It is now a couple months down the road. Theresa's treatments have been
getting more and more intense and her symptoms more and more harsh. Theresa
lays in her bed drenched to the core in sweat her back and stomach aches
with a pain she's never felt before. She breaths deeply praying the pain
will subside. Theresa glances at the clock and sees it's three am. She
doesn't want to wake Ethan so she slowly tries to get up to get her pills
but when she does a sharp pain shoots through her body and she lets out
an anguished cry. Ethan hearing Theresa's cry bolts up right and turns
on the light. He sees Theresa sitting hunched over on the side of the bed
crying.
Ethan: Theresa?
He quickly goes to her and takes her in his arms.
Ethan: Theresa you're burning up with fever.
Then he notices her clutching her stomach.
Theresa: Oh God, Ethan it hurts so bad. My medicine, get my medicine!
Ethan takes control.
Ethan: Okay hang on. He quickly grabs one of her dozen pill bottles
and puts a pill in her mouth. Then cradling her like a baby in his arms
he holds her close to him and leans up against the pillows.
Ethan: Hang in there, the medicine will take affect soon.
Theresa: I'm...I'm sorry I woke you.
Ethan looks into Theresa's eyes with deep love and concern.
Ethan: You'd better always wake me when you need me Theresa. That's
what I'm here for.
Theresa smiles faintly up at him grateful to have him near, but then
winces again.
Ethan: Isn't the medicine working yet?
Theresa: Not much.
Ethan holds her even closer and rocks her back and forth.
Ethan: Just hang in there, I'm sure it will. I'll call Dr. Russell
once it gets light out and see if she wants to examen you today since you
have a fever. If she does maybe she can also prescribe something stronger
for the pain.
Theresa nods and bites her lip. Then she looks up into Ethan's eyes.
They stair at one another their deep love and emotion needing no words.
Whitney kneels by the toilet and throws up yet again. She goes to the
sink and splashes cold water on her face.
Whitney: This is ridiculous. I've been sick for a week, how long can
a stomach bug go on? If that's what it is. I mean, the only other times
I've been this sick for so long was when I was...No, no that's not possible.
Is it? I mean, I guess it is. After all Chad and I have been spending a
lot more time together these days. She looks at herself in the mirror.
Whitney: My breasts are swollen, and I guess I am a little late. I
have to know!
Whitney rummages around in the bathroom draws until she finds an old
test left over from when she found out she was pregnant with Sean.
Whitney: This test is 99% accurate so I might as well try it.
Whitney quickly takes the test then sits waiting in the bathroom for
what seems like an eternity.
Whitney: I can't believe this, I have to be the most fertile girl on
the block. Chad just looks at me and I end up pregnant. We already have
four kids, how the heck are we supposed to manage five! Now, now Whitney
stop you don't know that you are. You...you could just as easily have a
stomach virus. So, don't, don't go jumping to conclusions, okay? There
is no reason too. You're not, you just aren't. I mean, the timing would
just be awful.
Whitney's mind drifts back to when CJ was born.
Whitney: Not that all of our kids have been born at the perfect time.
I mean, heck I was already expecting CJ when we got married. And for a
while it was all we could do to get food on the table since Chad wouldn't
except money from Julian. But...but we managed. I mean, children are a
blessing and I'm sure Chad and I could figure something out.
Her hand gently rests upon her stomach.
Whitney: It would be a wonderful thing really. No, no I can't be. Being
pregnant would take more time away from helping Theresa and her family.
And it's not like I have a lot of time for my other four right now as is.
Whitney stands up and begins to pace.
Whitney: Then again something as positive as a new child could definitely
lift everyone's spirits. And I'm sure Theresa will say it's fate giving
us a reason to smile.
Whitney half laughs.
Whitney: Lord knows we could use one.
She checks the clock and sees the test is done. She takes a deep breath
and walks towards the test.
Whitney: Okay this is it. It's the moment of truth. God I don't know
what to hope for.
Whitney picks up the test with shaking hands and looks down at it knowing
it could change her life.
The next morning Ethan carries Theresa downstairs holding her close.
The medicine never kicked in and she is in more pain then ever. Tears are
streaming down her face and her fever has risen to 104.
