A/N: Okay so now it gets a tad darker and angsty. I wrote this more than a year ago and reading it all back now, I feel like my writing wasn't all that great and I apologize for the cheesiness. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter 1

Chapter 6: Secrets

"Mark?"

Mark's head snapped up when he heard her voice, instantly recognizing the auburn haired woman coming towards him. Getting to his feet, he rushed over and swept his wife into his arms.

"I'm so glad you're here."

He immediately let her go and noticed his uncle standing right behind her. Reaching out he shook his uncle's hand, before the older gentleman pulled him into a hug.

"Where's Sly?"

"He's in the first room on the left," Mark replied. "He still hasn't woken up yet."

"And how about you, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Dom Winkle gave his nephew a gentle pat on the shoulder before disappearing down the hall. When he was gone, Mark let out a slow breath.

"I'm so sorry," he apologized.

"You have nothing to be sorry for."

"It's déjà vous all over again. I almost killed a girl at graduation and now I…"

Placing a finger across his lips, Cate stared straight into her husband's eyes.

"You made a mistake in high school. This isn't the same."

Mark ran a hand through his wife's wavy hair and buried his head into her shoulder. They held each other for a moment before Cate noticed a familiar face emerge from the hallway.

"Tiffani," she called out.

Releasing her grasp around her husband, Cate threw her arms around Tiffani.

"How did you get here so fast?" Tiffani asked.

"Uncle Dom came in from Shanghai early, the second his jet landed we flew straight here," Cate explained.

"You brought the boys?" questioned Mark.

"No, they're with your mom at home. She wants updates."

"There's nothing much to update, I was just in there with him. He's still unconscious," Tiffani paused and turned to Mark. "Did Dr. Martin say anything about the MRI?"

Mark merely shook his head.

"Okay," Tiffani replied dejectedly. "Well, I'm going to go home just to freshen up."

"Go, get some sleep. Do you need a ride?"

"No, I'll be fine. Call me if Sly wakes up?"

"I will."

Tiffani wrapped her arms around Mark.

"He's going to be okay," she reassured.

Giving him one last smile, Tiffani walked over to where everyone else was gathered. Mark watched his friends, a somber expression crossing his face. It didn't go unnoticed by Cate.

"Mark, what's going on?" she asked, breaking the silence. "What aren't you telling me?"

He couldn't even face her as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

"A tumor?" Mr. Winkle said in disbelief.

"We don't know if it's malignant. It could very well be benign."

"But it's still a tumor."

Dr. Martin nodded his head. Casually standing in the doorway, the doctor gave the older gentleman a sympathetic look. But his warm brown eyes offered little comfort to the father as he sunk into the seat by Sly's side. Speechlessly, Mr. Winkle reached out and grasped his son's limp hand into his.

"How long has it been there?"

"It's hard to tell, could be a few weeks, months even. To be honest, I don't think we would have found it if it weren't for the accident."

"Well, can't we operate?"

"For this particular brain tumor, there is a substantial risk."

"Christ," he cursed under his breath.

"We'll do everything to help Sly. For now, all we can do is wait for him to come to and deal with the rest when the time comes."

"Thank you, Dr. Martin."

"If you need anything just let Annie know. She'll be Sly's nurse for the rest of the evening."

The young doctor exchanged a handshake with Mr. Winkle before leaving the room, passing Mark and Cate who were both on their way in. For a full minute, nobody spoke.

"This doesn't mean he's dying," Cate said, breaking the unbearable silence.

"It could be cancer," replied Mr. Winkle darkly.

"But we can't jump to conclusions," countered Mark.

"Did you even hear what Dr. Martin said? Even if it isn't cancer, Sly has this… this thing, growing on his brain and they can't even operate to get it out!"

Nervously running a shaky hand over his face, Mr. Winkle broke down as Cate tried to console him. Mark, stunned by his uncle's harsh tone with him, stormed out of the room. He nearly collided into Jake who was standing in the hallway. Neither one said a word, as they stared at each other awkwardly.

"You can't tell anyone," Mark said finally, his eyes steely and expressionless. "Not Tiffani, not Lorena, no one."

Jake merely nodded his head. Satisfied with the response he got, Mark turned and disappeared down the corridor, leaving Jake alone.

It was quarter to eight the next day, when Tiffani returned to the hospital. As soon as she arrived home the night before, she had a long heart to heart with her father. She was emotionally drained, but after talking with her dad and a quick shower, she felt much better. Everyone else went back to their hotels to gather their belongings and decided to stay with Lorena at her place. Wandering past the nurses' station, Tiffani noticed that she wasn't the first person there. Jake was already standing by the door to Sly's room.

"Morning," she greeted quietly.

