Chapter Seven

Julian helps a sobbing Eve over to the couch and sits her down gently still holding onto her.
Julian: Eve, darling, what is it? What's happened?
Eve tries to pull herself together as she gazes into Julian's concerned eyes.
Eve: I'm, I'm sorry for breaking down on you like that, it's just...
Eve shakes her head and sighs deeply.
Julian: Eve, my love please look at me.
Eve turns and looks into his love filled eyes.
Julian: Please don't ever apologize for leaning on me. I'm you're husband and you being able to lean on me is part of the deal. Just like I can lean on you. We are in this together. So, please tell me what is troubling you my love. Let me help carry the load.
Eve gazes at him with pure love and shakes her head as a smile spreads across her face.
Eve: I truly am the luckest woman in the world you know that Julian? To have man like you at my side is truly a blessing.
Julian: Oh contrar my dear. I'm the lucky one. I'm lucky to have been given this incredible second chance with my true love. I'm lucky to have been blessed with your love. A love that for many years I was not worthy of, and some may still say I'm not.
Eve: But you are Julian, you are just as worthy as I.
Julian smiles
Julian: I think many would disagree with you there, but I'll always except a complement from the lady of my heart.
Eve smiles thinking back
Eve: I remember the first time I really came to you.
Julian nods
Julian: We had a vertually herricane and that reched ex of yours had tossed you out into it. You were fighting with most of your friends at the time and had no where to go. I had just finnished divorcing Ivy for good, and had finally managed to pay Rebecca enough to make her leave me alone. You showed up on my door step soaked to the core and crying.
Eve nods
Eve: And you were so caring and gentle. You took me right in. Let me take a hot shower, got me dry clothes, had that huge meal made for me, even had a guest room made up for me. And you were so worried. You sat with me most of the night listening to me and talking to me.
Julian: It was my pleasure my dear. And I'd do it all again. You know you saw the real me. You understood me like no one ever had or still does. It was so easy to open up to you. About my feelings for you, the pain I felt about losing both Ethan and my sister, my feelings about being a Crane I mean, my true ones. And how much I dispized my father. You listened and understood.
Eve: And you cared and excepted me warts and all.
Julian: Any warts you had were my making I'm afraid.
Eve shook her head.
Eve: As I've told you before I made my own choices. But the best choice I ever made was coming here that night.
Julian smiles
Julian: I can't argue with that. We started growing closer as time went on and before we knew it our love had re blossomed and we were planning our wedding.
Eve: I remember making excuse after excuse as to why I couldn't move out until it finally hit me that I just didn't want to leave.
Julian: And I most certainly didn't wnat you to. These past years Eve, they've been the best years of my life.
Eve smiles
Eve: Mine too.
They kiss tenderly.
Julian: But I digress now what had your tears flowing when you walked through the door my love?
Eve sighs
Eve: I'm just worried about a patient of mine. I just diagnosed them with a very serious form of cancer and I'm very frightened about how things are going to play out.
Julian nods
Julian: Cancer is such a horrendus disease. I truly wouldn't wish it on my worst enimy.
Eve nods
Eve: Either would I.
Julian: But...but you know you are such a gifted doctor Eve. Such an incredibly talented one. I'm certain you can help this poor soul. They couldn't ask for a better doctor.
Eve shakes her head uncertainly.
Eve: Even the best doctors get beat sometimes Julian.
Julian: Well, that doesn't mean this will be one of those times now does it?
Eve considers this.
Eve: No, no it doesn't.
Julian: Look, I know you and you'll do everything you can for this person. And if it doesn't work, well perhaps it was just God's will as they say. Try not to fret my love. You can only do your best nothing more.
Eve smiles and nods.
Eve: I know. It just gets hard sometimes you know?
Julian nods.
Julian: Yes, I know. But you must not let your career bring you down like this. You need to be able to focuse on your own life too.
Eve nods
Eve: I know.
Julian: What do you say we enjoy this wonderful dinner and celebrate life, hmm? Help you get some emotional detachment.
Eve smiles.
Eve: Okay, I suppose I should try.
Julian: Yes, you most certainly should.
Julian stands and takes Eve's hand. She stands and he guids her to the table and they begin a romantic dinner. Julian raises his glass high.
Julian: To life.
Eve: To life.
They clink glasses.
