Aubrey: Beca is taking Trish to the hospital.
Aubrey and Stacie raced into the hospital emergency room to find Beca pacing back and forth.
"What happened?," Aubrey asked. "How's Trish?"
"Trish is fine," Beca said. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"What's going on, Beca?," Stacie asked.
"Trish got a call from the hospital," Beca said. "Asking her to come in immediately for a CT and possibly an MRI. The wouldn't tell her why and we freaked out a little. When we got here she was taken for the scan. They said it should take about half an hour and then a doctor would come get me."
"What do you think it all means?," Aubrey asked.
"I honestly have no idea," Beca said.
"Come on, Beca," Stacie said. "Just sit down. I'll go to the cafeteria and get us some coffee."
It was close to an hour later when a doctor finally came to the waiting room.
"Family for Mrs. Mitchell?," the doctor called out.
"I'm her wife," Beca said.
The doctor walked over to where Beca, Aubrey, and Stacie were standing.
"I'm Dr. Klein," the doctor said introducing himself. "I'd like to talk to you and your wife about her condition. Would you follow me, please?"
"Can they come?," Beca asked pointing to Aubrey and Stacie.
"I'm not sure that's wise," Dr. Klein said. "I need to protect the confidentiality of my patient"
"They are two of Trish's best friends," Beca told him. "They have been there since day one and I think they deserve to be there for whatever you're about to tell Trish. You can ask her if she has a problem with them being there."
"That's not necessary," Dr. Klein said. "They are welcome to come as well."
"Thank you," Aubrey and Stacie both say.
The three women followed Dr. Klein to Trish's room. Trish looked at them all, confused about what was happening.
"Hello, Mrs. Mitchell," Dr. Klein said. "I'm Dr. Klein and I need to talk to you about your test results."
"What going on, Dr. Klein?," Trish asked. "Is it worse than they thought?"
"Ladies," Dr. Klein says. "Before I can give you the test results I need to tell you a few things."
Just then a man in a suit entered the room and stood by Dr. Klein.
"This is Ben McNamara," Dr. Klein said introducing the man. "He's a lawyer and works for the hospital. He's going to talk to you first."
"Ladies," Ben said nodding at the women. "Mrs. Mitchell, I understand that you've been seeing Dr. Rosen here at this hospital."
"Yes," Trish said.
"He's the one who diagnosed your cancer?," Ben asked.
"Yes," Trish said "What's going on here?"
"Dr. Rosen is no longer affiliated with this hospital," Ben said. "Four days ago he was. . .let go."
"That's lawyer speak for fired," Aubrey interjects. "Why?"
"Why?," Ben asks.
"Why was her fired?," Aubrey asks.
Ben looks at Dr. Klein. He runs his hand through his hair and sighs.
"He was fired for gross negligence," Ben said. "It was brought to our attention that he had misdiagnosed several of his patients."
"That's why I'm here," Trish said quietly. "Because I was misdiagnosed?"
"Yes, that's why we asked you to come in," Dr. Klein said. "I looked over the test results and the tests the Dr. Rosen had done. You do have cancer, but I believe it's operable."
"Let me get this straight," Beca said through clenched teeth. "Dr. Rosen gave Trish a 5 month death sentence because he read some results wrong."
"We know an apology is not going to cut it," Dr. Klein said.
"You can bet your ass it's not," Beca told him.
"Beca," Trish said. "Let him finish."
"Fine," Beca said in a huff and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Did Dr. Rosen suggest surgery to remove some, or all of the cancer?," Dr. Klein asked.
"Surgery was mentioned," Beca said. "But he shot it down quickly. He said the mass was much too large to remove. He also said that if Trish went that route that there were so many complications that could arise that it would only shorten her life or she would die on the operating table."
"I was afraid of that," Dr. Klein sighed. "I believe we can surgically remove the tumors."
"Tumors?," Beca asked. "As in more than one? Dr. Rosen said it was one big mass and that's why he couldn't remove it."
