Tessa entered the park, to find Mariah sitting on a bench. "Here I am," she cheerfully said, "I was a little surprised to get your text to meet you here."
Mariah looked up at her, Tessa could see the sadness in her eyes. "What is it?" Tessa said, sitting beside her, "What's wrong?"
"I…" Mariah said, unable to find the words, "I can't…" Tears slipped out, causing Tessa to hug her.
Thankful the restaurant at Society was not yet busy, Abby stood behind the bar, lost in her thoughts. She felt sad about Kyle, and was trying to think of something she could do to help him.
"Everything is all set for later today," Lola said, walking up to Abby.
Not getting a response, Lola said "Abby?"
Coming out of her trance, Abby said, "Sorry, what was that?"
"I was just saying, everything is in order in the kitchen," Lola said.
"Oh, that's good," Abby said.
Detecting Abby's unhappiness she said, "Are you alright? You don't seem yourself."
"I had some bad news earlier," Abby said, "I can't stop thinking about it."
"Anything you want to talk about?" Lola said.
Looking at Lola, Abby sighed.
Entering the apartment, Michael put his briefcase on the floor, before loosening his tie.
"There you are," Lauren said, entering the room, "So how did the meeting go?"
Thinking about the sad situation at the Abbott house, Michael was not listening. Realizing Lauren had spoken to him, he said, "I'm sorry, what?"
"The meeting for Fen's assault case," Lauren said, "What happened?"
"Oh, I dropped the charges," Michael said, walking past her.
"You did what?" Lauren said, "Why? That boy has to pay for what he did to our son."
"He is," Michael said.
"What does that mean?" Lauren said, "I can see you're upset. Did they pull some tactic to get you to drop the charges? It was something underhanded, I'm sure."
"Kyle has a brain tumor," Michael said, "It's cancer."
Lauren looked at Michael in disbelief. "No," she said, "They're sure?"
"It's very real," Michael said, "His chances do not seem good."
"He must be devastated," Lauren said.
"I'm sure you're right," Michael said, "But he seems to be putting up a good front."
"This is awful news," Lauren said, "I feel badly for him."
"All the way home, I just kept thinking," Michael started, "Kyle is not much older than Fen. How does this happen to someone his age?"
"Unfortunately it happens to all ages," Lauren said.
"It makes me more aware how lucky we are," Michael said, "You and I have each other also we have Fen and he is healthy."
"I'm thankful for the two of you every day," Lauren said.
"You know, you have kids," Michael said, "And you love them and protect them, you do everything you can to keep them safe. But you can't protect them from something like this."
"This must be so hard for Jack too," Lauren said, "What he must be going through."
"I know how I would feel if this were Fen," Michael said.
"Thankfully, it's not," Lauren said, "Hopefully, it never will be. Where is he anyway?"
"He was still at the Abbott's when I left," Michael said, "I'm sure he will be on his way home soon."
"When he gets home, I am going to give him a great big hug," Lauren said.
Fen sat on the patio of Crimson Lights, staring into his coffee. Thinking about everything that transpired that evening, he was startled when a voice said, "Are you planning to stay up all night?"
Fen looked up to see Summer, smiling as she sat across from him. "What do you mean?" he said.
"Having coffee at this time of day," Summer said, "You won't get much sleep."
"I didn't really want it," Fen said.
Noticing Fen was not very happy, Summer said, "Is something bothering you?" Fen shook his head.
"Oh come on," Summer said, "I can see you're upset. Tell me what's wrong."
Fen looked at Summer and then back down again. Reaching across the table, Summer took his hand and said, "You are starting to worry me. What is it?"
"Kyle," Fen said, before he looked up at her again.
"You didn't get into it with him again, did you?" Summer said, "What has he done this time?"
"Nothing," Fen said.
"Fen, you can tell me," Summer said.