Everyone just stairs at Theresa not fully believing what they've heard.
Luis: Cancer?
Kay squezes Luis's hand and swallows hard.
Whitney: Oh Theresa...
Chad puts a supportive arm around Whitney.
Chad: Oh, man.
Pilar: Dios Mio! No, no this cannot be! You cannot have this!
Sam: Ethan what can we do to help?
Grace: Yes how can we help?
Kay: What exactly did Eve say Theresa?
Miguel: Are you going to get a second opinion?
Pilar: Yes, yes you should get a second opinion! Eve is obvioulsy mistaken!
Luis: Yeah, Sis, you need to get another test. That, that just can't be right!
Theresa shakes her head no and wipes a tear away from her face. Ethan clears his throat.
Ethan: Believe me we would both give anything for this not to be true, but unfortchunately it is. Dr. Russell double checked the test several times and disccused the results with several of the top cancer specialists in the world. It's true Theresa has can, cancer.
Ethan can bearly say the words as tears appear in his own eyes but he wipes them away and takes a few deep breaths determend to hold it together for Theresa.
Whitney: This...oh my God, this is just so un real...
Pilar: Oh my Mija!
Pilar goes to Theresa and hugs her as she cries. Theresa hugs her mother trying to comfort her. Kay whispers to Luis.
Kay: Theresa doesn't need to be comforting anyone right now, she's dealing with enough.
Luis nods and gets up. He goes over to his mother and whispers in her ear.
Luis: Be strong Mama, Theresa needs you strong.
Pilar pulls herself together and pulls away from Theresa.
Pilar: You are right Mijo, thank you. Theresa you are going to be fine. Eve is a great doctor and I'm sure she will be able to help you.
Pilar goes back to her seat with Luis's help tears still visable.
Whitney: What exactly did my mother say?
Theresa: That the mass has probably been growing for sometime. That she can't be sure how exstensive the tumor is until she gets inside to have a look. But she thinks it may have spread.
Everyone gasps.
Theresa: It's not a given she's only going on her expereance and the size the mass appears to be. She won't know till she gets in there.
Ethan: It's just a possible that Eve could get most if not all of it. Even most will be good because then with Chemo the rest could be destroyed.
Everyone nods tears in all of their eyes.
Grace: And the surgery is day after tomorrow?
Theresa: Yes. It's at nine am.
Whitney: What can we do to help?
Grace: Do you have someone to watch the kids?
Ethan: I've actually called Charity and asked her too.
Theresa nods. Miguel mutters under his breath.
Miguel: Why does she have to be involved.
No one hears his comment.
Theresa: We really need as many family and friends there to support us as possible, so Charity made the most sense. That way my family and friends and Ethan's can be at the hospital.
Everyone looks at each other un sure of what to do or say next.

Charity is up in her bed room packing the remainder of Miguel's things that he didn't take already. She is fighting very hard not to cry but her heart aches for him. Just then Angel comes in.
Angel: Where are you going to send Daddy things?
Charity wipes her face tryinig to hide the few tears that have spilled over.
Charity: To Grandma's. I'm sure that's where he's staying and since Daddy isn't going to live here any more we might as well send his things to him.
Just then Gracie and MJ wander in.
MJ: Why Daddy, no live here anymore?
Gracie: Where Daddy?
Charity sighs as she looks at her small children and knows it's time to tell them. Charity sits on the side of the bed and motions to her chilren. She pulls MJ and Gracie onto her lap. Angel sits down next to her mother.
Charity: I have something very important to tell you kids, so I need you to listen carefully. Now, Daddy will always be your Daddy and I know that Daddy will always love you but...but he's not going to be living with us anymore. He's going to live somewhere else.
MJ: Why?
Gracie: Yeah, why?
Charity takes a deep breath.
Charity: Because Daddy doesn't want to live here anymore. I wish he did, and I tried to change him mind. But...but Daddy wanted to go.
Gracie's chin starts to tremble as her brown eyes fill with tears.
Gracie: Will we see him again?
Charity looks into Gracie's eyes struggiling with what to tell her. She doesn't want to lie but how can she tell her that Daddy might not come to see her. Angel then pipes in.
Angel: Gracie, Mommy doesn't know. We all hope he does come and see us but we just don't know.