"The scan we just took," Dr. Klein said. "I believe if Dr. Rosen had done this particular scan, he would have given you a different diagnosis. This scan shows that the mass is a bunch of tumors clumped together. I believe we can remove them. We won't know how much Trish will be affected until we get in there. Some of the tumors are blocking our view of some parts of the brain. We will only remove the tumors that we can get to easily. The others will remain and we will need to do an MRI to determine the best course of action. Which may include chemo and radiation therapy."
"So what would be her prognosis with the surgery?," Aubrey asked.
"Well," Dr. Klein said. "If we do the surgery, and barring no major surprises when we do the MRI, I'd say the prognosis is very good. You'll have a long road ahead of you, but you'll be fine."
"I can't believe this," Beca said. "They gave her less than 6 months to live and now you're saying it was all a mistake."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Mitchell," Dr. Klein said. "I know that doesn't mean anything to you, but I am sorry. We are trying our best to make this right. I would like to schedule the surgery as soon as possible."
Trish starts to cry. Beca holds her and pats her on the back trying to comfort her. Trish finally settles down.
"How can I believe this is right," Trish said. "That surgery is the way to go?"
"If you'd like to get another opinion," Dr. Klein tells Trish. "That would be fine. I can give you the names of several renowned oncologists if you like. I just think you should make a decision quickly. The sooner we get in there, the sooner we can get a treatment plan in place."
"Beca?," Trish said. "What do you think?"
Beca looks at Dr. Klein and Ben McNamara.
"Could you guys give us a minute?," Beca asks.
Both men nod and leave the room.
"I think you should get another opinion," Beca said. "Although, I feel like surgery is the way to go. Dr. Klein sounds confident that the surgery will be a success."
"But," Trish said. "Dr. Rosen sounded pretty confident that it wouldn't work. He seemed sure that I only had 5 or 6 months left at most."
"Weren't you listening," Beca said. "Dr. Rosen is a quack. He screwed up your diagnosis. Dr. Klein is trying to make things right. He's giving you a chance you didn't have before."
"For what it's worth," Aubrey said. "I agree with Beca. It's a real shot Trish."
"Stacie?," Trish asked. "How about you?"
"I'm overwhelmed," Stacie replies. "I agree with Beca and Aubrey about Dr. Klein, but I also don't think it would hurt to get another opinion."
"Where's Chloe?," Trish asks.
"We don't know," Aubrey tells her. "She wasn't home when we went by and she texted and said she'd be home tomorrow night. I sent her a text letting her know that Beca was bringing you to the hospital. I haven't heard anything."
"I made her run, didn't I?," Trish asked with a catch in her voice.
"It wasn't all you," Beca said. "I played a really big part in the whole thing."
"Aubrey," Trish said. "Would you call her? Explain what's going on and that I'd really like it if she were here."
"I can do that," Aubrey said. "I'll go out to the waiting room and try and reach her."
Just then Aubrey's phone pings and she sees a message from Chloe.
"Chloe's here," Aubrey said. "She's in the waiting room. I'll get her."
"Thanks," Trish said.
Aubrey hurries out to the waiting room. Chloe hurries over as soon as she sees her.
"What happened?," Chloe asks. "Is Trish okay?"
"Trish is fine," Aubrey said. "Come with me."
Chloe follows Aubrey to Trish's room. Chloe gives Trish a hug.
"Are you okay?," Chloe asked.
"I'm fine," Trish said.
Between them, Trish and Beca filled Chloe in on what the doctor said.
"You're not dying?," Chloe asked. "Sorry, that was insensitive. I'm not sure I understand everything."
"Long story, short," Stacie said. "The first doctor fucked up. This new doctor, Dr. Klein, is going to fix that fuck up."
"Dr. Klein said I could get another opinion," Trish said. "He could refer us to several specialists if I want. What do you think, Chloe."
"Another opinion couldn't hurt," Chloe said.
"I'll ask Dr. Klein for the names and numbers of those specialists," Beca said.
Beca leaves the room. Chloe stands there feeling awkward. Aubrey senses that Chloe is uncomfortable and suggests that they go get some coffee when Beca gets back. Chloe nods in agreement and they all wait.
Beca comes back with a list of names. She hands the list to Trish.
