Life:
Sequel to "Matters of the Heart."
Disclaimer: I do not own the WWE or it's wrestlers, that honor belongs to Vince McMahon. However, Michael, Carrie, Wes and Lisa are all figments of my imagination, while Penny is based on our family pet, Gina. :)
Dedicated to one of my closest friends, thank you Debs for the encouragement to keep doing what I love. To everyone that has been reading this series from the beginning, thank you, it means alot to me. I hope you continue to read and enjoy. :-)
p.s. the ending of one series, but the beginning of another. :)
Chapter 1: I shall not go quietly into this night...
Dressed in a dark, felt hat and suit, the young person intoned, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust..."
"That's not how you say it!" Lisa cried, stamping her foot on the hard earth.
"Yes, it is!" Michael argued, yanking off his hat.
"Kids, why don't you play wedding instead of funeral," Carrie called out, from her stance at the kitchen door.
"Yuck, I don't want to marry my sister!"
"No, be the preacher I mean," his mother clarified, sighing impatiently.
"But Daddy was watching this ugwy, bony guy.."
"Yeah, they called him the crypt keeper," Michael crowed proudly.
"Wes," Carrie chastised, folding her arms across her chest, a frown marring her smooth face.
Wes looked at her guiltily, pulling the carton of orange juice out of the refrigerator. "I thought they were asleep, honest!" he protested, his face peeking over the refrigerator door. Wes's head perked up as he heard the first low rumbles of thunder roll across the fast darkening sky. Carrie watched from the screen door, a smile on her face, as Wes dashed outside to swoop up his babies, feeling the first few large drops of rain fall onto his nose. Pulling up one child under each arm, they giggled in earnest.
"Daddy, I'm ticlish," Lisa cried, writhing in his grip.
"Well, we can't have you catching cold can we," Wes declared teasingly, as he looked up at the overcast sky in concern. Michael squirmed, finally getting out of his father's arms as they reached the porch. Michael was the first to tromp into the kitchen, watching as Carrie picked up the steadily ringing phone. Lisa tugged at Michael's damp shirt insistently, watched the myriad of emotions flit across Carrie's face.
"What's the matter with Mommy?"
"Daddy, Mommy's crying," Michael observed as Wes wiped his muddy shoes on the entrance rug. Hanging up the phone, Carrie turned her tear-stained face towards her family. br"Wes, there have been some emergencies within the Hardy family. We need to pack our bags and catch the next flight out to North Carolina, then Europe."
"Europe! What happened?" Wes asked in concern, a feeling of dread knotting up his stomach.
"We're going to see Unca Jeffy?!" the kids chorused happily.
Wiping the tears from her face, Carrie responded, brushing a strand of light brown hair out of Michael's face, "Yes sweethearts, but something's happened..."
The following morning:
Matt dozed in the chair next to Amy's bedside, echoes of last night's conversation swimming around in his head.
Flashback:
"Dad told me what happened, and I got here as soon as I could. I'm so sorry." Feeling as dazed as Amy looked, he stared into her horror filled eyes. *I can't believe this is happening to her, to us.*
"The house blew up Matt, I, I don't know what happened or what caused it. I feel terrible, Jeff and Nora.." Amy trailed off, dissolving into another fresh bout of tears.
"Don't worry about that right now, please," Matt assured her. "Dad called the fire station and they managed to put out the fire."
Amy's eyes widened, "Did they find out what caused the fire? It's, it's not arson or anything is it?" she asked fearfully, her thoughts once again going back to a darker time in her life. Reading almost automatically what Amy was thinking, Matt wiped the tears from her face tenderly, "No, no, it's not Jamie honey," he replied softly.
"I, I can't believe all this is happening," her voice trembled.
"I'm just so glad you're alive. If it wasn't for Penny..." Matt trailed off, his eyes growing a shade darker.
"Penny! Is Penny alright?," Amy interrupted anxiously.
"Yes, she's fine. Dad has her-and she is behaving herself quite nicely," Matt answered with a slight smile.
Amy let her taut body go lax against Matt's. Alarmed, Matt wrapped his arms snugly around her, shielding her, as if she were a little child who needed protecting from a dark, dark world.
