Everything has to be arranged!
The next day, Maxwell has a serious conversation with CC. He explains her all the circumstances and informs her of his plan to spend the next time with Fran in the clinic and work from there. CC reacts with high disapproval, sure she feels sorry for Fran but she doesn't want to accept that she should hold down the fort on her own for months.
"It's really not necessary Maxwell for you to be with her all the time. She surely is in excellent care 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. I know I ask a lot from you and I am willing to organize any help to take the workload off you. We can hire an assistant and other employees who can take care of the daily tasks. But nothing or noone will stop me from flying back to Fran."
CC finally gives in with a grumble. She can see his determination.
"I'm just wondering why you're doing all this. She's not even your nanny anymore."
Maxwell hesitates, knowing the truth will crush CC, but maybe she needs to hear it.
"I'm doing this because I love Fran and she's one of the most important person in my life."
CC stares at him with wide shocked eyes. Actually, she shouldn't be surprised. After all, Maxwell has been in love with Fran for years, but since her departure, the hope of one day becoming Mrs. Sheffield rekindled in CC and now it's all dashed again.
In the afternoon Maxwell visits Fran's parents, her sister Nadine and Val are also there. Silvia regained her composure a little the last few days and tries her best to deal with the situation. She had several phone conversations with Fran and both women talked openly and honestly about everything, including their pain and fear. Silvia wants to be strong for her daughter. Together they discuss how they could best handle the next time. Nadine agrees to take more care of her parents and to take over Fran's tasks. Val and Silvia happily agree to support Niles with taking care of the children. All of them bought gifts for Fran, which Maxwell is supposed to take with him.
At night he talks to Fran on the phone. She is still in her depression. She tries hard to sound cheerful but Maxwell knows,her too well to buy it.
"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 blabs out of her mouth in a rapid flow of speech. Maxwell does 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 talk on the phone for another hour.
After they hung up, Maxwell ponders until he makes 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 LA."
"Tomorrow? But you said you won't fly back until the weekend."
"Go ahead Niles!"
Maxwell picks up his briefcase and packs all the paperwork he will need in the near future. That's when Niles comes back in.
"Sir! There's one seat left on the plane tomorrow afternoon at three pm."
"Perfect, book the flight and call the hotel and then pack my bags please."
"Of course sir!"
Maxwell finishs packing his briefcase. He just wants to get back to Fran as soon as possible. Actually, he has planned to prepare his trip in peace and spend a few more time with the children and fly to her after everything was arranged. But Fran is more important now. The idea of her lying in her bed depressed and falling apart, breaks his heart. He reaches for her photo.
"I'll be back with you tomorrow my darling!"
He imagines her face beaming with joy. He goes upstairs to tell his children about his changed plans.