Disclaimer : I don't own a thing so there!
CASNYL21 : Thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
HOCKEY-GIRL90 : Hey get in the queue, I'm first inline for a boyfriend like Adam. Wouldn't it be great though, if there seriously were like a machine that could clone people, I'd so sell everything I owned for one of those lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
CAKEEATER : Hey! I know, I think I'm outdoing myself here by the length of my chapters. I think this might be the longest chaptered story that I've written EVER! Lol. Connie's not the only one that's head over heels in love with Adam lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
Chapter 09
"To be my wife, my partner in life, my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever". I repeated. I meant every syllable of every word. We'd been through enough together to know I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her….
6 months later, things between us were getting more and more serious. I'm sure most of the ducks were putting bets on as to when I was going to pop the question. Though I knew one day I wanted to marry her, I wasn't as yet, ready to go through the whole 'I do's'. We were still young, and still making our own paths in the world.
Over the passed few months, Charlie and Julie had celebrated their 1 year anniversary, we'd met several girlfriends of the ducks, some more permanent than others. It was weird really, how even though a few of them had girlfriends now, we rarely saw the ducks girlfriends. We all still spent our weekends together, although evenings were often spent apart due to dates and other things.
I still continued spending as much time as humanly possibly with Connie. Strangely, we never seemed to bore of it. You see some couples feel suffocated by each other's presence, but even now, I still craved Connie to be near me. If I spent a long weekend with her, then returned to the dorms. I often found I couldn't sleep properly the 1st night back. Charlie who had never really understood where I was coming from, slowly was beginning too, however it was far simpler for him, as he went to the same school as Julie.
"Hey baby". Connie greeted me, as she walked in the house, Julie close behind. Both had grocery bags in their arms.
"Hey you". I stepped closer to her, helping remove the two bags from her arms, before pulling her close.
"Oh please". Averman entered the kitchen, from the garden, to retrieve the burgers and sausages for the barbeque.
Connie simply rolled her eyes, then turned her attention back to me. It was amazing how she easily fitted into my arms. Or maybe it was my arms were meant to be molded around her.
"I missed you". She whispered, referring to the week we'd spent apart.
"Not half as much as I missed you". I informed her. "Anyway, what are you doing next weekend"? I asked.
"Nothing so far. Why? What did you have in mind"?
"Well, it's my moms birthday, so she's having a little family get together, on Saturday afternoon. She's asked me to ask you if you want to come". I told her. "You don't have to if you don't want. I mean my family isn't exactly the Brady's, and my Uncle John in particular is very scary, especially after a few and"…
"I'd love to". She told me.
"Are you sure"? I asked her.
Though she had met my parents and vaguely my older brother and his wife, most of my family were another thing. I mean they weren't as upper crust as the ducks had thought when we were younger, but they could be a little much to take at times. They all had their weird ways, that unless you knew them, and I suppose had grown up with not knowing any different, they could be pretty frightening.
"Yeah. I'd love to meet all your crazy uncles and whacky aunts".
So that was that, a week later, She was to meet my family. The week soon passed, and on Friday night, I traveled home from college, to Connie's place. I found her digging in her closet. When I questioned her, she told me simply she was looking for something to wear the next day, something perfect. I couldn't help but think she could go in rags, and she'd still look gorgeous, but I don't think telling her that would help.
"Baby, it's just casual, everyone will be wearing jeans and t-shirts. It's not an evening wear deal". I told her, standing behind her, and wrapping my arms around her waist.
"I can't just go, wearing any old thing though Adam. I want to give your family a good impression". She retorted, she was beginning to sound stressed.
"Con, baby, calm down". I twisted her around to face me. "They'll love you no matter what you wear". I kissed her forehead.
"You'd better help me pick something out then". She told me.
"Well, I always think you look gorgeous in anything. But I think you'll look great in your black cropped pants and a tank top".
After a while, she finally decided to go with my suggestion and her favorite black flip flops. I couldn't believe she was getting so stressed over a simple thing as meeting a few family members. But then again, thinking about it, I'd probably be the same if I were her. I had only met her parents and siblings, and the prospect of finally meeting her grandparents, Aunts and Uncles was a little intimidating.
