Happy New Year (somewhat belated) to all the Arwenites out there still tuning in to this story. You guys are been pure gold with your msgs of encouragement and lovely reviews, alerts and favourites. I owe you a huge apology for being the slowest person to update...Six months and then some. I moved - literally to another country and that has taken a while to settle into. I know, I know, enough nattering, on with the fic! I know the series has ended now (sob sob) but hey, thank goodness for FF and other places eh? Hope y'all enjoy it! xx IslandGem p.s Justine and Sharmini you girls rule! xx
Chapter 34: The One With Trips
Arthur can't help feeling slightly nervous as he steps out of the car and looks up at the impressive stone building situated at the address on Dr. Moliva's card.
Earlier that day when they had finally 'gotten up' and after hearing Gwen tell him the full details of M&M's proposal story again and how their friends had decided on an early spring wedding which Morgana was now freaking out about because "Spring is only a few months away!", they searched online and found out that Templeton Clinic offices was located near St. Vincent's; a private hospital situated in Christchurch city, a two hour drive south from Camelot.
"Arthur?" Gwen asks quietly, waiting for him. Arthur nods and grabbing her hand, they walk into the building together, only briefly stopping to ask someone exiting the building wearing a nurse's uniform where the Director's office is and the man tells them that the Administration wing is on the third floor.
Arthur looks around the simple but expensively furnished reception room and the young receptionist sitting behind a desk smiles up at them, then for a second time solely at Arthur completely ignoring Gwen.
Arthur asks if he can see Dr Grayson.
"Do you have an appointment scheduled to see Dr. Grayson today Sir?" she asks him, sitting up straighter in her chair to get a better view of him probably.
Arthur shakes his head and leaning closer towards her desk; using his most charming voice. Gwen has to check herself to not outwardly roll her eyes good humouredly when she sees the effect of Arthur Pendragon's charm shoot. And, once again score.
"No I don't, but it's concerning my father Mr. Uther Pendragon. I have reason to believe that he was referred to Dr. Grayson by our company physician and…" Arthur's voice trails off when he sees her smile waver for half a second before she stands up and gestures towards the plush seats in the waiting area.
"Right. Well, if you'd like to take a seat Mr. Pendragon, I will see if Dr. Grayson is available". She gives him another flirty smile and disappears down a corridor.
Arthur exchanges a look with Gwen who seems just as puzzled as him by her momentary change of expression then leads him to a chair. They don't have to wait long and soon the lady is back and ushering them down a bright hallway to a room at the end.
Dr. Grayson is a tall, middle aged man and he smiles warmly as he shakes hands with Gwen and Arthur who introduces the two of them to him.
"I apologise for the inconvenience Dr. Grayson, I know you are a busy person and we don't have an appointment but I was hoping you would make some time to talk to me about something of a rather delicate nature. You see, I wanted to talk to you about my father Uther Pendragon?" Arthur begins, as they both take the offered chairs.
Dr. Grayson nods slightly, indicating that Arthur should go on.
"I have reason to believe that he may have come to see you for medical attention at some point last year and he is currently taking extended leave from our company. I know you cannot tell me anything that would go against the patient/doctor confidentiality practices but when I last saw him he seemed…not himself so I was wondering if there was anything you could tell me about how he is".
Dr. Grayson studies the young man in front of him quietly before speaking.
"Forgive me Arthur but am I correcting in assuming that your father has not spoken to you at all about any of this and you are conducting your own investigation, without his knowledge of you doing so?"
Arthur hesitates for half a second, and then thinking better of it, nods. Better to be truthful then tell lies, he thinks.
Dr. Grayson looked closely at the younger Pendragon and sat up straighter in his chair, taking his time before speaking.
"Your father was referred to me by your firm doctors after the normal annual checkup. I am able to also confirm that he was instructed that he take time out to rest and…recover from-"
Arthur, never having been the most patient person in the world lets out a sigh of exasperation and shakes his head.
"Sorry to interrupt doctor, but please…I just need to know if…- Is something…is he alright? I just…I would just like to know…for my sake, and so I can help him – if possible".
Realising that he probably sounds flustered, he tries to take a deep breath to calm himself. Gwen, who can also see it, grabs his hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
Dr. Grayson nods and then sighing, he removes his glasses and sets them down before looking earnestly at Arthur.
"Arthur, Templeton Clinic is the Oncology Research Department here at St. Vincent's. We treat-"
"Oncology?! Do you mean like…?…Cancer?! My father has…cancer?!" Arthur looks incredulously at the doctor who doesn't seem annoyed at all despite Arthur continuing to interrupt him.
"We get referrals from all over the country, even overseas. St. Vincent's boasts one of the best care and research facilities in the world. However, the short answer to your question is yes. I'm sorry Arthur", Dr. Grayson continues quietly.
