Chapter 24

Gem walked into the bathroom, knowing she is fully well rested today. Well, she needed to before she starts her night shift, but after what has happened last night, she was terrified. Too scared to leave the two on their own after what has happened. What if something was to happen and she wasn't around to help?

Once the door opened, she noticed that the bottle of mouthwash was nearly empty. Gem knew she hadn't used mouthwash from the bottle which Lily and Iain weirdly share, so were the two really terrified to let the other inhale the traces of vomit? Was that why the bottle was close to empty?

Gem peered out the bathroom, watching as Lily and Iain have lunch. Well, apparently their stomachs couldn't manage anything heavy, so the two are just sticking to lighter foods. Hence why the pair were having toast for both breakfast and lunch. They could also be having toast for dinner as well, which terrifies Gem. It's a typical Thursday now. One of them has even been doing this to support the other after a day of sickness.

What can she do to help the two?

Gem didn't know what to do!

Carefully, she put on a jacket and decided to walk outside. She needed to go somewhere!

Anywhere!

Ethan looked confused at the scene. Where was Sam taking him to spend time with her cousins? Did he really trust her with this judgement? Were her cousins planning to bump her off, so she brought Ethan with her to provide a witness?

Ethan looked around, there were splashes of red, blue, pink, green, yellow and orange all over a shiny and rusty metal wall. Looking at the branches, Ethan soon realised where Sam Nicholls has taken him.

"Paintball?" he looked at her, "Sounds painful."

"You won't get shot," Sam winked at him, "One hit, you're out of the game. We're not going to get shot."

"Really?" Ethan looked at her.

"You haven't seen the Big Bang Theory?" Sam looked at him, "It's a team session. I remembered Iain taking Lily one day, that was fun!"

"Lily's been here?" Ethan asked shocked, "Poor thing, they didn't go easy on her, did they?"

"We didn't need to," Sam laughed, "She took us all out with one go."

"That was why you should never judge a book by its cover," Ethan smiled at her, "So is it us against everyone else?"

"No," Sam smiled, "We've got the entire place to ourselves," Sam sighed, "I'll be honest, Danny suggested this one hour ago."

"That's why you've been nervous," Ethan smiled, "You'd think I wouldn't want to go."

"If you want to sit and watch that's fine," Sam smiled.

"No, I'll do it," Ethan answered back, "If Dr Chao was able to take out an army, let's see what I can do!"

Lily could picture the feeling.

Holding on to the handles as she felt the speed boat pulling her at a high speed. All she could do at the time being was to maintain her balance, she wasn't advanced enough to try out tricks. The main aim for her was to hold long longer than Iain could. The time Iain took to maintain his balance for water-skiing was two minutes and forty-two seconds.

Looking at the port, she could swear blind he's been just as competitive as she is. After all, she beat him during a swimming race, and he's beaten her at volleyball. If she loses this, she'll never hear the end of it.

Besides, they were playing for the ultimate prize…bragging rights for the night!

Lily suddenly saw Iain's face fell. Yes! She held out longer than he could have done!

"Lily?"

Suddenly the vision became clearer. The wind wasn't hitting her face and she wasn't basking in the warm sunlight. Nor she was holding onto a set of handles, more like an empty plate. Trust her to choose today to borrow Iain's goggles to try out water-skiing to get a taste of the experience.

"I'll return them," Lily smiled, taking them off, "I've held on longer than you could anyway."

"Yeah right," Iain snorted, "You couldn't last just as long as I could."

"I can dream and live the experience," Lily smirked at him.

"We'll see," Iain glared at her, placing the toast on the table, "Feeling better after last night?"

"Oh God," Lily gasped, "You've smelt the vomit? I thought I got rid of the last of the trace!"

"What?" Iain looked at her, "I felt bad after believing you smelt the vomit on my breath. We've both been sick?"

Lily looked at the toast. They knew there was a chance they would both be sick from chemotherapy but still, the feeling was a shock. How have the two of them not prepared themselves for the worst-case scenario?

