Summer

Author: Katie Stuckey... [katie1@jadeinc.com] Feedback appreciated!!

Summary: They said that Landon and Jamie spent a wonderful summer together after they were married. This is my take on what they did in that summer.

Rating: I'm pretty sure it's going to stay the same as the movie. So it's PG for some sensual content (no, not like that... only kissing, like in the movie!!) and language, but not even much. I mean... honestly people... if Jamie is in it, it can't be bad at all, can it?? LOL! I swear it's got less PG stuff in it than the movie did, so if you saw the movie, it's fine to read this.

Disclaimer: Nope. It doesn't belong to me. I just saw the movie and thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, cried a whole box of tissues worth, and decided to try to write a story about it. :) So Nicholas Sparks, Mandy Moore, Shane West, Warner Bros, Adam Shankman, all you lot, don't sue me please!! I swear I don't have any money to give you, and my dad's my insurance agent and he doesn't have any either! LOLOL!

Author's note: I don't know anything about medical stuff, including cancer, I don't know too much about High School since I'm not there yet, but quiz me on the movie and I'll get an A+ (I've only seen it fourteen times and I've only got the whole thing memorized... LOLOL!). If something isn't accurate, I'm sorry. I tried. I honestly think this was a pretty good fanfic, seeing as I'd never read A Walk To Remember fanfiction at the time that I wrote this, and was not aware that anyone had ever written any until like a week or so ago... This was my first try, don't be too harsh!!

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Beaufort high school

Auditorium

June 12

Thank God for private tutors. This one of the thoughts that lingered in Landon's mind on that day. Without a private tutor who had come to Jamie's house on weekdays, she would never have been able to complete High School, and he knew she wanted to, no matter what would happen after that. He turned to her and smiled. She smiled back, still gripping his hand tightly. Graduation. They were graduating today. At last.

At that moment, the call came for all of the High school students and their families to be seated. Landon and Jamie proceeded together to the section where the graduates were to sit, as did several others. They sat together, still holding hands.

"Good afternoon, everyone," their principal said into his microphone. "I'm sure you all know why you are here, to congratulate our class of 2002 on their graduation! Our students this year have been exceptional in their achievements, and in their ability to become good young people. I'm going to go through the list in alphabetical order, we will present diplomas, and then our students may be seated again. At the end of the ceremony, our students will be released to their families, and you may all join in the reception where a number of guests will be speaking."

Again, Landon and Jamie shared a small smile. They both had a slight touch of nervousness, as was natural at such a big event. Both of them paid close attention as they watched classmates graduate. Then they heard "Landon Carter". Landon stood, squeezing Jamie's hand one last time, and walked up to the stage. He accepted his diploma, shook various hands, and then returned to Jamie, of course, she was clapping louder than anyone. Landon looked out at the crowd and saw his mother smiling at him, a tear in her eye. He scanned the crowd further and found his father, shining with pride in his son. Landon had finally forgiven him. Because of what he had done for Jamie. Then he heard the principal say something again. "I just must say, this young man, Landon Carter, has made an amazing transformation over the year and I'm sure his fellow students are very proud of him." Many people clapped, (especially Jamie, duh) and he even heard a few of his old friends shout "Go Landon!" He smiled politely and took his seat.

"You looked great up there," Jamie whispered to him.

"Thanks," he whispered back, grinning. Once again, their hands found each other. It was beginning to become routine. Still they watched ever more classmates graduate, and clapped for each one, holding hands in between.

Then, the principal looked out at them and said "Jamie Sullivan". (Should we be calling her Jamie Sullivan or Jamie Carter? They are married... For this I'm calling her Jamie Sullivan because that's how she was enrolled in High School.) Jamie rose slowly and headed towards the stage.

"Careful," Landon whispered as she stood.

"I am," she responded, grinning. She walked up onto the stage and accepted her own diploma, shaking the hands of various teachers and important people.

"Jamie has been an inspiration to many of us while she was at our school," their principal smiled at her. "She is one of our most amazing graduates."

Jamie beamed at this remark, and headed back towards Landon. To her surprise, she heard much clapping throughout the audience. She looked at Landon, and saw him clapping wildly for her. Even other students who had always made fun of her and played cruel tricks on her were clapping. She looked out and saw her father smiling widely, obviously near tears, and she grinned at him. Then she took her seat next to Landon.