Gracie and MJ start crying Angel wraps her arms around her siblings and starts crying too. Charity wraps her arms around all of them and cries right along with them. They all hold each other for awhile. As Charity wonders what life has in store for her and if she'll have the abiluty to raise for kids on her own.

Back at Theresa's everyone is just kind of milling around unsure of what to do or say. Kay sees Luis just standing by a window stairing out into nothing. She walks over and rests her hand on his arm. He turns sees her and wraps her in a hug holding onto her for deal life. Kay rubs his back as she hugs him.
Kay: You know, just because the last person you knew with pancreatic cancer died doesn't mean Theresa will. Medicine is better now and she's got a great doctor. On top of that it may not have spread. Eve may be able to get all of it.
Luis pulls back and nods.
Luis: I know, I know. It's just, just the fact that she has to suffer with this at all just makes me so damn sad and angry!
He turns and punches a wall. Kay rests her hand on Luis's arm again.
Kay: Luis please don't do that, it's not helping anyone. Espeically not Theresa.
Luis: But there's nothing I can do! I can't do a damn thing for her!
Kay takes Luis by the arms and makes him look at her.
Kay: Now that is not true and you know it. You can do plenty. Just by being here for her, just by letting her know how much you love her. That's helping her, it's helping her to cope, helping her to be strong.
Luis: But it's not enough!
Kay sighs looking into his sad brown eyes and hugs him to her.
Kay: I know, I know.
In another area Ethan and Sam are talking.
Sam: How are you holding up son?
Ethan runs his hand through his hair and sighs.
Ethan: I don't know, I don't know. I guess I'm a little shell shocked you know? I went to work yesturday thinking everything was perfect. Three great kids, a wonderful wife, my own law firm, now it feels like it's all falling apart. I can't even describe what it was like hearing Eve tell us that Theresa has cancer. And the kind she has...
Ethan shakes his head sadly.
Ethan: It just couldn't be worse.
Ethan becomes emotional.
Ethan: I can't lose her Dad I just can't.
Sam takes Ethan in his arms and hugs him tightly.
Sam: I know son, I know.
Ethan pulls himself together.
Ethan: I know I have to be strong but part of me just doesn't know how I can be.
Sam: You be strong when you're with Theresa that's what she needs. But you can come to me or any one of your other friends or family members and break down all you want. You're entitled to it. Look, don't lose hope Ethan. We don't even know yet the extent of the cancer, and Eve is a wonderful doctor.
Ethan nods trying to believe his fathers words.
Ethan: I know, I know. We...we may have caught it in time. I just keep telling myself that. But I can't help but wonder what if? What if we haven't? And then all these nightmarish ideas start coming and I...I just don't know how to handle them.
Grace moves over to them.
Grace: Pray Ethan, that's all you can do. Just pray.
Kay comes up behind Ethan with Luis close behind on this last part and touches his arm.
Kay: I know something else you can do.
Ethan turns and looks at her, she smiles at him sympathicly and holds her arms out.
Kay: Lean on a sister.
Ethan grabs onto Kay and just hugs her. She holds him as tightly as she can and prays that his worst fears won't come true.
Whitney and Theresa are talking. They are both tryinig not to cry.
Whitney: I...I was so hopeful it was just a cyst.
Theresa nods.
Theresa: Me too. I was praying it was anything but this.
Whitney: Is there anything I can do? Anyway I can help? Theresa, I love you, you are like a sister to me. Anything you need just say the word.
Theresa starts sobbing.
Theresa: I love you too Whit.
They hug tightly then both try to regain their composure.
Theresa: You know when your Mom told me it didn't even feel real. I felt like I was watching some sad movie or something. I don't think it really sank in until I said it here tonight.
Whitney: Oh Theresa, I'm so sorry. Is there anything, anything at all I can do?
Theresa dabs at her eyes.
Theresa: Yeah, actually there is.
Whitney: What? You name it I'll do it.
Theresa: I don't know how things are going to go but the odds are I'm going to be worse before I'm better. Now that being said I won't be able to play with my kids like I used to. Whitney I don't want them feeling abandoned. Can you make sure Maria gets to play princess and, and maybe Chad can do something with Ethan Jr. while Ethan is caring for me.
Whitney nods.
Whitney: Of course. Don't even worry about the kids. They are so loved by so many they'll be fine.
