It Is What It Is

Strength

Sarah nervously wrung her hands together as she shifted in the uncomfortable plastic chair for what seemed like the hundredth time. God did she hate waiting rooms, particularly treatment center waiting rooms. From her rather personal experiences, nothing good came from a place so grey, so cold, so...sterile.

And today was no different. Sarah had counted at least three people who had gone back perfectly fine but had come out in tears. one woman was escorted out in absolute hysterics, which did absolutely nothing to sooth her already frazzled nerves. Luckily her phone had gone off just in time to save her from an impending panic attack. She smiled softly when she saw the message.

Driver just dropped me off. I'll be inside shortly.~J

Thank GOD! I don't think I'd be able to do this by myself...~S

I know. That's why I'm here, darling.~J

Sarah bit her lip at the term of endearment. Jessica always knew how to get under her skin even in the toughest situations.

That was pretty great, ya know. Making time for me.~S

You learn to make time for the things that matter. I'm inside now, I think I see you.~J

Sarah looked up from her phone and spotted the blonde right away. Jessica waved and began to make her way over to the younger woman who was clearing her bag off the seat.

"Hey." Jessica smiled as she took Sarah in a half hug.

"Hey." 

"How long have you been waiting?"

"About 15 minutes. My appointment's should be in about 10."

"Good. I didn't want you by yourself for too long."

Sarah sighed and settled back into her seat to watch whatever was playing on the TV. Jessica studied her for a few moments, trying to figure out if she should make conversation or not. Eventually, she decided.

"So. Moffitt?"

"Yeah. Moffitt." Sarah sighed.

"Already diagnosed or to be determined?" Jessica asked.

"To be determined."

"How did you find out?"

"Well." Sarah began,"A few months back I had a couple of tests run. I've been feeling like complete shit and I had tried all the regular cold remedies and antibiotics so I figured it had to be something else. As it turns out, a few of them came back abnormal."

Jessica stayed quiet.

"And with the way my family history is, they ran more tests to see if it was anything to be worried about. So, here I am. Sitting in this goddamn center hoping my results are alright."

"I'm sure you'll be fine. If something is wrong, then you're at one of the best cancer centers in the country." Jessica said softly, trying to calm the other woman's nerves.

Sarah squeezed her eye's shut at that word. 'Cancer'. She'd been trying so hard not to even think about it, let alone actually say the word. But, like it or not, she had to face it. That's why she was here, wasn't it.

"Oh, honey. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Jessica added quickly once she realized what she had done.

"It's okay Jess. Really, I have to deal with it somehow."

"But I shouldn't have said that. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you."

Sarah shrugged.