Tessa had to prompt Mariah a few times, before Mariah could say anything. Mariah told of attending the family meeting at the Abbott house. How Kyle wanted her there, to let her and everyone else know he was not well. As Mariah spoke, Tessa was becoming more worried about what Mariah would say next. She could not have expected it, when Mariah told her about Kyle's cancer. Her eyes wide, Tessa shook her head, certain this could not be real. Mariah took her hands and confirmed it was happening and revealed his chances to survive. Tessa looked at Mariah in disbelief. Reaching out, the two of them shared a hug.
Lola looked at Abby in horror as she told her about Kyle's condition.
"No, it can't be," Lola said, turning away from her.
Abby explained all the information she knew. Taking Lola's hands, Abby became teary as she told Lola of the likely outcome. Tears spilled down Lola's cheeks as shook her head, not wanting to believe it was true. They hugged in an effort to console themselves and each other.
Fen spilled out Kyle's story to a shocked Summer. She became angry at first, accusing Fen of making up a horrible story about Kyle. Fen assured her, he would not make up such a lie, it was all true. Summer became emotional, more and more tears falling as Fen told her all of it. Summer cried and denied it could be true, except she knew it was. Crying harder, her heart was breaking for Kyle. She stood up wanting to go see him, but Fen convinced her to give him some time and space for awhile. He reassured her, Kyle has his family and they would visit him soon.
"This can't be happening," Summer said. Sobbing she fell into Fen's arms.
With Kyle having retreated upstairs, Rachel wandered around the Abbott living room alone. Kyle was constantly on her mind and her fears were creeping in. She wanted to do anything she could to help him, to console him. She felt Kyle had convinced himself he wasn't going to live long and she all but pleaded with him to think more positively. At the same time she knew he could be right and the thought of losing him broke her heart. She passed by the frames of the family pictures, picking up Kyle's, she lovingly ran her hand across it. Just when she thought she didn't have any tears left, more found their way out. The sound of the doorbell startling her, she replaced Kyle's photo and wiped away her tears as she approached the door.
Rachel pulled it open to reveal a friendly face. Tessa rushed towards her, consoling her friend, as she took a crying Rachel into her arms.
Deciding to grab lunch at the coffeehouse, Kevin was surprised to walk in and find Susie sitting at a table alone.
"Hi sweetheart," Kevin said.
"Hi Daddy," Susie smiled.
"Why are you here alone?" Kevin said.
"Mom and I are having lunch here," Susie said, "She's over there."
Kevin looked and saw Rachel paying at the front counter.
"How is it living with your Mom?" Kevin said.
"It's fun living in such a big house," Susie said.
"And are you getting along okay with Kyle?" Kevin said.
"He's so cute and he's really nice," Susie said, "And funny."
"I'm happy to hear things are going well," Kevin said.
"Mom is sad though," Susie said.
"She is?" Kevin said, "Why is she sad?"
"Because of Kyle," Susie said.
"Kyle?" Kevin said, "Were they fighting?"
"No, she's sad because he's sick," Susie said.
Kevin paused, before he said, "What do you mean?"
"He has this thing in his head that makes him sick," Susie said, "He said he has cancer."
Kevin stared at Susie in surprise. "Are you sure that's what he said?"
"I forget what he called the thing in his head," Susie said.
"A tumor?" Kevin said.
"I think that's it," Susie said.
"I'm going to go talk to your Mom for a minute," Kevin said, standing up.
Rachel turned away from the counter, almost walking into Kevin who was standing behind her. "Kevin," she said, "You're still here. All things considered, I thought you were going back home."
"You know who, went alone," Kevin said, "I have some things to take care of here."
"Do I want to know what that means?" Rachel said.
"No, you probably don't," Kevin said.
Rachel moved to get past Kevin, but when he remained in her path she said, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I heard about Kyle," Kevin said, "Cancer?"
"Where did you hear that?" Rachel said.
"Susie just told me," Kevin said, "She said you were sad."
"It's true, I'm really worried for him," Rachel said, "I was trying not to fall apart in front of her."
"Can I help out?" Kevin said, "If you need me to take Susie back for now, we can arrange something at a better time."
"No, she's being really great," Rachel said, "She's helping to keep Kyle's spirits up. We felt like we should be upfront with her about his illness. She would have picked up on it sooner or later. We told her it's nothing to worry about."
