After a few days rest and a other called made to her boss. Everything was more less then back to normal. Gray had adjusted his work schedule for those days and is now back to work properly. Boys are enjoying school. Amber too was hard at work again. With Mira taking over while she was gone. The place was a mess and Amber had to reorganize everything to the way it was. Her boss ask about the divorce papers she had explained he tore them up before she got sick. He on his own made a new copy and hand it to her. Saw the hesitation when she reach for them. Essentially, it was up to her and him to come to a conclusion on their marriage. Sting came by the office but acted indifferently around her. He never phone while she was at home, no contact was made.
The only hint she understood and it hurt for her to be a witness to it, is when he brought over a women to the office. Stated right in front of her and Laxus that the short time they were together was finished. Found a other love interest after that night. Amber wasn't thrilled, that this display affection was going on in front of her. The choice she made to garner any sort acknowledgement from his decision was to ignore him completely.
Sting tried to talk to her at work. If it was about a case or something pertaining to her boss, she would be up for the discussion. If the conversation steered to them and what relationship they had. Amber wasn't going to put up with it. She was there to be professional at work, not be a target for sympathy and have someone say there there a everything will be alright.
The many weeks that follow had its up and downs. Gray would pop on over in the mornings to help the boys to school. Amber made sure that her clothes were for work attire or on the weekends she dressed casual. Did not want to give ammunition to Gray to make advances towards her. They had pleasant talks and she keep her distance from him. The involvement with the boys grew and Gray would have them over at his place from time to time. When she was working late or Lucy couldn't watch them.
Fall had ended early when they got their first dump of snow in the first week of November. That was also the day Amber received some unexpected news, that sent her to a emotional place which she never wanted to go near again.
Sitting at her desk, typing at her computer putting in notes for Laxus about a case he was working on. The client wasn't to please of how the trail was going. It was his first criminal offence and Laxus was trying for a reduced sentence. The guy was at fault for breaking and entering, but he was desperate to sell anything for money and he did it by going over to his ex place and stole her things.
Her phone started to ring when she was almost done typing. She pick up the receiver. "Good Afternoon. Laxus Dreyar office how may I help you."
"Sister, It's Mystogan."
"Hey big brother, How are you?"
"I would be better if I didn't have to do a call like this."
Amber didn't like the sound of his voice. It wasn't the cheery one he often spoke in. "Ok What is wrong? You don't sound right, Mystogan." Laxus had come out of his office to hand her some more papers. When he over heard her talking to her brother.
"Are you sitting down somewhere?"
"Yeah, I am at the desk. What is going on, you are starting to scare me here."
"Something has happen and I need you to come right away."
"What has happen? Tell me!"
"It's Jellal, He has been in a serious accident and he is on life support." Amber drops the phone and covers her mouth. On the other end you her name being call out over, over again. Laxus went up to her and picked up the phone.
"Mystogan it's Laxus. Tell me what happen?" Mystogan tells him that the other twin was in car crash. He was rushed to the hospital. Where they found no brain activity. They want to do organ donation and both siblings must sign off it. "Amber will be coming as soon as she can. I'll give her all the time she needs to go."
"Thanks Laxus, you are real pal. At any other time, we could be talking about sports."
"Yeah, Family comes first. I'll send Amber home now. Talk to you later."
"Thanks again. Tell Amber I will see her soon."
They both hang up the phone and Laxus gets down to her level. "Go, don't worry about work or pay. Your brothers need you." Amber looks up at Laxus, with tears streaming down your face. She was starting to remember when accident happen with her father when she was younger. He died, at the hospital as well, but he wasn't on life support. Didn't even make it to the operating table. After that time her mother couldn't handle the responsibilities of being a mom and left the family. Leaving everything on to Jellal shoulders to bare.
Laxus pulls her out of her chair. "Get your purse and go Amber." Shakes her head clear of thoughts for the time being. Needed to be of sound mind.
"Thanks Laxus. I need to get my boys." With out saying a good bye she rushes out of the office, to her suv. She still makes sure to drive carefully, but wanted the speed that the car was going to be a little faster. The boys were at the day care center today. Gray or Lucy couldn't pick them up. So a mini bus picked the boys up from school.
Rings Levy on her cell phone. To get the boys ready to leave in a hurry. "Yes, of course Amber. They will be ready once you get here. I am sorry to hear what has happen."
"Thanks Levy can you not say anything to them as to why they are being pick up like this."
"Sure thing. I'll stand outside with them. See you soon."
When she pulls up to the building Levy opens up the suv door and ushers the little men inside. There was no time to chat to the day care personnel. So she waves at Amber and wish her well. "Ok boys I need you to strap into your seats."
