It is now a few weeks into Theresa's chemo treatments. Theresa sits
on the cold floor of her bathroom holding her throbbing head in her hands
as she rests her elbows on the toilet and tries to will away another wave
of nausea as it begins to grip hold once more. Ethan enters the bathroom
with some gingerale. He stops briefly and looks at the love of his life
hunched over the toilet and his heart aches for her. He then goes over
to her and bends down next to her and gently places his hand on her shoulder.
Ethan: I brought you some gingerale.
Theresa: I...I don't think...I can...keep it down.
With that she vomits again. Ethan instinctively pulls her hair back
so it won't end up getting throw up on it. Soon the wave stops and Theresa
sits back and sighs. Ethan lets her hair go but when he does he sees a
huge clump is still in his hand. He gasps. Theresa slowly turns and sees
it. Her eyes fill with tears as their eyes meet. Ethan takes her in his
arms and holds her close.
Ethan: You're still the most beautiful woman ever, you are still the
queen of my heart.
Theresa lays her head against his chest and listens to his heart beat.
Theresa: Even when I'm completely bald.
Ethan: I'm not in love with your hair Theresa, I'm in love with you.
Theresa smiles weakly up at her prince.
Theresa: I love you too. I'll always love you Ethan, please don't ever
forget that.
Ethan kiss her lightly.
Ethan: I won't I promise. Now, please drink some of this. I don't want
you getting dehydrated.
Theresa nods and obediently sits up and slowly takes a sip of the gingerale.
Ethan quickly takes the hair that's now on his shirt and throws it away
before Theresa sees it.
Pilar has taken Ethan, Jr. Maria, and Sammy to the store with her.
They are busy shopping when Maria comes up carrying about eight heads of
broccoli. Pilar laughs
Pilar: And just what is all of that broccoli for, nieta?
Maria: CJ said that his Daddy said that some foods help fight what's
wrong with Mommy.
Ethan Jr. then approaches carrying bags and bags of carrots.
Ethan Jr: Yeah, they have things called Antioxidants and phytochemicals.
I don't know what they are but they said Mommy needs them.
Maria: We also need to get lots of strawberry's.
Pilar smiles lovingly at her grandchildren. She knows Theresa probably
won't be able to hold much of this down but she doesn't have the heart
to tell them.
Pilar: Well then let's get those strawberry's.
They had to the strawberry's.
Maria: Grandma can I ask you something?
Pilar: Of course.
Maria: If the medicine is supposed to help Mommy why does it make her
so sick?
Pilar thinks for a minute not sure how to respond.
Pilar: The stuff inside your Mama that is making her sick is very hard
to get rid of. So, the medicine that she's given is very strong. And sometimes
because it's so strong it makes her very sick.
Ethan Jr: Can't she just not take it and see if it will go away on
it's own?
Pilar: No, no nieto. This will not go away on it's own, and it must
be gotten rid of. It's just how it is.
The kids nod solemnly.
Maria: But she will get better right?
Pilar: Dr. Eve is working very hard to get her better. Now how about
if you children each pick out one piece of candy for yourselves, okay?
Maria squeals.
Maria: Cool!
Maria quickly runs for the candy. Ethan Jr. looks at Pilar closely
as if he is reading her thoughts then looks down and slowly moves off.
Pilar sighs sadly.
Pilar: My poor Nieto. You sense so much more then is ever said.
Whitney and Simone arrive at the mansions.
Simone: I don't know about this Whitney.
Whitney: Simone, Mom loves you and she would love to see you. Come
on, you said it's all in the past right?
Simone sighs.
Simone: That doesn't mean I understand her actions any better. She
kept secrets that truly weren't that big of a deal. And to keep them she
did horrible things to people she supposedly cared about.
Whitney: Well, maybe if you talk to her you'll understand things better.
Come on, it can't hurt to try.
Simone: Oh I'm sure Julian will love me wandering around his place.
Whitney turns and looks at Simone seriously.