"I get the feeling you don't believe that," Kevin said.
"I hope he will get better," Rachel said, "But I'm afraid what will happen if he doesn't."
"I know it's hard," Kevin said, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I'm sure he will pull through."
"I want to believe that," Rachel said, unsuccessfully fighting her tears, "I'm trying to be strong for Kyle, but I don't know what I would do if I lost him."
"Come here," Kevin said, pulling her into a hug. "It's going to be okay," he soothed. It had been a long time since Rachel had needed Kevin to comfort her. She leaned on him in that moment, crying on his shoulder, as he softly rubbed her back.
Entering in by the patio, Fen was followed by Summer. Fen glanced across the room, pausing when he saw Rachel, in Kevin's arms. Noticing Fen's stare, Summer said, "What are we looking at?"
"That," Fen said, gesturing to Rachel and Kevin.
"So what?" Summer said.
"Her fiancé is in the fight of his life and instead of being with him she's hugging her ex," Fen said, "Very comfortably I might add."
"If you look closely, she's crying," Summer said, "I expect she's upset over Kyle. Kevin is offering her support. There's nothing wrong with that."
"Hi Fen," a younger voice cheerfully said. Summer and Fen looked to see Susie smiling at them.
"Susie," Fen said, pointing at her, "Nice to see you again." Susie smiled at him, her fingers twirling the end of her long hair.
"Are you going to introduce me to your friend?" Summer said.
"This is Susie," Fen said, "Believe it or not, she's my cousin."
"How's that?" Summer said.
"She's Kevin and Rachel's daughter," Fen said, "Susie, this is Summer."
Looking at Susie, Summer said, "It's nice to meet you."
"Hi," Susie said.
Noticing Susie looking warily at Summer, Fen said, "Summer is my girlfriend."
Susie's face fell and Summer realized, Susie was disappointed. While she thought it was cute this young girl had a crush on Fen, Summer tried to smooth things over by saying, "I like your outfit, it's really pretty."
Susie didn't respond, she only half smiled at Summer.
"Sorry about that," Rachel said, pulling out of her hug with Kevin.
"Don't apologize," Kevin said, "If you need anything, you can always count on me."
"Thank you for saying that," Rachel said. Looking back into the room, she became alarmed as she said, "Where is Susie?"
Kevin called her name, as they both ran out to the patio. Relief washed over Kevin and Rachel, when they saw her with Fen and Summer.
"Susie, don't walk away like that," Rachel said, "I didn't know where you were."
"She came over to say hi," Fen said.
"Mom, can we go home?" Susie said.
"Sure honey, in a minute," Rachel said.
"I want to go now," Susie said.
"I said in a minute," Rachel said.
"You know what," Kevin said, "I can take her home. You should stay for awhile and take a break."
"No, Kyle's going be waiting for me," Rachel said.
"You need to take care of yourself too," Kevin said.
"Alright," Rachel said, "As long you and Kyle can play nice."
"Scouts honor," Kevin smiled, as he and Susie left by the patio door.
"Susie seems upset," Rachel said, "Do you know what's wrong with her?"
"I am," Summer said.
"What did you do?" Rachel accused.
"It was not anything I did," Summer said, "Fen introduced me as his girlfriend. It's obvious Susie has a crush on Fen, so I think she was feeling a bit of jealousy."
"Her first broken heart," Rachel said, "Just what I need."
"She's family," Fen said, "I wouldn't mind spending time with her. Maybe if I do, she won't think of me as someone she has a crush on, but rather her cool older cousin."
Summer and Rachel did not say anything as they looked at him. "Could happen," Fen said.
"Sure it will," Summer smirked.
"I mean it," Fen said, "I could take her off your hands for a few hours. This way, I can give you and Kyle some time alone. I'm sure that would help both of you."
"You want to spend time with your little cousin," Summer said, "And you want to help Kyle. Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?"
Fen smiled, "Right here."
"Your who, what?" Rachel said.
"You didn't know we were together?" Summer said.
