Chapter 29
“Hey JC, this is Murray from TMZ. Listen, I’d like a few comments from you about the recent stories circulating around. It must be overwhelming I’d greatly appreciate it if you could return my call. Thanks. Bye.”
JC dropped his phone on the couch. You’ve GOT to be kidding me. Ever since he changed his phone number a few days ago, the calls from news outlets had ceased. He hadn’t left the house and avoided social media at all costs. He’d said his piece. Now it was open to the public’s interpretation. Even though his health didn't drastically improve, the break energized him. No intruding entities to avoid, no smarmy photographers getting in his face, no bosses with impossible expectations.
God, do I have to change my identity and move out of the country to get some privacy around here? If it was a regular person, they could sue for harassment. But no, people would say I asked for it. Right. Like I willingly asked for my private phone number to be stolen or sold. How did they get this? I set it up under a pseudonym, too. Unbelievable. Does TMZ have CIA hackers track down celebrity phone numbers for extra profit? I wouldn’t rule out anything at this point.
Well. Since they seem so eager to seek out my opinion, maybe I should look at theirs. He opened the Youtube app on his phone and found the upload. 5 million views and 4 thousand comments. Damn. So much for fading into oblivion. That many people were interested in what I had to say? It uploaded Sunday and it’s now Tuesday evening
I guess it beats the alternative. 13 years ago I couldn’t walk out of my hotel without getting mobbed. I don’t miss that aspect of fame. Social media has created a monster between thirst for fame and public’s sense of entitlement to other people’s lives. No, that combination has evolved into an abominable beast in its own right. The first comment had over 500 ‘dislikes’ listed .
No one cares, you faggot. Go die and burn in hell like the headlines said.
Well, fuck you too. You didn’t have to click on this video, let alone watch and comment. He groaned and shook his head as his neck tensed up. Why do people go out of their way to say rude shit to people they don’t know? They’re cowards who hide behind the Internet’s virtual wall. JC rarely Googled himself for this reason. Remind me again why this was a good idea? He noticed 1289 comments under the offender. Can’t be any worse than this first one. I'll look at a few more.
How dare you be so rude? If you don't care, don't click. Not that hard. #prayers4JC
--
Completely unnecessary, dude. Have a little compassion in your heart, will you? Prayers for a continued recovery, JC #prayers4JC
--r32;
Fuck yourself, OP. He’s fighting cancer just like any other human. How would you feel if someone said that about your loved one? Not so kindly? Then shut your mouth!
JC, I apologize for this sad excuse of a human being. Thank you for being honest. I cried when I found out, not only because I’m a huge fan of your voice, but my grandpa died of the same thing about a year ago. The tumor kept growing despite aggressive treatment. He couldn’t talk at the end, which was heartbreaking. I pray you have a much better outcome than he did. #prayers4JC
No need to apologize. It’s not your fault an anonymous moron has no sense of decency. I’m sorry to hear of his fate. That must have been gut-wrenching for her and her family to witness. Wow, my condition could be so much worse. The tumor didn’t exponentially grow since the last treatment. I’m still here with those I love. We can still talk, laugh, cry, argue and experience life together. A privilege not everyone has. Death is inevitable but I’d like to postpone its arrival as long as possible. Thanks for the perspective check. He clicked ‘reply’ on her comment.
“Hey, thanks for the love. I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa. Being physically present but unable to communicate is painful for both patient and family. Sending the positive energy back to you and yours. Try to focus on the good times with him, okay?”
See, for every disrespectful comment, there’s 1000 more in your defense. Most people have decent morals and wouldn’t harass random people on the street or steal identifying information for their personal gain. One even lost her job for you. Please, don’t start with the guilt trip. A knock came from the front door. There she is. Hopefully she can dissipate my anger like before.
He opened the door for her a moment later. She immediately reached out to stroke his cheek, which evoked a wan smile from him. “Hey."
“Hi babe. What’s wrong?”
“Can we kiss first? Please?”