Fast forward to the present:
Waking out of a restless sleep, Amy cradled the tear saturated pillow to her chest, numb with shock as she stared down at her flat abdomen.
"Honey?" She felt a warm, gentle hand encase her own.
Startled, Amy turned to look into the concerned eyes of her husband. Matt frowned in concern as he noticed the haunted look in her eyes shift to indifference.
"Any news on Jeff? Is his condition better?"
"As soon as your plane took off, my cell rang and I knew that the airplane doesn't allow cell phones to be used in flight so.."
Amy's voice catching, she demanded fearfully, "Spit it out Matt. What is it, is Jeff okay?"
Only then did Amy really see the deep weariness and sorrow reflected in his eyes. "Jeff has lapsed into a coma," Matt replied dully.
Amy's hand flew to her mouth in horror, "No, oh no!" Shaking her head emphatically, she wrapped her pale arms around Matt's now trembling shoulders.
"I can't imagine my life without him in it Amy," Matt affirmed brokenly.
"I know, neither can I."
"I can't imagine my life without both my boys in it."
Matt and Amy looked up to see the worn, tired and sorrowful face of Gilbert Hardy. "I lost my wife in a hospital such as this 15 years ago and I refuse to lose Jeff in the same manner," he replied, a fierce light in his eyes. "I know I don't pray nearly as much as I should, but you can bet your bottom dollar I've been praying earnestly for my youngest son-and both of you as well," Gilbert stated matter-of-factly. You two have a long road ahead, but you will make it."
"I'm fine, really," Amy answered, waving her hand dismissively.
Matt glanced worriedly at his father out of the corner of his eye. Realizing it was time to take his leave, Mr. Hardy quietly left the room.
"Ames?" Matt began worriedly. "You're not upset because I'm not all weepy or anything are you?" Matt asked anxiously.
As Jeff would say, with just a touch of sarcasm, " 'I know, but you're crying on the inside,' " Amy finished, managing a smile through her tears.
Before either could continue, a soft knock on the door sounded, and before anyone could stop them, Michael and Lisa barreled through the door and skidded to a stop, gingerly giving Amy a hug. As much as she wanted to see her cousins, right now was not the time, as she felt her heart nearly break at the feel of Lisa's chubby little hands around her neck, the little hands that should have been her daughter's...
"Come on munchkins, why don't we go get a donut from the snack bar," Wes suggested lightly.
"Donuts!" the children chorused gleefully. Carrie sat down on the bed next to Amy, brushing back her hair. Carrie reached over and clasped Matt's hand, "How are you bearing up hon?" One glance into his haunted eyes was enough of an answer. "Sweetheart, may I speak to Amy for a minute?" she asked him soberly. Nodding his head yes, Matt closed the door behind him, only to catch a glimpse of Amy as she propelled herself into Aunt Carrie's waiting arms, shoulders heaving. Matt's first instinct was to run down the hall to an anxiously awaiting Jeff, tell him how Amy was handling the loss of their child, *or not handling,* Matt thought ruefully. With a heavy heart, the realization hit Matt brutally-there was no brother waiting down the hall to help him get through this, not this time.
"What happef to cwousin Army?" Michael asked thoughtfully, chewing on his donut.
"Don't talk with your mouf full?" Lisa admonished sweetly, picking at the crumbs on her plate.
Swallowing hard, Michael re-stated his question, this time more clearly.
"What happened to cousin Amy?"
"Amy had a baby inside her, but it isn't there anymore," Wes answered truthfully.
"Why not? Did it leave her stomach?" Michael asked perplexed.
"Yeah, how come the stork twook it back?" Lisa demanded angrily.
Wesley stared at his indignant, little daughter for a few seconds, then threw his head back in laughter.
"What's so funny? I don't see anyfwing funny about the stork taking it back," Lisa exclaimed huffily, sliding out of her chair. All this time Michael had been staring at his little sister as if she had grown an extra head.
"Don't be silly-the stork never gives babies back," he reprimanded Lisa.
"Oh yeah, well maybe it would if it gave her the wrong baby," Lisa shot back, chubby, little hands on her hips.
