Chapter Five

Ethan drops his brief case on the floor as a thousand fears rush into his head causing Kay and Whitney to jump. They both gasp seeing them and realizing they've heard. Luis has a very worried and somewhat angry look on his face stairs at Kay.
Ethan: What's wrong with Theresa?
Luis: Why is this the first I'm hearing about it?!
Ethan: Where is she?!
Luis: What Illness?!
Ethan: How serious is it?!
Kay takes a deep breath trying to collect her thoughts quickly.
Kay: Ethan this is not for me to tell you. You need to go upstairs and talk to your wife. Please don't be hard on her we don't have all the information yet which is why you haven't been told yet. Just go upstairs and talk to your wife, she's in bed.
Ethan turns and races upstairs.
Luis: I want some answers!
Kay: And you'll get them!
Kay turns to Whitney
Kay: Could you please go check on the kids?
Whitney nods and simply leaves the room.
Luis: What the hell is going on!
Kay takes a deep breath and begins.
Kay: For the past couple of months but mostly this month Theresa has been feeling progressively worse. At first we all thought it was just some kind of flue or virus that would pass on it's own. But it didn't instead it got worse. Theresa didn't want to worry anyone needlessly and since we didn't know weather or not it was even serious Whitney and I went along with the silence. Mainly because we didn't feel it was our business to tell. Then finally a couple days ago her symptoms got so bad that we convinced her to go see Eve. She saw her today and ran some tests. We won't know the results until late after noon tomorrow. There really isn't much to tell yet which is why you and Ethan were left in the dark. But it wasn't going to last Theresa was going to tell you both tonight since Eve thinks it's serious.
Luis: What does she think it is?
Kay takes a deep breath she was dreading that question. The last thing she ever wanted was to see pain or worry in Luis's eyes again. But there is no way around it. She walks over slowly to him and takes his hands in hers and holds onto them tightly. she gazes up into his stormy brown eyes. And swallows trying to figure out how to put this gently.
Kay: Eve says that based on her symptoms she was concerned that Theresa may have a growth of some sort in her.
Luis swallows hit hard by the words.
Luis: You mean a tumor?
Kay slowly nods
Kay: It could be benign we just don't know yet. Again that's why you weren't told. We don't have all the facts and we didn't want anyone to worry if it wasn't necessary.
Luis nods
Luis: A tumor.
Kay: Maybe maybe not we don't know yet Luis.
Luis: Where is the tumor?
Kay: Luis...
Luis takes a deep breath seeing the worry in Kay's eyes.
Luis: Kay, I know you're just trying to protect me but she's my sister I need to know. Where is it?
Kay nods and swallows hard.
Kay: In her pancreas.
Upstairs Ethan waits for Theresa to come out of the bathroom. He sits on the edge of their bed gazing at a picture of them on their wedding day. His thoughts are a jumble of worries and questions. Theresa comes out and sees him just sitting there.
Theresa: Hi honey.
One look in his eyes and she knows he' knows. Ethan immediately gets up and guides her to the bed and sits down next to her holding her hand.
Ethan: Theresa what's wrong? What's going on? I got home and heard Kay and Whitney talking about you having some kind of illness. Please tell me what's going on.
Theresa nods with tears in her eyes and takes a deep breath.
Theresa: I haven't been feeling well lately. Not well at all.
Ethan: Yeah I kind of noticed that, I just figured it was something mild.
Theresa: Yeah, so did I. Anyway, I got feeling so bad that Whitney ordered me to go see her Mom. I saw Dr. Russell today and she ran some tests. Ethan the reason I didn't tell you was because I didn't want you to worry needlessly. I mean, I wasn't sure it was anything serious you know?
Ethan nods and holds Theresa's hands looking at her worriedly.
Ethan: I understand that Theresa, but we're a teem. If you are worried about something I need to know about it. I love you and I never want you to even worry alone.
Theresa smiles lovingly at her prince and shakes her head.
Theresa: I love you too Ethan. And I'm sorry I really just didn't want you to worry.
Ethan nods
Ethan: Okay so what happened today? From what I heard Kay and Whitney saying it sounded like she found something.
Theresa swallows hard.
Theresa: She found a mass and did a biopsy of it. She'll have the results tomorrow afternoon.
Ethan swallows hard his fears rising at the word biopsy.
Ethan: Where...where is this mass?
Theresa gulps and wipes a tear away from her face.
Theresa: My pancreas.
A thousand and one horrific thoughts flood Ethan's mind and he goes pale. He grabs Theresa and holds her to him tightly as if his life depends on it. Then finding his courage and strength he speaks.
Ethan: You're going to be fine Theresa. Everything is going to be okay. We're going to beat this. Whatever it is we're going to get through it together. I'm not losing you and that' final.
Theresa holds on to him praying he's right.
Just then there is a knock at the door. Ethan pulls back trying to collect his own emotions.
Ethan: Come in.
Luis comes in with a very worried and upset look on his face. Followed by a worried looking Kay.
Luis: Theresa...
Luis goes over and wraps her in his arms. Theresa starts crying.
Theresa: Oh, God, Luis I didn't want you to know. I didn't want you to have to worry like you did before. I'm so sorry.
Luis pulls back and holds her by the arms.
Luis: Hey, don't you ever apologize to me you got that. You are my sister and your problems are my problems. Don't worry about what I do or don't worry about I'm a grown man I'll be fine. The only thing any of us should be thinking about right now is you.
Theresa: But it might be nothing, I don't want you worrying like this.
Luis: You're my sister and I'll worry if I want to.
Theresa looks at him with tears in her eyes.
Theresa: I love you so much Luis.
Luis: I love you too.
He hugs her tightly.
Kay seeing everyone with tears in their eyes jumps in to help.
Kay: You know we don't really even know that anything is wrong. What they found could be benign. And if that's the case then a simple surgery will fix it.
Whitney comes in at this point having heard what Kay has just said.
Whitney: And even if God forbid it is cancer. Cancer isn't always fatal. The fact is we may have caught it in an early stage. Surgery may still be all that's needed. Let's not think so negatively.
Theresa: They're right. We may be getting ourselves all worked up for nothing.
Ethan trying to be strong and positive.
Ethan: Absolutely. Eve is probably going to call us tomorrow and say it's very minor and I can easily fix it.
Everyone nods trying to convince themselves as much as each other.
Charity is straightening up the house as the kids play when she notices a coat Miguel forgot to take. She sighs and picks it up sadly. She holds it close breathing in the smell. When she does she suddenly goes rigged as a glazed look comes over her eyes and suddenly she sees Miguel sitting in his truck with a pair of binoculars starring at something. She feels a creepy feeling come over her. One of impending danger but not for her. She drops the coat and shivers as she comes back to reality. Just then Angel walks over to her.
Angel: Mommy who is Daddy spying on? Why is he watching someone?
Charity just shakes her head and hugs her daughter tightly. She has an idea but she doesn't want to think it's true.