"What is going on mommy?"
"I can't tell you right now. I will soon, but first we need to go home and pack your suit cases."
The twins look at each other knowing something was wrong. "Is daddy coming with us."
"No sweetie, but I will let him know, so he doesn't worry." They get to the house and she hurries the boys along. Tells them how much to pack and put the suit cases by the front door. When she goes up to her bedroom, she wanted her tears to fall. Right now she can't do that. A four hour trip lies in front of her and she needed her wits to be able to travel there safety. She sits on her bed and makes a call to Gray. Gets his voice mail and talks after the beep.
"Gray, The boys and I are going back to Magnolia right away here. There has been accident involving Jellal." Starts to sob and hiccup but then quickly stops. "He has been seriously hurt and he is on life support. I wanted you to know, so you don't worry. I'll try and phone again later. I have to go. I am driving there." There was a slight silence. "Gray...I...I...bye" Couldn't say she needed him. He was a doctor and his patients needs him too.
Amber gets her stuff together and heads down the stairs. Makes sure everything is turn off and locked the door and they head out. Before she heads out on the road she leaves message on Natsu and Lucy answering machine as well.
Gray was finished his round with a bunch of noisy children. They all wanted to go out in play in the snow. Being in the hospital stop them from doing so. He sits down at his desk and tilts his seat back. All he wanted to do now, was go over to Amber place and see his boys and her. There as been about the same amount of progress. She was holding back and not wanting to get close again. For now he was going to let it be. Seeing her and the boys when he can was not enough but it had to do until they can be underneath the same roof. Gray felt his phone vibrate again. Did not have time to pick up any calls on his round. Takes it out of his white coat and sees one voice message. Then puts it up to his ear to hear the replay.
Gray jumps out of his chair when it was Amber's voice. Hearing the distress and anguish in the call. He looks out the window and sees it still snowing, not as hard as it was, but it was still falling down. Once the call ended he puts the cell down. "Why didn't you make a emergency call here. I could have answer right away."
Gray knew her mind was on other matters besides trying to figure which line to use to phone him up. He gets his stuff together and pages Gajeel to finished his shift. Was hoping with her on the road. He can get there quicker by flying.
When he makes it back to his apartment he rings up to her brother Mystogan. The surprise in his voice when he answers and found out it was him, is shocking "Gray? Why are you calling here for?"
"It's a long story to which I know you have no time for. Amber has left a message on my cell of what happen and I am on my way."
"Why would she have told you? To my knowledge you two haven't seen or heard from each other in six years."
"Amber and I meet again at a hospital function here in Clover where I now work. I know about my boys too. Right now I am on my way for her Mystogan. Everything else can be explain at a different time. She is on the road as we speak. I would like to fly out if I can and beat her there."
"Why come Gray?" "She needs me Mystogan."
"You are divorce."
"Again long story. I never signed the papers. We are still married. Mystogan I haven't stop loving her. I am still trying to show it to her. I think by heading there before she arrives will prove to her to start us again."
Mystogan didn't like it that she left him in the first place. He never knew why, because they respected her decisions. When he did see his kid sister and the twins boys. He knew she never really let him go. Even with the other guys she saw. "Ok, You can stay here or are you going to Lyon's?"
"I think its best at yours."
"Alright, phone me back about your flight I'll wait at the airport."
"Thanks Mystogan."
"I am doing this for my sister Gray not for you."
"Understand."
It took longer to get to her brothers place. The roads were not to bad in places, but still she drove safe. The boys were asleep in the back of the car. On the dash board it said 8 pm. It was suppose to be a four hour drive. It ended up being six hours, with stops along the way. She pulled into the dive way. Her brother comes out of the house, from seeingthe lights shine in his window. Opens up her car door and runs over to him. "Mystogan!"
"Amber!" They hold each other tightly. "Glad you are here. We can see him in the morning alright?" She nods her head.
"The boys are asleep. Can you help me bring them in?" "
You take in the luggage I will put them in the spare room. You can head up to your old room." Mystogan didn't want to tell her who was waiting in that room. When Gray and him got home. Gray took his things up to her bedroom and waited.
"That is fine, I can do that." Takes the cases from the car and heads inside. Waits for the boys in the spare room first. To make sure they are settle in before heading up to her old room. She didn't want to bother with the boys changing out of their clothes. Made sure that there shoes and jackets were off though and tuck them in. "I'll be down soon Brother."
"Take your time." Slowly goes up the stairs to her bedroom. With the long drive and holding in her emotions she felt very tired. With a creak in the hidges she opens up her door and goes on through. There in the lite room over by her window was Gray. Closes her bedroom door. "Gray!..." Tears streaming down her face, her dam broke. He was waiting for her to enter her room. With arms open wide she runs over to him and wraps her arms around him. They hug each other for a bit. "Gray you are here."
