This story is about breast cancer. I know for some it might be difficult if not impossible to read. I understand. I’m not one who likes to give or get spoilers but there are times when they are appropriate. Should you need to know any details before you make the decision to read this please contact me.

Chapter Eighteen

Monday, January 30, 2006

Chaos was the only way to describe the morning. All of the children sensed the tension in the air and didn’t know how to deal with it. It seemed like everything Trixie tried to do went wrong.

She decided she just had to wash her hair. As she reached for the shampoo bottle, it slipped out of her hands and somehow she managed to dump half of it on the floor of the shower. When she tried to avoid the shampoo, she slipped. When she caught herself, she pulled on the incision from her surgery. Although it had been a couple of weeks since the surgery, it was still tender. Then, as she stepped out of the shower, she slammed her knee into the shower door. She was hobbling into the bedroom with a towel over her head when she ran into a solid, supple, red- haired chest. Strong arms wrapped around her and she flinched, her incision still tender from slipping in the shower.

“Oh, Jim,” she said. “I am being such a klutz today. It’s like I can’t get anything to work right. At the rate I’m going you’ll have to take me to the clinic on a stretcher.”

“Just take a deep breath, Shamus. It will all be okay. The kids are ready and waiting for the bus. Jenny just has to have her snowsuit put on and she’s ready to go as well.”

Trixie stayed within the comfort of Jim’s arms for several minutes. Slowly, the door to the master bedroom opened up and Matt and Lizzie cautiously peeked in.

“Mom?” Lizzie asked. “The bus will be here in a few minutes but we wanted to say good-bye before we left.”

Jim opened his arms and welcomed both Matt and Lizzie into them.

“Try not to worry too much today. Okay, guys?” Trixie said. “I won’t be at the clinic for very long. Just long enough for them to put in a port and run the IV through me.”

Matt and Lizzie gave one last final hug. “We love you, Mom,” they said.

Matt, Lizzie and Jim left the room while Trixie finished getting ready. She put on a comfortable jogging suit with a polo shirt underneath it. She also had a button down shirt in her bag in case that would work better during the administration of the chemotherapy. Trixie delayed leaving her room for as long as she could. When she walked down the stairs, she saw Jim coming back inside from walking the kids to the end of the driveway.

Together they got Jenny’s snowsuit on and headed toward the car. After dropping Jenny off at the daycare, they headed over to the Sleepyside Clinic. Neither Jim nor Trixie were surprised to see both Brian and Honey waiting in the lobby for them.

After greeting everyone with hugs, Brian spoke up, “I know you wanted to do this with the least amount of fanfare, but Honey and I just wanted to let you know we’re thinking about you.”

Both Trixie and Jim were touched by the Beldens’ actions. Trixie fought hard to keep her tears in check. She was tired of all of the tears and really wanted to try to move forward. She wrapped her arms around Honey and tightly hugged her. Words were not needed between the two of them. Finally, Trixie whispered, “Thank you”.

After a few minutes, Trixie and Jim headed toward the oncology department while Brian headed toward his office and Honey left for hers.

The couple made their way through the clinic. As they neared the oncology department, Trixie’s pace slowed slightly. Jim noticed but didn’t say anything. Although he knew that the journey they were taking was for the best outcome, he wished there was an easier road to take to get there.

They didn’t have to wait long to be called into an exam room. After doing a routine exam, Jim left the room while the port was put in. Once that was in, Jim sat with Trixie while the chemotherapy was administered through the I.V.

The entire process took a couple of hours and was relatively painless. The nurse who had administered the chemo had provided them with several pamphlets about the type of therapy she was receiving. She cautioned them that everyone reacted differently to it. Some people got violently ill immediately while others only suffered mild discomfort. In addition, how you reacted after the first cycle did not guarantee you would react the same way during the next one.

It was about noon when Trixie was finally done with everything and to both Jim’s and her surprise, she was starving.

“Are you sure you want to eat something?” Jim asked.

“Yeah,” Trixie replied thoughtfully. “Who knows when the side effects are going to kick in, so I better eat while I feel like it.”

Jim was still concerned that she might suddenly get ill. “Why don’t we pick up some sandwiches and head over to your office? I’m sure Honey would enjoy the company.”

Trixie, who had an uncanny ability to read Jim’s mind, didn’t buy the explanation for a minute. “What, are you afraid that I might upchuck in front of everyone?” she said. Her blues eyes twinkled.

Jim started to think of an explanation. He sputtered, but before he could start, Trixie interrupted him. “I know you were just thinking of my comfort.” Trixie wrapped her arms around him and gave him a quick kiss before continuing. “I think it’s a great idea to visit Honey. If I’m feeling well I might stay for a few hours. Maybe the headhunter has found some applicants for us to consider.”