Whitney: He will Simone, he will. Julian isn't the same man he used
to be. Or actually to put it more accurately. He is the same man he used
to be when Mom was with him. He has a good heart and a good soul. He just,
well just locked them away because of all the pain and loss in his life.
Simone looks closely at Whitney.
Simone: You're really close to him aren't you?
Whitney: He's basically my father. I adore him. He gave me away at
my wedding, he's been a great grandpa to my kids, he's always there for
me, and I know he always will be. He's been more of a father to me then
TC Russell ever was.
Simone: Wow. I guess you have some anger in you too, huh?
Whitney shrugs
Whitney: It's more like indifference these days. For a long time I
hated him for what he did to us. But...but you know what? One day I just
stopped and took a good hard long look at everyone and everything around
me. I am married to my true love and have a thriving singing career. I
have beautiful healthy happy children and wonderful friends. I have more
then enough money and a really nice home. So I can't be mad about what
he did to me, because my life is perfect you know? I mean, had I stayed
I'd still be trapped in his dreams. I'd be alone and miserable running
after that damn ball. But instead I'm living my life to the fullest and
having a great time. Then there's Mom. Well, here she is happily married
to her true love, her career is stronger then ever, and she has all of
her friends still at her side. So like me she's only gained. So, I realized
I had no reason to be mad. Now all I feel is total indifference. I have
it all, Simone.
Simone smiles
Simone: I'm happy for you, Whit. I mean it I really am.
Whitney smiles
Whitney: Thanks, I'm happy for you too. You seem so content with your
life.
Simone nods
Simone: I really am.
Whitney: So what do you say we make this reunion complete huh?
Simone takes a deep breath and forces a smile.
Simone: Why not.
They head in.
Maid: Hello Mrs. Harris your parents are in the living room.
Whitney: Thank you.
Whitney goes in first.
Julian: Whitney, my dear, what a nice surprise!
Julian hugs her tightly. Whitney smiles
Eve comes over and hugs her.
Eve: How are you doing honey?
Whitney smiles
Whitney: I'm good I'm good. I have someone with me who wants to see
you.
Just then Simone enters the room. Eve gasps as she lays eyes on her
daughter who she hasn't seen in five years.
Simone: Hi Mom.
Kay is busy in the kitchen cooking when Luis comes in and wraps his
arms around her and barries his face in her neck.
Luis: Mmmm you smell good.
Kay laughs and turns around. She wraps her arms around him and smiles
into his loving eyes.
Kay: So, you like me smelling like food do ya?
They laugh.
Luis: Whatever I'm smelling it sure is sexy.
He pulls her in to a long drawn out passion filled kiss.
Kay: Well, I see someone's feeling a little frisky today.
Luis gives her a devilish grin and cocks an eye brow.
Luis: You wanna go upstairs and see just how frisky?
Kay sighs.
Kay: Oh you know I'd love to. But I can't. Not right now anyways. I
need to get this food done.
Kay turns back to the food and Luis finally looks at it all.
Luis: Kay, there's enough here to last a family a week. Why are you
cooking all this?
Kay sighs and turns back to Luis with tears in her eyes.
Kay: Because right now feeding his family is the only way I know how
to help my brother. You know, Ethan has been here for me through so much.
He's, he's everything a brother should be and I love him so much. And...and
now he and Theresa are going through hell. They've got help with the kids,
Eve's taking care of the medicine, and Whitney and Chad have so much positive
energy flowing it could choke a horse. So, what am I left with? This
She indicates food.
Kay: This is all I can do. All I can do is keep their fridge and freezer
stocked with home cooked food.
Luis gazes at her his eyes full of love and compassion. He takes her
hands in his.
Luis: Kay, you can do far more then cook. And you have been doing far
more then cooking. You go over everyday and talk to them trying to make
them feel better. You play with the kids, you help Paloma clean and cook.
You bring so much light to that house. Just like you bring light to my
heart. You know when she was first diagnosed. I...I didn't know how I was
going to deal with watching another loved one fight this disease. But...but
you have helped all of us so much. You've kept us strong, optimistic and
relatively happy. I mean, weren't we all over there laughing last night
at that video you rented? You do so much for all of us.
