Chapter Thirty-Two

Eleanor's POV   

Waking up the next morning, I could already sense the back pain coming. I slept in a very unusual position to try and give Summer room to sleep as well. We both fell asleep after watching yet another classic movie. It was around one in the morning when that happened. It surprised me about how early I woke up. 

Then I remembered the conversation I had with Parker. I was suppose to feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulder. I finally got to tell him what's been on my mind, he agreed to give me space... but somehow I just didn't satisfied. Then it dawned on me I would never feel satisfied until I was with Parker again. I missed him already.

I didn't realize that I was crying until Summer woke up from my quiet sniffles. I told her it was nothing and that I would make breakfast for all of us. Well omelets anyways since that was the only thing I was good at. 

As I cooked the eggs, I reminisced through all the great memories I had with Parker. They were only a few short months, but so far the best in my life. Somehow it seemed like I was saying goodbye to that part of me. Maybe I was, but I knew all too well this issue I had with Parker was unsolved. We still had to talk it out seriously, without any crying and fighting. 

Although I was glad he sent me a text saying he'd give me time. Time was what I needed the most. As much as I wanted to go back to Parker, throw myself into his arms, and make him tell me everything was going to be all right between us, I couldn't. I won't. Until he realizes what Heidi is really like, I would stay my ground. 

"Hey watch the eggs," Finn commented walking into the kitchen. "We wouldn't want to eat burnt for breakfast, huh?" He winked.

I jumped up a bit, surprised at his voice. I was deep in my thoughts. 

"Right," I said composing myself and flipping the omelet. Thank goodness it wasn't burnt. "Sorry. Hey, thanks for taking us in yesterday. I didn't get to thank you properly."

He smiled and walked over beside me in front of the stove. He draped an arm protectively around my shoulder bringing me closer to his tank-top covered body. The side of my face was crushed against just under his armpits.

"You're like my little sister. Of course I'll be here for you always." 

I smiled and laughed pushing him away playfully. "Go take a shower. You stink."

"Can't," he mumbled popping some bread in the toaster. "Summer's taking a hell of a long time. I think she has this whole day planned out for you two. Operating Make Elle Smile or something like that. She really loves you," he told me with a huge smile leaning against the wall watching me cook. "I think even more than she loves me."

I rolled my eyes. "Impossible. So... What are your plans after marriage?"

Suddenly, a look of pure adoration and a dreamy smile crossed his face. "Well. We're going on our honeymoon, of course. Then before the baby is born, hopefully we get to buy our first own house to bring him home in. We'll continue our daily lives with just a few changes here and there."

I sighed wistfully jealous of their lives. They just seemed so happy. "You're not going to hear the usual you-hurt-her-I-hurt-you talk, because I know you'll take wonderful care of her."

I took the omelet and placed it on the plate. I turned the the stove off and turned around to face Finn who still had that dreamy look in his eyes. Sometimes, it was hard to tell who was more whipped in the relationship. Summer or Finn.

"Well if Summer does have a plan for us today, I'm going to hop in the guest bathroom. Feel free to eat first. Whatever. It's your place," I said embarrassed.

I patted him on his shoulder and walked into the bedroom where my boys were still soundly asleep. I grabbed clothes from the suitcase and walked to the bathroom closing it behind me. While waiting for the shower to start, I got excited at hanging out with Summer. We didn't get to do this often, and whenever we did, it was always such a blast.

And it was! Summer had an entire girls' day planned out for the both of us. It included a trip to the spa, mani/pedis, and some shopping here and there. It was really a good thing to get my mind off of things.

Now it had been almost two weeks since the day I left Parker and the house. Everything was going well as I planned. Parker kept his promise. Not once has he tried to phone or call. He gave us the space I needed. I was very thankful for that. I actually cancelled school for Luke. I decided to just enroll him the next school year. Now was not the time to worry about getting him to school and buy everything he needed.

I also moved out of Summer and Finn's place the next night as I promised Luke. We were currently living in a nice hotel that was only a short distance from their place. Everything was going great. Sooner or later, I would be ready to face Parker again.