Jim wasn’t quite sold on Trixie spending some time working, but he didn’t say anything at the time. He knew that she needed something to keep her mind occupied and the best way to do that was to work. So they stopped at Wimpy’s and picked up some burgers, fries and shakes and headed to Trixie’s office.

When they entered the office Honey was on the phone. “Hold on Brian. Jim and Trixie just walked in,” she said.

Trixie walked over to the desk, placed a burger, fries and shake in front of Honey, and took the phone from her. “Okay, brother dear, what do you want to know?” Trixie asked lightheartedly.

Trixie could sense Brian’s sheepish look as he replied, “Can’t I call my lovely wife just to talk?”

“Of course you can,” she teased. “It’s just that after thirty-five years I know you almost as well as Honey does.”

“You got me there,” Brian said. “So, I’ll just channel my favorite sister and ask the obvious question. How did it go?”

Honey stood up to get some napkins and Trixie sat down in her seat. As Trixie set out the rest of the food, she continued. “Well, it went much better than I thought. The port site hurt a little after the anesthesia wore off. If it gets any worse, I’m going to take some Tylenol. The actual chemotherapy was rather uneventful.”

“Well, don’t overdo it,” Brian warned. “How you react to the chemo is very unpredictable.”

“That’s why we’re eating lunch with Honey at the office,” Trixie said. She winked at Honey as she continued. “I’m ravenous right now, but if the sudden urge to hurl arises, I don’t want it to be in a public place.”

Brian chuckled. “Well, then I’ll let you go. Now, I wouldn’t be the brother you know and love if I didn’t tell you to take it easy.”

Trixie turned serious for a few minutes as she concluded the conversation. “I know, and I do appreciate your concern. I just can’t sit around waiting to feel crappy. I figure I will work as long as I feel good, and then get home.” She looked over at her supple husband. “Hopefully I can get Mr. Most Wonderful Man in the World to head over to the Academy for a couple of hours.”

“Well, enjoy the afternoon. If you need me, you know where to find me.” Brian was trying his hardest not to be overbearing. “I love you, Trix.”

“Right back at you, Dr. Belden.” They ended the call and Trixie began to eat her lunch.

After she took a few bites of her hamburger Trixie set it down. The odd look on her face had Jim concerned. “What’s the matter, Shamus?”

“Don’t worry, I’m not getting ready to hurl.” Trixie got up and started to walk into the break area. “It’s just that everything tastes tinny and yucky. I don’t want to have bad memories of a Wimpy’s burger. Honey, you don’t have any liver and onions in the fridge do you?”

Honey giggled. “Sorry Trix and I don’t have any black licorice either.” If there was one taste that caused Trixie to gag it was black licorice.

“I think I’ve got some in the glove compartment of my car,” Jim teased.

Trixie groaned. “I don’t want to risk gagging any sooner than I need to. Maybe I’ll stick to the shake.”

While the three of them ate, they talked. They discussed just about everything, except for the chemotherapy. As they finished eating Trixie turned to Jim, “Why don’t you head over to the Academy? You’ve been so wrapped up in getting the grant application completed, not to mention worrying about me, that you’ve hardly spent any time in the class room.”

“I don’t know, Trix,” Jim started.

“I promise, I’ll take it easy. Like I told Brian, I just can’t sit around and wait to feel crappy.” Trixie grasped Jim’s hands and looked him in the eye, pleading for him to understand. “If I start to feel icky, I’ll call you immediately.”

Reluctantly Jim left the office and headed toward the Academy. It would be hard concentrating on anything this afternoon, but he would try because Trixie had asked him to.

“I thought he’d never leave,” commented Trixie. “Now, tell me what’s been happening with the business?”

Honey grabbed a few file folders and pulled up a chair across from Trixie’s desk. After Trixie had worked on it, it was a desk that Trixie had surprisingly clean and organized. “Mart called this morning,” Honey started.

“So you got bombarded by two of my brothers this morning,” Trixie interrupted.

Honey glanced away, “Well, actually I spoke with all of your brothers and Dan this morning.”

If one thing good had already happened since her diagnosis, Trixie had learned to appreciate the concerns of her friends and family. “Were you able to get anything done then?”

“Actually, yes I did. Mart called to tell me that things were going well with the student applications. He should have some resumes for us to review by the end of the week.”

Trixie’s eyes lit up. “I’m so excited. Although I don’t really know how I’m going to handle the interviews. I know all of the kids at the school so well. I hope I can be impartial.”

