| Chapter 30 Nick and Tara walked into the kitchen to join the others for breakfast. Nick noticed that Ephah wasn't up yet. "Morning all," Tara said, sitting down with her plate. "Morning," the three mumbled. Nick sat down, taking a sip of his coffee, "So, what's on the agenda for today?" Jered smiled at him, "Nothing until tonight." "Oh, what's tonight?" Nick asked, taking another sip. "Your confirmation," Jered answered. Nick immediately spit the coffee across the table in shock, "That's tonight?!" Jered glared at him, taking his napkin and wiping the coffee off his face, "Yes, something wrong?" "No, sorry bout that. I just didn't realize it was this soon," Nick said, glancing at Tara. She was just as shocked, but was hiding it much better. Jered shook his head, "We told you, you were ready. What's the point in waiting?" "There's not one I guess," Nick said, taking a bite of his breakfast. "So, what do you wear to these things anyway?" Tara asked. The girls laughed at her, "We have something all picked out for you." Tara looked between the two, "Why am I afraid?" They laughed. Tara raised her eyebrows and looked at them, "Yup, really afraid." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kevin paced the small room, stopping occasionally to glance out the window at the rising sun. He was worried, and resorting to the family habit of wearing a path in the floor. Harold had joined him for a while, but eventually got tired and sat down. Now he watched mindlessly as Kevin continued on. "Honey, please sit down," Kristin said. Kevin sighed and looked at her, "I can't." Jackie got up and walked over to her nephew, "Kevin, come talk with me," she said, motioning for them to go out into the hall. Kevin followed her out and to a small waiting room. She sat down and looked up at him, "Have a seat." He sat down, feeling like a child that had gotten in trouble at school and was about to be scolded by the teacher. Jackie reached over and took his hand in hers, "Honey, I know you're worried. We all are. Things don't look good right now, but you can't do this to yourself." "Do what?" Kevin asked. "Take all this in and blame yourself for somehow not knowing this was going to happen," Jackie said. Kevin looked down at the floor, "But I knew something wasn't right when he was so tired." "Kevin, there's no way you could've known this was going to happen. And blaming yourself for it isn't healthy," she told him. "But it's my job to take care of them," Kevin said, "I feel like I failed." Jackie pulled him to her, hugging him, "You didn't fail. You've done a remarkable job with the four of them. You took on the responsibility of being their �father' when we couldn't be there, and I'm grateful to you for that, but don't put all this on you. Even the greatest parents in the world can't keep their children from making mistakes or getting sick. That's life Kevin. We can't stop it or make it go away, and sickness and death are a part of life." Kevin looked up at his aunt. He could see the sadness in her eyes. "You don't think he's gonna make it do you?" he asked. "I want him to. I pray for him to, but then I see how he's suffering, and I don't want him to suffer any more," she said. "I can't even think about my life without him," Kevin said, letting his tears fall. Jackie pulled him to her, letting him cry on her shoulder. "Honey, none of us can. He's my baby, no matter how old he is, he will always be my baby. I pray you never know the pain of losing a child," she said, letting her tears join Kevin's. Kevin wrapped his arms around her, "I'm sorry Aunt Jackie, I know this has to be hell for you." Jackie nodded, "It is, but I'll get through it, just like you will." "How?" Kevin asked. She smiled at him, "Through God, all things are possible. That's how." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nick was hastily tying the laces on his boots while Tara slipped her sword into her jacket. "I want to talk with Ephah one more time before we leave," Nick told her, standing up. She turned to look at him, "You got everything?" Nick looked around, "Yeah, I think so. You?" She nodded. They were both wearing the outfits they showed up in. Nick had his and Gideon's swords tucked into his jacket, which he held in his hand. He closed his eyes and searched the house. "He's in the great room," he said, walking out the door and down the hall, Tara following him. They rounded the corner to find Ephah sitting on the couch, staring out the window. "Ephah," Nick