I"M GONNA GIVE ALL MY SECRETS AWAY
Disclaimer: The characters are a creation of Brenda Hampton & owned by the producers of ABCFAMILY. The plot of this story is mine.
Sorry for the long wait I havea job, and life that keeps me busy. The rest of this story takes place two weeks after Ben has informed his family and his medical situation.
Monday March 3, 2012 12:00 pm. Boykewich INT. OFFICE OF C.E.O. Leo Boykewich.
Nora: Good afternoon, Leo Boykewich's office, this is Nora. How can I help you? (listens to the complaining of the other line.) Yes, I understand sir. I'm sorry Mr. Gunderson, but I promise you Mr. Boykewich will get in contact with you later. Well, Mr. Boykewich is dealing with many of your competitors who are offering him similar deals, at lower prices. (lying) Yes, thank you.
Nora: Sat at her desk confused at how Leo had been avoiding meetings, and phone calls for the past two weeks, and when he was in the office he was preoccupied by something. He seemed worried, tired,and frustrated about something. He seemed even more agitated than usual, particularly when Amy went to see him about helping her move to New York. She even started to notice Leo was losing weight.
Leo: Nora, did I have a phone call from London?
Nora: No, but you did just get a call from Switzerland, Mr. Gunderson of Gunderson Deli's. He was a bit upset about how you didn't meet with him last week to discuss your purchase of his American Deli's.
Leo: Oh, I completely forgot about that. Have him call me today around 3, so we can lather out the details. I've just been off these past couple of weeks.
Nora: I can see that, but don't worry Mr. Gunderson is okay with you missing the phone calls, with so many others offering you their deli's at lower prices.
Leo: There are no other offers for deli's Nora. Where did he get that idea? (shocked at her response)
Nora: I don't know maybe he overheard it somewhere, and is considering taking 10% off his original purchase price. (Smiling at how she was able to manipulate the situation)
Leo: Thank you Nora, if it were'nt for you I don't know what I would have done, you aren't looking for another reaise are you? Because I just gave you one, I would give you a promotion, but then you might be going for my job. (half joking)
Nora: Oh the only thing I am looking for is a car, you don't have one lying around I can use do you? (also half joking)
Leo: I do and I will be happy to give it to you, if you had your drivers license, and insurance.
Nora: Why does everyone keep reminding me about that. I will get my license, but first I need a car.
Leo: Why would you need a car if you don't have your license?
Nora: Because that way I can learn how to drive?
Leo: (looking confused) Wait a minute, you want a car, but you don't even know how to drive. Nora how is it you never learned how to drive?
Nora: My parents thought by me not driving it would keep me from getting into trouble. As you can tell that plan failed miserably. Bob, never tried to teach me how to drive, even though I asked, and begged. I guess he figured I would have left him, or used the car to run him over. He was much smarter than he looked.
Leo: Nora, if you need to learn how to drive there are schools, and if you really need it I'm sure George, Anne, Margaret, Shakur, or even Rick and Amy can teach you.
Nora: I'm sure they would, but they are all too afraid to let me behind the wheels of the their cars. And also of being inside of a moving vehicle with me behind the wheel. I think they are more afraid of dying, which is why I want my own car to drive. t That way I can call all the people I care about and tell them when I'm driving. That way only strangers, and pedestrians will be in danger of me being on the road.
Leo: (Chuckling) Well, if it is so important to you I can have my driver Mike teach you. His brother owns a small race track and driving school that Mike works with.
Nora: You've had this information all this time and you never told me.
Leo: Like, I said Nora I have been preoccupied lately.
Nora: Yeah, I've noticed. Tell me is it something to do with Ben. No one seems to be seeing him lately, and he hasn't gotten into any rumors so I have been wondering if he is getting into something.
Leo: No, Nora its nothing like that. It is a family issue. (getting upset)
Nora: I'm sorry don't bite my head off.
Leo: I'm sorry, Nora, I've just been busy trying to adjust to my new family. I do have a new wife, and daughter, as well as a son heading to school in a few months.
Nora: I heard. Amy said that she and Ben were interested in the same college. She said when he saw her there he decided not to attend.
Leo: Yeah, he said he was trying not to complicate his life any longer which includes not being around Amy.
Nora: Well, maybe they should be around each other. Who knows maybe there are still some sparks between them.
Leo: Honestly Nora, I pray to God there aren't. I like Amy, but my son has been through so much and having him near Amy is not something that either of us want. Why would you want that? Aren't you happy that Amy and Ricky are getting married? (Shocked that she would want Ben with Amy)
Nora: Well, like you that is my family issue, and I will leave it at that. Okay boss?
