"Should he be waking up soon?" Rachel said, as she and Jack, watched Dr. Hasting's check Kyle's condition.
"I don't expect it will be much longer," Dr. Hastings said, "I know you are anxious to visit with him, but Kyle will not be very alert and will be very sleepy. Keep any questions and discussion for another time."
"We just want to let him know we are here," Rachel said.
"You mentioned medications," Jack said, "What is he having now?"
"He is on antibiotic treatment to prevent infection," Dr. Hastings said, "As well as pain reliever."
"He won't be a lot of pain, will he?" Rachel said.
"He could," Dr. Hastings said, "Each case is different. Not to worry, we can adjust the dosage if necessary to make sure he is comfortable."
"When can we anticipate the remaining test results?" Jack said.
"I will let you know as soon as I have them," Dr. Hastings said, "I will be back in a little while to check on him."
"Thank you," Jack said.
Rachel walked towards Kyle's beside, looking down at him she said, "He's been through so much."
"His condition is good," Jack said.
"We almost lost him," Rachel said, tears coming to her eyes.
"We didn't" Jack said, putting reassuring hands on her shoulders, "He found his way back to us."
"I owe you a huge apology," Rachel said, turning to face Jack, "For the way I reacted when you made the decision to continue the surgery. I'm sorry, I never should have spoken to you so harshly."
"I understand you were scared and worried," Jack said.
"I thought you had made the wrong choice," Rachel said, "Obviously, it was the right one. If it was up to me I would have done it differently and Kyle would have ended up suffering more. I hope nothing like this happens to him in the future, but things like this will be up to me once we are married. What if my judgement is off and I make the wrong choices to help him and I end up hurting him?"
"You are letting your fears get to you," Jack said, "I had no idea if I was making the right decision for Kyle. Thankfully, it worked to his advantage. Kyle trusts you to do what is best, if a situation is out of his hands. Your love for him will guide you to take care of him, if need be."
"I am sorry for doubting you," Rachel said, "I know you will always do what is best for Kyle."
"No apology necessary," Jack said, "I know you love him too."
A small groan from Kyle's bed, sent Rachel and Jack rushing to his side.
"Kyle?" Jack said, as Kyle stirred.
Following another small sound from Kyle, his eyes fluttered open. Kyle closed his eyes and opened them a few times, before he was able to focus on Jack.
"Kyle?" Jack said, "Can you hear me?"
"Dad," Kyle groggily said.
Smiling, Jack said, "It's good to see you awake. You don't have to worry the surgery went fine."
"I'm okay?" Kyle said.
"You're better than okay," Jack said, "The doctors were able to remove the entire tumor."
"They did?" Kyle said.
"Sure did," Jack said, "Also there is someone else who is anxious to see you."
Rachel took Jack's place beside Kyle, taking his hand in hers. "Hi there," she smiled.
Not able to focus on her, Kyle said, "Mom?"
Surprised, Jack stared at Kyle. "It's me," Rachel said, "It's Rachel."
Kyle was struggling to wake up more as he stammered, "I don't…Mom?"
Rachel shared a look with Jack, before she said, "She's not here right now. It's me, the one you promised to marry, remember?"
Opening his eyes and able to better focus, Kyle said, "Rachel."
"Hi," she smiled, "You made it."
"Where…?" Kyle said.
"You're in the hospital," Rachel said, "You had surgery."
"What happened?" Kyle said.
"We can talk about that later," Rachel said, "I promise you everything is just fine."
"How are you feeling?" Jack said.
"So tired," Kyle said, fighting to stay awake.
"That's okay," Rachel said, "You go back to sleep if you need to. I'm going to be right here. I love you."
Kyle muttered, a sleepy, "I love you too," before drifting off.
Jack leaned in to Rachel and said, "What do you say we go home and get some rest. We can come back first thing tomorrow."
"I'm not leaving him," Rachel said.
"He's likely going to sleep most of the night," Jack said, "Which is what you need."
"I need to be with Kyle," Rachel said, "I am going to stay with him."
Knowing Rachel was firm in her decision, Jack nodded and said, "Try to get some sleep yourself. Tell Kyle I will be back in the morning."
"I will," Rachel said, sharing a hug with Jack, before he left.
Rachel drifted in and out of sleep, checking on Kyle each time she woke and taking a few short walks in the hallway to stretch her legs. She sat at Kyle's beside, watching him slumber, until her own need for sleep took over, her head slipping to the side of the mattress as she dozed off.