Michael's face fell, "Oh, uh well..maybe," he hedged, his brow creasing in thought.
"Alright, alright, where did you here this nonsense about the stork?"
" 'Dumbo,' " Lisa and Michael offered in unison.
"Ohh," Wes groaned, "remind me to teach you some new hobbies when we get back home."
As Wes and the children made their way back to the waiting room, Lisa sat down beside Matt and slipped her chubby, little hand into his, "Don't worry, the stork will bring the right baby to you and couswin Amy."
Matt looked at her, a grateful smile crossing his sorrowful face, "Thank you little one," he said, wrapping an arm around the well meaning tot.
"How is Amy handling the loss of the baby?" Wes asked instantly as Carrie made her way to the group, with long strides.
Her face withdrawn, she replied soberly, "Not good." Matt's shoulders drew up in a taut line, as he buried his face in his hands. "Honey, she just needs time to heal, you both do. Be gentle with her, she'll come around," Carrie responded encouragingly.
"But Amy's acting as if nothing ever happened-and I think, I think she blames herself for everything," Matt exclaimed helplessly, a hint of fear in his voice.
"I know," Carrie answered softly, "but just be patient with her and hopefully she'll respond to you in kind. Things may get worse before they get better, but you two have been through just about everything together, don't doom yourselves to failure before you even give yourselves a chance." Aunt Carrie wrapped her arms around Matt's shoulders in a warm embrace.
"You gave Amy this very same talk didn't you?" Matt accused with a hint of a smile in his voice.
"You know I did," she answered matter-of-factly, with a smile of her own. Carrie squared her shoulders, the hardest was yet to come: neither one of her own young children understood anything about death, but that explanation would come soon enough.
Two days later, in Europe:
Nora sat at Jeff's bedside, exhausted. Just then she heard the door quietly creep open. Turning her aching neck, she fairly gasped in surprise as Carrie and Michael walked in.
"Is Jeff sleeping?" Michael asked innocently.
Nora smiled weakly, "Yes he is."
"When's he gonna wake up?"
Nora's face fell. "I, I don't know," she responded, her voice breaking. Even though Michael was only six, he had the distinct feeling something was drastically wrong.
"Mama, what's wrong with Jeff, why is he hooked up to all those machines and tubes?" he whispered, an anxious look in his eyes. Alarm alighting Carrie's eyes, she sighed, the time had come.
"Nora honey, I'll be right back, okay?"
Sniffling, Nora nodded.
Carrie took Michael's hand, opened the door and led him out into the hall. Leaning down in front of her young son, she asked, "Sweetheart, do you have any idea what death is?"
"I think so," Michael answered slowly, "it's like when somebody goes to sleep."
"Sort of, except they go to sleep forever."
"Forever!" Michael's eyes widened. "Is that what will happen to Unca Jeffy?" he asked, in a frightened tone of voice.
Carrie hugged her little boy fiercely, "Oh I hope not Michael, I hope not."
"I better not tell Lisa," he said gravely, "she would just get all scared and do a bunch of girlie stuff. You know, like cry."
Carrie grinned and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her son's ear, "It's alright to cry sweetie."
"Oh, I know, just not too much, Daddy says so."
"That's my little man," Carrie encouraged.
"I like that-little man," Michael responded in earnest, a wide grin split across his face. "May I go back into the room with you? I want to tell Unca Jeffy to get well soon," Michael asked, his gaze intense.
Slightly surprised at such bravery for a six-year old, especially after finding out what death is, Carrie reluctantly nodded her assent. Hand-in-hand, they walked back into the hospital room. A little frightened, Michael slowly made his way to the still form of Jeff Hardy, then he remembered his Momma's words, " 'My little man.' " Straightening his small back and shoulders, he took Jeff's larger hand in his own and bowed his dark haired head, "Dear Jesus, please make Unca Jeffy well. He's feeling pretty sick right now and nobody wants to have him sleep forever, especially him." Opening his eyes, he wrapped his small arms around Jeff's neck and whispered into his ear, "Don't sleep forever Unca Jeffy, I love you, please come back to us."
Tears glittered in Nora's eyes as she watched Michael raise his head. A smile on his face, he briskly walked over to Nora and gave her a hug.
