With Every Sin

Chapter Ten

*Emberly's POV*
The next day, Dr. Purdy comes to check on Andy.

"Good to see you, Andy. How are you feeling?" He asks, taking a seat next to Andy's bed. I stay frozen on the couch, my eyes locked on the back of Dr. Purdy's skull. Not knowing my test results has been killing me. If there's something wrong, I want to know.

"I'm ready to be out of the hospital. Other than that, I'm feeling pretty good." Andy grins. I zone out while they talk, my mind drifting. Of course, I immediate play out all the possible worst case scenarios in my mind. Adrenaline is pumping through my veins and I suddenly can't take it anymore.

"Dr. Purdy can I have a word with you in the hall?" I jump up, startling both the men. His smile fades and he nods. I stalk out of the room and he follows close behind me.

"I need to know what my test results were." I say, trying to stay calm. He nods, his face is almost sad.

"I know. We should involve Andy. You're going to need a support sys-"

"No. Tell me and I'll decide if I tell Andy. I'll be fine." I snap, keeping my voice low. Dr. Purdy looks like he wants to say something else but doesn't.

"That's your choice. Emberly, I want you to know that there are plenty of treatment options. We're going to help you beat this." He says.

"Beat what?" I growl. I might deck him if he doesn't tell me.

"Your tests showed that you have advanced vaginal adenocarcinoma that has spread to your lymph nodes and brain. I'm so sorry." He sets his hand on my frozen shoulder.

Adenocarcinoma.

Carcinoma is cancer. I have cancer.

"What stage is it?" I gasp out after a long uneasy pause.

"I believe it's late stage 3. You'll need to start seeing an oncologist. I called in a favor with Dr. Ramsay. He's one of the best in the nation and he works here. He can fit you in tomorrow morning." He tells me. I'm speechless. I have cancer. After everything, life is still fucking me over. Tears are welling in my eyes but I force them down.

"Don't say anything to Andy. I need to think." He nods.

"I'll be here the whole way. You can beat this." He pulls me into a hug before walking down the hall. I take a few minutes to compose myself, leaning against the plastic covered wall, before going back into the room. Andy's eyes are observant as they study my face.

"Hey!" I greet him, forcing a smile.

"What was that about?" He wants to know. I'm not going to tell him. Not yet. I need time to process everything.

"Nothing! Just needed my test results from my exam." I tell him. He relaxes, giving me a smile.

"And?" He wants to know.

"Everything's fine." I assure him, wishing it was true. He nods, content. I yawn and he notices.

"Go home and get some sleep, my love." He smiles softly.

"Are you sure?" I ask. He nods.

"You look exhausted. I'll still be here tomorrow." He assures me.

"I'll come see you in the afternoon." I promise, kissing his forehead. He pecks my lips and I grab my purse. I head to the hospital's parking garage, where my Jeep is waiting for me. I get in it and crank it up. I sit there with the AC blowing for a few minutes. I grab my phone and dial CC's number. He answers on the third ring.

"Hey chickadee, what's up?" His cheerful voice asks. I feel the tears I've been fighting back start to fall. "Hello? Em?" CC asks. I realize I haven't said anything.

"CC, can you meet me at my place in 10 minutes?" My voice is heavy.

"Yes. I'll be right there." He doesn't question anything. I hang up and pull out of the spot, driving quickly to get home.

I've just set my purse down when there's a knock on the door.

"Come in." I call, wiping my eyes. The door opens and then shuts again.

"Emberly, what's going on?" He is standing right behind me. I turn so he can see my bloodshot eyes and tear stained face.

"I have cancer. It originated in the reconstructed area and it spread to my lymph nodes and brain. Andy doesn't know but I had to tell someone." I sob. CC stares for a second before pulling me into his arms. "I don't think I can be with Andy. I don't want to hurt him when I die." I admit.

"You're not going to die. I won't let you." He tells me. "If you want to break up with Andy, that's your choice. You're more than welcome to come live with me. I have a new apartment right on campus. We can walk to class together." I can tell he's trying to cheer me up. I nod into his chest, taking a deep breath. He stays with me and watches stupid movies for a few hours until I fall asleep on the couch.