A Sequel to 'Strong Enough' based on the alternate ending of that story

"Erin, we are supposed to be at Ruzek's in twenty minutes" Jay said checking his watch for the hundredth time that morning, "we're gonna be late"

She returned to the living room their son Caleb on her hips, "I'm ready okay?" She exhaled, their son had hit the terrible twos head on, "this guy is going to be the death of me" she kissed his forehead.

Jay took him from her, "What is this party for anyway? It's not little Adam's birthday" he was confused, "why you bought him a gift I don't know"

Erin shrugged, the party was advertised as a celebration for little Adam and that was it, "A kid has a party you bring him a gift"

Jay laughed, "Whatever" he smirked as he locked the door and they headed to the car.

The house quickly filled with guests, Josh finding his little brother off in a corner, his head buried in his hands.

He held a beer out for him, "Here, you look like you could use one of these little brother"

Adam glanced up and smiled, "Thanks" he quickly popped the top off and took a long pull relishing the feel of the ice cold liquid sliding down his throat. He could feel it settle in his stomach, reminding himself that he hadn't eaten.

Josh watched him, when he realized Adam wasn't going to willingly offer up what was bothering him he spoke, "Somethings bothering you, what is it?" A genuine concern in his voice.

Adam looked at his hands, "I'm scared" was only he could say.

Josh set his beer on the floor, his hand on Adam's back, "of what? Come on, I'm your big brother, let me help you? Do I need to kick someone's ass?" He joked.

Adam shook his head, really not in the mood to laugh, "it's Adam"

Josh felt his stomach flip, "What is it? It's not Miller is it?" The name crossing his lips made him want to throw up, remembering what the monster had put his little brother through.

Adam laughed nervously, "No. It's worse." He told him, feeling a lump in his throat and his heart ache, "Josh, he's sick, he's got...he has leukemia" his words garbled by the sob that accompanied them.

"Ah, man" was all Josh could say as he pulled his little brother into his arms, thankful that they were somewhat secluded, both men fighting tears and failing miserably.

Trudy could feel the tension and worry coming from Kim, her eyes following little Adam's moves wherever he went.

She watched Kim as her gaze stayed on the little boy was currently at the top of a giant inflatable slide, "Watch out below!" Adam yelled as he jumped up in the air before beginning his descend down the slide in the foam pit that waited below him.

Trudy chuckled at the little boy's enthusiasm.

"Hey Kim, just what are we celebrating today? Not that it matters I always enjoy a good party" she smiled, laughing as little Adam and Mouch started a foam block war with Christopher Hermann and one of his many squirts, too many for her to even attempt to remember their names.

Kim looked up from the plate of untouched food in her hand, "Do we need a reason?" She spat angrily as she put the plate down and stormed off.

It was all too much for her to bare, watching her children playing without a care in the world was torture not when she knew in a few days time that would all change for her son. Dani wouldn't get out of this unscathed, sure she wouldn't deal with the physical pain that Adam would her pain would be emotional.

After all she'd been the one left behind. The one who was left in the shadows of her brother's illness.

Jay and Erin arrived just in time for Kim to angrily brush by them, Erin's eyes following her best friend down the hallway.