A gentle sensation of rubbing against her cheek, caused her to stir, when she heard a familiar voice, "Rachel?"
Waking she sat upright, to see a slightly propped Kyle, smiling at her. "Time to wake up," he said.
"You're awake," Rachel said.
"I've been awake for awhile," Kyle said, "When I saw you , I was not sure if I was dreaming or not. I didn't want to disturb you."
"It's so good to see you awake," Rachel said, "You made it through."
"I can see that," Kyle said, "Color me surprised."
"How do you feel?" Rachel said.
"Okay, I guess," Kyle said, "I'm alive…for now."
"We are going to do everything we can to make sure you stay that way," Rachel said.
"What happened with the surgery?" Kyle said.
"Don't you remember, we told you already," Rachel said.
"What are you talking about?" Kyle said.
"Last night, when you first woke up," Rachel said, "Your Dad and I were here. We told you the outcome."
"I don't remember," Kyle said, "The last thing I knew I was in the operating room, until I woke up here."
"You were pretty out of it," Rachel said, "Let me tell you what happened."
"You don't have to," Kyle said, "I know already."
"Did you talk to the doctor?" Rachel said.
"No," Kyle said, "But judging from the way my head hurts, I can tell the tumor hasn't been completely removed. I guess they couldn't get all of it."
"Kyle…" Rachel started.
"It's okay, I'm not going to fall apart," Kyle said, "I knew things could turn out this way."
"But Kyle…" Rachel started again, interrupted when the room door opened and Dr. Hastings stepped inside.
"Good morning," Dr. Hastings smiled, "This is what I like to see. My patient alert the day after surgery. How are you feeling?"
"Like I had my head cut open," Kyle said.
"It's nice to see the sense of humor too," Dr. Hastings said, "Are you experiencing any pain?"
"My head hurts," Kyle said, "I guess the surgery was not as successful as we hoped."
"He doesn't remember Jack and I being here yesterday," Rachel said.
"Not uncommon," Dr. Hastings said, "I would like to clarify your prognosis."
"Sure," Kyle sighed.
"Do you want the good news?" Dr. Hastings said, "Or the not so good news?"
"Might as well start with the bad news," Kyle said.
"The bad news is you are going to have to stay in the hospital for the next four or five days," Dr. Hastings said.
"And the rest of the bad news, you couldn't get the entire tumor," Kyle said, "How much were you able to remove? Or couldn't you do any of it?"
"We got about 100%," Dr. Hastings smiled.
Kyle stared at the doctor. "Are you telling me…" Kyle started.
"We got all of it out," Dr. Hastings said, as a smile crossed Kyle's face, "Kyle, you no longer have a brain tumor."
Kyle slightly laughed in disbelief, looking at Rachel, as she smiled and took his hand. "Did you know about this?" Kyle said.
"Dr. Hastings told us yesterday," Rachel said.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Kyle said.
"We told you last night," Rachel reminded, "When I realized you did not remember, I tried to tell you, except I couldn't get a word out before the doctor came in."
"You were right, that was good news," Kyle said.
"There's more," Dr. Hastings said.
"More good or bad?" Kyle said.
"We did some tests and screening, during the surgery," Dr. Hastings said, "To assess the progression of the cancer and get an overall view of your condition."
"And…?" Kyle said, squeezing Rachel's hand tighter.
"I checked the results, I re-ran some tests, and double checked to be sure," Dr. Hastings said, "I could not find a single trace of the cancer in your body."
Kyle paused, before looking at Rachel, "What did he say?" Kyle said.
Kyle focused on the doctor again, who he smiled and said, "You my friend, are cancer-free."
Rachel and Kyle both smiled as, Kyle said, "How is that possible?"
"You are a living breathing miracle," Dr. Hastings said, "You must have a guardian angel watching over you."
Remembering his encounter with his mother, Kyle said, "Yeah, I guess I do."
Rachel leaned over and kissed Kyle on the cheek. "Marry me," Kyle said.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Rachel said.
"You still have a long way to go recovery wise," Dr. Hastings said.
"I know, I will follow all your instructions," Kyle said, "Then we will have a wedding."
"Alright," Dr. Hastings smiled, "I will leave you to celebrate for awhile and when I come back we will see about getting you up and on your feet."
"Something tells me that won't be fun," Kyle said.