"You were the best of them all," he whispered.

If at all possible, she grinned even more widely. He always seemed to make her do that... "Thank you."

Then they both turned their attention politely back to the other graduates (T-Z... poor Eddie...). Once the diplomas had been handed out, they all tossed their funny hats up into the air and went back to their families. Landon and Jamie walked hand in hand towards Jamie's father and Landon's parents who were conversing together quietly. When they saw the graduates coming towards them, they turned and grinned. All three of them broke into congratulations. Everybody hugged everybody. Yes, even Jamie's father. For once, it almost seemed as though Jamie were a normal teenager. But she wasn't. Not just because of the Leukemia, also because of her undying faith, passion, and love for everything and of course, her love for Landon and his for her. No, Jamie was not normal at all.

"Landon, Congratulations!" his mother grinned. She gave him a hug. He gave her a small smile.

"Thanksmom..." his voice was a bit of a mumble. He supposed it didn't matter if she hugged him in public... Jamie didn't care what people thought, why should he? Anyways, he was graduating now. But still... it was a little weird...

Next, Landon's father came forward and patted him on the back. "Congratulations, Son!" he smiled. "I'm proud of you."

"Thanks... dad," Landon said finally. 'Dad'. He wasn't really used to that word. But he liked it. 'Dad'.

Meanwhile, Jamie's father hugged her tightly. "Congratulations, Jamie," he gave her a small smile, something that was rare of him. "I'm so proud of you, you wouldn't believe it."

"Yes, I do, Daddy," she replied smiling at him. Then they essentially 'switched' parents, and Reverend Sullivan congratulated Landon while Landon's parents congratulated Jamie. Then Landon gave Jamie a hug, and she hugged him back. He kissed her cheek softly and smiled at her. She knew. She knew how much he loved her. Her smile showed that. She never ceased to amaze him. Dying of Leukemia, and still smiling, graduating, having fun, and being the most wonderful person that Landon had ever known.

"Landon, we're going to go to the reception. Come on when you're ready," Dr. Carter told Landon.

"Okay, uh....Dad," Landon replied.

"Jamie, I'm going to head over with them, if you don't mind," Reverend Sullivan added, slightly reluctant. "Take care of her, Mr. Carter."

Landon smiled. "I will, Sir."

Jamie grinned. If there was one thing she loved, besides God, of course, it was being 'taken care of' by Landon Carter.

Just as Reverend Sullivan and Landon's parents were heading off, a group of Landon's old friends approached them. Jamie edged closer to Landon worriedly, remembering her last run-in with that group. He put his arm around her protectively, and it reassured her that he was there for her.

"Hey, Landon!" called Eric.

"Hey buddy," Landon replied.

"Eh, congratulations on making it through school!" Eric laughed.

"You too," Landon replied.

"Hey, Landon, we okay?" Dean asked.

Landon nodded. "Yeah."

"Well congrats then..."

"Thanks," Landon replied shortly.

Jamie studied Landon. Wow. He was forgiving. She had known she loved him for good reasons... She still remembered the part that Dean had played in their little trick. Okay, so Belinda had played the larger part, but still. Oh well. She supposed that she should forgive them as well. She was supposed to. After all, Jesus Christ forgives sinners, she could forgive them. It still didn't keep her from being a bit nervous around them though.

"Landon. Congratulations," Belinda said. Then she walked away without another word. Jamie had the suspicion that she was trying to hide tears. She didn't blame Belinda. If she'd lost Landon, she'd cry even more than Belinda was capable of. But she wouldn't. Landon loved her. He had said it himself. He would always be with her. Besides; they were married. She wasn't allowed to lose him. Unfortunately, he had to lose her eventually. Jamie didn't like to hate, but she hated the cancer. Not because of what it did to her, but because of what it was going to do to Landon when she went. It would be okay, she decided. She could still be with Landon, even if not in body.

Just then, Jamie was jerked from her thoughts by someone speaking her name. "Jamie," Eric spoke. It was a statement. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" she asked innocently.

"For the fliers," he replied.

"Jamie, I'm sorry too. I didn't know," Dean added.

"Of course you didn't," Jamie answered. "It's okay." She smiled at them as they walked away.

