Whitney and Theresa stair at Eve worriedly.
Theresa: Everything is okay, right? I mean, it's...it's nothing to
serious, right?
Eve takes a deep breath and sighs.
Eve: One of the tests I gave you during your initial exam revealed
something very troubling.
Whitney grabs Theresa's hand and squeezes it. Theresa gulps.
Theresa: What...what is it?
Eve: Well, based on your symptoms, your appearance, and the physical
exam I gave you I'm afraid there may be some sort of mass near or around
your liver.
Theresa and Whitney gasp in horror.
Eve: Now, please listen to me. We won't know for sure about this until
we run some more tests. I'm ordering an MRI and a CAT for you. If we discover
that it is in fact a mass then we'll perform what is known as a Fine needle
aspiration.
Theresa stairs at Eve in shock Whitney takes over and clears her throat.
Whitney: What is that?
Eve: It's a method of biopsy. We obtain cells and then examination
them under a microscope. It will help us
to determine the nature of the mass. Not all masses are malignant.
But all do need to be treated.
Whitney glances over and sees that Theresa is still in shock so she
takes a deep breath and continues.
Whitney: How exactly does the procedure work? I mean, what's in evolved?
Eve looks at Whitney very proud of her little girl for knowing exactly
what to ask to help Theresa.
Eve: Well, It's a safe procedure that involves passing a small needle
directly through
the skin or through an endoscope. The CT or MRI imaging will allow us
to see where the needle is going. This is because the needle used is very
small.
Whitney nods trying to be strong for Theresa
Whitney: is it accurate?
Eve:
Yes, diagnosis of pancreatic cancer based on this test is highly accurate,
approaching 99%. However, it is only between 50-70% accurate in determining
whether the cancer is benign or malignant. Because the amount of tissue
obtained is so small, the absence of malignant cells in the sample cannot
exclude the possibility of malignant disease altogether.
Whitney: So if it's malignant you'll know for sure but if it says it's
not...
Eve: We'll have to do more tests.
Whitney: Are there risks to doing this test?
Eve: Complications such as bleeding or infection occur very rarely,
less than 1% of patients. So it's very safe.
Theresa finally finds her voice.
Theresa: If...if it is cancer what can you do for me? Will I be able
to go home today? How long will the results take?
Eve: Theresa, let's take this one step at a time okay? We don't know
that it is yet. We Won't until we do some tests. If you do have cancer
there are treatment options but it's all dependent on how advanced the
disease is. So we won't what might work until we run more tests. As for
going home. If the test goes as smoothly as I expect then you can go home
after. But I'll want someone to stay with you just in case you start to
bleed or have any other side effects.
Whitney: I'll stay with her till Ethan gets home.
Eve smiles
Eve: Good. We should have the results in 24 hours from the time we
finish the test.
They nod.
Eve: Now, I'm going to go set up the test and a nurse will come and
get you when we're ready. Do you have any questions?
Whitney: Can I come with her?
Eve starts to object but sees the fear in both there eyes and sighs.
Eve: Okay.
Eve puts a hand on Theresa's shoulder.
Eve: Try not to worry Theresa, we don't know anything for sure yet.
Eve leaves. Theresa still in a state of shock stairs forward.
Whitney: You...you know my Mom is just..just being cautious that's
all.
Theresa nods and takes a deep breath trying to believe that Whitney
is right.
Theresa: Yeah, yeah, she's just being careful. I...I don't think I'm
going to be home to get Ethan Jr. off the buss.
Whitney nods.
Whitney: Probably not. I'll...I'll cal Kay.
Whitney gets up and goes into the hall to use the pay phone.
At Kay's the kids are all playing happily oblivious to Kay's worried
mood.
Kay: Hello?
Whitney: Hey Kay, it's me. How are the kids doing?
Kay can instantly hear the worry in Whitney's voice.
Kay: The kids are all fine. There having a great time together. What's
going on with Theresa?
Whitney takes a deep breath trying to keep her emotions in check.
Whitney: My Mom found a mass and thinks she may have pancreatic cancer.
She's getting ready to do a biopsy right now.
Kay shivers as the words sink in and she wipes a tear away.
Kay: Oh, my, God. I was so afraid of this. But, but hey it still might
not be right?
Whitney: Right, right. And there are treatment options if it's not
far advanced.
Kay: How long before we know for sure?
Whitney: 24 hours from the time they finish the test.
Kay sighs
Kay: That's going to be an eternity for all of us.
Whitney: I know.
Kay: Is Theresa going to be able to come home after the test?
Whitney: Yep but I'll have to stay with her till Ethan comes home to
make sure she doesn't start bleeding or anything.