Gem looked around her, feeling more lost than ever. Finding a nearby bench, she moved herself before lowering herself down. Why is she struggling to take her mind off everything that has happened?

Gem felt the first drop of water leaving her eyes. She's been trying to hold on to help Iain and Lily feel better, but she's finding it hard. There's no way she can cope. Everyone will assume and think horrible thoughts about her. She felt helpless, everyone is expecting her to look after Iain and Lily and put her life on hold for them…but in all honesty, she just wished the cancer would go away.

She just wants things to be normal again.

"Gem?"

She looked up to notice her. Mrs Chao was looking over her.

"Mrs Chao," Gem wiped the tear away from her eyes, "Sorry, I should be resting for work tonight."

"You don't look as if you should be going to work," she sighed, joining her on the bench, "Why don't you call in sick? I'm sure your manager won't mind."

"But then I won't get paid, then we could lose our home, and then Iain and Lily would get worst," Gem muttered.

"Hey okay," Li-Na took her hand, "Shh. What if I call your boss, explain the situation? The first person you need to look after is yourself. After that, why don't I take you for coffee? My treat?"

"I'm sorry," Gem stood up, "I can't."

Li-Na watched as Gem walked away from her and ran as fast as she could. She felt helpless, how is this young lady is supposed to look after people at work, when she is unable to let her emotions out?

There must be something she can do to help her. But how?

Li-Na knew where she needed to go and who could help Gem.

Jan had been looking at the social media page, wondering how much she should be prying into Melody's page. Weighing the pros and cons regarding sending a message, feeling as if she had waited too long. Way too long. Ten years to be precise. What could she say to say sorry for all those years?

Hitting the home page, she was not yet ready to talk to Melody. In fact, Jan doesn't think she'll ever be ready to talk to Melody. Ever.

She's too much like George, she'll probably even want to talk about him.

Jan isn't sure if she should at least talk to Melody's mother first. Maybe explain why she stayed away for so long.

Like Jessica would forgive her for being away all those years.

Jan turned to the sky, she wondered what heaven was like and wondered if George would be up to up there. Is he having the time of his life? Or is he sad that his death had left a black hole in the family.

She isn't sure.

"Sam! You've made it!"

Ethan took a good look at these two men who embraced Sam. They must be her cousins. The first cousin had brunette hair shaped into his face. The second guy had a spiky look with a colour which matches Sam's. He can easily tell that the three of them are related, they look so alike.

"I wouldn't miss this opportunity," Sam broke free from the embrace, "Ethan, this is Robbie and Daniel. Robbie, Daniel, this is my friend Ethan. He's going to help us, but this is his first time."

"So, this is the guy you're banging on about?" the brunette guy, Robbie teased, "Funny, I thought you said the guy's name was Cal."

"Shut up!" Sam warned him.

Ethan smirked at Robbie's comment. So, Sam had mentioned Cal to her family. He's wondering how much she's mentioned, good or bad. Cal would love to hear this little piece of information.

"Cal's my brother," Ethan explained, "But later, please tell me what she's said. I've been wondering when they'll get together."

"Agreed," Robbie smirked, especially at Sam's death glare, "What? He asked."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Iain asked Lily, "We don't have to."

"No," Lily mentioned, "It felt so painful, I felt uneasy during the chemo. I knew at some point I was going to feel the pain. Being sick, it made the pain go away. When I woke up, I found that I turned and knew you must have smelt my breath."

"It's been painful," Iain admitted, "The moment I stood up, I felt my stomach raising up."

"When was this?"

"The moment the nurse said that they'll see us next week."

Lily didn't want to admit this, but it felt nice being able to talk about this. This was the first time this happened to them, but now they know it may not be the last time as well. It made the situation feel a lot more comfortable now that they're talking about it. Lily was worried that Iain would feel terrified for her but now there's nothing to fear. This is now something they will have to get used to.

"You okay?" Iain asked her, "I can get you something."

"I think we may need to talk to the nurse about another anti-sickness drug," Lily sighed, taking the grey woolly hat off, "Hopefully it'll work. I think we woke Gem last night."

