by Lydia Rose
****
Monday morning, Quinn woke up with a terrible headache.
“Maybe you should stay another day,” Wendy said, handing Quinn some pills and water.
“I would love to, Wendy.” Her hand cupped Wendy’s face. “You know that, but I can’t.” She put the pills in her mouth and washed them down with the water. “I’m sure I’ll sleep most of the way back.”
“Send me a text when you land so I know you’re okay,” Wendy said, holding Quinn’s arm. The worry was evident on her face.
Quinn forced a smile. “I’ll be fine.”
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Quinn’s headache continued to get worse as the flight continued to North Carolina. She got off the plane and sent Wendy a text. As she walked toward the luggage area, everything went black.
Quinn woke up in the hospital. Her mother sat at her side. “Mom.”
“How are you feeling?” Tina asked, taking Quinn’s hand.
“I have a lousy headache. What happened?” Quinn asked, not remembering anything.
“You collapsed at the airport. Your blood pressure is sky high. We’re waiting for the test results.”
At that moment a doctor walked in. “Hello,” he said. “I’m Doctor Jensen. How are you feeling?” He asked Quinn.
“My head hurts.”
“The CAT scan shows something.”
“What doctor?” Tina asked quickly.
“A tumor on Quinn’s brain. It’s small, but we don’t want to wait to operate. We will admit you and then perform the surgery in the morning.”
“Is it cancer?” Quinn asked.
“We won’t know until we’re in there and test the tissue.”
Tina began to cry.
“Don’t panic yet. It could just be a benign tumor.” His hand went to Tina’s shoulder before leaving the room.
“You’ve got to call Wendy.”
Quinn reached for her mother’s hand. “No, Mom, Wendy is in the middle of making a film. She can’t get away and we don’t even know if there is anything to be concerned with.” Quinn sighed. “Promise me you won’t tell her.”
“Are you sure, Quinn?” Tina asked.
“Yes, Mom.”
Quinn’s phone rang later that evening. “Hi, baby.” It was Wendy.
“I tried to Skype you.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not at home.”
“How do you feel?”
“Good,” Quinn said, lying. “Wendy, a friend of mine is sick. I’m not going to be able to talk to you for a few days.”
“Who is it?” Wendy asked.
“My friend, Susan. She’s all alone and I need to take care of her.”
“Is it serious?”
“We won’t know for a few days.”
“Call me when you can and thank you for coming out to visit me. I had the best time.”
“I did too, honey. I can’t wait to see you again.” Tears were forming in Quinn’s eyes. “I’ve got to go Wendy. I love you,” she said, holding her emotions at bay.
“I love you too, Quinn, and I’m sorry about your friend.”
“Me too. Bye.”
“Bye, Quinn.”
****
The operation was long and grueling. Someone came out and updated Tina to Quinn’s condition.
“Hello, I’m Doctor Stevens. Doctor Jensen has been able to remove the entire tumor. We won’t know the results of the tissue findings until tomorrow, but it looks very promising.” He smiled and patted Tina’s hand. “The surgery should be over in the next hour. You’ll be able to see Quinn when she’s in recovery.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Tina sat there with Quinn’s phone in her purse. She wanted to call Wendy and tell her to hurry out here, but she also wanted to keep her promise to Quinn.
The next day, Doctor Jensen came to see Quinn. “The tumor was malignant, but I’m confident that we got it all.” He told her. “We also left chemo wafers in your head as a precaution.”
“Will I need any other treatment?” Quinn asked.
“You’ll need to get another MRI in a month to make sure.”
“If something shows up, what do you do?”
“Then we’ll do radiosurgery. It’s a specialized radiation treatment that is non- invasive.”
“When can I go home?” Quinn asked softly.
“In a couple of days. Once we get you on your feet walking, you’ll be able to go home.”
“Thank you, Doctor Jensen.”
Tina came into the room an hour later and Quinn explained to her what the doctor had said.
The tears fell onto Tina’s cheek. “Quinn, you should call Wendy.”