Trixie started to pick up a file. “What did Bob and Dan want?”

“They both wanted to know if I knew how you were doing,” Honey started. Trixie stated to sputter again. “Don’t get mad at them. They’re just concerned and they know that you will play down how you feel.”

Trixie sighed and then looked up from what she was doing. “I know I should just be appreciative of their concern. I’m really trying.”

Honey pulled out several files and tried to change the subject. “Check these out. Joe Schmidt, the headhunter, sent us four prospective employees.” Trixie grabbed for the folders as Honey continued, “Just wait a minute. All four candidates look like they have potential although I doubt we will be able to entice two of them to consider joining our agency.”

Trixie could feel a headache coming on. She reached into her purse to get some Tylenol. After swallowing it she grabbed a throw pillow, stretched out on the couch and put her arm over her eyes.

“You okay, Trix?”

“I’m just trying to ward off a headache. Tell me about these wonderful applicants.”

Honey gave a concerned look to Trixie and began to summarize the applicants. “The first one has been working as a private investigator in upstate New York for the past five years. He’s originally from Croton-on-the-Hudson.”

Trixie turned, lifted her arm and looked at Honey, “What’s his name?”

“Well, that’s the surprising part of it. It’s Todd Roberts.”

Trixie quickly sat up, but that caused her head to pound so she lay back down. “Todd Roberts? The captain of the Croton basketball team when Mart and Dan were seniors?”

Honey gave Trixie another concerned look, but chose not bring up her headache again. “Yes, and as I recall he was quite the ladies’ man.”

“That’s putting mildly.” Trixie replied. Her head was starting to hurt more. Somehow she knew the Tylenol wasn’t going to help, so she was trying her hardest to distract herself. “I never told you this. Remember when we were juniors? Jim and I were kind of broken up over something stupid and you went to England with your parents for spring break.”

“Yeah,” Honey said. That had been a rough time for Honey. Brian had been frustrated with college and had recently called things off. She was having a difficult time communicating with both Jim and Trixie because she felt caught in the middle. The trip to England had been an escape, but when she returned she found the rift between her and Trixie was bigger than when she left.

“Well, Todd called me and asked me out. My self-esteem was pretty low. It had taken a beating when Jim quit talking to me. I was flattered.”

“So, what’s the big deal?” Honey was a little perplexed.

“I don’t know what was worse. The fact that Todd Roberts was all hands or that he dated me just to make Dan and Mart mad. He was hoping it would distract them for the big tournament game that week.” Trixie said disgustedly.

“Oh, Trix! How’d you find out?”

“Todd made the mistake of taking me to Wimpy’s after a grope session at the Cameo. I was already disgusted. I went to the bathroom and when I came back, I overheard him telling one of his teammates how he had gone all the way with me and wouldn’t that show the Sleepyside team.” Trixie shuddered at the memory.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this then?” Honey cried.

“Oh, it gets even better. When I turned to walk out of Wimpy’s, there was Mart and Diana along with Hallie and Dan. Hallie had flown out for her spring break.” To this day Trixie had a hard time reliving the memory. “I was mortified. I could barely meet Dan’s or Mart’s eyes. I ran out of the diner. My self-esteem ended up even lower and I was so embarrassed.”

“I always wondered why you had further distanced yourself from me when I returned from England,” Honey commented.

“I was consumed with misplaced guilt. The look of disgust I saw in Mart’s and Dan’s eyes I thought was directed at me. I couldn’t believe that they would believe that of me. The hurt and anger I felt just about did me in. I did the only thing I could think to do and started to head for home.” Trixie paused for a moment and Honey was about to conclude that was the end of the story. Then Trixie took another breath and finished the story. “Somehow I made it home and was in bed before Mart got home. For two days I couldn’t stand to be in the same room as him. I was so humiliated and then angry because I thought he had believed Todd.”

“So how did you resolve everything with Mart?”

“Well, it almost took Mart beating me over the head to even listen to what he had to say. Brian came home from college the last weekend of Spring Break to watch the tournament game. I think Mart may have called him and explained what happened. Brian worked his tactful magic and got me to listen to what Mart had been trying to tell me. I’m not sure what the male contingent of Bob-Whites did but all I know is that during the tournament game, Todd seemed very distracted.”

“So is it safe to assume that we don’t want to interview Todd?”

With a look of gleam in her eyes, Trixie responded, “I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt and interview him. Maybe he’s changed and if not it will be great to see him squirm.”

“You are evil, Trixie.”

“Well, in the words of my brother Mart, revenge is sweet, saccharine sweet.” The two ladies burst out laughing.

