The kids learn the truth!

The children sit in the living room in shock. Gracie leans against her father, sobbing in his arms. Maggie also cries silent tears. Brighton is incapable of any reaction. No one wants to believe what their father just told them.

For weeks they were angry and distraught, thinking Fran no longer loves and left them and now they learn that their Fran, their dearly beloved Fran is gravely ill. Maxwell tried his best to tell his children the truth as gently as possible, but how shall you convey such a message gently.

"I don't understand Dad! Fran didn't say anything the whole time. Even when we were yelling and screaming at her. Just because she wants to protect us?"

"You see Brighton, Fran was convinced it would be the best if none of her loved ones witness her suffering. She didn't want to be a burden for us."

"So what's happening with Fran now?" Maggie wants to know.

"Well the doctors have planned a long complicated treatment. A combination of radiation and chemotherapy. With some luck the tumor will shrink and can be operated. Anyway, it will take many months and Fran will feel very bad sometimes because of the side effects. No one can yet estimate what exactly is going to happen to her."

Everyone turns silent for a while. Maxwell takes again the lead.

"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 nod.

"So what can we do to help Fran?" asks Gracie.

"Well the thing is this. I'm going to fly back to Malibu to stay with Fran. Because there are also some good news too. (Three pairs of eyes stare at him expectantly) Fran and I are now officially together!" Sounds of cheers are heard but quickly everyone turns serious again.

"For this reason, I 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 support him as much as possible. Believe me, it's hard for me to leave you alone right now but Fran needs me more. I hope you understand that!"

"Of course Dad, we'll be fine. Don't worry about us."

Everyone nods in agreement. They truly understand that their father doesn't want to leave Fran alone and they think his decision is right. They ensure their father that they will be brave and strong.

Short time later Brighton sits in his room thinking about what gift he could prepare for Fran. He tries to write a letter, but he can't think of the right words. Then his eyes fall on his video camera and he has an idea. He takes it and knocks on Maggie's bedroom door.

Fran rests by the open window, enjoying the sun's rays. Savoring every moment she could still enjoy. At the moment, she's doing quite well thanks to the medication. Fran thinks with horror about the beginning of the chemotherapy. The last few days, she had been examined over and over again by all kinds of doctors, who had asked her a million questions and confused her with all the information. She feels completely lost. With an incredible longing she waits for the moment when Maxwell would come back. She never wanted someone to be with her so much. She counts the hours and minutes until his arrival.

RING! Fran jumps up and hurries to the phone.

"Max is that you?"

"How did you know? I wanted to surprise you."

"I was just thinking about you and hoped it was you. How are you and the kids?"

"I just told the kids everything." Fran holds her breath for a moment.

"And how did they react?"

"Well they were pretty shaken up but overall they took it quite okay. Anyway, they are very happy that we are involved now. Now they're in their rooms in a secret mission."

"Give them all a hug from me and tell them I miss them and love them very much." Fran fight back her tears.

"I will and how are you doing darling?"

"I'm fine, just some 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 knocks and signals to his boss that dinner is 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 hangs up and drops onto the bed in despair. She was thrilled to hear his voice at first, but now she feels terribly lonely. If that stupid thing wasn't in her head, she could sit at dinner now with all of them. Instead, she's miles away from her loved ones. Fran rummages under her pillow for the picture. A terrible crying fit overflows her. A nurse who comes to check on her, gives her a mild sedative. Fran finally falls asleep, completely exhausted.