Landon hugged Jamie. "You are a very forgiving person," he told her, smiling proudly. She was his wife! (Goodness that sounded good!) And the best one there was, too.

"Me? You are a very forgiving person," Jamie replied.

"But it was you. They put you through more than me. Jamie, I still blame myself for that whole episode. I know you felt awful in there..." he told her, still keeping his arms around her. God, it felt good to have her in his arms.

"Landon," she smiled. "It wasn't your fault. Anyways, it's over and done with now. I'm fine, honestly. Okay?"

"Okay."

They kissed one last time, just lightly, and then continued to the reception.

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8:00 PM

A week later (June 19)

The mountains (Never mind how they got up there... I guess they drove?)

Jamie set on the ground, her eyes closed. She hugged her knees and wore a smile. "Landon Carter, what are you doing?" she asked.

"You'll see," Landon replied evasively.

Two minutes later, Landon came over and sat next to Jamie. "You can open your eyes now."

Jamie opened her eyes, and immediately gasped. They appeared to be at the top of the world, on a sort of cliff. A blanket was spread out next to them, a picnic basket set on it. Plates and silverware were already on it, as were a couple of wine glasses that Jamie knew were filled with sparkling grape juice. Over the cliff, they had a beautiful view of several mountains and rolling hills. But between two large mountains, the sun was setting. The sky was brilliant colors of blue, pink, orange, yellow, and purple. Essentially every color in the rainbow. The sun was a large red ball in the sky.

"Shall we have our meal and watch the sunset, my princess?" Landon asked, grinning.

"Certainly, my prince," Jamie replied, grinning back. Landon helped her over to the blanket, and then sat down next to her.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he commented.

"It's stunning," Jamie replied. "Nature's wonders cannot be understood, but are among the most beautiful things that God has graced us with."

"So are you."

Jamie blushed. "Thank you, Landon."

"Of course," he replied. He kissed her softly, sweetly. It was not a demanding, expectant, or 'hard' kiss, it was just sweet. Jamie knew that Landon would never hurt her, not even if his life depended on it. He loved her. It felt good to be loved. All of those years in elementary school, in junior high, and even most of high school, she had never been loved by anyone but God and her father. Her classmates, including Landon, had ridiculed her. Now... Landon had changed from what he had been in those days. He had proven that, several times already. He had defended her when Belinda and friends had passed out those fliers. He loved her, he truly loved her. And she truly loved him back.

The funny thing was that she had told him before she'd agreed to help him with his lines "You have to promise not to fall in love with me," and he'd replied "That won't be a problem." For once, she was glad he had broken his promise. She thanked the Lord in Heaven for it every day. She just hoped he would be okay when she left... to the afterlife. She prayed for that every day as well.

"I love you," Jamie whispered.

"I love you too," Landon whispered back. They kissed again, just a bit more deeply, longer, this time. When they broke apart, they both grinned. "I suppose we better get into this... picnic basket," Landon suggested.

"Okay," Jamie replied. Landon opened the basket, and pulled out some food (don't ask ME what it was! Whatever the food was, Jamie loves it). They ate and talked quietly, watching the sun sink ever lower. When they had finished, Landon packed their dishes and leftovers into the picnic basket, and pulled a blanket out of his shoulder bag. He wrapped it around them both, and then settled to watch the sun finish setting. Jamie lay her head on his shoulder. He put his hand on it, and lay his own head there.

When the sun had set, Jamie pointed up into the sky. "Look, you can see Venus really well right now," she smiled. (BTW, you really can see Venus very well just after sunset, it's the brightest planet in the sky and it shines in the West)

"Wow," Landon sighed. "Even without a telescope you can tell the difference?"

"Easily," she replied. "I've spent quite a bit of time on it."

"I know you have," he answered. "You've gotten quite good at it."

"Thank you," she grinned. Landon placed a light kiss on the top of her head, and then lay his head back down (no pun intended), and they continued to stare up at the quickly appearing stars. (and planets)

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12:00 PM

July 4th

Jamie and Landon's house (See italicized note below)

Beaufort, North Carolina

Jamie and Landon headed out the door, hand in hand. They got in Landon's car and drove off to lunch.

"Happy Independence day, Jamie," Landon smiled, looking at the wonderful girl sitting in his passenger seat.

"And to you too," she replied, smiling. "You certainly do know how to celebrate!"