Leo: Fine, if you don't want to tell me I can force you because I'm your boss, but I wont. I'm going to lunch make sure you take all my messages, I'm looking for a very important call from London.
Nora: Aye, Aye my Captain ( giving Leo a salute)
GRANT HIGH 3 PM CLASSES ENDING. Ben is at his locker getting ready to leave when Madison and Lauren walk by. Both know that Amy has issues getting married since the wedding dress, and are asking opinions of others. They decide to ask Ben since he would have more insight.
Lauren: Ben, hi
Ben: Hi, guys is there something I can help you with? (Trying to hide his medication bottle)
Madison: We just wanted to know if you think something is up with Amy and Ricky? Particularly if they are getting married or not. We know that you are over Amy, since you told her you refused to be a the same school she is attending.
Ben: I didn't refuse to be at the same school as Amy. I just didn't want to go to Hudson
FLASHBACK MARCH 18, 2012 SPRING BREAK DEAN'S OFFICE OF HUDSON UNIVERSITY.
Amy: Ben, what are you doing here, I didn't know you would be in New York too.
Ben: (surprised to see Amy. He has been avoiding everyone accept at school to hide his condition.) Yeah, I decided to come and check out the school, and see if maybe I wanted to come here in the Fall.
Amy: Well, I decided to do the same.
Ben: Why would you want to do that? I mean isn't Ricky enrolled at another school.
Amy: Yeah, but I may want to come here by myself.
Ben: By yourself. (shaking his head and getting another headache)
Amy: Why are you looking at me like that Ben.
Ben: Because, Amy you can't keep milking the teenage mother thing. You can't be a mother in New York with John 10,000 miles away in California.
Amy: Ben I don't know why I can't this is a great opportunity for me, and I don't know why I would pass it down.
Ben: I don't know probably because your child, and his father your future husband, might need you. Or didn't you think of that.
Amy: Ben, we all have dreams and Ricky understands that I want to pursue my dreams.
Ben: But, what about Ricky and John.
Amy: Ricky doesn't mind taking care of John while I'm gone, and I'll be back for breaks and holidays.
Ben: And how do you plan on paying for all of that Amy. College is expensive, you have dorm rooms, food, gas, books, and tuition.
Amy: Well my parents can help me out a little, and I can apply for financial aid and possibly a scholarship.
Ben: Amy it still won't make up for everything else, like travel fair. How do you plan on going back and forth.
Amy: I'll figure something out (becoming annoyed with Ben) I may not be rich like you Ben, but I am going to follow my dream.
Ben: Amy having money doesn't make all of your dreams come true. I learned the hard way what the poem "A DREAM DEFERRED" by Maya Angelou means.
Amy: Ben, I need this. An opportunity like this only comes around once in a life time.
Ben: Yeah, and your son is only young once as well.
Amy: Ben you don't understand. You have always gotten everything you want.
Ben: (Headache comes in full. Clutches his head) You're wrong Amy, I don't get everything I want. (walks away before a small drop of blood leaves his nose that Amy does not see)
PRESENT:
Ben: I saw Amy, but her wanting to go to Hudson isn't the reason I chose to turn them down.
Lauren: But you did see the wedding dress she chose didn't you. (remembering how ugly the dress was.)
Ben: Yeah, I saw it and if Amy wants to get married in a dress like that then that's her decision. Its her wedding, her choice, her life. If you guys are really her friends you will talk to her about what she is doing.
Madison: But, Ben you know her better than anyone almost better than Ricky.
Ben: If I did know Amy like that Madison, I would still be with her. Amy Jeurgens is a mystery and no matter how much you think you know her the less you actually do. You guys have known her longer than I have, and you don't know whats going on in her head. I think that no matter how well we think we know a person, we still are clueless about them.
Madison: That's the truth
Lauren: Well, what is going on with you. You don't come out anymore, and we hardly see you accept for school. I heard you even quit your job. Is it because Ricky got the promotion.
Madison: Or because Adrian and Omar got engaged?
Ben: (shocked at hearing of Adrian's engagement) No, I really don't care what Ricky, Amy, Omar, or Adrian are doing. If they all want to get married then that is their business not mine. I'm just trying to live my life and not theirs. Which is what the two of you should be doing instead of gossiping and snooping. (nose begins to bleed)
Lauren: Ben your're bleeding.
Ben: (Grabs his nose and squeezes drops his medication) Yeah, its been happening a lot lately.
Madison: (picks up the bottle and looks at the perscription, and recognizes the prescription, and the name fo the doctor.) (Looks at Ben puzzled before handing him the bottle.)