"I think Unca Jeffy is gonna be a-okay."
Nora nodded, "Thank you for praying for him Michael, I'm sure Jeff would appreciate it. Please tell Lisa and your Daddy hi for me, okay?" Nora requested, kneeling down as she gave him a hug.
Michael nodded, "Okay. You'll call Mommy when he wakes up won't you?" he asked hopefully, looking up at her with clear, green eyes.
"Yes, of course I will," Nora exclaimed giving Carrie and Michael an encouraging smile. Giving Carrie a hug, Nora thanked them for coming all this way to see Jeff.
"It's no problem honey," she responded. Carrie stroked Nora's hair, hugging her, "He's going to make it."
"Did the stork misplace your baby, like Amy's was?" Michael asked innocently.
"Misplace my baby?" Nora asked, confused as she looked from Michael's face to Carrie's and back again.
*Uh oh.* Uncomfortably, Carrie took Michael's hand, "That's something you saw in Dumbo honey," she replied quickly, giving Michael a hard look.
Michael cocked his head in confusion, "But you said Amy's baby was missing.."
"Missing?" Nora questioned, "what do you mean..?- no, oh no!" Nora exclaimed, her eyes wide in disbelief. "She lost the baby? Oh no, poor Amy, she and Matt were so looking forward to a little one all their own.." Nora trailed off, tears in her eyes.
Michael stared at the two women in concern and confusion, "but the stork just lost the baby, that's.."
He stopped suddenly and in a quiet voice, somberly asked, "The baby isn't really lost is it, the baby died didn't it?"
At a loss for words, Carrie nodded her head slowly.
Michael's face brightened, "But when babies die, they go to heaven and heaven makes babies all better. His tongue coming out, Michael thought hard, "Maybe, just maybe, they can have the stork deliver them another child?" He stared up hopefully at Nora and Carrie.
"Well, that's true, but right now, I think they miss their baby too much to have another child right now," Carrie replied gently.
A forlorn look crossing his face, Michael replied, "Oh."
"It's a great idea honey, and they may take the stork up on that offer someday," Carrie answered with a reassuring smile. Putting an arm around his young shoulders, Mother and son walked out of the room. Shaking her head in disbelief, Nora quickly reached for the phone, "Hello operator, may I put in a call to Matt Hardy..."
One month later:
With a heavy heart, Nora watched through the plate-glass window as a lifeless Jeff lay on the pillow, his bright hair fanning out all around him. Nora really felt the need to talk to him, tell him about everything that had happened in the last month, even if he couldn't hear her. She couldn't help but smile though, at the scene before her:
Wordlessly, Spike grasped Jeff's hand tightly. "I owe you everything buddy. You have become one of my closest friends and helped me to find the most beautiful woman in my life, Nidia. Don't cut out on us now big guy. We need you to stick around for the wedding. Spike chuckled lightly. Moving to stand beside the bed, Spike leaned down and whispered conspiratorially to Jeff's ear, "Of course, it might help if I ask the girl first," he finished with a grin. Wrapping his arms around Jeff in a gentle hug, Spike felt the tears pool in his eyes, "You had better come back to us man."
Slowly, Spike dragged himself out of the room. Reaching out, Nora wrapped her arms around him comfortingly, "Keep praying for him Spike. Right now, I'm hoping that God doesn't need him as much as we do." Studying her pale face solemnly, Spike nodded.
Beginning to feel the weight of the children, Nora rubbed her stomach distractedly as she walked into Jeff's hospital room. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she reached for his hand, "Matt was here yesterday. He's been here several times to see you, but today he just broke down. It was just so heart-breaking, Amy and your father had to lead Matt out of the room, the two of them in tears as well. Matt needs you so much, we all do - I need you," Nora trailed off, her finger caressing his thumb.
Trying to think of a brighter subject, Nora smiled suddenly to herself, "Our babies are growing quickly honey. It seems they have your strength too." Without warning, Nora felt fingers curl around her hand. She jerked her head up. "Jeff?!" she questioned hopefully, longing welling up inside of her.
Slowly, Jeff's eyes fluttered open, "I missed you," he whispered hoarsely.
