Chapter 18 – Round 3

Troy's POV

Liam bellowed a laugh and I pushed him, "Would you shut up, you are going to wake up your mom,"

"I'm sorry, okay? It was funny,"

Lauren ran up to me as I picked her up easily, it was Gabi's 39th birthday and we were making sure she had a fantastic birthday. A breakfast made and ready to eat, an activity of her choice, and then we were having a big dinner with a bunch of people at Zeke's.

Allison jumped around as Emma text somebody, Gabi had chemo tomorrow and I knew she wasn't looking forward to it…at all. Her spirits were a little bit down and I was going to make sure she had a great day. "Alright, let's go get her," I said as I surveyed the area around us. They nodded as we all filed upstairs; I picked up Lauren as I let her in first. Gabi was lying on her stomach with the pillow wrapped around her arms.

I knew she was going sleeping but I also knew we couldn't wait all day. She hasn't been sleeping and that was nothing new in the past sixteen years.

Lauren went running in first as the rest of the kids followed, Happy Birthdays echoing out of the room. It was a tradition of sorts to be woken up like this for us. We normally did the same things every year with the routine of birthday, I heard Gabi's small laugh but it didn't sound right. I moved into the room as the kids were all laughing as Gabi thanked all of them, "You guys wanna get a head start?" I asked them, they all agreed with a grin as they hustled out of the room.

Gabi sat up, as she looked pale, "You okay?" I asked with a look, she shrugged and then she shook her head. "No, I just don't feel good. Not sick just tired and gross."

"Are you hungry?"

"Not really," I nodded as I pushed her hair away from her face, I kissed her forehead, as she wasn't running a fever or anything. "You just want to lay in bed all day don't you," I mused, "Not honestly, I mean, spending your birthday in bed?"

I shrugged as I reached forward to kiss her, "Happy Birthday baby,"

"Thanks,"

"I think I am going to come down and hang out with the family and see if getting up helps,"

"Okay," I agreed, I wrapped my hand through her as we walked downstairs together; the kids were all laughing and talking loudly as they were enjoying breakfast. Gabi sat down as I looked at the kids, "I think it's just going to be a day around the house today," I announced, "So if you guys want to do something,"

They all looked at Gabi, "Mom, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I'm just not feeling too well today." She said, "I think some rest is needed. I have been going for the past couple of days and it is catching up to me." My eyes trained on her carefully and she looked tired. Nothing but the truth from her today, I knew I shouldn't have woken her up. I took a big breath and we all ate dinner together, I was tired myself but she looked like she could fall forward.

I knew the weeks of chemo were getting to her and the exhaustion of them all. She felt like complete shit. Breakfast was finished and the kids began to leave the table cleaning up dishes. "Hey, you gonna be okay?"

"I'm tired,"

"Come on," I stood her up and we went back up the stairs. She crawled back into her bed, "Do you want to go out for dinner tonight still?"

"I don't know," she was half asleep by the time her head hit the pillow, exhaustion had taken over her body. "I love you," I whispered against her temple, "I love you too,"

I took a pill, I had officially had the diagnosis of arthritis basically meaning, and you're old. I looked at the clock, as Gabi hadn't really been awake all day today. I reached for my phone as I called my mom, "Hey,"

"Hi, what's up?"

"Can you help me call everyone? Gabi isn't having the best day."

"Oh no, is she okay?"

"She is just really tired today, she hasn't really been awake and with chemo tomorrow, I would rather her lay and rest then try and push it tonight."

"Good thought, sure she is okay?"

"Yea, I really do think she is just tired."

"Alright, I will called people. Call me if anything changes okay?"

"Okay,"

I hung up after saying thank you I looked at the clock; I went upstairs as the kids were mostly outside. Going into the bedroom, I lay on the bed and she moved gently. She moved her head and I reached forward to kiss her forehead, "How are you feeling?"

"Like a truck hit me,"

"I'm sorry baby,"

"Will you hold me?" she asked, "Do I ever say no?" I asked her, she shook her head as I pulled her closer to me. She breathed onto my neck as I stroked her back, "Why am I so tired?" she asked me, "I don't know, I think we have over done it this past week, you were feeling good."

"I think I tried to kill myself," I laughed and I kissed her forehead, "No, no killing you," I told her quietly, "None of that,"

"Troy, I think you have to die first because I'm pretty sure you will not survive without me." I smiled, "That has been my whole plan along young one, that is why, you are not allowed to kill yourself. No more overworking okay?"

"I didn't think I was,"

"Mhm,"

"I did not!" she protested, I smiled, "Whatever you say birthday queen," she smiled and curled up against me, "I really didn't want to spend my birthday any other way." She whispered, "Cuddling with you is the best way to celebrate thirty nine years,"

"I agree," I told her, "I completely agree,"

Gabi's POV

My eyes gazed over Troy, as he was fast asleep, I envied that he could sleep during the night. My eyes fell onto a picture of us on our wedding day all those many years ago. Sixteen years. I couldn't believe we had been married for that long. It seemed like it was just yesterday.