Summer helped me get my mind off of things lately. I could always count on her for that. For example, she and I were hanging out today. The weekends were mostly the only times she was free. Luke and Peyton were usually with Finn. He would make a terrific dad to Summer's baby.

"Bridesmaid dresses?" I asked surprised following Summer out of the cab.

"Yep!" She said cheerily pulling me towards the boutique. "Dress rehearsals is coming up for my wedding and you still need to get yours."

I pouted. "What about the other bridesmaid? Laura? Did they get their dresses yet?"

"Hi! I have an appointment today under Summer Clarke," Summer told an employee who walked up to us as soon as the door opened. Then turning around to face me, she answered, "I have a separate appointment for all of them. But you are the maid-of-honor. You're suppose to be the second best-dressed person at the wedding."

"You being the first?" I teased walking besides Summer as we were being led to a private dressing room area by a lady.

"Well duh," she winked pulling me closer to her. "Now let's see. Miss..." She peered at the woman's name tag. "Miss Gertrude! We're shopping for a dress for my dear friend. I want something elegant but with a hint of sexiness to it. Oh! Maybe slits up the sides?"

"No!" I protested. "I mean, no. That won't look flattering on me."

Summer turned to look at me. "Of course it will! Just give it a try."

I didn't say anything protesting quietly to the slits.

"For my special day?" She asked.

I rolled my eyes and finally nodded.

She grinned triumphantly and turned her attention back to the saleslady. "It also has to be a light blue dress; that's the color scheme of my wedding."

Gertrude nodded with a smile plastered to her face. "Of course. I will try to look for your desired dress. Meanwhile, feel free to take a look around yourself."

Summer squealed and she pulled me up to my feet, dashing over to a rack of fancy looking dresses. Just like that I was in the dressing room trying on dozens of dresses with a shade of light blue. Gertrude hasn't even come back yet with her choices! 

"Summer," I groaned looking at myself in the mirror with the first dress on. "I don't think this is the right color... and dress."

"Let me see!" She banged on the door. 

I reluctantly opened the door and stepped out. "See? I told you."

Summer cringed and nodded. "Yes definitely. Why did you even pick this dress?"

I laughed and walked back into the cubicle to dress. "Gee. Sorry. I wasn't the one insisting to get all kinds of blue dresses there were."

I heard her sigh. "Just try on all the strapless dresses. Sleeves don't look flattering on you."

I shook my head and tried on the dresses to hurry and get this whole thing over with. After trying on all the dresses, we found, there were none we liked. We put it all back on the hangers just as when Gertrude came back with beautiful looking dresses draped over both her arms. 

Summer and I exchanged a look of pure jubilation. This was going to be so much better than the cheap dresses on the rack. The dresses Gertrude had were zipped up in a protective bag! Oh boy. Summer and I were going to have a blast.

After trying on half of Gertrude's picks, I was about to lose hope. Don't get me wrong, all the dresses were absolutely gorgeous! They just didn't look right on me. None of the dresses I tried on flattered me. I probably gained some weight throughout the week.

When I unzipped what seemed to be the ninth dress, a bit of hope flared inside me. The dress was the perfect shade of blue that Summer wanted. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, and the bottom flowed flatly to cover my feet. I hurriedly tried it on excited to get Summer's opinion. I looked in the mirror, and my eyes widened. This was it. This is the dress. Summer has got to let me wear this one.

I unlocked the door and stepped out glancing briefly at Gertrude's and Summer's reactions. I stepped up on the small pedestal and faced the three mirrors around me for better angle views. 

"Well?" I asked grinning and looking at my friend through the mirror. "What do you think?"

She walked around me inspecting every inch of the  dress. She finally spoke. "Elle. I'm making you wear this dress. No matter how much you refuse, I'm going to fight for this dress for you to wear."

I smiled. "Well it's a good thing I love the dress as well, huh?"

Summer beamed and hugged me as I stepped down. "Yay! We found the dress Gertrude!"

"Wonderful!" Gertrude clapped her hands, her ever-present smile on her face. "We can do just a quick fitting to alter the dress more to Ms. Elle's body, then you are set to go."

"Great!" Summer exclaimed. 