Kay: Okay no problem. I'm guessing I need to get Ethan Jr from the
bus?
Whitney: Yeah.
Kay: Okay no problem. I'm sure these kids would love to go walk in
the rain.
She laughs. Whitney shakes her head.
Whitney: You're a saint.
Kay smiles.
Kay: No just a friend. we'll know in 24 hours.
Whitney: Well, you're a great friend. I, I need to go okay?
Kay: Yeah I better go to Russ just went running through here with a
can of spray paint.
Whitney has to laugh at this.
Whitney: Yeah you'd better go.
Kay: Look, tell Theresa I'm praying for her and to keep the faith.
Bye.
Whitney: I will bye.
Whitney goes back into the office and finds Theresa crying into her
hands. Whitney sighs and goes over to her. She wraps Theresa in her arms
and just hugs her.
Kay is busy running after the kids when she looks over and notices
Luis Jr. singing a lullaby to a sobbing Sammy. Kay just stops and watches
for a minute and smiles. She shakes her head as she thinks about how much
Luis Jr. truly is a little Luis. Her mind flashes back to an earlier time.
After giving up on Miguel she had needed a distraction so she began working
at the local community center. When Sheridan had died of cancer Luis had
barried himself in work at the station and the community center. She remembers
one of the first times they really spoke. A seven month old who's mother
had used drugs was screaming in pain and couldn't be calmed. She had gone
to find the center nurse when she suddenly notices that she couldn't hear
the baby crying anymore. She'd rushed back to the room and found Luis holding
the small infant and singing to her softly. She watched him for a few minutes
with tears in her eyes. She had never heard such a sweet voice. He placed
the baby back in her crib and she'd fallen asleep. He turned and saw her
somewhat startled not knowing anyone had been watching.
Kay: You have the touch.
Luis blushed bright red.
Luis: I guess. It's a song Mama used to sing to me when I was sick
or hurt.
Kay nodded. They had started talking that night about lullaby's and
by sun rise had covered what seemed like every topic known to man. It had
been so easy to talk to him and he had opened up to her so willingly.
Kay smiled at the memory of how it all began and looked at her son
proudly who indeed had stopped Sammy from crying.
MIguel woke up on his bed and looked around confused. He tried to move
but his head was killing him. Just then Charity walked in and saw he was
up.
Charity: So you're finally awake I see.
She said in a less then happy tone.
Miguel: How did I get here?
He moaned.
Charity: A couple of your brothers friends found you and dropped you
off. You know you really scared me not coming home at all like that.
Miguel stumbled to the bathroom and fumbled with a pill bottle. Then
looked back at Charity with annoyed look.
Miguel: What, didn't your premonitions tell you where I was?
He snorted at he took a pill for his head and stumbled back towards
the bed.
Charity: No it didn't. Miguel, what is your problem. Do you want to
lose your fourth job this year?!
Miguel: Will you keep your voice down my head is killing me!
Charity: Well maybe if you hadn't drunken so much it wouldn't be and
you could actually go to work for a change!
Miguel: I'd rather be drunk! At least then I can be...
Miguel stops himself realizing what he was about to say.
Charity: Be what Miguel, be what!
Miguel: it's none of your business just leave me alone!
Charity: Excuse me! You are my husband and the provider for this family
so it most certainly is my business! Now what were you going to say! Why
would you rather be drunk then go to work or be with your family!
Miguel: If you're so damn worried about money why don't you get a job!
Charity is near tears by this point.
Charity: I am not worried about money I am worried about you, I'm worried
about us! Miguel please talk to me. What is wrong? Don't you love me and
the kids anymore?
Miguel sighs and rubs his head.
Miguel: Look, I love the kids you know that. And as for loving you,
we I'm married to you aren't I? I mean, what more do you want?
Charity: Gee Miguel I don't know maybe someone that's home more and
who isn't always drunk! Someone who actually shows his love and provides
for us! You know as of now we're mainly living off of my savings and money
that our family's give us?
Miguel: So we are being provided for then.
Charity: By our family! Your brother has a wife and four kids he shouldn't
still be providing for you! None of them should be!
Miguel jumps up and barrels towards Charity who jumps actually afraid
for her safety for a second.
Miguel: My brother should have to pay for us for the rest of his stinking
life! HE OWES ME, NOW GET THE HELL OUT AND LEAVE ME ALONE
Miguel grabs a frightened Charity by the arms and shoves her out of
the bedroom then locks the door and lays back down on the bed. In the hall
Charity crumbles to a sitting position and just cries.