The door creaked open as Alli poked her head in, "Mommy," she whimpered, I shifted as I threw the blankets off. I quietly tiptoed out of the room so Troy would sleep; I didn't need him taking over for me. "Yea baby?" I asked walking out into the hallway, she rubbed her eyes, "I can't sleep," I nodded, "Do you want to go have some milk?" I asked her, she nodded her head and we both started walking downstairs.

"Mommy, will your hair grow back?" she asked, "Yes," I answered, "One day,"

"Good, I really like your hair," she said, I smiled as I flipped on the kitchen lights. The room glowed in response and I settled her into a chair as I roomed up a thing of milk for her, I waited a little bit as I watched it carefully before pouring it into a cup. Going over to the table I set it in front of her and I sat down next to her, "Any reason you can't sleep?"

"I have funny dreams and I don't like them,"

"I'm sorry baby,"

"You go bye bye,"

My chest tightened and I smoothed my hand over the back of her head, "I don't plan on going bye bye,"

"I know but it scary,"

"I bet it is," I said softly, she took a drink of the milk and looked back at me with her brown blue eyes. She looked at me for a long minute and then I opened my arms, she crawled over into my lap and I kissed the top of her head. "I'm going to be your mommy forever Alli girl,"

"I know," I rubbed her back as she took a couple more drinks, "Can I cuddle with you and daddy?" she asked, I sighed, how could I just say no? I couldn't because I knew she wasn't going to sleep any other way. I kissed her forehead and nodded, "Yes, how about we finish our milk. Use the restroom and then we can go crawl back into bed okay?" she nodded her head, "You have to promise to try and sleep though because mommy will be right next to you,"

"Okay," she agreed, I kissed her forehead again and she finished her milk. I rinsed out the cup and we shut off all of the lights as we hit up the bathroom on the way back and then back into the bedroom.

She climbed into bed first as it seemed like for the past sixteen years one of our kids had been in our bed at least once a week. Lo and Alli were the popular ones, Emma would even crawl in on a bad thunderstorm.

Troy shifted at the extra weight and Allison pressed her face into my shoulder. Troy leaned over as his arm reached out and draped over my waist, he lifted one eye open to see who accompanied our bed. He let out a small breath before closing his eyes again, not questioning it just going along with it. I pulled the blankets up closer as a chill ran over my body, my eyes exhausted and chemo tomorrow.

I was going to be exhausted.

Getting into the car and convincing myself chemo was a good idea made my head hurt. I was in a pretty good mood all morning after falling asleep for a good four hours; Allison snuggled into my side not drifting from my side much.

Troy turned the car on as he looked at me, "I never got the chance to ask you about Alli."

"I guess she is having 'funny' dreams." I said with a shrug, "That is what she told me anyways."

"Funny dreams huh," I nodded my head, "Exactly what she told me. I didn't push it too much. I think she just wanted me. I was awake when she came in."

"You are always awake,"

"I'm sorry I can't sleep,"

"I wonder if they can give you any drugs for that," Troy said with a mused expression, "No," I fought, "I am not going to put anymore drugs into my system. There is no need for that," I said with a long shake of my head, "I am not going to put myself into more stupid drugs way because I can't sleep. We can find a better way to deal with that."

"Okay, okay, it was just a suggestion."

"I hate taking so many nausea pills already,"

"I understand," Troy said, I nodded as he smoothed his hand over mine, "I love you,"

"I love you too Troy,"

Liam's POV

I heard Alexa's laugh from upstairs and I knew she was hanging out with Emma. I wanted to go see what they were up too but I also didn't want to interrupt their lost best friend time.

Rubbing my forehead, I finally got up from my computer desk and went upstairs to find them heading towards the kitchen. "Hey,"

"Oh hey," Emma said with a smile, "We were getting ready to make lunch for Lauren and Alli, you wanna help?" I nodded, "yea, I do," I said with a smile, Alexa grinned as I slipped by her, my hand brushing hers and she laughed, I loved the immaturity about her. How she was young and fun.

I smiled back at her and Emma began to pull boxes of macaroni and cheese out. "Yes!" I cheered, I did a small happy dance, and "I freaking love this stuff,"

"Mom bought it a long time ago," Emma said, "I'm pretty sure it was in here before I left for camp."

"Wrong. Do you want to know how many times we had mac and cheese the week mom had chemo and you were gone?" she cringed, "Dad doesn't cook much does he."

'No, he is good at the grill and a couple of other things. He also is way to worry about her to focus on cooking or remembering to cook. We would starve without mac and cheese."

"Good point," Emma said as she got out a pot, I turned on the water and I began to pour the water in. Alexa climbed into the barstool and she texted somebody on her phone. "Where is your camp again?"

"New Mexico State," I responded, "Who is taking you down?" she asked, "Most likely my dad,"

"Yea, mom probably won't go this year,"

"Nah, she probably won't be up for it on Saturday. Saturday is normally a pretty hard day for her."

"Is it truly like a schedule?" Alexa asked, Emma and I shared a look and shrugged, "We have only done it twice but it all seems to happen around the same time." I said with a simple shrug, I looked at my phone to see if my dad had texted me any information that I needed to know. Emma watched the water as I sat down next to Alexa. "I kind of miss hanging out with you," she admitted quietly, I looked at Emma and I shrugged, "I don't know what to do," I told her, "Can we just hang out one day?"