Jan was about to grab her coat when she saw Gem out the window. It looked as if she was in a hurry to get away from something. What can she run away from, she heard people saying she was working the night shift?

Jan quickly opened the café door determined not to let Gem out of her sight.

"Gem!" she called, attracting Gem's attention, causing her to turn around, "Why are you running?"

Jan took in Gem's posture; it didn't look still at all. Her hands looked unsteady; Jan was thankful that Gem wasn't holding anything. Her hair was tied up, but it looked as if she rushed her hair as it didn't look properly brushed. But the main concern for Jan were Gem's eyes, appearing as pink as her rosy cheeks. It was clear something has been bothering her, it can't have anything to do with Iain. Or Lily? Or both?

"I don't know what to do," Gem whispered, "What do I do? Say? I feel as if they need me more than ever, and I'm scared I'm going to let them down."

"Gem!" Jan looked past her to see a woman trying to chase up to her, catching up to the two.

"Li-Na," Gem turned to her, "I'm sorry, but I can't afford to take time off. What will Iain and Lily say?"

"What will they say if you keep things bottled up?" she asked, noticing Jan, "I take it you know Gem."

"I do," Jan smiled at her, "I work with her brother."

"I'm Li-Na," the woman smiled at her, "Li-Na Chao."

"Jan, Li-Na please don't make me take time off."

"What was on your mind?" Iain asked Lily as he set the two plates of toast on the table.

"You're trying to take my mind off things?"

"Is it working?"

Lily chuckled at his question, talking about unrelated things is helping her out. Maybe, being sick will be a scary process, but Lily knew that this moment will not last forever. There are only four more cycles left of chemotherapy…unless it doesn't work. Then what will happen there?

Will she need more treatment?

Will she feel worse?

Would her survival chances drop?

"Lily?"

"Sorry," Lily took a deep breath, "I don't know. I just keep worrying about what will happen afterwards."

"I know," Iain drew circles on her back with his hand, trying hard to make sure she is relaxed.

Lily closed her eyes after the fifth circle.

The blue ocean was the first thing she envisioned, she noticed the sea was up to her chest, the waves felt refreshing her against the hot sun. She pulled off her snorkel kit, she may not have seen any sea life, but she loved every moment. Trouble is, she can't find Iain anywhere.

Lily then felt something tap her on the shoulder. It felt a little too hard to be water, so she knew who it was. Turning around, she saw Iain smiling at her, before pulling her close to the water and pressing his lips on hers. Once again, Lily felt the heat from the sun.

"Okay," Lily inhaled, then exhaled, "I'm ready to tell you. I've had this vision, I was water-skiing."

"That's good," Iain smiled.

"I turned and then I saw you, only you looked annoyed," Lily smirked at him, "I lasted longer than you did on the skis. I felt so happy, I had the wind in my hair. I had hair. I then lost my balance and fell in the sea, but then you stopped the speed boat and jumped in after me. We ended up kissing in the sea, before you spoiled the moment by splashing me with water, I wasn't letting you get away with that, so we had a splash fight. We then climbed back in the boat and we wrapped up in a towel together."

"That sounds incredible," Iain answered, "Except for a few bits, there is no way you'd last longer than me, and I started the splash fight? If I remember correctly, when we got into that snowball fight a few weeks ago, you were the one who started that."

"That gave you a motive to start the splash fight," Lily pondered, "And of course I would last longer than you. You've always seemed to be leaning onto something."

Iain tried to come up with a point to contradict Lily's argument, but he couldn't contain himself. It was moments like this that he enjoyed. Having a banter with his girlfriend, thinking about the future that the two will have together, then spending the rest of their lives together. Lily suddenly joined in with the laughter, the two couldn't contain themselves.

The moment everyone is told that the battle would be in pairs, Sam decided right away that she would pair up with Ethan to show him the ropes. After ensuring he take some time to practice, he was ready to go in for the kill. The pair of them have already took down seven people, which included two pairs.

