Chapter Eight

Everyone waits anxiously in the waiting room for word on Theresa. Kay has just come back from getting coffee. She sits down next to Luis and hands him his coffee.
Luis: We've sure seen a lot of this place over the years haven't we.
Kay nods
Luis: When Sheridan died, when your Dad was nearly killed in the line of duty, when Theresa's son was diagnosed with diabetes, when Mama had kidney stones.
Luis shakes his head tiredly and rubs his face. Kay takes his hand in hers and gives it a squeeze.
Kay: We do have good memories in this place to you know? Remember the night the twins were born?
Luis smiles thinking back.
Luis: How could I forget. They were both trying to come down the birth canal butt first at the same time.
Kay laughs.
Kay: It wasn't easy that's for sure. I wound up having a c section.
Luis nods
Luis: They both came out screaming and healthy.
Kay: Easiest sixteen pounds I ever lost. Of course Pilar wouldn't even wait for a delivery room.
Luis laughs.
Luis: That's right. She was born right in the entrance way.
Kay nods
Kay: You got me in a wheel chair and I'm like the heads coming out!
Luis: I remember that orderly caught her.
Kay: Well, at least she waited to be born at the hospital, now Anita...
They both start laughing.
Luis: I will never forget that night. It was raining so hard I could bearly see and traffic was a mess. You started screaming the heads coming. By the time I pulled over and got around to your side the head was out and she fell right into my hands.
Kay shakes her head smiling.
Kay: It was a very unforgettable delivery. And you know there is nothing that says this hospital can't have more happy memories. Just imagine Theresa being told she's in remission.
Luis thinks thoughtfully imagining them all hugging each other, and crying tears of relief.
Luis: Yeah, that would be wonderful.
Kay: It can happen Luis, it really can.
Luis nods.
Luis: I sure hope so.
Kay clutches his hand in hers and places her head on his shoulder.
Kay: Me too.
Chad and Ethan are talking in the corner.
Ethan: So how did the tour go?
Chad: It was good man. I think it's my last tour for a while though.
Ethan: How come?
Chad: Well, you know your kids are only young once and I feel like I'm missing out on a lot. I'd rather be around every day for them like you are for yours. And...and I miss Whitney, you know?
Ethan nods
Ethan: There's nothing more important then the people you love.
Chad: I hear you man. You know I'd been thinking about giving up the tour bit for a while now. But when I got that call from Whitney about Theresa...
Chad shakes his head.
Chad: Life's just to uncertain man. You know, you can't assume those you love are always going to be there.
Chad stops realizing what he's just said.
Chad: Not that Theresa's going anywhere or nothing I just mean...
Ethan shakes his head sadly.
Ethan: We hope she's not, but the truth is she might. As much as I want to believe she's going to beat this, I can't pretend that's not a possibility. Besides you're right, you should never take those you love for granted. And I'm sure both your kids and Whitney are going to love having you around more.
Chad: I'm going to be around for all of you Ethan, okay? I want you to know that Whitney and I are going to help out in anyway we can. You can count on us anytime day or night.
Ethan smiles appreciatively at his old friend.
Ethan: Thanks man that means a lot.
The two friends hug.
Ethan: I am worried about Ethan Jr. You know the other two are really two young to understand what's going on, but he's...he's old enough to. And he's always been mature for his age. He gets a lot without even being told.
Chad nods.
Chad: Yeah, he's a sharp little guy. Whitney told me that he knew something was wrong with Theresa before she said a word.
Ethan nods
Ethan: He just knows stuff. It's not like Charity though, I mean he doesn't get a clear picture of anything. But he can sense when something is going on. And he usually knows weather it's good or bad.
Chad nods
Chad: Yeah, I've seen that. Like the day I came home I know they'd only been told that Theresa and you were running arrends but man that kid he knew. He was so reserved and quiet. Really had a lot on his mind.
Ethan nods
Ethan: Yeah, it worries me sometimes.
Chad nods.
Chad: Listen, I was planning on taking CJ, Russ, and Melanie ice skating tomorrow, how about if I take Ethan Jr. and Maria along. Thay'll have a great time and maybe it will get Ethan Jr's mind off things.
Ethan: That would be great Chad thanks, that really might help.
Chad: Hey, you know, you and Theresa are like family to Whitney and I. So we're happy to do what we can.
Ethan nods and smiles appreciatively.
Ethan: You're definitely like family to us too.

Grace brings Pilar some coffee.
Pilar: Thank you.
Grace: Try not to worry Pilar. I know it's hard but she's in great hands and God willing they will get all of it.