Sequel to "Matters of the Heart."
Disclaimer: I do not own the WWE or it's wrestlers, that honor belongs to Vince McMahon. However, Michael, Carrie, Wes and Lisa are all figments of my imagination, while Penny is based on our family pet, Gina. :)
Dedicated to one of my closest friends, thank you Debs for the encouragement to keep doing what I love. To everyone that has been reading this series from the beginning, thank you, it means alot to me. I hope you continue to read and enjoy. :-)
p.s. the ending of one series, but the beginning of another. :)
Chapter 1: I shall not go quietly into this night...
Dressed in a dark, felt hat and suit, the young person intoned, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust..."
"That's not how you say it!" Lisa cried, stamping her foot on the hard earth.
"Yes, it is!" Michael argued, yanking off his hat.
"Kids, why don't you play wedding instead of funeral," Carrie called out, from her stance at the kitchen door.
"Yuck, I don't want to marry my sister!"
"No, be the preacher I mean," his mother clarified, sighing impatiently.
"But Daddy was watching this ugwy, bony guy.."
"Yeah, they called him the crypt keeper," Michael crowed proudly.
"Wes," Carrie chastised, folding her arms across her chest, a frown marring her smooth face.
Wes looked at her guiltily, pulling the carton of orange juice out of the refrigerator. "I thought they were asleep, honest!" he protested, his face peeking over the refrigerator door. Wes's head perked up as he heard the first low rumbles of thunder roll across the fast darkening sky. Carrie watched from the screen door, a smile on her face, as Wes dashed outside to swoop up his babies, feeling the first few large drops of rain fall onto his nose. Pulling up one child under each arm, they giggled in earnest.
"Daddy, I'm ticlish," Lisa cried, writhing in his grip.
"Well, we can't have you catching cold can we," Wes declared teasingly, as he looked up at the overcast sky in concern. Michael squirmed, finally getting out of his father's arms as they reached the porch. Michael was the first to tromp into the kitchen, watching as Carrie picked up the steadily ringing phone. Lisa tugged at Michael's damp shirt insistently, watched the myriad of emotions flit across Carrie's face.
"What's the matter with Mommy?"
"Daddy, Mommy's crying," Michael observed as Wes wiped his muddy shoes on the entrance rug. Hanging up the phone, Carrie turned her tear-stained face towards her family. br"Wes, there have been some emergencies within the Hardy family. We need to pack our bags and catch the next flight out to North Carolina, then Europe."
"Europe! What happened?" Wes asked in concern, a feeling of dread knotting up his stomach.
"We're going to see Unca Jeffy?!" the kids chorused happily.
Wiping the tears from her face, Carrie responded, brushing a strand of light brown hair out of Michael's face, "Yes sweethearts, but something's happened..."
The following morning:
Matt dozed in the chair next to Amy's bedside, echoes of last night's conversation swimming around in his head.
Flashback:
"Dad told me what happened, and I got here as soon as I could. I'm so sorry." Feeling as dazed as Amy looked, he stared into her horror filled eyes. *I can't believe this is happening to her, to us.*
"The house blew up Matt, I, I don't know what happened or what caused it. I feel terrible, Jeff and Nora.." Amy trailed off, dissolving into another fresh bout of tears.
"Don't worry about that right now, please," Matt assured her. "Dad called the fire station and they managed to put out the fire."
Amy's eyes widened, "Did they find out what caused the fire? It's, it's not arson or anything is it?" she asked fearfully, her thoughts once again going back to a darker time in her life. Reading almost automatically what Amy was thinking, Matt wiped the tears from her face tenderly, "No, no, it's not Jamie honey," he replied softly.
"I, I can't believe all this is happening," her voice trembled.
"I'm just so glad you're alive. If it wasn't for Penny..." Matt trailed off, his eyes growing a shade darker.
"Penny! Is Penny alright?," Amy interrupted anxiously.
"Yes, she's fine. Dad has her-and she is behaving herself quite nicely," Matt answered with a slight smile.
Amy let her taut body go lax against Matt's. Alarmed, Matt wrapped his arms snugly around her, shielding her, as if she were a little child who needed protecting from a dark, dark world.
