Max was on the plane to New York. He had stayed with Fran for a week and they had settled all the important formalities. Fran had signed the necessary forms to release the doctors from their duty of confidentiality towards Maxwell. She had also named him as the responsible as discussed. In case she was no longer able, he was in charge of making the decision. Maxwell had also stated in writing that he would pay for all the costs, Fran should receive the best therapy and treatment. Two days ago, Fran had moved into a nicer room, which also contained a large sleeping couch for himself. Maxwell had a long intensive conversation with Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Goldberg described to him exactly the planned course of the therapy. In 6 days they were going to start the first chemo cycle. Maxwell turned pale as Dr. Goldberg explained to him how the chemotherapy would affect a body and also the side effects that could occur. He wished he could have spared Fran the ordeal, but it was her only chance.
Fran was doing much better since Maxwell had been with her. She had found new courage and was more ready than ever to take on the fight. She was so glad to have someone to listen to her, to talk, to comfort her at night when she had nightmares. There were no more insecurities in their relationship. They were now officially involved. The sadder Fran became when Maxwell talked to her about flying back to New York for a few days, he didn't like to leave her alone but he didn't see any other way out. He had some important business to take care of. He had to organize the business with CC. He was going to ask CC to continue the theater locally, he would of course take over as much work as he could from Malibu. Furthermore, he would suggest hiring an assistant to relieve her. Then the difficult task of telling everyone the truth about Fran's illness awaited him. With fear he thought about this situation. The news would be a great shock for everyone.
During the flight, Maxwell remembered last night. Fran had been trying hard to be brave but as the goodbye drew closer, she had burst into tears. She didn't want to let him go and had clung to him tightly. It had taken him a long time to calm her down. He promised her that he would be back at the beginning of the therapy and that he would call her every day. When she expressed her fear that he would not come back, he took his signet ring, an heirloom, from his finger and put it on her, as a pledge so to speak. He finally stayed with her until she fell asleep.
His heart had been suffering too. Now, during the flight, he had to admit to himself that he missed Fran already.
He landed around noon and had his driver pick him up and take him home. Niles was already waiting for him. "Good to see you again, sir!" "Oh, it's good to be home!" Niles was almost dying of curiosity. Maxwell had only called once to say he had found Fran and the story was complicated. That's all he'd said, and Niles had been on pins and needles all week. But his boss didn't feel like talking now. He wanted to know how the kids were doing. Niles said that they had been in quite a good mood the whole time. However, they would not come until tomorrow, today they all wanted to spend the night with friends. This was not at all inconvenient for Maxwell. "I want to get some rest first. Please call Fran's parents and Val and ask them to come over at five today. Tell them it's urgent." Before Niles could inquire further, Maxwell had already disappeared upstairs.
While Maxwell was in New York trying to relax in his Jacuzzi, Fran was lying in her hospital room, longing for Maxwell. She missed him. Yet he had done everything he could to shorten her days without him. He had bought masses of romance novels and magazines. Since she had a TV with a VCR in her room, he had gone to the video store to get her favorite movies, and he had even bought a CD player for her. But this was all small comfort, she wanted nothing more than to have him with her.
Maxwell awoke from his slumber. He heard the doorbell downstairs. However, he didn't go downstairs to the living room, but first crept into his office via the kitchen. He reached for the phone and dialed Fran's number.
"Max!" She knew it could only be him, no one else knew that number. "Hi Fran! How are you darling?" "Going so-so, and you." "Well, your parents and Val are here. I'm going to tell them the truth now. I wanted to hear your voice again first though." "Tell them I love them and they should not worry." "I will! But they will be concerned. But I'll do my best." "I know!" "I have to go now, I love you Fran!" "I love you too Max! Will you call back later please?!" "I will." Maxwell hung up and walked with heavy steps into the living room. He hoped he could find the right words."