Miguel sits in his truck gazing at a picture and stroking it lovingly.
Miguel: Such a waist. I've wasted so much time. No more, no more.
Miguel then looks back over at something out his window with a serious look on his face.
Miguel: One way or another I will get what was meant for me.

It is now later on in the evening. Luis and Kay are back at their house and have gotten all the kids settled in for the night. Kay comes into their bed room and finds Luis sitting on the edge of the bed just starring into space. She sits down next to him and takes his hand.
Kay: How can I help, what can I do, what can I say?
Luis sighs and shakes his head.
Luis: You can tell me by baby sister is okay.
Kay: Well, well she might be, you know? I mean as scary as that doctors appointment was and as ominous as that test seems we really don't know that she has cancer. She may not Luis, I mean it. Look, just because she had the test doesn't mean she's going to have the disease. Luis look at me please.
She takes her hand and gently turns his face to face her.
Kay: Just because you lost someone once to cancer doesn't mean you'll lose someone else to it. We don't know what's wrong yet, and like Whitney said not everyone who gets cancer dies.
Luis sighs heavily and takes Kay in his arms holding her to his chest tightly.
Luis: Just keep reminding me of that okay.
Kay: Of course. I love you Luis and I'm here for you okay?
Luis sighs still holding her close.
Luis: I depend on that you know.
Kay: I know. And you always can. I love you with every fiber of my being and I'm always going to be here for you.
Luis pulls back.
Luis: You know Ethan's going to need you too and so are those kids.
Kay: Luis don't even go there. Not yet, all right? Come on we have to at least wait for the test results. Look, it's late we're tired and it's been a very long day. Lets just try and get some rest okay?
Luis nods
Luis: Okay, okay. You're right, we need to stay positive.
Kay nods as they climb under the covers.
Kay: You know Theresa wants us to stay positive and we do need to. The last thing she needs is to be worried about us.
Luis: I agree.
Kay lays her head on Luis's chest and he turns out the light and wraps his arms lovingly around his wife.
Luis: But I don't know how I can't worry.
Kay: That's what I'm here for Luis. You can lay all your worries and fears on me. It's my privilege to carry them.
Luis shakes his head and kisses the top of her head lightly.
Luis: How I was ever blessed with an angel like you I will never know. But please don't ever feel like you have to stand alone I'm strong Kay you don't have to keep things for me. We're strongest if we stand together.
Kay smiles as she strokes Luis's chest.
Luis: I know. I just didn't feel it was my place to tell you and this morning we really didn't even know if something was truly wrong.
Luis: I understand. Good night my love.
Kay: Good night.
They kiss softly then wrapped in one another's arms fall fast asleep.
Over at Ethan and Theresa's the kids are in bed and they are settling in for the night. Ethan looks at Theresa with concern.
Ethan: Are you sure I can't get you anything? Some water, a heating pad, more pillows?
Theresa sighs and shakes her head.
Theresa: Ethan please don't fuss over me, okay? We don't even know what the tests are going to say.
Ethan sighs and sits down on the side of the bed and takes her hand in his.
Ethan: Theresa, how can I not fuss over you and worry about you. You are the love of my life, my soul mate, my world. Even if there is only a possibility that something is wrong it's something that needs my attention. I love you and I can't help but want to be here for you. Theresa I know you want to be strong and not to worry anyone. But please don't push me away. That's not making it easier, not on anyone.
Theresa looks at him with tears in her eyes.
Theresa: I don't mean to push you away, but if...if it's nothing then why should I worry you?
Ethan: Because I'm your husband and your worries are my worries. We're a teem remember? Look, let me put it to you like this. If I was the one who had had the biopsy wouldn't you want to know?
Theresa: Well, yeah, of course, but...
Ethan: And wouldn't you be fussing over me?
Theresa smiles seeing Ethan's point.