Here Ben, you dropped this. (hands him the bottle)
Lauren: Ben are you okay you aren't doing drugs again are you.
Ben: (gets frustrated at her remark.) No, Lauren I'm not on drugs, and I would appreciate it, if both of you just FUCK OFF! (slams door and walks away angrily)
Lauren: He must be on drugs. He has moodswings, he doesn't hang out, and him not being in love with anyone, anymore. That is not like Ben.
Madison: Maybe he has other problems to worry about Lauren.
Lauren: I hope you're right Ben is a good guy, and despite everything that happens he doesn't deserve to go out like that. Maybe I should ask my dad to call him. Madison what do you think.
Madison: (Off in her own world) What?
Lauren: Madison, you weren't checking Ben out were you.
Madison: No, I was just thinking.
Lauren: I thought you were done stealing other people's boyfriends Madison.
Madison: I didn't steal Jessie Lauren, and I don't see Ben like that. He's not my type. I really was just distracted by something. But, you're right maybe your dad should talk to him, what ever he's going through I think he should talk to someone.
Lauren: Okay, I'll talk to him later.
Monday March 3, 2012 4:00 pm. Boykewich INT. OFFICE OF C.E.O. Leo Boykewich.
Nora: Hello Boykewich Int. Nora speaking how may I help you?
Dr. Barrett: Yes, this is Dr. Franklin Barrett I am calling for a Leo Boykewich on a very important matter is he available.
Nora: No, I'm sorry he is out at the moment may I take a message?
Dr. Barrett: Yes, could you please tell him that I am unable to answer his request to be his surgeon. I have looked over the case in which he sent me, and I am humbled to say the status of his son's condition is far beyond my own skills.
Nora: (Is shocked when she hears this news.) Excuse me, but could you repeat that.
Dr. Barrett: Yes his son Benjamin Boykewich. I have looked through his case files, and I have also sent them to a colleague of mine and we both have determined that his son's condition is to fallable for even my skills. I suggest that he speak with a Dr. Shakur who is that area. He is a much more expert surgeon than myself and he is by far the only man I would risk with doing such a procedure.
Nora: Okay, thank you. (takes down the message, and leaves it on a note on Leo's desk.) (Leo had left for the evening to get ready for a dinner he arranged with Mr. Gunderson.) (Nora called a cab and went directly to Shakur and Margaret's home.)
HOME OF MARGARET & DR. SANJAY SHAKUR 5:30 PM
Margaret: Hello, Nora I wasn't expecting you are you here to talk about the wedding, or Anne's break up from your sponsor.
Nora: No, I have no idea what to do for the wedding, and from what I have been hearing there won't even be a wedding. As for Anne, and my sponsor well I'm actually relieved that they are through. Having my sponsor, and my landlord dating well it made me want to drink.
Margaret: Nora, that is nothing to joke about.
Nora: I'm not joking. But, I am actually here to speak with Shaker is he in.
Margaret: (Puzzled) Yes, he's here. Shaker! Nora wants to speak with you. He's in his den.
Nora: (knocks on the door to den) Knock Knock, I guess the doctor is in, huh? (laughing)
Sanjay: Yes, Nora I'm in what is it you would like to speak with me about.
Nora: (Closes Door) Its about a friend I was wondering what kind of doctor exactly, are you.
Sanjay: I am a neuro-surgeon meaning I am a doctor who works on peoples brains.
Nora: As in you make sure their brains are woking properly.
Sanjay: Yes, that is right.
Nora: Tell me you wouldn't happen to know a Dr. Frank Barrett would you.
Sanjay: (takes on a worried expression) Yes, I know of Dr. Barrett. He is a colleageu in my profession. Is there something wrong.
Nora: Its' nothing. A friend of mine needs surgery and he was looking for someone who could help him...(STUMBLES)... I mean them.
Sanjay: Tell me this friend wouldn't happen to be someone we both know would it.
Nora: I don't know do we?
Sanjay: If this friend is tall, thin, young, and is named Ben Boykewich. Then yes, we both know him, and of his condition. Although I don't know how much of his condition you know. So how much do you know?
Nora: I don't know much. I olny know a doctor from England called, and said they couldn't help him.
Sanjay: I thought as much.
Nora: So, how serious is Ben's condition Shaker?
Sanjay: I can't say Nora, I am bound by the hypocratic oath not to reveal anything discussed with me about a patient, or the patient of a colleague.
Nora: Well, what about your reason for not helping him. I mean if you knew why haven't you done something already.
Sanjay: I tried Nora, but he refuses my help, and my expertise.
Nora: Maybe if you explained his condition to him...