“Okay.” Their lips met at the same time as he wrapped his arm around her hips. Her hands found the sore side of his neck and started to massage it. The pain lessened. How does she know I needed her touch there? She’s so intuitive. They broke away briefly before she kissed his top lip and the skin up to the bottom of his nose. He cradled her bottom lip between his momentarily.
Finally they separated. “That better?” She asked.
He nodded. “Kissing you won’t ever get old.”r32;
She flushed. “Same here.”
"Some people's audacity infuriates me, though."
"Why?"
"A nasty comment left on my response video that doesn’t need repeated.”
"That bad, huh? Do I need to curse someone out?”
“No, baby. The comments section has already done that for us."
Jenna chuckled. "Well, tell them thank you. Were there any positive comments?”
“The overwhelming majority, actually. The mind can get fixated on one lone negative voice even within the chorus of positives. One girl told me her grandpa died of vocal cancer. He couldn’t talk in the end because the tumor crushed his cords.”
“What a horrible quality of life he must’ve had. Did you reply?”
“I thanked her for her kind words and said to focus on the good times with him. Those memories matter the most in the end.”
Jenna pressed her lips together. “True story. You never know when you might lose someone. My mom had a cancer scare when I was a teenager.”
She’s told me that before. “What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Doctors found a strange mass in her right breast during a routine mammogram. Further testing proved inconclusive. They said she had two options: aggressive chemotherapy to annihilate any malicious cells from the inside or exploratory surgery even though there was no guarantee of complete removal.”
“They wanted her to undergo treatment even though the diagnosis wasn’t definite?”
She nodded. “Yep. She chose surgery because she didn’t like the possibility of damaging her body more than necessary. Luckily, it was successful with minimal damage. The biopsy came back benign.”
“Did they remove everything? How is she now?”
“Yes and perfectly healthy. Some disfiguration remains but invisible to the naked eye.”
“Which no one except your dad should notice anyway,” JC quipped.
Jenna laughed. “Exactly. Every day I’m grateful she’s still here. God took care of us in those six months. I wouldn’t relive that era for millions.”
“Don’t blame you there. Why didn’t she get a second opinion?”
“I never asked, honestly. This was about 15 years ago when millions of pages didn’t appear at your fingertips in a nanosecond. Finding another doctor would’ve been another huge hassle. She’d have to undergo another round of testing for the new doctor. If the tumor was malignant, that would’ve given it an opportunity to grow and metastasize into another area of her body.”
“I admire her faith. She went down the uncertain path, convinced she would be taken care of along the way.”
“She had doubt, too. Every human does. The trick is not letting it control the outcome.”
Then I totally fucked up my life if that’s the case. “Easier said than done, Jenna.”
“Right. In the end, we’re responsible for our reaction to life circumstances. Mom chose to hope, to look beyond the pain toward recovery.”
There she goes on her philosophical tangent again. Not in the mood today. JC didn’t respond.
“Where’s the closest bathroom, honey?”
Damn, how did she catch on so fast? “Um, right over there.” He motioned to the door a few feet away
Jenna jokingly slapped her forehead. “Sorry. I’m blind. I’ve been here enough times, should know that by now, huh?”
“No worries. Just don’t go puking all over the floor on me,” he teased.
“Heaven forbid I ruin your prized marble walkways. Whole house looks straight out of MTV’s Cribs.”
“One, you haven’t seen every room. Two, this is a bad thing because…?”
“I didn’t say it was, smart one!”
“Like you have room to talk!”
She playfully rolled her eyes. “I’ll meet you on the couch.”
“This is what you signed up for, babe!” He called to her retreating back. She stifled a cross between a snort and laugh in response. She’s something else, I tell you. Wouldn’t have it any other way, though.
His ringtone sounded from the living room. Oh, I left it in there. I wonder who's calling. He proceeded to that location. The number was unfamiliar but he decided to answer anyway.
“This is JC.”
“Hey, it’s Wendy. New developments have surfaced.”
Oh, didn’t expect your voice. "Oh, hi. What's up?"
"I just finished a meeting with IT and security about your case. Long story short: your data was severely compromised."
