Returning to New York!

Maxwell is on a plane back to New York. He had stayed with Fran for an entire week and together they settled all the important formalities. Fran signed all the necessary forms to release the doctors from their confidentiality towards Maxwell. Also as discussed she also named him as the responsible. In case she will not longer be able to make important decisions, he will be in charge. Maxwell also testimonied in writing that he would pay for all the costs. Fran shall receive the best therapy and treatment.

Two days ago, Fran moved into a nicer more comfortable room, which also contains a large sleeping couch for himself. Maxwell had a long intensive conversation with Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Goldberg explained to him exactly the planned schedule of the therapy. In 6 days they want to start the first chemo cycle. Maxwell got anxious as Dr. Goldberg explained in details how the chemotherapy will affect Fran's body and named all the side effects that may occur. He wishes there would be a way to spare Fran the ordeal, but it's her only chance.

Fran is doing much better since Maxwell is with her. She found new courage and seems more ready than ever to take on the fight. She's glad to have someone, who listen to her worries, she can talk with and most important who comforts her at night when she suffers from nightmares. There are no more insecurities in their relationship. They are now officially involved.

For Fran it was a bitter pill to swallow when Maxwell told her he had to flight back to New York for a few days. He didn't want to leave her alone but he also didn't see any other way out.

He has some important business to take care of. He needs to organize the business stuff with CC. He plans to ask CC to continue the daily work on her own. He will of course take over as much work as he can. But he wants to stay with Fran the next few months. If necessary they can hire an assistant to support her. Then he has to organize with Niles the whereabouts of the children. He can only return to Malibu, when he's certain that his children will be in good care. The most difficult task that lies ahead of him is telling everyone the truth about Fran's illness. With fear he thinks about this moment. The news will be a terrifying shock for all of them.

During the flight, Maxwell remembers the previous night. Fran tried hard to be brave but as the goodbye drew closer, she burst into tears. She didn't want to let him go and clung to him tightly. It took him a long time to calm her down. He promised her that he would be back for the start of her therapy and that he would call her every day. When she expressed her fear that he would not come back, he took his signet ring, an heirloom, from his finger and put it on her. As a pledge to speak. He finally stayed with her until she fell asleep. His heart was suffering too. Now, during the flight, he has to admit to himself that he misses Fran already.

He lands around noon and his driver comes to pick him up and take him home. Niles is already waiting for him.

"Good to see you, Sir!"

"Oh, it's good to be home!"

Niles is almost dying of curiosity. Maxwell had only called him once to say he found Fran and the story was very complicated. That's all he'd said, and Niles has been on pins and needles all week. But his boss doesn't feel like talking now. He wants to know how the kids are doing. Niles mentiones that they has been in quite a good mood the whole time. However, they would not be home until tomorrow. They all want to spend the night with friends. This is not at all inconvenient for Maxwell.

"I want to get some rest. Please call Fran's parents and Val and ask them to come over around five pm. Tell them it's urgent." Before Niles can inquire any further, Maxwell has already disappeared upstairs.

While Maxwell is in New York trying to relax in his Jacuzzi, Fran lies in her hospital room, longing for him. She misses him. Yet he did everything he could to make her feel better the days without him. He bought tons of romance novels and magazines. Also she has a TV with a VCR in her room. He went to the video store and got all her favorite movies, and he even bought a CD player for her. But all this is just a small comfort for her. She wants nothing more than to have him with her.

Maxwell awakes from his slumber. He hears the doorbell downstairs. However, he doesn't go straight to the living room. First he sneaks into his office. He reaches for the phone and dials Fran's number.

"Max!" She knows it could only be him. No one else knows this number.

"Hi Fran! How are you darling?"

"Quite okay and you?"

"Well, your parents and Val are here. I'm going to tell them the truth now. But I wanted to hear your voice before I do it."

"Tell them I love them and they should not worry."

"I will! But they will be concerned. But I'll do my best." "I know!"

"I have to go now. I love you Fran!"

"I love you too Max! Will you call me back later please?!"

"I will."

Maxwell hangs up and walks with heavy steps into the living room. He hopes God will help him to find the right words."