Kay smiles up at him with tears in her eyes.
Kay: Oh, Luis. I really hope that is true. I've been so worried about
everyone. Especially you and Ethan. But I feel so helpless.
Luis: But that's just it hun, you're not. You are helping everyone
through this.
Kay: Well, if you think of anything else please let me know.
Luis pulls her in close.
Luis: I got an idea. I'll help you finnish this food, and we'll take
it over. But then we're coming back home and I am going to take care of
you for a change.
He kisses her softly.
Kay smiles
Kay: That my dear doesn't sound half bad.
They begin cooking together.
Pilar and the kids come into the house. Maria and Ethan Jr. race upstairs
while Pilar puts Sammy in his play pen and Paloma begins unpacking the
groceries.
Paloma: Wow, you sure got a lot of fruits and veggies Mama.
Pilar laughs
Pilar: The children have heard certain foods might help Theresa get
better. And I couldn't refuse them.
Paloma nods.
Paloma: Those kids are facing so much. I can't imagine ever saying
no to them.
Pilar: Si, Mija. Is your Hermana feeling any better?
Paloma sighs sadly and shakes her head.
Paloma: I don't think so.
Ethan came down a little while ago to get some gingerale. She hasn't
stopped vomiting all day. He's really getting concerned that she's going
to get dehydrated.
Pilar: Has he called Eve?
Paloma: Yes. She told him to keep trying to get fluids in her and if
he is unable to by tonight then bring her to the ER.
Pilar: My poor baby.
Paloma: I know, I know. I feel so bad for her.
Pilar: Has Luis called by chance?
Paloma: No, Mama. I talked to him earlier today and, well, it's as
if Miguel has fallen off the face of the earth.
Pilar shakes her head.
Pilar: Just like your father and Antonio.
Paloma nods
Paloma: You know, I don't know what it is with the men in this family.
Why is Luis the only one that stuck around?
Pilar sighs
Pilar: Well, Luis believes Marten didn't leave of his own free will.
As for Antonio and Miguel. I wish I knew, I really do.
Paloma: Well, whatever the reason I think it's pretty selfish. We could
use both of them around here right about now.
Pilar: Si.
Paloma: Well, I do have a bit of good news for you. Ethan said Eve's
managed to get Theresa put on another experimental drug. And since she's
on so many experimental drugs her medical bills are being completely taken
care of. So money will be one less thing we'll have to worry about.
Pilar smiles.
Pilar: That is certainly a relief Mija. And I am so very grateful to
Eve for all she's doing.
Paloma: Eve is determined that's for sure. But then, I'd say we all
are.
Pilar nods in agreement.
Upstairs Theresa rests in her bed with Ethan sitting at her side when
the kids come racing in.
Maria: Mama!
Ethan Jr: Mama!
Ethan jumps up and stops them from leaping on the bed.
Ethan: No jumping on the bed Mama doesn't feel good.
They both stop in their tracks.
Theresa: But I could still use a hug.
She smiles weakly and holds her arms out. They run over and Theresa
wraps them in her arms. But when she pulls back Maria notices hair on her
mothers pillow.
Maria: Mama your hair is falling out.
Theresa sighs as she touches her head and more comes out in her hand.
Theresa tries to smile bravely.
Theresa: Yep it is isn't it. The stuff I have to take makes that happen.
But once I'm done taking it, then it will grow back.
The kids nod solomly.
Ethan Jr.: You're still beautiful Mommy.
Theresa smiles and tossles her sons hair.
Theresa: Thanks sweetie. And you are just like your father. Now why
don't you two kids go play, okay?
Maria: Can you play princess with me?
Theresa sighs she is so tired and her body is really hurting all over
not to mention the waves of nausea that keep coming.
Theresa: Not today honey. Mommy is just not up to it.
Maria looks disappointed. Ethan goes to the door and calls downstairs.
Ethan: We need a princess player up here!