Theresa: Like crazy.
Ethan: And why?
Theresa: Because you are my one true love.
Ethan: And you are mine. So don't ask me not to go it?
Theresa starts crying.
Theresa: But I'm not ready to face something being this wrong!
Ethan stops dead in his tracks as it hits him that his behavior is making her more scared. He sighs and curls up next to her wrapping her tightly in his arms and holding her to his chest. He gently sways back and forth rubbing her back.
Ethan: I'm sorry. Look, I'm not fussing over you because I believe you have cancer. I'm fussing over you because you've been very worried and stressed about this, because you had a test today that I imagine was rather painful, and because I love you and love taking care of you. Look, it's probably something minor okay? But just for tonight let me take care of you. Hey does me fussing over you and treating you like the queen of my heart, which by the way is what you are, really that bad?
Theresa laughs into his chest inspite of herself.
Theresa: No. Actually that sounds pretty good.
She looks up at him with tears in her eyes.
Theresa: If you really want to help me just hold me okay? Just hold me and don't let go.
Ethan nods holding her to him even tighter.
Ethan: I'm never going to let go of you Theresa, never.

Over at Charity's Angel tosses and turns as a vision interrupts her sleep. She sees a dark hospital room with all kinds of equipment beeping and blinking. She can hear a the strained shallow breathing of the person in the bed though she can't see the face. And she hears someone crying. She hears a voice in the distance say.
Voice: It's time to let her go.

The next morning Eve arrives to work early and calls the lab.
Eve: Yes, this is Dr. Russell. I'm calling about the test results for my patient Mrs. Theresa Bennett.
Lab technician: I'm sorry they aren't ready yet Dr. Russell.
Eve: Well, please put a rush on them. I need them ASAP!
Lab technician: Yes, Dr. right away.
Eve hangs up and sighs tiredly.
Eve: Oh, God I so hope I'm wrong about what those test results are going to say.
She shakes her head sadly. Just then the phone rings.
Eve: Hello?
Julian: Hello darling, and how is my favorite doctor doing.
Eve: Hi honey.
Julian can tell something is wrong.
Julian: What is it darling? What's the matter?
Julian becomes protective misusuming what is wrong.
Julian: Is that damn ex of yours harassing you again! I swear I'll have him thrown in jail if he doesn't obeyed by that restraining order!
Eve quickly tries to calm Julian down.
Eve: No, no TC hasn't bothered me in months. He's, he's to wrapped up self distructing on drugs to focus on me.
Julian: Well, thank God that lunitic is finally leaving you alone. Remind me again why you insist on still using his last name?
Eve sighs
Eve: I only use it in my professional life. The reason I do that is because that's who I got established as and that's who people know me as. It's just easier to keep it Dr. Russell. But everyone in my personal life knows that my real last name is Crane.
Julian smiles loving the sound of that.
Julian: As it should have been all along my dear, as it should have been all along.
Eve smiles.
Eve: Yes, I agree.
Julian can still hear the worry in Eve's voice.
Julian: What's wrong my love I can always tell when something is on your mind.
Eve: Oh it's just a patient of mine that's all.
Julian: Well, I wouldn't worry to much. You are the best doctor Harmony has ever seen. I'm sure you'll be able to help them.
Eve blushes and smiles
Eve: Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Julian: It's not confidence my dear Eve it's a fact. You are a truly gifted and exceptional doctor.
Eve: Well with this patient especially I hope you're right.
Just then there is a knock on her door.
Eve: Just a minute! Julian someone is at my office I need to run. I love you and I'll see you at home tonight.
Julian: Very well my love try not to worry so, have a great day.
Eve: You too love, bye.
They hang up.
Eve: Come in!
A nurse comes in carrying a file.
Nurse: The Lab just sent up Mrs. Bennett's test results.
Eve: Oh thank you, I've been waiting for these.
Nurse: You're welcome doctor.
The nurse leaves as Eve opens them up. She looks over them closely and sighs heavily.
Eve: Oh, Theresa.