"We're going to go get some coffee," Aubrey says. "Can we bring you something?"
"Just coffee," Beca said.
"I'm good," Trish said.
Aubrey, Chloe, and Stacie leave. They walk to the cafeteria in silence. They get coffee and have a seat.
"Are you okay, Chloe?," Aubrey asked. "I know a lot of stuff happened last night."
"I'm good," Chloe said. "Things just got a little too overwhelming and I needed to clear my head. Think about a few things."
"What 'things'?," Stacie asked.
"Me and Beca," Chloe said looking down at her coffee cup. "Beca and Trish. I thought I could just be around them, knowing nothing could happen between me and Beca, at least not now. But, just when I think I've gotten used to acting like Beca is just a friend, we kiss. And Trish is okay with it. And says Beca can cheat on her with me. I just, I don't know how to handle it."
"You don't have to explain yourself, Chlo," Stacie tells her. "I mean, it's a lot to deal with. You told Beca you'd wait for her, but, personally, I think you should try to move on from her. Wait, hear me out. If Trish gets this surgery and gets better, Beca will still be married to her. She won't walk away from Trish while she's going through the chemo or whatever else she'll have to go through. Beca's not that kind of person. There was an end in sight when the prognosis was grim, but with what's happening now, it could go on for quite a while. Are you willing to wait for Beca until Trish is better, no matter how long it takes, and Beca can walk away from her without feeling guilty?"
"Stace," Aubrey says.
"No, Brey," Chloe says. "Stacie is right. I know I told Beca I would wait for her, but I don't think I can be around the two of them while Beca continues to be with Trish until she's better. I need to start distancing myself from them or I'll end up with another broken heart. And I don't think I can recover from that again."
"What about Beca?," Aubrey asked. "Don't you think you walking away will devastate her?"
"She'll still have Trish," Chloe said. "I've seen how they are together, Brey. Beca loves Trish, and I think, it- it's developing into something more than just friends. I love her so much, Brey, but, I can't stick around and watch while she continues to fall in love with her wife. And, ou- out of love with me."
The three girls sit silently for a bit. Chloe sighs and stands up.
"I think I'm just gonna go," Chloe said. "Tell Trish I'll check on her later."
"Chloe," Aubrey said lightly grabbing her arm. "Don't do this."
"I'm sorry, Brey," Chloe said and slipped out of Aubrey's grasp. She says good-bye to Stacie and walks out of the cafeteria.
"What the hell, Stacie?," Aubrey says confronting her fiance. "Why did you have to put that in her head?"
"I was just telling her the truth," Stacie said. "And, I think she's right. I think Beca's feelings for Trish are a lot stronger the she knows."
"You're both wrong," Aubrey said. "You'll see."
Aubrey gets up and stalks out of the cafeteria, leaving Stacie to hurry and catch up with her. She grabs Aubrey's arm and stops her.
"You forgot Beca's coffee," Stacie said.
Stacie kept a hold on Aubrey's arm and walked her back into the cafeteria. They get Beca's coffee and head back to Trish's room.
"Thank you, doctor," Beca said into her phone. "We'll wait for your call."
"Well?," Trish asked.
"He got the tests and results from Dr. Klein," Beca said. "He's going to review everything and get back to us. So, now, we just wait."
"Was that one of the doctor's for the second opinion?," Aubrey asked.
"Yes," Beca said. "Actually, one of three that Dr. Klein sent Trish's records to. They all promised to review everything and get back to us within 24 hours."
"Dr. Klein already scheduled an OR," Trish said. "For Tuesday morning. He wanted to make sure that if I decide on the surgery, he could do it as soon as possible."
"Are you going to sue the hospital?," Stacie asked.
"What?," Trish said.
"A doctor," Stacie said. "Who worked on their staff, misdiagnosed you, and apparently other patients. That sounds like something they should be sued for."
"I don't know," Trish said. "I don't think we should hold the entire hospital responsible. I mean, it was Dr. Rosen who made the diagnosis, but Dr. Klein is doing everything to make it right."
