Ch13.

"Well Teresa, the bad news is that we think we know what's wrong with you."

"Oh my god!" Teresa exclaimed. "Well what is it?"

"We think its this very rare form of cancer…to be honest I'm not even sure how to pronounce it…I had to look all over the country to find someone who knew what it is."

"Cancer?" Fox stammered. "Are you sure?"

"I'm afraid so Fox."

Teresa sat there in stunned silence.

"I have cancer." She whispered to herself.

She knew deep down that this was probably the case…but hearing Eve actually say it put it into perspective.

Eve could see the pain on Teresa's face.

"I do have good news though Teresa."

"What is it?"

"I' believe that if we start you on chemotherapy immediately, there is a chance we can beat this thing."

Fox hadn't said a word. The word cancer was pounding in his ears. He was numb inside.

Teresa looked over at him to say something, but he didn't move. Finally she spoke up.

"What are my chances Dr. Russell?"

"I think the sooner we start treatment, the better they are Teresa…that's all I can really say. I'm sorry I can't give you more information, but I'm working on it."

"So what should we do?" Fox finally managed to get out.

"I want Teresa to start treatment right now…while she's doing that, I want you, Fox, to go to her house and get her stuff…I'm afraid you're going to have to stay here at the hospital for awhile Teresa."

"Ok," was all she could say. This was all too much. She felt like she had been hit by a ton of bricks.

"Alright then." Eve said. "I'll go tell the nurse to set your room up. I'll give you two a moment."

Eve walked out the door. She hated having to be the bearer of bad news…especially when it was with people she loved.

Back in Eve's office, neither Fox nor Teresa had moved a muscle. Both sat silently in their chairs, unable to move, to speak.

Suddenly, Teresa started to cry.

Fox went to her, and kneeled down before her.

"Teresa, it's going to be ok."

She nodded, unable to talk through the tears.

He gently stroked her cheek.

"I'm not going to let anything happen to you…I swear on my life."

He helped her up, and took her in her arms.

Neither wanted to let go.

Fox just stood there with his eyes closed. He wanted to remember Teresa like she was just at this moment. He took in the smell of her hair, the shape of her face…the way she fit so perfectly into his arms; he opened his eyes, and looked into hers. He smiled weakly.

"Well I guess I better go start," she said quietly.

"Yea I guess you should…I'll go get everything you need ok? And I promise I will be right here when you get back.

"Ok."

She slowly walked towards the door. When she got there, she turned around and looked back at Fox.

"I love you."

She then turned and walked out.

Fox was in a daze as he made his way back to the house to collect Teresa's things. When he got inside the house, he heard the phone ring. He picked it up.

"Yea?"

"Fox? Hey it's Gwen. Is you're lovely fiancée there? I wanted to ask her if she had fun at the party last night."

There was no answer.

"Fox? Hello are you there?"

Suddenly, Gwen heard a low sob coming from the phone.

"Fox? What's wrong, why are you crying?"

"Gwen, she's not here." He cried.

"Why not? Where is she?"

"Gwen please, can you and Ethan just come over here? I can't do this by myself."

"Fox tell me what's going on? Do what by yourself?" she couldn't understand what he was talking about,

"Just please hurry." He hung up the phone

Gwen ran through the mansion into Ethan's study, and charged through the door.

"Gwen!" Ethan yelled shocked. "What's going on?"

"Something's wrong…we have to go to Teresa's now!"

"What is it?"

"I don't know…but I'm afraid Fox is going to do something really stupid if we dont hurry.