A N: Thank you for reading and reviewing. The sequel to this story is a Sue Thomas/Criminal Minds crossover, entitled Haunted Memories and can be found in the crossover section. For the one who asked if I have thought about being published, I have been writing stories since I was six (they just kind of flow out) and would love to be published but have never been sure if my writing was good enough.
Chapter Thirty-Five
It was Christmas Eve. The staff and volunteers of the Washington hospital did their best to bring some of the joy and comfort of the season to the patients and families with Christmas trees, lights, and soft Christmas music. But there was really nothing that could ease the agony of watching a loved one suffer or even die on Christmas.
The intensive care unit seemed even more somber than usual. Only one small Christmas tree reminded everyone that this was supposed to be a joyful day.
Nancy Caldwell looked at Dr. Jacobs as he came out of the agent's room.
"No." She whispered quietly, her eyes filling with tears.
She had seen that slump of defeat too many times.
Glancing at young Rebecca who was watching them anxiously, Nancy spoke quietly. "How long does he have?"
Dr. Jacobs looked around. Seeing that they were alone he leaned against the wall letting the deep exhaustion and defeat wash over him.
He shrugged. "A few hours." He glanced at his watch. "He might make it an hour or two into Christmas."
Jade Manning was alone again in the quiet hospital room.
Myles was fading fast and everyone wanted her to have this time with him.
The ICU had been busy today with many visitors coming and going. But now it was late and only the group of FBI agents remained.
Murdoch had taken the kids to a hotel across the street, everyone agreeing that the little ones needed to sleep in a real bed tonight. It was the first time in three days that any of them had left the hospital.
The rest of the team was gathered in the waiting room, begging God to give them a Christmas miracle.
Tears slid silently down Jade's cheeks as she watched Myles steadily falling heart rate. She leaned forward and grasped his limp hand in hers. Touching him had become second nature. She couldn't believe that she had ever been afraid of this wonderful man.
"I love you, Myles. I love you so much. I can't go on without you." Jade hiccupped on a sob. She lifted his hand and pressed a kiss on the long fingers.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, Jade brushed the tears from her face but they kept coming. "It'll be Christmas in just a few minutes. I heard a song today and it sounded like something you would say." Closing her eyes Jade tightened her grasp on Myles' hand and her soft voice filled the room.
"Do you remember me? I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you of childhood fantasies.
Well, I'm all grown up now,
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child,
But my heart still can dream
So, here's my lifelong wish,
My grownup Christmas list
Not for myself, but for a world in need.
No more lives torn apart, That wars would never
start, And time would heal all hearts.
That everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grownup Christmas list.
As children we believed,
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely wrapped beneath our tree.
But heaven only knows that packages and bows
Can never heal a hurting human soul.
No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts,
That everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grownup Christmas list.
What is this illusion called the innocence of
youth? Maybe only in our blind belief can we
ever find the truth.
No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts,
That everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown up Christmas list.
This is my only lifelong wish.
This is my grown up Christmas list."
"That's beautiful, angel."
Jade's eyes snapped open to see pain-hazed blue eyes staring back at her, love shining from their depths and joy filled her. The wall of silence had been broken.
The End...For Now
Disclaimer: Sue Thomas and the song lyrics do not belong to me.