"You know you can't come over and not hang out with Emma," she shrugged her shoulders and sighed, "What are you two talking about?" Emma asked, "Nothing, she wanted to know more about the NMSU campus," I responded looking up at her, Alexa kneed me and I looked at her with wide eyes.

"Yea, Y'know, freshman, you have got to start thinking about the C word,"

I felt my throat surge, "The c word," I mumbled, "Yea, I have two years and I haven't thought much about it."

"That's because you play basketball and schools come to you Mr. Bolton,"

"My last name will not get me into a school,"

"Oh yes it will," Alexa argued, I rolled my eyes, "Just like people look at me and know that I am Chad Danforth's daughter. You aren't getting away from it Liam,"

"Reason why I'll probably chose the least most likely school to go to. I don't want to go to the top schools; I want to strive to win. Make a team better that hasn't won in years. To make upsets happen. That's what I want,"

"Then do it,"

"Wow, I have heard enough about colleges," Emma said with a shake of her head, "I don't really want to talk about Liam going away to school either,"

I grinned, "You gonna miss me," I replied, "No," she bit back, "I won't miss you at all." I got up and I went around to hug her as she stirred the mac and cheese in. "We still have two years, I'll try to annoy the shit out of you so you don't miss me,"

"Not a chance," she said back, I smiled as I hugged her again. I let go as Allison and Lauren came tumbling down the stairs with Wes behind them. "Whose ready for lunch?"

Gabi's POV

I watched as the chemo slowly leaked into my body, Troy was playing on his phone, as it had already been a long morning. I barely made counts, which qualified Troy keeping Lauren away from me last week. After that, they wanted to do a couple of scans to see some things, which I didn't know about, and then we were finally sitting in the chemo chair.

I was on my first thing of chemo because of the IV fluids that had already been forced into me. I took a large breath and Troy looked at me, "You okay?" he asked, I nodded my head, "Fine,"

He put his phone up and he scooted his chair closer to me, "Oh?" he asked, I nodded and he smiled, "So I was thinking about our sixteen year anniversary coming up in a couple of months,"

I glanced at him wondering what he was going to tell me so soon, "You'll most likely still be in chemo," he said with a sigh, "If not then radiation, I was thinking maybe we just wait and then after you are done with chemo and radiation we can celebrate by going on a trip together…our anniversary trip."

My felt my heart shatter in my chest, Troy must have seen the look on my face because he reacted quickly. "I don't know what to do Brie, I mean, I don't need you getting sick on me through airports and long days of traveling. It's just a silly trip,"

"It's not just a silly trip Troy," I bit, Troy sighed and ran a hand through his tussled hair, "I don't know Brie, I know how much it means to you."

"It's something we have done for sixteen years Troy,"

He looked at me, I held his eyes, "and for 16 years we have gone around the world together and rejoiced in our marriage, never letting our moments dull. Australia for our honeymoon, back to where we got married, Costa Rica, South Africa, St. Thomas, London, New Zealand, Hawaii, Ireland, Rome, Mexico, Rio, Fiji, Jamaica, Paris, Madagascar, and Spain." I paused as I looked at him, "We have been talking about Peru for years Troy, years."

"There is always next year Brie,"

"No," I objected, "What if there isn't a next year Troy?"

Troy looked at me with his hard gaze, his eyes was afraid as he realized the truth in my statement. "I don't know. We'll see."

"Troy,"

He let out a long sigh from his mouth, his eyes distraught not knowing how to handle this situation. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought this up," he said as he slid back in his chair. "I'm sorry too," I sunk back into my chair as my stomach twisted, I felt tears collect in my eyes as I turned away from him.

Every one of those sixteen trips held something so special to me. It was a complete week if not more to just Troy and I. We barely talked about the kids; we were just that couple in love all over again with no worries to what was going on around us. Nothing could stop us from doing what we wanted to do and when we did it. Troy and I counted down the days together until we left. We loved having Troy and Gabi time. It was that time that made me fall madly in love with him all over again, renewing our love to each other. It's something I never wanted to see end.

Troy reached over and rubbed my back softly, "I'm sorry Brie, I just don't know about this September."

"Whatever," I said, I wiped my tears away as Troy leaned over and kissed my temple. "December or January we can go and you will be healthy and we can really have a fantastic time."

"But it's not our anniversary. It's not how we do it." I remarked, "I know it isn't." Troy said, "But we can't just drag you around the country."

"Peru isn't around the country, its south through Mexico and through South America."

He pursed his lips together, "We'll see. Just don't be surprised if we don't."

"If this was you sitting here you know we would go."

"Well yea,"

"So what's the problem?"

"The problem is Gabi, I have two motivations in my life with you. Two simple things that I keep in check I know that you will be set. They are simple rules I follow by and it's how I chose what I chose. I am supposed to keep you happy and safe. If it was I sitting in that chair, then we would go to keep you happy but since it's you, I'm keeping you safe."

"For once can we just live by the edge of our seats and see what happens?"

"If it means life or death then no."

"I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Okay." He agreed we both went quiet as I wondered what even possessed him to talk about this subject. My brain throbbed with every heartbeat that worked it's way though my body.

