Hi everyone! So sorry for taking too long with the update, the writer's block was eating me alive. I write and re-write this chapter a thousand times. Anyway, I hope you guys like it :)

xoxo

Jesse and Tim were talking about their travels when, suddenly, Cardoza noticed that he wasn't listening to Speedle anymore. In fact, Speedle was gone and he was alone in the middle of a dark road.

— Tim? – Jesse spoke, confused, looking around so he could try to understand what happened. – Where am I? – He asked, and decided to walk but like in a nightmare, the road was getting more and more long.

Cardoza was getting nervous at that point. So this was it? He was dead now? And he was going to hell? Or maybe heaven? But he hasn't seen no white light, no inner peace or whatever that was. Actually, he was growing anxious.

— Hello, Jesse.

The tall man turned around and his heart skipped a beat, or maybe two and then a silly and nostalgic smile came on his lips. – Tracy?

The blonde woman smile with a nod while walking towards him. – Hello, my love.

He was speechless. All he could do was smile and look silly. – God… I-I missed you so much…

— I know, I missed you too, honey. But… This isn't right.

— What do you mean?

Tracy rubbed his face softly. – I mean that you can't spend your entire life like this. You look horrible. – She smiled. – You're sad and… There is a big grey cloud around your head, my love. And you're fighting over something that could help you.

— And what is that?

— Love, Jesse. You don't want to fall in love again, but I have a bad news for you… Because you're in love. And is not by that gorgeous woman sitting next to you on the hospital, you know?

Jesse looked down. He was a coward. – I-I… I know, is just…

— Are you afraid that the other girl wouldn't want you?

— Yes… I mean, she… She is always so kind to me, and… That day by the pool when I kissed her…

Tracy kept her hand near the husband's face, looking at his eyes with kindness. – She was afraid, Jesse. She wasn't afraid to love you, because deep down, she does. The point is… She has been through a lot.

— I know… - He bitted the lower lip, nodding softly. — Darling… Why are you here?

Tracy rolled eyes. — What do you think? I need to help my silly husband to move on. And don't give up, Jesse. I'll always be with you, but you need to keep going my love. And remember… - She leaned on him and pressed their lips together. – I love you.

Jesse closed his eyes for a moment, holding Tracy tight on his arms. He wanted to disappear with her, keep his beloved wife resting again his chest forever, hear her laughing, and kiss her lips over and over again…

However, everything needs to end. He knew that if he chooses to stay with Tracy, he would never see Lyra and Natalia ever again. Cardoza opened his eyes, kissing his wife's forehead cupping her face with both hands.

— Good luck, my love. – Tracy said gently. — Now… Wake up.

-x-x-x-x-

Jesse opened his eyes, and all was white and noise around him. He caught a glimpse of a brown long hair and then realizes that… He was awake on a hospital bed, hearing Natalia yelling at the doctors so they could come and check on him.

Cardoza couldn't remember anything besides his confuse dreams involving Tim and Tracy and a dark highway.

— Baby, you will be fine! Oh, thank God! — Natalia squeezed his hand.

-x-x-x-x-

Watching his friend carefully, Tim Speedle smiled happily putting both hands on his pockets. The CSI took a long and noticeable breath, closing his eyes for a moment when a bright white light was shining for him on the end of the hall.

— Thanks, Jesse. Your little bastard. — Tim smiled, and walked towards the bright light.

-x-x-x-x-

It was only a matter of perspective. Jesse was happy when his co-workers came to see him, but he missed one in particular: Lyra.

Horatio, Eric, Marisol, Calleigh, Walter, Ryan and Frank were making a small crowd on his hospital room. Natalia was holding tight on his hand, and kissing him on the lips very often, laughing every time someone makes a joke.

He was waiting for a moment alone with Boa Vista. He couldn't fool her anymore.

When the visits ended, Cardoza felt a little itchy on his stomach, but it wasn't fair keep doing that, making Natalia believe that he loves her so much.

— Nat…

— Yes?

He took a deep breath. — I just… Want to say to things to you. First of all, thank you for being here with me even if I wasn't exactly the most talkative type. — She smiled even more. — Second… I just….

— What? — Boa Vista asked.

— I can't play with your feelings anymore, Nat. I… I'm sorry, but... I know you love me very much, but… I don't love you the same way, and… This is killing me because you're a wonderful woman and a caring friend.

Natalia stared at him, looking for a joke on his eyes, but found none. — So this is it? You slept for a week and now want to dump me?

— To be honest… I wanted to do this for a long time.

Boa Vista was shocked, — I can't believe this… Geez, Jesse! You're a bastard!

— I know.

— I'm glad you do. — Natalia snapped, grabbing her purse and leaving the hospital room.

Cardoza was sure of his decision. And he knew Natalia was a hot headed and a bit stubborn, and right now, she was pissed off. And for more horrible that sounded… Jesse was happy with his decision.