Landon grinned. "What, lunch, fireworks, more fireworks, and a movie is all it takes to give you a good celebration?" he asked.

"That's quite a good deal you know," she answered. "Before, my fourth of July consisted of poppers, smoke bombs, and Monopoly!"

Landon laughed. "Mine usually went along the lines of doing illegal fireworks (No, I don't know NC's laws, but Ohio's sure are strict...), doing more illegal fireworks, and driving my mom crazy."

"Yeah, that sounds like you!" Jamie joked. Landon looked at her.

"Ha," he said. Then he grinned back at her. (OMG I'm crying just writing this!)

Jamie looked up then to find that they were already at the restaurant where they were going to meet their parents and eat lunch. (I don't know if they still live with their parents, really. For the sake of this story, Jamie and Landon live together minus their parents, but that is not financially possible in the real world. Let's just say that Landon's father helped. LOL!)

Landon got out of the car, walked around, and helped Jamie out politely. She took his arm and stood. "Thank you," she said pleasantly.

"Yes, M'lady," Landon replied in a mock-butler voice. Jamie laughed as they continued into the restaurant. They saw their parents already seated, and pointed them out to the waitress, who seated them at the table as well.

"Landon, Happy fourth of July!" Dr. Carter greeted.

"Thanks, dad," Landon replied smiling.

"Good to see you again, sweetie," Landon's mother smiled.

Landon blushed... 'sweetie'? "You too, Mom," he answered.

Meanwhile, Jamie's father gave her a big hug. "How you doing, Jamie?" he asked.

"Great, Daddy," she replied. "We are having such a great Summer."

"That, we are," Landon added, smiling at Reverend Sullivan. He returned the smile.

"I'm glad."

*~*

Eight hours later

The park next to the ocean

Fireworks Display

Landon and Jamie lay their blanket down on the grass. Perfect, they were near the front. The fireworks display wasn't to start until ten though. Landon set down the heavy cooler and took Jamie's hand. "Want to go to the playground?" he asked her.

Jamie giggled. "Sure."

So they continued to the playground where surprisingly, only two children were playing on the slide. Jamie sat in a swing, and Landon sat in the one next to hers. Without speaking, they joined their hands and started to move slowly. Then, without explanation, they took off. Practically.

Jamie giggled as she swung (swang? swung? swinged?). "I always wanted to fly," she called to Landon, remember what her father had told her.

"I think everybody wants to fly at some point," Landon replied. "This is the closest I've ever been."

"Same here," she agreed.

Jamie and Landon swung for a little longer, and then, as they slowed, Landon grabbed Jamie's hand and pulled her towards the slide, a mischievous grin on his face. He pulled her up with him, and then told her to sit at the slide. He sat down behind her, and together, the two eighteen year old High School graduates slid down. It was a pretty strange picture for spectators who didn't know Jamie and Landon.

After a little while, Landon looked at his watch. "It's 9:30," he told Jamie. "We should probably go... get to our seats."

"Okay," Jamie agreed, taking his hand as he led her back to their belongings. Darkness had already begun to come, like a blanket over the small town. Landon sat down, and then pulled Jamie down with him, and she sat between his legs, resting her head on his shoulder contentedly. He leaned around just a bit and placed a kiss on her cheek. She turned her own head so that her lips met his, and he got the message and kissed her softly, sweetly. Then she rested her head back on his shoulder and he placed his hand gently on it, playing with her hair.

"Water?" Landon asked, reaching for their small cooler.

"Sure," she replied. He handed her a bottle of water and took one out for himself, thus emptying the cooler all except for the ice pack.

Only a few minutes later, the first burst of color appeared in the sky. Red, white, and blue. Jamie grinned. "I love the fireworks."

"I do too," Landon replied. "They're better with you."

Jamie blushed slightly, though you could not tell since it was dark. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied. Then they settled back in silence to watch the display.

*~*

One hour later

Jamie and Landon's house

Jamie sat in a chair on the driveway, watching Landon. He was setting off home fireworks. "Be careful," she warned him.

He nodded back at her to let her know that he was indeed being careful. Then he jumped back and hurried back to sit next to Jamie. There, the two of them watched the sparks shoot in the air. "This has got to be the reason for the fourth of July," Landon commented.