Paloma: Coming!
Paloma races upstairs.
Maria: I don't want to play with Aunt Paloma I want Mama!
Theresa tries to get up but winces and falls back against the pillows
then over come by nausea grabs the basin by the bed and vomits.
Ethan Jr: Mama?
Theresa: It's okay sweetheart. Mama, just doesn't feel good.
Paloma walks in.
Paloma: Maria, you want to play princess?
Maria: No! I want my Mama to stop being sick! I want to play with her!
Maria runs out of the room and slams her bed room door. Ethan sighs
Paloma: I'll talk to her don't worry.
Paloma goes to check on Maria. Ethan looks at his son.
Ethan: Why don't you go next door and see what CJ is up to okay?
Ethan Jr looks at Theresa solomly then turns and leaves. Theresa sits
there crying. Ethan goes to her and takes her in his arms but she pushes
him away.
Theresa: I hate this! I can't play with my kids, I can't cook, I can't
clean, I can't go out! I just sit here puking and watching my hair fall
out! I hate this! I hate being sick, I hate the way I feel, and I hate
the way I look!
Theresa pulls some more lose hair out.
Theresa: Look at me! Look at me! I'm getting thinner by the day, I'm
as pale as a ghost and now I'm going bald! How can you love me like this!
How?!
Theresa just sits in her bed sobbing. Ethan cups her face in his hands
and makes her look at him.
Ethan: I hate this too. I hate watching you get sicker and sicker and
knowing I can't do anything to stop it. I hate taking you to get medicine
that is going to make you feel miserable. I hate that I can't just fix
this. You are the love of my life and it makes me so mad that I can't stop
this God awful disease. But the one thing I have no problem with is what
you look like. I love you Theresa. Not your hair, not your weight, not
your complexion, you. I love your heart, your mind, your soul. And nothing,
and I mean nothing will ever change that.
Theresa: Oh Ethan.
They hold each other and cry.
Eve stairs at Simone in disbelief.
Eve: Simone? Is..is it really you?
Simone nods.
Eve: Oh, baby!
Eve runs to her and tries to hug her. Simone holds back a little but
let's her. Eve senses and pulls away.
Eve: I..I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable.
Julian clears his throat
Julian: Whitney dear, what do you say we give your mother and sister
a chance to talk.
Whitney nods.
Whitney: Sure.
Julian: We'll be in my office should you need us.
Eve: Thank you.
Simone nods as Julian and Whitney leave.
Eve: It's...it's so wonderful to see you.
Simone: It's good to see you too.
Eve: Come, come sit down.
Eve leads Simone over to the couch.
Eve: When...when did you get into town?
Simone: Don't be hurt okay but I've been here a few weeks.
Eve: Oh.
Simone: Look, I had a lot to sort out and make peace with. Not to mention
the fact that I needed to focus on my real reason for coming. When you
told me about Theresa...Well, I knew my sister needed me. So, I've been
helping out with whatever needs to be done. And just being there for Whitney
basically.
Eve smiles at her daughter.
Eve: You are a wonderful sister, and a wonderful daughter. I'm so glad
Whitney's had you around. I thought she seemed a little less sad these
days.
Simone blushes.
Simone: Well, I'm trying. You know, I care for the kids. I run arrends.
I stay up late and talk with Whitney. I've seen Kay too. She was so shocked
to see me. I was certainly surprised that her and Whitney have become so
close. But I'm glad. They both deserve a good friend.
Eve nods
Eve: So how are things with you?
Simone: Well, I'm a columnist for a magazine, and I have a wonderful
man in my life. So all in all I'd say things are pretty good.
Eve: I'm glad. So...have...have you made peace with my past?
Simone sighs heavily.
Simone: Lord I'm getting tired of explaining this. Okay, Mom please
listen to me, please. A singing career is not a terrible thing. There is
nothing wrong with using the talent God gave you. Why you'd think anyone
would be upset about that is completely beyond me. Being in love is the
most wonderful thing in life. It's to be celebrated and cherished. You
and Julian were two grown consenting adults who found happiness. There
is nothing wrong with that. I can't for the life of me get why you would
hide the fact that you had a first love. I mean, that doesn't even rate
on the secret scale. And a son? My God, Mom! To lose a child is a tragedy!
