Fan Fiction |
by Jenny Tran
By that night, everyone seemed to be in better moods. They were laughing and joking with each other inside of Freddie’s room. Some of the nurses even had to tell them to keep it down. Ginny left the room quietly at one time when she had to use the restroom. When she got back, she saw Michael waiting outside of the ladies room. “You’re waiting for someone?” she asked.
He looked up, his face grim as he shook his head “Ginny, I have to talk to you. I’ve got another surgery in five minutes and I’ll be back later to check on Yee Gor and talk to him too.”
“What’s wrong?” her heart thumping when she guessed that it wasn’t good news.
“The tumor is cancerous.” He said shortly.
She gasp as she covered her mouth to keep herself from screaming “How? Why?” she was close to breaking down. “Are you sure?”
He nodded slowly “It’s even worse than I imagined.” Tears in his eyes for the first time since the operation. He explained everything to her in five minutes “I know Freddie will need your help more than anyone’s right now. That’s why I felt that you should be the one to tell him.” He patted her on the shoulder while tears fell from her eyes “I’m sorry, it’s a lot of pressure on you, but I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather give this job to.”
She quickly wiped her tears “I understand.” She said calmly, but inside, she was hysterical. She pushed herself to stay focused as she went back inside the room to tell Freddie and the others the harsh news.
When she walked through the door, she heard giggles coming from all sides of the room. It broke her heart to know that it will be a long time before they hear that same laugh again. What she was worrying about was the fact that Freddie might not be able to handle it. “Ginny, it’s your turn now!” Joanne bounced from her seat beside Freddie as she ran to Virginia giggling like a little girl “We’re telling nasty jokes.” Her face fell when she noticed that Virginia’s eyes were red. “What’s wrong?” she whispered.
Joanne wasn’t the only one that noticed, Freddie motioned for her to sit on his bed “Come on, whatever it is, you might as well share it with the group.”
Jeff stood up from his seat, using his hand he reached for her cold hand “Come on.” He coaxed softly.
She responded to his touch as she let him lead her to Freddie’s bed. She sat down softly and the room grew more silent. Freddie sat up and took a hold of her left hand as he gave it a little squeeze. Jeff was about to let go of her right hand when she pulled him back and shook her head hinting for him not to let go. “Michael will be back to give you more details but he told me about the cancer.” Before the elder woman can start crying, she continued “The type of cancer is called Glioblastomas, there are four different grades. The first and second is benignant and the third and fourth is malignant.” Her eyes traveled to Freddie “You were on the fourth level.” She heard his mother burst in tears but she had to continue “The good part is that the fluid inside the tumor did not explode when Michael did the operation. You would have died.”
“Well, why can’t they take it all out??!” Joanne asked angrily.
Remy got up as he put his arms around his sister “Shhh…listen to her.” He coaxed as he pulled her to the empty chair that was Jeff’s.
“This type of cancer is the most deadly of all brain tumors. There are tentacles that cling onto the brain and the scary part is that the color of the tumor is the same color as the brain, so Michael took out as much as he possibly could. If he went further, part of your brain could have disappeared. Because the tumor is located close behind your right eye, your left eye is going to blurry. That can be fixed with some eye exercises, but that blind spot you see is always going to be there.”
Freddie looked away slowly “I didn’t want to frighten you guys.” His heart ached when he saw his mother and sister crying. “What else did Michael say?”
Virginia continued “You’ll be doing Chemotherapy and radiation for the next six months.” She allowed tears to come out as she went on “This type of cancer is very common in men from the age of 40 and above.”
“But he’s only 29!” Joanne cried, still trying to get over the shock.
“Its caused by stress, worries….and other stuff that they have not learned about yet. It’s very hard to determine the cause and to detect it is even harder since it has no pre-warnings or symptoms. Maybe a migraine headache. That was a week before you went into a coma.” She said to Freddie.
He nodded slowly “Well, guys. I think that’s as bad as it gets.” He said lightly but his hands were trembling so much that Virginia had to tighten her grip. “I’ll be fine.” It was the same line that he’s been saying. The only difference is that he no longer believes in it.
