By Pesh Lockard

Preface

Disclaimer: Don't own them, not making money with them, I'm just re-arranging them for awhile. All rights go to the owners.

Author's Note: Takes place in the future, everyone is in their early thirties. I really enjoyed writing this, and it is my first submission, so please be kind 8) and send me feedback (I would send it to you!) [email protected] Thanks for taking time to read this?.

"What are the results?"

"It worked, didn't it?" Joey asks.

Dr. LoMauro sits down quietly. She looks down at the papers on her desk, and back up at Dawson and Joey. "I'm sorry." She shakes her head.

Dawson grabs Joey's hand. "What do you mean?" Joey demands. "Last time around, this was all it took."

"Last time was different. We've done everything we can." Dr. LoMauro tells them.

"So we give up?! I just sit back and die?" Joey retorts. Dawson looks horrified.

"Well, there are various other treatment options abroad. They're experimental, and supposedly for some they can be effective." Dr. LoMauro tells her. "But as far as chemo and radiation, we've walked that roadto it?s end."

Joey rests her head on her hand and thinks for a minute. "You said the mastectomy would work."

"It did. For awhile. Joey, you were in remission for six years. But we didn't get all of the cancer during your mastectomy, and it spread. You know that. And this time, we couldn?t help you."

Dawson clears his throat. He stands up and shakes Dr. LoMauro?s hand. "Thank you for all your help." He tells her. She nods, and he puts his coat on. Joey stands up and he puts his arm around her. They leave her office, and Dawson closes the door behind them. In the hallway Joey leans up against the wall, so overcome with emotion, she cannot stand. Dawson holds her and she sobs into his shoulder.