Theresa: Ethan...
Ethan: Ssshh, it's going to be okay.
Paloma and the kids hear the commotion as Ethan struggles to get Theresa
and himself bundled up.
Paloma: What's going...
Paloma sees her sister sitting in agony at the kitchen table drenched
in sweat as Ethan struggles to get her coat on her quickly. Paloma runs
to her as do the kids.
Paloma: Oh, my, God, Theresa what's wrong!
Maria: Mommy, why are you crying?
Ethan Jr: Where are you guys going?
Theresa: Oh...kids...I'm...I'm...okay.
Theresa winces Ethan takes charge.
Ethan: Mommy needs some new medicine so I'm taking her to see Dr. Eve
so she can get some. Now I want the two of you to go upstairs and play
in your rooms right now.
Maria: But...
Ethan: Maria, I said now. Everything is fine please go upstairs. Paloma
will make you whatever you want for breakfast okay? Now move!
Paloma: Go on sweetheart, I'll make you your fave okay? Go on.
Maria turns hesitantly and goes back upstairs. Ethan Jr. just stands
still and stairs at his Mom who is hunched over drenched in sweat.
Ethan: Come on big guy go on back upstairs.
Ethan Jr: But Mommy doesn't feel good, I want to help!
Theresa smiles through her pain at this. She reaches out and takes
his hand in hers.
Theresa: It's okay honey. Daddy's going to make sure I feel better.
That's why we're going to go see Dr. Eve. Now go back upstairs.
Ethan Jr. stairs at her for a long moment then goes on. But instead
of going all the way up the steps he waits just out of sight and listens.
Maria who has been sulking at the top of the steps sees him and goes by
her brother.
Maria: What...?
Ethan Jr.: Ssshhh, I'm finding out what's going on.
He whispers. The two kids listen intently.
Paloma: Okay what's going on?
Ethan picks Theresa up in his arms.
Ethan: Last night the pain from the cancer started acting up and she
developed a fever. I gave her the meds Eve prescribed but they haven't
done a damn thing. So I'm taking her to the ER. Eve is meeting us there.
Paloma: Do you think the cancer has spread or something?
Ethan shivers
Ethan: God I hope not. I'll call you after Eve's checked her out.
With that Ethan hurriedly carries Theresa out of the house gets her
in the car and they drive off. Paloma stands there with tears in her eyes.
Then turns takes a deep breath and begins making breakfast.
Paloma: My poor sister. Why...why did she have to develop pancreatic
cancer? She's such a wonderful person.
On the stairs the kids look at each other. Ethan stands up and motions
for Maria to fallow him back up the steps and over to his bed room.
Maria: What's Pancreatic Cancer?
Ethan Jr: I don't know but it's what is making Mom so sick. And I'm
going to find out what it is so I can help make her better.
Maria: How are you going to find out?
Ethan Jr: Dad's computer of course. He showed me how to look things
up.
Maria: Well, I'm coming. I want to know too!
Ethan Jr. shrugs.
Ethan Jr.: Fine.
They go down the other set of steps that bring them into the family
room and quickly dash unseen to Ethan's office. Ethan Jr. shuts the door
and boots up the computer. soon they are online.
Whitney wakes Simone up early.
Whitney: Simone?
Simone: Yeah?
Whitney: I hate to wake you up but I need a favor.
Simone sits up and smiles.
Simone: Hey, I'm here to help what do you need?
Whitney: Well, I was wondering if you could handle the kids this morning
for Chad and I. I...I need to have a private conversation with him and
that can get hard with four kids.
Simone: Sure, no problem. Is everything okay?
Simone looks at her with concern. Whitney thinks for a moment.
Whitney: Yeah. Yeah, look I promise I'll tell you what this is about.
But...but I really need to talk to Chad first.
Simone: Okay. But if there is a problem please let me know, and I'll
help however I can.
Whitney smiles.
Whitney: God it's great to have you around.
They hug. Simone then gets up to start making breakfast as Whitney
goes back upstairs. She quietly enters the room and slips back in bed with
Chad. Then leaning over him she gives him a passion filled kiss. Chad soon
begins to respond in kind. When they finally break they both sit up. Chad
smiles
Chad: Now that's what I call a good morning kiss.