Fast forward to the present:
Waking out of a restless sleep, Amy cradled the tear saturated pillow to her chest, numb with shock as she stared down at her flat abdomen.
"Honey?" She felt a warm, gentle hand encase her own.
Startled, Amy turned to look into the concerned eyes of her husband. Matt frowned in concern as he noticed the haunted look in her eyes shift to indifference.
"Any news on Jeff? Is his condition better?"
"As soon as your plane took off, my cell rang and I knew that the airplane doesn't allow cell phones to be used in flight so.."
Amy's voice catching, she demanded fearfully, "Spit it out Matt. What is it, is Jeff okay?"
Only then did Amy really see the deep weariness and sorrow reflected in his eyes. "Jeff has lapsed into a coma," Matt replied dully.
Amy's hand flew to her mouth in horror, "No, oh no!" Shaking her head emphatically, she wrapped her pale arms around Matt's now trembling shoulders.
"I can't imagine my life without him in it Amy," Matt affirmed brokenly.
"I know, neither can I."
"I can't imagine my life without both my boys in it."
Matt and Amy looked up to see the worn, tired and sorrowful face of Gilbert Hardy. "I lost my wife in a hospital such as this 15 years ago and I refuse to lose Jeff in the same manner," he replied, a fierce light in his eyes. "I know I don't pray nearly as much as I should, but you can bet your bottom dollar I've been praying earnestly for my youngest son-and both of you as well," Gilbert stated matter-of-factly. You two have a long road ahead, but you will make it."
"I'm fine, really," Amy answered, waving her hand dismissively.
Matt glanced worriedly at his father out of the corner of his eye. Realizing it was time to take his leave, Mr. Hardy quietly left the room.
"Ames?" Matt began worriedly. "You're not upset because I'm not all weepy or anything are you?" Matt asked anxiously.
As Jeff would say, with just a touch of sarcasm, " 'I know, but you're crying on the inside,' " Amy finished, managing a smile through her tears.
Before either could continue, a soft knock on the door sounded, and before anyone could stop them, Michael and Lisa barreled through the door and skidded to a stop, gingerly giving Amy a hug. As much as she wanted to see her cousins, right now was not the time, as she felt her heart nearly break at the feel of Lisa's chubby little hands around her neck, the little hands that should have been her daughter's...
"Come on munchkins, why don't we go get a donut from the snack bar," Wes suggested lightly.
"Donuts!" the children chorused gleefully. Carrie sat down on the bed next to Amy, brushing back her hair. Carrie reached over and clasped Matt's hand, "How are you bearing up hon?" One glance into his haunted eyes was enough of an answer. "Sweetheart, may I speak to Amy for a minute?" she asked him soberly. Nodding his head yes, Matt closed the door behind him, only to catch a glimpse of Amy as she propelled herself into Aunt Carrie's waiting arms, shoulders heaving. Matt's first instinct was to run down the hall to an anxiously awaiting Jeff, tell him how Amy was handling the loss of their child, *or not handling,* Matt thought ruefully. With a heavy heart, the realization hit Matt brutally-there was no brother waiting down the hall to help him get through this, not this time.
"What happef to cwousin Army?" Michael asked thoughtfully, chewing on his donut.
"Don't talk with your mouf full?" Lisa admonished sweetly, picking at the crumbs on her plate.
Swallowing hard, Michael re-stated his question, this time more clearly.
"What happened to cousin Amy?"
"Amy had a baby inside her, but it isn't there anymore," Wes answered truthfully.
"Why not? Did it leave her stomach?" Michael asked perplexed.
"Yeah, how come the stork twook it back?" Lisa demanded angrily.
Wesley stared at his indignant, little daughter for a few seconds, then threw his head back in laughter.
"What's so funny? I don't see anyfwing funny about the stork taking it back," Lisa exclaimed huffily, sliding out of her chair. All this time Michael had been staring at his little sister as if she had grown an extra head.
"Don't be silly-the stork never gives babies back," he reprimanded Lisa.
"Oh yeah, well maybe it would if it gave her the wrong baby," Lisa shot back, chubby, little hands on her hips.