"Now that I think about it, Kyle might have mentioned it," Rachel said.
"How is he?" Summer said.
"As well as you could expect," Rachel said, "He is worried and trying so hard not to show it. I am doing what I can to keep his spirits up and he tries, he really does, but at the same time, he seems to have resigned himself to the fact that he won't live through this."
"That's not for sure though, right?" Fen said.
"Nothing is for sure," Rachel said.
"The Kyle I know doesn't give up," Summer said.
"He hasn't given up," Rachel said, "I'm afraid if things get worse, he will."
Hearing the crack in Rachel's voice, Summer said, "If Kyle is not able to believe in the best, then we will believe for him."
"I hate watching him go through this," Rachel said, "He has his moments where he gets so sad. It breaks my heart every time. As much as I try to comfort him, it never seems enough." Tears spilled down her face as she spoke.
"He may not say it, but I'm sure he appreciates everything you do for him," Fen said.
"Of course he does," Summer said.
Wiping her tears away, Rachel said, "I'm sorry, I can't seem to stop crying."
"That's understandable," Summer said. Moving forward Summer offered Rachel a hug. Welcoming the support, Rachel accepted the comfort.
"I'm so sorry you and Kyle are in this horrible situation," Summer said, "Would it be okay if we came to visit him?"
"I think he would like that," Rachel said, "Time with friends, would help him through this."
"Does that include me?" Fen said, "He and I have never been friends."
"I honestly don't think he would mind even if you were there too," Rachel said, "When you were at the house before, he came to life sharing insults back and forth with you."
"You insulted him?" Summer said.
"It was before I knew he was sick," Fen said.
"You were very nice to him after you found out," Rachel said, "He appreciated your offer of support."
"It's hard for all of us, to know he's suffering with this," Summer said.
"I should get back to him," Rachel said.
"I will call before coming by," Summer said, "To make sure it's a good time."
Rachel nodded. "Try not to worry," Fen said, "I'm sure he will be fine." He hugged Rachel, who lingered in the embrace, grateful for the comfort. Looking over at Summer, Fen could feel how sad Rachel was. Summer looked wistfully at Rachel as she, reached out and rubbed the back of Rachel's shoulder.
As Rachel straightened up, Fen said, "We are here for both of you."
"Thank you," Rachel said, "I really should go." Fen and Summer offered her smiles as she walked away.
Watching Rachel rush towards the coffeehouse exit, Summer said, "I feel so bad for them."
"Me too," Fen said.
"It makes you realize how lucky we are," Summer said, latching onto Fen for a hug.
Sitting with his legs up on the couch, in the Abbott living room, Kyle sifted through his tablet. He was on a mission to find something entertaining to divert his thoughts from his reality. If an article or video could make him smile, even if for just a few minutes, it was worth it. However, the more he searched, the items he came across had no appeal. Giving up on the online browsing, he turned his attention to files he had saved on the hard drive. Kyle was about to call it quits, when he paused, the title of a file catching his eye. Kyle read the title 'Wedding Plans' over a few times before opening the file.
Inside he found his and Rachel's engagement announcement, accompanied by a picture of the two of them. Kyle recalled how they had professional pictures taken and then selected the perfect photo to convey how much they loved each other. He sorted through different plans from theme colors and flowers, plus some elements he wanted in place, to surprise his bride. He hesitated as he came across a sub-folder labelled, 'Honeymoon'.
"I forgot to cancel," Kyle sighed to himself. His finger lingered over the file, unsure if he wanted to see the paradise he and Rachel had planned to share. He was about to click the file, when the doorbell diverted his attention. Shutting the tablet off, Kyle swung his legs over the side of the couch, and made his way across the room.
Opening the door, he paused when he saw his surprise visitor. "What are you doing here?" Kyle softly said.
"I had to come," Lola said.
Kyle sighed as he stepped aside, inviting her in.
"I hope it's okay I'm here," Lola said, "Rachel's not around is she?" Kyle looked at her questioningly. "The restraining order," Lola reminded.