I was tired already and I just wanted this day to be done. Yet, we had so much more to do, more doctors to see, more drugs to be given. More. More. More.

A sigh tumbled out of my throat as Dr. Roads came by. He picked up my chart and Troy leaned forward as he rested his elbows on his knees. "Good Afternoon Gabi, do you want lunch or anything? We are keeping you here longer than we expected."

"No, I'm fine."

"How is your eating?" he asked, he flicked a look up to me, his eyes studying me. "You have lost 12 pounds since the start." He said without letting me tell him how I was doing. Troy's eyes looked alarmed as he looked at me. "I don't eat as much, no. I don't feel well enough to eat and then I basically puke if I do eat." I rushed, my voice stringing together fast and hot.

"Gabi, It's important to get nutrition."

"I'm eating!" I cried, "I don't go and throw it up on purpose. I don't just not eat, I made a pact with Troy to at least eat a liquid something and I do," my voice cracked, "I do, I try."

"Okay, okay," Troy said resting his hand on mine, "Okay," he said looking at me, his eyes resting on mine as he looked worried. I was getting really worked up as I took a gagged breath. "It's okay, she is. She is eating." Troy said with a nod as he looked at me, his eyes not leaving.

"I don't want that number to drop much more…okay?"

"Okay," I said tearing my gaze away from Troy.

"How was the med rotation last time?" he asked for clarification, "Better than the first."

"Good, I'll be back at the end." I nodded as he pushed my chart back into place. My IV pole began to beep and alarm everybody around that my first bag was done. Troy looked at the nurses station before reaching across and pressing the button to make the machine shut up. I grabbed his hand as he reached it back to his body. "I'm sorry," I told him, "It's okay." He said I just wanted him right now.

My nurse walked over as I looked at Troy. His blue eyes flickered down at something on the floor, his eyes not tearing away from that. My nurse hung the next bag and walked away setting the settings. "Will you lie with me?" I asked, Troy looked up and his face softened and nodded. He stood up and I moved to the edge as he sat down in the reclining chair. He pulled me into his lap. His arms wrapped around me as I snuggled into him. I pressed my body into him as he took a deep breath. His chest rose and fell as I let my hand lay on his chest.

He kissed me softly on top of my Lakers hat. "If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world." He whispered into my ear as chills ran down my back. The simple words causing hair to rise above the surface, my eyes closed for a minute as I felt like crap already. Troy laid his hand on my back and stroked it softly.

Alexa's POV

"How was Emma?" my mom asked, I shrugged, "Emma."

"Oh, anything exciting happen over there?" my mom asked again, I rolled my eyes. "No, we all hung out. Lo and Alli were playing, Wes was out with friends so us three older kids,"

"Older kids as you mean Rayne, Liam, Emma and you?"

"No mom, Rayne moved. Reason why Liam is so available lately."

"Alexa, is there something going on with you and Liam?"

"No," I said looking at her, "Why would you think such things?"

"Because if he is pressuring you or,"

"Mom, are you serious? You are talking about Liam Bolton, the same Liam Bolton I have grown up with. The one you made me had play dates with, the one who has an awesome set of parents who have taught him better than that. Is this the same Liam we are talking about?"

"Alexa, yes, I know but he is sixteen,"

"And I'm fourteen, do you just expect me to fall off the railing?"

My mom sighed, "Alexa, just be smart okay?"

"Fine."

Troy's POV

Gabi shifted as I shut off the machine, her IV fluids were finally done as the sun was starting to set. It had been a really long day at the hospital. With the surprise scans they wanted to do I knew Gabi was beyond exhausted as she was passed out against me.

Liam and the kids had texted me asking when we would be home for dinner if we were bring dinner. I finally sent my mom over asking her to take care of them until we got home because they obviously already had the mac and cheese.

The nurse came over and Gabi opened her eyes, she closed them again, "God, I already feel like shit."

"That might just be from the very long day you have had here," the nurse said as she unhooked Gabi from the IV. "Do you need to do anything before we leave?" she shook her head, "No, I just want to go home,"

"Alright, home it is,"

They filled out our paperwork as I got up. "Do you want a piggyback ride?" I asked her, she nodded her head as she rubbed her eyes. She reminded me so much of a young child when she did that and I couldn't help but look at her in awh.

I picked up my bag and I looked at her, "If you want a piggy back right you have to carry the backpack."

"Okay,"

I slipped it around her shoulders as I kissed her softly, her lips were chapped and her eyes were tired. She looked the way she did the first time she had chemo. I easily picked her up and she wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms wrapped around my neck, her head lying on my shoulder. My arms supported her legs as I nodded, "See you guys in a couple of weeks,"

"See you!" they yelled after me, I let out a long sigh and as we walked out of the hospital I wondered what this night was going to bring. What tomorrow would bring in the land of evil cancer? Getting into the parking garage, I found our car where I parked it earlier this morning. I let Gabi slid off my back as I took the backpack and dug my keys out. I then made sure she got into the car okay before I shut her door.

Placing my backpack into Lauren's car seat, I climbed in and she was already half way passed out.

