Legal Prejudice 2 - Weather The Storms

Chapter 11

When Allie got home Michael took her in his arms. When she'd recovered her emotions a little she said, "I'm so sorry I lied to you Michael. I just didn't know how else to do it and Margie was so desperate not to let Max know until she knew for sure. She told me on Thursday when we got back from that meeting. She was so scared." He guided her around the boxes to the couch and lifted her into his lap, "It's okay baby, I guessed it was something wrong with Margie from the way you said there was nothing to worry about with you, and how quiet she'd been. How did Max take it?" Allie sighed and kissed him, "I should have known you'd see right through me. I'm not really sure about Max. I've told Margie I'll go with them on Thursday when she has her surgery so he has someone with him. It sounds as if they've caught it really early, it's just a horrible thing for her to go through." Michael stroked her hair, "And what about Dan? He's pretty close to her, especially since he's been free from Carrie." Allie melted a little deeper into his chest "He's pretty upset." Michael lifted her face to kiss her, "I'll call him tomorrow. And should I let Susan know? I told her on Saturday I thought something was wrong with Margie." Allie sat up, "Yeah, she won't mind them knowing and she'll need the support."

The following day Allie headed back to the office early and immediately called Hane to arrange unpaid leave for the previous day and Thursday. Max had spoken to him to make him aware of the situation, and Allie was relieved since this saved her any explanations. Allie was surprised when she took an internal call from Max asking her to come through to his office. It was still early so the office was fairly quiet as she went in and closed the door. She could see he hadn't slept much and Max was touched by the concern on her face. He was unusually serious and he took her face in his hands and kissed her gently on the forehead. "That was for taking care of Margie. I loved you before yesterday Allie, but now I love you even more. I know you made the appointment and held her hand while they did all that stuff to her. I'll never forget you did that gorgeous girl." Allie reached up to hug him tightly, "I love you both and like I told Margie, you have taken such good care of me, of Dan and Michael, it's my turn to take care of you." He gave her a final squeeze then released her "I've just come to grab some stuff to work from home. I'm taking her for this scan thing this afternoon, and I'll be out the office for the rest of the week." Allie nodded, "Just let me or Dan know if you need anything, and let me know what time I need to get you to the hospital on Thursday." He nodded, "Can you just see if Dan's there now Allie? I wanted a quick chat with him before I head out." Allie said, " Sure, I'll go and see. "

Dan had arrived and looked as if he'd had about as much sleep as Max. He stood up as she came in and embraced her as she said, "Max is in. He's just getting some stuff to take home. He wants to see you before he goes." Dan nodded and Allie added, "Come and get me for coffee after hey?" He bent to kiss her on the cheek " I need it this morning Allie." She hadn't been in her office long before he reappeared saying, "You ready for that coffee?" She didn't need to answer but just stood up and followed him out.

They got the drinks in silence, but watched one another intently and went into his office. He looked to see if anyone was looking through the glass side panel before rubbing his face in anguish and asking, "Do you think she'll be okay Allie?" Her heart melted at the pain in his voice and she closed the space between them and held him whispering, "Yes, I truly do sweetheart. I was there and the doctor's exact words were, if you are unlucky enough to have breast cancer this is the best situation to be in. It's a horrible thing to go through, but it's treatable and we're going to get her through it." She paused and then pulled back and touched his face, "And Dan, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you the truth when you asked me if she was okay. I hated lying to you, to Michael and to Max, but I did it for Margie. She didn't want anyone else to worry or spoil the last days of the trip." He pulled her in again, "Oh god I know why Allie, and I'm in awe that you carried that burden all by yourself. Don't be sorry." Allie asked, "How do you think Max is managing?" Dan shrugged, "It didn't look like he'd slept much. He said you're going with them on Thursday." Allie nodded, "He hates hospitals and he and Margie may need someone. Michael's going to call you later. He was going to suggest he collects Emmie on Thursday evening and gets her dinner, so you can go in with Max for evening visiting and see for yourself she's okay." He rubbed his face again, "Yeah, that would be great." He paused then said, "I stayed with them you know when Carrie kicked me out until I sorted the apartment. They didn't hesitate, just took me in. And I don't know if anyone ever told you, but when you were in ICU I just about lost my mind. Margie called their doctor and he sedated me at their house. Max held me until it started to take effect and then Margie held my hand and kept telling me everything would be okay until it knocked me out. That night I realised they were more like parents to me than my actual mom and dad." His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper, "I can't stand the thought of anything happening to either of them Allie." She stroked his face and kissed him "She's going to be fine Dan. She's going to get through this and be there to see Emmie graduate college, get married, have kids."

They both kept busy catching up with work all morning. Allie took Robyn to lunch to break the news and Michael met Daniel. Michael ordered for both of them and was worried looking at at Dan's face, "Hey, did Allie mention me getting Emmie on Thursday?" Dan nodded, "Yeah, that would be great Michael. Emmie will love that. She thinks the sun shines out of your ass." He sighed, "Cancer's such a scary thing isn't it? I told Allie this morning I can't bear the thought of something happening to Margie or Max. They're way more like my mom and dad than the real thing you know?" Michael got up and hugged him, "I do Dan, better than most. It's sort of how I feel about Susan and John, so I totally get it." He added wryly, "You know what's funny Dan, they're not really old enough to be our parents." Dan laughed and Michael was relieved to hear the sound.

Robyn was shocked and went to see Dan when she got back. "Are you okay?" She asked in her matter of fact way. Dan nodded but said, "I am, but I'm likely to lose it if you're too nice to me right now, just ask Allie." Robyn gave him a quick hug, " Well lucky for you I leave all the huggy kissy stuff to her, she's better at it than me." He smiled and pulled her back to kiss her, "Thanks Robyn."