Why would anyone be upset with you? We would only want to comfort you and
grieve with you. Do you think people are normally ashamed when a child
dies. Cause guess what they aren't! Now, as for the drugs. Mom, to pull
yourself up from the boot straps like you did...To over come a serious
addiction and then go on to build a successful career and life. Mom that
is a huge accomplishment that many wouldn't be able to do. It's something
to be proud of and to stand tall about not hide. The fact that you over
came so much and made such a success of yourself makes me proud to be your
daughter. It makes me realize there is truly no obstacle I can't over come.
Because I know you've over come such terrible ones. You are a hero a true
survivor. And you should be proud of yourself for those things. The bottom
line is your past is not something to be embarrassed or ashamed of. And
I really don't get why you are.
Eve is crying now.
Eve: I don't...I mean, I always...
Simone: Thought we'd hate you? See Mom that's what hurt me. That's
what drove me away. You thinking that I would be so narrow minded, so cruel
and un feeling, so unrational. You pushed me away because you didn't trust
me or my love and respect for you enough to realize that I am on your side.
In fact you trusted me so little you were willing to seriously hurt your
friends lives. That was such a blow. To realize that's how little love
you thought I had for you. That...that you would have to sink to Ivy Crane's
level. Don't you get it Mom? Ivy had nothing on you. You let yourself believe
she did when she didn't. Nothing terribly bad anyways. Sure you lost Dad
but I think we've all come to see that wasn't exactly bad.
Eve looks at Simone tears streaming down her face now.
Eve: Oh baby, I'm so sorry. You're right, you're right. I let my fears
guide me. And that was wrong. My mother always made music seem like a sin,
and TC always seemed to want me to be perfect, and he hates Julian so much
and...
Simone: Stop, just stop. I've heard this so many times. I am not Dad,
I am not your Mom, I'm your daughter and you should know me well enough
to know how I'd react.
Eve: Your right, you're right. But you do believe I love you don't
you?
Simone nods
Simone: But I need to know you believe I love you. I need you to know
that nothing you've done makes me think less of you. I am proud of what
you've over come, I grieve for my brother weather he is dead or alive,
and I wish you'd consider singing again cause you have a beautiful voice.
What I'm not happy with is what you did to the Bennetts in the name of
protecting your family. But Mom that doesn't stop me from loving you. And
I'm so sick of hearing you think I love that conditionally. That's one
of the many reasons I left.
Eve wipes a tear from her face.
Eve: I'm sorry I didn't believe more. But...but if you'd be willing
maybe we could make things better between us. I've missed you baby.
Simone: I've missed you too. And I'd like that. I'd like to have you
back in my life.
With that they hug both crying.
Julian and Whitney are in his office.
Julian: Sounds like you and your sister have worked everything out.
Whitney: It's amazing. She really has gotten past it.
Julian nods
Julian: Good for her. I always felt she wouldn't turn out like Liz.
Whitney nods
Whitney: God knows I prayed she wouldn't.
Julian: Are things awkward with Chad?
Whitney: No, no actually they aren't. Of course I don't know how much
of that is peace and how much is that we're all so distracted right now.
You know with...
Whitney trails off as a sad look comes over her face. Julian takes
her hand in his and cups her chin in his other hand.
Julian: You must not lose hope my dear. Your mother is doing everything
possible for Theresa. And from what I hear that girl has nine lives to
begin with.
Whitney laughs despite herself.
Whitney: Yeah, suppose that's true. But I just hate that she has to
go through it at all! It's so unfair!
Whitney gets up and stomps around the room.
Julian sighs
Julian: No, it isn't. But hopefully it won't last long. And...and this
time next year she'll be in remission and this will be nothing but a bad
memory, yes?
Whitney smiles hopefully.