After Jim left Trixie’s office, he headed to Ten Acres Academy. He only went there because he knew Trixie would be mad if he didn’t try to maintain some semblance of his schedule. He really just wanted to be with her, waiting for something to hit the fan. But he decided to take his wife’s advice and spend some time in the classrooms. He would start in the primary grades. They were the ones who never failed to cheer him up when he was down.

He stopped at his office to drop off his coat and let Brenda know he was in the building. Then he headed over to the main school. He really tried to concentrate on the school and not on Trixie, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep his mind occupied on anything else.

Jim wasn’t quite sure which classroom he should visit. He thought of checking in on the gym classes. Some exercise might just take the edge off of everything. He started to head over to the gym when it occurred to him that if he got all sweaty, then he’d need to clean up before he went to pick up Trixie.

As he walked past Diana’s art class, it appeared the second graders were diligently working on some sort of project. That seemed like the perfect place to begin. Jim gently knocked on the door to alert the students and Diana that someone was entering the room. When they saw who it was, they all started to rush over to him.

Diana, always quick to anticipate potential disaster, sternly said, “Don’t anyone move. I know everyone is excited to see Dr. Jim but if he so much as gets one smudge of clay on his clothes, we will be doing imaginary art for a week.”

Mrs. Belden’s punishment for misbehavior in art class was imaginary art. For whatever length of time she specified, the students would have to sit at their desks for the entire period and pretend to create a masterpiece. At the end of each hour the students would then describe what they had created. The older students would also have to write a 250 word essay about the work of art as well. Imaginary art was very seldom needed.

“I just thought I’d stop in and visit students today,” Jim began. “I’ve been so busy; I haven’t done much of that lately.” Although the staff was aware that Trixie’s chemo would begin today, the students were unaware of it. From the moment Jim had walked into her classroom, Diana had not taken her eyes off of him. She could sense the tension and unease in him but felt that maybe the kids would be able to offer him some respite from his troubles.

“Well, you’ve picked a perfect day to visit,” Diana said. “We have been doing pottery for the last week. The kiln the Sleepyside Art Guild donated arrived last week so every class is creating something different. The second graders are making pinch pots.”

“Well, they all look lovely and each of them is so unique. How is everything else going?” Jim asked.

For the next ten minutes Jim tried to speak individually with each student as they worked on their projects. Everyone was so excited to spend time with Dr. Jim. Pretty soon it was time to start cleaning up.

“So what are you going to do with your pots when you are done? Will they go in your time capsule?” Jim asked. Every student entering the school started their own personal time capsule. Throughout the year projects, letters, and mementos were added to it. It had been Jim’s idea to try to keep a record of accomplishments for each student just as a parent would. At the graduation ceremony each student was presented their capsule in a wooden chest they made as part of their junior year curriculum.

As soon as Jim asked the question, the room became uncomfortably silent. The children continued to work at cleaning up their area. A look of panic crossed Diana’s face before she could think of an appropriate answer. “It was supposed to be a surprise. The student council wanted to do something for you and Trixie. I’m not going to go into details because they want to present the idea to you themselves but it’s part of a fundraiser.” The thoughtfulness of the entire student body deeply touched Jim. He had to turn away from the students as he got his emotions in check.

As Diana finished up her explanation, Jeremy Patterson, the second grade teacher, entered the classroom. “Is everyone ready to go?” he asked. When Jeremy saw Jim, he walked over and gave his shoulder an encouraging squeeze. “Well, this is a surprise. Were you all on your best behavior?”

Diana quickly replied. “They were on their very best behavior. The thought of an entire week of imaginary art will do that.” As quickly as she could, Diana got the students out of her classroom. She did not have another class for forty-five minutes, and she wanted all of that time to comfort Jim.

When the last student was out of the classroom and the door shut, Jim’s shoulders slumped. The effort to keep up normal appearances had been too much.

“Why are you here, Jim?” Diana prodded. She walked over to him, put her hand on his arm and lead him to a chair.

“She sent me away,” Jim’s voice had a defeated tone to it.

“That doesn’t sound like Trixie,” Diana commented.

Jim explained how the day had gone up until now. The intelligent part of him knew that Trixie was just doing her best to keep things as normal for her as possible. Another part of Jim felt hurt that Trixie didn’t want him to be there. He knew it wasn’t rational or fair to think that way, but he still had those feelings.

Diana approached Jim and gave him a sisterly hug, “Trixie’s doing just fine. You know how important it is for her to keep working if she can. She’d start to feel guilty about dumping all of the work on Honey. Besides, it gives her something to keep her mind occupied.”

“I know you’re right, Di.” Jim stood up and started to pace. “I just don’t want Trixie suffering and not be there to comfort her.”