"I'd forgotten about that," Kyle said, "Rachel's out with her daughter."
"She has a daughter?" Lola said.
"Yes, she does," Kyle said, "She was separated from her for some time, and they have just reconnected."
"How old is she?" Lola said.
"Twelve," Kyle said.
"Wow," Lola said, "Right from the start, there's a child in your life."
"I like her," Kyle said, "We get along. Well, so far for someone who is almost a teenager."
"Sounds like a challenge," Lola said.
"I'm up for it," Kyle said.
Silence presented itself between them, until Kyle said, "You know."
"Abby told me," Lola said, "How are you doing?"
"That depends on the day," Kyle said, "Some are worse than others."
"What about today?" Lola said.
"Not so bad," Kyle said.
"You look tired," Lola said.
"I get worn out more easily nowadays," Kyle said, "Partly because of my illness and partly due to the medication I'm taking."
Lola moved closer to merge into a hug with Kyle. Lingering in his arms, she said, "I'm so sorry you are dealing with this."
"Me too," Kyle said, pulling out of the hug. He sat on the couch, inviting her to join him.
"I understand you're having surgery," Lola said.
"Soon," Kyle said, "I would be lying if I said, I wasn't really nervous about it."
"Of course you are," Lola said, "It is really scary, but I know you and you will come through it just fine."
"I hope so," Kyle said.
"What does this mean for everything else?" Lola said.
"I don't know what the future looks like," Kyle said, "Or if I even have one."
"Don't say that," Lola said.
"Let's talk about something else," Kyle said.
"I'm assuming you had to cancel the wedding," Lola said.
"Postponed," Kyle said.
"You are still going through with it?" Lola said.
"Of course we are," Kyle said, "Rachel and I want to get married as soon as we can. We are just not sure when. It's wait and see mode for now."
Moving closer to him, Lola said, "Don't."
"What?" Kyle said.
"Don't go through with it," Lola said, "Don't marry her."
"Lola, what are you talking about?" Kyle said, "Of course I'm going through with it."
"I know you think you are doing the right thing," Lola said.
"I love her," Kyle said, "Very much."
"I can offer you more," Lola said, taking one of his hands, "I will never leave your side."
"Lola…" Kyle said.
"I will stay with you, I can take care of you," Lola said, "I will do whatever it takes to get you through this difficult time."
"I appreciate that you care," Kyle said, "It's so sweet that you want to help, but I can't accept what you're offering."
"We could be so happy together," Lola pleaded.
"You should not be saying things like this to me," Kyle said.
"I still love you," Lola said, "If you are honest with yourself, you love me too."
"Yes, I do," Kyle said, "As a friend."
"We were meant to be," Lola said, "You can get over Rachel, just come with me and we can have a wonderful life together."
"Are you listening to yourself?" Kyle said, "I'm sorry you are having trouble accepting the truth, but I am not walking away from my relationship with Rachel. I happen to be deeply in love with her and we are getting married."
"We had something so special," Lola said, "I refuse to believe we can just throw that away. I will take you back, just admit you want the same thing."
"I don't," Kyle said, "We are never going to be together again. I'm sorry if that hurts, but you and I are a thing of the past."
Lola pulled Kyle towards her, kissing him. Kyle was on the verge of kissing her back, when the slamming of the front door interrupted them. Kyle and Lola looked up to see Rachel staring at them in disbelief.
"Rachel…" Kyle said, catching his breath.
"What in the holy hills is going on here?" Rachel angrily said.
Kyle stood up, quickly gripping the arm of the couch, as he lost his balance. Despite her anger towards him, Rachel rushed over to help steady him, as Lola took his other arm to support him.
"Kyle?" Lola said.
Gaining his strength back to support himself, Kyle said, "I'm okay."
"What is she doing here?" Rachel said.
"Lola, came to visit," Kyle said.
"I can see that," Rachel said. Focusing on Lola, she said, "Do you have a good excuse for kissing my fiancé?"
"He still loves me," Lola announced.
"No, I don't," Kyle said.
"You told me you did," Lola said, "Don't deny it."