Then, they noticed two pairs about to draw fire. Luckily for them, they weren't the targets as the enemy lines are firing up with each other. Perfect! It gave Ethan and Sam an opportunity to hide so they don't notice where they are.

Ethan noticed a brick wall behind them. Motioning to Sam, they held out their guns, ready to protect themselves should anyone is spotted on the other side of the wall. The two motioned to each other, aiming their guns. Once, Sam peered through and saw no one, she looked at Ethan, giving him the thumb up. The two ran to the other side, deciding to take a break.

"How long will it be before someone notices we're hiding?" Ethan asked her.

"Hopefully by the time two of those members are taken out," Sam smiled to him, "Oh by the way, if we come face to face with my cousins, please let me shoot Robbie."

"So nice that you mentioned my brother had dreamy eyes," Ethan smirked at her.

"You're lucky you're on my team," Sam glared at him, "How are you feeling now?"

"Better," Ethan smiled, "I'm glad you came to the coffee shop Sam. I couldn't confide in anyone before with any problems. Not since Lily."

Sam knew this would upset Ethan, knowing why he needed this more than ever. Everyone out there had been treating him like he doesn't have anything stressful to deal with. That there is always someone out there who was going through worst. But no one had asked him how he was feeling.

How did he cope when he found out about the cancer?

How did he cope when he had to break the news that they couldn't go to a party?

How did he cope after what happened yesterday?

"Sorry, I shouldn't be self-pitying," Ethan muttered, "I should be having a good time."

"And I hope you are," Sam placed her hand on Ethan's shoulder, "But please, don't keep things bottled in. The more you hold in, the harder the impact when the bottle breaks."

"Thanks Lily."

That's must be what was troubling Ethan. Every day at work, he always came across stressful patterns, but he had someone to confide to and reassure him that he's doing okay…that someone, is Lily Chao. Would now was for the time being. Ethan must have secretly been praying that Lily will quickly recover from cancer, so that she will come back. And then he'll get his best friend back.

"Sam," Ethan gasped, realising what he just said, called her, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for it to slip out."

"It's alright," Sam smiled, "You miss her, don't you?"

"A little bit," Ethan looked down, "We normally had a few laughs, have study sessions, research projects."

"A doctor's life," Sam laughed.

"Forgot you used to be a doctor," Ethan smiled, "I just pray Lily will be back in work next year. I feel as if I can't say anything without being judged."

Lily felt relaxed and comfortable after she slipped on the borrowed pyjama shirt. Iain never wears his shirt to bed, so Lily knew he wouldn't miss them. She feels better now that she was able to talk about her future with Iain, she can't picture her future without him.

Lily was about to take her hat off, but then she heard music. Eva Cassidy was singing in the sitting room. Walking to the sitting room, she smiled as she saw the furniture moved to one side of the room. The last time Iain moved the furniture, they were shaving their hair together, sharing the loving moment that told them that they were in this together.

"What's this?" she slowly walking up to him.

Iain held his hand out, inviting Lily to take it. Pulling her closer to him, she wrapped her arms around him, feeling her move closer as he wrapped his arms around her waist. A part of her felt as if she looked a mess, but Iain didn't seem to mind a bit. She knew the two of them fit perfectly together. It soon dawned on Lily and Iain that their hands had joined. The moment felt magical between the two of them.

Lily looked up to Iain, she found herself gazing in his eyes as their lips met. Only for a few seconds before the two pressed their foreheads together.

This is just what she needed right now.

Li-Na brought three coffees up to the table. Gem felt terrified about calling in sick to Charlie, he was prepared to give her an opportunity to join the ED on a permanent basis as a health care assistant. So, she knew she'd be letting him down for calling in sick, but even Jan knew calling in sick would be a good idea. Did anyone know what happened?

"I called Charlie for you," Jan placed her hand on her arm, "He said 'Take the next three nights off.' You can come back next week."

"I feel as if I've let him down," Gem whispered.

"Gem, you've been trying to stay strong," Li-Na sat down, "Sometimes it doesn't help. The more you keep bottled up, the more that breaks when it smashes."