"If chemo does one thing to you the first three days is it makes you sleep,"

"It's those stupid drugs they give me in the beginning. Half of them cause drowsiness and the other half cause insomnia," I chuckled, as it was true, those were the warning on those. "So I get drowsiness for the first couple of days and then I'm fucking stuck with insomnia."

"Well, only three more chemo's, right?"

"Right," she agreed, I drove home in a quiet car. I enjoyed it after the hustle and bustle of the nurses and doctors today. The hospital came with it's own soundtrack anymore. I tilted my head to the side as the kids were all going to be awake and all Gabi and I both wanted to do was sleep for hours.

My phone beeped as I reached for it.

Kids and I went out to a movie. House to yourselves when you get home. Be back in a couple of hours.

I let a sigh of relief flood my body, I reached over and squeezed Gabi's knee. "The house is completely empty," I remarked, she opened her eyes, "Really?" I nodded and she closed her eyes. "My bed is still there right?"

I laughed, "Yes, it should be."

"Pillow?" she questioned, "You always have me,"

"True," she mused, "Sounds amazing,"

"You know, if we would have gotten that text a year ago our night would have been spent an entire different way?"

"Yea, it would have." She said looking at me with a sigh, "How about a nice bath, you and I, before we crawl into bed?" I asked her, "Please," she asked with a smile, I smiled as I pulled into the house. "Sounds like a plan."

I pulled on a pair of basketball shorts as Gabi was changing into a tank top, I felt a hell of a lot better after that but I wasn't sure about Gabi. She looked pale and exhausted. She went to the bed and began to pull away the covers and she climbed in. She dropped one of her pillows onto the floor; my eyes watched every move to decode how I could expect things to go.

Her cheeks were flushed from the bath we shared; her skin was pink with life and her body small. I moved across the room shutting off the lights as I crawled into bed next to her, pulling the blankets back myself.

"I love going to bed early," she whispered, "I know, I think I have to agree." I said I wrapped an arm around her as she leaned closer to me. I pressed my lips to her forehead, "Let's get some rest," I advised, "I think that is a fabulous idea."

Lucille's POV

"Everybody start heading to get bed," Allison and Lo both nodded as I wasn't very concerned about the other thing. It was late and I knew Troy and Gabi were mostly likely asleep. Liam was already in his room; Wes and Emma were behind him to join him to do whatever.

I ushered the kids upstairs and into their rooms as they changed clothes and went to the restroom. I tucked Allison into bed as she pulled a book into her lap, "What are you reading?" I asked her, "A book," she answered, I smiled, "Is it a good book?"

"Yes!"

"Good,"

I kissed her forehead, "Mommy and Daddy will be here when you get up okay?"

"Okay,"

I got up off the bed and I went to settle Lo into bed but I couldn't find her. I called her name out and I then climbed the next set of stairs to find her standing at Gabi and Troy's door trying to get it open. "I wanna say night night," she struggled with the doorknob, child proof, as she sat down frustrated.

"Mommy and Daddy are probably sleeping."

"But I still want to say night night," she complained, exhaustion had most likely set in for her as I picked her up. "I know you do but daddy will come get you in the morning okay?"

"No!" she fought and I took her downstairs and into her room. "Grandma, is Lo okay?" Liam asked, "Yea, she just wants to go see your parents,"

"Oh are they not available?" he asked, "I was going to go up there and ask them a question,"

"No, they are sleeping. Your mom probably doesn't need any interruptions. "My dad would most likely kill me." I laughed, "Sounds like the Troy I know," Liam walked the other way as I got Lo settled into bed.

"I want mommy,"

"I know, I know, you will see her tomorrow okay?"

"Okay," Lo said quietly as she was already halfway asleep. I tucked the blankets around her and I kissed her forehead before shutting the door. "What time is it?" I jumped at the sound of Troy's voice from behind me. "Jesus Troy, can you at least tell me you are there? I am way to young to die from a heart attack."

He laughed as he hugged me from behind like he always used to do as a teenager. "I'm sorry, but what time is it?" he asked again, I laughed, "I think a little after eleven, why?"

"I didn't look at my phone before coming out here to see all of the chaos." I smiled, "Well Allison and Lauren are both into bed. The three older ones are downstairs if you care to go speak to them."

"Not really," He said with a crooked smile, "I'm going to go back to bed because I'm tired and who knows how well Gabi is going to tolerate all of this tomorrow."

"Was it bad?"

"She was just really tired."

"That's different,"

He laughed again, "I know right? We go from can't sleep to can't stop sleeping, cancer drugs. It's a funny thing."

"It sure is," I muttered, I hugged him again, "Thank you for taking care of them when we couldn't be home."

"No problem, we had a fun grandkid night."

"Good,"

"I love you Troy,"

"I love you too Ma," he kissed my cheek as he headed up to the bedroom to be with Gabi again. I did do something right through all of those years.

Gabi's POV

A bus had must of hit me yesterday without me knowing. The pain felt like I had the flu, everything just fucking hurt. My eyes remained closed as I tried to fall back asleep but the nausea was just sitting there in the pit of my stomach.

I felt Troy's lips brush my forehead as he lingered close by, "Are you alright?" he asked, "No," I responded, I finally opened my eyes to only realize this was a very bad idea. I shot out of the bed and went straight for the bathroom. Stumbling over everything in the process. Not being able to make it to the toilet, I stopped at the sink and puked.

