Eve is working at her desk when there is a knock at the door.
Eve: Come in?
A very distraught Whitney enters the room. Eve gets up and goes over
to Whitney and hugs her.
Eve: Oh honey, I know this is so hard on you. You and Theresa have
always been so close.
Whitney nods.
Whitney: She's like a seconed sister to me. Mom I really need some
answers to somethings.
Eve smiles lovingly at her daughter.
Eve: Well, I'll be happy to answer what I can. Come here.
She leads Whitney to a chair and they sit down together.
Eve: Now what do you want to know?
Whitney: Just how dire is Theresa situation? Is her cancer terminal?
Eve: Honey...
Whitney: Mom, look, I love Theresa, okay? She's as much my family as
you are. Now...now if she's dying I need to know. I need time to prepare
myself. I need to be able to help prepare Ethan and Theresa. And I over
all just need to know how I can help them. I mean, look, if this chemo
and radeation you're going to give her is only going to buy her a small
chunk of time, then her loved ones and Theresa of course deserve to know
about it.
Eve smiles sympatheticly at Whitney and squezes her hand.
Eve: Honey, you don't need to prepare for her death or help her prepare
for it. We are no where near that point yet. Yes, it's a set back that
we couldn't remove the cancer, but it doesn't mean we've lost. Look, starting
in one week we are putting her on the best chemo and radeation available.
We're talking maxemem strength. This is a kind we've had a great deal of
success with. And...and if we're lucky one of two things will happen. The
tharepy will send her into remision, or it will shrink the cancer to a
size that is operable. Either way Theresa wins.
Whitney looks at her mother almost afraid to believe there really might
be hope for her friend.
Whitney: So...so you think she's going to make it? I...I just know
how bad pancreatic cancer is, I mean, we all watched Sheridan fight and
lose that battle. And I know how bad it is to not be able to remove it
surgically.
Eve nods
Eve: We've made some advances since Sheridan. The drugs now are even
better. But you're right to an exstent. Pancreatic cancer is still one
of the worst you can get, and it's not great that we couldn't remove it.
However, pancreatic cancer is not an imeadit death sentence, and either
is not being able to remove it. It simply means the fight is going to be
a little harder.
Whitney; And you think she an win?
Eve: At this point I don't think we have a really good reason to think
she can't. I mean, we haven't even started the treatment yet. This disease
has run ramped un checked in her body for awhile now. Once we start her
on the drugs it could very easily fall apart. Some people react extreamly
well to these drugs. And untill we see how she reacts I don't think we
can make any predictions. You can't throw in the towel before the fight
begins Whitney. And it's hardly begun.
Whitney smiles and sighs a deep breth of relief her hope now returning.
Whitney: But...but is there anything I can do?
Eve: Yes, absolutely. You and all of Theresa's friends and family can
stay positive and optomistic. You can also keep her positive and optomistic.
The stronger and more determend she stays the better.
Whitney: Does that really help?
Eve: Absolutaly. I know as a doctor I'm supposed to look at things
from a scientific point of view. But I've been in this business to long
and seen to much to not believe there is more to healing then science.
I have seen the unfixable fixed, the untreatable treated. The patients
of mine that have done the best over the years are the ones that stay positive
and optomistic. The ones that stay strong, never give up hope. and are
determend to get better. It's kind of like mind over matter.
Whitney: Kind of like if you believe it you will achieve it?
Eve: Something like that. I had a patient awhile back that had been
in a bad car wreck. Now science said this guy should never have been able
to walk again. But he was determend to. He was positive and optomistic.
Very hopeful and strong. He gave 110% to his therapy and prayed a lot.
He also visualized himself walking again and visualized the tharepy making
him stronger and able to walk.
Whitney: What happened to him.
Eve smiles
Eve: He just won Boston Marothon.
Whitney's jaw drops her hope now sorring.
Whitney: Wow.
Eve: The mind is a powerful thing Whitney. Never underestemate it.
I mean, it can't cure her alone. Science does need to be involved. However,
it can deffinetely help her.
Whitney: It sounds like it. Welll, then I know exactly what I have
to do. Thank you so much Mom.
Whitney hugs her Mom tightly
Eve: You're welcome baby.
Whitney rushes out the door.
Down the hall Grace brings Pilar some coffee.
Grace: How are you holding up?
Pilar shakes her head sadly.
Pilar: All I can think about is my poor Theresa in there.
Pilar starts crying.
Pilar: I don't see how I can take losing another loved one.
Grace puts her arm around Pilar.
Grace: Oh, honey, I know. But there is still so much hope. Eve wouldn't
be giving her these drugs unless she thought they could help. And Theresa's
a fighter. She's not about to let this disease take her now, not when all
of her dreams are about to come true. And don't forget God performs miracle's
and saves lives everyday.