said, walking up to him. He looked over and smiled, "I figured you'd be leaving once you found out about the confirmation." Nick nodded, "Please, come with us." Ephah sighed and looked at the floor, "Nick, I...." "Ephah, please don't make me leave without you. I know how you feel and I can't leave you here," Nick begged. Ephah shook his head, "You have to. I can't go back Nick." "You mean you won't go back," Nick said, frustrated and angry. Ephah looked up at him, "It's not that easy Nick." "Yes it is. Why can't you get that?" Nick asked, "He loves you. He's never stopped loving you. He's waiting for you to ask to come back. He's sitting there with open arms, just waiting for you to come to Him. Why can't you understand that?" Ephah said nothing, he just stared at the young man. "Nick, we need to go before the others realize what we're doing," Tara said. Nick sighed and turned back to her. He took her hand in his and closed his eyes. Ephah watched as a light seemed to shine around them for a moment. He stared in awe when they both looked at him. The evil, wild look that had been in both their eyes since they had returned was now gone, replaced by the loving, compassionate eyes of their side. Nick walked over to Ephah, "Please, all you have to do is ask." Ephah stared into Nick's piercing blue eyes, "I'll do what I can here to help you, but I can't go back Nick." "TRAITOR!" Jered yelled. All three turned to see Jered and the girls standing behind them. Nick and Tara glanced at one another. "Oh shit," Nick mumbled. Tara nodded, "Oh shit is right." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone stayed close to Brian's side. He had been unconscious all day, but they waited for the moment when he would wake up. Ted and Dr. Skinner were in checking on him. Brian's heart rate had begun to slowly fall, and they knew he couldn't last much longer. A.J. and Howie were taking their turns sitting next to Brian and talking to him. Neither of them knew if he could actually hear them or not, but they took the chance that he could. A.J. was in the middle of a story when Howie stopped him. "Bone, stop for a sec," Howie said. A.J. looked at him, "I'm in the middle of a story D." "I know, but I just felt Brian squeeze my hand," Howie said, looking at Brian's face, "Bri, can you hear me?" He almost jumped out of his seat when he felt another squeeze. Howie looked around the room, "Guys, I think he's trying to wake up." Everyone gathered around the bed. Jackie caressed her son's cheek, "Brian, can you open your eyes?" Brian's eyes fluttered for a moment, then opened. His eyes were unfocused and he fought to keep them open. "Sweetie, look at me," Jackie said. With great effort, Brian looked in her direction, "Mom?" he asked in a weak voice. "Yes baby, I'm right here," Jackie said. Brian looked around the room, his eyes focusing on each person before looking at the next. He stopped when he saw Lyn. Brian tried to reach for her, but his strength was gone. Lyn stepped up and took his hand, bringing it to her face and holding it to her cheek. Brian smiled, as she then kissed his palm and held his hand in hers. "I ... need... to ...tell..," Brian started. His breathing was labored and the rhythm of his heart was unsteady. "Shhh, don't talk, you need your rest," Harold said. Brian shook his head, "I have ..to say ...this....." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephah got up and stood in front of Nick and Tara, "Jered, you don't understand what you heard." Jered laughed, "I don't have to. Look at them! They've been spying on us all along, and you knew it! TRAITOR!" Jered caught them all off guard when an object flew across the room and hit Ephah in the side of the head. He collapsed to the floor, unconscious. Nick and Tara drew their swords, standing ready to fight their way out. Jered glared at them, "Girls, take the blonde wonder, I'll deal with her." Nick and Tara glanced at one another as Jered and the girls moved to confront them. Jered circled around Tara, then attacked. She blocked each blow, countering with her own. She and Jered moved to the middle of the room, neither giving an inch to the other. Tara blocked a blow then swung around, kicking Jered in the stomach. He staggered backwards, but recovered quickly, rushing her. Tara managed to slip to the side just as the blade passed dangerously close to her. Nick faced the girls. He didn't want to hurt them, but he had to do something to keep them from stopping them