Chapter 11

It is now the next day Luis is at the station on the phone.
Luis: Look, I don't give a damn how much man power it takes you're going to find him! Now I want a full APB out on my brother across this whole damn country you got that!
Luis slams the phone down angrily. He flops back in his chair and sighs. Sam walks over to him.
Sam: Anything I can do?
Luis snorts and shakes his head.
Luis: Can you find my misfit of a brother and make him do right by his family? Can you take this disease away from my sister? Can you make Paloma stop being angry long enough to be a member of this damn family again!
Sam looks at Luis sympathetically.
Sam: I'm sorry things are so bad Luis, I really am. But look, we have every station in the country on full alert looking for Miguel, so the odds are we'll find him.
Luis: If he's even in the country! Of all the selfish, heartless things! Mama has already lost two kids and her husband! And now she is facing the very real chance of loosing another! So what does my self absorbed drunken brother do? He up and leaves! Why doesn't he just drive a knife through Mama's heart while he's at it! He might as well!
Sam: Luis we'll find him. And as for Paloma. Well Grace said that your Mom and Paloma had a really good talk and things are looking better.
Luis sighs and rubs his face.
Luis: Thank God for small miracles huh?
Sam: It's a start. And, look, Theresa, she's getting the best possible care and will receive the best treatment available. So...
Luis gets a far off look in his eyes.
Luis: Sheridan got those same things.
Sam: The treatments are better now Luis. Look, just because there was a bad out come then, doesn't mean there will be now.
Luis nods
Luis: I know, I know. But even so...
Sam: It's hard not to fear the worst right? Yeah, I know that too. Look, why don't you take the day off. Go spend it with Kay and the kids.
Luis shakes his head no.
Luis: No, I...
Sam: Luis, it's a slow day. If anything happens I'll let you know. Right now your family needs you far more then this job. And you are so distracted I think it would be best for you to take the day off. You need time to re group.
Luis: But what about...?
Sam: I will make sure the cops don't let up on the search, and I'll let you know if they find anything.
Luis sighs
Luis: I should check in on Mama, anyways. And it would be nice to spend some time with Kay and the kids.
Sam: Then go.
Luis smiles at Sam gratefully.
Luis: Thanks.
He grabs his coat and heads out Sam watches after him and just shakes his head.
Pilar is sitting at the kitchen table with Paloma drinking tea.
Pilar: So tell me more about your life, Mija. I've missed so very much. How did you and Juan meet? What does he do? What are you doing?
Paloma smiles touched by her mothers interest.
Paloma: Well, actually Juan and I met in the ER.
Pilar: The ER? Is he a doctor?
Paloma laughs
Paloma: No. Juan is a carpenter. He works with his father. They have a family business. Well, on Juan's first day on the job he pounded a nail into his hands.
Pilar: Oh, no.
Paloma: Oh he was okay. He just needed a few stitches. Well, on that same day. I being the cluts I am fell down the stairs and sprained my ankle. Nothing major. I was only on crutches for about a week. Well the ER was packed and I had to wait forever to see a doctor as did Juan. So as we sat there with our injures we started talking. And by the time we were ready to go he'd asked me out. And the rest as they say is history.
Pilar smiles and shakes her head.
Pilar: Well, that's one way to meet a man.
They both laugh.
Paloma: It's definitely one of the more unusual ways I know to meet one. As for me I'm very happy working at Aunt Maria's craft shop. She's already told me when she retires the business is mine if I want it. I'm really excited about that.
Pilar: Oh that's wonderful honey. I know you've always loved anything having to do with art.
Paloma nods.
Paloma: So, Juan and I are going to get a nice little house in the country and live happily ever after.
She smiles happily.
Pilar: I am very happy for you Mija. I just wish...
Paloma: You just wish what Mama?
Pilar: Forgive me Mija. I know you have a life there. I guess I always dreamed that you'd move back here one day.
Paloma nods.
