His siblings called him back later that evening. Heather cried and Tyler was quiet for moments afterward. JC swore he may have been choking back a few tears as well. He also talked to Roy again. All of the Chasez clan would arrive the Saturday before the surgery and stay at his house for several days thereafter. It had been awhile since he had overnight company; it would be a nice change. After that, he decided to withdraw for the night. His heart couldn’t take any more conversations like he just had. Having to inform his family he had cancer was one of the hardest things he ever had to do. Everyone else could wait.

The next morning, he sat down at the piano to attempt writing. He couldn’t keep the pain in forever; it would drive him mad. And even though his voice was at risk, he could still write it out, right? Only one way to find out. His usual writing process started with coming up with a snippet of a melody so he had an idea in his head what the mood of the song would be. Then he’d come up with words before merging the two together. Sometimes he’d have to change one or the other until he was satisfied.

Nonetheless, as he sat there, he realized he had nothing. No word in the English language or note in the music universe could describe what he felt at that time. Maybe it was because the news hadn’t fully sunk in yet. The diagnosis was less than 24 hours ago. It hadn’t been a set reality until now. He hadn’t lived with it long enough.

And so, his mind wondered to a certain brunette and the role she would play in his life from now on. Cancer was a frightening thing and would reveal who had true intentions. He didn’t want her to see him violently ill. Or she could decide she didn’t want to stick around for the messy parts. He had no idea what she thought about their recent reconnection. Was she just as conflicted as he was? Or was she just along for the ride? And what would that mean if she did want to stay?

On one hand, he was hesitant to let Jenna in. What if she turned around and backstabbed him? She was a journalist who worked for a publication that focused on music. Local music, yes. But maybe management wouldn’t want to pass up a good story when they saw one. He didn’t want to experience the humiliation Eva put him through several years ago. She’d confessed to Rolling Stone that she thought the sex they had lacked and it was his fault. That stung more than any malicious accusation. And to make matters worse, when he went to confront his ex about her remarks, he found her in bed with Tony Parker, a famous basketball player. Wait, though. Would Jenna do that? In the limited context he knew her in, he didn’t think she would. She’d turned against the status quo and defended him to the end.

And yet he wanted to see Jenna again. Maybe it was because he liked her. Or he desired a female companion after avoiding a meaningful connection with women for some time. Most likely it was a combination of the two. She won’t hurt you. He texted her asking if she was available for coffee. I hope my intuition is right on this one. I’ve had enough hurt in my life recently. Relationship drama is the last thing I need right now.
She replied a moment later stating she would be available after her shift was over that evening. They agreed to meet at 8 at Java Logue, a popular offbeat coffee shop in an artsy neighborhood. JC wanted to limit the chance of them being overheard. He knew he couldn’t fully control that aspect but figured the circumstances would be favorable for a private conversation.

JC arrived at the cozy joint several hours later. The weathered bricks, eclectic lamps, and dark cherry wood tables provided a warm ambiance, compared to the rainy early February evening outside. He removed his jacket and sat down in an auburn leather chair near the back with his coffee.