Whitney: Yes.
Just then Julian's phone rings.
Julian: Oh excuse me dear I need to take this.
Whitney nods as Julian gets on the phone. Whitney begins wandering
around when she notices some papers on his desk and Theresa's name catches
her eyes.
Whitney: What's this?
She picks them up and sees that it's all medical bills that have been
paid in full by Julian. She gasps in amazement. Just then Julian gets off
the phone.
Julian: Sorry about that I...
Julian then sees what Whitney is looking at. She turns to Julian with
a stunned look on her face.
Whitney: What, what is this? Why are Theresa's medical bills here and
paid in full? I thought Mom had got her on some special testing program
so she...
Whitney stops as it hits her.
Whitney: Oh my, God, you've been paying for her treatments haven't
you.
Julian blushes and nods.
Julian: I gave your Mom a blank check and told her the sky's the limit.
That I didn't care what it cost she is to save Theresa.
Whitney: Then why did Mom say...
Julian: I know how Theresa's family feels about me. I figured it would
be easier on all of us if they didn't know. Please don't tell, all right?
Nothing good will come of it.
Whitney nods speechless.
Whitney: But...but why? You don't even like her family.
Julian moves closer to Whitney and takes her hand in his.
Julian: But I love you Whitney. You are as much my daughter as any
child I created biologically. And even though Ethan has Sam Bennett now.
Well, I can't stop caring about him. So, so I'm saving Theresa for my children.
Whitney has tears streaming down her face and she flings her arms around
Julian and hugs him.
Whitney: Thank you, thank you so much! I love you Daddy, I love you.
Julian gets choked up as he holds her close and begins to cry.
Julian: You're very welcome my girl you're very welcome.
Over at Theresa and Ethan's the Maria, Ethan Jr. and Sammy are playing
with their cousins on the floor while Kay and Paloma finnish putting food
away in the kitchen and Luis sits on the couch. Pilar brings a very shaky
Theresa down stairs. Luis jumps up to help and Kay, and Paloma are close
behind. They get Theresa to the couch and all the kids stare.
Maria: Mommy you're bald!
Theresa half laughs.
Theresa: Well, my hair was falling out in such clumps I figured I might
as well get it over with. So I had your Daddy shave my head.
Ethan Jr: You look nice Mommy.
All the other kids nod in agreement. Theresa smiles.
Kay: Theresa it really doesn't look bad at all. But if you want there
is a wig store not far from the hospital. I can take you for a fitting?
Theresa: Thanks, but I think I'm just going to use scarves and hats
to cover it up.
Everyone nods.
Luis: Where is Ethan?
Theresa: I'm not sure. After we finished up with my hair he said he
had to go do something and I haven't seen him since.
Just then they hear someone clear there throat. They look over to Ethan's
office and see him standing there smiling with absolutely no hair left
on his head. Everyone gasps.
Ethan Jr.: Daddy's bald too!
Theresa: What in the...?
Ethan makes his way over to the couch.
Ethan: I figured if you were going to be bald we could be bald together.
So I came down here and shaved my head. And I'll keep it shaved until you
are done with your treatments and your own hair starts growing back.
Everyone is crying.
Kay: That's so romantic!
Paloma: How sweet!
Pilar: That is such a supportive gesture.
Luis: Wow. Wish I'd thought of that.
They all laugh.
Ethan looks at Theresa who is just stairring at him with tears streaming
down her cheeks.
Ethan: Oh come on it doesn't look at bad!
He says teasingly. Theresa laughs and shakes her head.
Theresa: Ethan Bennett you truly are prince charming. And I love you
and your bald head beyond words. You are the best.
Theresa hugs him tightly. He holds her close to him and breaths in
her sweet sent.
Ethan: Anything for you my love, anything for you. And just for the
record I think you're head's pretty damn cute.
Everyone laughs.
Kay: Well we can't let this photo opportunity go to waist!
Kay grabs a camera and starts snapping pictures as everyone laughs
and posses with Ethan and Theresa showing off their bald heads.
