Hello to all once again! I cant believe that this story is over!! It was so fast! I wasn't planning on writing right now- at about 11 o'clock on July 8th- but tomorrow is G4's Attack of the Shows' 1000th episode, so I knew that I wouldn't really be around to type a bit because I would be celebrating with friends and eating pie. XD lol…Well, I hope you all enjoy!
Also, I would like to thank some people:
CSI-FAN-LT and shawdoo- thanks for hanging with me till the end!!!
Shortcake2 and Jennabby- you guys are just awesome! I hope you like this last chapter!
Most of all, I would like to thank Andorian Ice Princess-AIP for giving me pointers during the development of this story!!
THANKS TO ALL!!!
And now, without further ado, please enjoy the last chapter of this story- The Honor of… the Heart!
Disclaimer- like the last 9 chapters, I don't own anything.
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Chapter 10- The Honor of… The Heart!
Stella Bonasera
"Stella… don't leave me!"
I open my eyes to complete darkness. I was cold, blinded, and couldn't see. Again, a voice called for me:
"Stella… you cant die yet! Stay with me… oh, God, let her stay with me…"
"Mac?" I yelled into the darkness; I would recognize that voice anywhere. "Mac? Is that you? Where are you?" I stared into nothing. "Mac… I'm scared."
You don't have to be.
I turned around to find Jess coming from a light from behind me.
"Oh my God, Jess!" I said, running to her. She smiled, but said nothing. She offered her hand. "You… you want me to come with you?"
I'm going to show you the way. She said, smiling. Don't worry; I'll take care of you!
"But-" I started. Then, I heard the words I've been longing to hear that I've never thought I would hear again.
Stella.
I stare at Jess, who smiles even wider and moves out of my view. I cant believe my eyes as I look at his face.
"Professor…Papokota?" I said, tears forming. I go down to my knees. Never would I have thought that I would see these two again in my life- and yet there they were, standing in front of me!
Stella, He said, coming closer to me. He lifted my chin so I could meet his eyes. You need to come and follow me and Jess here. Don't worry; where we are taking you will be where you are most happy.
Stella, Jess said, putting her arms around me from behind, come with us; we are going to help you.
"What… what about Mac? What about the team?" I asked, holding onto one of Jess arms.
They will understand your choice. Jess said.
Stella, we are going to help you. Professor said. We are going to send you…
Home. Jess finished.
"Where… is home?" I asked her. I looked at Professor. "Well? Where is home?" I asked them.
The, I hear a voice from in front of me.
"Stella… Stella I know you can hear me…"
"Mac?" I said out loud, looking around. Jess hugged me more and nodded.
"Stella," Mac's voice rang, "I know that you will get yourself out of this coma. I know you will…" his voice seemed to crack now, "because I cant live in this world without you! You're my better half… and I don't think how I could live without you by my side. I've loved you as much as I loved Claire… maybe even more." My hand began to grow warm.
"What is this?" I asked Professor and Jess. They simply smiled.
"I promise you…" Mac continued, "That once we get out of here, I will protect you. I'll follow you to the end of the world, Stella. I love you."
A teat rolled down my cheek as Jess whispered in my ear.
Stella, she said, you got one hell of a catch there. You have to take this chance, okay? Just go for it with all you have. Everyone on your team is rooting for you two; I'm rooting for you, and this guy is to. She whispered, pointing at Professor. He smiled even more and nodded. So, Stella, lets get you home, okay?
I looked at her and nodded. "Thanks, Jess; and thanks to you, Professor." They both nodded. Jess released me and walked over to Professor. They both then extended their hands to me. Lets go, Stella. Professor said.
I stood up and walked with them. Oh, said Jess, while pushing me into the light, and get Mac some fun in his life, okay?.
I smiled. "I will. And, I'm sorry for what happened, Jess, Professor." They both laughed.
Don't worry about it; we are both fine. She blew me a kiss and began to walk away.
Yes, we are fine. Now go. he bowed slightly and caught up with Angell.
Mac Taylor
I kept on holding Stella's limp hand. She had been in a coma because of Kevin for the past three days; the doctors said that if she is going to wake up, it would be some time in the next two days. After everything, I grew impatient- I needed her to wake up now, so that she can tell me that everything was okay and that she would always be strong- for the team and for me.
I put my head down on the hospital bed, and I start to cry. "Stella… please wake up!" I whisper, "Please wake up!"
A moment of chilling silence fills the air.
"Mac…"
I open my eyes, but keep my head on the hospital bed. Did I really just hear that voice?
"Hey, Mac…"
I lift my head and find Stella staring at me. She takes her hand from my grasp and places onto my cheek. She wipes my tears away, and the grin I know in love comes across her face. Her beautiful green eyes stare at my softly. Then, in a whisper, "I never thought I would see you cry."
"Stella…" I said, touching the hand on my cheek. "You're going to be fine."
"I know," she responded, "Because you are by my side."
I smiled. "Exactly."
TWO DAYS LATER
Stella Bonasera
I was just sitting in my hospital bed when I heard a knock at the door. I smiled as I looked up.
"Mac." I said.
"Hey, Stella." He said, walking into the room and sitting by my side. "The team is here. They want to talk to you, so if your up to it…"
"Yeah, I cant take it." I grinned even wider, "Send them in."
Mac nodded. "Ill be out here if you need me." He walked out of the room. Ten seconds later, Hawks came into the room, and after about an hour, Adam, Hawks, and Danny had all come into the room and talked with me. Then, Lindsay came in.
"Stella!" she yelled running into the room. I had heard from the others about how much Lindsay missed me.
"Hey, kiddo." I said. She hugged me. "Are you okay? I heard about what happened when I was gone."
"Stella, I'm fine. Don't worry about me; are you okay?" Lindsay said. I nodded. Then, we spent the next 20 minutes simply talking about nothing; it was clear that she really cared for my safety.
"Hey, Lindsay, times up."
We both turned to find Flack standing there smiling. Lindsay turned to me. "Well, I have to go. I'll talk to you later, okay?" I smiled and nodded. She hugged me once more, and then left the room.
"Stella," he said, trying to make his feet go faster to my bedside while also trying to look like a man, "Are you okay now?"
I nodded. "Yea, I mean, I have some cuts and bruises, but I'm not hurt bad now. Thanks for worrying about me."
"Don't mention it." he says smiling, "I'm just glad your safe."
"Flack," I said, "You're like a big brother to me; you're always worrying about my safety and such. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is… Thanks. For everything."
He started to cry. "Oh, Flack!" I said, putting my hand on his.
"Stella…" he said, "I swear to you I will find this guy. I swear that he will be put in jail for what he did!"
I let go of his hand. "Wh… what? But Kevin's dead!"
Flack said nothing and gave me a file." That is the DNA test from the blood found behind the chair in the warehouse."
"Where Kevin was standing when the bomb blew up." I clarified. He seemed to nod, but said nothing. I opened the file.
The blood was Frankie's.
"Wait, so this means…" I said, staring at him,
"Yeah," we both turned to find Mac in the doorway. "Kevin… is still out there."
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Thanks to everyone! There is a good chance of a sequel, so please keep a close eye on the Fanfic for HoL 2, but the real title is TBA! Thanks again to everyone who's read and liked this fanfic! Until I write again- which, true to form, will probably be tomorrow on a random fanfic for CSI:NY! Thanks again to all!
-yotobari288