At the hospital Theresa's tests are getting under way. Whitney holds
her hand supportively. Back at Theresa's house the phone continues to ring
as Ethan tries again and again to make contact. Becoming more and more
uneasy with every ring.
Ethan: Why am I getting so nervous they are probably just out somewhere.
I'll call Whitney.
Whitney tries to comfort Theresa as they insert the needle.
Whitney: It will all be over soon. Don't worry it's going to be okay.
At Whitney's the phone rings and rings and rings. Ethan's pulse is
racing but he can't figure out why.
Ethan: They are obviously out together that's all. But why can't I
shake the feeling that something is wrong?
He finally calls Kay.
Kay is comforting Maria who has skinned her knee running through the
kitchen when the phone rings.
Kay: Hello?
Ethan: Hi Kay, it's Ethan. Listen, I know I'm just being paranoid here
so humor me. I've been trying to reach Theresa all morning and she's not
answering and either is Whitney. Is everything okay?
Kay's heart races. She knows Theresa doesn't want him to know yet and
she doesn't want to scare him but she hates to lie.
Kay: Theresa and Whitney are out running arrends.
Well, that's true an arren at the hospital Kay thinks.
Kay: I'm actually watching the kids for them.
Ethan: You're watching all of them? Wow.
Kay laughs
Kay: It's not a problem really. I've gotten very good at the juggling
game. Besides it's not the first time one of us has watched all the kids
for the other two.
Kay thinks to herself that's true we've done this for other reason
before.
Kay: You want to talk to Maria she just skinned her knee and could
probably use her Daddy.
Ethan: Aww sure put her on.
Kay: Maria do you want to talk to your Daddy?
Maria nods as she sniffs. Kay hands her the phone.
Maria: Hi Daddy.
Ethan: Aww what's the matter with Daddy's little princess?
Maria: I got a boo boo.
Ethan: Oh my poor little princess. Well, tell you what when Daddy gets
home tonight I'm going to kiss it and then we're going to go and read your
favorite story how does that sound?
Maria: That be good.
Ethan: Okay now you be good for Aunt Kay all right?
Maria: Yes, Daddy.
Ethan: Love you princess. Bye bye.
Maria: I love you too Daddy, bye bye.
She hands the phone to Kay.
Kay: You have the magic touch she's all smiles now.
Ethan laughs
Ethan: She's just so much like her mother I know what to say, you know?
Call her a princess promise her kisses she's a happy camper.
Kay laughs at this.
Ethan: Well I'll talk to you later have a good day.
Kay: You too bye.
They hang up.
Maria: Aunt Kay?
Kay: Yeah sweetie?
Maria: When is Mommy coming home?
Kay: In a little while sweetie, in a little while.
Kay gives her a hug and says a silent prayer that this little girl
won't have her Mommy taken away. Kay thinks back to the night Sheridan
died. She remembers all the pain in everyone's eyes. Especially Luis and
Ethan's. There was such devastation. Even the fact that she wasn't suffering
anymore hardly made a difference.
Charity is now resting on the sofa while the twins play and Emilo sleeps
when the phone rings.
Charity: Hello?
School nurse: Hello Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgareld?
Charity: Yes?
School Nurse: This is the school nurse at Harmony elementary. Angel
is here she's very upset. I think she's had another one of her visions.
Charity sighs. She knew this was coming she'd been having them herself
all morning.
Charity: Put her on.
Angel: Mommy?
Charity: Hey baby, did you have another premonition?
Angel: Yeah.
Charity: What happened in it?
Angel: First I got all cold and I felt this really sad feeling, and
then I saw Uncle Ethan crying, and then I saw Aunt Theresa laying in a
hospital bed, and then I felt a sharp needle in my side! And Then I saw
Aunt Theresa screaming.
Charity nods and sighs as she wipes a tear from her face. It's precisely
the same premonition she's been having all day.
Charity: I know baby I've been having the same one. Are you feeling
any better now?
Angel: Yes. But what does it mean Mommy? Is Aunt Theresa really sick?
Charity sighs not wanting to scare her daughter but knowing she must
be honest.
Charity: What it means is that we need to pray very hard for Aunt Theresa.
We need to pray that if there is something wrong that the doctors can fix
it. Okay?
Angel: Okay Mommy.
Charity: I love you baby.
Angel: I love you too.
Charity: Bye bye.
Angel: Bye bye. Oh Mommy?
Charity: Yes?
Angel: Why was daddy sleeping in a phone booth?
Charity sighs and almost laughs at how strong her daughters ability's
already are.
Charity: I don't know honey, I don't know. I'll see you later okay?
Angel: Okay.
The nurse gets back on.
School Nurse: Is there anything I can do to help?