Why does that NOT surprise me? Wonderful, another plot twist. His jaw tightened. "Great."
"We searched up and down the system for any signs of virtual hacking. Nothing. All inbound and outbound calls from hospital are recorded. So, IT pulled every existing interaction on your record. One caller was named Derek Unger. Name sound familiar?"
"Fuck," JC growled as his jugular vein throbbed in his neck. “That’s Jenna’s ex-boss we were talking about at the last treatment.”
"I thought so. Well, he initially called to ask your diagnosis and didn't present any identifying information. Our representative advised your record and privacy is protected by law. Mr. Unger threatened her with bodily harm then said he had your social security number. He said he would pay her thousands of dollars if she would provide the information he wanted and not tell anyone their conversation existed."
Really, dickhead? On a recorded line? He’s either dense as hell or one entitled mother fucker. Or a little of both. "What did she tell him?"
"The hospital name and the time of your next treatment, which was yesterday. We reviewed security footage. They arrived twenty minutes before you did. "
You’re fucking kidding, right? “Wait. You have this on tape?”
“We do.”
JC slammed his fist on the side table. “That’s FUCKING ludicrous! Their job is keeping everyone who enters and leaves their property be safe. Why didn’t security send them away before I arrived?”
“In hindsight, action should’ve been taken much earlier. I can only apologize on their behalf and provide phone numbers to people who can address your complaints more directly than I can.”
He rolled his eyes. Such a bullshit answer. "Anything else happen?"
"They discussed money distribution details. The employee has been terminated effective immediately and is expelled from the USC medical system. No chance of rehire at any main or subsidiary campus."
Yeah, she just ruined her career. Good luck getting hired anywhere else. "Alarm bells should've gone off in her head. Any decent person would’ve suspected the authenticity of his intentions.”
“You’d think so, honey. Sadly, not in this case. I don’t know how he obtained it."
"Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!” He spat. “Sorry Wendy, I'm not cursing at you. Shit, you can’t trust anyone as a celebrity."
"Vent as much as you need to, dear. This situation is incredibly upsetting."
"What happens now?"
"Dr. Franklin and I are working on hospital transfer details. Do you have any preferences?"
"Somewhere within an hour, not as well-known where the staff actually gives a shit about their patient's privacy."
"Okay. I'm sorry you're going through this, JC. I wish I could help you more."
“It’s not your fault,” he replied curtly. “You're doing what you can. Thanks for keeping me updated."
"You're welcome. We'll stay in touch. As for Derek, you’ll have to consult a lawyer."
"Not now. Anger is clouding my objectivity."
"Understood. That decision shouldn’t be taken lightly."
"Right. I'll talk to you soon, okay?"
"Okay. You have a good evening."
"Thanks. Bye."
He placed his elbows on his lap and hands behind his neck. This can’t be happening right now. My life has turned into the worst soap opera in history. Script writers couldn’t have planned this any better. “God, what do I do now?” He murmured.
In the meantime, Jenna had returned to his side and started rubbing his back. “What happened, babe?”
"Your prediction came true."
Her eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?”
"Yesterday you said Derek might try to get private information from Eric so he could access my medical record. Well, Eric gave him my social security number. The hospital then disclosed my treatment time and location to Derek."
Jenna gasped. "Holy shit. You’re lying."
JC snorted and glared sideways at her. “Would I dream up this shit for fun?”
“Dammit, my anxious imagination was running wild. Never did I expect…”
“Well, for once it was right.” JC replied sarcastically.
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Did the person did get in trouble?”
“Oh yeah, they’re never working in the medical field again. Wendy said she and Dr. Franklin are still figuring out where to send me. I told her somewhere that gives a shit about their patient’s privacy.”
Jenna’s breathing hardened as she looked away and started pressing her right wrist into the couch arm rest.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Bullshit,” he grabbed her shaking hands. “It’s okay. You can be real with me. No secrets here, remember?”’
She nodded, attempting to steady her breathing as pools of sweat emerged on her face. “You don’t deserve this, JC. You shouldn’t have to worry about this.”