Paloma: I'm sorry Mama. But my life is there. But...but I promise now that I have a better understanding of things I will come for visits. And...and maybe sometimes you can come see me?
Pilar nods
Pilar: We will make it work.
Paloma nods and smiles and takes her mothers hand.
Paloma: Yes we will.

Julian finds Eve hard at work on the computer in her home office.
Julian: Darling it's your day off. Why are you working so hard?
Eve sighs and sits back.
Eve: I'm just trying to get as much information as possible to help my patient. I can't let this disease when, I simply cannot. To many people I love will be hurt if it does.
Julian sees the sadness in her eyes and bend down beside her taking her hand in his.
Julian: Who is this patient Eve? Is there anyway I can help?
Eve sighs
Eve: Well, I guess you'll find out soon enough. I mean, I know how Whitney confides in you so she'll probably tell you anyway.
Julian goes pale thinking it's the young lady he loves as his own, the one he gave away on her wedding day.
Julian: Oh, God it's not...
Eve sees the fear and quickly puts it to rest.
Eve: No, no. Oh God, no it's not Whitney.
Julian sighs relieved.
Julian: Thank God for that. I love that girl so much.
Eve smiles and nods lovingly at Julian.
Eve: I know you do. And I know she loves you too. You are a father to her you know? You've made up for everything TC did wrong.
Julian smiles and blushes.
Julian: All I did was give her the same love and devotion I would have given our son had we found him.
Eve nods.
Eve: And that meant more to both of us then you'll ever know.
Julian: Having the chance to be your husband, to be a father, that means more to me then you could even imagine.
Eve: We are so blessed that we got this second chance.
Julian nods
Julian: Yes, we truly are. But who is this poor soul?
Eve sighs sadly.
Eve: It's Theresa. Her cancer is inoperable at this point. So all we can do is put her on chemo and radiation and hopes it kills it or at least shrinks it so we can remove it later on.
Julian shakes his head.
Julian: This must be killing Whitney.
Eve nods
Eve: Among others.
Julian sighs
Julian: Ethan. You know, I never stopped loving him, never stopped thinking of him as mine. Not really. I just...I was just so hurt an angry I let my emotions rule me. And I allowed father to manipulate me. By the time the anger and hurt past, by the time I re grouped. I had already lost him, and, and there was no getting him back.
Julian wipes a tear from his face. Eve squeezes his hand.
Eve: I know. I always knew that.
Julian sighs
Julian: Oh, no sense in worrying about the past now. It can't be changed. But...but perhaps the future can.
Eve looks at him curiously.
Eve: What do you mean?
Julian gets up and gets out his check book.
Julian: I may not be close to the Lopez-Fitzgarelds. However, others I love our.
He scribbles down something and then hands it to Eve. Eve gasps when she sees that it's a blank check with his name on it.
Julian: Do what ever it takes Eve. Call in the best specialists, give her the most cutting edge treatments. Do what ever it takes, the sky's the limit. I want Theresa saved. For our children, I want Theresa saved.

Pilar is cleaning up the kitchen when Luis comes in.
Pilar: Mijo!
Luis goes to her and hugs her tight.
Luis: Hey, Mama.
Pilar smiles at him.
Pilar: What a nice surprise. But what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?
Luis: Sam saw how distracted and upset I was so he thought I should take the day off. But don't worry the search for Miguel is going strong. We're going to find him Mama I just know it. We have every police department in the country on the look out, and Sam's going to call me if and when he hears anything.
Pilar nods
Pilar: Gracias Mijo.
Luis: How are you holding up?
Pilar sighs heavily.
Pilar: I am trying to be strong, Mijo, but it...it is so very hard. First your father disappears, then my Antonio. Then we are forced to send your sister away. And now your other sister is seriously ill. And as if that wasn't enough Miguel has run off. I do not no why but our family just seems to be plagued with pain. And I am feeling the weight so heavily these days.