Arthur's POV
It all sounds like…noise…Background noise. Cancer?! What?!
Gwen bites her lip and squeezes Arthur hand again. She watches his face turn grey, and then he clears his throat and nods slowly, looking back at Dr. Grayson.
"What, if any, details can you give me doctor?" Arthur asks quietly.
"I can tell you that your company physician did the right thing by referring him to me when he did and that upon further tests, we did indeed find a tumor in his left lung. After this, we were able to discuss treatment options with your father in good time. Mr. Pendragon has been in and out of here for the last three months for his treatment and-"
"What kind of treatment exactly?" Arthur cuts in, teeth clenched.
"He had surgery a month ago. Based on our initial tests and the biopsy we were able remove the tumor but we will need to do another procedure to confirm if the cancer has not spread to other parts of his lungs when he has had enough time to recuperate. In the likelihood that it does then there are other management options available here, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and so on".
Arthur lets go of Gwen's hand and standing up, begins pacing around the vast office. He looks at the framed accreditations on the walls, the pictures, and the sky outside. Anything to stop the world from spinning around.
Arthur's POV
He has cancer! My father had a tumor in his lungs and he didn't even tell me! His own son! Why?! Why not?!
Gwen looks up at Arthur as he moves around, deep in thought. She leans towards the doctor.
"Dr. Grayson, how is he right now? I mean you said he's just had surgery and that you will need to perform some more surgery to ensure that the cancer hasn't spread to other places at some point…Is he on medication?"
Dr. Grayson looks closely at the young lady who Arthur just introduced as his girlfriend. He doesn't recall the elder Pendragon saying anything about his son having a partner although he had often spoke proudly of his son and future heir to the corporation. He had observed the way Arthur had looked at her and announced that she was his girlfriend with pride and just listening to her speak he can tell that she obviously cares very deeply for the younger Pendragon.
Smiling gently at her, he nods.
"Right now he is tired and in pain but being a very physically fit man of body and mind Mr. Pendragon is holding up quite well. The surgery was long and he was commanded to rest up. No work, no stress, or anything too demanding for awhile. He is on the usual meds for the pain, and swelling. He will have to come here in another couple of weeks for the second procedure and barring any complications, we wait and-"
"Wait for what?!" Arthur snaps out, now standing still and listening to the doctor again.
"I mean he goes on living, and we monitor – wait, and hope that the one surgery was enough. Your father is in very good shape for a man of his age Arthur. I see no reason why he won't recover from the surgery and if he continues to exercise caution to his schedule and diet he will be fine. However, there is always the risk that the cancer will return and if that should happen he would have to come back for treatment, look at other options and so forth".
"You cannot say for certain that you got all of it out the first time Doctor?" Arthur asks, much quieter now.
Dr. Grayson looks directly at Arthur when he answers, "No I cannot, and research shows us that people who survive cancer are at increased risk of developing a second primary cancer at about twice the rate of those never diagnosed with cancer later on, however, right now Arthur, rest assured that your father is doing as well as he can, and we are fairly optimistic".
Arthur nods and comes to stand in front of the doctor, somewhat sheepish.
"Thank you Dr. Grayson. I sincerely apologise for putting you in this situation and if I came on to…forceful, please understand that I am just-"
"-A very concerned son who wants to know what's going on with his old man despite him not wanting to tell you anything. I get it Arthur and I'm not offended. I have a son not much younger than you. Sometimes it's not easy being a father and wanting to keep your kids protected from your troubles. Even when they're adults too".
He smiles kindly at the two of them, shaking Arthur's outstretched hand, and then pats Gwen's shoulder.
"I urge you to talk to him Arthur. I know it's hard, but you just need to keep trying", Dr. Grayson's tone is not unkind as he guides them out.
Arthur nods, and grabbing Gwen's hand, smiles his thanks once more and they exit the room.
The car ride all the way back to the city is uneasily quiet. Gwen offers to drive so that Arthur can relax, or be alone with his thoughts but he tells her he's fine. In fact that's pretty much all he says. When she asks him if he wants to talk about it. Or if he'd like to go somewhere. Get a drink. Talk to Merlin. Be alone. He just shakes his head to every suggestion and says "I'm fine" and continues driving and working that tic along his jaw line.
Eventually they make it back to Gwen's building and he turns the engine off. Gwen looks up at him and he is still staring straight ahead, with an unreadable expression on his face.
"Do you want to come up? I could make some dinner or we could just talk?" she offers gently, brushing her hand gently on his cheek.
He shakes his head and then he finally looks over at her.
"No thanks. I…I just want to be alone for a bit. I'm just gonna get some sleep at home or something", he says quietly, attempting to smile at her.