Sanjay: I tried Nora, but Ben knows fully well about how I can help him, and his condition. But he is adament about not wanting me as his doctor, and definitely not his surgeon.
Nora: If he knows that you can help him then why is he refusing it?
Sanjay: We both know and love the reason why, Nora and trying to ignore it won't make it go away. Nor will it allow us total understanding as to why.
Nora: Ricky.
Sanjay: Yes, Ricky. Ben refuses to have anything to do with me or anyone that has to deal with our son.
Nora: (Smiling) Our son. Its' still funny when you, Margaret say it like that. As if we all came together and gave him life, and we can ignore Bob had anything to do with it.
Sanjay: Yes, I would like to think that, but we can't. Particularly when we are reminded of all that Ricky has done because of Bob's influence, or of the negative effects they have had on others.
Nora: Can't you talk to Leo and get him to talk to Ben, and convince him to allow you to help him.
Sanjay: I tried, and so did Leo, but Ben is one stubborn young man, who is stuck on his convictions. Which impresses me in away if it were not for the fact that his convicitons are slowly killing him.
Nora: Killing him, it's that bad?
Sanjay: Nora I can't say. But, lets just say Ben needs my help badly.
Margaret: (knocks on the door and comes in) Well, I didn't mean to interrupt, but I was wondering if Nora would like to stay for dinner. We have an extra chicken left over since Ethan decided to go to Kathy's for dinner.
Nora: Yeah I could eat, as long as one of you could give me a ride home.
Margaret: I'll do it. I need to talk to George anyway.
LATER THAT EVENING 8:00 PM BOYKEWICH ESTATES.
Camille: I'll get it. Yes, Madison isn't it?
Madison: Yes, Mrs. Boykewich right? (Nervous this is the first time she has ever been to Ben's house on her own particularly to see Ben.) I was wondering if Ben was here?
Camille: Yes, Ben is here. (Yells up to Ben) Ben! Sweety you have a visitor.
Ben: Coming! (comes from the stairs with Chloe behind him)
Chloe: So who is visiting you this late? Do you have a new girlfriend I don't know about?
Ben: No, I'm not dating you know that. Why are you following me don't you have a life besides playing nurse maid to me.
Chloe: No, that's why I'm following you. I need to be entertain myself somehow. (looks down the stairs to see Madison at the door.) Is that Madison? Are you seeing Madison on the down low? Ben you dog... (punching him jokingly)
Ben: Mom! Choe's pestering me!
Camille: Chloe, let your brother have some privacy. (yelling from the living room)
Chloe: But, what will I do for fun?
Camille: How about your homework.
Chloe: (goes to Madison) If you hurt my brother I'll hurt you. I was a prostituteon the street, so I know how to hurt a bitch.
Ben/Camille: CHLOE !
Chloe: I'm going, (heads upstairs)
Ben: Okay, Madison what did you need. If its about what Lauren said in the hallway there is no need to apologize. I know in your guys way you were only worried about me.
Madison: No, Ben its not about that. I came by because I wanted to check up on you, and see how you were doing.
Ben: Madison, I'm fine nothing is wrong. Like I said earlier, I am just trying to live my life and stay out of everyone else's. No big secret.
Madison: I think there is a secret Ben, the secret that you might not have much life left... (Looking seriously at Ben)
Ben: Madison I have no idea what you're talking about.
Madison: I saw your prescription for steroids in the hallway Ben.
Ben: Madison, I'm just trying to gain a little muscle is that so bad, I mean I am pretty small.
Madison: Generally I would agree, but I also saw the doctor that prescribed them, and he also prescribed my mom the same prescription.
Ben: Oh, I forgot your mother died of Brain Cancer.
Madison: Yeah, she did. That's what connected you me and Jack we all lost somone we loved to cancer. My mom died of brain cancer, your mom died of breast cancer, and Jack's dad died of lung cancer. Unlike Grace, her dad died of plane crash, but the three of us had to watch our parent's died slowly. I guess I should have known with how you have been getting headache's and nose bleed's my mom had the same symptoms.
Ben: Well, I have been hiding it fairly well.
Madison: Is that why you got caught with the marijuana?
Ben: No that was another issue entirely. I don't have cancer anyway. I have a tumor.
Madison: Where is it.
Ben: Near my cerebellum, and my brain stem.
Madison: Is it treatable.
Ben: Yeah, I need to have surgery immediately its just a matter of choosing a doctor.
Madison: Well, that may be easy. I mean I heard Ricky's dad is a brain doctor.
Ben: Madison, I know you mean well, but I have already had this conversation a million times, and I don't want Ricky's dad operating on me.