"Yes, I said, as a friend," Kyle said, "Nothing more."
"You don't love her the way you love me," Lola said, "I know we could be such a perfect fit together. Stop fighting what you know is true."
"What's true, is I am with someone I love and it's not you," Kyle said.
"We were so happy until she stole you from me!" Lola persisted, "She robbed us of a wonderful life together!"
"Okay, stop," Kyle said, "First of all, she did not steal me away. We were over and I wanted to be with Rachel. Second, there is no you and me. There never will be. Are you hearing me?"
"Why were you kissing her then?" Rachel said.
"She kissed me," Kyle said, "I did not ask her or want her to."
Stepping closer to Lola, Rachel said, "How dare you. To come over here and take advantage of Kyle, at the most difficult time of his life, and to use that, to not only seduce him, but to get him to take you back. It's disgusting Lola. You are a disgrace, so grow up and get it through your head that Kyle does not want you anymore. If this is the way you are going to treat him, then you don't deserve him anyway. Stay away from him. Now get out of our house."
"Your house?" Lola said, "Not yet."
"Lola, it's time for you to go," Kyle said.
"You can deny it all you want," Lola said, grabbing her purse, "You still love me."
"I swear, I will throw you out," Rachel said, "Or we can call the police since you are violating the restraining order."
"You had better take good care of him," Lola said, "Especially now."
"You had better leave," Rachel said.
Lola looked across the room. "Kyle…" she said.
"Go," Kyle said.
Lola turned and left the house without looking back.
"What was that?" Rachel said.
"I don't know, I've never seen her act that way before," Kyle said, "By the way, where is Susie?"
"Kevin came by the coffeehouse," Rachel said, "He took her out for a little while, insisting I take a break."
"I'm sure you needed one," Kyle said, "I know this whole thing is hard for you too. I hope it worked."
"I hung out with Summer and Fen," Rachel said.
"With who?" Kyle said.
"They were actually really nice," Rachel said.
"If you say so," Kyle said.
"They care about you," Rachel said.
"Maybe Summer does," Kyle said.
"They both do," Rachel said, "Fen is concerned about you. He would never wish this on you. He is trying to be your friend. Why do you hate that?"
"I don't hate the guy," Kyle said, "I do find him extremely irritating."
"Even the other day, when he offered to help," Rachel said.
"This is not the first time you have championed for he and I to be friends," Kyle said, "Am I missing something?"
"Face it, he's Susie's cousin. That makes him family," Rachel said.
"For her it does," Kyle said, "It doesn't mean we have to make him part of ours."
"There is still that connection," Rachel said.
"I prefer not to think about it," Kyle said.
"Still," Rachel said, "Aren't you short a few groomsmen for the wedding?"
Kyle stared at Rachel. "You have got to kidding," he said, "What makes you think I want to ask him?"
"Fen might surprise you and say yes," Rachel said.
"I don't want him to say anything," Kyle said, "Besides, I thought we weren't making any plans until after next week."
"I've been thinking about that," Rachel said.
"So have I," Kyle said.
"I know you are worried," Rachel said, "So, I thought we could do something about that."
"Like what?" Kyle said.
"What would you think if went up to the cabin a few days before your surgery," Rachel said, "No doctors, no appointments or hospitals, no tumor. Just you and me spending every minute together in our own world. I'm sure we could occupy ourselves."
"It sounds wonderful," Kyle said, "You really think we could pull it off?
"It's worth a try," Rachel said, "We will have you back in time for the big day."
Kyle nodded. "I think I could handle some alone time with you." He smiled at her.
Smiling back, Rachel said, "It will be our own paradise."
"Yeah, it will," Kyle said, "Have I told you I love you?"
"Not in a few hours," Rachel said.
"We can't have that," Kyle said.
"I love you too," Rachel said, as Kyle pulled her into a kiss. Rachel snuggled close to Kyle, as he held her in his arms.
They were both lost in the same thought. Was this the last chance they would have to be together romantically? With surgery just a matter of days away, both feared, time may be running out, for Kyle.