The following morning, I did everything I could think of to reassure her, and I think after a while, she finally did calm down, either that or she was a good actress. Just after lunch, I finally put her out of her misery, and declared it time to leave. The few ducks that were present didn't exactly help, by telling her to watch her airs and graces, which got her more uptight, and then we had the saga of was I sure she was dressed right.
I could tell not everyone was present when I pulled to a stop in the driveway, since there weren't enough cars parked. I jumped out and walked around to the other side, where Connie had gotten out, and was looking at the house dubiously. I took her hand in mine, and twisted her around to look at you.
"Baby, they'll love you". I tried once more to reassure her.
"Are you sure I'm dressed right"? She bit her lip slightly. "I mean I can't help but think I'm dressed a little too casually".
"I swear, you're gonna be the most gorgeous person here". I kissed her gently. "You ready"? I asked. She nodded slightly, and let me lead her toward the house.
We'd barely walked through the door, before my Mom almost pounced on me. It was almost as though she was high or something. When she noticed Connie stood slightly behind me, she went into overload. Connie barely got the words 'happy birthday' out, before my Mom was screeching excitedly about her coming. Surprisingly Connie seemed neither fazed or overly shocked by her, and managed to give her a hug, before I passed her the present we'd bought. 5 minutes later, my Mom had scurried off, to show my Aunt the gift we'd bought her. I turned to face Connie, who smiled. I knew then that she was slowly relaxing, and was ready to meet the rest of the family.
I lead her out back, to where my Dad was stood, passing pleasantries, with who looked like my Uncle Ernie. There weren't many family members here yet, just my Mom's sister, and her husband Ernie, who'd just finished a conversation with my Dad. Both sets of Grandparents and my Dad's oldest Brother and his family. I pointed each of them out to Connie, and told her their names, though I knew she'd never remember all of them. I took her hand in mine, and lead her over to my Dad.
"Hey Dad". I greeted him with a hug.
"Hey Son". He returned the hug. "Hi Connie, it's nice to see you again. And looking so ravishing". He leant over and pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you Mr. Banks". She replied.
"Now what have I said about that. It's Phil, to someone as beautiful as you". I looked at Connie and rolled my eyes, and she giggled in response.
"Philip". My Gran shouted to my dad. "Come here, I want a picture of you and Jennifer". She called.
"Oh dear lord, it's only 2pm and the old crow already has the camera out". My dad complained, as he excused himself and wandered as slowly as he could manage over to where she was stood, trying to organize him and my mom to stand in just the right position.
We watched amused, as a few pictures of my parents were taken. My dad's smile was very strained, as though he knew exactly what was to come later. This photo wouldn't have been the 1st and it definitely wouldn't be the last. My Gran was very snap happy, at the best of times, even more so on occasions such as birthdays. I swear for every single birthday, of both mine and my older brother, she could have easily filled a photo album of that one day.
I lead the way to one of the picnic tables my parents had hired. I took the opportunity to explain to Connie each of the relatives present, pet hates. For instance, my Gran with the camera, my Uncle Ernie had this thing about telling stories about his time in the army, which might I add lasted a total of 6 months, due to not passing one of his health checks that concerned his heart. But either way he started every story with 'When I was in the army', and after probably about an hour, you'd heard each of the stories 5 times over. Ernie's wife, my Mom's youngest sister, had the habit of talking too fast that you were barely able to comprehend anything she said, and if you didn't understand anything, you quite easily got away with simply nodding and agreeing with her.
"You want a drink"? I asked her finally.
"Sure". She answered.
I got up and left her sat at the table. My Dad had now started preparing the barbeque, along with my brother. His wife Gemma, of whom he'd been married to for little over 2 years, was showing off their new baby, my niece to be exact. On my way for the drinks, I quickly went up and greeted her, and showed interest in baby Kimberly, before making my way over to the drink tables.
"Adam"! My brother called.