"Morning," he echoed.

"You're here early."

"I couldn't sleep."

"Yeah, me neither. How's Lorena?"

"She's okay, considering. Sam managed to get her to sleep last night."

"That's good. Were Mark and Cate with you guys?"

"Mark was," Jake replied nervously. "Cate left with Mr. Winkle."

Tiffani noticed the hesitation in his voice but didn't say anything. She assumed it was because there were still unresolved issues between them.

"Tiff, I…"

Not wanting him to continue, Tiffani cut in.

"I know."

A flicker of panic crossed his face.

"Y-you do?" he stuttered.

"You regret what you said to me last night because what happened to Sly shouldn't change things between us."

Jake looked somewhat relieved, which caused Tiffani's heart to sink even further.

"Oh, thank God," he mumbled.

"Well, I'm glad we got that sorted out," she retorted, unable to hide the pain in her voice.

"Wait, no, Tiff," he reached out and gently held her by the shoulders. "That's not what I was going tell you."

Confused by his words, Tiffani shook off his grasp.

"Then what were you going to tell me?" she demanded.

His eyes searched hers as if he was looking for the right words to say.

"What happened last night, it does change things between us. I realized I can't and I won't stop loving you. I need you, Tiff, I need you more than I ever needed anyone," he paused and brushed his hand along her chin. "You said so yourself, giving your heart means taking a risk. I want to take that risk with you. I want to give you my whole heart, if you'll take it."

Even though she felt a warm blush spread across her face, Tiffani still didn't know what to make of Jake's strange behavior.

"Tiff," he said, slowly. "Say something."

Leaning forward, she brushed her lips lightly against his, bringing her arms around his neck. When they pulled apart, Jake had slightly surprised expression on his face.

"That'll do," he said with a smirk.

"Words were never our strong suit," replied Tiffani.

"No, no they weren't."

Jake gazed down at the beautiful woman in his arms and held her close.

"Maybe we should take it slow," he suggested.

"We should," she agreed.

"And break out record?"

Smiling, Tiffani nodded her head.

"Over and over until the end of time?"

He laughed and gently stroked her cheek. Getting lost in her large eyes, he tilted her head up and captured her lips in a tender kiss.

"What happened to taking it slow?" questioned Tiffani, when they finally pulled apart.

Laughing, he rested his forehead touching hers.

"Screw slow."

Jake was about to kiss her again, when the door to Sly's room swung open. The pair flew apart as a candy striper came in between them. Clearly embarrassed by the situation, both Jake and Tiffani tried to avoid the girl's bright green gaze.

"You do know that you're early for visiting hours," she said after looking at her watch.

"Uh, yeah, we know," replied Jake clumsily. "We just wanted to make sure our friend was…"

Trailing off, Jake looked over the petite girl's shoulder and noticed that the bed was unoccupied.

"Where is he?" he immediately demanded.

The girl shrugged her shoulders.

"I was just told to change the sheets…"

Before she could finish speaking, Jake brushed past her and entered the room with Tiffani at his heels. The sterile white walls glared back at Jake and he was overcome with grief.

"Sly… He-he couldn't have…"

Jake struggled to get the words out as Tiffani wrapped her arms firmly around him. Pressing his check against hers, they held onto each other for support.

"Excuse me?"

The voice shattered the silence as the couple looked at the doorway. An older woman with frizzy orange hair and thick glasses had replaced the girl.

"If you two are looking for Sylvester Winkle, he was moved to the fifth floor."

Tiffani looked up at Jake and they let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Thank you," they both said simultaneously.

Smiling, the nurse ushered them out of the room.

"Someone's already talking to him right now."

Tiffani was the first to react.

"Sly's awake?"

"About half an hour ago."

Unintentionally letting out a squeal, Tiffani jumped into Jake's arms as he spun her around in the air. When he let her down, they rushed to the stairwell.

"Room 514," the nurse called out. "And no running."

The couple slowed down to a walk and disappeared around the corner.

"Sly!"

Tiffani let go of Jake's hand and practically jumped on top of her friend.

"I'm really glad to see you too, Tiff," Sly winced. "But you're hurting me."

Releasing her grip around Sly, she stood up straight.

"Sorry," she apologized.

"It's okay."

Just as he finished speaking, Tiffani slapped him lightly on the shoulder.

"Hey, what was that for?"

Tiffani folded her arms across her chest and stared down at him.

"Don't you ever scare us like that again!" she exclaimed.

"And if you do, Winkle, I'll be the reason why you'll be stuck in the hospital," added Jake.

"Okay, okay, I got it," replied Sly, holding his hands out in defense.

Smiling, Jake patted Sly on the arm.

"It's good to have you back, Winkle."