Jenna appeared a few moments later. Her black suit and navy shirt exuded confidence and professionalism. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun this time. He could see her face so much better. Her eyes were blue, like his. I could get lost looking at her. She brought out emotions he hadn’t felt in years. She saw him and waved. She ordered and got her drink before heading toward the corner. “Hey.”
“Hey girl. How are you?” They hugged with one arm this time, since Jenna’s hands were full.
“Okay. Been a stressful day. And you?” She sat down in a chair across from him.
“Hanging in there. Good to see you.”
“Likewise. So, what did your doctor have to say?” Jenna asked, hands cupped around her cinnamon latte. He’d mentioned earlier in the day via text about seeing the doctor.
He took a swing of his own espresso. “That’s what I wanted to talk about, actually. It’s the kind of news best told in person, if at all possible.”
She raised her eyebrow. “Oh? And I suppose I’m special enough to get that treatment?”
Yes, you are. But not without some debate. He smirked. “I guess you could say that. I like talking to you, anyway.”
“Thanks. I haven’t been a hit with the male species lately.”
JC scoffed playfully. “I don’t believe it. Who could resist someone as charming as you?”
“Oh, you’d be surprised.” She paused. “Anyway, the news. What is it?”
She made me forget about it for a second. “I have stage one vocal cancer.”
Jenna gasped. “I’m so sorry. That’s not fair!”
“Well, it’s the hand I’ve been dealt.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t want it to be public knowledge just yet, so please keep it quiet.”
She nodded. “Absolutely. So, what’s the plan of action?”
“The tumor is really small so my doctor thinks he can remove it without much problem. I’ll go to surgery in a week or so. Then I’ll have treatment once a week for several months to make sure the disease is gone.”
“Is the prognosis good for the most part?”
He nodded. “My voice probably will take a hit, though. My doctor said irreparable damage will probably happen and there’s a chance I could never sing again.”
She frowned. “Is it just a chance?”
“Yeah. He wanted me to be aware of the risks. But I’m going through with the surgery and treatment. I’d be stupid not to treat it. Then the tumor could grow and become a bigger problem.”
“I’m sorry you have to go through this. When is your surgery?”
“A week from today. You don’t have to visit.”
“I want to. I’ll definitely come by.” She sipped her coffee.
Why does she seem so eager to be there for me? We aren’t in a relationship and haven’t been in contact again long. “I’d like that. I might not be all there from the drugs and such but I would.”
She chuckled. “Yeah. Waking up from anesthesia is one of the weirdest feelings ever. It’s a mix of severe disorientation and the hangover from hell.”
“You’ve had surgery?”
She nodded. “I blew out my MCL and ACL during a basketball game my senior year of high school. I can still be active, but have to be careful with how much I do.”
“Ouch. Did it end your sports career?”
“Unfortunately. I was going to go to college on scholarship, too. That was a period of self-exploration. I was quite the athlete in my teen years so it was a shock to revamp my college plans six months beforehand. I ended up missing a semester because of missed placed paperwork, but it worked out.”
“Ah, so you know what that’s like. Having your soul invested in something but then it’s yanked from your grasp by some cruel circumstance.”
Jenna smiled slightly. “That I do. We’re more alike than you think.”
He noticed vulnerability in her features, which he’d never seen before. She had somberness in her voice and her smile contradicted her aura in that moment. “Oh? And why is that, Ms. Timbrook?”
“I remember reading about you supported an adoption charity because you’re adopted. Well, I am, too. But for a completely different reason.”
JC frowned. “What do you mean?”
She sighed. “It’s a long story and I don’t want to recount it now. Basically, my birth parents didn’t love me. Luckily I ended up with parents who do. Still, it’s a scar I bear.”
“That’s terrible, Jenna. My birth mom loved me but didn’t have the resources to give me a steady life.”
“You’re lucky she does. Do you keep in contact with her?”
“On a semi-regular basis. At least once a month, maybe more. And I try to see her once a year. We have a good relationship. However, I consider Karen my main mom. So, your adoptive parents are good to you?”
“Yes. I have a relationship with them like any daughter should with their parents. But, like I said, those first few years were rough.”
JC could tell she wasn’t ready to delve further into the topic. “I’m sorry you had to endure that.”
“It’s okay. Everyone has to deal with their demons, right?”
He nodded. “That’s true.”
She yawned. “As nice as this little outing has been, I need to get home. I had a long day at the office today and need to unwind.”
I hope I didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. “Okay. Thanks for meeting me.”
They both stood up. “You’re welcome. I enjoyed it, despite the news you delivered.”
“Well, I can’t help that. It’s my life,” He coughed.
“You know where to reach me if you need anything.” They hugged. JC relaxed at her touch. Her arms provided a safety net that he hadn’t had in some time. He could have held Jenna for days. The embrace was over far too soon.
“Thanks, honey. I’ll talk to you later.” Oh crap. I hope she doesn’t take that the wrong way. He used that term of endearment to all women he knew well.
“I’ll see you.” She smiled before walking out of the coffeehouse.
What is it about you, Jenna Timbrook? What is it about you that’s breaking down my walls? He hoped he hadn’t turned her away with their conversation tonight. She appeared severely uneasy when talking about her birth parents. They must have done something atrocious to her. Regardless, she had her boundaries just as he had his. Logically, he knew they should take it slow. Now was not the time to fool with new romantic pursuits. His heart, on the other hand, missed the companionship. He sighed, left a tip on the table and left.

The next week elapsed with no incidents. JC didn’t hear from Eric and he preferred it that way for now. He didn’t need his manager’s petty shit right now. He called other friends and received lots of sympathy in voice and people coming by. Matt came and stayed for several hours one day to hang out and keep him company. JC enjoyed the attention; it took his mind away from his depression. Jenna called several times to check up on him. It was almost like people did care about him.

Despite that, JC’s heart swelled with joy like never before as his family showed up as his doorstep Saturday afternoon. He and Roy embraced wordlessly for a moment. That was all he needed from his father: a gesture of support and love. Then he turned to Karen. “Hi, honey,” she croaked.
“Hey.” They hugged. Something about his mother’s love soothed his fears temporarily. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“Me, too.” She kissed his cheek and let him go.
Next was Heather. “Hey sis.”
“You holding up okay, Josh?” she asked as they hugged.
“Yeah, hanging in there.”
Finally, it was Tyler’s turn. “I’m so sorry, bro,” Tyler whispered.
“It’s okay. I’m glad you’re here.”

The family had nice bonding time. Tyler, Roy and JC watched college basketball while Karen and Heather did some much needed cleaning. That evening Karen made crab cakes, one of her specialties and something JC missed about the east coast. Dinner was followed by several hours lingering at the dinner table visiting and having drinks. The day was low key but he didn’t mind. It was enough to be surrounded by the people who loved him most.

A knock came at his bedroom door around 11 the next morning. “Come in” JC said while rubbing his eyes.
Karen opened it. “You have visitors waiting downstairs, honey.”
I wish they would have called first. I just woke up. “Okay. Give me a few to wake up.”
“That’s fine. You’ll be happy to see them.”
“I don’t get a clue as to who this person is?”
“No. They want it to be a surprise.” She closed his door.
Who could this be? Justin, maybe? He said he’d be at the surgery, but nothing else. Most people called ahead before visiting him; he could be a bear if he didn’t get enough sleep. Regardless, he couldn’t be rude.

After freshening up in the bathroom, he dressed in a gray t-shirt and black pants before heading downstairs. He looked over the railing outride his bedroom. He could see several silhouettes in the foyer. Could it be? Gazes shifted towards him as he proceeded down the stairs. He stopped in his tracks on the bottom step as his throat tightened up at the sight before him. You’ve got to be kidding. I can’t believe it.