“Yeah, but life doesn’t give a shit about deserving a lot of the time, babe. We’ll get through, okay?”
"It's all my fault. You wouldn't be in this situation if I wasn't in the picture. You're better off without me."
"Look at me, Jenna." JC requested gently.
She met his glance while he continued to massage her hands.
"Listen, that entity in your head is lying to you. You protected me in the best way you could. This is happening because Derek is a slithery scumbag who can't keep his nose to himself."
Jenna heaved a sigh as tears emerged. "I should go.”
“No, it’s not safe. You’re not well.”
“You can’t see me like this.”
He cupped her cheek with his hand and wiped away the single stream with his thumb. “Guess what? I already have and don’t think any less of you.”
"I'm sorry.”
“What do you have to be sorry for?”
“Not being strong. Your private record was hacked into. I should be comforting you.”
"I won't take my anger out on you. It's not your fault." He kissed her forehead. “Four bedrooms are available upstairs. You’re welcome to stay in any of those if you’d like.”
"You wouldn't mind?"
"I'd sleep better tonight knowing you're not out driving in such a fragile state."
She nodded. "I am kind of tired. If you truly don't mind, I'll stay."
"At least one has a bathroom attached. You can still maintain boundaries and privacy. We don't have to sleep in the same bed yet. We're still really early in our relationship."
"Thank you. I appreciate how respectful you are of my feelings." She kissed his cheek.
He shrugged. "I don't believe in pressuring or manipulating my significant other into getting what I want."
"It's a bit jarring after experiencing so much male emotional abuse. A refreshing change, yes, but takes some getting used to."
He brushed her hair away from her face. "You'll never experience that again as long as I am alive."
She bit her lip. "Which might not be for much longer."
"Hey. I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon. Not when you're teaching me to see the good in life again."
More water flowed down Jenna's cheeks. "Oh God now I'm crying harder, Chasez."
"Come here, babe." He opened his arms and Jenna buried her face into his shoulder. Damn you, Derek. Damn you for ruining her self worth and trust in the male species. Damn you for firing a perfectly capable writer because she refused to participate in your twisted plot. You'll pay for this. You'll pay for everything.
About a hour later, the couple headed upstairs. Jenna watched JC's balance to make sure he didn't fall due to fatigue. He teased her that maybe she could carry him instead of vice versa. She rolled her eyes and told him to keep walking. At the top of the staircase, they pulled each other close and stood there in silence wordlessly for a moment.
"Thank you for taking care of me tonight, JC." Jenna whispered.
"You're welcome, babe. There's two guest rooms to your left and another past my room on the right. Take your pick."
"Which one has a bathroom attached?"
"This one right here," JC motioned to the room on their immediate left. It contained a queen sized bed and a few minimalist dresser pieces. The accompanying bathroom door opened to the right.
Her eyes widened. "Damn, baby. I stand by the Cribs comment I said earlier."
"Do you like it?"
"Yeah, it'll be fine."
"Let me know if you need anything, Jen. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, honey." The earnestness of her last kiss showed she really appreciated his efforts. Their lips lingered for a few seconds longer than usual. One day she'll be in my room and it won't only contain kissing. But not tonight.
Why, heart, why? He asked himself as he closed the door. Why did you fall for this problematic woman? It’s her fault. If we hadn’t reconnected at that party, this wouldn’t be happening right now. I shouldn’t have approached her. He took a deep breath. No, that’s not fair to her. She didn’t ask Derek to come after you and wreak havoc upon your life. He acted on his own accord. Am I not allowed to be angry about this? Here I go again getting into arguments with myself.
He clenched his first. No, I won’t let this slide. I’ll sue both his and Erik’s asses in court and ruin both of their careers. You don’t steal a social security number and get away with it. The hospital, too. You don’t willingly give out my private information like that. They didn’t ensure my protection that day. I’ll make them suffer. Take my case to the Supreme Court if I have to. I’m done being the doormat. I’m fighting back.