Whitney laughs
Whitney: Well, I wanted to talk to you before it got to late, and you're
so hard to wake up I figured this was the best way.
Chad laughs.
Chad: Now there's a perk to being a sound sleeper that I never thought
of. So what's up?
Whitney gets a serious look on her face.
Chad: Whitney, what's wrong babe? Is it Theresa? Has something happened?
Whitney: No, no, as far as I know Theresa is still the same. It's...it's
about us.
Chad: Us?
Whitney: Our family.
Chad: Simone and you aren't fighting again are you? Damn it! I knew
that....
Whitney: No, no! No, Chad it's nothing like that. Simone and I are
actually closer then ever. She's been great.
Chad: Then what is it? Is someone sick? Is someone hurt?
Whitney smiles
Whitney: Try pregnant.
Chad stairs at Whitney the words sinking in.
Chad: You're...
Whitney nods.
Whitney: I took the test last night when I wasn't feeling well again.
And it's positive. Chad, look I know we weren't planning this, and with
everything that's going on it's certainly not the best time. But...
Chad grabs Whitney and hugs her tightly
Chad: A baby! This is awesome babe!
Whitney laughs
Whitney: Yeah, I guess it is. I just wasn't sure how you'd feel.
Chad: How I'd feel? Whitney, you know how much I love kids, and how
much I love you. This is just another wonderful blessing. And if you ask
me the timing couldn't be better.
Whitney looks at him confused.
Whitney: How do you see that?
Chad: Babies bring joy. And right now that's in kind of short supply
around here. This kid
Chad places his hand on Whitney's stomach.
Chad: Is going to bring some much needed happiness and excitement.
Not to mention the love and wonder that all baby's bring.
Whitney smiles at Chad with tears in her eyes.
Whitney: It really is a blessing isn't it.
Chad: All the way babe, all the way.
They embrace tightly.
Ethan Jr. and Maria just look at each other not sure what to say.
Maria: I don't understand. What does survival rate mean?
Ethan Jr gulps as he looks back at the screen tears forming in his
eyes.
Ethan Jr: It means the number of people who don't die from this. In
other words Mom could die.
Maria starts crying.
Maria: I don't want Mama to die!
Ethan Jr begins crying as well.
Ethan Jr: I don't either I want her to stay here with us!
Maria: Is that why Daddy took her away this morning? Is she going to
die?
Ethan Jr: She had a fever and is in pain. I guess those are bad signs.
They are both just bawling now. Paloma hears crying coming from Ethan's
office.
Paloma: What on earth?
She goes to Ethan's office and opens the door and finds the kids sitting
by the computer crying. Paloma hurries over to them.
Paloma: What are you kids doing in here? What's wrong?
Ethan Jr. points to the computer screen. Paloma looks at what the kids
have been reading.
Paloma: Oh no.
Maria pulls on Paloma's arm and looks up at her with tears streaming
down her face.
Maria: Is Mommy going to die?
Ethan Jr.: Is that why Daddy took her to the hospital? Is she not coming
back?
Paloma takes a deep breath not sure of what to do then makes a decision.
Paloma: Okay come on both of you.
She shuts off the computer picks Maria up and takes Ethan Jr. by the
hand. Then leads them into the family room and sits them on the couch.
Paloma: Just hold on okay?
She then grabs the phone and dials a number quickly.
Kay is busy making breakfast when the phone rings.
Kay: Hello?
Paloma: Kay, it's Paloma. We have a slight emergency I need some help
with.
Kay goes on red alert.
Kay: What's wrong?
Luis looks over.
Paloma: Well, during the night Theresa developed a high fever and her
meds stopped relieving her pain. So first thing this morning Ethan took
her to the ER.
Kay: Oh no, that's awful have you heard anything yet?
Luis gets up and moves over to Kay.
Paloma: No not yet. But that's actually not the emergency I need help
with at the moment.
Kay: Well, what is it?
Paloma: The kids wanted answers that I guess they didn't feel they
were getting. So while I was making breakfast they snuck into Ethan's office
and looked up pancreatic cancer on the computer. Now they are both sobbing
and think Theresa's going to die.
Kay sighs.