I headed over there, knowing he probably just wanted to greet me. He was stood laughing with my Dad when I got to him. Both I knew were talking about how hyped up my Mom was becoming. She looked 10 times worse than when we arrived.
"Hey Steven". I hugged him tightly.
"How's it going little bro"? He ruffled my hair.
"Good, and you"?
"Pretty good, considering Kimberly seems to be allergic to sleep. I can't have slept more than 12 hours this week. Can't complain though". He laughed. "So, you think we'll be hearing wedding bells anytime soon"? He asked jokingly.
"I don't think so. Not yet anyway". I turned to look at Connie, and then noticed Aunt Miriam making a beeline for her.
"Arr look Pop's. He can't keep his eyes off her". Steven joked. "I think the baby of the family's, finally grown up". He continued, but this time my dad joined in, playfully pretending to be bashful.
"STEVEN, ADAM". My Gran called shrilly.
"Ha ha, you're turn". My Dad stuck his tongue out at us.
We rolled our eyes, at him, then turned to head over to her. I'd stepped away, before I suddenly remembered Connie, sat by herself, probably getting the Spanish inquisition from Aunt Miriam. I turned mixed whether I should go save Connie first.
"I'm on it". My Dad told me, obviously noticing the predicament.
Between the 20 different poses my Gran had me and Steven do, I watched as my Dad headed straight over to Connie, a drink in his hand. She took it from him, as he sat and joined in the conversation. After Aunt Miriam left, my Dad had obviously said something, as Connie immediately began laughing. Funnily enough, I knew it would be some comment about Aunt Miriam. 5 minutes later, I heard my Dad shouting Gemma over, and I knew he'd be doing his 'famous' introductions. Just as we were finishing posing, my Mom called my Dad away, to see to the barbeque, leaving Connie and Gemma chatting. Finally the photo shoot was over, and both me and Steven sped away toward them.
"Having fun honey"? Gemma teased when we took a seat.
"It'll be you next". Steven retaliated, of which then Gemma faked a laugh.
"Oh um, Connie this is Steven, and Steven this is Connie". I remembered introductions after a few minutes.
"We've met before. But hey". Steven smiled at Connie, then stuck his tongue out at me. I retaliated his action.
"I hope you know, you're dating one of the two biggest immature people in America". Gemma commented.
"I figured that one a while back". Connie replied, giggling.
"HEY"! Both me and Steven turned.
"But that's why we love you". Gemma pinched Steven's cheeks.
Things went on like this for the rest of the evening. Gemma and Connie chatted continuously. My Gran was forever taking pictures, she had Gemma and Connie pose with us a few times, and then she moved on to random pictures, when we weren't ready for them, but at least we weren't having to pose anymore.
In all the evening went well. Gemma and Connie got on famously and chatted continuously. They even had a little game of basketball against me and Steven. I'm ashamed to admit but me and Steven actually lost. Steven being the sore loser of the family, claimed it was because he was stunned by both girls agility and he'd let them win, so as not to hurt their feelings. During the game, my Dad stood on the sidelines, watching, laughing and adding comments every so often. All in all, I can honestly say, it was the best family get together we'd had in years.
We got home that night, about midnight, after helping tidy up and bid farewell to the guests. On the way home, Connie commented on how much fun she'd had. At first I thought I'd miss heard her, I mean I never actually thought having these family party's were fun, but admittedly it had been.
"Oh by the way, what exactly did my Dad say to you about Aunt Miriam when she'd walked away"? I asked, as we laid in bed that night.
"Just that she was a living, breathing family newsletter on legs". She giggled, obviously remembering his words.
"Sounds about right". I laughed too.
I was oddly proud, that my girlfriend got on with my family the way she had done. I was over the moon in fact, that my family had finally met the love of my life.
Unfortunately, my happiness was short lived. A month later, I was sat at Connie's along with Charlie and Averman. Connie was working, and Julie had gone home for the week to see her family. Everyone else were working or were on dates. We were sat playing on Averman's playstation, a car racing game. Suddenly my cell began ringing, and I threw my control at Charlie, who was waiting to play the winner. He continued playing for me, as I fumbled in my pocket for my phone.