"I agree," Beca said. "And, since they already fired Dr. Rosen, I think we're just going to deal with Trish's prognosis and recovery."
"Where's Chloe?," Trish asked realizing the redhead wasn't there.
Aubrey looks at Stacie and Stacie looks back at her.
"She, um," Aubrey says. "She left."
"Is she coming back?," Beca asked.
"I- I," Aubrey stammers. "I don't know."
"She did say she'd check on you later, Trish," Stacie added.
Beca sat down in the chair by Trish's bed. She put her elbows on her knees and her head in her hand.
"She's really not coming back," Beca said. "Is she?"
"She'll be back to check on Trish," Stacie said. "After that, probably not."
"Stacie," Aubrey said trying to get Stacie to be quiet.
"No, Brey," Stacie said. "They need to hear this."
"But, they shouldn't be hearing it from you," Aubrey says her voice rising.
"Somebody needs to tell them," Stacie says angrily. "And we both know Chloe won't say anything."
Aubrey glares at Stacie and Stacie glares back at her.
"Guys," Beca said getting up and standing the between the two. "Stop. Okay? Just stop."
Aubrey looks away and Stacie stares at the ground.
"One of you needs to tell us what's going on with Chloe," Trish said.
Aubrey looks at Stacie and shakes her head. Stacie sighs and runs a hand through her hair.
"I think," Stacie says. "You really need to talk to Chloe."
After Chloe left Aubrey and Stacie, she sat in her car in the hospital parking lot. She just sat there, numb. Not knowing how she was going to cope with whatever her final decision regarding Beca was going to be. If she stuck around, she knew she would be putting off the inevitable heartbreak she was going to suffer when Beca realized she was in love with Trish. And, since they were already married, Chloe knew that Beca would stay with Trish and have a long and loving marriage with her. If Chloe left now, she would be heartbroken but she could work to get over it and, maybe one day in the future, the far, far future, she could be friends with Trish and Beca again. Either way, she was in for a world of hurt.
Chloe started the car and drove home. She went in and, wanting to do something, started unpacking some of the boxes that were still sitting around the house. She worked for a few hours until she realized how late it was. She decided to call it a night and went to bed. She was exhausted and fell into a deep sleep.
"You guys should go home," Trish said. "We won't know anything until later tomorrow so there's no reason to just sit around here. It's late. Go home and get some rest. I'll see you all tomorrow."
Aubrey and Stacie gathered their things. They watched as Beca went over to Trish and gave her a hug. She kissed Trish's cheek and Stacie looked at Aubrey.
"That doesn't mean anything," Aubrey whispered as she brushed past Stacie and out the door.
Stacie waited for Beca and walked out with her.
"Are you in love with Trish?," Stacie asked.
"What?," Beca said stopping to look at Stacie. "Why would you ask that?"
"You've been acting like you are," Stacie said. "Chloe noticed it to."
"Is that why Chloe left?," Beca asked. "Because she thinks I'm in love with Trish?"
"Yes," Stacie said after a moment.
"I love Trish," Beca said. "But, I'm not in love with her. I'm in love with Chloe. How could she think I'd do that."
"She sees you acting differently with Trish," Stacie said. "She feels like a third wheel whenever you three are together, instead of like three friends hanging out. And, with the change in Trish's prognosis, she knows that you wouldn't leave Trish, even for her."
"That's so not true," Beca said. "We do those things for the paparazzi when we're out. Chloe knows it's all for show."
"Is it?," Stacie said. "What about that moment you had with Trish just now. The hug, the kiss on the cheek that lasted longer than a friendly kiss should."
"I always. That wasn't," Beca stammers. "It's not-".
"If you can't figure out what it means," Stacie said. "Imagine it from Chloe's point of view."
Stacie turned and continued to walk to meet up with Aubrey. Beca just stood there, hands on top of her head, looking up at the night sky like she could find answers to the questions that were going around in her head.
She turned when she heard Aubrey yell out "Good night, Beca" as she drove past. She waved and turned and made her way back into the hospital. She needed to talk to Trish.
Trish was sleeping when Beca got back to her room. Beca put two chairs together, facing each other, to use as a bed. She was uncomfortable but managed to finally find a decent enough position to sleep in.
