I went home to get ready for the evening. I'd just gotten a super awesome maxi skirt that I was in love with and I couldn't wait to wear it. I was talking to Brenna as I got ready. "So, are you celebrating tonight?" she asked.
"Leo, is picking me up at seven."
"So, are you like…into him?" she asked.
I sighed and sat down on the bed. "I don't know. I mean I just broke up with Dominic and Leo has been an amazing friend. I think I have feelings for him…okay, I know I have feelings for him but he's really sick. Like…3 months to live sick. What if we get involved and he dies and I can't survive the stress. I just…I don't know what the right thing to do is."
"Stop over-analyzing everything, April. You're always so cautious and so considerate of everyone else. Just take it a day at a time and see how things develop. It could surprise you."
"When did you become the smart one?" I asked.
"Well, I just know what it's like to be caught into the middle of feelings for more than one person."
"What about Kieran? I thought things were going well with you two?" I inquired.
"They are, but when I found out you were sick and everything started going down I found out that he really sucks at the support thing. Not that he doesn't try, I know he means well but it just doesn't make me feel better. Then…I kinda started to hang out with this girl from school…Greer…and I don't know. It's kind of confusing."
I put my arms around her. "I'm so sorry this is so hard on you but I'm so thankful I have you, especially when I'm not really getting along with mom. I just want you to know that I think you'll make the right decision for you and if you need anything I'll be here."
"Thanks, April."
"No problem."
Just then the doorbell rang. "That must be Leo. I'll see you in just a bit."
As I grabbed my jacket and walked out the door my phone buzzed. It was a text message from Danny telling me that my story was being scrapped.
"Ugh!" I said as I walked out the door.
"Everything alright there?" Leo said with a smirk.
"Can you drive me to my office? They're scrapping my story and I need to get in there."
"No problem."
I was so agitated on the drive in and when we entered my floor I was so confused as to why the entire floor was empty. Five seconds after entering the room I almost had a heart attack as tons of people jumped from their hiding places yelling "Surprise!"
Almost everyone from my floor was there, Beth, even Brenna. There were balloons and banners and I was so surprised.
"Whose idea was this?" I asked Danny.
"It was Leo's. He thought you'd need an extra pick-me-up after all the hard work you've put in."
I went to Leo to thank him and as I turned around I saw Dominic enter the room. I kind of wanted to hide. He approached me and asked if we could talk for a minute.
I didn't really feel like I could tell him no so I followed him to the hallway.
"I understand if you don't really want me here," he began, "but I just didn't want to leave on my assignment without at least talking to you. I feel like I over-reacted…"
"Dominic, I understand-"
"No, just let me finish. I really care about you, April and I've been trying to come to terms with everything since the night you told me you had cancer. I don't blame you for not telling me sooner. I can't imagine what it must have been like to find out. I just want you to know that even though I won't be nearby, I'll just be a phone call, text, or email away. You're an amazing woman, April. I want you to be happy and I hope that we can be friends and that you'll at least keep me in the loop while I'm gone."
"I think I can do that. I don't really want to lose any friends right now."
"Good! Anyways, I just wanted to stop by and congratulate you before I had to leave for the airport."
"Thank you! It means a lot to me."
"See you around, April. Good luck!"
I watched him walk away as Leo approached me.
"Everything alright?" he asked.
I turned to him. "Yeah, I think everything will be just fine. Thank you for planning all of this. It really means a lot to me."
"I thought it was the least I could do for almost having you arrested," he said with a smirk.
I couldn't help but laugh.
We wrapped the party up around ten so I could get home and get some extra sleep. I wanted to be at the office at six when Lawrence first arrives so I could fill him in on what's going on. I was so nervous but I knew I couldn't wait any longer. I was going to be needing quite a bit of time off work. Fortunately, I was exhausted from the emotional day I had and quickly fell asleep.
I awoke at five the next morning and made it to the office about a quarter after six. There weren't many people around as I knocked onto the open door of Lawrence's office.
"April, what are you doing here so early?"
"I was just hoping to catch you for a few moments so we could talk."
"No, problem, come in and have a seat."
"Thank you," I said as I took a seat.
"Before we begin I just wanted to congratulate you again on your first by-line. Now that I know you can deliver I think we can take Raquel out of the picture."
"Thank you. I was hoping to discuss something else with you. I know this is my first story but I'm going to be needing some time off soon."
"Is this what they mean about the younger generations feeling entitled? They don't believe they should have to work as hard?"
"No, not at all. It's…a medical thing," I said slowly.
"Oh…" he replied. I could tell he didn't quite know what to say.
"I just found out recently that I have cancer and I'm scheduled to start chemotherapy in two weeks. I know its short notice but I honestly just found out a week or so ago."
"I'm so sorry. Just let me know what you need and we'll make it work. If you feel like doing any writing or anything while you're out just let me know. We'll work with you."
"Thank you, Lawrence."
"You're a talented writer, April. Whatever you want to do, we'll make it work."
As I left that afternoon for home my phone began to ring.
"Hi, this is April."
"Hi, this is Dr. King's office calling to schedule your next appointment."
"Yes, thank you. And while I have you I was wondering if I could arrange a payment plan."
"Okay, let me see. Oh! It looks like you're all set."
"I'm sorry?
"Your payment was already processed."
"But I haven't paid yet."
"Well, someone else did. They asked to remain anonymous. I guess it's your lucky day."
A/N: Hope you liked it! My gut is telling me Leo paid for her treatment but who knows. Maybe her mom or uncle did it? What do you guys think? I'm anxious for tonight's episode. Unfortunately I have to work tonight so I'll have to catch up late tonight or tomorrow night :(