"It's good to be back and I'm really sorry guys."

Tiffani relaxed and hugged him again.

"We're just glad you're okay."

It was then the couple noticed someone sitting on the other side of Sly's bed.

"Hey Tiff, Jake," the woman greeted.

Staring at the stranger, Tiffani took a minute before recognizing her.

"Jenny?" she gasped.

Jenny's hair was tied up in a messy ponytail with crimson bangs sweeping across her forehead. She was fashionably dressed in a jade off the shoulder sweater and low-rise jeans. Standing up, the two women embraced each other.

"When did you get here, I thought you were in Europe?"

"I was, but I haven't seen all of you in so long. I decided to surprise everyone."

"It's so good to see you again. You look fantastic."

"Thanks, so do you."

"Does Matt know you're here?"

"Yeah, I called him this morning," she replied, before looking past Tiffani at Jake. "Hey there, Mr. Rockstar, aren't you going to say hi?"

Jake grinned as he tackled Jenny in a hug.

"It's good to see you again," said Jenny.

"You too," replied Jake.

"I bought your latest album. I think you're back on top again."

"Thanks. Maybe when I go back on tour, you and your group could open for me."

"I'll talk it over with the girls but I don't think I'll have to try hard to convince them."

Smiling, Jake brought his arm around Tiffani.

"So Jenny, you came to visit Winkle before us, what gives?" teased Jake.

"She just loves me more," Sly said.

"Yeah, yeah, Ferret Boy," Jenny retorted.

"See, she's still using her pet name for me."

They all laughed when Sly reached up and rubbed his temple.

"You okay?" asked Tiffani.

"Yeah, I keep forgetting I have this splitting headache," he replied with a grin.

Tiffani felt Jake's arm tense around her.

"Uh, do you ladies mind if I talk with Sly?" Jake asked. "Alone."

Exchanging glances with Jenny, Tiffani nodded her head and kissed Jake on the cheek.

"Okay," she said simply.

"Don't miss me too much, girls," Sly quipped.

Both Jenny and Tiffani rolled their eyes even though they still had smiles on their faces before walking out of the room. Once they were gone, Jake took the seat that was previously occupied by Tiffani.

"Listen, Jakie, if you wanted alone time with me…"

Jake held out his hand, stopping Sly in mid-sentence, a serious expression on his face.

"It's probably not my place to tell you this, but there's something you should know."

The smile on Sly's face fell as he stared down at his hands.

"I know," he admitted softly.

"You do?" he asked cautiously, recalling the miscommunication he had earlier with Tiffani.

"I'm guessing you're going to tell me about the tumor."

Jake's jaw dropped open.

"How d-do you know about that? Did Dr. Martin tell you already?"

Shaking his head, Sly looked up at his friend.

"I've known for about a month now."

"Why didn't you tell anyone?"

"I guess I didn't want people fawning over me."

"Well, you've already done that with the stunt you pulled last night."

"I know and I'm really sorry, Jake, I really am. I never meant to put you in that situation or worry anybody. It was stupid on my part."

Instantly Jake felt sorry for Sly, who looked absolutely defeated.

"That doesn't matter anymore," Jake said comfortingly. "All that matters is you're alright."

Sly nodded his head and sighed.

"How's Lorena?" he asked timidly.

"She'll be fine once she knows you're awake."

"She doesn't know about the tumor, does she?"

Jake shook his head.

"Just your dad, Mark and Cate. I found out accidentally, but Mark promised me not to tell anyone."

"Good. It should stay that way."

"Sly, they're your friends. You should tell them."

"I know, but this is my own battle. You guys shouldn't have to worry about me anymore than you already have."

"Is it cancer?" Jake asked, struggling to keep his voice level.

"No. No, it's not."

"That's good news."

"I guess," Sly muttered, shrugging his shoulders.

There was a lull in the conversation as the two just stared at each other.

"Look, if you need anything, I mean anything, you let me know."

"Thanks, Sommers, you're a real friend," Sly said with a sincere smile, before adding. "There is one thing I do want."

"Yeah? What's that?"

Holding out his arms, Sly put on his best puppy-dog look.

"Gimme a hug, Jakie!"

Chuckling, Jake pulled Sly into a hug before putting him in a friendly headlock.

"Hey, watch it, injured man here," Sly exclaimed.

Jake immediately let go with a smug grin.

"All I wanted was a hug."

"No one and I mean no one calls me 'Jakie.' Got that, Wimple?"

"Yeah, yeah, sure thing… Jakie."

"Okay that's it, concussion or not, I'm going to kick your ass."

Tiffani and Jenny walked past the room and saw Jake pretending to beat up on Sly. The two laughed at the sight, large grins on each of the girl's faces.

TBC