“Mom, we’ve been through this. There’s nothing she can do and I’m going to be fine.”
Tina nodded, not completely believing Quinn.
Quinn went home three days later and called Wendy. “Hey, baby.”
“How’s your friend?” Wendy asked.
“She’s going to be okay I think.”
“How come you didn’t Skype me?”
“I dropped my laptop,” Quinn lied. “I’ll have to get another one.” If Wendy was able to see her, she would see the bandage on her head.
****
Wendy drove into Raleigh the following month for her scheduled MRI and then she sat with Doctor Jensen.
“I’m sorry, Quinn, but you need to start the radiosurgery.”
“Doc, be honest with me. How long have I got?” Quinn asked, allowing the tears to fall onto her cheek.
“Quinn, I am very hopeful that you’ll make a complete recovery. The radiosurgery should take care of the rest of the tumor.”
Quinn nodded not believing him. “When do we start?”
“Tomorrow. It’s an outpatient treatment. I won’t say it doesn’t have side effects. You’re going to be very tired and you will end up with burns in your mouth, but you’re young and will get through this.”
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Quinn had gone through three radiosurgeries and the doctor had been right. Quinn had no energy and her mouth felt like it had been burned. Lying in bed one evening, her computer indicated Wendy was calling her. She sat up and accepted the call.
“Hi, baby,” Wendy said cheerfully.
“Hi.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Wendy asked, seeing how pale Quinn was.
“Just a virus,” she said quickly.
“I’ll be home soon, honey. I’m sorry I’m not there to take care of you.”
“I’ll be fine, Wendy. Don’t you worry about me.” Quinn had a hard time speaking. “I think I need to sleep, Wendy. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry, Quinn. Take care of yourself and I’ll call you tomorrow.” Wendy watched as Quinn’s eyes drooped. Her heart told her there was something wrong, but she couldn’t imagine that it was serious. “Quinn, you would tell me if something was wrong.”
Quinn gave Wendy a lopsided grin. “You know it, baby. Good night.”
“Good night, honey. Get better.”
Wendy disconnected her call and now brought up her contacts to call her mother. “Hi, Mom, how are you?”
“I’m fine, honey. How’s the film going?”
“We just finished shooting, but I won’t be home for a week or so.”
Arlene got quiet.
“What’s wrong, Mom?”
“If you’ve finished filming, why are you staying?” Arlene asked trying not to give anything away about Quin.
“Mom, what’s wrong? Please tell me.”
“Oh, Wendy. I’ve been sworn to secrecy, but you have a right to know.”
“Know what, Mom?” Wendy asked, feeling the muscles in her stomach tighten.
“Quinn’s been sick.”
“Is it serious?” Wendy asked quickly.
“Yes. She collapsed the day she flew home from California.” Arlene choked on the next words. “They found a brain tumor.”
Wendy let out a strangled sob. “Tell me everything, Mom. Please.”
Arlene told Wendy what Quinn had been through.
“Mom, I’ll be on the next flight.”
“Good. Quinn needs you, honey.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Mom.”
Wendy called the airlines and then packed her bag. She now made arrangements for a car to take her to the airport. Her next call was to Tina Waverly.
“Hi, Tina. It’s Wendy.”
“Hello, Wendy. How are you?”
“I’m sick with worry, Tina. My mother told me about Quinn.”
“Oh, Wendy, I wanted to call you so many times, but Quinn wouldn’t let me.”
“Don’t tell her I’m coming. I don’t want her to worry I’m ruining my career or something stupid like that.”
“When will you get in?” Tina asked.
“I should be at her house by one o’clock.”
“I’ll be at Quinn’s house waiting for you.”
****
Tina opened the door as Wendy stepped onto the porch. Her arms went around Wendy squeezing her tightly. “Thank you for coming.”
“If I had known, I would have been here sooner. Where is Quinn?”
“Sleeping. The radiation treatment has taken a lot of out of her. She doesn’t eat much because her mouth has sores.” Tina wiped her eye. “Go upstairs and see her.”