Jamie laughed. "Actually I believe it was the declaration of independence, but I'd say this is a great way to celebrate it."

"Yeah. That. What you said," Landon grinned.

Then the fireworks stopped, so Landon got up again and lit another. They watched them like this for some time. Then they went back inside and fell asleep holding each other.

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12:00 PM

August 15

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

Jamie and Landon walked hand in hand through the ticket booth, flashing their tickets on the way in. The man accepted them and they walked in. "Thank you for bringing me here, Landon. I've never been to the fair before," Jamie told Landon.

"Wow. I'm glad I did bring you here then, the state fair is something you've got to see!" he grinned. "When we were younger, me and Eric rode that ride... you know the one that goes in the air and upside down and stuff... we got so sick it wasn't even funny." He laughed.

Jamie laughed. "Sounds terrifying."

"I promise I won't make you ride anything terrifying or dangerous," Landon told her, giving her a quick hug.

"Thanks," Jamie replied. "Something tells me my father will be grateful, as will my stomach."

Landon grinned.

"C'mon, Landon, let's go ride the carousel! Who says 18 is too old?" Jamie was ecstatic, practically. She was grinning and giggling like mad.

"Sure," Landon replied. He again took her hand and they hurried off to the carousel which was just loading up. They hopped on, grinning foolishly at the young audience around them. Landon helped Jamie up onto one of the horses that goes up and down, and got onto the one next to hers. "You think these things ever catch up to each other?" he asked her, grinning, as the thing begun to move.

Jamie laughed at Landon's strange sense of humor. "I doubt it."

"Sure would make the ride more interesting," Landon commented.

Jamie laughed again. Landon seemed to have that amazing power to make her laugh. She hadn't laughed much before he had come into her life. He was amazing. They'd moved past the original sadness they'd fallen into after she'd told him about the Leukemia. Now they were able to laugh and joke and have fun as though nothing were wrong. And thanks to some unknown miracle, Jamie was allowed to freely enjoy her last days of existence. For some reason, she'd been feeling fine lately. It was no doubt still there, but she hadn't passed out, or anything. She was actually allowed to go out, as long as someone was with her. (Usually Landon. He never left her.)

Landon noticed Jamie staring off into space and watched her intently. "You okay?" he asked finally.

"Yeah," she replied contently. "Fine. Just thinking."

"About what?" he prodded curiously.

"You," she replied simply. "About how much I love you."

Landon smiled. "I think about how much I love you alot too. You know... I never really met anyone like you... it was so new to me when I met you... and I thought... this is what true love feels like."

"God has given us an amazing gift," Jamie replied. "He has graced us with the gift of love, and the best one there is in the human existence in my opinion."

"I agree," Landon smiled. The ride slowed, so he hopped off his horse and reached for her hand to help her off of her own. Then they walked away from the carousel and to the mainstreet, where all of the restaurants and food booths were lined up. (NOTE: I know nothing about the North Carolina state fair, I'm going by my experience at the Ohio one.)

"You hungry?" Landon asked.

"A little," Jamie answered.

"Me too. Let's go into the expo center (they have one at Ohio's fair) and eat something," Landon decided.

"Okay. Then we have to look at the exhibits," Jamie added.

"And once our stomachs settle we can ride some more stuff."

Jamie grinned. "Sounds perfect."

*~*

After lunch

Jamie and Landon walked, again, hand in hand, through the small shelter. Displays and collections had sprouted up everywhere around them. They were enjoying the exhibits that people had put out, finding many interesting things to muse over.

When Jamie and Landon were walking away from the exhibit of foreign coins (we have one of those too), they literally ran into the last person they'd expected to see.

Belinda looked up at Landon, and at Jamie. "Um... sorry..." she muttered. Then, Jamie and Landon watched as Belinda seemed to have a struggle with herself over whether or not to say something else. Then finally she said "Listen... Jamie... I'm really sorry about... the fliers. I... I didn't know that... and I... and you..." Belinda was beginning to get flustered, not something that she did often.

"It's okay, Belinda," Jamie told her. "It was a cruel thing to do, but I'm not a stranger to cruelty, nor am I one to forgiveness. Forget it, okay?"

"Okay," Belinda replied. "Thank you." then she ran off, and Jamie was sure that she was again battling tears over Landon.