Pilar nods
Pilar: I know, I know. I know I should pray and just believe that my
prayers will be answered. But Grace, God help me as time goes on it gets
harder and harder to believe. I have prayed for decades for my Antonio
and Marten to come home. For Paloma to come to understand why we sent her
away and that we do love her so much. I have prayed she would come to see
us. I prayed that Sheridan would live. I prayed that Miguel and Charity
would always be happy. So far none of that has happened. I know I shouldn't
say this. But it can make me wonder if he's even listening to me.
Grace nods understandingly.
Grace: I know you've been through a lot. Deffinetely more then your
fair share. And I am so sorry for that. But you must not lose faith, you
must not give up. The power of prayer truly is great. I know it can be
frusterating at times. But it does work. Sam is alive isn't he? Sam and
I are married aren't we? Kay and I are close aren't we? Luis was able to
move on and build a wonderful life with Kay right? All of these things
are the result of prayer. And the reality is, much of what you are praying
for could still happen.
Pilar nods
Pilar: I know, I know. I must keep the faith. I must continue to pray.
Grace: It's a powerful force.
Grace gives Pilar a comforting hug. From not far off Kay has over heard
this exchange.
Kay: Prayer is powerful Mom but sometimes you have to give those miracles
a little push.
Kay goes over to a phone and dials a number.
Voice: Hello?
Kay: Is Paloma there?
Voice: One moment.
Paloma: Hello?
Kay: Hey, Paloma, it's Kay.
Paloma: Oh, Kay, hi, what a nice surprise. I got Anita's birth anouncement
she is simply breath taking.
Kay smiles proudly.
Kay: Thank you, she is amazing isn't she?
Paloma: Yeah, she sure is. Oh I heard she had a rather unusual entrance
into the world.
Kay starts laughing.
Kay: Yeah right on the express way in the middle of a thunderstorm
with cars racing by us. It was not all that normal that's for sure.
Paloma: Well, she is a Lopez-Fitzgareld. So you really can't expect
normal from her.
Kay laughs
Kay: True very true. Oh thank you so much for that adorable stuffed
animal you sent her. She loves it.
Paloma: Oh you're welcome, I'm glad she likes it.
Kay: So how have you been?
Paloma: Oh I'm doing good. Juan and I are busy with wedding plans.
Kay: I heard. Congradulations.
Paloma: Thanks, I'm so excited about it. So how are things on your
end?
Kay takes a deep breath.
Kay: Not good I'm afraid.
Paloma: Oh no, what's wrong?
Kay: Theresa has inoperable pancreatic cancer. Eve's starting her on
chemo and radeation in one week. There's hope but it's deffinetely very
serious.
Paloma gasps.
Paloma: Poor Theresa. That's so awful. Just when she finally has all
she's ever dreamed of this has to happen.
Kay: I know, it's truly awful.
Paloma: It's the same kind of cancer Sheridan died of isn't it?
Kay: Yes. And believe me that fact isn't lost on Luis. It's pretty
much front and center in his mind these days. But the good news is the
drugs now are a little better and I doubt Dr. Russell would have put her
on them if she felt there was no hope.
Paloma: I agree. Thanks for telling me. I'll send Theresa a nice letter,
maybe a gift.
Kay: Actually I think a visit from you would be much better.
Paloma: Oh, I don't know Kay...
Kay: Paloma this is very important. Your sister could die, you need
to come home. Look, if it's a matter of money, Luis and I will be happy
to fly you here.
Paloma: It's not the money it's just...
Kay: Paloma, your family needs you and misses you. They are in the
middle of a crises and your presence would be so good for all of them.
I know Pilar and your siblings would all love to see you. They've missed
you so much, and they do need you.
Paloma scoffs.
Paloma: They didn't seem to need me or miss me all that much when they
sent me away.
Kay sighs she knew this was coming but she's prepared.
Kay: Paloma they didn't want to send you away and they have always
missed you. There was no choice. Money was to tight. Luis and your Mom
couldn't make ends meet. Someone had to leave or you guys would have probably
ended up homeless. They cried and agonized over this for so long, and not
a day has gone by they haven't thought of you. And may I remind you that
Luis, the Bennetts, and the Russell's offered time and time again to fly
you in for holiday's and birthday's. You are the one who refused to come.
Paloma: I just don't feel connected to them anymore.
Kay: But you are Paloma, you are. Your part of them and they love you
so much, and right now they really need you to come home. Theresa may die,
I think you can put the past behind you long enough to come see her. Please
Paloma let at least one of your Mom's prayers be answered.
Paloma: One of her prayers?
