Chapter Six

Theresa takes a deep breath trying to stop her heart from pounding right out of her chest.
Theresa: Does that mean that it's...I mean if I was...
Ethan moves over to Theresa worriedly.
Eve: What it means is that I'd like to go over these results with you in person and I think someone should come with you.
Theresa: Okay, okay, I'll, I'll be there as soon as I can.
Eve: All right, I'll see you soon.
They hang up Theresa turns to Ethan with a truly shaken look on her face. Ethan takes her hands in his trying to remain calm and strong for Theresa.
Ethan: Theresa, what did Dr. Russell say?
Theresa: She said that she wants to tell me about the results in person and that you should come with me. Oh, Ethan that can't be good.
Theresa starts to cry Ethan takes her in his arms and hugs her tightly.
Maria: Mommy, what's wrong?
Theresa pulls back trying to pull herself together in front of her daughter.
Theresa: Oh it's okay Maria I'm just a little worried about something, but everything is okay.
Ethan: Hey princess why don't you run and bring Mommy some Kleenex okay?
Maria jumps up always ready to be helpful and runs off. Ethan then turns to Theresa and puts his hand on her shoulders.
Ethan: Listen to me, okay? Dr. Russell is a true professional. And doctors like giving news in person. As for me coming along, well she probably figures I'm just as eager to get the news as you are. She's just being considerate that's all. Now, I'm going to call Kay and have her watch Maria and Sammy and we'll be on our way.
Theresa: No!
Ethan: No? What do you mean no?
Theresa: Look, I don't want Luis or anyone else knowing what's going on until I know exactly what is going on inside of me! I already put Kay in a difficult position yesterday I'm not doing it again today. Call Whitney. Maria and Sammy always have a great time over there and she won't feel obligated to tell anyone.
Ethan nods
Ethan: But if something is wrong...
Theresa: Then of course we'll tell them but not yet.
Ethan nods and gets on the phone as Maria comes back with the Kleenex.
Theresa: Thank you sweetie.
Theresa hugs her daughter tightly.
Ethan is on the phone with Whitney.
Ethan: Hey Whitney, it's Ethan.
Whitney: Oh hi Ethan. How is Theresa feeling this morning.
Ethan: Kind of on edge other wise about the same. Listen, your Mom just called us.
Whitney takes a deep breath.
Whitney: And?
Ethan: Well, she wants Theresa and I to come to her office to discuss the results. So, would you be willing to watch the kids?
Whitney: Oh of course no problem. Uh did my Mom happen to say why she couldn't just tell you over the phone?
Ethan: No, I'm assuming it's just cause she's so professional.
Whitney: Yeah, yeah. That's probably it. Okay, just bring the kids on over.
Ethan: Okay Whitney we'll be over soon. Bye.
Whitney: Bye.
Ethan turns and sees Theresa holding Sammy on her lap while she brushes Maria's hair. He watches the three some a minute and smiles.
Ethan: Hey Maria, guess what?
Maria: What? Mommy and I have to go out for a little while so you and Sammy get to go over to Aunt Whitney's and play! Isn't that cool!
Maria: Cool! Can I take my Barbies?
Ethan: Yeah, but you have to hurry cause we need to leave really soon. So go grab a few and come right back down, okay?
Maria nods and runs off. Theresa hugs Sammy tightly. Ethan walks over and brushes a tear from her cheek.
Ethan: Only positive thoughts till we know differently okay?
Theresa tries to smile at him.
Theresa: Okay.
Ethan gets the coats and soon they are ready to go.
Over at Whitney's she is on the phone with her Mom.
Whitney: Come on Mom we all know you don't insist on giving good news in person!
Eve sighs understanding her daughters fear but knowing she can't tell Whitney first.
Eve: Honey, I can't tell you what's going on. I have to respect patient doctor confidentiality.
Whitney: But she's practically my sister!
Eve: I know, baby. Listen, I did find a mass remember? Now regardless of weather it's cancer or just a cyst it has to come out. So, in this case regardless of the news I'd need to see her because surgery is a given. And I thought she could use Ethan's support okay?
Whitney is now calmer.
Whitney: Okay, okay. Look, I have to go I'm watching their kids and I see them coming up the walk.