The room grew silent for a few minutes as everyone said their silent prayers. Linda soon took her mother home because she couldn’t handle it anymore. Remy and Deana had work the next day. The last three stayed back with Freddie. “Can you girls do me a favor?” Freddie asked.
“Anything.” Virginia said. Joanne nodded, the lump in her throat was growing by the minute.
“I have a sudden craving for an ice blended mocha with tapioca pearls.”
“We’ll get it for you.” Joanne managed to say.
The girls left the guys to have their own talk “I’m sorry..” Jeff said after the girls left, he didn’t know what else he could say to ease Freddie’s pain.
“Well, its nothing you can do about it….” He tried to sound nonchalant but it was useless, the news was too much for him. “I’m just worried about my mom.”
“That should be the least of your worries. I’m surprised that everyone had given up already. At least they sound like they have. Somehow I imagined you to be a lot more strong than you appear to be right now. You’ve gone through more emotional problems than anyone I’ve ever known.” Freddie gave him an odd look “Ginny told me a few personal stuff. I hope you don’t mind. She was so into the conversation and before she knew it, I was informed of everything.”
Freddie fought back the tears that he knew were about to come out “I don’t mind that you know. You’re a good person Jeff. I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect for Ginny. Can you promise me that after I die, you will take care of her? I don’t believe there has been any guy that she had such a good impression on before.”
Jeff smiled as he shook his head “It doesn’t matter what happen to you, her heart will always have you. There is no one in the world that can replace you, especially me. To be honest, I’ve heard of this type of cancer. If you look at the statistics, it will only bring you down. Why don’t you use Ginny as your motivation for fighting this disease? Have some faith. Why can’t you just admit that you love her?”
Freddie let the tears come out “Because I can’t. How could I give my complete love to someone that knows I can die any time? Can you imagine how horrible it would be for her? I can’t do it to the person I love.”
“How do you know? You’ve never told her and you have no idea what’s she’s thinking or how strong she could be if you ask her to be. Trust me, when you have time. Talk to her. I’m sure she would like to know how you feel. I don’t know what else I can do for you, but I hope that my words have helped in some way.”
Freddie nodded “Yes, they have. More than you think.”
***************
The girls drove out to the drink shop down the street from the hospital and got the drink for Freddie. When they returned they found Michael inside the room, talking to the other two guys. “Great, just in time. Come on in girls, so I don’t have to repeat anything.” He pointed to the empty chairs for the girls to sit on.
Joanne handed the drink to Freddie as he took it eagerly “Thanks. You’re an angel.” He gushed.
She smiled “Glad someone noticed.” How much he missed that teasing tone in her voice.
“I’m about to explain the healing process of this cancer to Freddie. I assume mom is not taking this too well?” he saw Freddie nod solemnly. “I need a strong person that can handle this situation for Freddie.” His eyes were fixated on Virginia.
“Why me?” she asked calmly.
“Because you’re my best friend, you are never out of control and you are the shoulder that can carry tons of weight.” Freddie said coolly. He smiled when she wrinkled her nose disagreeing to his comment. “You don’t want to do it?”
She gave him a stern look “I never said that.” She pulled out a tiny pad and a pen from her purse, ready to take notes for Freddie.
“What did I tell you? Always ready…” Freddie smiled appreciatively.
“Okay, I’ll get started. Jo and Jeff, you two can be backups.” They nodded in agreement “The radiation will start in about two weeks for a whole six months. This type of radiation is basically laser beam that will shoot directly into the part where the tumor is in hope that we can destroy the remaining portion of the tumor. This won’t hurt but there is a chance of brain damage because of the rays of radiation.” He paused waiting for Virginia to finish jotting down the notes. “I’ll give you the specific name of the rays later. Next is the chemotherapy. This is a lot more painful you could say. There are constant tests going on to find the perfect chemotherapy that everyone can handle despite their age difference. I would personally recommend this new one, they don’t have a name yet, but I have faith in the research team. It’s a pill that you take. The second type is done through an injection into your blood stream that flows through the brain. This one will take about two hours each time you do it. Preferably once per week.”
“I’ve heard of Chemotherapy but never knew what it is.” Joanne said curiously.