Jack opened the door to Kyle's hospital room to find Kyle standing on his feet, supported on each side by Dr. Hastings and Rachel.
Kyle smiled when he saw his father, who returned the smile, as he said, "Well, this is a marked improvement since the last time I saw you."
"One small step for man," Kyle said, as he was helped back towards the bed.
"One giant leap towards recovery," Jack said.
"I don't know about that," Kyle said, as the doctor assisted him onto the bed.
"He's doing really well," Rachel said.
"I agree," Dr. Hastings said, "I want you to try walking in a few hours. Just a few feet, but you are not to try without assistance."
"Don't worry, I don't think I could," Kyle said.
"Are you feeling okay?" Jack said.
"Okay, under the circumstances," Kyle said, "But for some reason my head hurts."
Waiving his hand at Kyle, Jack smiled, "He's going to be fine."
"Maybe you should tell him about the test results," Rachel said.
"You have them?" Jack said.
"Yeah, I got them," Kyle sighed.
"Has it spread?" Jack said.
"The doctor tells me I am 100% cancer free," Kyle said, his smile returning.
"It's completely gone?" Jack said. Looking at the doctor he said, "Is that true?"
"Very much so," Dr. Hastings said, "I wish all my patients were as healthy as Kyle."
Jack was at a loss for words as he gave his son a gentle hug. "This is so much better than we hoped for," Jack said.
"I still can't believe it," Kyle said.
"So, it's just matter of recovery from the surgery, right?" Rachel said.
"Yes," Dr. Hastings said, "It's a difficult journey, but Kyle will be as good as new."
"Better than new," Kyle smiled, "How long do I have to stay?"
Jack smirked as Dr. Hastings said, "As discussed four or five days, depending on how well you progress in your recovery."
"Four days," Kyle mused.
"Don't push yourself," Rachel said.
"That's good advice," Dr. Hastings said. Addressing Rachel, he said, "You should take my advice and go home, get some rest, eat something."
"Have you been here since I went in for surgery?" Kyle said.
"Of course," Rachel said, "I wanted to be here for you."
"I love you for that," Kyle said, "But it's okay for you to go."
"Are you sure?" Rachel said.
Reaching out Kyle took her hand and said, "Rachel, go home."
"Alright," she sighed. She leaned in and shared a quick kiss with him.
"The patient is supposed to be resting," Dr. Hastings joked.
"Believe me, that was the best medicine I could ask for," Kyle said.
Rachel laughed, "I'll be back later."
"I'll be here," Kyle said.
"You are quiet this morning," Tessa said, putting coffee in front of Mariah, as they say at the coffeehouse, "I don't suppose I have to ask why. You are thinking about Kyle."
"I wonder how he's doing," Mariah said, "What's next for him."
"They got rid of the tumor," Tessa said, "That's a good sign."
"It is," Mariah said, "Let's hope his good fortune continues."
"You know what we need?" Tessa said, "Pastry. I'll get us a couple."
"No, that's okay," Mariah said.
"I think today it's warranted," Tessa said, standing up and walking to the counter.
Mariah sat back in her chair with a sigh. Hearing the beep on her phone, she reached for it, a smile crossing her face as she read her text message from Rachel. Startled by a shriek across the room, Mariah looked to see Tessa reading the same message on her phone. Rushing to hug each other, they cheered the good news about Kyle.
"What did I miss?" Theo was standing next to them, amused by their excitement.
Not even Theo's presence could damper Mariah's spirits. "Kyle," Mariah said, "He's okay. He's cancer-free!"
"It's gone?" Theo said, "I didn't know he had the surgery already."
"Yesterday," Tessa said, "Now he's going to be alright."
"Excellent," Theo said.
"You almost sound like you mean that," Mariah said.
"I do," Theo said, "I felt bad for him."
"Then where were you yesterday, when we were all at the hospital to support him," Mariah said.
"If anyone had bothered to let me know, I would have been," Theo said.
"You never bothered to ask," Tessa said.
"I am just glad things turned out for the best," Theo said, before walking away.
Juggling folders and a coffee, walking through the halls of Jabot, Summer did not see Billy come around the corner into her path. Papers and the coffee fell to the floor as the two collided.
"I'm sorry," Summer said, looking up to see Billy, "Oh, it's you."
"So, you're not sorry anymore?" Billy said.
Bending to pick up her papers, Summer said, "What a mess."
