Chapter 9
Jack was roused from his lethargy by Karen's wails.
Looking blearily at her he moaned, "Kare? What's wrong? What is it?"
Karen leapt towards the bed still clutching the letter in her fist. "Jackie, oh Jackie. Say his isn't so," she begged, but deep down realizing this is what had been behind his worsening symptoms.
"Oh, no…you didn't read that did you?" Jack asked, now realizing his charade was over.
Karen nodded. "How long have you known?" she tremulously asked.
"Since we got back from vacation. The doctor had phoned with his diagnosis, but we were away. The message was on the answering service."
"But you seemed to be better lately," Karen pursued.
Jack explained how he had undergone a blood transfusion and that the doctor had indicated it wouldn't last long – just enough to get him through the wedding and maybe a little more.
Karen's lower lip was trembling as she looked into Jack's azure eyes. "Jackie," she said softly, "you went through that just so you could go to the wedding?"
"Yeah, Kare. It was important. I knew it would probably be the last time we'd all be together."
Karen lost it then and collapsed, sobbing, next to Jack. He put his arm comfortingly around her and let her cry herself out. Then they both fell asleep together.
For the next few days, Karen hardly left Jack's side despite his admonitions that she get some rest for herself, but she wanted to spend every possible moment with him. They both knew there weren't going to be many more. Eventually the word about Jack got around.
Amongst the bevy of well-wishers, Will stopped by with some of his "famous" carrot and ginger soup. Jack thanked him graciously and even managed to eat some of it although it was more to please Will than any real need he felt. It tore Will up emotionally when he saw how sickly Jack looked and how he must be suffering right now; trying to be brave for Karen's sake. He remembered back on their younger days when Jack had all the bouncy enthusiasm of a teenager, but not any emotional maturity. Jack had really mellowed and shown more responsibility since those long-ago days.
Grace also made an appearance with Leo in tow. Leo gave Jack a quick examination, but when they were out of Jack's sight, Leo shook his head sadly. Grace quietly sobbed and dabbed at her eyes all the way home. Everyone felt so helpless. Who would have thought Jack would be the first to go, being the youngest of the group? Their friend was slipping away and there was nothing anyone could do about it.
To be continued...