I went back into the dressing room and zipped up the dress back in its bag. I followed Gertrude with Summer trailing beside me to the fitting area downstairs where a seamstress would take my measurements and sizes. After about spending a few minutes down there, Summer and I were set to go!

We hailed a cab and decided to eat at a restaurant in Westfield London mall. The last time I'd been here was with Parker when we went Christmas shopping. I smiled sadly looking at the familiar place and remembering the fun we both had. I missed him a lot. 

"Elle? Come on!" I realized I stopped walking when I found Summer a few steps in front of me. "Let's go. I'm starving."

"Right, sorry," I apologized sheepishly and followed her through the very busy mall. 

About two hours later, we were done with our very late lunch. It was four pm in the afternoon! 

"So want to go shopping?" She asked her eyes lighting up at the idea. "We could go to this new store opening up in the west wing. I hear it was suppose to be the next Gucci, but I doubt it. We should check it out."

I didn't tell her that I was feeling very lethargic all of a sudden. I nodded my head and put on a smile. "Sure."

We paid the bill and headed out all the way on the other side of the mall. Summer was chatting happily about her wedding and all the things she planned on doing when her baby arrived. I could tell she was very excited. I was very happy for her. I knew how long she waited in her four year relationship with Finn for him to finally propose.

I fumbled in my bag when my phone started to ring. "Hey Summer wait up!" I told her walking over to the side as to not cause a traffic in the mall. I let the people pass by me, and I answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Elle? It's Finn. Listen..." His voice sounded strained and nervous. 

Then I was the one nervous. What if something happened to one of my boys? "Yes?" I asked warily. "Is everything all right?"

"Well sort of." He coughed. "Is Summer with you?"

I nodded but remembered he couldn't see me. "Yes."

"Okay good. Tell her you two need to go to the ER right now. The hospital where I work. Peyton's, um. He had to be taken to the ER."

All color drained from my face. I dropped my phone on the ground staring out at the scene before me, none of it registering in my head. All I knew was that my son was in the hospital! Something's happened to Peyton! I wanted to cry or shout or freak out. Anything. I just couldn't! I was in a state of shock.

"Elle? Babe?" Summer ask concerned picking up my dropped phone. "Is everything all right? Who was on the phone?"

"Summer?" I heard Finn's voice come out softly through the phone. "Honey, it's me."

Summer put the phone to her ear and listened to what he had to say. Then her face turned grave and ended the phone. She wrapped her arm around me comforting me with words. 

"Come on, Elle. Let's go see how's Peyton doing."

"Finn!" I shouted barging into the emergency room of the hospital in London.

Heads turned up to look at me in the waiting room. There were disgruntled expressions on them or looks of annoyance at my loud voice. I cared not one bit by any of them. The only thing on my mind was to find Finn and ask how my son was doing. 

"Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me where a Peyton Jenkins is at?" I heard Summer ask the man at a desk. I didn't hear what he said, but Summer came over to me and pulled me in the other direction. "Peyton is already being looked at my the doctors."

I nodded letting the words sink in my head. I followed her numbly into an elevator and watched as she pressed for the third floor. Summer looked at me sympathetically and draped an arm across my shoulders. She leaned her head on my shoulder and sighed. 

"He'll be okay, Elle. I promise."

"You don't know that," I said looking up at a reflection of me. "Nobody knows that. I'm just not ready for Peyton to go."

Peyton had been doing so well! He wasn't showing any signs of sickness after that day in his bedroom. He was the same boy he used to be. Full of energy. 

"Who said he was going to go?" Summer asked disbelievingly. 

The doors opened, and we shot out of there turning into hallway after hallway. I finally spotted Finn with Luke in his lap asleep in cushioned chairs just around the corner of the patients' rooms. I rushed to him as he stood up after seeing us. He laid down Luke who curled instinctively in the space of the chair. 

"Finn!" I cried out grabbing onto his arm. "What happened? Where's my son? Did the doctors say anything?"

He looked at me gravely grabbing my hand in his. "We were playing ball outside, Elle. Shit, I didn't know he was that sick. He seemed fine when he woke up. Only a few coughs here and there, but I though that was just your regular type of cold. Then outside... God Elle, I'm so sorry. He passed out. He looked pale, and I didn't notice."