Eve: Okay, I love you and I'll talk to you later.
Whitney: I love you too Mom bye.
They hang up as the door bell rings.
Whitney: Hey guys!
Maria: Hi Aunt Whitney! I brought my Barbies!
Whitney: Wow! Well, we're going to have fun with those aren't we. Why don't you go get settled in the family room okay?
Maria: Okay.
Maria hugs Ethan and Theresa.
Maria: Bye, Mama, bye Daddy!
Ethan: Bye princess.
Theresa: Bye baby.
Maria runs off and Whitney takes Sammy from Theresa.
Whitney: Well, good luck guys.
Ethan: Thanks.
Theresa: Yeah, we'll need it.
Whitney takes Theresa's hand.
Whitney: Hey listen, you know she may just want to talk about removing the mass. I mean, even if it's just a cyst it has to come out. So don't let this going to her office scare you.
Theresa smiles appreciatively.
Theresa: Thanks Whit.
Ethan: Yeah, that's a good point. Well, we'd better get going.
Whitney: Okay I'll see you guys later, and call me if you need me to get Ethan Jr. from the bus.
Theresa: Will do.
Theresa and Whitney hug. Then Theresa and Ethan both give Sammy a kiss and head out.
Maria: Aunt Whitney are you coming!
Whitney: Yeah I'll be right in honey!
Whitney goes in grateful for the distraction of Theresa's kids to keep her mind off what may be coming.
Pilar here's someone knocking on her front door and opens it to find a disheveled Miguel standing on the front porch.
Pilar: Mijo! What a nice surprise please come in! But why do you look so messy?
Miguel plops down on the couch.
Miguel: I've been driving around all night thinking.
Pilar: About what Mijo did you and Charity have another fight?
Miguel: Sort of. I walked out and I'm never going back.
Pilar: Dios Mio! What about your vows Miguel, what about your children!
Miguel sighs and stands up to face his mother.
Miguel: Mama, I can't stand living a lie any longer. It's truly killing me. You know God wants us to be true to ourselves and be honest with others. And I haven't been either in years.
Pilar: What do you mean Miguel?
Miguel: I mean, that I don't love Charity, and I don't want to be married to her. To be perfectly honest I'm not sure I ever did truly love her. She was just this beautiful, sweet girl who made life exciting. But I made a mistake thinking she was the one. Look, I know that isn't what anyone wants to hear, but Mama it was killing me to stay there. You want to know why I've been drinking so much? I drink to forget! I drink to forget that I'm married to Charity, that I have four kids that try as I may I don't love..
Pilar gasps in horror
Pilar: Mijo, no!
Miguel: Yes, Mama, yes! Look, I know that sounds awful, I know I sound like a jerk, I know you're disappointed in me, but it's how I feel okay! I can't change how I feel, believe me I've tried and it doesn't work. I want to love them, I would love to feel what you feel for us but I just don't, I don't know why but I don't.
Pilar shakes her head with tears in her eyes.
Miguel: Look, the way I see it this is the best thing I can do for all of them. This will give Charity the chance to find true love. And maybe just maybe that man will be able to love those kids as well.
Pilar: And this is why you're here? To tell me you've walked out on your family?!
Miguel: No, Mama, I'm here because I need a place to stay. Please, Mama, I can't go back and I won't. Please don't make me sleep in my trunk another night.
Pilar sighs and shakes her head.
Pilar: Mijo, I am not happy with the choices that you have made, and your words have nearly broken my heart. But you are my son and nothing will ever change that. I do love you, and I won't turn my back on you no matter how upset I am with what you do. So yes you may stay here. But I want you to understand how disappointed I am with you right now.
Miguel: I know Mama, I'm not to thrilled with myself either at the moment. I'm ashamed I don't love my kids and I hate that I've hurt Charity. But I can't live a lie anymore or I'd end up killing myself.
Pilar: Mijo!
Miguel: I know, Mama, I know. I don't want to die but if I'd stayed their any longer I'd have seriously gone mad. I can't pretend to love them anymore. Look I'm beat. I'm going to go lay down. Thanks Mama.
Miguel kisses Pilar lightly and goes upstairs. Pilar watches after him and shakes her head sadly.
Pilar: I will pray for you Mijo, I will pray.