“She’ll call you when she needs you and if she doesn’t, you know Honey will.”

Jim started toward the door. “Well, I don’t think I’d be much good visiting anymore classrooms. Maybe Brenda has some routine paperwork that needs to be signed. Thanks for the encouragement.” He gained strength from one last hug from Diana. As he left the classroom, Mart walked in.

Trixie threw her arm over her head as if shading the light would ease her headache.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Honey asked. The look of concern in her eyes was hard to miss. She was about to reach for the phone to call Jim.

Trixie looked over at Honey and started, “It’s not that bad and talking like this makes me feel productive. It also takes my mind off of the waiting.”

Honey stopped reaching for the phone and picked up the next applicant. “This one sounds interesting but I have a feeling he really isn’t available. Joe notes that this guy is a friend of his who happened to mention he was unhappy with his current job assignment.”

“Sometimes the best time to find the best job is when you’re not looking,” Trixie commented. “What else do we know about him?”

“Well, there’s not much to go by. His name is Riordan Grant,” Honey started.

“Riordan Grant,” Trixie sighed. “That name just oozes with charisma. Tell me more, please.”

Honey chuckled at Trixie’s antics and then continued, “Well, there really isn’t a lot more to it. Joe didn’t send a resume for him. He just says he can guarantee that he would fit the qualifications for our position. He says nothing about education or experience.”

“Ooh,” Trixie said. With her headache almost forgotten she rubbed her hands together, “It’s a mystery to solve. Maybe he’s some sort of government secret agent?”

“Don’t get your hopes up too much. Joe probably is just doing a favor for a friend,” Honey replied. Honey’s initial reaction had been the same as Trixie’s but after giving it too much thought she convinced herself that the idea of Riordan Grant being a secret agent just seemed too cheesy.

“Okay so we have Todd “the Octopus” Roberts and Riordan “Secret Agent” Grant. Tell me about the next applicant. Maybe it will stave off this headache for a few more minutes.”

“Boy, Jim looks rough. Is Trixie okay?” Mart commented as he moved into Diana’s room. As much as he would have loved to take his wife in his arms, he didn’t. They had an unwritten rule that limited the public displays of affection during school hours. He leaned against a desk and Diana moved to be closer to him.

“From what I’ve heard, Trixie is doing fine so far. Unfortunately, Jim is in true form, not being able to function when Trixie is not feeling well,” Diana commented. “You remember how much of a basket case he was when Trixie was pregnant with Jenny and throwing up for most of her pregnancy.”

Mart let out a heavy sigh. The last few weeks had been a huge strain on him. He wanted to be there comforting Trixie, as Brian and Honey had been, but he knew that it was important for him to be at the school reassuring the teachers and students and ensuring that everything ran smoothly so Jim wouldn’t have to worry about it. Jim was counting on him, but he knew he would feel better about things if he could have a real and private conversation with Trixie.

Like Honey could read Brian, and Trixie could read Jim, so could Diana read her beloved husband. She threw caution to the wind and embraced Mart with a soul-rejuvenating hug. It was just what Mart needed. Without any other words he headed back to his classroom.

Honey shuffled through the applications until she had found one she hadn’t read yet, “Shelby Jacobson graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Criminal Justice in May 2004. Since then he has been working for a private investigator in Albany.”

Trixie sat up and looked at Honey, “Are you sure it’s a he?”

Honey looked perplexed, “Why wouldn’t it be a he? Shelby is a male name. Isn’t that what Reba McIntire’s son’s name is?”

“Well, yes I guess you’re right, but when I think of the name Shelby, I think of the movie Steel Magnolias. M’Lynn’s daughter was named Shelby.” Trixie again lay back down. She was slowly catching on that if she remained prone, the headache wasn’t nearly as bad.

“Now I am confused. In looking over this resume there is nothing that really indicates one way or another. It is a rather impressive resume. Apparently this person has been involved with some high profile cases,” Honey continued to skim the application as she spoke. “Listen to this. One of the references listed is Peter Kimball.”

The Bob-Whites had met Peter when they had visited Cobbett’s Island as teenagers. Peter had a law degree but worked with his father. Several times a year, members of the Bob-Whites got together with Peter and his wife. “Well, maybe we have one prospective candidate then,” Trixie commented. All of a sudden she felt very tired. “Would you call Jim and have him come and pick me up?”

Honey was immediately on alert. She knew that Trixie must have really been starting to feel crummy if she was asking for Jim. No matter what the situation, Trixie hated to bother Jim at the Academy.

“I’m on it, Trix.” Honey reached for the phone. “Can I get you anything else?”