Kay: No, no, those poor babies. Okay, I'll be over as soon as I can.
I'm going to call Whitney too.
Paloma: Good idea.
Kay hangs up and immediately starts dialing.
Luis: Kay what's wrong?
Kay: A few things. Least of which is that our niece and nephew just
looked up pancreatic cancer on the computer and now are hysterical thinking
they are going to lose their Mom.
Luis groans.
Over at Chad and Whitney's everyone is celebrating in the kitchen. Simone
and Whitney are hugging when the phone rings.
Chad: I'll get it.
Simone: Congratulations, I'm so excited for you!
Whitney smiles
Whitney: Thanks. You know at first I wasn't so sure how I felt. I mean,
we already have four and with everything that's going on. Well, the timing
just didn't seem right. But the more I think about it the more happy I
become.
Simone: As you should be. A baby is always a blessing. I'm so excited
I'll finally be around for one of the births!
Whitney: I'm glad too. You know, if you'd like they do allow family
in the delivery room these days and I'd love to have you in there.
Simone smiles deeply touched.
Simone: I'd love to thank you.
They hug.
CJ: I want another brother!
Russ: Yeah!
Melanie: No way! Sister, sister!
Whitney and Simone laugh. Just then Chad walks over with an upset look
on his face.
Whitney: Chad, honey, what's wrong?
Chad takes a deep breath.
Chad: That was Kay on the phone. Theresa got sicker during the night
and Ethan had to take her to the ER.
Whitney gasps.
Whitney: No...
Simone: Do you need to get to the hospital?
Chad: No more like over to her house. Seems the kids over heard the
words pancreatic cancer and wanted to know what it was. So they snuck into
Ethan's office and looked it up. Now they are scared beyond words.
Simone shakes her head.
Simone: Those poor baby's.
Whitney: This is just awful.
Chad nods
Chad: Kay and Luis are going to go over but she thinks it would be
good if we came too.
He then looks to Simone.
Chad: Only this is not a time when any of our kids can come.
Simone catches on.
Simone: Okay, let's load the kids up. We'll take them over to Kay's
so I can watch her's and yours.
Whitney looks at Simone with tears in her eyes.
Whitney: Thank you so much Simone.
Simone: Hey this is why I came to town.
Soon all four adults are heading to Theresa's house.
Luis: I feel like I should go to the ER and be with Theresa.
Kay: Luis, I'm sure Eve is doing all she can for her, and Ethan is
there. Theresa needs us to help her children right now.
Chad: That's right man. They need us right now. We have to put our
own worries aside and focus on them.
Whitney: Yeah. I agree. All we can do at the ER is wait and worry.
But we can actually try and help the kids. Which knowing Theresa is exactly
what she'd want us to do.
Luis sighs and nods
Luis: I know you're right, it's just...
Kay squeezes his hand.
Kay: I know you're scared honey. But right now we can't think about
that we have to think about the kids. Besides from the sound of it all
she needs is some stronger meds and maybe a few antibiotics.
Whitney nods as they ring the door bell and are met by Paloma holding
a sobbing Maria and Ethan Jr who is clutching his aunts hand with tears
streaming down his face.
At the hospital Ethan paces nervously as he waits for word on Theresa.
He had called ahead and when he'd pulled up Eve and two orderlies had been
waiting. They had whisked her away from him so fast he'd bearly had time
to squeeze her hand. He'd tried to fallow them but Eve said he had to wait
here. All Ethan could think to do was call Sam who comes racing in.
Sam: Ethan.
Ethan turns and grabs onto his Dad who hugs him tightly.
Sam: What's going on son?
Ethan sighs and runs his hand through his hair.
Ethan: She was up most of the night with a fever that just kept going
up and up. And...and she's in so much pain. Dad I have never seen anyone
in so much pain. Not since Sheri...
he trails off new fear comes to his eyes.
Sam puts his hand on Ethan's shoulder.
Sam: Don't think about that right now son. There's no need for it,
it won't do anyone any good. Look, yes Sheridan died of this but it doesn't
mean Theresa will. You can't compare the two, you just can't.
Ethan nods and gulps.