Gwen nods and leans over and kisses him, then strokes his face and hair lovingly.
"I'm so sorry Arthur. I really am", she says. He nods at her and watches as she gets out of the car and watches him drive off in a hurry.
Gwen's POV
Oh Arthur…I wish I could help you but…I know you need to be alone and figure it out yourself right now. Please please just…think before you talk to your father…How do you know he's going to see Uther? Because I know Arthur…
Sighing, she turns and walks into her building.
Arthur doesn't end up going home. He drives and drives, until before he knows it, he's back at Pendragon Estate.
Arthur's POV
Er…What are you doing here? You know why you're here. You need to see him. No, he didn't want me to know. His own son. He hid his illness from me because he didn't think I could handle it. I couldn't handle the company. I couldn't be the leader he wants me to be. Oh stop it! Grow a pair! I need to talk to him. He'll deny it; he doesn't want you to be bothered with it. Screw that! He's my dad! Fine. But go in there with a clear plan and for pity's sake, whatever you do; do NOT rile him up! He is sick. Thanks for the crappy pep talk. M'eh! I try…
It's almost six o'clock and he knows his father always has dinner exactly at that time. Ever since he was a young boy, dinner was always at 6 sharp.
Uther is not in the dining room, his study, or the front garden. Arthur finds him sitting at a small table in his room reading the paper, and very surprised to see his son at the door when Redmond opens it.
He also notices several pill bottles on the bedside table and the way his father struggles to sit up straighter to greet him.
"Arthur…? What are you doing here? "
Uther is now attempting to get up, but clearly appears to be in pain. Arthur strides over to him and tries to help him stand, but Uther pushes him away and settles himself back down in his chair, gesturing that Arthur sit down.
When he finally answers, he speaks quietly and as evenly as he can muster.
"Well Father, I was sort of in the neighborhood and decided to stop in and say hello…You know, actually this is my second road trip today. Yes, you see, I decided on a whim to take a drive down to Christchurch earlier today…Lovely place this time of year with the snow not yet here. It was such a nice day so I did a bit of sightseeing, and found myself at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, the Templeton Clinic actually. It's very tastefully decorated and obviously caters to exclusive clientele…Do you know it?"
Arthur doesn't even have to look in Uther's direction to know that he is already agitated and he remembers what the doctor said about not stressing Uther out.
Too late.
"Arthur…What the hell are you doing?! I specifically told you last time that this subject is not up for discussion!" Uther hisses angrily.
Arthur shrugs and leans forward, speaking gently.
"I know that you're sick Father. I spoke with the clinic people and-"
"How dare you?! You never bloody listen to me! No wonder you cannot control a multi-national corporation. I don't know why you did that? Do you not hav-"
Arthur snaps and stands up, towering over his father who is still seated.
"You don't know why I did that?! Because you are my father! I care about you and your health. I wanted answers because no one wanted to tell me anything, least of all you. How could you not tell me Father? I worry about you, and when I asked you on more than one occasion you lied to me. Your own son! I just want to be able to help you…that's all".
An uneasy silence ensues and Arthur sighs and drops back into his chair. Uther stares straight ahead, before finally looking back at his son.
"Arthur…I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to be like this. To worry and make a fuss. You are being groomed to take over from me one day and I didn't want you to start becoming all emotional and making mistakes, not being focused and firm in how you conduct yourself on a day to day basis. I am also aware of what this – my…condition will do to our stocks, our investors, and their confidence in my – our ability to produce results as a Fortune 500 company. The less people that know the truth, the better PI would be for it".
Arthur shakes his head, frustrated but struggling to keep calm.
"You should have told me Father. Part of being a good leader is also dealing with any stressful situation such as family members becoming ill and so on. I wish…I wish you would have told me yourself. I felt so helpless…worried for you, and I know I haven't exactly made it easy, but you are my father and we should be able to rely on each other for these sorts of things too, not just all things to do with PI".
Uther studies his son's face and his expression softens as he sees the blue eyes and blonde hair that mirror his beloved Ygraine's. The way Arthur speaks of families being able to stick together pierces his heart and he feels a lump forming in the back of his throat as he remembers how Ygraine would sing to the baby in her stomach as she sat in her rose garden with Uther's head in her lap and tell him of how she dreamt that their son would grow up to be a fair, strong, caring, family orientated man – just like his father. Shaking these thoughts away from his mind, Uther clears his throat and nods.
"You're right…" he begins which makes Arthur check himself. His father is actually admitting he agrees with Arthur, for once?
"I should have told you and for that I apologise. It's not something I wanted advertised so that's why I am away, 'having a rest'. I entrusted your uncle to deal with company matters because I wanted you to continue to build upon your experiences. I will be back on my feet soon Arthur. You heard what the doctors said. Anyway, thank you…For coming down here and for…your words", Uther offers his son a half smile and Arthur smiles back at him.