Madison: Oh, I guess I can understand that. Is there anything I can do to help.
Ben: The only thing I need for you to do Madison is to keep this quiet. I really don't need the whole school knowing I'm not well.
Madison: Its' okay the school thinks that you're using drugs, and the truth might make them...
Ben: Feel sorry for me. Thanks but no thanks Madison I would rather the whole school think, that I am a pot head, crack head, or meth addict, than feel sorry for me.
Madison: But, why Ben I mean they don't mean to be so mean.
Ben: Actually Madison they do. I have been through enough at that school to know that nothing I do can ever gain me acceptance, and as a senior I don't care anymore. This is one secret I would rather like to keep.
Madison: If that is what you want I'll try, but you know I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut.
Chloe: I can help you with that if you need. (peeking from the corner of the stairs)
Ben: Chloe!
Chloe: Okay, Okay. (once again heads back upstairs.)
Madison: I promise Ben, I will for the first time in my life keep your secret.
Ben: Thank you Madison, I really appreciate this.
Madison: Its no problem with all you have been through you deserve a little something. How has everyone else kept it secret.
Ben: Actually Madison no one else knows, but you, my family, and my doctors, oh and Ricky's dad but he is a doctor.
Madison: But, what about everyone else. Henry and Alice I thought you guys had made up.
Ben: I did make up with them, but there are some things that I still don't trust them with. But, I am taking a big risk trusting you with this.
Madison: Okay, I'll try and if you ever need anything, and I mean anything I'll be there. Well not sex, I mean it's not like I don't find you attractive or anything I just don't see myself doing it with you. I mean its not like I woudln't do it with you. I mean I just never tried to imagine, well thats a lie I did imagine once, but that was only after Adrian bragged.
Ben: Madison, (Cutting off her rambling) I understand and thank you. (kissing her cheek)
Madison: You're welcome Ben. But, please get help, and be okay I would hate for you to die after everything.
Ben: Thanks again (Opens the door and lets Madison out)... So Chloe did you hear all of that, or do I have to recant it for you.
Camille: She didn't but I did (coming in to the hallway)
Ben: I have no privacy do I. (sarcastically)
Camille: I'm your mom now, I have a right to be nosey. So why would you rather everyone thinks you're a drug addict instead of a kid who is sick.
Ben: So they look at me and feel bad. Make me feel like some invalid or a guy with a few days to live. I don't like pity. I didn't like it when they found out Mercy died and I don't want it.
Camille: Well, when everyone found out what happened to Ricky it allowed everyone else to cut him a little slack.
Ben: Well, I'm not Ricky I don't need pity. I need honesty. I need PRIVACY. (heads back upstairs.)
Chloe: (Stops Ben as he heads to his room) You know I can threaten her to keep quiet if you want.
Ben: I know, and thanks but I dont' need my little sister getting in trouble for me. Besides Madison might not have the biggest brain in the school, but she has a big heart, and I think she will keep my secret.
Chloe: For her sake I hope she does (cracking her knuckles like a bruiser). Otherwise I'm, going to make her an offer she can't refuse.
Ben: You know we don't belong to a crime family right? (mocking her)
Chloe: Yeah, but I can pretend. Ben how come you didn't worry about me keeping your secret when you told the family.
Ben: Because I trust you Chloe, you tell me your secrets and you trust me, so as your brother I have no other choice, but too trust you with mine.
Chloe: I promise I'll keep them.
Ben: Yeah, I know good night Bella Mafia.
AS ALWAYS HAVE THE SONG BEING LISTED PLAYING IN THE BACK GROUND THIS SONG AS ILLUSTRATED BY THE TITLE "GIVE ALL MY SECRETS AWAY" BY ONE REPUBLIC
need another story
Something to get off my chest
My life gets kinda boring
Need something that I can confess
'Til all my sleeves are stained red
From all the truth that I've said
Come by it honestly I swear
Thought you saw me wink, no
I've been on the brink, so
Tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
I'm sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time
Don't need another perfect line
Don't care if critics ever jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
My God
Amazing that we got this far
It's like we're chasing all those stars
Who's driving shiny big black cars
And everyday I see the news, all the problems that we could solve
And when a situation rises, just write it into an album
Seen it straight to go
I don't really like my flow, no, so
Tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
I'm sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time
Don't need another perfect line
Don't care if critics ever jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
Oh, got no reason, got not shame
Got no family I can blame
Just don't let me disappear
I'm a tell you everything
So tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
I'm sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time
Don't need another perfect line
Don't care if critics ever jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
So tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time
Don't need another perfect line
Don't care if critics ever jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
All my secrets away
All my secrets away