"I can see where Lily gets the wisdom from," Gem smiled, wiping her eyes, "Last night, Iain and Lily were both sick. I've seen them trying to go to bed, ensuring that their backs are turned."

"Did they know the other was sick?" Jan asked.

"No," Gem mentions, "This morning, I went to check on them, there they were. Facing each other in their slumber."

Li-Na and Jan felt warmed by this, Iain and Lily were both so careful, but they didn't want to be apart.

"I'm scared because I know a lot of stories where one person dies," Gem choked up, letting the tears fall, "I don't know how the other will cope if it happened. How I'm going to cope? Lily is my sister, maybe not in blood but in my heart, she will always be my sister."

"Gem," Li-Na takes her hand, "Have you've spoken to a counsellor?"

"No," Gem looked up at her, "I'm not the one who needs it. I haven't got cancer."

"Doesn't mean it's not affecting you," Jan mentioned.

Gem wasn't sure about counselling. When the school offered her counselling, her mother talked her out of it. According to her, one word that comes out of Gem's mouth, then the family will be separated. Iain's already left them, could be dead for all they know. If Gem said the wrong thing during counselling, then who knows what would happen?

But would Gem's life be different if she had counselling at school?

Maybe she would have had support to leave home? Maybe she would have remained in contact with Iain? Maybe she wouldn't have gone to prison in the first place?

"Would it benefit me?" Gem asked the two.

"I didn't think it would help me," Li-Na explained, "A few months after my husband's death, I started going and it helped."

"You went to counselling?" Gem asked, alarmed, "Lily never told me that."

"I never told her," Li-Na admitted, "I'll admit it would have benefited both of us. But when I explained it to my sister-in-law, I was judged. But I felt better for talking about my feelings."

"But I don't want to worry Iain and Lily," Gem protested weakly.

"Then you can tell them when you're ready," Jan reassured her, "We can take you home if you'd like."

"But then Iain and Lily will notice that I'm back," Gem answered fearfully, "They'll know something is up."

Li-Na knew that the last thing Gem wants is for Iain to worry about her. A young lady to be going through what she's going through cannot be easy. Hopefully, she would like to talk to another person, maybe even a boyfriend. But Li-Na doesn't want Gem to keep her emotions bottled up. The more emotions that are bottled up, the more emotions will spill out once the bottle smashed.

"Gem," Li-Na sighed, "Why don't you tell Iain and Lily that you've swapped shifts at the last minute."

"I thought you approved of honesty," Gem whispered.

"Only when you're ready to tell them," Li-Na advised, "As for tonight, why don't you stay the night at mine?"

"I haven't got pyjamas," Gem answered.

"Lily left clothes at home she didn't like," Li-Na smiled at her, "Don't tell her I know she doesn't like them."

"I don't know," Gem sighed looking at Li-Na, "Would you mind if I do?"

"I wouldn't mind," Li-Na smiled at her, "It'd be nice to have company."

Lily felt wrapped up in the duvet, resting her head on Iain's chest. She took in the heartbeat, still going as strong. Where did Iain get the steady drumbeat in his heart that Lily was content with?

"You're okay?" Iain whispered to her, wrapping his arms around her.

"Yeah," Lily whispered, looking at him, "I was wondering, when would be the next opportunity that we would have the home to ourselves?"

"Gem's next on nights on Monday," Iain mentioned, "Why do you ask?"

Iain suddenly noticed the look on Lily's face. He hadn't seen her looking at him like that since…

The first night.

"You sure you want to?" Iain whispered, "Would you be feeling up for it?"

"Would you be feeling up for it?"

"I don't want to put you in a position where you're uncomfortable," Iain insisted, "But if you're feeling up for it as well, we can."

Iain smiled at Lily, taking in her beautiful hazel eyes, watching them close slightly as she moved her lips closer to his. He found that as she moved closer, his eyes began to close as well as he felt her warm lips against his own.

Just a bit of a filler chapter. I hope you enjoyed it.