Luis holds her to him tightly.
Luis: I am so sorry, Mama. I know how hard all this has been on you. I wish...I wish there was some way I could help.
Pilar smiles at him.
Pilar: Just having you around helps, my son. Just having you around.
Luis: But a few miracles right about now would be nice huh?
Pilar nods
Pilar: If only a miracle even a small miracle could happen then maybe it would be easier for me to not lose hope.
Just then Paloma comes in smiling. She goes straight for Luis.
Paloma: Hermano!
She hugs Luis who is surprised but quickly recovers and hugs her back.
Luis: Well that's a switch.
Paloma blushes.
Paloma: I'm sorry. I guess I let my old Lopez-Fitzgareld hot head get the best of me. It really is nice to be home and it's great to see you and the rest of the family again. I'm going to stay as long as I possibly can.
Luis smiles and hugs her tightly.
Luis: It's great to have you back sis.
Paloma smiles.
Paloma: It's great to be back. I'm going to head to the store and pick up a few things. I'll be back later.
She kisses him on the cheek then hugs Pilar and hurries out the door calling good-bye over her shoulder.
Pilar and Luis look at each other.
Luis: Considering how she was acting yesterday I'd say that counts as a small miracle.
Pilar smiles with tears in her eyes.
Pilar: Si, Mijo. Yes, it does.

Charity is cleaning house when Maria wanders over to her.
Maria: Aunt Charity?
Charity: Yes, Maria?
Maria: When is Mama and Daddy coming home?
Charity stops and kneels down to Maria's eye level.
Charity: Well, your Daddy called a little while ago and he's coming to take you and Ethan Jr. and Sammy out to dinner tonight.
Maria smiles and begins jumping up and down.
Maria: Yay! Are we going to Fun Time Pizza? I love all the rides there!
Charity laughs
Charity: I don't know, maybe.
Maria: Can we call him and ask him if we can?
Charity smiles
Charity: I don't see why not. And guess what else?
Maria: What?
Charity: Tomorrow your Mommy is going to come home.
Maria squeals with delight.
Maria: Double yay!
Maria excitedly hugs Charity who smiles as she hugs her little niece. She knows Ethan is going to tell the kids about Theresa being sick at dinner tonight but at least they can be happy for now.
Maria: I'm going to go tell Ethan Jr. and Sammy then we can call and ask Daddy about Fun Time Pizza!
Maria races off. Charity sighs and shakes her head. Then she has a sudden vision. She sees a very sick Theresa laying in bed. She's hooked up to tunes of equipment and is unconscious. A young woman who Charity can't make out stands by Theresa's side and takes her hand.
Woman: I'm going to help.
Just as soon as the vision comes it goes.

Kay has just put her youngest two down for a nap while the other two play with their trucks in the loving room. When Luis walks in. Kay jumps and then smiles.
Kay: Luis! What are you doing home so early?
She runs to him and hugs him then they kiss tenderly.
Luis: Your Dad gave me the day off. Said I should be with my family. And when I thought about coming home to the love of my life how could I possibly refuse.
He smiles at her lovingly. Kay laughs.
Kay: You can't. And I'm so happy for that.
She kisses him lightly and they hug again. Then he plops down in the kitchen chair and Kay sits next to him.
Kay: So is there any news on Miguel?
Luis shakes his head.
Luis: No. Nothing. So far no one has seen him. It's like he just disappeared into thin air. Damn, him doing this to the family, especially Mama. I mean, this is the last thing she needs right now!
Kay sighs and nods then takes his hand and smiles supportively.
Kay: You'll find him. You just have to keep looking that's all.
Luis shakes his head.
Luis: What is it with the men in this family, huh? Am I the only one who knows how to stick around!
Kay sighs
Kay: I don't know. But...but we don't really know for sure what happened to your father or to Antonio right? Maybe, maybe they didn't want to leave.
Luis: Maybe. But you know the result is the same.