Kay: Yes, Paloma. You coming home and the family being able to reastablish
a relationship with you is something she prays for everyday. I just heard
her talking to my Mom about it. She wants so badly for you to understand
why you were sent away and to come home and connect with all of them. So,
please. Please, Paloma. Please, come home.
In Theresa's dimly lit hosptial room Theresa and Ethan sleep holding
one another. Theresa starts to dream vivedly. She sees herself trapped
in a house that is on fire. Flames and smoke are everywhere. She is hanging
out of the top story window trying desperately to breath as she screams
for help. Her loved ones are running around below screaming and throwing
tiny bukets of water on the fire but it isn't helping. Theresa wakes up
screaming and in a cold sweat. Ethan wakes up and wraps her tightly in
his arms and holds her to his chest, and sways her back and forth as he
whispers to her soothingly.
Ethan: Sssshhh it's okay, it's okay babe. You were just having a nightmare.
It's all right.
Theresa balls into his chest as she clutches onto his shirt.
Theresa: Oh, Ethan, I don't want to die, I don't want to leave you
or our kids our friends and family. I don't want to die.
Ethan swallows heard determend to stay strong for Theresa.
Ethan: You're not going to Theresa, you're not going to. I...I just
won't let you. We will beat this. I love you so much and I"m not about
to let you go. I promise.
They hold each other tight both hoping Ethan can keep his word on that.
Miguel sits in his room day dreaming about Kay.
Miguel: I bet a song dedication will reach her heart.
He gets up and grabs his phone. But as he does this he sees himself
in the mirror and his eyes land on a photo of him and Luis. They look so
close. His eyes then drift to a photo of Luis and Kay taken not long before
the got married. They look so happy and truly in love.
Miguel sighs and slams down the phone.
Miguel: What the hell am I doing! They are in love and happy! She's
not going to leave him for me! I'm the one who married the wrong person,
I'm the one who made the mistake not her!
He plops down on his bed and starts to cry. Then something occures
to him and he stops.
Miguel: Just because they were happy and in love then doesn't mean
they are now. I mean, I used to think I was happy and in love with Charity.
Things change, people change. Maybe they are just staying together for
the kids or cause they know Mama would be disapointed. I mean, they might
not be in love or even happy at all! I haven't really talked to either
of them in ages. And if Kay and Luis are as misrable as Charity and I well
then I'd be doing both a favor by taking her for myself.
He grabs his jackect and begings putting it on.
Miguel: All I have to do is sit down with both of them and slyly find
out how happy and in love they really are. If they are truly happy and
in love I'll except it and back off. But if she's not happy and in love
then I'm going after her. I doubt she is happy. I mean, Theresa always
says we each have one perfect partner. So, Kay can't be happy with Luis
since she should be with me.
Miguel rushes out the door.
Over at Charity's Charity and the kids are making cookies when suddenly
Angel gets a glazed look on her face and falls to the floor. Charity catches
her and sits on the floor with Angel in her lap as Angel sways from side
to side.
Ethan Jr.: What's going on?
Charity: She's having a premonition.
Maria stairs at her cousin with concern.
Maria: Does it hurt?
Charity smiles and shakes her head.
Charity: No not at all.
Just then Angel snaps out of it and gazes up at her Mom.
Charity: Mommy?
Charity smiles down at her and kisses and hugs her.
Charity: I'm right here baby. Did you have a premonition?
Angel nods
Charity: What happened in it?
Angel: I saw Aunt Theresa. She was really pale and really really thin.
And...and she had a scarf tied around her head. She was laying in a hospital
bed crying. But I think they were happy tears. There was this woman in
a wheel chair sitting next to her bed. She was wearing a night gown and
robe. And...and Aunt Theresa was thanking her for something. I'm not sure
for what but I could tell it was for something important.
Ethan Jr. and Maria exchange looks. Maria shrugs.
Ethan Jr.: So is this a good sign or a bad sign?
Charity: Well, she did say your Mom was crying happy tears, so I think
for now we should assume it's a good sign.
The kids nod.
Angel: Mommy, can we go back to making cookie now?
Charity smiles and hugs her daughter.
Charity: Of course.
They hug and go back to the cookies.
At the hospital Whitney has just finnished telling everyone but Ethan
who is still in Theresa's room everything her mother has said.
Whitney: So, if we can keep her focused, hopeful, determend, fighting,
then the drugs will even work better. They could kill all of it or make
it operable.
Chad: You know, one of the singingers I work with is really big into
alterntive medicine. She has a friend who beat cancer with the help of
a special diet. Let me give her a call and see what that diet is. If it
works then we should get Theresa on it right away.
Chad hurries out to a phone.
Kay: I saw a self help book at the Book Cafe once about healing ones
self with mind power. It was all about visualization and positive thinking.
Luis: And I've heard of this series of books about real life miracle's
that happen everyday. That's bound to keep her spirits up.
