Only The Good Die Young

Chapter 11

I'm in the theatre, Finn is waiting outside, I told him not to come in because I feel like I need to do this myself. Although James and I never used to get on too well, we're now quite close and he's never met Finn so it's best if it's just me.

I knock on James' office door and he welcomes me in.

"Hi Rachel, is everything okay, well done again for yesterday, everyone loved it!"

"Hi James, sorry to bother you, I just have some news I need to tell you."

"Okay, go ahead, I don't have much time 'cause I'm waiting for a phone call..."

"Right, so, about six months ago I went to the hospital because I wasn't feeling too well and they diagnosed me with stomach cancer. I started chemotherapy the next day, which was the first day of rehearsal, that's why I was so off. Anyway, I was told that I didn't have much time, I've been having chemo but the past few weeks haven't been too good, after the show yesterday I collapsed and the doctor said I have to have an emergency operation tomorrow to see if they can remove any of the cancer so is it okay if I have tomorrow and the next day off and then I promise I will be back in? I'm really sorry about this."

James isn't saying anything, he's just sitting there in silence, this seems to be most people's reaction when I tell them, maybe I should get used to it? Oh god, I hope James isn't thinking he'll fire me!

All of a sudden James stands up and walks round the desk to hug me.

"Please don't apologise Rachel, I'm so sorry for being so harsh on you at the beginning, I had no idea! You can have as much time off as you want and we'll just get your understudy to play your part."

"Thank you so much, I really am sorry about this though, I don't want to mess you around! I'll tell everyone after the show tonight and I'll keep you updated!"

Phew! I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. To be honest, I was more nervous about telling James than I was Finn. I know it sounds stupid but I love my job so much and at a time like this I feel like if don't have my job I will go mad! I can't believe how understanding James was, Finn was right, he always is not that I tell him!

When I walk outside Finn is pacing up and down, he's so caring but sometimes I worry that he cares too much, he never takes enough time for himself but I will make sure he starts! As soon as he sees me he runs over.

"How did it go!? What did he say?"

"Okay Finny, breathe! He said it's fine, he said he's sorry for pressurising me and I can have as much time as I need, everything is fine!"

Finn let out a loud sigh of relief and I couldn't help but laugh, "Okay, so that went well now what about telling your dads? They should know sooner rather than later don't you think?"

"Whoa, I think there's been enough drama today with all the paparazzi's and James, how about we go out for dinner after the show and I'll call them before I go to the hospital, I don't have to be there until 3pm so there will be plenty of time!"

"That sounds perfect, I'll meet you at the stage door, good luck! I love you Rachie"

"Thank you, I love you too Finny!"

We have a quick hug and then I go inside to get my hair and makeup ready for the show, this may not be the most perfect time in my life but at least I have Finn.

After The Show

The show was amazing again and whole cast were extremely supportive, they all said they would be there for me and wished me luck for the operation so I feel so much better. I'm nervous about tomorrow but the doctors have assured me I will be fine, and there may even be a chance that it will give me more time!

I'm meeting Finn at the stage door, which will probably take a while because no doubt there'll be fans waiting for autographs, but then we can go out for dinner and relax before tomorrow.