Charity: Give her a hug for me and send her back to class. She has
to learn to deal with having these premonitions they aren't going to go
away, they are only going to get stronger. Be gentle but don't coddle her
she has to continue with her day.
The nurse nods.
School nurse: Okay.
Charity: Thank you for calling me.
School Nurse: Of course. Have a good day.
Charity: You too.
They hang up and Charity sighs.
Charity: Thank God I know how to help her with these.
The test at the hospital is finally over. Whitney and Theresa are clutching
one another's hands when Eve walks over.
Eve: Well, the test is done. We'll have the results in about 24 hours.
I want you to rest here for an hour or so then Whitney can take you home.
But you need to take it easy. No running around, no lifting anything heavy,
get lots of rest.
Theresa nods with tears in her eyes.
Whitney: I'll make sure she goes right to bed. Kay can handle the kids
till Ethan gets home.
Theresa: I want to see my kids.
Whitney: I'll have Kay bring the whole group over to your house but
you are staying in bed. Understood?
Theresa nods.
Eve: Theresa, I know you haven't wanted to worry Ethan, but you really
do need to tell him what's going on.
Theresa: When I have the test results I will.
Eve: Theresa
Whitney: Theresa you can't hide this. You have to take it easy for
24 hours and you have a bandage on your side he's going to realize that
something is up and not telling him is only going to worry him more. You
have to.
Theresa starts crying.
Theresa: How! How do I tell the man I love that I may have a deadly
disease! How do I tell my brother who has already lost a wife to this that
he may now lose a sister too! How Whitney, huh? How the hell do I do that
to them!
Whitney sighs and leans down to give her a hug.
Eve: Theresa you're getting way ahead of yourself. We don't even know
that this is cancer. And even if it is it could be in a treatable stage.
Just tell them what you do know. You haven't been feeling well, you came
to see me, and I ran some tests. And you'll have the results by tomorrow
night.
Whitney nods
Whitney: That makes sense. Look, Theresa, yes they are going to be
upset but they're going to be more upset if you keep it from them.
Theresa sighs and nods
Theresa: I know I know. I have to tell them. Ethan deserves to know
and I can't expect Kay to lie to Luis. I just don't want them to worry.
Whitney: My guess is Ethan is already worried. He knows you so well
Theresa, he probably knows something is up.
Theresa nods and half laughs
Theresa: You're probably right.
Eve: Okay then it's settled you'll tell them tonight. Now get some
rest and we'll let you go in about an hour.
Theresa nods
Whitney: Uh Mom can I have a word with you?
Eve: Of course baby.
Whitney: I'll be right back Theresa.
Theresa nods. Whitney and Eve go out into the hall.
Whitney: Okay based on your experience, and what you all ready know.
What do you really think is going on here?
Eve takes a deep breath not wanting to scare her daughter but wanting
to be honest.
Eve: I think we need to wait for the test results but some prayer wouldn't
hurt.
Eve hugs her daughter and walks off. Whitney gulps catching on to the
underlying message.
Whitney: Oh God, she thinks it's cancer.
Miguel stairs at an old picture of Kay he keeps in his wallet.
Miguel: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't realize you were the one.
I'm sorry I didn't go after you. I'm sorry I married that crazy blond down
stairs. I wish I was your husband. We'd have such a wonderful life. I don't
believe you love my brother. You're only with him cause you couldn't have
me. One day I'll get you I just know it.
He sighs sadly and puts the picture away.
Kay is busy drying all the kids off after picking Ethan Jr. up at the
bus stop when she flashes back to another time she was soaking wet. Luis
and her had been spending pretty much every day together. They'd be at
the community center, or meet for lunch, or go see a movie, or just take
a walk. They had been growing closer by the day. Everyone said they made
a cute couple but both swore up and down they were just good friends. Though
they were the only ones that bought that. One day they'd been out for one
of their long walks when it started raining. It started as a drizzle but
became such a strong down poor that they could bearly see in front of them.
They were soaked to the core. They had run under a bridge for protection.
Both looked at each other laughing.
Kay: Well, that was refreshing.
Luis smiled and nodded looking at Kay with feelings he thought he'd
never feel again.
Luis: Did anyone ever tell you, that you look beautiful when you're
wet?
Kay laughed
Kay: Oh what ever!
Kay looked at Luis and couldn't take her eyes off him. His rugged charm
making him impossible not to stair at. Luis moved closer and lightly brushed
the wet hair out of her face.
Luis: No, I mean it. You're beautiful Kay Bennett.
Kay smiled and blushed.
Kay: Well, you're not so hard to look at either.
Then suddenly before either knew what was happening they found themselves
in a long tender kiss. That had been the day that they'd realized their
true feelings for each other. Kay smiled thinking back to the happy moment.