Aubrey and Stacie were quiet for most of the ride home.
"What did you say to Beca back there?," Aubrey asked, finally breaking the silence.
Stacie repeated by her conversation with Beca. Aubrey let out a sigh when Stacie finished.
"This whole situation is fucked up," Aubrey said.
Stacie grabbed Aubrey's hand and just held it all the way home. Nothing more was said between the two as they entered the condo and went straight to bed. The two laid in silence as they thought about their three friends and the mess they were in. Aubrey turned on her side and snuggled next to Stacie. She burrowed her her head in Stacie's neck and put her arm over Stacie's waist. Stacie put her arm around Aubrey's shoulder and placed her hand on her hip.
"I love you," Aubrey said, placing a kiss on Stacie's neck.
"I love you, too," Stacie said.
The two girls fell asleep in each other's arms.
Chloe woke after a somewhat restful night. She made coffee and grabbed a quick breakfast. She decided she would finish unpacking the rest of the boxes from her move.
Stacie woke Aubrey up with some well placed kisses and they made love. They laid in bed holding each other, lost in the closeness. It was past noon before they decided to get up and go visit Trish.
Beca woke up and removed the blanket that was over her.
"Where did that come from," she thought.
Beca stretched and looked over at Trish. Trish was sitting up in bed smiling at her.
"Good morning, sunshine," Trish said with a laugh.
"Mornin'," Beca said. "Where'd this blanket come from?"
"One of the nurses," Trish said. "She came in last night to check on me and you looked cold."
"Remind me to thank her when you see her," Beca said.
"Will do," Trish said.
Beca spent the next few hours trying to distract Trish from the waiting. She also wanted to talk to Trish about Chloe but decided to wait until they heard from the other doctors.
Chloe finished unpacking and grabbed a quick salad for lunch. She debated with herself on where she should go visit Trish at the hospital. She finally decided to go so she got dressed and hopped in her car.
Just after 1:00 pm, Beca's phone rang and she pulled it out of her pocket. The caller ID showed an unknown number. Beca answered.
"Hello," Beca said.
"Mrs. Mitchell?," the voice said. "This is Dr. Talbot. We spoke yesterday about your wife Trish."
"Yes, of course, Dr. Talbot," Beca said. "Hold on for a second. I'm going to put you on speaker so Trish can hear you."
Beca tells Trish it's Dr. Talbot and puts the call on speaker.
"Go ahead, Dr. Talbot," Beca said.
"I've reviewed the records Dr. Klein sent me," Dr. Talbot said. "I also had a few of my colleagues take a look. We all agree with Dr. Klein's recommendation. We believe surgery is Mrs. Mitchell's, Trish's, best option. With it, we believe she can live a long and productive life."
"Oh, my God," Trish said, a smile spreading across her face.
"That's the best news you could give us," Beca said smiling.
"Please have Dr. Klein keep us informed of your case," Dr. Talbot said. "I like to know how stories like this one turn out."
"Will do, Doc," Beca said.
"Thank you so much, Dr. Talbot," Trish said.
"You're welcome," Dr. Talbot said. "And good luck."
Beca hung up the phone and grabbed Trish in a hug. Chloe met Aubrey and Stacie as they were coming into the hospital.
"I didn't think we'd see you today," Aubrey told Chloe, giving her a quick hug.
"I told you I'd be back to check on Trish," Chloe said. "Plus, I haven't decided what I'm going to do about the whole situation."
"Well," Stacie said grabbing Chloe in a hug. "I'm glad to see you."
Chloe laughed and they all walked to Trish's room together.
"Beca," Trish said. "I need to talk to you."
Beca sat on Trish's bed and faced her.
"What's up?," Beca asked.
Trish took Beca's hands.
The door to Trish's room was open so Chloe, Aubrey, and Stacie walked in. They stopped and stood in shock when they heard the words that were coming out of Trish's mouth.
Curious to know what you think Trish said to Beca. I promise to have an update posted within 48 hours so you'll know soon. Thanks for reading, awesome nerds!