CHAPTER 2: SO NOW WHAT?

After getting over the initial shock of her cancer diagnosis, Monica planned her next move. She knew she had to get rid of the lump in her breast. But, she learned that she would have to have a mastectomy to do so. That wouldn't be the hard part. The hard part would be the chemotherapy she would receive after the surgery. Not too much the loss of hair, but the other side effects of it like fatigue and constant tiredness. But, if it could save her life, Monica was willing to do anything.

Mary was sipping on some coffee when Monica came into the kitchen to join her. Mary was being strong for Monica, because she was in a vulnerable state at the moment. Mary looked at her.

"Everything will be okay, Mon," said Mary.

"I know, I can't help but worry, though, Mare," said Monica. "I just don't want you to suffer because of me."

"We're in this together, baby. I love you with all my heart. With everything I have, I will be there for you, no matter what."

"You are too wonderful to me, Mary. I love you so much." And the two of them kissed. Mary's phone began to ring. It was Pat calling. She put it on speaker.

"Hey, girl!" Mary greeted.

"How are you, Mare?" Pat said from the other end.

"I'm good. How's Lucy and Linus holding up after Rerun's passing?"

"As good as they can. How about you, Monica?"

"It is what it is, Pat," sighed Monica. "But soon, I will have my mastectomy and start chemo."

"I told her she will beat this," added Mary.

"She's right, Monica," said Pat. "Life always gives us hurdles. We just have to jump over them to get through."

"Nice analogy, Pat," said Monica. "How is Charlie doing trying to find that marine who went AWOL?"

"The corps may have a lead on his whereabouts," Pat replied. "Chuck hasn't said much about the case as it's still going."

Billings, Montana

At an abandoned barn in the woods

Kevin was hiding in an abandoned barn in the woods. He had successfully evaded capture by the military authorities and police, thus far. He had no idea that they found the stolen truck he was in. He had brought in some wood for the fireplace. He also caught fish for him to eat. When he did venture into town, he only got the essentials, like toilet paper, toothpaste, bottles of water, anything he could carry. He made sure to steer clear of any law enforcement, as they could learn his identity. He blended in with the population and didn't stand out, so he was able to not be recognized by anyone.

Kevin sat by the fire burning in the pit outside. He made sure to lay low, only going out when he had to. He may had been a lousy Marine, but he was good at survival in the wild, to a point. He was getting low on cash and since he depleted his bank accounts, he couldn't go to an ATM. He was getting desperate and he couldn't live on fish forever. He knew he had to do something to get some money and fast. He actually brought something else that he didn't think he'd use. A pistol!

NEXT CHAPTER: LEARNING ABOUT KEVIN