Luis is at work but just can't focus. He sighs and grabs the phone.
Luis: I can't do anything for Theresa but I can always check in on my brother.
Charity: Hello?
Luis: Hey, Charity, it's Luis. Listen, I was just calling to see how Miguel was doing? Did he go out again last night? Did he manage to go to work today?
Charity starts crying, Luis becomes concerned.
Luis: Charity, what's wrong, why are you crying? Is Miguel okay?
Charity: I wouldn't know Luis. Last night Miguel packed up his things and announced that he doesn't love me, that he's not sure he ever did, and that further more while he wants our kids to have a good life he doesn't love them either! Then he just walked out!
Charity starts balling Luis sits their in stunned silence.
Luis: What? That, that can't be right. Was he drunk? Did you try to talk to him?
Charity: No, no he was sober, and yes of course I tried. I begged him to stay and get counseling but he wouldn't even consider it! He said it would be a waist. He told me it was a mistake to marry me!
Luis: But he loved you!
Charity: Apparently not.
Luis sighs and flops back in his chair.
Luis: This is just unbelievable.
Charity: Tell me about it.
Luis: Charity, I'm so sorry. How are you holding up? How are the kids? Is there anything I can do to help?
Charity takes a deep breath trying to pull herself together.
Charity: Well, I'm okay I guess. I feel like I've been blown in about a million pieces but I'm hanging in there. As for the kids, well the younger three have no clue what's happened. They know I've been upset about something but they don't know what. You know Miguel has never been around much for them and me being upset about it isn't anything knew. But Angel, well she knows exactly what happened. This is one of those times when her gift is a curse.
Luis sighs
Luis: Poor kid.
Charity: Yeah, but you know what? We're going to get through this. One way or another we are going to be okay. Yes, I'd like things to be different but I can't change how Miguel feels and maybe, I don't know maybe it's for the best. I mean, he's never been much of a father and I certainly don't want him to be where he doesn't want to be. So, all I can do now is pick up the pieces and move on. For me, and for my kids. Hey my Mom did it before she died, I'm sure I can too.
Luis smiles.
Luis: I'm sure you can, and listen, you're not going to be alone, okay? Once a Lopez-Fitzgareld always a Lopez-Fitzgareld. We'll always be here for you okay?
Charity smiles and wipes a tear from her face.
Charity: Thank you Luis, that really means a lot.
Luis: You're welcome.
Charity: I better go, Gracie is calling for me.
Luis: Okay no problem talk to you later. Kiss those nieces and nephews of mine for me. Bye.
Charity: I will bye.
They hang up. Luis sighs and shakes his head.
Luis: What's happened to you Miguel, what the hell has happened to you.
Just then Kay walks up to his desk.
Luis: Kay what are you doing here? Is it Theresa? Is there news? Are the kids okay?
Kay shakes her head.
Kay: I haven't heard a thing from Theresa, I'm sorry. But I'm sure she'll let you know as soon as she knows something. The kids are all fine. I dropped them off at my Mom's for the day because I thought you might need some TLC.
She smiles at him and sits on the edge of his desk.
Kay: So what do you say detective care to take some time off?
Luis smiles gets up and walks over to her and takes her face in his hands.
Luis: With a smile like that how could I refuse.
They kiss tenderly.
Luis: Let me go tell Sam and we can go.
Kay: Sounds good to me.
Luis goes to tell Sam and soon returns and grabs his jacket.
Luis: Ready?
Kay: Always.
They head out hand in hand.
Luis: So where are we going?
Kay: I thought we'd go ice skating. How does that sound?
Luis smiles pulling her in close.
Luis: Wonderful.
They kiss tenderly.