Suddenly, Trixie moaned. “No, just call Jim and have him pick me up. If he’s busy tell him it’s no hurry. You can tell me about the final applicant while we wait.”

Trixie suddenly looked rather pale. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather just rest?” Honey asked.

Trixie moaned again, “My head is pounding too much and I really do want to hear about the fourth applicant.” Honey was not at all convinced that Trixie wouldn’t be better resting, but one look into Trixie’s eyes and Honey knew to pretend that everything was okay.

Honey picked up the phone and walked into the conference room to talk to Jim. She dialed his office directly. Very few people had the direct line to Jim’s office and even those who did never used it unless it was an emergency. The phone had barely rung once when it was answered.

“Jim Frayne here.” Only those closest to him could hear the tension in his voice.

“It’s Honey.”

Before she could get another word out, Jim was firing off questions,” Is Trixie okay? Has she started feeling ill? I knew I shouldn’t have left her there.”

Ever the calming voice, Honey responded, “Slow down. Trixie’s been doing well. She just all of a sudden started feeling a little queasy.”

Honey’s serene voice did nothing to take the panic out of Jim’s voice. “I just knew I shouldn’t have left her.”

“You’re not listening to me,” Honey persisted. “She just started feeling ill. We were talking about the applicants for our investigator position. We have one more to discuss so she suggested I call you. Then by the time we’re done, you’ll be here to pick her up.”

“I’ll be right there. I’m walking out the door as we speak.” For the first time he really appreciated the hands-free features on his office phone. He had put the call on speakerphone so he could grab his coat and look for his keys as he finished his call.

“Slow down, Jim,” Honey continued to soothe. “It won’t do you any good to rush out of there and then have a car accident. Why don’t you let me call Tom and see if he is free to drive you in the limo. You’ll have more room and that way you can focus on Trixie and not driving.” There was a lot of truth to Jim being there for Trixie, but Honey was equally concerned about Jim panicking and having an accident. Normally Jim was the most conscientious driver, but when it came to Trixie being in trouble, he tended to get careless.

“I’m not going to do anything stupid, Honey,” Jim snapped. “I’ve gotta go.” The next thing Honey knew the phone was dead.

“How’re you doing, Trix?” Honey called as she quickly dialed another phone number. “I just spoke with Jim.”

Honey heard a groan that sounded vaguely like fine.

The phone rang once before it was answered. “Mart Belden.”

“It’s Honey,” she rushed. “You’ve got to stall Jim. He’s coming out of the office. Trixie’s here and not feeling well. I just spoke with him and he was starting to panic. I want to contact Tom and see if he can drive Jim in the limo.”

When Honey took a breath, Mart responded as he rushed to Jim’s office. “Why don’t I just drive him?”

“Trixie’s going to be upset that Tom is seeing her while she’s not at her best. I don’t think she’s ready for you to see her this way either.” Years of being Trixie’s best friend had given Honey the unique insight of knowing what would make Trixie uncomfortable. “I’ve got to catch Tom. I’ll call after Jim and Trixie leave.”

The two rang off and Honey quickly called Tom Delanoy. Normally, Honey would never consider asking a favor like this from Tom without consulting her parents, but she knew that under the circumstances her parents wouldn’t mind.

Finally, she was done with her calls and was able to direct her attention back to Trixie. “Jim’s coming, sweetie,” Honey said. She walked over to the couch and reached down to comfort her. Trixie flinched as if having someone touch her would cause her pain.

After she swallowed deeply Trixie replied, “Just fine.” The smile she pasted on her face didn’t even make it to the corners of her mouth.

Trying to distract Trixie from her discomfort Honey suggested, “Well, let’s discuss the last applicant. Then I can call Joe back and have him set up some interviews with the candidates.”

Trixie nodded so Honey started to read the fourth applicant’s resume. “Well, I think it’s safe to say that the applicant is a male. Jack Palmer has an impressive resume. He’s been working for Ralph Keenan in California.”

Trixie tried to concentrate if only to take her mind off of her misery. “Why does the name Ralph Keenan sound familiar?”

“Dad hired him to investigate an investment firm in Los Angeles last year. He asked me what I would look for if I was hiring a firm.”

“Yeah, I remember. So tell me about this Jack Palmer.” Trixie was finding it harder and harder to concentrate, but she was determined to not get sick.

“His resume seems pretty impressive. He’s worked for Mr. Keenan for several years. It looks like he’s had a steady progression of challenging cases.” Honey briefly scanned the resume.

“I wonder if he’s a blonde beach babe or dark and mysterious?” Trixie commented dryly.