Kay: I'm sorry honey. But given his recent behavior maybe it's for the best. I mean, it's not like he was making things easier for anyone by being here. He hurt Charity and his kids, disappointed your Mother, didn't seem interested the least in Theresa's situation. I'm sorry but I can't help but think him going away in some small way may not be such a bad thing. You know?
Luis nods
Luis: True. I mean, his drinking and the way he was treating everyone was certainly hurting the family. So, maybe it is for the best.
Kay: What about Paloma? How is she?
Luis: Well, I actually have some positive news there. She seems to have gotten the chip off her shoulder and is starting to be the loving sister and daughter we all knew.
Kay: Well, that's great! Oh I'm so glad.
Luis nods
Luis: Me too. At least that is one less thing to worry about. Have you heard from Ethan at all?
Kay nods
Kay: Theresa is coming home tomorrow.
Luis nods
Luis: That's good. I know Sheridan always felt better when she was home.
Kay: Yeah, Theresa really wants to see her kids.
Kay can see Luis is about the break under all the stress.
Kay: Hey listen, I've got an idea. We need an emotional break from this. How about we bundle up the kids and go somewhere. I don't care where just some where we can blow off steam. We need it Luis.
Luis: Sounds good to me. How about the junior sky slope. Luis Jr. and Marten love it there.
Kay nods
Kay: Works for me.
They go get their kids and hurry off. On the slopes they laugh and play. Sledding as fast as they can go, building snow men, making snow angels, and finally having a snow ball fight. that night after they get the kids to bed Luis is resting in the living room when Kay brings in some hot chocolate with whip cream.
Kay: I thought we could use this after our day in the snow.
Luis smiles
Luis: Works for me.
They sit and drink it slowly as they cuddle and watch the fire in the fire place burn. Kay looks up and sees Luis has whip cream on his mouth. She laughs and points to it. Luis blushes puts his hot chocolate down and starts to wipe it off but she stops him and puts her drink down as well.
Kay: Allow me. She kisses him tenderly as she licks the cream from his lips. When she's done their eyes lock.
Kay: Luis.
Luis: I need you.
They kiss passionately their hands glide over each others bodies. Then falling back onto the couch they begin ripping off one another's clothes as their hands continue to coress each other. Luis places hot kisses all over Kay as she holds him close to her and their passions rises to a feverish pitch.

The next day Theresa arrives home surrounded by her family and friends. They help her to the couch and get her settled.
Ethan Jr.: Mommy, I'm sorry they couldn't get the junk out of you.
Theresa hugs him.
Theresa: Thanks kiddo. But don't worry Dr. Eve has other ways to get rid of it.
Maria: Daddy says you're going to take medicine but it might make you sick.
Theresa nods
Theresa: Yes, it might. But it's the only way to get rid of the junk so I have to take it.
Maria nods.
Maria: I'm so glad your home Mama.
Maria hugs her Theresa holds her daughter close.
Theresa: I'm so glad to be home too.
Maria: Can you play princess now Mama?
Theresa: I don't see why not.
Theresa tries to get up but winces in pain and has to lie back down.
Ethan: Princess Mama isn't feeling well enough to play right now.
Theresa: No! No, I want to play with her. I need to play this with her, I'm just, just a little sore that's all. Really, I'm fine.
Theresa tries to get up again but Ethan stops her.
Ethan: Eve said not to strain yourself.
Kay: Hold on. Maria is there any reason why you can't play princess right here on the couch?
Maria ponders this.
Maria: I guess not but there is a lot of stuff we play with. I don't know if I can carry it all down stairs.
Kay smiles at her niece
Kay: Well, that's what aunts are for silly. Now come on let's go get that stuff. I'll race you.
Maria squeals and takes off with Kay right behind her. When Kay is out of ear shot Charity pretends to whisper to the others.
Charity: Don't tell her I said this, but she acts towards Maria a lot like Aunt Grace did towards me.