from leaving. "Girls, I don't want to hurt you," he said, his sword at the ready. They laughed, joining hands. "What makes you think you can?" Serenity asked. Nick stared at her, wondering where she got the nerve, when suddenly his sword flew from his hand and across the room. Nick glared at them. He realized they were combining their powers against him. He quickly drew Gideon's sword from his jacket, but the girls were on him already. "Nick, fight them!" Tara yelled from the other side of the room. She could feel him struggling against the girls, but she had her own battle to deal with. Jered made use of the small distraction, landing a blow to Tara's upper arm. Tara screamed and moved back, holding her arm. She took a quick look, seeing the blood dripping to the floor. Jered laughed, "You can't win this." "My side always wins," Tara said, moving to defend herself. Jered shook his head, "When will you learn?" Then he lunged at her. The girls had backed Nick against the table that held Serenity's weapons of torture. Nick was struggling with them. He tried to block what he was feeling out, but he couldn't concentrate. He had dropped Gideon's sword when the girls touched him, and now he was backed against the table, trying to push them off him. "Stop!" Nick yelled. "Oh Nicky, we're just getting started," Evi teased. Nick felt his breath catch in his throat as both girls leaned in and began kissing him. He closed his eyes, trying to block them out. He tried desperately to focus on something other than what he was feeling, but couldn't. "You see Nickolas," Serenity cooed, "This has always been your weakness." "No," Nick whispered. Evi began kissing up Nick's neck. "Yes, and it always will be. Even the great Nickolas can't fight us," Serenity said, joining Evi in kissing the other side of Nick's neck. Tara stumbled backward at Jered's sudden move. As he came by her she stuck her foot out and tripped him. He went crashing to the floor, his sword sliding away from his hand. Tara was on him in an instant. He flipped over just in time to see her sword coming down on him. He didn't even have time to scream as the blade entered his flesh. Nick moaned, closing his eyes and leaning back against the table. Desire flooded him and he was helpless against it. Evi reached up and took his chin in her hand, turning his head to her. She captured his lips with hers, engaging in a searing kiss. Serenity was still kissing his neck, but as she did so, she reached over and grabbed a dagger from the table. She took Nick's hand in hers, holding it against the table as Evi did the same on her side. Evi broke the kiss just as Serenity plunged the dagger into Nick's side. Tara stared at Jered as he fought for life. She put her foot on his chest and pulled her sword free of his flesh. "My side always wins," she told him as he closed his eyes in death. Nick couldn't breathe. He stared at Serenity in shock as the pain took hold of him. Serenity smiled at him as she twisted the blade in his side, laughing as Nick screamed in pain. "Oh how the mighty Nickolas has fallen," she spat, pulling the blade from his side and readying herself to stab him again. Nick closed his eyes. He couldn't move, and he knew what was coming. God please help us, he prayed. Just then he felt the girls hands rip away from his wrists. He looked up to see Ephah pulling both girls away from him. Nick slid to the floor, clutching his side. The last thing he saw was Tara running to help Ephah, then the darkness came. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Brian, please don't talk. You need to rest," Jackie tried. "Please, I ... have to say this ... while I still .... can," Brian begged. Everyone glanced at one another, tears filling their eyes. Brian looked up at A.J. and Sarah, weakly motioning for them to come closer to him. They moved to Brian's side. Both of them taking Brian's hand and holding it. "I love ... you both," Brian said, "Please ...take care of each ... other." A.J. leaned down and hugged Brian, his tears falling on the pillow next to Brian's face. "I love you to. I couldn't have asked for a better �older brother'," A.J. cried. "Don't cry..... I'll be .... OK where .... I'm going," Brain told him. A.J. stood back up, letting Sarah tell him goodbye, then they moved letting Howie and Kira take their place. Brian stared at them for a moment, "So much love ... between you. Don't .... lose that." Howie and Kira smiled at one another through their tears. "D, don't .... worry bout being .... a daddy. I'll be .... there to help ... you," Brian whispered, "I love... you." Howie leaned down, hugging Brian. "Thank you for blessing me with your friendship. My life has changed because of you, I love you," Howie said. Brian smiled at him as Kira hugged him. "Bri, can we name her after you?" she asked. A tear left Brian's eye as he nodded, "I would .... like that." Kira kissed his cheek, "I love you," then she and Howie moved, letting Leighanne and Gary in. Leighanne couldn't hide her tears as she took Brian's hand in hers. "Thank you ... for sharing your ... life with me. You are .... a remarkable person .... and a .... great mommy. I love you," Brian told her. Leighanne leaned down and kissed him, "I would do it all again. I love you." Gary took Brian's hand in his, "Bri, you helped give me a second chance in life. Everything I have, all my happiness I owe to you. Thank you." Brian smiled at him, "Take ... care of them." "I will," Gary said, moving to let Kevin and Kristin take his place. Kristin held her husband as he cried. He couldn't say anything to Brian, there was to much, and not enough time. Brian reached up and placed his hand on Kevin's gaining his attention. Brain shook his head, "Not ... your fault." "Brian, I'm sorry," Kevin cried. Brian shook his head again, "Nothing to be .... sorry for. Thank you for .... taking care of us. But you ... need to ..... take care of ..... yourself to. Don't ... blame yourself .... for something ... you have no ....control over." Kevin stared at his cousin, in awe of his ability to help him, even when he was dying. "I love ... you," Brian said, then looked at Kristin, "Take care ..... of him." She nodded, "I will Bri." Kevin leaned down and hugged Brian. He didn't want to let him go, but he knew he had to. "I love ya cuz," he said as he and Kristin left the bedside. Brian looked over at his parents. They both looked a hundred years old with the worry in their faces. He reached for them, and they came to his side. Jackie dropped the bed rail and sat next to Brain, taking him in her arms and cradling him as she had done when he was a child. Harold stood next to her, holding Brian's hand. "Take care ... of each other," Brian told them, "Thank .... you for ..... everything. I love ...... you so ..... much." Harold leaned down and kissed his son on the forehead, "I'm so proud of you. I love you with all my heart." Brian closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them they were spilling over with tears. "Baby, I will always love you," Jackie whispered, kissing his cheek as she continued to hold him. Brian looked over at Lyn. Ted was holding her, trying to comfort her, and himself. Lyn walked to Brian's side, taking his hand. Brian couldn't hold his tears in, "I ... don't .... want to .... leave you," he cried. Lyn looked at him with all the love and strength she could muster, "I know. I don't want you to go, but I don't want you to suffer anymore. I'll be OK, don't worry about me." "I ... love you so .... much. I wanted ... to spend ... the rest of .... our lives together. I'm .... sorry," Brian cried. Lyn shook her head, "Shhh, don't say that. I will never forget our time together, and I will always love you." Brian tried to sit up, but couldn't. Jackie held him up as Lyn leaned down. With all the strength Brian had left, he wrapped his arms around Lyn and softly kissed her. Their tears mingling with each other as they held one another close. Lyn held Brian, whispering in his ear, "It's OK for you to go. I don't want you to hurt anymore." Brian nodded as they parted and Jackie took him back in her arms. Brian looked at Lyn with thankful eyes, "I will ..... always love you." Lyn smiled, "You will always have all of me. I love you." Brian looked around the room at all of his friends. He could never tell them how much they all meant to him, or how much he loved them. He squeezed Lyn's hand as a wave of pain washed through him. Jackie held him tighter, feeling him tense in her arms. Brian looked at Lyn, silently telling her he loved her. Then he closed his eyes. *Tracy stood next to the bed, tears streaming down her face. William stood next to her. She looked over at him, then to all the protectors in the room. "William, go get Nick and Tara now," she instructed. Without a word he vanished from the room. Tracy saw the others in the room looking at her, wanting to know what to do. She looked at them all, "Pray it's not to late."* Chapter 31 |