Wendy walked into the master bedroom and saw a frail Quinn lying there. She moved closer to the bed and sat down. Quinn’s eyes peeked open and blinked. “Am I dreaming?”
“No, honey. I’m here,” Wendy said with a smile. “How are you feeling?” Her hand went through the hair on Quinn’s forehead.
“Good.”
“Yeah, you look well,” Wendy said with a smirk. “Try again.”
“Not good.” Quinn admitted through a forced smile.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Wendy asked, knowing what Quinn would say.
“I didn’t want you to worry.”
“Nothing would have stopped me from being here if I had known, Quinn.” Wendy could see how hollow Quinn’s green eyes looked, and the thought of losing her entered her mind.
“I know that. That’s why I didn’t tell you.”
“How about something to eat?”
Quinn shook her head and said, “No.”
“How about something to drink?”
“No.”
“What can I do for you then?”
Quinn patted the empty space next to her. Wendy took off her shoes and climbed on the bed next to her.
“Thank you,” Quinn whispered as she snuggled into Wendy’s body.
They both fell asleep like that. Tina poked her head into the bedroom when she didn’t hear any noise. Tears fell onto her cheek quietly as she watched the two women snuggled against each other. Tina stepped out of the room and closed the door.
Downstairs, Tina went to her phone. “Hi, Arlene, Wendy is here.”
“Hi, Tina. How is Quinn doing today?”
“Same, but I’m sure now that Wendy is here Quinn will feel a lot better. Hopefully, Wendy can get Quinn to start eating again.”
“I’m sure between the two of you, Quinn will be eating full meals,” Arlene added.
Wendy climbed out of bed at six o’clock in search of some food. She came downstairs and found Tina at the stove.
“Hi,” Wendy said as she walked into the room.
“Hi. Is Quinn still sleeping?”
“Yes, I didn’t want to wake her up.” Wendy sat in a kitchen chair. “When did Quinn eat last?”
“Yesterday afternoon. I made some chicken broth. Do you think you can try to get her to have some?” Tina asked, already putting some into a mug.
“Yes,” Wendy said, taking the mug.
She climbed the stairs again and brought a chair next to the bed. Wendy put the mug on the night table and placed a tender kiss on Quinn’s lips.
Quinn opened her eyes. “I thought I only dreamed you were here.”
“I’m here, baby. Can you sit up for me?”
Quinn lifted her body and Wendy put another pillow behind her back. She now brought the mug over to Quinn’s mouth. “Have a sip, Quinn.”
“I can’t, Wendy.”
“Yes, you can. Try for me, baby.”
Quinn leaned forward and allowed Wendy to tip the cup edge to her mouth. After a few sips, Quinn laid back against the pillows.
“You have got to have more than that if you’re going to get your strength back. Besides, I’m starving myself and need something to eat.” Wendy touched Quinn’s cheek. “So the sooner you finish, the sooner I can have dinner.”
Quinn sat back up drinking from the cup that held the warm liquid. Wendy could see how difficult it was for Quinn to swallow, but she didn’t give up. The mug was empty and she handed it back to Wendy.
“Thank you. Would you like to keep me company downstairs?”
Quinn nodded. “Can I wash my face first?”
“Sure.” Wendy helped Quinn out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. She stayed near Quinn in case she had trouble standing. “How about some clean clothes?”
Quinn nodded into the mirror.
Wendy led her into the bedroom again and sat her on the edge of the bed. Wendy put on a fresh long sleeve t-shirt and a new pair of underwear and sweats.
“You stripped me naked and I don’t have the strength to do a damn thing about it,” Quinn said sadly.
“I’m sure when you’re feeling better you won’t be able to keep your hands off me.”
“Count on it.”
“I am, Quinn. I am.” Her lips kissed softly. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Wendy helped Quinn get down the stairs and into the kitchen. “Look who I brought to visit,” Wendy said with a song in her voice.