At the doctors office Theresa and Ethan wait nervously holding hands in the waiting room.
Ethan: You know, I've been thinking it over. And there really isn't a reason to think it's Cancer yet. I mean, Whitney's right malignant or not it's got to come out. Eve could very easily just want to schedule a surgery date to remove it. And that will be the end of it.
Theresa nods trying to keep her nerves in check.
Theresa: Yeah, I know, but still...I mean, surgery? How long would I be away from the kids? How long before I could get on with my life?
Ethan hugs her to him supportively.
Ethan: Hey, hey listen. In this day and age with the medical technology being what it is, I bet the surgery would be a snap. And I'll take time off work to care for you till you're up and around okay? Don't worry Theresa, we'll get through this I promise.
Theresa smiles up at him trying to think positive.
Theresa: You're right, we have no reason to really believe anything is wrong yet. We have to stay focused on a positive out come.
Just then a nurse comes out.
Nurse: Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Dr. Russell will see you now.
They nod and walk back to her office hand in hand. They sit down nervously across from her both trying to read Eve's stoic expression.
Theresa: Okay, so, so we're here. So, what are the results. It's a cyst right? You just need to remove the cyst and I'll be fine right?
Eve sighs and opens Theresa's file.

Kay and Luis have been ice skating for a while now.
Luis: You want to stop and get some hot chocolate?
Kay: Sure that sounds great.
They go over to the stand near the ice and get some hot cocoa. Kay gets some on her lip and Luis laughs and points to her lip.
Kay: Oh no.
Kay laughs Luis wipes it off with his finger and then kisses her softly.
Kay smiles at him lovingly.
Kay: You know what this reminds me of?
Luis puts his arm around her as they begin to walk with their drinks
Luis: What?
Kay: The night you asked me to marry you.
Luis smiles thinking back fondly.
Luis: That was a wonderful night.
Kay smiles as she remembers.
Kay: One of the best nights of my life.
They had been skating for hours and were both exhausted. Luis had been strangely silent all night. As they drank their hot cocoa Kay watched him worriedly.
Kay: Luis, what's wrong? Is everything okay? You seem so preoccupied.
Luis smiles at her lovingly and blushes.
Luis: No nothing is wrong. In fact nothing has ever been more right. When I'm with you life is perfect Kay.
Kay smiles lovingly at him at smiles.
Kay: So what's on your mind then?
Luis takes a deep breath deciding to make his move. He takes Kay's hand in his and looks at her with pure love.
Luis: Kay, I love you. You have made me so happy. I can't even put into words the love you have brought into my life. The only way I know to express the depth of my love for you is to ask you to spend your life with me. Kay will you marry me!
Kay: Yes, oh, Luis, yes, I'd be honored to be your wife.
They kiss tenderly.
Kay and Luis smile at one another thinking back to that special night.
Kay: That was without a doubt one of the happiest nights of my life.
Luis: Mine too.
They kiss tenderly.
Just then Kay's cell phone rings.

Over at Pilar's Miguel is up in his old room writing.
Miguel: The first step is to start out as a secret admirer. Then slowly I'll make her realize it's me she loves. And then she'll be mine.
Miguel reads over the letter he has just written.
Dear Kay,
I have loved you from a far for many years. You are everything my heart has ever desired and more. I long to touch you, hold you, and make you my own.
Love,
your secret admirer.
Miguel: Perfect now I'll just send it off to her and soon she'll be mine. She's to good for that loser brother of mine.
Just then the phone rings down stairs and he hears Pilar get it. Soon there is a knock on his door.
Pilar: Mijo, that was Ethan. He wants us to come over to his and Theresa's house right away. I do not know why but he sounded upset. I pray nothing is wrong with Ethan Jr. I know he had problems a few months ago with his diabetes.
Pilar rushes out Miguel sighs and goes to get his coat.