His words sunk into me. I was slowly breaking on the inside. Thankfully there was an empty chair only a few feet away, and Summer and Finn both led me to it. My friend sat on the armchair giving me support and was listening intently as well.

"I'm sorry, Elle." Finn said once again. "This is all my fault. I should have kept him in mind."

I shook my head and smiled softly at him. "No. No, it's not your fault. Where is he now? Is my baby doing fine?"

"I rushed him to the ER and he was taken in for evaluation by the doctors. It's only been less than an hour now. I called you as soon as Peyton were in their hands." 

My lips started trembling. All of the worst things that could happen to Peyton rushed in my head. Please don't let him get anything worse than just a really high fever. Please. 

"Elle..." Finn said, shaking his head at me. "Why didn't you take Peyton to the hospital right away? Has this been going on for a while now?"

I stayed still. "I - I don't know... I guess. I was scared."

"You should have still brought him in earlier," Finn informed me, clearly disappointed.

"Honey," Summer scolded. "There's no need to reprimand her. She's already been through so much!"

Finn sighed. "You're right. Forgive me, Elle."

"It's fine. I was just scared to bring him in, because I was terrified of what the results would be. I wasn't thinking clearly. I was in the wrong. I... I'm just so sorry." I stood up abruptly. "Excuse me."

"Elle, where are you going?" Summer called after me. 

"To the chapel," I replied looking over my shoulder. "Please look after Luke and call me as soon as the doctors have news on Peyton."

I hurried out of there trying to remember where the elevator was. I remembered seeing a map of the hospital inside somewhere. I repeatedly pressed the down button, waiting impatiently for the elevator to come. When it did I was glad it was empty, because I didn't want anybody seeing me cry.

I wiped away my tears just to look at what floor the chapel was on. I clicked the first floor button and waited. There were signs already pointing me in the direction which I was very thankful for. I wasn't quite in the state to ask an employee. When I reached it, I slowly went on my knees resting my arms on the back of the pews.

I was alone in the room. 

I hadn't always been a religious person. I was when I still lived in my parents. We went to church every Sunday. Although ever since I moved out, I just didn't give it a thought. I regretted that. I should have always kept in touch with my religion. I hated that I started to coming to Him for help when I needed it the most.

"God," I started choking on a sob. "I know I haven't visited in a very long time. Forgive me for all my sins, but I just... I need you right now. My son needs you right now. Peyton. He's in a terrible condition. He doesn't deserve this. Please don't let my suspicions be true. I didn't want it to get to this. Please just look over him..."

I continued talking out loud, looking up at Jesus Christ on the cross. I stayed there for a long time. I was hoping that either Summer or Finn would come down any minute to tell me the doctors have some great news.

I did the sign of cross before walking out of  the chapel and back out to the busy hospital. The hectic atmosphere was all around me. I started to make my way back to the waiting room. All of my movements were robotic. I didn't realize I already reached the waiting area where I found Summer and Finn huddled together. Her head was on his shoulder looking devastated as me. 

My other sweet, precious son was still curled up in the same position he was in when I left. I stood there, standing in the middle of the room not minding the few others with relatives or friends who was sick too. 

"Can I speak to the parent or guardian of Peyton Jenkins?" My head snapped up to see a balded man in a white jacket looking around the room.

I rushed up to him with wide eyes. "Me. It's me. I'm-" I cleared my scratchy throat. "I'm his mother. Is he fine, doctor? Please tell me he is."

A look of pity crossed his face. "I'm sorry, I can't guarantee you that. We need to keep him in for more tests and x-rays."

"All of this waiting you didn't even get to find out a single thing!" I shouted in his face. "You should have at least found something wrong with him!"

Summer appeared beside me, resting a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Elle... Calm down."

I jerked her hand away furious. "No! They've been checking my son but didn't have a single clue? What? Did you all just stand around his body laughing at him?"

The doctor sighed and looked me in the eyes. "Mrs. Jenkins. From what we could tell, your son is showing signs of cancer. This is why we need him to come back another time for