Ethan: Anyways, first thing this morning I decided I'd better bring
her here. You know, so Eve could get her fever down and give her something
stronger for the pain. Dad she was in so much pain. I...I wish I could
take her place you know? I wish I could take the pain for her. I'd gladly
take her place in there in a second.
Sam nods
Sam: I know, son, I know.
Back at Theresa's Maria is sitting in Whitney's lap with Whitney holding
her close and Ethan Jr. is sitting between Chad and Luis as all the adults
try to calm them down.
Whitney: You're Mom is one of the strongest, most determined people
I know. And she loves her family so much. She's not going to just let this
disease take her away from you guys.
Chad: Yeah. She's a fighter and a survivor.
Kay: That's why she's taking all these drugs that make her not feel
well, and why your Daddy took her to the ER. She's fighting, she's fighting
with everything she has, because she doesn't want to leave you.
Luis: Yeah, and Dr. Eve is an amazing Dr. And she's doing everything
she can to help your Mom fight this.
Whitney: That's right. And between my Mom's brains, and Theresa's determination
they really can beat this.
Ethan Jr looks at Whitney closely
Ethan Jr: But they might not be able to right? She could still die,
couldn't she!
Everyone looks at each other and sighs.
Ethan Jr: That's what I thought.
Both kids start crying harder again.
Chad: Hey, hey you guys, we can't think about that. First off we know
she's getting the best care, and we know she's a fighter. People do survive
this disease. Why should we assume she's not.
Whitney: Chad's right. We should be thinking positive here. We should
be believing in Theresa and my Mom and their abilities to beat this.
Luis: You can't win a battle if you just give up. We have to keep believing
she's going to live.
Kay: Hey, Maria, you know how your Mom always talks about fate, and
how you have to believe in it?
Maria nods as she wipes her face.
Kay: Well, I think we need to believe that fate isn't going to let
your Mommy die. We have to believe that fate is going to help us save her.
Okay?
Maria: But what if it doesn't?
Ethan Jr: What will happen if she does die?
Everyone looks at each other.
Whitney: Then she'll go to heaven and be a gardein angel. She'll watch
over you guys and your Daddy, and everyone else she loves. She'll still
be able to hear you and see you. And she'll never stop loving you. But
I don't want you kids thinking about that okay? We should try and believe
everything is going to be okay.
Maria and Ethan Jr. look at each other neither really convinced both
still crying a little.
In the ER Sam and Ethan sit side by side waiting for word on Theresa.
Eve finally emerges with a grim look on her face. Ethan and Sam rush over
to her.
Ethan: Eve, what's going on? Were you able to relieve any of her pain?
Has her fever gone down?
Sam rests a supportive hand on Ethan's shoulder.
Sam: What's going on Eve.
Eve takes a deep breath.
Eve: We've given her some extra strong does of morphine for the pain.
She's pretty much knocked out by them and will probably be asleep for several
hours. As for the fever, I'm afraid Theresa has developed an infection.
Normally this wouldn't be a big deal. I'd just give her some antibiotics.
But because her immune system is compromised from the chemo and the cancer
its self. It isn't going to be as easy to get rid of. And she can't have
anymore chemo until it's gone.
Ethan takes a deep breath knowing the implications of no treatment.
Eve: I'm going to need to keep her here for a few days in order to
get the infection under control. I also want to try and figure out the
best dosage for her on the morphine shots so that she'll be comfortable.
Once I send her home you'll have to give the shots to her.
Ethan nods trying for all business.
Ethan: Is it like giving insulin injections?
Eve nods
Eve: Pretty much.
Ethan: How long do you think it will take to clear up the infection?
Eve: I really don't know Ethan, but the sooner the better.
Ethan: Can I see her?
Eve: Of course, fallow me.
Sam: Ethan?
Ethan turns
Sam: I'll be right here if you need me.
Ethan nods
Ethan: Thanks Dad.
Ethan then fallows Eve to Theresa's ICU room. He walks in and finds
Theresa hooked up to several pieces of equipment and still covered in sweat.
Her body seems so small and frail as she lays there motionless in the stark
hospital room. Ethan sits by her bedside and takes her hand in his.
Ethan: Oh, Theresa.
Ethan then over come by emotion leans over and places his head on her
chest and wraps his arms around her then begins to cry uncontrollably.