Pilar: I know, I know. It is just so hard to face the chance of losing a child I just...
Pilar shakes her head unable to continue.
Grace puts her arm around Pilar.
Grace: Pilar don't even think like that. I know it's hard but you have to keep the faith.
Pilar nods
Pilar: I just cannot lose anyone else, I cannot. I've already lost Marten and Antonio, and my sweet Paloma considers her Aunt Maria to be her true family. She hasn't spoken to me in ages.
Grace hugs her comfortingly.
Grace: I know Pilar, I know.
Sam comes up to Whitney who is leaning against a wall with her eyes closed tight.
Sam: You okay?
Whitney: I don't know. She's like my sister, you know? I just feel so dam helpless.
Sam nods
Sam: I know the feeling well. But hopefully the surgery will go well and Eve will get all of the cancer.
Whitney nods
Whitney: Hopefully.
Chad comes over and puts his arm around Whitney.
Chad: Any idea how long it will take babe?
Whitney: My Mom always says the longer the better cause it means there is more they can do. If it's short it means they couldn't do much to help her.
Everyone's eyes drift to the clock as Ethan thinks out loud.
Ethan: Pray it will take hours then, pray it takes hours.

Miguel comes into the hospital nervously hoping no one recognizes him. He sees an orderly and approaches him.
Miguel: Hey, man, I was wondering if you could help me out?
Orderly: Well, I'll try. What seems to be the problem?
Miguel: Well, see, my girl and I had this huge fight and I really want to make up with her. But she refuses to see me or speak to me and her family pretty much hates me. I wrote this letter of apology to her but I'm afraid if I go give it to her she'll just tare it up, you know? Not even read it.
Orderly: I know how that goes. I just don't get them, you know?
Miguel laughs
Miguel: Who does?
Orderly: But how can I help?
Miguel: Simple. She's up in the operation lounge waiting for word on her sister in law. All I need you to do is go in and hand it to her. Then leave as quick as you can before she can ask any questions. See then she'll have to open it.
Orderly nods
Orderly: Sounds like a good strategy.
Miguel: Well, it's the only thing I can think of at this point.
Orderly nods
Orderly: I hear you.
Miguel: So you'll help?
Orderly smiles and slaps Miguel on the back.
Orderly: Sure thing pal. I'm always up for helping out, and when it comes to women, us men have got to stick together.
Miguel: Tell me about it.
They both laugh.
Orderly: So what's her name? What does she look like?
Miguel: Well, she has light brown hair, and hazel eyes, and her name is Kay. Just go in hand it to her and then...
Orderly: And then get out of there like a bat out of hell. I got it, no problem man.
Miguel: Thanks.
They shake hands and Miguel hands the sealed envelope to him.
Miguel: Here you go.
Orderly: Okay, I'll take care of this right now. And I hope this works for you.
Miguel smiles
Miguel: Thanks me to.
They shake hands and the orderly heads off. Miguel smiles devilishly.
Miguel: Well, that was easy enough. Now, I'd better get the hell out of here.
Miguel heads out quickly.
Up in the waiting area Kay is just coming back from the ladies room when the orderly approaches her.
Orderly: Are you Kay?
Kay: Yes, but...
Before she can say anything else the Orderly shoves the envelope at her and runs off. Kay looks at the envelope and down the hall where the Orderly has disappeared and wonders just what the heck is going on. She shrugs and opens the letter. As she reads it she gets an ominous chill.
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.
Kay looks at the envelope but there is no return address. She shakes her head with confusion then shrugs and starts to throw it out but something starts her and she stuffs it in her purse instead and heads back to the lounge.

Charity is helping the kids to an art project. They are each making get well cards for Theresa. Ethan Jr. looks over at Charity as she helps Maria put some more sparkles on her card.
Ethan Jr.: And Charity?
Charity: Yes?
Charity smiles at him.
Ethan Jr.: Are you really psychic?
Charity nods and smiles, Angel pipes in.
Angel: So am I. We can see stuff that's going to happen or is happening.
Maria: That's cool.
Gracie: Am I psychic to Mama?
Charity, Angel, Ethan Jr, and Maria all stifle a laugh.
Charity: Phsycic baby not phsyco. Although sometimes I do wonder if I'm going to lose my mind with all the visions I have.
They all laugh.
Charity: And you probably will have some powers. All Standish women do.
Maria: I wish I could have powers.
Ethan Jr.: You're already a princess what else do you want?
He rolls his eyes and Maria sticks her tongue out at him.
Charity laughs.
Charity: Okay that's enough of that. Come on let's finnish making these cards before the babies wake up, okay?