Assisting Summer to retrieve some of her work, Billy said, "It's okay, we can get housekeeping to clean this up."
Standing at the same time, Billy handed Summer some of her folders. "Thanks," she said.
The beeping of both their phones, caused Summer to put her work on a nearby desk. Standing across from each other, reading their message about Kyle, caused them both to smile. Looking at each other Summer, said, "This is such wonderful news."
"It sure is," Billy said, moving in to hug Summer, only to have her push him away.
"Don't you ever do that again," Summer said.
"What?" Billy said, "I thought we were sharing our mutual happiness about Kyle."
"I am very relieved that he is going to be okay," Summer said, "But that does not give you the right to try and hug me."
"Come again?" Billy said.
"After what you have done to me, you don't get to touch me ever again," Summer said, walking away.
Excited to share to good news of Kyle's recovery, Rachel sent messages to everyone who had been at the hospital. Overjoyed to receive the news, Abby startled some of her early morning patrons at Society, with her squeal of delight.
Rushing out from the kitchen, Lola said, "Abby, are you alright?"
"It's Kyle," Abby said.
"What's happened?" Lola worried.
"He has good news," Abby beamed, "The cancer is all gone!"
"Completely?" Lola said.
"Yes," Abby said, sharing a hug with Lola.
"Ashley come quick!" Traci called from the living room.
Rushing in from the dining area, phone in hand, Ashley smiled, "Did you get the text about Kyle?"
"I can't believe it," Traci said, "This nightmare for Kyle is finally over."
"He has to recover first," Ashley said, "That will be rough on him."
"I know, but this is such fantastic news!" Traci said.
"I am so happy for him," Ashley said, hugging her sister.
Sitting in front of a coffee, Fen responded to his phone. He read the message over a few times before putting his phone down. Lifting his coffee, he paused. "Way to go," Fen smiled, before taking a sip.
"It's nice to see you smile again," Jack said.
"It's such a relief," Kyle said.
"You know, you gave us a bit of a scare," Jack said.
"I wasn't very optimistic about all this," Kyle said, "I didn't mean to upset anyone."
"That's not what I meant," Jack said, "Were you told about the surgery?"
"What's to tell?" Kyle said, "It all went smoothly right?"
"No one told you," Jack said, taking a seat beside Kyle, "You had a distress episode during the surgery."
"I what?" Kyle said.
"Your heart rate, blood pressure, all your vitals dropped very low," Jack said.
"How low?" Kyle said.
"It was serious," Jack said, "The doctors were able to stabilize you, and Dr. Hastings came to ask me if I wanted them to continue the surgery, in which case you might have another episode."
"Are you saying I could have died?" Kyle said.
"It was a remote possibility," Jack said, "But yes that was a concern." Jack collected himself before continuing, "There was the option to cancel the procedure and use other therapies for treatment." Jack became emotional as he continued, "I wanted to make the right decision, the route of less suffering, so I told them to continue the surgery. Sitting in that waiting room, I was afraid at any minute the doctor would come out and tell me the worst news. That I made the wrong choice."
"Dad," Kyle said, "You did the right thing. I am here, recovering. It all worked out. If you had chosen the other option, who knows how bad things could have become over time. By making the decision you did, you saved my life. I'll never be able to thank you enough."
"You don't have to thank me," Jack said, "I would do anything for you."
Kyle shared a smile with Jack, before saying, "Can I tell you something, without you thinking I am completely crazy?"
"I would never think that," Jack said.
"When I was under the anesthesia something happened," Kyle started, "I don't know how, but I was at the lake by the cabin. Mom was there. She looked so beautiful and she spoke to me. She told me she was there to help me. I had a choice to make too. To stay with her or come back to my life here."
"You chose to come back," Jack said.
"I almost stayed with her," Kyle said, "I missed her so much I didn't want to be apart from her again. To see her, hear her voice, touch her, I can't explain it, but this wasn't a dream, it was real."
"I believe you," Jack said, "Your mother has been watching over you. I'm glad you were able to have that moment with her."
"She hugged me and I didn't want to let go," Kyle said.
"But you did let go," Jack said.
"She told me I had future to live for," Kyle said, "She didn't say I would recover, but I think somehow she knew."
"I always believed you were destined for greatness," Jack said.
Kyle laughed. "She said the exact same thing to me," he said.
"Then it must be true," Jack said.