Miguel is looking around at all the sad faces and starts longing to be anywhere else. Pilar walks over to him.
Pilar: Lets go talk to your sister. She needs us.
Miguel shakes his head.
Miguel: There is nothing we can do for her Mama. Only Dr. Russell can help her.
Pilar looks at her son shocked.
Pilar: Mijo that is not true! We can offer her our love, support, and prayers! Those things work wonders.
Miguel: I wish I believed that. You can do that if it makes you feel better, but I'm out of here.
Pilar: Mijo! What has gotten into you?!
Miguel gets his coat on.
Miguel: Nothing. I'm just not pretending to be something I'm not anymore. Theresa knows I love her, okay? I can't help her and frankly I can't stand being here.
He storms out before anything else can be said. Pilar just shakes her head sadly.

Eve and Julian dance slowly after a romantic dinner as the fire roars on.
Julian: I'm happy to see a smile back on that beautiful face of yours.
Eve: Well, being sad won't do anyone any good. I have to stay professional and clear headed so I can help my patient as best I can. Besides it's hard to stay sad around you my love.
She smiles lovingly up at Julian and they kiss tenderly.
Julian: Well, I'm glad to hear that. But just who is this poor patient of yours? I've seen you when you're just upset about a patient and it seems like there's more too it?
Eve: There is. It's someone I know but I can't tell you Julian I'm sorry.
Julian: That is all right my dear. I just thought talking about it might ease your mind a bit.
Eve: What eases my mind the most is not thinking about it untill tomorrow. Julian make love to me. I need you, I need to feel alive and whole.
Julian: Your wish is my command my love.
Julian whisks her up in his arms and carries her upstairs. He gently lays her across the bed and she pulls him towards her as he kisses her softly everywhere. Soon there clothes have been shed and their bodies roll together as one.

That night back at Kay and Luis's Kay sits in bed and watches Luis pace back and forth cracking his nuckles like he always does when he's got something on his mind. Kay sighs and looks at him sympatheticly.
Kay: Luis, come sit down and let me give you a shouler rub. It will help you relax.
Luis: I don't want to relax! I want to help my sister!
Kay: I understand that, but being tense, stressed out, and tired ins't going to help her. The only way you can help take care of her is if you take care of yourself.
Luis: I know that!
Kay: I know you do, but I also know that sometimes you need a reminder. You've looked out for the world for so long that you tend to forget to look out for yourself too.
Luis sigs and sits on the edge of the bed reluctantly. Kay moves over behind him and begins working on his shoulders.
Kay: Oh baby you got a couple of boulders here that need moving.
Luis: You know it's just not fair, it is just plain not fair! I drag in scum everyday off the street! Child molesters, murderers, rapists, drug dealers, the true scum of the earth. And, and there all healthy! There all going about their lives! They are living long long lives. And what does my kid sister get huh? What does my sweet, happily married, loving mother of three, never hurt a fly sister get! Cancer! Where the hell is the fairness in that! And yeah, I know life ain't fair but man sometimes it goes way beyond not fair!
Luis gets up and begins stomping around the room again. Kay sits and watches him. Wanting so badly to help him but not knowing how to.
Luis: You know, it never fails to amaze me how the good can get such a raw deal while the scum of the earth live long healthy lives! What the hell kind of plan is that!
Kay shakes her head.
Kay: I don't know, I don't know. But what I do know is that Theresa is a fighter. She's worked long and hard to have everything she has now and she's not just going to give up. She's going to fight this with all she has, and God willing she'll win. Theresa is one of the strongest people I know. Her never give up attitude is something I've always greatly admired. She's a survivor Luis, just like you. And I don't think we should doubt for one second that she's going to fight this cancer with the same strength and determination that she's faced every other obsticle with.
Luis: But she shouldn't have to! She shouldn't have to fight anything! She should just have a long healthy life cause she's earned it!
Luis is on the verge of tears. Kay gets up and goes to him and hugs him tightly.
Kay: You're right, Luis, okay? You are absolutly right. She shouldn't have to face this at all. But the fact is she is going to have to. And us yelling about the unfairness of it all, as true as it is, won't help her. We need to be her cheer leaders okay? We need to encourage her and help her fight. She's going to be the one that is dragged down by this disease. So we have to be the ones cheering her on to victory, okay? We can't worry about the why we have to focus on getting her through this, cause that's all we can do. She needs our strength Luis, not our anger, or our pitty, she needs our strength.