"Now…", Uther nods not unkindly in his son's direction, "tell me about the upcoming merger details. How's that all going?"
Arthur leans back, relaxing in his chair and begins to talk about PI business.
Old Uther is back.
He ends up staying to dinner with his father in his bedroom and they chat about golf, football and the upcoming regional officers meeting at HQ.
"Oh that reminds me Arthur", Uther says", watching his son eat some of Mrs. Pott's leftover beef stew from lunch.
"The Mayor's Annual Charity Ball will be on in three months time and its customary that we'll go of course. I plan to attend, with you, Agravaine, and other senior directors. You'd better bring a respectable date this time. Someone appropriate".
Arthur nearly chokes on his food and his eyes water as he attempts to swallow his meat. Uther looks at him with concern.
"Uh…um…Right…well, see I er…I actually met someone a while ago and…well we're together now. I'm actually really happy with her", he stammers, irritated with himself that he's even stammering. He wishes he had a better time to do this but beggars can't be choosers so…
Uther raises his eyebrows in interest as he observes his son's nervousness. He looks eagerly at him for more details.
"Well? Who is she? I know you said you were through but I always hoped that in time you would give Vivian another chance so –"
"No Father. Vivian and I are over, and she's not even in the country anymore. Vivian and I have apologized to each other and moved on. No, I met her through mutual friends and we became friends and over the last few months I realised how much I cared for her and well, one thing led to another and now we're together. It's been a while since I've been in a proper relationship but it's been great. She's wonderful and…I'm happy". He pauses and watches his father's face, as he digests this information.
"So…who is she? The Van der Hoosten's daughter Grace? The one who you took to the Yacht Club Dinner last year? Or Mjr. Banks' daughter Celeste? She was quite taken with you that night at the opera? It sounds like the real deal my boy! Hah! This is quite exciting and I must say I am rather…pleased you found someone you care for Arthur!" Uther smiles brightly, if not tiredly before standing up slowly to move towards the cabinet.
Arthur smiles back weakly and taking a deep breath he shakes his head, ready to speak but stops when he notices how white his father has become and how he seems to be swaying slightly as he tries to remain standing.
"Father…? Here, let me ge-", Arthur is already half out of his chair when his father suddenly collapses on the carpet in front of him.
Rushing towards him Arthur shouts at Redmond to call for an ambulance.
It's been almost four hours since Arthur dropped her off at home and Gwen has just made up her mind to go over to his house and wait for him since he hasn't answered any of her calls or texts when she hears a loud banging on her door.
"Merlin?! Hey, what's up?" she asks as Merlin barges into the house looking quite disheveled – more so than usual (for Merlin).
He gestures towards Gwen's bag lying on the counter and nods his head towards the open door.
"I tried calling you a couple of times but your phone was busy, did you not see my texts?" Merlin asks her hurriedly.
"No…Sorry. I've actually been trying to get hold of Arthur but he's not answering any of my calls. Is everything okay? Where's Morgana?" Gwen looks pointedly at Merlin, worry tingeing her voice.
"Yeah Morgs is fine but…Gwen, Arthur is at the hospital, St. Katherine's with-"
Gwen grabs his arm and pulls him closer, "What happened to him?!"
Merlin shakes his head, "No he's fine but…It's his dad. He's had a fall...or collapsed or something, I'm not sure, Gaius just called me a little while ago and told me to tell you and to get down there".
Gwen gasps then quickly grabs her bag and keys, leading the way back out of her flat.
When they arrive at the hospital main entrance they find it blocked with media people all milling around, some speaking to their cameras, others trying to speak to hospital staff.
After parking in the Staff Car park area, Gwen follows Merlin down a back alleyway through doors labeled 'Delivery Services Entry Only' into the hospital.
"It's to avoid the media circus out there. Damn it!" Merlin curses in the lift, half to himself, half in explanation to Gwen.
She touches his arm lightly; she can see that he is just as concerned for his friend as she is.
"Merlin? Who else knows about the CEO being in hospital?"
"Hmm? Oh, um…His butler Redmond, Arthur (Gaius said Arthur was with him at the house and rode down to the hospital in the ambulance), Gaius, Alice – she made sure he had all his paperwork processed immediately and got them to give him a private wing and all that), me, you, Mathias, and Agravaine too I suppose…No guessing as to how the media knew where to be then…", he turns to look down at her and tries to smile, puting his arm around her as the doors open and they walk towards the private wing where Uther Pendragon is currently residing.
A/N: And there you have it. Uther's in hospital, Arthur knows and Aggy is...Not sure where he is, but rest assured he'll be back :) Thank you for sticking around once again and the next update will be here soon. Cheers!