Trixie,” Honey gasped. “You know that you can’t base your decision on how good looking a person is. That’s discrimination.”

“I know that but I can’t help hoping that if we do hire a male, the view is good.” Trixie replied cheekily.

The two friends started to giggle. All of a sudden Trixie took a deep breath and then she bolted up from the sofa. “Outta my way,” she said. She barely got to the bathroom of their suite when she lost not only her lunch but also her breakfast. For what seemed like an eternity, Trixie heaved. Honey was coming out of the kitchenette area of the suite with a glass of water and a washcloth when Jim entered the office.

As soon as Mart got Jim off with Tom Delanoy, he breathed a sigh of relief. Diana had been watching everything unfold from afar but as soon as the limo had gone down the driveway, she was wrapping her arms around Mart in comfort. Mart would have liked to stay there for hours but knew he needed to make an important phone call.

As he reached for his cell phone Diana said, “Who are you calling now?”

Mart held up his hand as he speed dialed a number. When the connection was made Mart sighed with relief.

Brian generally didn’t answer his cell phone during the day but when he had seen who it was from he immediately picked up the call. “Mart, is everything all right with Trixie?” he asked.

“Trixie is starting to feel the effects of the chemo. While that concerns me, I’m worried about Jim more. He is working himself into a frenzy. How soon can you make it over to the agency to calm him down?”

Brian looked at his desk and the pile of notes that needed to be completed before the night was over. “Well, I’m done with my patients for the day. There’s a mound of patient notes I have to dictate, but I can come back and take care of that. I can be there in five minutes.”

Mart breathed a sigh of relief. “That will be great. The Wheelers are home now. I’m going to make arrangements to have them take care of Matt, Lizzie and Jenny.”

Both men ended their conversations and went about the assigned tasks.

“Where is she?” Jim demanded. He looked wildly around. Not seeing Trixie, he started to move toward Honey.

Honey quickly set down the water and cloth and rushed over to Jim. She firmly grabbed his shoulders and forced him to look into her eyes. “You have to slow down, Jim,” she started. “She’s been in the bathroom for the last ten minutes and from the sound of it she’s finally stopped heaving.”

Jim gasped, “I’ve got to go to her.” He started to move toward the bathroom.

Honey pleaded, “I know you want to see her but let me go in there. I just have this feeling that she doesn’t want you to see her like this.”

“I don’t care how she looks,” Jim said between clenched teeth to keep his voice down. “I just want to help her.”

“I understand.” Honey’s voice remained quiet and calm. “Just give me a second. You know how Trixie can be.” She turned picked up the water and cloth and headed to the restroom.

Honey was surprised to see that Trixie had made it to the toilet and hadn’t missed. When she walked in Trixie was sitting on the floor, her head leaning on the rim of the toilet, sweat rolling down her face, and her curly hair in total disarray.

“Trixie,” she whispered. Trixie raised her eyes to meet Honey’s. All she could do was moan.

Honey continued softly, “Jim’s here now. He came with Tom in the limo.” Honey handed the glass to Trixie and then used the washcloth to wipe her face and hands. “You’re doing great, Trix.”

As she tried to take a sip of water, her stomach started to dry heave. Trixie lifted her head over the toilet but nothing came out. She took another sip of water but this time just tried to rinse out her mouth and not swallow. She managed to get the worst of the taste out of her mouth.

Honey hovered over her friend. When Trixie was ready she tried to stand. As Honey bent to help her up, Trixie didn’t even protest. Honey reached up and brushed the curls out of Trixie’s eyes then she wrapped her arms around her sick friend and guided her out to the office.

Jim immediately was at Trixie’s side when she entered the office. He rushed over and started to give her a firm hug. As soon as he touched her, Trixie flinched and moaned. Jim jumped back as if he had been burned. A look of hurt passed through his eyes seen only by Honey.

He barely could voice the word “Trixie”. Trixie raised her eyes and looked soulfully into them. Jim saw pain and fear in the blue eyes of his beloved wife.

Honey guided Trixie back to the couch. Seeing the turmoil in Jim’s eyes, Honey knew that if she didn’t do something Jim was going to fall completely apart and be no good to Trixie. “Why don’t you wait a few minutes to see if Trixie’s stomach will settle down so the trip home won’t be so uncomfortable? I’ll go out and talk to Tom.”

As she walked past her desk, Honey slipped her cell phone in her pants pocket before she grabbed her coat and went outside. As soon as she was out of the office, Honey pulled the phone out of her pocket and started to dial a number. As she looked up, the person she was trying to call appeared before her. Brian was rushing down the sidewalk. Honey rushed into her husband’s arms trying hard not to let the tears fall.

