she would still be around to this very day, and for Lucinda to think that during her cancer situation was insane. Lucinda Walsh was a powerhouse, someone who loved to be in control, but life was the one who gave her a swift kick in the ass. The experience of going through those appointments, chemotherapy and everything else was hell for Lucinda but at the end of the day it was all worth it. Now it was Simon's turn to make sure that he knew what he's getting himself into. His pathway of kicking this brain tumor's ass was now his main focus and Simon's going to win. Continuing to eat his breakfast, Simon swallowed the bite he ate along with taking a sip of the orange juice.

Simon - "You know Lucinda, thanks to you...I am feeling much better despite having some more worries but they're slowly going away"

Lucinda - "I am glad they are, at the end of the day it's up to you to decide what you want to do. Going through with the appointments and the chemo therapies is not easy, but something you shouldn't regret"

Simon - "And I won't, the chemotherapy is going to kick my ass Lucinda. That's what I do know"

Lucinda - "Just remember to take it easy and don't rush into anything. I know you're still that thrill seeker Simon but you're health comes first"

Simon - "You know something, you are right but if I just sit around the place and do nothing, growing restless is what I will go through"

Lucinda - "Are you staying here for the long run?"

Simon - "After I destroy this brain tumor's ass...that's what I am going to do"

Lucinda - "Good, what about after that?"

Simon - "I am heading back to Australia when its all said and done. Hopefully when I get back in time with Donovan's soon to be expedition trail, I can get a front row seat"

Simon's cell phone rings as he takes it out before looking at the caller ID and it was an important one.

Simon - "Excuse me Lucinda, I need to take this"

Lucinda - "Of course, take all the time you need"

Simon gets up from his seat and leaves the dining section before telling the waiter and another staffer that he would be back. Going into the lobby, Simon puts the phone near to his ear.

Simon - "Hello...yes this is Simon Fraser...what? It expired? How?"

Simon heard whoever spoke to him on the phone and he sighed. It was obvious that there were some issues with something that belonged to him in the first place. But how was all of this so possible?

Simon - "Alright alright...I understand and I get it...thank you for telling me though...I know what to do moving forward. Goodbye"

Simon ended the call and shook his head. What was that all about? Going back to the diner section and to his table he shares with Lucinda before sitting down. He was in disbelief and shock at the same time, and it was written all over his face.

Simon - "Sorry if that took so long"

Lucinda - "No worries, hopefully everything else is okay and you don't have to go through more heartache"

Simon - "Yes and no. Looks like I am staying in Oakdale a little while longer"

Lucinda - "What do you mean?"

Simon - "I got off the phone with the agency who handles passports and visa's. One of them told me my visa expired"

Lucinda - "Expired?"

Simon nods.

Simon - "Yes, strangely enough it has expired. I thought I had a couple of more months left, it's supposed to expire in February"

Lucinda - "And it expired now?"

Simon - "Yes ma'am"

Lucinda - "That's strange, but I wouldn't worry about it too much Simon. Right now you have more bigger fish to fry"

Simon nods and looks at his watch. The time was now for him to put up or shut up to stay the very least, so he couldn't waste any more time.

Simon - "Speaking of that bigger fish to fry I got to head to my appointment. But it was nice speaking with you Lucinda...I enjoyed our conversation"

Lucinda - "Thank you Simon and I wish you the best with your chemotherapy. Take this one step at time my dear"

Simon - "I will and if you see Lilly, tell her I said. Despite coming back to Oakdale, I haven't had a chance to say hello to her"

Lucinda - "Will do Simon. And don't worry about the check darling, it's all on me. You go on to your appointment I will"

Simon, after finishing up and eating his breakfast wipes his mouth to get up from the table, giving Lucinda a kiss cheek on the before stand up and making sure has everything with him. Leaving the table and the diner section of the hotel, the man leaves the building before going to his car that was brought thanks to the valet. Getting inside of it, the valet person gives him the keys as Simon starts up the car before driving towards the hospital, confident and calm for his first appointment. His talk with Lucinda may have evaporated his fears at first but one thing was in the back of his mind, actually one person in Katie. She would be devastated to know that the appointments, the chemotherapy appointments didn't do any good. He knew she was pulling for him and wondered if she was going to show up. Maybe Henry would show up too, the more support for Simon, the better, right? Arriving at the hospital, Simon pulls up to the parking lot and parks his car before he got out. Taking a deep breath, Simon makes sure that he has everything with him again before not wasting anytime, then goes the hospital.

END OF EPISODE 20