Both looked up as there was a slight knock on the door, and someone appeared in the entrance way.
"Lola," Kyle said.
"May I come in?" Lola said.
"Of course," Kyle said.
"Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt," Lola said.
"Not at all," Jack said, "I am going to let you two visit. Lola nice to see you."
"You as well," Lola said, as Jack left the room.
"I am surprised to see you," Kyle said.
"I had to come," Lola said, "I heard the good news of your recovery. Do you mind that I came? Would you rather I leave?"
"No, it's nice to see you," Kyle said.
"It's good to see you doing so well," Lola said, "I was here yesterday, but I wasn't welcomed with open arms by the others. I waited close by, I was so worried for you."
"No worries now," Kyle said, "I mean I don't feel great right now, but I know I will in a matter of weeks."
"You must be so relieved," Lola said.
"Dancing on air," Kyle said, "So to speak."
"I don't think you will be doing any dancing anytime soon," Lola laughed.
"Probably not," Kyle said.
"I guess this means you have a wedding to attend," Lola said.
"We shouldn't talk about that," Kyle said.
"I'm happy for you," Lola said, "Both of you."
"Thanks," Kyle said, "It's exciting for me and Rachel."
Lola nodded. "You look tired," she said, "I should go and let you rest."
"I am a little sleepy," Kyle said.
"I just wanted to tell you how glad I am everything turned out alright," Lola said.
"Me too," Kyle said.
"I wish you a speedy recovery," Lola said. Leaning in she kissed his cheek, pausing when she noticed the warmth of his skin.
"Kyle?" Lola said, resting her hand against his cheek.
"What is it?" Kyle mumbled, his voice weak.
Lola felt Kyle's forehead, her eyes wide. "Oh, no," she said, scrambling to the doorway. "Somebody help!" she cried.
Rushing over Jack said, "What's wrong?"
"It's Kyle, he's very feverish and he seems weaker now," Lola said.
Jack rushed in and felt Kyle's forehead. "He's burning up," Jack said, "Kyle, can you hear me?"
"Dad," Kyle said, unable to keep his eyes open.
Alarms began to go off, from the medical equipment next to Kyle.
"I'm getting the doctor," Jack said, just as the door opened and the doctor walked in with a few other medical staff.
"He seems to have a high fever," Jack said.
"Sir, you need to step outside," a nurse said.
"Kyle?" Dr. Hastings said, "Kyle, can you understand me?" Kyle lay unresponsive to the doctor's inquiries.
What's wrong with him?" Jack said.
"Jack, you will have to wait in the other room," Dr. Hastings said.
"But he was okay…" Jack said.
"Let us work on him," Dr. Hastings said, guiding Jack out the door, "I will let you know his condition when I can."
Jack stood feeling helpless as he slowly stepped away from the door.
"What happened?" Lola said.
"I don't know," Jack said, worry streaking his face.
Rachel was happily talking with Ashley and Traci, relieved about Kyle and looking forward to their future together.
"It's wonderful to see you so happy," Traci said, "I imagine Kyle feels the same."
"I am going to do everything I can, to make his recovery easier for him," Rachel said.
"We all will," Ashley said, "He won't be able to get rid of us."
"I feel like everything is finally coming together," Rachel said, "Getting Kyle well is the most important thing."
"Then you will have the wedding of your dreams," Ashley said.
"Ashley, I'm sorry I didn't ask you to be a bridesmaid," Rachel said, "I asked Traci."
"No worries," Ashley said, "I'm thrilled about your impending wedding. As long as I am invited."
"Of course you are," Rachel said, "Kyle and I really want the whole family to be there."
"I am very excited you are going to officially be part of this family," Traci said.
"I second that," Ashley said.
Rachel's phone signaled a call coming in. "Excuse me," Rachel said. Picking up her phone she recognized the name. "Hi Jack," Rachel said, "How is everything?"
"You should come," Jack said.
"What's wrong?" Rachel said.
"Kyle…he's gone into distress again," Jack said.
Rachel felt as if she was hit by a thunderbolt. "No…" she said, as Ashley and Traci exchanged concerned glances.
"Is he going to be alright?" Rachel said panicked.
"I don't know," Jack said.
"I'm on my way," Rachel said, ending her call.
"What is it?" Traci said.
"Kyle's in distress again," Rachel said, "I have to get to him."
"I'll drive you," Ashley said, as she and Traci rushed after Rachel.