Crashing Into You

2 years later

Guys.

When I tell you my life is perfect now, would you believe me?

After we got married, we had the best honeymoon in Italy. A month later I found out I was pregnant. It took us both by surprise but it was a beautiful gift.

Baby Alex has green eyes and a smile that would light up ANY room, easy. What? I know what you are thinking, but my mom has green eyes as well. Max adores Alex.

Max never found out about me going to Jeff on our wedding day and he never will.

We moved to the outskirts of Nashville away from the noise and I haven't seen Jeff since our wedding day. I'm not complaining because out of sight, out of mind.

I have been given a new chance to fall in love with Max, no distractions. No Jeff to even think about.

I teach 2nd grade at the local Elementary school and have the best time. I love teaching so much.

Meg has found a husband of her own and is currently pregnant.

Life. Is. Perfect.

I took a half day at work yesterday because I had my annual lady check up. Routine, women have to get them every year.

My students were at lunch when the doctors office called me. That is weird, they usually just send a letter to tell me I am clear. Shrugging off the nagging feeling, I answer the call.

"Mrs. Briggs?" My Doctor called over the phone.

"This is her. How are you today?" I smile into the phone.

"I'm doing good. Is there anyway you cane come to the office today? It's rather urgent and if you can come now, that would be best." He sounded urgent.

"Uh, I can ask. Is there anything you can tell me over the phone that maybe I can see if my principal will let me leave now?"

"Emma, Uh I don't know how to say this. Ok, you have cancer."

Noise. White noise. My breathing turned heavy.

"I'll be there ASAP." I managed to chock out.

I'm not even sure how I got to the doctors office. I kept calling Max but he had an important meeting at work today and I just knew he would call me when he got out.

I sat waiting on the doctor to see me. I'm not even sure how long it's been. It feels like hours. I look at my watch, it's only been 20 minutes.

I can't even cry because I am unsure of the details. Surly, they got the test results mixed up. I don't have cancer and everything is going to be fine. I wish Max was here. He always has so many good things to say,I-

"Emma Briggs?" I was cut off by the doctor calling my name. He was giving me a sad smile. That can't be good.

"Where is Mr. Briggs? I thought you might want him here for the news." Cut the small talk doc, get down to it.

"He had an important meeting, I've called but I know he will call when he gets out."

We reach his office and he ushers me in and then shuts the door. He walks around to sit in his seat behind the desk. "As I have already told you, your teat results came back positive for cancer. Ovarian cancer is something that is very aggressive and when we looked further into your results we found out that you have stage 3. This can be terminal if we do not get it all out right away. I have set you up in a room at Mofit Cancer Center for Friday. This will give you time to get your things in order before we start treatment."

This is all not happening. " Are there other options? Could I do treatment here? Do I really need to stay at the center? How long will this take?"

"Those are all valid questions. The stage 3 is settling fast. Usually it takes a few years to get to stage 3. You had no signs of the cancer when you delivered Alex. I would have known. With this form and at its aggravated state, this is the only option to live."

The only option to live.

"How long do I have?"

"It's hard to tell now. We will do the treatment for a full month and see where we are at the end of the month. If all goes as planned hopefully you'll live a long life."

"And if it doesn't go as planned?" My voice was at a whisper.

"You'll have a year, tops"

All of the space around me shifted. I couldn't breath. I had to get out of there. I thanked the doctor, told him I would meet him at the hospital on Friday and left.

The air that was thick with sadness was choking me. I walked out of the automatic doors and the cool breeze shocked my system. I inhaled and exhaled, hands on my knees. My whole world has been tuned upside down. I have to go see Max. He has to know. I looked at the clock. 1:30

I still have 3 hours before I have to pick Alex up at the daycare. I'll drive home to change my clothes before I run to Max's work.

I pull up and Max's car is already in the driveway of our two story, straight out of Garden Holmes magazine, dream home. That's really weird but at least I can go ahead and tell him now.

I open the door, "Babe? Where are you?"

I run upstairs, he is most likely home for lunch and then he will head back. I thought he had that meeting?

I open our bedroom door and I freeze.

I see Max, laying on OUR bed with a very pregnant Meg, straddling his lap.