"Hello"? I asked as I answered.
"Adam, it's Mum. Um, honey, do you think you could come down to the hospital. I can't explain now, but I'll meet you and Steven in the main entrance". And with that she put the phone down.
I was puzzled and worried, all at the same time. I suppose I wasn't as worried as I ought to be, probably because had it been important, or an emergency, she'd have sounded more panicked. I loosely explained the conversation to Averman and Charlie, then left and headed straight to the hospital. As she promised, my Mom was out front with Steven, who was looking particularly impatient. I ran across the parking lot to them, greeting them both with a quick hug.
"Where's Dad"? I asked obliviously.
"There's something we need to tell you boys". My Mom began.
"Well is Dad ok"? I asked, worry growing with the passing seconds.
"Just please come with me". My Mom told us.
She lead us inside, and into the elevator. Once on what I guess was the correct floor, she lead us into a small private room, where my Dad was laid in the bed. I immediately panicked, and rushed to his side. Steven did the exact same, before looking from my Dad to my Mom.
"What's going on"? Steven demanded.
"In about an hour, I'm going to be going down to theatre"… My Dad began to explain.
"What? Why"? I yelped.
"Two weeks ago, I found a lump. I had some blood tests, and they confirmed it's cancer". A lump formed in my throat, as he said those dreaded words.
I felt like a heavy weight had been dropped onto my chest, restricting my breathing. My Dad, I mean my Dad had cancer. I'd never known anyone with cancer, and knew very little about it, but I knew enough to know it was a killer. As soon as those thoughts entered my mind, that was it, I began convincing myself he was going to die.
"I've got testicular cancer guys". My Dad concluded. "I'm having a Orchiectomy, to remove the cancer".
"A what sorry"? I felt confused, and wasn't really following anything he was saying.
"Basically, the doctors are going to remove the infected testicle. Hopefully, because we caught it pretty early, there's high hopes that the cancer won't have spread". He seemed awfully calm to me.
"What… what about Chemo"? Steven stuttered.
"I may have to have some. But it all depends on whether the doctors are able to remove all the cancer".
"Wh… why didn't you say anything sooner"? I asked, trying my hardest to keep a steady tone.
"We… we didn't want to worry you guys. We were just gonna tell you when everything was over, but the doctor suggested we tell you now, because although the operation isn't major, there are obviously risks".
Half an hour later, nurses were bustling around him, preparing him for theatre. I was still struggling with coming to terms that my Dad had cancer. Steven looked angry, yet he was strangely calm, my Mom looked scared and upset, and it was all I could do, not to join her in the tears she was shedding. Not long after, they came to fetch my Dad. I watched with a heavy heart, my arm wrapped around my Mom's shoulders, as the nurses wheeled him away. Just before he rounded the last corner, he held his arm up, giving a slight wave. It was when I waved back, that tears finally poured down my cheeks.
When I had settled down slightly, I rang Connie, and told her as simply as I could what was going on. I could hear the lump that had formed in her throat, when she spoke. Over the following 2 hours, I paced the corridor impatiently, flicked vigorously through magazines and basically tried anything to take my mind off Dad.
"Mrs. Banks"? A doctor dressed in scrubs walked down the corridor.
I stopped my pacing suddenly, as did Steven. My Mom stood and greeted the Doctor, waiting as patiently as she could manage to hear what he had to say. I didn't feel very patient and nearly began to speak when Steven beat me to it.
"How is he"? He blurted out.
"Your Dad's in recovery at the moment. The operation went well, with no complications at all". He informed us.
I know at this point I should have been relieved, but I oddly wasn't. I still felt very pent up, and on edge. The doctor continued explaining things to my Mom, but I paid little to no attention to what they were saying. I vaguely heard Steven ask if we could see him, of which the reply was shortly.
As promised, 15 minutes later, we were taken to see him. He laid partially awake on the bed, and very groggy. My Mom and Steven sat by his side, asking him questions like how he felt, and had the doctors spoken to him. I stood back, watching them. He somehow had aged since the party a month or so earlier. His face was etched with pain and worry. I began wondering how I hadn't noticed the worry before now. 2 weeks he'd known, and I'd failed to pick up on it.
