It's been a week since Deputy Ryan came with the earth-shattering news of Luke's death. Slightly shorter than first chapter, but, after this, things get good.

2: The Aftermath/Forgotten Feelings?

They had buried Luke just two days ago. It had seemed unreal, like a bad dream that you couldn't wake up from. With his dad dead, they, the Seavers had been his family. And, in the end, it had deemed appropiate that they should have been the ones to see him on his way into the afterlife.

No one had taken the death harder than Mike-he blamed himself, even though he knew there was nothing he could have done.

While at the funeral, Deputy Ryan had shown up. He had stood back and kept his distance, but, the Seavers knew he was there. They had all approached him after, thanking him and he simply nodded and repeated that he was sorry for their loss. Chrissy came to him last. They faced each other, neither knowing exactly what to say.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you."

Silence.

"Your brother Mike seems to be taking this the hardest."

"Well, he's the one who took Luke in. They were close. Real close."

"How are you taking it?"

"Best way I can. I was real young when Luke came into the picture, but, I still remember him."

"Chrissy, I haven't forgotten. Have you?" She hesitated, wondering why he was bringing back all these feelings. Feelings she thought she'd forgotten.

"Kellen, that was a long time ago. It has taken me this long to...

"Forget? You never forgot. Just like I never forgot." He swiftly bent his neck and kissed her, a gentle kiss that made both of their hearts race and left them breathless.

He was right and she knew it. She hadn't forgotten and she never would.