Luis pulls back and looks at Kay.
Luis: But what if it's not enough? What if all the fighting, and support in the world doesn't matter? What if...
Luis shakes his head sadly unable to finish the thought as tears spring to his eyes. Kay takes his face in her hands.
Kay: Luis, don't even think it, okay? Don't even think it. We don't even know how bad it is yet. We can't declare defeate before we even begin to fight. Now, I want you to focus on helping Theresa be strong, on helping her stay positive and focused on surviving. That's the only way, Luis, it's the only way. Don't even think about what could happen, just stay focused. If we have to cross that bridge we'll cross it, but we are no where near there yet? You understand?
Luis smiiles and nods as he pulls her in close.
Luis: Thank you.
Kay smiles
Kay: For what?
Luis: For being my strength. I don't think I could face this with out you Kay. You are everything to me.
Kay: You'll never face anything alone Luis. You are my true love. I will always be here for you.
They kiss tenderly.

At the Bennetts Grace and Sam lay side by side neither one can sleep.
Sam: Grace?
Grace: Yes?
Sam: I can't sleep.
Grace: Me neither.
Sam: You know, Ethan is trying to be so strong for Theresa, but I can see that this is destroying him, it's just killing him.
Sam sighs.
Grace: I know, I know. But he has you, and so many others who love him and who will help him through this.
Sam: That's just it Grace. He's my son. As a father I want to protect him, and make things right for him. I want to swoop in and fix things. But...but I can't.
Sam starts to cry.
Sam: My son is hurting and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it!
Grace wraps her arms around Sam and holds him close.
Grace: I know, I know. There is nothing worse then seeing your child in pain. I may only be his step mother, but I'd give anything to help him, so I can only imagine how you must feel.
Sam: It's the worst feeling in the world to know your child is hurting and there is nothing you can do. I became a cop to protect people, to protect Harmony. But now the person i want to protect the most I'm helpless to protect at all.
Grace: There's still hope you know? I mean, Eve could get all the cancer, Theresa could go through a few Chemo treatments and go into remission, who knows. The fact is at this point there is still plenty of reason to believe she'll be okay.
Sam nods
Sam: I pray to God she is. My son has lost so much already to lose his wife and the mother of his children.
Sam shakes his head.
Sam: It's just unthinkable.
Grace: Those poor babies. To be so young and face the possibilaty of losing a parent. I can't even fathem that.
Sam: No matter how it goes it's going to be hard on all of them.
Grace nods.
Grace: What are they going to tell the kids?
Sam: Ethan said there going to be as honnest as they can be without scaring them to much. I don't know what they're going to say but they're great parent's. I'm sure they'll figure it out.
Grace: Yes, I'm sure they will.
Sam: You know what else I was thinking?
Grace: What?
Sam smiles pulling Grace close to him.
Sam: How blessed I am to have you, and how happy I am Ivy's plan was exposed before I lost you. I love you so much Grace. You are everything to me, and I thank God every day that I have you.
Grace smiles up at Sam lovingly
Grace: Oh Sam I feel the same way about you. You are everything to me. I am just so thankful David finally broke down and told the truth. I can't imagen being anywhere else but in your arms right now.
Sam: I know. Had David not done that I'd be forced to lean on poisen Ivy for support and I doubt she'd be of much support. She's a selfish cold snake.
Grace: Well, considering she's locked of for fraud and forgery not to mention plotting to drug a minor for the next 20 some years I'd say that's one person we don't have to worry about.
Sam: Yeah and with David on the run that's one more we don't have to think about.
Grace: So we can just focuse on you, me, and our loved ones. They need us now more then ever Sam.
Sam: And I need you more then ever.
Grace: I know Sam, and I'm here.
They kiss tenderly as they hold each other close.

The next night Theresa is sitting up in bed when Ethan brings in Maria, Sammy, and Ethan Jr. Theresa, tries to smile at her family through her worry.
Theresa: Hey guys come over here!
Maria and Ethan Jr. pile on the bed and Theresa gives them both big hugs and kisses.
Theresa: How's princess Maria tonight?
Maria: I'm good. Guess what!
Theresa: What?
Maria: I can count to ten in spanish Grandma taught me!
Theresa: Wow!
