Gen 1 - Chapter 17: Germinoma

I walked into the living room, even though I was so worried and wanted to know what was going on badly I managed to stay calm. I sat next to Claude and asked him what was going on. He told me his Dad had something to tell us. We both sat nervously and listened as Billy began to talk.

He said that while we were on honeymoon he had been to visit the doctor because he had been having headaches, feeling sick, and wasn't able to see as well as he could normally. The doctor gave him a thorough check-up and sent him to the hospital for further tests. He explained that he had blood tests, a CT scan, a neurological examination, and a lumbar puncture to find out what was wrong. He said that he received the results a few days ago but didn't know how to break the news.

Upon hearing this Claude broke down in tears so I put my arm around to comfort him, knowing this was going to be bad. I decided to go make everyone a coffee to give Billy some time to think about what he had to say.

I came into the living room and placed the tray of coffee on the table and sat back down.

Billy started to talk but paused for a few minutes before saying..."The letter I received had some very unpleasant news, I have been told that I have a Pineal Tumour and that it is growing very quickly. It is a fast growing type of cancer where the brain cells growth is disrupted causing it to form a lump or tumour. The tests I had confirmed what the doctors had already guessed from my symptoms. My CT scan results show that the tumour is very large and inoperable because of it's positioning. I don't know how long I have left, the doctors said it could be a few weeks or a few months. I am sorry I didn't tell you two my worries before you went on your honeymoon, I wanted you to have a lovely time and not to be worrying about me." As he finished talking I noticed he had tears in his eyes and looked very worried about what was going to happen.

I stood up and pulled him into a big hug, I didn't know what to say.

Claude looked so shocked at hearing that his father who had only just recently come back into his life wasn't going to be around for much longer.

I waited for Claude to hug his father and asked them both to sit down, I had decided. I told them both that I didn't feel happy with Billy having to go through with this on his own, so what with the girl's birthdays being so close I told them both that me and Claude would move in and I would become his full time carer. Billy started to that it wasn't necessary, but I stopped him and said that there was no way I was backing down. He would need all the love and support he could get and I wanted us to both be there to help him through his last days. I knew Claude wouldn't want to let him out of his sight either.

Billy looked relieved to have so much support from us. We decided that we would wait to tell the girls, they both had nice evening planned and Billy didn't want to ruin it. Claude wanted us to all go out for a nice meal, just the three of us to Billy's favourite restaurant.

I left Claude and Billy talking as I went to have a shower and get ready for dinner, Lily wanted me to do her hair for her before she left. I was looking forward to finally meeting Benji, Lily couldn't stop talking about him. It was good to see her so passionate about something other than school. Lyra had left earlier that day, she was staying over a friends house. I hoped she would have a great night too.

I finished my shower and done Lily's hair and when I came downstairs I found Claude and Billy looking so handsome, I couldn't help crying again. I fell into Claude's arms, he stroked me hair comforting me. I think I am still in shock from Billy's news. I straightened myself out, determined not to ruin the evening.

I heard the doorbell go and was about to get it when Lily came bounding down the stairs, "I'll get it mum" she said. I knew that it must be Benji. I left them to say their hellos for a few minutes before introducing myself. He was perfect for her, he looked so smart and was such a handsome boy. I knew he would look after her and that I didn't have to worry, she would be safe with him.

I hugged her goodbye and told her to have a good night. I stood on the porch and watched as they drove off.

Claude and Billy came out just a few seconds later and we headed off too. We had decided to go to the Red Rendezvous as it held so many good memories for us all. We sat at a table by the window and chatted as we waited for our food. When the food arrived we all ate quietly, soaking in the happy atmosphere. The food was incredible. We done a little dancing before heading home, I asked Billy if he would like to sleep in the spare room as he looked extremely worn out. I gave him a few minutes to sort himself out before heading up to say goodnight.

I came downstairs and found Claude asleep on the sofa, it has been a long tiring day for us all. I gently woke him and he gave me a kiss and led me to the bedroom.

As I was about to drift off I heard Lily outside, she sounded so happy. I had a quick peek out the window and saw her and Benji have their first kiss, they looked so sweet. I watched as she hugged him goodbye and came indoors. I heard her tiptoe up the stairs and into her room.

I am glad both of the girls are happy, I just don't know how we are going to tell them this awful news and so close to their birthdays too!

Stay tuned for the next instalment of The Stone Family Legacy. :)

Sorry this chapter wasn't very long, I felt that it didn't need to be and I hope it came across how I wanted it too :)