Over at Whitney's the kids are all playing when Chad comes through the door.
Chad: Hey guys I'm home!
CJ, Russ, and Melanie all go running to him for a group hug.
CJ: Daddy!
Russ: Daddy!
Melanie: Daddy!
Chad: Hey there's my crew how are the best kids in the whole wide world doing, huh?
He hugs all of them and kisses them happily.
Whitney comes over smiling carrying Sean. Chad hugs Sean and kisses him.
Chad: Hey big guy!
Sean giggles. Chad then kisses Whitney and looks at her worriedly.
Chad: Any word from Theresa?
Whitney shakes her head sadly.
Whitney: No not yet.
Chad hugs her reassuringly.
Chad: I'm sure she'll be okay, you know. You're Mom is the best.
Whitney smiles trying to believe he's right. Chad walks into the living room and puts Sean in his baby walker then spots Maria, Ethan Jr. and Sammy all watching from the door way.
Chad: What does uncle Chad suddenly have cooties?
Maria laughs and goes running to him. He picks her up in the air and swings her around. Maria squeals with delight. Ethan Jr. comes over looking rather down. Chad bends down and gives him a hug.
Chad: Hey man, you don't okay.
Ethan Jr. shrugs.
Ethan Jr: I guess so.
Sammy crawls over sits puts his arms in the air and looks up at Chad.
Sammy: Up!
Chad laughs.
Chad: Yes sir!.
He picks him up and goes to sit on the couch just as the phone rings and Whitney gets it.
Chad: So who wants a gift?
CJ: Me!
Russ: I do, I do!
Melanie: Me too!
Maria: Do you have one for me?
Chad smiles at Maria.
Chad: Don't I always have a gift for you.
Maria giggles. Chad looks over at Ethan Jr. who seems a million miles away.
Chad: I got one for you too buddy.
Ethan Jr. tries to smile
Ethan Jr.: Thanks.
Just then Whitney comes back in looking rather upset.
Whitney: Chad that was Ethan on the phone. He wouldn't say what was wrong but he sounded upset. He wants us to come over to his place right away. Chad nods.
Chad: Okay, guys looks like gifts will have to wait. Let's get those coats on!
Chad and Whitney hurriedly get the kids into their coats. Only stopping long enough to exchange a worried glance.

Luis is coming back to join Kay after making a quick call into work. He sees Kay is on her cell phone and she looks worried. As he approaches she hangs up and turns to him.
Kay: Luis, that was Ethan. He wouldn't tell me what's going on exactly. But he sounded upset and he wants us to come over to his place right away.
Luis nods now on red alert.
Luis: We'd better go.
Kay: I'm going to call my parents and meet us there. If something is wrong Ethan will need Dad.
They jump in the car and head off.

At Crane Mansion Eve arrives home. She is exhausted and her eyes are read and puffy from crying. She walks slowly in and a maid approaches her.
Maid: Good evening Mrs. Crane. Mr. Crane asked me to tell you to come see him in the living room.
Eve nods
Eve: Thank you.
Bearly able to hold it together she makes her way to the living room. When she walks in she finds a beautifully set table with candle light, a roaring fire, a violinist playing her favorite song, and Julian standing there holding a rose for her. He hands it to her and smiles lovingly at her.
Julian: A rose for the lady of my heart.
Eve bursts into tears.
Eve: Oh Julian.
And falls into his arms Sobbing. Julian just holds her startled by this reaction.

Soon everyone is assembled at Ethan and Theresa's. The kids have all been sent upstairs to play. Everyone is seated in the living room. Theresa is sitting in a chair with Ethan sitting on the arm rest with his arm protectively around her. Both are looking rather upset but strong.
Pilar: What is it Mija? Why did you ask us all here?
Whitney: What did my Mom say Theresa?
Luis: What's going on sis?
Theresa takes a deep breath and looks up at Ethan for support. He kisses her head and smiles at her lovingly.
Ethan: You want me to tell them?
Theresa takes a deep breath.
Theresa: No, no I need to do this.
She turns to everyone and takes a deep breath.
Theresa: As some of you know I haven't been feeling well for the past couple of months. Yesterday, Dr. Russell ran some tests to find out why. Today she told Ethan and I that I have pancreatic cancer and I'm having surgery to remove as much of the mass as they can the day after tomorrow..