When her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Ethan Jr.
Ethan Jr.: Aunt Kay where is my Mom and Aunt Whitney anyway?
Kay: Oh there just out running arends. They'll be back in a little
while. Why don't you go play with your cousins now okay?
Ethan Jr. studied Kay carefully she could tell he knew something was
up. He'd probably noticed how tired Theresa had been lately, or the yellowish
tint her mothers skin had taken in the last couple of days. He'd possibly
seen her wince with pain a time or too or maybe he just sensed something
was up. Either way Kay knew she couldn't tell him but she didn't want to
lie.
Kay: Go on play with your cousins and I'll go make you guys a nice
snack okay?
Ethan Jr. sighed then shrugged and walked off. Kay shook her head he
was to smart for his own good just like his father she thought. Ethan had
somehow knew that Sheridan had been sick before anyone else really knew.
It had been Ethan who had finally convinced her to see Dr. Russell and
it had been Ethan that seemed to know without being told that she had died.
As Whitney and Theresa pulled up into Theresa's drive way Theresa looked
at Whitney with concern.
Theresa: Do you think the kids will notice something is wrong? I don't
want to scare them. I mean, I want to see them but...
Whitney: You look the same as you did this morning. You look a little
tired and that tint is still there. You'll be laying down but that won't
scare them. You said yourself you've been taking naps lately.
Theresa nods. Whitney helps her out of the car and takes her inside
and up to her room.
Theresa: Will you call Kay?
Whitney: As soon as I get you into bed.
Theresa nods as she lets Whitney help her into her night gown and then
helps her into bed and covers her up.
Whitney then goes and calls Kay.
Kay: Hello?
Whitney: Hey we're back at Theresa's.
Kay: Oh okay what did your Mom say?
Whitney: She'll have the results in 24 hours and that Theresa needs
to take it very easy. So I have her all set in bed but she wants to see
the kids.
Kay: Okay I'll get the brood together and head over.
Whitney: Do you need some help?
Kay: Nah if I can manage from the bus stop to my house I can manage
to get them two doors down.
Whitney laughs.
Whitney: You're amazing.
Kay laughs
Kay: It's a gift. Hey Whitney you might want to mention to Theresa
that both Ethan and Ethan Jr. know something is up.
Whitney: What do you mean?
Kay: Ethan called here earlier and was all worried cause he couldn't
reach Theresa or you at home. Normally he wouldn't worry like that he'd
just assume you guys were out. He doesn't know what's going on but I know
my brother. He knows something isn't right. And Ethan Jr. gave me the strangest
look when I told him you guys were just running arrens he has either noticed
something or is sensing something. You know those guys they are sharp.
Whitney sighs
Whitney: I figured they had an idea. Ethan has always had great instincts
and Ethan Jr. is basically a little version of Ethan.
Kay: Yep. I'll bring them on over.
Whitney: Great.
They hang up and Whitney goes back in to see Theresa she tells her
what Kay has said about Ethan and Ethan Jr. Theresa has tears in her eyes
and shakes her head.
Theresa: I never could hide anything from them. Even when they didn't
know exactly what is going on they both always know when something is up.
Whitney nods
Whitney: You have to tell Ethan.
Theresa: I know, I know.
Soon a thunderstorm of feet and talking can be heard as all the kids
burst into the room. Whitney and Kay manage to stop them from all jumping
on Theresa. Theresa gathers her three up in a bear hug and kisses them
each.
Maria: Mommy I missed you.
Theresa: Aww I missed you too baby girl.
Theresa kisses her lightly.
Maria: I got a boo boo on my knee.
Kay laughs
Kay: A boo boo that has been for gotten for hours.
They all laugh.
Theresa: Well, you have to have Mommy or Daddy power to make boo boo's
really go by by don't you baby?
Maria nods solemnly. Theresa kisses Maria's knee gently and then from
her bed side dresser gets out a snow white band aid and puts it on her.
Theresa: Is that all better now?
Maria nods happily.
Sammy: Band aid band aid!
They all laugh Ethan Jr. goes into the draw and quickly hands his Mom
the Barney band aids Sammy likes and Theresa puts one on him and kisses
him.
Theresa: Thanks for getting that for Mommy sweetheart. Did you have
a good day at school?
Ethan Jr. nods solemnly and looks at his Mom closely.
Ethan Jr.: What's wrong Mommy, I can tell something is wrong.
Theresa Kay and Whitney all look at each other not sure how to respond.
Over at Miguel's house Miguel has started packing.
Miguel: I'm not living this lie any longer. I'm getting out now.