"Adam". My Mom gestured to come closer, as the doctor came in, to explain everything more fully to my Dad.
He began what would become the long drawn out conversation about exactly what had happened in the theatre. I heard words like a full biopsy on the tumor they'd removed, and chemo. Apparently my Dad would need chemo, so that if there was any cancerous cells left, the chemo would kill them. Then came the bombshell. He asked my Dad if he knew whether testicular cancer ran in the family. Hereditary? When my Dad replied he wasn't sure, the doctor advised both me and Steven to have some blood tests and regular check ups to be on the safe side.
Not long after, the doctor told us to let my Dad get some rest. Steven took my Mom home, leaving me to head back to Connie's. On the way, I became angry with my Dad. Why didn't he know if Grandpa Banks had suffered with cancer. Angry with him because there was a chance I could have it. I suppose all this anger stemmed from the fact I was scared to show my worry and fear.
I arrived back at Connie's, scared, angry and worried. As soon as I walked through the door, Connie rushed into my arms, giving me a quick kiss, and hugging me tightly. She then pulled me toward the living room, where there was still only Averman and Charlie present. They all asked how my Dad was, of which my reply was he seemed ok. Connie who obviously knew me better, pushed for more information. She knew there was more to it, than my Dad finding the lump, having it removed this afternoon, and being ok.
"I said he was fine didn't I"? I snapped, when she asked what the doctor had said.
"He obviously can't be that fine Adam, when you're being like you are". Connie argued back.
"Just leave it Connie". I told her harshly, immediately tears came to her eyes. Normally I'd hate myself for making her upset, but I really didn't care at that second.
"No I can't just leave it Adam. There's something wrong, otherwise you wouldn't be as upset as you apparently are". She bit back equally as harsh.
"I just want to be on my own, is that ok". I got up and stormed out.
"ADAM"! I heard Charlie shout after me.
I walked briskly to my car, got in and drove at high speed away, aware that Charlie had chased me outside. I didn't care, they didn't know how I felt, they'd never understand. They weren't the ones with a Dad in hospital being treated for testicular cancer, they weren't the ones who had the possibility of getting the same cancer.
I just drove, I didn't care where I went. I could have ended up in LA, but I wouldn't care. I couldn't pin point exactly why I was mad with my Dad, and that was bothering me more than I liked. Maybe it was because I was scared for him, for me. Cancer was a big thing, it wasn't kind, and didn't choose it's victims wisely. Both me and Steven could end up with it. Truthfully, I think I was more scared of losing my Dad than anything.
I drove for another hour or so, slowly coming to terms with everything. In time realizing that I hadn't the right to be angry with my Dad, to have taken my anger out on Connie. If I knew Connie, she'd have tried ringing me a million times, be worried sick, and probably feeling guilty, even though she hadn't done anything wrong.
Though it was now pretty late, I headed back to Connie's. I needed to apologize, and I needed her. I wanted her to take all my worries away, like she always did. I wanted her reassurance that everything was going to be ok. When I pulled up in the driveway, all the lights were out, except the porch and living room lights. I climbed out of my car, and saw her. She was sat on the porch steps, cell phone in hand. On seeing me, she climbed to her feet, but remained where she was. I walked slowly toward her, wanting to just run into her arms.
"I'm sorry". I mumbled, feeling tears enter my eyes.
She nodded her head gently, as a few tears ran down her cheeks. I dashed into her arms, holding onto her tightly. I began crying, feeling everything suddenly burst inside. She easily kissed the top of my head, her being stood on the steps made her slightly taller than me. Her arms wrapped around my shoulders. She stroked my hair, as she whispered constantly, that everything was going to be ok. On more than one occasion, I felt one of her tears fall from her cheek to mine.