Ethan: Well, let's here it.
Maria: Uno, dos, trace, quatro, cinco, sies, siete, ocho, nueve, dies!
Theresa: Yay!
Theresa hugs her daughter tightly.
Ethan: Very good princess!
Maria beems proudly. Theresa then pulls Ethan Jr. in for another hug.
Theresa: And how are you doing sweet heart?
Ethan Jr.: Okay I guess, but I know something's wrong.
Theresa and Ethan look at each other.
Ethan: What do you mean buddy?
Ethan Jr.: Everyone looks so sad and serious today, and Mom's been in bed or laying on the couch a lot. Somethings up.
Theresa smiles and shakes her head.
Theresa: You pick up on everything don't you honey..
Ethan Jr. nods
Ethan Jr.: yeah so what's up?
Ethan and Theresa looks at each other both knowing it's time to tell them. Ethan hands Sammy to Theresa who hugs him tightly then sitting cross leged on the bed pulls Maria into his lap. Ethan Jr sits in between his parents looking from one to the other for anwsers.
Maria: Is something wrong?
Theresa: Well, sort of. But Mommy and Daddy are working hard to make it right.
Ethan Jr.: What is it?
Theresa: Well, remember how the other day I went to see Dr. Eve cause I wasn't feeling well?
Maria nod.
Ethan Jr.: Is this about the tests they ran?
Theresa: Yes it is.
Ethan: They found something inside of Mommy that shouldn't be there. So, tomorrow Dr. Eve is going to try and take it out.
Maria: What's in side of you Mommy?
Theresa: Well, it's a big clump of things that shouldn't be there. And they are making me sick. So it has to come out. It's kind of like when Uncle Hanks Dog had a ball in his tummy and they had to take it out.
Ethan Jr.: Buster had to stay at the vets over night, will you have to stay at the hospital?
Theresa: Yeah, sweetheart I will. I'll be at the hospital for a few days. But then I'll come home okay?
Ethan: And while Mommy is at the hospital you kids get to stay with Aunt Charity! won't that but fun.
Maria nods
Maria: Angel has really cool barbie stuff, and Aunt Charity has some really neat games to play.
Theresa: Well, then it sounds like you're in for a great time.
Maria smiles a little then frowns.
Maria: But I'll miss you Mommy.
Theresa: Oh baby I'll miss you too. But I'll be home in a few days I promise, okay?
Maria nods. Ethan and Theresa notice how silent Ethan Jr. is being.
Ethan: You okay champ?
Ethan Jr. nods
Ethan Jr.: Can I sleep in here with you guys?
Maria: I want to sleep in here too!
Sammy: Me too!
Theresa: Well, I'd love to have you all in here with me.
Ethan smiles
Ethan: It's a slumber party.
Maria: Yay!
They all climb under the covers and hold onto each other tightly as Theresa wonders if nights like this are numbered for her.

The next morning Ethan and Theresa silently pile the kids in the car both trying to remaine strong and some what happy in front of the kids. They ride over to Charity's in almost complete silence except for Maria's occasional excited out bursts about Angel's barbie collection. At Charity's Theresa hugs each of them tightly.
Maria: Aren't you coming in Mommy?
Theresa: No, no i"m just going to stay in the car. I'll see you in a few days baby, have a great time okay. And be good for Charity.
Theresa hugs her daughter tightly to her for several minutes as tears form in her eyes. She tries to hide them but Ethan Jr. notices and looks down. He knows something bad is happening but he doesn't really understand what it is.
Maria: Okay Mommy, I hope Dr. Eve gets the stuff in you out.
Theresa: Me to.
Theresa smiles at her daughter who blows her a kiss and runs towards Charity's house all excited about the barbies. Ethan Jr then comes over and hugs Theresa. they hold on to each other tightly.
Theresa: Oh, I'm going to miss you so much! You be good okay?
Ethan Jr. pulls back and looks at his Mom closely then takes her hand in his.
Ethan Jr.: Don't worry Mommy it will be okay. He hugs her again then runs after his sister. Theresa wipes her eyes and looks at Ethan worriedly.
Ethan: He'll be okay. Charity is great with kids and I'm only a phone call away.
Theresa nods and tries to smile. She then hugs and kisses Sammy and hands him to Ethan.
Theresa: I'd go in but...