Ethan Jr.: So is my Mama going to be okay?
This question stops Charity dead in her tracks and she takes a deep breath. She has been having frightening images of what Theresa's future may hold but she doesn't want to scare Ethan Jr.
Charity: You know sweetie there are a lot of things I do know, but there are a lot of things I don't know also. I can tell you this though. You're Mama is a fighter and a survivor. And she's got great people taking care of her.
.Maria nods satisfied with the answer and goes back to her work. Ethan Jr. stairs at Charity for a minute almost like he's reading her mind then goes back to his car. Charity watches him worriedly, and wonders just how much this sweet boy can sense.

Ethan and Kay stand by a window talking.
Ethan: You know I was thinking when all this is done and she's in remission I'm going to take her on a second honey moon to celebrate.
Kay smiles
Kay: She's going to love that.
Ethan nods and smiles
Ethan: Yeah, I think she will too. You know, with my new law firm and all I haven't been spending as much time with her as I probably should have. But...but that's all going to change now. Now I'm going to be by her side all the time. I'm going to let her know all the time just how much I love her, and need her.
Kay: That's a good idea. It's so important to let those you love know how you feel.
Ethan nods
Ethan: Yeah, well she's going to know from now on. I'm going to take her on a trip around the world. We're going to go to Italy, France, Spain, all the most romantic and exciting places.
Kay: Oh she's going to love that! I remember when you had your last big trip planned you had to cancel it at the last minute cause Theresa found out she was pregnant with Maria and was nervous to travel over seas.
Ethan nods.
Ethan: Well, nothing is going to stop us now. We're going to take that trip I've been promising her.
Kay smiles and squeezes Ethan's hand.
Kay: Well, I'll be happy to watch the kids.
Ethan smiles.
Ethan: Thanks, I just really want to give her something to look forward to, and I know she'll love the trip.
Kay: Oh who wouldn't love it.
Ethan nods
Ethan: Now all I need is the go ahead from Eve.
Kay nods both glance nervously at the clock. Sam and Grace are sitting next to each other talking.
Sam: I wish I had words that would help Ethan.
Grace takes Sam's hand.
Grace: I'm sure just having you here helps.
Sam: I guess it has to be. You know I remember that night you were in the car crash. I paced around this room like a caged tiger. All I could think about was how much I loved you and how I couldn't even fathom not having you in my life.
Grace: I remember the night you were shot in the head and no one knew if you'd ever wake up or even if you did how well you'd function. I remember being filled with such terror.
Sam nods
Sam: We both made it but it's not a pain I'd wish on anyone.
Grace: I know, I know.
Just then Eve walks into the room looking very grim. Everyone runs over to her.
Ethan: Eve! Did you get all of it? Can I see her?
Pilar: She's going to be fine right, Eve? It was an easy operation and you got it all, right?
Luis: It hadn't spread right? She won't need much if anything else treatment wise right?
Whitney: Mom, how is she? What's going on?
Eve takes a deep breath trying to put her thoughts together.
Eve: She came through surgery fine. She's in recovery now. They are going to bring her down to her own room in about half an hour. You can all see her then.
Everyone sees that Eve is holding back. Ethan takes a deep breath trying to be strong.
Ethan: But?
Grace: Eve what aren't you telling us?
Pilar: Please tell me you got all of the cancer.
Whitney: You did right Mom?
Chad puts a comforting arm around Whitney.
Chad: What's the word?
Eve: I'm afraid the cancer has spread.
Everyone gasps in horror. Kay grabs Luis's hand supportively. Sam rests his hand on Ethan's shoulder. Chad pulls Whitney in close to him.
Eve: The cancer is not only in her pancreas but it's also in her liver and in the Portal vein. We were able to remove a small amount of the cancer but not much. With the liver involved and the section of the Portal vein involved that we couldn't remove. Well, I'm afraid Theresa's cancer is simply inoperable.
Luis: The liver...
Luis's mind flashes back to Sheridan and her dying of the same disease. He tries to push it away quickly but not before the tears start.
Pilar: Dios Mio! No, no this can't be!
Grace puts her arm around Pilar but Pilar pulls away.
Pilar: No, Grace, no. There is no need to comfort me. Theresa is going to be fine. Eve, Eve, is just lying!
Everyone gasps.
Eve: Pilar!
Pilar: No, no! You did it to Grace, you lied about John being her son just to protect yourself! Someone, someone is obviously blackmailing you again! Is it Ivy? Has she contacted you?!
Sam: Pilar...