Kay: Let's go get them.
They race off.
Sam: A buddy of mine had cancer awhile back. He used to get daily messashes.
It relaxed him which really reduced stress and in turn helped fight the
cancer. Let me go call him and see if there is someone he can recomend.
Sam heads out.
Grace: Prayer is such a powerful thing. I'm going to go call all the
Houses of Worship in Harmony and get a prayer chain started.
Pilar: I'm going to go pray in the chapel.
They both leave. Whitney smiles
Whitney: Well, with this team on her side I think she's got a really
good shot. Okay, I'm going to go get her some sented candles. That will
make her happy.
Whitney rushes off.
Miguel has been listening from near by and sadly wipes a tear from his
face.
Miguel: I guess her surgery didn't go well.
He sighs
Miguel: There's nothing I can do for her. But now probably isn't a
good time to talk to Luis and Kay about their marriage. They've got to
much on their minds. I'll just keep sending notes and calling and then
in awhile I'll actually approach them. In the meantime I need a drink.
Miguel heads off to a bar.
Over at Charity's Charity is cleaning up the kitchen from thd days events
when Angel comes up to her.
Charity: Hey honey, is everything okay up stairs?
Angel nods
Angel: Yeah. Maria, Gracie and I are playing barbies and Ethan Jr and
MJ are doing something in MJ's room. Not sure what but they sound like
there having fun.
Charity smiles
Charity: Well that's good. Do you hear the babies?
Angel: Samual and Emilo are awake and playing with the blocks you put
in the play pen.
Charity nods
Charity: Okay sweetie. Did you need anything?
Angel: No, I had another premonition.
Charity: Oh? And what happened in this one?
Angel: Well, I saw Maria and Ethan Jr. sitting at a kitchen table with
that same lady in the other vision. But I still coudn't make her out. She
was all dressed this time. Ethan Jr. And Maria were asking her something
and it looked really important. But I couldn't tell what. What do you think
it means.
Charity been having simelure ones all day.
Charity: I don't know. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what
happens.
Theresa and Ethan are resting in her hospital room when there is a knock
at the door.
Ethan: Come in.
Everyone comes in smiling and carrying things.
Ethan: What's all that stuff?
Theresa: Well, this group looks happy.
Pilar: We are happy Mija. We are happy because we know you're going
to beat this. You are a survivor and a fighter. We know you can and will
win. There is no doubt.
Grace: Everyone is praying for you Theresa. And the power of prayer
coupled with the medicine Eve is going to give you and your strong determination
is going to say you.
Whitney: Theresa My mom said that the humane spirit can over come anything.
She said that she's seen a positive attitude, hope and determination, can
be powerful enough to cure people and heal people that medicle science
had given up on. She had this patient who wasn't supposed to walk again,
right? But he never gave up. He stayed positive, hopeful, optomitic, and
gave his treament his all. He also visualized walking again and the tharipy
making him stronger. And he just won the Boston Marothon.
Theresa: Wow.
Ethan: Well that certainly says a lot for the humane spirit and fighting.
Chad: And these are gifts other wise known as weapons that will help
you win.
Ethan and Theresa chuckle.
Chad: I talked to this singer I know who is into alternitive health.
She gave me this whole diet plan and she swears if Theresa sticks with
it, it will help destroy the cancer.
Ethan takes the information and begins studying it.
Kay: And Luis and I got you a couple books for you. One is a self help
book. It will teach you how to use your mind to fight the cancer. The other
is about true life miracles. It will keep your spirits up.
Kay hands her the books as Luis hugs her.
Luis: You are going to beat this, Theresa. You just have to.
Theresa hugs him tightly
Theresa: I know, I know.
Sam: And since stress is so bad for cancer patients I got the number
of a guy who specializes in messashing people with cancer.
He hands Theresa the number.
Whitney: And I got you some sented candles to make you happy and feel
at peace. You have to stay strong Theresa, it's the only way.
She hands them the candles. Theresa and Ethan smile at their friends
and family with tears in their eyes.
Ethank: Thank you so much. Your support and love means the world to
us. Espeically right now.
Theresa: Yes, yes. You guys are wonderful and I'm so grateful to have
all of you in my life. And I promise to use all of this to help me fight.
I promise I'm going to fight this with everything I have.
Pilar: And you will win Mija.
Whitney: Theresa you have to fight this cancer with the same determenation,
persistance, and confidence you went after Ethan with if not more.
This causes a chuckle. Theresa smiles
Theresa: I'll do my best.
Just then there is a knock at the door.
Ethan: I wonder who that is.
Pilar: Perhaps it is Miguel. He siad he didn't want to come here today,
but maybe he changed his mind.
Theresa: Come in.
The door open and everyone gasps.
Theresa: Oh my, God.