Ethan: That's okay. I'll be right back.
He walks up to Charity's house where she has already opened the door and is hugging Maria and Ethan Jr. She takes Sammy from Ethan. Theresa sees them talking for a few minutes then Ethan bends down and hugs his kids. Charity waves at Theresa and mouths good luck. Theresa mouths back thank you. Ethan soon comes back to the car. As they drive off the group stands on the front step waving Theresa watches them till she can no longer see them and then begins to cry. Ethan squezes her hand tightly.
Ethan: It's going to be okay, Theresa, it just is.
Theresa tries to pull herself together and nods trying to believe he's right.

At the hospital everyone is gathered in the waiting area when Theresa is wheeled by on a gurny before surgery. Everyone moves over to her. Whitney and Chad come up first.
Whitney: Oh, Theresa.
Whitney hugs her tightly.
Theresa: Hey don't cry Whit, okay? Now, I'll admit this is my worst jam yet but I have no intention of letting it get me.
Theresa smiles trying to convince herself as well as Whitney. Whitney tries to smile and nods. Chad squezes her hand.
Chad: Hey we don't have any doubts you're going to pull through this you know? You're a fighter.
Theresa nods and smiles. Kay and Luis come up next.
Kay: You know, what I admire about you the most?
Theresa laughs
Theresa: No, what?
Kay: Your never give up never surrender attitude. You're a survivior Theresa, and that's how I know you're going to be okay. I admire you so much, and I know you're going to show us one more time that you can't be knocked down for long.
Theresa smiles through her tears as Kay hugs her. Luis then hugs her tightly.
Luis: Hey little sister. Listen, you better not go anywhere on me, you here? I got two little girls that need to be taught all about fate.
Theresa laughs.
Luis: And I really do still need you little sister.
Theresa squezes his hand tightly and looks at him intencly.
Theresa: I know, I know.
Sam and Grace then come up.
Sam: You're strong Theresa, I have no doubt you can beat this.
Theresa smiles as Sam gives her a quick peck on the cheek.
Grace: You are going to be fine, you just have to keep the faith.
Theresa smiles
Theresa: I know. Thank you, thank you both.
Pilar then comes up trying desperatly not to cry.
Pilar: Oh, Mija. I love you so much, and I know you can beat this. You just have to have faith.
Theresa nods and smiles
Pilar: I...I just love you so much. I wish, I could fight this for you. But...but just know in my heart, I'm fighting right along with you.
Theresa has tears running down her cheeks.
Theresa: I know, I know. I love you too, Mama, I love you too. You are the best mother ever. And I am so grateful to have you in my life.
They hug both crying. Finally the pull apart. Ethan comes up last. He leans in close and takes Theresa's face in his hands and looks at her intensly.
Ethan: We waited a virtual life time to be together. You faught to have me by your side, and I love you with every fiber of my being. So don't you dare even think of cutting out now.
Theresa sniffs her tears now streeming. Ethan wipes them away with his hands as he continues to speek.
Ethan: You faught everything and everyone for us to be together. So this is one more obsticle Theresa, and I don't doubt you can fight it. You are the queen of my heart, and if you think I'm going to give you up easily you couldn't be more wrong. I may not be the one being operated on today. But my life is still hanging in the balance Theresa. Because you are my life. So you better save both of us, you got that.
Theresa nods.
Ethan: And don't forget, you're not fighting alone. I'm right here with you and will be right here with you every step of the way.
Theresa: I love you too Ethan, and I swear I won't let this disease just up and have me. You are my world and I will fight for us with all I have.
Ethan: You have a lot to fight for. The kids, your family, your friends, us.
Theresa: I know, Ethan. My life is pervect, I'm not jsut going to roll over and give it up. You are the prince I've always dreamed of finding and I intend to get my happily ever after.
Ethan: I'm going to hold you to that.
Nurse: I'm sorry, but we really have to go.
Theresa starts to cry.
Ethan holds her to him.
Ethan: Sshhh it will be okay, queen of my heart, it will be okay.
He then kisses her tenderly.
Ethan: See you soon my love
Theresa: See you soon.
They blow a final kiss as she is whisked away. Ethan stands in the hall transfixed on the doors she's been taken through.
Ethan: My whole life is in that room.
Sam puts his arm around Ethan.
Sam: I know son, I know.