"She loved you, didn't she?" Jamie asked Landon as they begun to walk again.

"Yeah," Landon replied. "I don't know why though."

Jamie smiled. "You're too modest. She loved you for the same reasons I do. You're sweet, you're kind, and you're a wonderful person."

Landon grinned embarrassedly. "Thanks," he said. "So are you."

Jamie smiled contentedly. She loved him!!!! She felt lots of things, but mostly, she was overcome by love. "Let's go ride the Ferris wheel," she suggested.

"Okay," Landon agreed. So the two of them headed off for the large attraction, grinning all the while.

The ticket taker guy helped them into their seat on the Ferris wheel. It took off not long after that, they were some of the last people to board. Both Jamie and Landon were grinning as the thing revolved. It lifted them high above the town. "Look, Landon, you can see Beaufort High!" Jamie pointed to a building in the distance.

"So you can," Landon answered. "The place that we don't ever have to go to again."

"It wasn't that bad, Landon," Jamie laughed. Landon wrinkled his forehead. Jamie Sullivan-Carter-whateverhernameis was saying that high school wasn't that bad? She had been made fun of all four years, namely by him and his friends! How could she say that it hadn't been that bad?

As if reading his thoughts, Jamie said "If we hadn't gone to High School, I never would've known what a wonderful person you are. We wouldn't be here today."

"Very true," Landon replied. "But wasn't it hard for you? Know... knowing that..."

Jamie smiled, knowing what he was trying to say. "No. I was glad to be there, Landon. The knowledge that you are going to lose your life can make you enjoy what is left of it much more than otherwise. Even if there isn't much to enjoy, as was my earlier years, I still loved every minute."

Landon grinned. "You are amazing, Jamie."

She laughed. "What are we having a compliment festival today?"

"I guess," Landon agreed. "Sit back, let's enjoy the ride."

So she did just that, and they watched as the scenery went by in circles.

*~*

Jamie screamed with delight. Landon followed suit as they spun around.

The tilt-a-whirl. Not too rough, not too gentle, it was the coolest ride! They were throwing their arms in the air, grinning and squealing with joy. It was awesome. "This is the coolest thing we've ridden yet!" Jamie told Landon, giggling.

"I agree," Landon replied, as their car thingy spun another time. This, of course, brought another fit of giggles from Jamie. He grinned at her. She looked so pretty when she laughed. She was so wonderful. She knew how to enjoy life, and better than anyone else he'd known. Jamie Sullivan was near perfect. There was that detail, of course, that her life expectancy was shorter than it had ever been, but that did not matter right now. It was going to happen, whether or not they worried about it, so why not enjoy the time she had left on earth?

"Thanks, Landon," Jamie smiled as the ride slowed. "Without you, I never would've gotten to come here today. Do you honestly think my father would've brought me here? He's never been one for the fair... I don't know why."

"Well, you have to go to the fair... I'm glad you're here. To have lived without going to the North Carolina State Fair would be a terrible thing," Landon laughed.

"Especially to have lived without going to the fair with you."

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Dusk was settling in over North Carolina. Jamie and Landon headed towards the small booth for the sky ride. "Two, please," Landon told the ticket-taker. He handed over some money and the man gave him two tickets. They stepped carefully in the gate, and then in moments, they were sitting in a little car, feet dangling over the fairgrounds as they rode towards the front of the park.

"Landon..." Jamie said quietly. "Landon this has been the most wonderful experience..."

"I knew it would be," Landon grinned. "I'm so glad we came. God... God must really love you to have allowed you to stay healthy long enough to do this with me."

"Us," Jamie corrected. "God must really love US alot."

"Right... well... I haven't done too much to make him happy you know..." Landon told her.

"You don't have to," Jamie replied. "Besides, you need to give yourself more credit. You've become an amazing person."

"Thank you... that's one of the things I love about you so much... you have.. faith in me."

Jamie smiled. "And you in me as well."

Then, they kissed each other softly and looked over the fair below them. "It's so beautiful at night," Jamie commented.

"It is," Landon replied. "Everything lighting up and all..."

"Yeah... it's amazing..." Jamie agreed. "So are you."

Landon sniffed but then quickly tried to hide it. This was not unnoticed by Jamie. "Hey," she said softly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Landon attempted to hide the fact that he was crying. But Jamie could see. His face was shining with tears.