Michael's face fell, "Oh, uh well..maybe," he hedged, his brow creasing in thought.
"Alright, alright, where did you here this nonsense about the stork?"
" 'Dumbo,' " Lisa and Michael offered in unison.
"Ohh," Wes groaned, "remind me to teach you some new hobbies when we get back home."
As Wes and the children made their way back to the waiting room, Lisa sat down beside Matt and slipped her chubby, little hand into his, "Don't worry, the stork will bring the right baby to you and couswin Amy."
Matt looked at her, a grateful smile crossing his sorrowful face, "Thank you little one," he said, wrapping an arm around the well meaning tot.
"How is Amy handling the loss of the baby?" Wes asked instantly as Carrie made her way to the group, with long strides.
Her face withdrawn, she replied soberly, "Not good." Matt's shoulders drew up in a taut line, as he buried his face in his hands. "Honey, she just needs time to heal, you both do. Be gentle with her, she'll come around," Carrie responded encouragingly.
"But Amy's acting as if nothing ever happened-and I think, I think she blames herself for everything," Matt exclaimed helplessly, a hint of fear in his voice.
"I know," Carrie answered softly, "but just be patient with her and hopefully she'll respond to you in kind. Things may get worse before they get better, but you two have been through just about everything together, don't doom yourselves to failure before you even give yourselves a chance." Aunt Carrie wrapped her arms around Matt's shoulders in a warm embrace.
"You gave Amy this very same talk didn't you?" Matt accused with a hint of a smile in his voice.
"You know I did," she answered matter-of-factly, with a smile of her own. Carrie squared her shoulders, the hardest was yet to come: neither one of her own young children understood anything about death, but that explanation would come soon enough.
Two days later, in Europe:
Nora sat at Jeff's bedside, exhausted. Just then she heard the door quietly creep open. Turning her aching neck, she fairly gasped in surprise as Carrie and Michael walked in.
"Is Jeff sleeping?" Michael asked innocently.
Nora smiled weakly, "Yes he is."
"When's he gonna wake up?"
Nora's face fell. "I, I don't know," she responded, her voice breaking. Even though Michael was only six, he had the distinct feeling something was drastically wrong.
"Mama, what's wrong with Jeff, why is he hooked up to all those machines and tubes?" he whispered, an anxious look in his eyes. Alarm alighting Carrie's eyes, she sighed, the time had come.
"Nora honey, I'll be right back, okay?"
Sniffling, Nora nodded.
Carrie took Michael's hand, opened the door and led him out into the hall. Leaning down in front of her young son, she asked, "Sweetheart, do you have any idea what death is?"
"I think so," Michael answered slowly, "it's like when somebody goes to sleep."
"Sort of, except they go to sleep forever."
"Forever!" Michael's eyes widened. "Is that what will happen to Unca Jeffy?" he asked, in a frightened tone of voice.
Carrie hugged her little boy fiercely, "Oh I hope not Michael, I hope not."
"I better not tell Lisa," he said gravely, "she would just get all scared and do a bunch of girlie stuff. You know, like cry."
Carrie grinned and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her son's ear, "It's alright to cry sweetie."
"Oh, I know, just not too much, Daddy says so."
"That's my little man," Carrie encouraged.
"I like that-little man," Michael responded in earnest, a wide grin split across his face. "May I go back into the room with you? I want to tell Unca Jeffy to get well soon," Michael asked, his gaze intense.
Slightly surprised at such bravery for a six-year old, especially after finding out what death is, Carrie reluctantly nodded her assent. Hand-in-hand, they walked back into the hospital room. A little frightened, Michael slowly made his way to the still form of Jeff Hardy, then he remembered his Momma's words, " 'My little man.' " Straightening his small back and shoulders, he took Jeff's larger hand in his own and bowed his dark haired head, "Dear Jesus, please make Unca Jeffy well. He's feeling pretty sick right now and nobody wants to have him sleep forever, especially him." Opening his eyes, he wrapped his small arms around Jeff's neck and whispered into his ear, "Don't sleep forever Unca Jeffy, I love you, please come back to us."
Tears glittered in Nora's eyes as she watched Michael raise his head. A smile on his face, he briskly walked over to Nora and gave her a hug.
