Chapter 4

Here we sit, me, dad, and mom, all in a row in the conference room of the St. Joseph's Hospital. I'm scared half to death there's something wrong with my dad. My mom couldn't tell me what was going on. All she said was we have something to tell you and then she started crying and wouldn't tell me. I'm so nervous I'm shaking.

A tall blonde lady wearing a shirt that read, "Dr. Schardon" walked through the door. Her somber expression told me something was terribly wrong. She sat in a chair across from the three of us.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, I really think you guys should be telling your son. Not me." Dr. Shardon said. Tell me WHAT!

"I tried! I just can't hurt him." My mom burst into a second round of tears.

"Troy," my dad began, "I...Troy, I have...cancer." What did he just say? I think I heard him wrong. Did he just say he had cancer.

"Troy, I'm not gonna live that much longer. The cancer has been affecting me for some time now, and I taught myself to ignore it. Lately, it's been getting worse, so I went to the oncologist. I'm sorry, son."

"How long have you known?" I asked, the tears streaming down my cheeks.

"About two weeks. Your father and I have been looking for a good time to tell you, but every time we try it's like we don't want to see you upset. So we avoid telling you." my mom piped up.

"Can it be fixed?" I inquired, still crying. Both my parents just hung their heads. I could tell that was a no. We just sat there in silence for what seemed like eternity.

"I'm quite impressed, Mr. Bolton. I am very pleased that you told him. This should be something between you and your family, so I'm going to go outside for a little bit. If you have any questions just holler. OK?" Dr. Shardon broke the silence.

Once she left my mom pulled me into a hug. "It's OK to cry at a time like this." she cooed. "Just let it out."

My dad looked sullen, sitting, staring straight ahead. "Dad?" I croaked. "Dad, I love you."

My father just broke down. I had never seen him cry before, but there he sat just bawling. I walked over to him.

"I love you, too, son." I couldn't breathe. I felt like my world was spinning.

"Can we go home now?" I managed to ask.

"Sure honey," my mom said, comforting me. She took my hand and the three of us walked out of the hospital. All of us had red, puffy eyes. Walking out, people looked at us with sympathetic eyes. I didn't want their pity. I could handle this. I think.

Later that day.

It's 5:00 and time to pick up Gabriella. I don't want to go, but my parents think it would

be a good idea for me to get away from all of this. I forced my self to get out of bed and to the car.

"Bye, guys!" I yelled, so they could here me upstairs. This date will be hard for me. I don't want Gabi to feel sorry for me, so I wont tell her.

At Gabi's house.

I walked up to the door. This is the most nervous I've ever been in front of her. That even includes the time we were singing at the ski lodge. I worked up the courage to ring the door bell. Gabi answered.

"Hi." I said halfheartedly.

"Hey! Are you ready?" she asked. I could tell she was totally excited to be going to see the Cubs. I needed to act happy, so I wouldn't ruin her night.

"Yup! Lets go!" I exclaimed. We walked hand in hand to the car.

"So," I said once we were out of her driveway, "Did your mom get to California safely?"

"Yeah, her flight was delayed though. She didn't get there till about 3:30 pm"

"That's good." I told her. The whole time I was thinking my dad's gonna die before school starts next year.

I think Gabriella could sense my sadness, because when we got to the field she asked, "Troy, I can tell something is bothering you. Could you please tell me what's wrong? I'm concerned."

"No, Gabi. There is absolutely nothing wrong. Now lets go before the run out of cotton candy." I joked with her.

"Troy, you've been acting all weird ever since you picked me up. You know you can tell me anything." My heart sunk. I really wish I had someone to just pour all my thoughts out to, but I didn't want Gabi to have to think about all of my problems.

"Honestly, Gabriella, there's nothing wrong." I said.

"Don't you realize you just called me by my first name? Since when have you done that? Troy, I'm worried about you." I tried not to let it escape, but a tiny tear trickled from my eye.

"Troy?" Gabi asked.

"All right. Gabi, my dad has cancer in his brain. The doctors say he only has six months to live." More tears fell. Not only from me, but from Gabriella as well.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry Troy. When did you find this out?" I feel so bad. She looks so sad.

"This morning."

"Jesus Troy! Why are you here? You didn't have to come. Do you want to go home? I wont be mad." She said sounding sincere.

"No, Gabs. You really want to go. I'll be OK. Come on lets go."

"Lets go home, Troy." she said still crying.

"Are you sure?" I asked her. I didn't want her to miss the game. I know how much she wants to go.

"Yeah. Lets just go home and have dinner at my house." She suggested.

"OK. That sounds good." I told her.

A/N: If you review I will put up the next chapter. If not, sorry charlie no new chapter. So be wise here people and review. Please give me constructive criticism so I can become a better writer. Thanks!