We arrived at his house and he led me to his private entrance. "It's the guest house but I needed as much space between me and them as possible so it works for me. Come on in."

"It's so simple and homey. It's not at all the bachelor pad I was anticipating."

"I like simple things, I like to relax, and I never really felt at home in my parent's house so I figured if I had to stay near my parents I should at least make it my own. If you'd like, I can grab you a t-shirt and sweats to sleep in?"

"I'd like that. Today has drained all the energy out of me. I am exhausted," I said with a small smile.

He returned a few moments later with the clothes and handed them to me. "The bathroom is down the hall on the right."

"Thank you, Leo."

"No, problem."

I felt a little odd being in another man's home after Dominic and I just broke up but I really needed a friend right now. Someone who understood what I was dealing with.

When I emerged he was waiting for me in the living room.

"I lit a fire in the bedroom fireplace to keep you warm. You can take my bed and I'll take the couch," he said as he led me to his room.

"Do you mind just staying with me until I fall asleep? I just don't want to be alone right now."

"Sure."

He pulled the covers out and tucked me in. After I was fully tucked in he laid out on the bed next to me.

We laid there in silence for several minutes before I finally broke it. "I've always wanted to travel the world and write about the places I see. I could have done a lot of that but I moved home after my dad died to help take care of family. Now my family just wants to take care of me and I just want to hop a plane to anywhere but here. Is that selfish? Is it so bad that I want to consider how I could have biological children in the future? That I want to find the treatment option that works best for me? I feel selfish but at the same time it feels like that's how I need to feel if I'm going to pull through this."

"I can't promise everything will work out the way you hope it will and it's not going to be easy but for as long as I'm around…you won't have to go through it alone."

"You know, you're not as bad as people make you out to be, Leo."

"I have my moments. How about you try to sleep?"

I nodded my head and snuggled into the blanket. For the first night in weeks I slipped into a peaceful sleep.


I slept the whole night and woke up to the sunlight streaming on my face. Once I remembered where I was I started to sit up. I grabbed my phone to check my messages not at all surprised to see several from Dominic, my mother, and Brenna. I sent a quick "I'm fine" text to my mother and as I hit send Leo walked into the room with a tray that smelt like heaven.

"I remembered what you said last night about waffles and I was hoping they would still sound good to you."

"You made me waffles?" I asked with a smile on my face.

"I did. They're a little healthier than the frozen varieties and I made you a fruit smoothie. I added some protein powder to give you some extra calories. You're too skinny," he said with a smile.

"Thanks, mom," I replied with a smirk. "It looks amazing!" I took a bite and fell in love. "I guess that bakery in Paris really taught you a thing or two."

"I'd like to think so," he said as he took a seat next to me on the bed and began eating from his plate.

"I'm scared to start chemo. I know I have to but I'm scared."

"It's not fun, I won't lie to you but you can get through it."

"I need to see my doctor today to discuss treatment plans, will you go with me?"

"Sure, are you sure you want me to go?"

"You've been through it all already and you'll let me decide what's best for me. I need to make the decision for me."

"Okay then."


"You need to relax, April. You're so fidgety."

"I know, I'm sorry. I'm nervous.

"April Carver," the nurse says as she steps out.

We stand and follow her through the door. "The doctor will be with you in just a moment if you just want to take a seat."

"Thank you."

We sat in silence until we heard the door open. Her office was clean and orderly and pretty comfortable.

"It's nice to meet you, April. I hope you don't mind but I had George fill me in on your file. I understand you want to discuss treatment plans today?"

"Yes, I want to know how soon I need to start treatment and what will be required."

"Well, the sooner you start the better off you'll likely be. In most cases, including yours, it involves two anti-cancer drugs given for 5-7 days. But it's possible to remain hospitalized for three weeks while your blood cell counts rise."

I have an appointment with a fertility specialist this afternoon, would I be able to call you after the appointment to schedule my chemotherapy?"

"Absolutely! This is a huge decision and I think you're making the right decision by taking this carefully but also acknowledging the urgency of your condition."

"Could you explain that to my mother? She thinks I'm crazy for putting off chemo but I just want to know that I stand a chance of having a future if I survive this."

"I'm sure they'll come around. Just let me know when you want to schedule your chemo and we'll get it all taken care of."

"Thank you so much for all your help. I'll give you a call this afternoon."


We left her office and I could feel my stomach turning. "I hope I'm making the right decision. I know my mom will be really upset but I just need to do a few things for me right now and I think it'll give me the motivation I need to get through all of this."

"It's totally reasonable to go into all of this with as much knowledge and planning as you can. Do you want me there when you tell your family?"

"No, I think I need to do that one on my own but thank you. I need to get going or I'm going to miss my next appointment. I'm meeting Beth there and then we're going out for coffee afterward."

"Alright. If you need anything don't hesitate to call or text me."

"Thanks, Leo. It really means a lot to me that you're doing all this for me," I said as I leaned in and gave him a side hug. "I'll see you tonight at the support group?"

"Definitely."

As we parted ways I sent a quick text to my mom, grandma, Brenna, and George telling them that I would be home around five and it'd be nice if everyone could be there.