Grace shakes her head.
Grace: She'll be making tomato soup cake before you know it.
Everyone laughs.

It is now the day Theresa's chemo therapy begins. Everyone wanted to come but Theresa only wanted Ethan there with her. They sit in the office when Eve comes in.
Eve: Hi. How are you feeling today?
Theresa: Oh terrified.
Theresa tries to laugh Ethan squeezes her hand. Eve nods sympathetically.
Eve: I understand. Now, before we begin I want to go over a few things with you. Now you know about all the side affects right?
Theresa takes a deep breath and nods.
Ethan: I'm taking time off work to care for her, and Paloma is staying with us to help with the kids and house.
Theresa: And Kay, Whitney, and Charity have all volunteered to help out as well.
Eve nods
Eve: Good. Now the kind of Chemo we are going to give you is rather experimental. In fact it's only recently been approved. But it's been highly successful in the test trials. In fact it's showing signs of being one of the most successful types yet.
They nod.
Ethan: Good only the best.
Theresa: You know, I hate to ask. But..well, I mean the medical bills are already starting to mount. And...and I know insurance doesn't always cover experimental treatments.
Ethan: Theresa we'll handle it.
Eve has a flash back to her conversation with Julian.
Julian: I don't care what it costs use the most cutting edge treatments. But, Eve, you must not tell them I'm paying for it. Knowing the Lopez-Fitzgarelds they'd probably think I was up to something. I'd rather this be done without their knowledge.
Eve sighs she wants so badly to let them know Julian's helping but she doesn't want to go against his wishes.
Eve: Actually I was able to get Theresa put in a test group. The results the treatment has on her will be used to help others. Because of that it's of no cost to you.
Theresa: Oh wow that's great!
Ethan: Thanks Eve, that really helps.
Theresa: And I love the idea that I'm going to be helping others.
Eve smiles and nods.
Eve: Well, then let's get started. Now, I see the nurse has already set up your IV. When the chemo first enters your hand you may feel a slight burning sensation but it won't last.
Theresa nods and grips Ethan's hand.
Ethan: I'm here, babe.
She smiles at him bravely.
Eve: Ready?
Theresa: Ready.

Chad took Whitney out to lunch to get her mind off what was going on with Theresa. When they return to the house they notice a strange car parked next to the baby sitters car.
Whitney: I wonder who that is?
Chad: Beats me.
Whitney: I hope nothing's wrong.
Chad: Nah probably just some friend of the sitters or something.
They go into their house and are met by CJ.
CJ: You guys are never going to believe who's here!
They look at each other and back at CJ's excited face.
Whitney: Who sweetheart?
CJ: Aunt Simone!
Simone walks in the room.
Simone: Hi Whitney, Hi Chad.
Whitney and Chad just stair in disbelief.
Whitney: Simone...I...
Chad: Wow. What are...
Whitney: I haven't...
Simone: It's been ages I know.
Whitney: You left town right before CJ was born. I know you've been in contact with Mom off and on but not much. What...what are you doing here?
Chad: Hey CJ where's they sitter?
CJ: In the living room?
Chad nods
Chad: Okay, I'm going to pay her so she can leave and then I'm taking you kids into the back yard to do some serious playing.
CJ: Cool!
CJ fallows Chad into the living room.
Simone: I just couldn't stay in Harmony any longer. I was afraid I was going to completely lose my mind. Everytime I turned around something I thought was true or real fell apart. First Chad...
Whitney: Simone...
Simone sighs
Simone: Whitney, I know, okay? I know, he never loved me. I know you were always his real girlfriend, that it was never me. But you guys lied to me. You lied to me for years. You played me for a fool. You let me believe that Chad was crazy in love with me when he wasn't. Heck you even encouraged me to believe it. And the longer you played that game the more I fell in love with him. So when the truth came out, it didn't matter what Chad's feelings were. It didn't matter because my heart was so full of this love for him. So, the truth broke my heart into a million pieces. Not because he didn't love me, but because I loved him. I know in terms of taking anything from me you never betrayed me. But in terms of trust, in terms of hurting me you did betray me.