Troy was close behind as he pulled my hair away from my face as I leaned against the counter, Troy reached around and turned on the sink as he began to wash it down. I shuffled to sit on the bathtub edge as my temple throbbed.

Once he was done, I got up and found my toothbrush and I brushed my teeth very well. Troy stood by, as I felt weak like I could just collapse. Once I was done, I gripped to the sink and Troy reached over and rubbed my back, "You okay?"

I shook my head no as he came over and opened his arms up, pulling me towards him slowly. I weakened and slid into his arms, I buried my face against his chest. "Do you need anything?" he asked me, "My babies," I whispered, "Do you want to watch a movie with all of them in our room?"

"Please,"

"Alright, you go and relax, I'll see what I can drum up."

I crawled back into bed as Troy disappeared out of the room, Emma came bounding in quickly as she was smiling, "I am coming to get the best spot," I gave her a weak smile as she crawled up next to me and I wrapped my arms around her. She cuddled close as I rested my eyes as she rested on me. "Mommy!"

Lo and Alli were close behind, "My girls," I said with a smile, they both crawled into the bed and Troy appeared at the doorway, "The boys are still asleep,"

"That's fine," I said, "I'll hang out with my girls."

"Hey, do not forget me," Troy protested as he reached for the remote to flip the channel. Troy popped in the move as I snuggled up with my girls. Troy scooted into the bed, as everybody had to readjust, as Troy wanted to be close to me. Lo laid on his lap, Emma rolled to my other side while Alli smooshed between us.

The title screen popped up and a laugh busted through my chapped lips.

"What is this?" Emma asked, "50 First Dates," Troy said with a laugh, "Your mom loves this movie. We saw it together at a friend's house for the first time and I don't think I have ever heard her laugh so hard at a movie. It's one of her favorites." I smiled as I rested my head on Troy's shoulder.

It was going to be a little inappropriate for Allison and Lauren but it wasn't that bad. I wasn't going to freak out over the ordeal. Troy started the move as we sat quietly watching it laughing every so often, mostly Emma who was clearly amused.

Lauren passed out on Troy after a while and I was closer to sleep myself.

"He is funny," Alli said pointing to the brother, I nodded as I ran my hand over her head, "Yea, he is,"

Troy kissed my forehead after a while, as I must have fallen asleep. I let my eyes flutter open as he was moving Lo to the spot next to me. The TV was off and they were still huddled around me. I snuggled with Emma and I went right back to sleep.

The nausea woke me up first and when the light hit my eyes the puke was right there sitting on the back of my throat. I moved out from underneath the kids and I moved from the bedroom into the bathroom holding it back until I got there.

My fingers gripped the white bowl as my stomach ached and my throat burned. I rocked gently for a moment as I sat down on the tile floor. None of the girls moved and I watched them from the spot on the floor. Exhaustion rolled over my entire body. "Brie?" Troy's voice broke the silence around the room as he looked in the bathroom. His entire body softened and he kneeled down in front of me.

"You okay?"

"Just got sick," I whispered, he kissed the top of my head and I leaned against him, "You wiped the girls you,"

"They must have not slept very well last night."

"Who knows," Troy sat down in front of me as he smiled, "That was one of our first dates watching that movie at that one kids house."

"It wasn't the first,"

"Of course not. That was the rooftop,"

"Romantic from the beginning," I said with a tiny smile, the only one I could muster, "I'll always be romantic," Troy teased, "I know you will," I rested my head against Troy's shoulder, "my girl is tired,"

"Mhm,"

We both were quiet, as I didn't move from the bathroom floor. Troy rubbed my back softly, "My boys awake?"

"Yea, they are playing video games together. Thy decided they would watch a movie with you late."

I smiled again, "I love that they can put a smile on your face when you feel like this,"

"They are my babies, they always make me happy."

"See, if anything ever happened to me I know you will forever have five reasons to stick around,"

"Troy Bolton, you are not allowed to talk like that, I wouldn't survive without you," he chuckled, "See? Now you know how I feel,"

"You really wouldn't survive without me," I mused, "Never," Troy said kissing the top of my head, I stood back up but my legs were shaking, "You have the shot later," Troy reminded me, "No," I protested, "I don't want to put clothes on,"

Troy arched an eyebrow, "Do you not have clothes on?"

I shook my head as I buried my head into my hands, "No, I don't."

Troy laughed quietly as he slipped his hands around my waist, "Oh really?" he whispered into my ear, chills rushed down my back as I laid my head against his chest. "I feel like I could puke again. This is not the time for sexual jokes,"

Troy laughed as Allison sat up in the bed, "Mommy?"

"Yes sweetie?"

"Can we watch Frozen?"

I rested against Troy, "Sure," I mumbled, "Go find it,"

"Okay!"

"Food?" Troy asked, "No, please,"

"Okay," he said rubbing my shoulder, "I'd rather you not puke anymore than you have to,"

"Thank you,"

Troy's POV

I sat in the dark kitchen as the day had already passed. Gabi getting sick more than anyone should in a year in a single twenty-four hours. I picked at the label around my beer, as there was only a dim light on in the kitchen. Gabi had passed out hours earlier, her shot making her even more exhausted.

