The children sat in the living room in shock. Gracie was leaning against her father, sobbing in his arms. Maggie was also crying silent tears. Brighton was incapable of any movement. No one wanted to believe what their father had just told them. For weeks they had been angry and distraught, thinking Fran no longer loved and left them and now they learned their Fran, their dearly beloved Fran was gravely ill. Maxwell had done his best to tell his children the truth as gently as possible, but how should you convey such a truth gently. "I don't understand it dad! Fran didn't say anything the whole time. Even when we were yelling and screaming at her. Just because she wanted to protect us?" "You know Brighton, Fran was convinced it would be the best if none of her loved ones witness her suffering. She didn't want to burden us." "So what's happening with Fran now?" wanted Maggie to know. "Well the doctors have planned a long complicated treatment. A combination of radiation and chemotherapy. With a little luck the tumor will shrink and can be operated on. Anyway, it will take many months and Fran will feel very bad at times because of the side effects. No one can yet estimate what exactly will happen to her in the near future."

Everyone was silent for a while. "Anyway, the next few months will not be easy. For none of us and we can only make it if we all stick together." All three nodded. "So what can we do to help Fran?" wanted Gracie to know. "Well the thing is this, I'm going to fly back to Malibu to be with Fran. Because there's some good news too. (Three pairs of eyes stared at him expectantly) Fran and I are now officially a couple!" Sounds of cheers were heard but quickly everyone turned serious again. "For this reason, I have promised Fran to stand by her side. That's why I have to ask you to be even more independent and responsible than you already are. Niles will take care of you of course, but you should relieve him as much as possible. Believe me, it's hard for me to leave you alone right now but Fran needs me more." "Of course Dad, we'll be fine. Don't worry about us." Everyone nodded in understanding. They understood that their father didn't want to leave Fran alone and thought his decision was right. A little later Brighton was in his room thinking about what gift he could give to Fran. He tried to write a letter, but he couldn't think of the right words. Then his eyes fell on his video camera and he had an idea. He took it and the tripod and knocked on Maggie's bedroom door.

Fran was sitting by the open window, enjoying the sun's rays. Savoring every moment she could still enjoy. At the moment, she was doing quite well thanks to the drugs. Fran thought with horror about the beginning of the chemotherapy. In the last few days, she had been examined again and again by all kinds of doctors, who had asked her a thousand questions and confused her with lots of information. She felt completely lost. Longingly she waited for the moment when Maxwell would come back. She had never wanted someone to be with her so much. She counted the hours and minutes until his arrival.

RING! Fran jumped up and ran to the phone. "Max is that you?" "How did you know? I wanted to surprise you." "I was just thinking about you and hoping it was you. How are you and the kids?" "I just told the kids everything." Fran held her breath for a moment. "And how did they react?" "Well they were pretty shaken up but overall they took it quite well. Anyway, they were very happy that we are involved now. Now they're in their rooms concocting something." "Give them all a hug from me and tell them I miss them and love them very much." Fran fought back her tears. "I will and how are you doing darling?" "I'm fine, just a lot of headaches at night and these examinations are getting on my nerves." "I can understand you darling, but the doctors are just doing their job." "I know..." Niles knocked and signaled to his boss that dinner was ready. "Fran I have to go, Niles called for dinner and you know him. He doesn't like it at all when you let the food get cold." "Well go ahead and make Niles happy. I love you!" "I love you too!" Fran hung up and dropped onto the bed in despair. She had been thrilled to hear his voice at first, but now she felt terribly lonely. If that stupid thing wasn't in her head, she could be sitting at dinner with everyone. Instead, she was miles away from her loved ones. Fran rummaged under her pillow for the picture. She was overcome with a terrible crying fit. A nurse who came to check on her gave her a mild sedative, so Fran finally fell asleep, exhausted.

The next day, Maxwell had a serious conversation with CC, explaining the circumstances and informing her of his plan to spend the next time with Fran at the clinic and work from there. CC reacted with disapproval, sure she felt sorry for Fran but she didn't want to accept she should hold down the fort for months on her own. "It's really not necessary Maxwell for you to be with her all the time. She is surely being cared for excellently in this clinic, so why do you have to be there as well. It's enough if you go and visit her from time to time." Don't you understand CC, I promised Fran to be with her and I will keep my promise. Even though you should understand, in Fran's situation it's important to have a supporter as comfort. I know I ask a lot from you and I am willing to organize any help to take the pressure off you. We can hire an assistant and other employees who can take care of the daily tasks. But nothing will stop me from flying back to Fran." CC gave in with a grumble. She could see his determination. "I'm just wondering why you're doing all this. She's not even your nanny anymore." Maxwell hesitated, knowing the truth would crush CC, but maybe she needed to hear the truth. "I'm doing this because I love Fran and she's one of the most important person in my life." CC looked at him with wide shocked eyes. Actually, she shouldn't have been surprised. After all, Maxwell had been in love with Fran for years, but since her departure, the hope of one day becoming Mrs. Sheffield had been rekindled in CC and now it was all dashed again.

In the afternoon Maxwell went to Fran's parents, her sister Nadine and Val were also there. Silvia had caught herself a little in the last few days and was doing her best to deal with the situation. She had had several phone conversations with Fran and both women had talked openly and honestly about everything, including their pain and fear. Silvia wanted to be strong for her daughter. Together they discussed how they could best handle the next time. Nadine agreed to take more care of her parents and take over Fran's tasks. Val and Silvia were happy to support Niles and take care of the children. All of them had gifts for Fran, which Maxwell was supposed to take with him.

In the evening he talked to Fran on the phone. She was still in her depression. She tried hard to sound cheerful but Maxwell knew her too well. "What's the matter with you, darling?" "It's nothing, don't worry about me. It's just that I feel so alone and abandoned. Everyone here wants something from me and stares at me like I'm an alien. I don't understand much of the crab the doctors are telling me and I panic about what's coming and I miss you." All of this came out of her mouth in a rapid flow of speech. Maxwell did his best to comfort her. "I'll be back soon!" Try to distract yourself. You can't let yourself get crazy!" "I'm trying!" They talked on the phone for another hour. After they hung up, Maxwell pondered until he made a decision. "Niles...Niles...NILES!" " Yes sir! It's really enough if you call once." "Yes all right, call the airport immediately and check if there is a seat available on one of tomorrow's flights to Malibu." "Tomorrow? But you said you weren't flying until the day after tomorrow." "Go ahead Niles!" Maxwell picked up his briefcase and packed all the paperwork he would need in the near future. That's when Niles came back in. "Sir! There's one seat left on the plane tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock." "Perfect, book the flight and call the hotel and then pack my bags please." "Of course sir!" Maxwell finished packing his briefcase. He just wanted to get back to Fran as soon as possible. Actually, he had planned to prepare his trip tomorrow in peace and spend a few more hours with the children and fly to her the day after tomorrow. But Fran was more important now. The idea of her now lying in her bed depressed and crying, broke his heart. He reached for her photo. "I'll be back with you tomorrow my darling!" He pictured her face beaming with joy. He went upstairs to tell his children about his changed plans