It is another hectic morning over at Luis and Kays as they struggle to get there kids to eat what they've made.
Kay: Come on you two you can't have breakfast barrito's everyday. Now eat your French toast, now.
Marten and Luis Jr. grumble as they push their food around on their plates.
Luis: Hey at least try it.
Luis looks over at the clock as Pilar throws a piece of French toast on the floor.
Kay shakes her head and tries not to laugh. Luis cleans it up while Kay continues feeding Anita.
Luis: What time was Eve going to call Theresa with the results?
Kay: She didn't really give her an exact time, just sometime today.
Luis nods.
Luis: You call me as soon as you hear anything right?
Kay nods
Kay: I promise.

Over at Theresa's house breakfast is under way. Ethan has made everyone his famous spinach and cheese crapes.
Ethan: So what does everyone think?
Ethan Jr.: These are awesome Daddy!
Maria: More please!
Sammy: More more!
Ethan proudly gives them all seconds. Maria sees Theresa hasn't eaten half of the original one Ethan gave her.
Maria: Mommy don't you like Daddy's crap.
Ethan and Theresa burst out laughing. Maria looks around confused Ethan Jr. snickers at his sister.
Ethan Jr.: It's crapes not crap.
Maria: Oh sorry.
Ethan smiles and shakes his head.
Ethan: That's okay princess. Just try not to say crap anymore because it's a bad word and princesses don't say bad words.
Maria nods seriously.
Maria: Okay Daddy.
Theresa has tears in her eyes due to the pain the laughing caused.
Ethan: Honey can I get you anything? Would you like something else besides the crapes?
Theresa shakes her head.
Theresa: No sweetheart, these are wonderful as usual. I'm just not hungry at all this morning.
Ethan looks at her closely.
Ethan: Theresa please, you really do need to eat something. How about some orange juice and a piece of toast. Please?
Theresa smiles and relents.
Theresa: Okay.
Ethan gets the juice and toast. Theresa notices the time.
Theresa: Oh honey don't you need to leave for work soon?
Ethan smiles
Ethan: Nope, I'm working out of the house today.
He goes over to get something out of the fridge. Theresa eases herself up and goes over to him and quietly whispers so the kids don't hear.
Theresa: Ethan listen. I appreciate you wanting to stay here with me today I really do. But if there is something wrong there are going to be days in the future where I really am going to need you to stay home. Today I don't need you to so maybe you should go in.
Ethan turns and smiles lovingly at her.
Ethan: You know, that's the great thing about having your own practice. You can choose to work at home whenever you want. There is nothing I need to do today that I can't get done here at home. I'm staying here with you and that's final.
Just then the school bus beeps.
Ethan: Hey champ there's the bus you better get moving.
Ethan Jr. grabs his book bag. Ethan hands him his lunch and hugs him. Ethan Jr. hugs Theresa and runs towards the door.
Ethan Jr.: Bye Mom, by Dad, by Maria by, Sammy, I'll see you guys later.
He races for the bus. Just then the phone rings.
Theresa: Hello?
Eve: Theresa it's Dr. Russell.
Theresa: Oh, hi. Do, do you have the tests back?
Ethan's ears perk up and the word tests.
Eve: Yes. I've just finished going over them with a couple of my colleagues.
Theresa: Oh okay, so what did you find.
Eve takes a deep breath.
Eve: Theresa I'd rather not go over these over the phone. I need for you to come to my office as soon as possible, and I think you should bring someone with you. Preferably Ethan.