Liam and Wes passed out watching a movie in his room an hour ago, Emma went over to a friends house and she was most likely still awake, my thoughts went back to Allison and Lauren. I sighed softly as I took a drink of my beer, exhaustion lured over me but I knew I wasn't getting any sleep tonight. My phone glowed as I saw Chad's name.

You up?

We were still a lot like brothers as it was difficult not to know how each other was doing.

Yea, want to come join me? I have beer.

My finger tapped the table gently as I wondered what tonight would have looked like if Gabi didn't have cancer. Would it be a sleepless night for me?

I'm here.

I laughed quietly as I got up from the table; I went into the fridge to retrieve two more bottles before going outside. I slipped on my Sperry's that were by the door as Chad was getting out of his car.

I shut the door tightly behind me as I hopped up onto the railing, Chad shook his head as he came up the drive and slid next to me. I handed him a beer and he let out a long sigh, "How is Gabs?"

"Sick," I said with a shake of the head, "Another bad round. Reason's why I can't sleep,"

"I'm sorry man, half way there though,"

"I sure hope so, I don't know how much more she can take, how much more the kids can take," I set my old bottle down as I opened the new one. Chad went quiet, "Alexa is really getting into this boy,"

"Oh?" I asked, fear rose in the pit of my stomach as that could be Emma soon, fear rushed through my body. "Yea, did you just get this wash of fear over your entire body like I do every time I think about it?"

"Unfortunately," I thought about it, "Do you know who this guy is?"

"None. She won't let us in at all, rolling her eyes when we ask her. I mean it's not like they go on dates or anything they just talk…a lot."

"I do not want Emma to date, I know I was an asshole in high school and I just…I don't want to see her hurt. I never want to see her hurt because I have seen her hurt and that fucking sucks."

"Taylor tells me to stop freaking out but what the hell am I supposed to do? It fucking pisses me off, Alexa isn't supposed to date."

"She's got Liam and Bentley to look out for her,"

"Her and Liam have gotten closer this summer,"

"I think Liam is just confused right now," I said rubbing my jaw, "He had Rayne and she moved, Emma was gone for three weeks which is basically his best friend, him and Jace don't really hang out anymore, I don't know, I think he was just looking for someone to hang out with."

"Yea, she hasn't mentioned him much lately."

"Liam and Emma took it the hardest,"

"I bet they did, they are the closest to Gabi,"

"I know,"

Chad and I both went quiet as we looked out at the green grass around us, the dark sky as we were far enough away from the city to see all of the stars. "I should probably go check on Gabi,"

"I should probably go home and make sure my child isn't sexting,"

I snorted, "I don't think anybody sexts anymore Chad,"

"I'm pretty sure you and Gabi do,"

"Ha! We haven't done that since before Wes,"

"Oh losing the romance I see?"

"Never," I protested, "Well, I mean, the cancer kind of threw a wrench into that lately but it's not that we don't want to it's just," I paused, "She is uncomfortable."

"I bet she is, a lot has happened, I can only imagine me getting no more sex after that with everything."

"Gabi and I have had sex since, just not as frequently,"

"God, you two,"

"What?" I asked, Chad laughed, "Twenty years later and just as crazy." I leaned my beer towards him, "Is that bad?"

"Not at all." Chad said tapping his glass against mine. Chad paused and I looked at him, "She got pissed because I told her we probably weren't going anywhere for our anniversary."

"That couldn't have gone well," Chad, mused, I snorted, "That might be the understatement of the year,"

"She loves those trips, I lose Taylor for hours as she reencounters every single detail that happened over those trips."

"I don't think I ever realized how much they meant to her," I said to Chad, "She got really upset over all of it and I just didn't know how much it really meant to her."

"Peru this year?"

"Yea, supposed to be."

"I wish Taylor and I would have done something like that. We have been to half of the places you have and I wish we would have done more."

"I'll have to figure something out. She won't be done with chemo or radiation yet so we can't leave the country but I might be able to figure out something for her. She does deserve something, I just have quite figured it out yet."

"True," I finished off my beer as I sighed, "I guess I should get back to work,"

"Yea, back to fatherhood," Chad said, "Husband and fatherhood," I said with a sigh, "Have fun,"

"I always do,"

Chad smiled as we went separate ways promising to talk tomorrow or later today. I took the empty bottles inside as I set them in the kitchen, washing them out and then tossing them into the glass container. I slipped my shoes off and shut off the final lights before I went upstairs checking on Lauren and Allison.

Each of them was fast asleep and exhausted from the day's events. Going into the bedroom, I shut the door quietly as Gabi was curled up into a ball. I went to the bathroom and then slipped my shirt off to only sleep in my shorts.

She flipped onto her back and she stiffened from the movement. "Where have you been?" she breathed, "Chad came over and we had a couple of beers," I told her, she laid her head into my shoulder. "I hurt so bad,"

"I'm so sorry baby girl," I whispered as I kissed her forehead. "I just want it all to go away,"

"I know, I do too,"

She went quiet, as I knew I wasn't getting sleep tonight. It just wasn't possible.