"I think Unca Jeffy is gonna be a-okay."
Nora nodded, "Thank you for praying for him Michael, I'm sure Jeff would appreciate it. Please tell Lisa and your Daddy hi for me, okay?" Nora requested, kneeling down as she gave him a hug.
Michael nodded, "Okay. You'll call Mommy when he wakes up won't you?" he asked hopefully, looking up at her with clear, green eyes.
"Yes, of course I will," Nora exclaimed giving Carrie and Michael an encouraging smile. Giving Carrie a hug, Nora thanked them for coming all this way to see Jeff.
"It's no problem honey," she responded. Carrie stroked Nora's hair, hugging her, "He's going to make it."
"Did the stork misplace your baby, like Amy's was?" Michael asked innocently.
"Misplace my baby?" Nora asked, confused as she looked from Michael's face to Carrie's and back again.
*Uh oh.* Uncomfortably, Carrie took Michael's hand, "That's something you saw in Dumbo honey," she replied quickly, giving Michael a hard look.
Michael cocked his head in confusion, "But you said Amy's baby was missing.."
"Missing?" Nora questioned, "what do you mean..?- no, oh no!" Nora exclaimed, her eyes wide in disbelief. "She lost the baby? Oh no, poor Amy, she and Matt were so looking forward to a little one all their own.." Nora trailed off, tears in her eyes.
Michael stared at the two women in concern and confusion, "but the stork just lost the baby, that's.."
He stopped suddenly and in a quiet voice, somberly asked, "The baby isn't really lost is it, the baby died didn't it?"
At a loss for words, Carrie nodded her head slowly.
Michael's face brightened, "But when babies die, they go to heaven and heaven makes babies all better. His tongue coming out, Michael thought hard, "Maybe, just maybe, they can have the stork deliver them another child?" He stared up hopefully at Nora and Carrie.
"Well, that's true, but right now, I think they miss their baby too much to have another child right now," Carrie replied gently.
A forlorn look crossing his face, Michael replied, "Oh."
"It's a great idea honey, and they may take the stork up on that offer someday," Carrie answered with a reassuring smile. Putting an arm around his young shoulders, Mother and son walked out of the room. Shaking her head in disbelief, Nora quickly reached for the phone, "Hello operator, may I put in a call to Matt Hardy..."
One month later:
With a heavy heart, Nora watched through the plate-glass window as a lifeless Jeff lay on the pillow, his bright hair fanning out all around him. Nora really felt the need to talk to him, tell him about everything that had happened in the last month, even if he couldn't hear her. She couldn't help but smile though, at the scene before her:
Wordlessly, Spike grasped Jeff's hand tightly. "I owe you everything buddy. You have become one of my closest friends and helped me to find the most beautiful woman in my life, Nidia. Don't cut out on us now big guy. We need you to stick around for the wedding. Spike chuckled lightly. Moving to stand beside the bed, Spike leaned down and whispered conspiratorially to Jeff's ear, "Of course, it might help if I ask the girl first," he finished with a grin. Wrapping his arms around Jeff in a gentle hug, Spike felt the tears pool in his eyes, "You had better come back to us man."
Slowly, Spike dragged himself out of the room. Reaching out, Nora wrapped her arms around him comfortingly, "Keep praying for him Spike. Right now, I'm hoping that God doesn't need him as much as we do." Studying her pale face solemnly, Spike nodded.
Beginning to feel the weight of the children, Nora rubbed her stomach distractedly as she walked into Jeff's hospital room. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she reached for his hand, "Matt was here yesterday. He's been here several times to see you, but today he just broke down. It was just so heart-breaking, Amy and your father had to lead Matt out of the room, the two of them in tears as well. Matt needs you so much, we all do - I need you," Nora trailed off, her finger caressing his thumb.
Trying to think of a brighter subject, Nora smiled suddenly to herself, "Our babies are growing quickly honey. It seems they have your strength too." Without warning, Nora felt fingers curl around her hand. She jerked her head up. "Jeff?!" she questioned hopefully, longing welling up inside of her.
Slowly, Jeff's eyes fluttered open, "I missed you," he whispered hoarsely.