Sweet Girl

When I See You Again

Vivian hands Stevie a tissue out of her purse, watching her dab her eyes with it. "Surely there's something - it has to be operable or -"

"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Nicks," the doctor shakes his head, "we've exhausted every option for Vivian's case. Further radiation would severely impact her quality of life for the time that remains. I know this is hard to hear, but it's time to spend what you do have left together, enjoying it."

Vivian stares ahead at the wall. She regrets everything. She never should have signed on for this film, she never should have even introduced herself to Stevie. The only saving grace in all this is that Ella will have her now; that her daughter will be taken care of by someone who loves her as her own. But this? Watching Stevie sob - it's too much. None of this was fair to do to her.

"Thank you, Dr. Chapman," she finally mutters. "Stephanie, let's go." She stands and holds her hand out, but Stevie doesn't take it. She looks up at her, blinking back more tears, then stands and leaves the room without her. Vivian stands still for a moment, staring at the door she just slammed. She'll go back to the hotel - it's fine. She's a big girl.

"Nothing... radiation won't slow it down anymore? Anything. I'll do anything," Vivian pleads as she slumps back down into the chair, "this isn't fair to her. If I do radiation, will it stave it off? At least for another year?"

The doctor shakes his head. He handled Vivian's case when she was a teenager - he was the one who put her in remission the first time. "Vivian, if I thought there was even a chance, sweetheart, you know I would do this for you. I've been watching you grow up since you were fifteen years old. This isn't easy for me. But it's time. You need to go home and enjoy your time with your wife and your daughter. Make memories."

"How long? Realistically," Vivian sighs, gripping the chair so tightly with both hands that her knuckles are white.

"Optimistically? Year. Realistically - I want to see you back in six months. I'll have a better idea then, based on progression."

"Ok," Vivian nods, "I'll set up an appointment... and I'll leave Stevie at home next time. She's just upset."

"Please, Vivian, don't apologize. I can see how much she loves you." The doctor stands and opens his arms, welcoming Vivian into them. She hugs him hard, then lets him go and nods her head one last time.

"Thank you. For everything. If it weren't for you -"

He shakes his head and waves her off, but there's a gentle smile on his face. "The pleasure was all mine, kid. Buy her flowers on the corner - wine shop is down the street. Let her be mad, and remember she isn't mad at you."

"Thanks," Vivian exhales a heavy breath out of her mouth, then leaves the office.

When Vivian gets back to their suite at the Waldorf, a dozen long stemmed red roses balanced in her arms, Stevie is standing at the windows staring out at the city with a glass of wine in her hand. She can't blame her; she'd like to down a bottle herself.

"Steph," she says gently, prompting her to turn around. "I'm so sorry."

Stevie looks from her eyes to the roses, her face expressionless. Vivian has never seen her so shut down. "I've called downstairs. They're preparing the suite next door. I think it's best if we - I need some time."

Vivian's mouth drops like she's in shock. She sets the roses on the table between them and nods, then walks away without a word. She's half hoping Stevie will come in the bedroom and tell her she's sorry, she's being crazy, of course she doesn't want her to leave. But she doesn't. It only takes her a few minutes to pack the suitcase she opened.