After I'd calmed slightly, she lead me onto the porch seats, where I told her in great detail everything. She never once interrupted, she just sat listening, giving my hand a squeeze every so often. When I came to the bit about how there was a chance the cancer could be hereditary, I couldn't look at her. I don't know why, but I just couldn't look her in the eye. She sat forward and placed her hand on my jaw, before slowly and gently turning my head to look at her. There were tears and fear in her eyes, but there was a gentle confidence that shone.
"Your Dad's a strong man, he's gonna beat this". She whispered. "And, and that's a big and, if it does happen to be hereditary, we're gonna beat it together. I love you".
With those words, I pulled her toward me, into my lap, where I wrapped my arms around her. She kissed the side of my eye, then leant her forehead against mine. We stayed like that for awhile, until we decided to get some sleep. I didn't sleep too well, but every time I woke up, or got up, Connie seemed to be there, ready to comfort me. I woke about 5am, seeing Connie still fast asleep, her head leant on my shoulder, and one of her arms draped carelessly across my waist. Just watching her sleep, made me realize how much I loved her. I could have laid there watching her, for the rest of my life.
Half an hour later, she woke, leaning up and planting a gentle kiss on my lips. I happily reciprocated the kiss. I twisted gently, so she fell into my arms more easily. I wanted to stay there all morning, but I knew, I had to get up, call Steven and arrange to meet him at the hospital. I knew I'd pick my Mom up, and go and see my Dad. I also knew I had to go and sort these tests out, because not knowing was going to continue eating me alive.
When I eventually did drag myself from the bed, Connie asked where I was going. I explained my plan, and headed downstairs to call Steven. There was no-one else awake just yet, so I kept my voice low so as not to disturb the rest of the house. I was on the phone to Steven for about 15 minutes, organizing who was picking our Mom up, and about going to the clinic to get tested. Steven sounded even more desperate to get these tests out of the way than me. When I went back upstairs, to get showered and dressed, Connie had just come back into the bedroom after having a shower.
"What you doing"? I asked gently, surprised that she hadn't just turned over and fallen back to sleep.
"I'm getting ready". She replied, heading to her closet and pulling out some clothes, and laying them out on the bed.
"Why are you working"? I asked.
"No, I'm coming with you". She answered looking at me, obviously reading my mind for the question I planned on asking next. "What did I say last night"? She eyed me. "We're gonna beat this together".
"I love you". I walked around the bed toward her.
"It's a pretty good job". She giggled gently, before giving me a quick kiss.
I spent the day with Connie constantly at my side. We'd picked my Mom up in the morning, and headed straight to the hospital, where we met Steven and Gemma out front. We went up and spent some time with my Dad, before me and Steven headed off to have some tests done. Gemma and Connie waited patiently outside during our tests. After we'd completed all the tests, we were told it could be anything up to a week before we would know the results. It was to be an agonizing week.
Over the next week, my Dad was sent home, but had appointments coming out of his ears for chemo visits and everything. I don't think I'd have gotten through everything without Connie by my side. She was constantly reminding me, that everything was going to be ok, and that whatever the results said, we'd get through it together.
Just over a long week later, I went back to collect my results. Both me and Steven sat opposite the same doctor that had operated on my Dad, as he looked at our files. All I simply wanted was a yes or no, but he began droning on about different things, that I didn't really understand.
"I'm glad to inform you both, that the cancer your Dad had, was not hereditary". He finally told us.
I gave a sigh of relief, and realizing I had been holding my breath. I looked over at my brother, he looked so relieved, and it was then I felt that same relief. At least now we could just concentrate on getting Dad better. The doctor gave us some information, and warned us to have regular check ups and to check ourselves regularly and to see a doctor if ever we were in doubt.
I dashed home that night to tell Connie the news. When I told her, we both laughed, cried and ultimately relaxed. I suppose in a way this last week had proved how strong we were. Connie had been willing to stick with me, throughout what could possibly have been the worst week of my life.
6 months later, after many chemo sessions, my Dad, was announced as in remission. Though he had to have two monthly check ups, where he would have tests run on him, the doctors were almost sure that the cancer wouldn't return. We celebrated that night with a family party, not quite as big as the one my Mom had for her birthday, but enough to really celebrate.
So what do you think? PLEASE R&R!