“Quinn, how are you feeling?” Tina asked as the two women helped Quinn into a kitchen chair.
“Better, Mom.”
Tina and Wendy shared a knowing glance. “How about some more broth, Quinn?” Tina asked.
“No thanks, Mom.”
“Tina, what’s in the oven that smells so good?” Wendy asked with a wink at Tina.
“That’s Quinn’s favorite. Ham and noodle casserole.”
Quinn’s eyebrows rose.
“That’s sounds so good, Tina. Doesn’t it, Quinn?”
“I know exactly what you two are trying to do.”
“So is it working?” Wendy asked touching Quinn’s hand.
“I’ll try to eat some,” Quinn conceded, knowing that her mother and Wendy wouldn’t give up until she had eaten more food.
“Good. That’s all we want you to do.”
It took Quinn a long time, but she ate everything that was in her bowl. While Quinn ate her one bowl, Tina and Wendy finished two bowls.
“That was delicious, Tina. Thank you.”
“Yeah, thanks, Mom. It’s been a while since I ate that.”
“I’m glad you both enjoyed that.” Tina put the food away and loaded the dishwasher. “Do you need any help with Quinn?”
“No,” she said smiling. “We’re fine.”
“Then I’m going to leave you girls alone and go get some sleep.” Tina kissed Quinn and then Wendy. “Thank you for coming home to us.”
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Wendy answered.
“Would you help me take a shower?” Quinn asked, standing.
“No funny stuff though. You need your rest,” Wendy said, putting her arm around Quinn.
“You’re no fun,” Quinn pouted.
Wendy turned on the water in the shower and then stripped her clothes off first. She now stood naked in front of Quinn lifting the t-shirt over her head. As she slid Quinn’s sweats down, she kissed her stomach.
A soft moan left Quinn’s mouth.
“Come on, honey. Let’s get you feeling better.”
Wendy and Quinn stood in the shower with Wendy making sure she held on to Quinn from behind. Quinn moved the soap slowly over her skin and
Wendy massaged her skin. The whole time they were taking the shower, Quinn was moaning.
“Wendy, please touch me. I’ve missed you so much and I’ve been dreaming about you making love to me.”
“Okay, honey. Let’s get you dry so you don’t catch a cold.”
The soft towel covered Quinn’s body wiping the water off her body. Then Wendy put a towel down on the closed toilet seat and sat Quinn down. She reached for the hair dryer running her fingers through Quinn’s hair. Wendy saw the missing hair on Quinn’s head.
“They messed my hair up.” Quinn lowered her head as she felt not only ugly from this sickness, but she feared that Wendy would never feel the same way about her.
“Honey, it will grow back before you know it.” Wendy continued to dry Quinn’s hair. As she finished, she raised Quinn’s chin. “You know I would love you if you were bald. I am attracted not only to your beauty, but what is in here,” she said, holding her hand over Quinn’s heart.
As Wendy touched her with her hand and her words, Quinn became impatient. “Hurry, love. I can’t wait.”
Wendy now led Quinn to the bed and helped her onto the sheets. “I’ll be right back.” Wendy finished drying her body and went back to the bed. She was surprised to find Quinn still awake. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”
Quinn nodded. “I feel selfish that I’m asking you to make love to me when I can’t make love to you, but I want you so badly.”
“Honey, loving you brings me such joy. Let me have my fun, okay?”
Wendy wanted to be gentle with Quinn in her weakened state, so her kisses were soft and tender. Her hands caressed her breasts and skin with her lips never leaving Quinn’s body. Wendy’s mouth and gentle loving brought Quinn to an orgasm quickly.
“Thank you,” Quinn whispered as she held onto Wendy crying.
“Honey, you never have to thank me for making love to you. It’s my pleasure too.” Wendy got off the bed.
“Where are you going?”
“I want you to put your clothes back on.”
The t-shirt and sweats were back on Quinn’s body and Wendy covered her while she got dressed.
“I would have rather felt your skin against me all night,” Quinn said, yawning.