“What are you doing here? I was just getting ready to call you.”

Brian placed an arm around Honey’s shoulder as they walked towards the office. “Mart called and told me Jim could use a friend,” Brian started. “I also was worried about Trixie. I’m really trying to just be the brother and not the medical expert for most of the time.” Brian looked ruefully into Honey’s eyes and continued, “It hasn’t been easy.”

“It’s worse than I thought,” Honey commented.

“What’s happened?” Brian asked.

Honey stopped in front of the limo, and stuck her head in to tell Tom it might be a few minutes. Tom and his lovely wife Celia, who was the Wheelers’ head maid, were good friends to not only the Bob-Whites but also all of their parents. There were rare occasions when the job took precedence over their friendship. This was one of them.

After she had spoken with Tom, Honey told Brian about the events of the afternoon. As a brother, Brian was concerned about how Trixie was doing, but as a doctor he wasn’t surprised by how fast Trixie went from feeling fine to feeling like crap.

Ever the doctor, Brian did ask a few questions about Trixie’s health. When he was satisfied that she wasn’t reacting abnormally he said, “Okay, I’m going into big brother mode now.”

“Could you go into best friend mode, please?” Honey asked.

“What’s up with, Jim?” Brian asked. Over the years Jim had proved time and again to handle stress with ease. He rarely lost his famous red-headed temper. It was why his school was so successful.

“I’ve never seen him like this, Brian. I called him because Trixie was getting tired and just starting to feel a little ill. We had one prospective applicant to discuss and she figured that if she called ahead, Jim would be here when we finished.” In some ways it was harder for Honey to see Jim reacting the way he was than Trixie being sick. “When I called him at the school, he just kept saying he shouldn’t have left her here, that he should have been here. I was so worried that he would have an accident coming in. I called Tom to bring the limo. By the time he got here Jim was a basket case.”

Brian and Honey walked arm and arm into the agency. Trixie hadn’t moved since Honey had left. Jim was standing in the corner not knowing what to do next. He didn’t even see Brian.

Brian walked up to Jim and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Jim,” he said. Jim looked up at Brian, fear and helplessness in his eyes. “How’re you doing?” Brian continued.

Jim could only just shake his head. He was so worried about Trixie. He never imagined how sick the treatments would make her.

After years of rooming with Jim through college, late night discussions about their then girlfriends, working to make Ten Acres Academy a success, and just being best friends, Brian knew Jim still had issues of loved ones abandoning him. “Despite the looks Jim, Trixie’s doing well. Her reaction is normal and unfortunately it’s just begun.”

Jim turned his back to the room and whispered, “I know, Brian. It just caught me off guard. She was doing so well when I left her. Then when I came back she wouldn’t even let me hold her and comfort her.”

“It’s not that she doesn’t want you to, Jim. Her body is literally being poisoned and it makes her entire body ache. Any pressure is going to make her uncomfortable.”

“I know that in my head, but tell that to my heart.”

Brian reached for Honey’s hand. He wasn’t sure if he was really getting to Jim and needed some support. “Trixie needs your strength right now. You know how she hates to be sick and hates the feeling of helplessness even more. We all need to remind her to take it easy and just to be there,” Honey said.

Jim seemed to be able to shake off his melancholy and be the support that Trixie needed. “Thank you both for reminding me what is important. It just pains me to see her suffer.”

“It’s going to get worse before it gets better, you know,” Brian said. “You may have to take acting lessons so that Trixie doesn’t see how this affects you. She’ll worry if she thinks you’re not handling this well.”

Jim nodded in recognition. He took a deep breath and then turned back and approached his wife. “Trixie, how are you feeling?” he asked.

She groaned and then struggled to sit up.

Jim hurried over and knelt down beside her. Tenderly he asked, “Can I help you get up?”

Tears of appreciation welled in her eyes and she nodded.

“Let me know if I’m hurting you,” he said. As gently as possible, Jim tried to help Trixie to her feet. Every time he reached to help her up it seemed to hurt her entire body. Finally Brian stood on one side of her and Jim on the other side. Letting Trixie do most of the work they were able to get her to stand.

Slowly they made their way to the limo and were able to get Trixie in the back seat as comfortable as possible. After a hug to Honey and Brian, Jim climbed in and Tom drove off to Glen Road. Honey went back into the office to turn off the computers and lock up as Brian headed back to his office to finish his dictation. It would be a long night for everyone.

 

 

This website is © 2005-2025 Mal. All rights reserved. All graphics created by Mal and may not be used without permission. Original ribbon provided by Pink Ribbons by Carol Sutton. Buttons using image and background created by Mal and may not be used without permission.