Whitney sighs.
Whitney: I'm sorry. I really never meant for you to get hurt. In fact I was trying to prevent it by doing what I was doing.
Simone: But Whitney how could it help me to live a lie? How could it help me to love a man that would never love me? I know you didn't mean to hurt me but you did. And then Mom...
Simone just shakes her head.
Whitney: You still hold her past against her, huh?
Simone shakes her head.
Simone: Boy you guys really don't get it do you. Maybe that's my fault. Maybe I didn't make myself clear. I have no problem with her past. We all have first loves. Sometimes they work out sometimes they don't. Big deal. We have all made mistakes, the key is to learn from them so we don't repeat them. Honestly Whitney the drugs don't bother me. In fact if she had just been honest about it I would have been proud of her. It is so hard to get out from under an addiction. The fact that she on her own pulled herself up by the boot straps and beat that addiction. Not only beat it but went back to school and became a wonderful doctor? My God, that's something to be proud beyond words of! That is a huge accomplishment. And had she told me it would have only made me respect and admire her more for all she's over come. And the baby? My God that was our brother. Why would I have done anything other then simply grieve for him and be there for Mom? I couldn't care less about her past! What I do care about is what she did because of her past and how she acted. Whitney she didn't trust us or believe in our love enough to be honest with us. She was so sure we'd hate her ,for reasons which I still don't get, that she was willing to sacrifice her best friend! And she was a hypocrite. She acted like some perfect person without flaws and expected us to live up to that. Those were my problems with Mom Whitney. Not her past.
Whitney nods
Whitney: I'm sure she had her reasons but I see what you're saying.
Simone nods
Simone: You don't have to agree with me, it's just how I felt when I left. Not to mention realizing what a jerk Dad was. I'm sorry I don't care what Mom did he shouldn't have beat her up. And to disown you just because you wouldn't play tennis? My God, it really opened my eyes to him. You know, I went to talk to him to try and get him to take you back into the family right after that happened.
Whitney is surprised by this
\Whitney: You did?
Simone sighs
Simone: Whitney, you're my sister. I wanted to help. And Dad basically told me that he didn't care how I felt or what I thought. But that if I wanted him to be in my life I'd better never speak to you or Mom again. Oh and if I wanted to make him happy I should try and learn how to play Tennis. I swear I couldn't get out of that house fast enough.
Whitney: So, why are you here? You want revenge or something?
Simone takes a deep breath and shakes her head.
Simone: Do I look like Liz to you? No, Whitney, that's not why I'm here. Yes, I was mad, yes I was hurt and disillusioned not to mention confused. And those were the reasons I left. I needed to get away and think, figure things out, start over. And...and I did. I built a great life for myself. I have a nice apartment in NY, I have a very nice job at Cosmopolitan Magazine, and I am dating a wonderful man who works at an advertising company. I have no reason to be angry, my life is wonderful. I've made peace with the past and moved on. Yes it still hurts sometimes, and yeah, I wish things had happened differently. But you can't change the past so why dwell on it. That's a lesson Mom should have learned.
Whitney: I'm glad you're happy Simone, and I'm so relieved you've gotten past all of that. But...but why are you here?
Simone moves towards her sister.
Simone: Up till now I guess, I just wasn't really ready to come back here. Peace or no peace I was still hurt and I just wasn't ready to deal. Besides I had a great life there and I was truly busy. But Mom called me the other day, she told me what's going on with Theresa.
Simone's face softens as she reaches out for Whitney's hand.
Simone: I know you love her as your sister, and I can only imagine what this is doing to you. So...so I thought if was time one of us was big enough to wave the white flag. Cause I figured you might need me right about now.
Whitney starts to cry.
Whitney: I'm so glad you're home.
They embrace.