Pilar: No, no! Eve, por favor, just tell us who is blackmailing you. My son, my Luis. He's a cop he will protect you. Please, please don't make my daughter pay. At least hand her over to a different doctor!
Eve is near tears.
Eve: I would never...
Whitney: Of course you wouldn't!
Whitney hugs her mother tightly.
Grace: Eve, I don't believe Eve would lie about this. She has no reason to. I'm afraid, I'm afraid she's being honest.
Eve: Pilar, I'd give anything to be wrong, but I'm not. However if you'd like there were other doctors in the OR. I can have them speak with you.
Pilar shakes her head tears coming to her eyes.
Pilar: No, no. I...I know you wouldn't lie about this. I'm sorry, but oh my Mija, my precious Mija!
Pilar starts sobbing uncontrollably into Graces arms. Ethan takes a deep breath not ready to give into his emotions yet.
Ethan: Okay, okay. Surgery is out fine. What else do you got? How do we fight this?
Eve takes a deep breath debating how much to tell them and then makes a decision.
Eve: I think our best bet is for her to start on intense Chemo and Radiation therapy as soon as possible.
Ethan nods all business now..
Ethan: Okay, when can you start it? What are the side affects?
Eve: I think she'll be strong enough to with stand starting the therapy in about a week. The side effects of these treatments are fatigue, skin becomes red, tender, itchy , nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, digestion problems, and mouth sores.
Pilar shakes her head sadly.
Pilar: My poor baby.
Chad: Dr. Russell those are some really nasty side affects. I mean, what good do these treatments actually do?
Eve: Well they Damage the cancer cells and stop them from growing and dividing and hopefully kill them.
Same: Does everyone who has these treatments have those side affects?
Eve sighs
Eve: Pretty much.
Ethan: Does Theresa know yet?
Eve: No, she hasn't fully woken up yet.
Ethan nods.
Ethan: Okay, look, I'm her husband, I should be the one to tell her.
Eve: Ethan...
Ethan: Eve, she's my wife and this is the biggest battle we've ever faced. I'm telling her, no one else is going to. Is that clear?
Eve sighs and nods
Eve: Yes.
Ethan: Can you take me to the room she'll be in? I want to be there when she's brought in.
Eve nods
Eve: Fallow me.
They leave and everyone looks at each other.
Whitney: Oh Chad! I can't lose my best friend like this, I just can't!
Chad holds her close as she cries.
Chad: Sssshhhh babe, I know, I know. Hey, hey, sssshhh. Maybe those treatments will work you know?
Grace hugs Pilar tightly as she sobs.
Pilar: How can this be happening? I just don't understand, I don't understand!
Grace: I know, I know. I'm so sorry Pilar, just...just keep the faith okay? She can still beat this.
Luis grabs Kay and holds her to him as if his very life depends on it.
Luis: I don't think I can take losing someone else I love to this disease, I just don't.
Kay rubs his back gently as she holds him close.
Kay: Don't think about that. She's strong, she's a fighter, and she still has a chance. We just have to pray these drugs work that's all. I'm here for you Luis, don't forget that, I'm here for you.
Luis: Right where I need you.

In Theresa's hospital room the Orderly's and nurses have just finished settling Theresa in. Ethan stairs at her still form on the bed. She is fast asleep. His heart is filled with such love and so much concern. Some tears start to fall but he wills them back along with all the terrible mounting fears as he moves to her. He sits on the edge of her bed and holds her hand in his. She moves and moans a little. Ethan moves up closer to her and strokes her face gently.
Ethan: Theresa?
Theresa's eyes flutter open. She starts to smile but then she sees Ethan's concerned and sad expression.
Ethan leans in close.
Ethan: Hey babe how are you feeling?
Theresa: Sore, and kind of groggy.
She looks in his eyes and sighs as tears fill her own.
Theresa: They couldn't remove it could they.
Ethan takes a deep breath and wipes the tears away with his hands and he holds her face lovingly.
Ethan: The cancer has spread and they couldn't remove all of it yes. But we still have more to fight with. In about a week you're going to start on chemo and radiation Therapy. And...and I just know those are going to work. We're going to beat this Theresa, we just are.
Ethan's voice becomes emotional as tears fill his own eyes.
Ethan: I'm not going to lose you, Theresa, I'm just not.
Theresa starts to cry
Theresa: Oh, Ethan, I don't want to leave you either.
Ethan climbs in the bed with her and gently wraps her in his arms and holds her to his chest.
Ethan: You're not going to, you just aren't.
They hold each other tightly in the dimly lit hospital room. Both trying desperately to control their own fears.