"Something," she countered. "What is it?"

"I just... I... I can't figure out... what I'm gonna do... when... when you're gone," he told her. "Jamie... you're... you're my reason for living. You're my everything... I can't understand why... why it has to be you."

"Oh... Landon," Jamie said quietly. "Landon it's going to be okay. The Lord will look over you... If I didn't have to go... then I wouldn't... Landon you have no idea... how much I want to stay here with you... If I could make it hurt less I would."

"Jamie, don't worry about me," Landon said, wiping his face and regaining his composure. "You have better things on your mind."

"Nothing is better than you," Jamie replied. "You and God are my reasons for living."

"Jamie?" Landon asked.

"What is it?"

"I'll never forget you."

"And I'll never forget you."

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One Month later (September 18, how's that?)

Jamie and Landon's home

Beaufort, NC

Jamie lay in her bed, motionless, like a porcelain doll. Her father was in the chair next to her, holding her hand. "Jamie," he said softly. "Jamie... I love you, sweetie.

"I love you too, daddy," she replied weakly. The Leukemia was getting worse... Jamie knew she did not have long left in this world. She had to say her goodbyes. "Daddy... when I... go... please don't be sad... for a long time. I want you to be happy. I'm making too many people sad."

"Jamie... don't worry about how you're making the other people feel. Jamie it's you that matters, honey," he told her. "I'll always miss you, but if you want me to be happy, I will be happy."

"Thank you daddy," she told him.

"Thank you, Jamie," he replied. "I love you." Reverend Sullivan bent down and kissed her on the cheek. Then he stood.

"I love you too," she replied, as he left the room. Jamie knew that he was crying. Because he knew that she would not be there much longer. She allowed a lone tear to slip down her own cheek. Then Landon walked in the door.

"How are you feeling, Jamie?" he asked her. He noticed the trail of wetness on her cheek and wiped the tear away. "Hey... what's wrong?"

"I'm just... oh Landon everybody's going around all sad... Landon I don't want anyone to be sad!" she told him tearfully.

"Jamie, don't worry about it. They're only sad because they love you, baby... please, spend your last days happy."

"Thank you, Landon," Jamie smiled at him, though weakly. He grasped her hand. Then he kissed her softly on the lips, and she kissed him back. He looked into her eyes as they separated, knowing that she was slipping away before him.

"Jamie... I love you," he told her.

"And I love you," Jamie answered. And then... then she was gone. She lay still in the bed, as if in an endless dream. And Landon then let the tears fall, knowing that she had left this world forever.

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Location unknown to man

Jamie Sullivan wondered through a bright room. It was bright, yet for some reason the light did not hurt her eyes. She looked around her dazzling surroundings, her mind still with Landon. 'Where am I.. am I dreaming?' she thought. Then Jamie heard a voice.

"Jamie Sullivan," boomed a loud man's voice.

"Who's there... omigoodness... am I..."

"Dead?" the voice asked.

Jamie nodded, somehow sensing that whoever was speaking could see her, though she could not see him.

"Yes, Jamie, you are in the kingdom of heaven. Welcome. And thank you for being such a role model through your life."

"Then are you..."

"Yes, I am God."

"Um... sir... is.... is Landon...... Landon Carter okay?" Jamie asked.

"You mean that boy who loved you so much?"

"Yes, that's him."

"Come, and see," the voice replied. A door opened in the room, revealing more shiny surroundings. What appeared to be a TV-like device was playing. She watched as a male figure, obviously Landon, moved across a room. Her bedroom. She watched him pick up a book. The gold lettering on the front read "Holy Bible." He opened it and paged through, reading something here or there. Then, Landon placed the book on a wooden table and she saw her own body lying there, unmoving. Landon sat down next to the bed where she lie.

"Jamie," she heard Landon's voice say. "Jamie I miss you. I love you. I don't know... if... if you can hear me or not... but if you can... please be happy. Don't be sad, experience joy in your eternal life. Jamie, I can be strong, if it's for you. I will always love you. I will never forget you. You will forever be my true love, yet I cannot hold you." Landon smiled slightly. "Jamie... your love... it's like the wind. I can't see it... but I can feel it."

THE END

Please don't be to hard on me!! This is my first AWTR fanfic!