“Well, its basically poison designed to attack the tumor.” He noticed Joanne’s eyes popped out with shock “Yes, it sounds scary. But in sense, if it does work, the tumor will never return and Freddie will be safe as long as he is careful.” He added quickly “Obviously, if poison is put into the body, there will be major side affects. You will probably go into random seizures, which are normal. It is not deadly and should end in about two minutes. You will probably be exhausted because that has been the case for 98% of the patients. Your head will be very swollen in which I will prescribed a type of steroids to lower the swelling. I think that should be it. Do you have any questions, Yee Gor?”
“What are the chances that I’ll live?” he’s been wanting to ask that since he found out that morning.
Michael reached for his brother’s hands as he gave it a slight squeeze “You don’t need to know. My advice to you is take in the good and leave out the bad.”
“What’s the good?” Joanne asked.
“He’s young, which means his body is stronger, it can probably take the chemo and radiation. You have to be stronger in the mind to fight this type of cancer. Have faith in God and in yourself. Do not think about death too much. Worry about fighting it. Live your life carefully and casually, you won’t be able to work at all. I’m sure that’s good news.” He smiled at his brother, who’s face began to light up at the last line.
“That is good news!” Freddie laughed but abruptly stopped. He thought about the bills “This is gonna cost a fortune.”
Jeff looked up with a smile “That you don’t have to worry about. You’ve got a very gracious lender.”
Freddie opened his eyes wide “You?” he wasn’t aware that Jeff had a lot of money to spare.
“No, of course not! It’s Deana.” When he noticed everyone looked surprise he continued to explain “Apparently, she is a very rich girl. Enough money to spare for three life times. She told me that it’s the least she can do for you.”
Freddie smiled at the generosity of the girl he barely knows. “Write a note for me to give her a call and thank her personally.” He pointed to Virginia to write it down for him.
“What do I look like? You’re secretary?” she joked.
“No, a PERSONAL secretary.” He emphasized.
Everyone laughed at his comment except for Virginia, who didn’t look too pleased. But she soon joined in when they began laughing at her awe expression. “Okay, let’s take off the bandage, shall we?” Michael said.
“Oooh, I can’t wait!” Joanne said anxiously.
“What are you so excited about?” Freddie asked sarcastically as he sat up and let Michael take off the bandages.
“I never knew a bald guy.” She explained, her eyes glued to the falling bandages. When Michael was finished, they were able to witness the half circle perfect stitches across his right temple. “Wow…” she commented at the stitches “It looks like a football.”
Freddie smiled “Thanks, I didn’t know I was a cone-head.” He touched his hair and felt the stubs already growing out. “Feels very good.” He was talking about the stitches.
“We’ll see how well you do an then I’ll take off the stitches in about a week or two.” He gathered his notes “Anyways, I should be going. I haven’t had sleep in the last week.” He let out the widest of yawns.
“Thank you, Mikey.” It was nickname that Freddie seldom used for his brother “I know you’ve been overwhelmed with everything. I couldn’t be more happier that you were my surgeon.” Freddie said whole heartedly.
“It was my honor. Now I know how small your brain is.” He gave him a wink before leaving the room.
Virginia dropped the notes in her purse as she stood up and snuck out with Michael while Joanne and Jeff were admiring his stitches. “Michael…” she whispered.
“What is it?” he looked surprise that she had a question.
“I know you didn’t want to tell Freddie, but I like to be prepared for everything. What is his life expectancy?”
Michael sighed “I didn’t want to crush his heart, but the truth is this chemo and radiation is only helping to stretch out his live twice the expectancy. Two years, max.” he said bluntly “I don’t want to disappoint him even more.”
Virginia covered her mouth as she cried for the 100th time that week. “No one’s ever lived through this cancer?” she was hoping the answer was yes, but by the look on Michael’s face, she was going to be disappointed again.
“No. But there are miracles that happen. I am praying for it to be Yee Gor. He needs a lot of faith, Ginny.” Michael put a protecting hand on her shoulder “I know you are his motivation, I can tell in his eyes. Be strong for him.” He left her leaning against the wall outside the door as she cried her eyes out.