As the week progressed, Gabi got slowly better and then slowly worse again. Chemo was kicking her ass all over again and I don't think she was prepared for it to be this bad. She was having trouble keeping anything down, trying, but not succeeding. We called the doctor several times and they were not much use of help, unless it got so bad that she couldn't keep water down. If she kept water down we were going to be okay because the symptoms would pass.

We didn't know when the symptoms would pass but they eventually would and if not they would admit her but that was the last thing we wanted to do and the last thing I wanted to do as I was getting ready to drive Liam to Colorado to take him to his elite camp for basketball he attended. I had no desire to leave Gabi alone with four kids but I wasn't going to have anybody else take Liam and I knew my mom would be able to help a lot more than anybody else.

I finished packing my small bag as I would be staying over night in Colorado tonight to drop off Liam tomorrow morning before driving back. Gabi wanted to go but all of her side effects were preventing that and she didn't want to make the trip miserable for both Liam and I.

Liam wanted her to come with us but he understood, I reached for my shirt as Gabi came out of the bathroom, she slipped her arms around my waist and I smiled, "How are you feeling?" I asked her quietly, "Better than this morning, I think I might try and eat again," she spoke softly, "Good," I encouraged even though I didn't want to see her suffer if it didn't work out like every other time.

"Yea, good," she remarked, I let my hand lay over top of hers and she sat down on the bed, "I can't believe Liam is now leaving too,"

"What if I don't?" I turned around to see Liam in the doorway, "Liam, don't be stupid. You need to get away for a little bit. You have had several stressful weeks in a row and maybe this would be good for you," I said, Gabi let go of me from around the waist and Liam shrugged walking further into the room. "I don't know I'm just not ready to leave mom because then something will happen to her."

"Nothing is going to happen to me," Gabi remarked, "I promise."

"Mom, you can't make a promise like that."

"I can make any promise I want."

Liam shrugged, "I'm just not sure it's a good idea, that's all."

I pressed my lips together, "Liam, do you want to play basketball?"

"Yea, that's not,"

"The only reason you wouldn't be going is if you didn't want to play basketball because you don't want too. Besides that you are going. You aren't going to stay behind because something might happen because it most likely won't."

The words played on his mind for a minute as he went to protest again but I shook my head, "No, your mom is getting ready to head into the second week. Her good week. You know this, I know this, and your mom knows this. It's going to be an easy two weeks, it will be fine and if something happens we will come and get you."

"What if it's too late?"

"What if nothing happens?" Gabi posed, "I'm not going anywhere, I am here and I am feeling better today, right now, so let's not dwell on how I might feel in the future because I plan on feeling pretty damn well."

I cracked a smile as I looked at her; there are just way too many reasons of why I love her.

"Fine, I'll go."

"You didn't really have a choice anyways, I had to pay for it."

Gabi's POV

I watched Liam and Troy load the car as they talked about something, shut the trunk, and Liam shrugged. Troy rubbed Liam's shoulder and said something else before walking towards the stairs.

I moved from my spot to not be seen as an eavesdropper. "Mommmmmmm?" I turned around to see Allison looking at me, "Can I have some chocolate ice cream?"

"No," I said, she stomped her foot, "I want ice cream!"

"I said no," I told her with a stern look; she plopped down onto the ground and kicked her legs. "Allison Paige," I said, a wave of dizziness rolled over me and Troy came inside.

"Allison," one bark of her name from Troy's lips made her quickly stop, "Why are you screeching?"

"Mommy won't let me have chocolate ice cream!"

"If mommy said no that means no," Troy said, he moved to stand in front of her, "You do not question mom, go to your room," Troy said as he watched her slowly get up and move towards the stairs, "I just wanted ice cream,"

"Allison," Troy said, Liam snickered from behind as they had all received this when they all gave me shit. It normally stopped around nine because Troy got meaner as they got older. Honestly, he was the bad parent in most situations and I loved it. It was very neutral.

Troy looked at me, "Are you sure you don't want my mom to come over and help out for a little bit?"

"I'm going to be fine," I stressed to Troy, "It's not going to be a big deal, I promise. She is just being Allison on a summer day. I could have handled it."

"I know, I just didn't want to hear that anymore,"

"Troy, patients with her…please?"

"When she is 30,"

"Troy," he smirked, "I'm joking,"

"Daddy! No go bye bye!" Lauren yelled as she charged through the living room, Troy laughed as he picked up Lauren, "I have to take Liam,"

"No,"

Troy looked at me and I shrugged, "Do you want to come?"

"Yea! Lo and Liam time!"

Lo looked up and grinned, "I go pack!"

Troy and I laughed as she squirmed down and ran off, "God, what would we do without her?"

"Have one less pesky sibling," Wes said, Troy snorted, "There is my kid,"

I went over as I wrapped my arms around his waist, "We should probably supervise this packing," I told him, "I think we should see what she packs," Troy said with a laugh, "I kind of want to,"

He kissed the top of my head and wrapped his arms around me, "So three kids, you'll be able to handle it?"

"Perfectly,"

Hey guys! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Now…I am warning you. Be prepared for the next chapter. You aren't going to like it…at all. So just start preparing now. Just saying.

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