"Amber I didn't, want you to do this alone, I am here for you." Cups her face in his hands. Uses his thumb to brush away her tears. He leans down and kisses her on the lips. Wraps his arms around her and she soaks in the kiss. When they pull apart she looks into his eyes.
"Gray. I don't know what to do."
"I know, lean on me"
"Jellal he's..."
"Shhh its ok my love" The raven takes her hand and walks her over to the bed. Gray puts her on his lap. With his hand on his shoulder he pats it. "Cry, cry until you can't." She lays her head down as he said too and let it all out. He rubs her back and says soothing words. "Your brother will know you are here for him and love him"
When there is no more tears, Gray notices she cried herself to sleep. Lifts her up and lays her down on the bed. Right beside her, he wraps his arms around her and pulls her closer to him. Tonight and the days to come are going to be hard on her.
Throughout the night, Amber cried in her sleep. Gray made sure to hold her extra close to him. It broke his heart to see her like this. The only thing he could do was console and offer support in her time of grief. Everything he was trying to accomplish was irrelevant in this matter.
The next morning the twins were thrilled and surprised to see there dad come out of their mom's old bedroom. He gave them hugs and told them to have breakfast. Gray let amber sleep for a bit longer. When she finally came down later and ate a little. They then all got ready go where Jellal was. First Amber had to tell the boys about there Uncle it was hard telling them what happened, without the help from Gray and Mystogan she would have broken down in tears again. Rest from the previously night, made her eyes all puffy and swollen. Gray had notified his brother he was back. He was still mad at Lyon for not telling him he knew of her being pregnant, but right now, Amber needed family. Hoped that Lyon be interested in seeing his twins and help look after them if it was warranted.
The hospital room that Jellal was in, made her cold to the bone. She had the boys in each hand as she walked over to the bed. Holding back the tears was not easy. He was hooked up to so many machines, uncertain what they all do. "Brother Jellal I am here with your nephews . We wanted to see you before..."
"Mommy are you ok?"
"Yes, Shawn just sad. Why don't you two give him a hug."
Mystogan and Gray followed them in. "Be careful of the machine boys."
"Yes dad." They both said at once. They were waiting on the doctor to give them the release papers to sign for the organ donor. Amber didn't want to do it, not sign her brother away. Making these final moments all to real for her.
She was standing by the wall when her brother took the boys to children play area in the visitors room. Gray came up behind her and wrap his arms around her. "This cant be real. He can't be gone. I refused to write my name down."
"Amber, lots of people will benefit from him being a donor."
She shakes her head and removes herself from his hold. "NO! I am not doing it. Look at him Gray, he is in there he just needs to wake up."
Gray was very worried, he didn't want her to be in denial and possibility withdrawing from reality. "Amber he is gone, he can't come back."
"He well, we got to give him time. He has always been late for everything. If we sit around him, he will come around."
"My love, this machine right here tells us there is no brain activity. He is gone."
"No, no no no no. He can't be gone, he isn't. My brother would not leave us."
Gray goes right up to her and puts his hands on her shoulder and gives them a shake. Needed her to snap out of it. "He is gone, his spirit is at peace, you have to let him go."
"Gray, I can't, it hurts so much."
"I know you feel that way. It sucks you have to go through this. You have to say good bye." She starts crying again and bury her face in his chest. Holds her tightly. He knew that she was going to take it hard. She loved her brother so much, he not only was a role model to her, but acted as a father figure. The beeps of the machines is what keep the room from not to be in total silence.
The Doctor and Mystogan walk into the room after having a discussion out in the hallways "Hello, Mrs Fullbuster. I am Wendy, your brother doctor." She didn't want to look up from Gray chest to introduce herself. Gray give her a rub on her back to know everything was ok to be alright. He separates himself from her, so she can talk to Wendy directly.
"It's Miss. Fernandes. I had my name change back."
"Oh sorry, it's not written down here correctly when Dr. Fullbuster put in your information." Amber turns her head towards Gray. Gives him a glare that could melt ice.
"You can easily change it right back again, my wife."
"I got new papers for you, ex husband."
"Will not sign them. We will talk about this later."
"Oh yeah we will."
Wendy look at the two of them. She clears her throat to get there attention. "Sorry, Doctor. We will listen."
"Thank you Dr. Fullbuster. As I was saying to Mystogan outside the room. We will need to have you sign the papers here quickly. Then we can proceed to take him to the operating room to harvest his organs."
Amber walks over to the bed and she brushes her fingers through his hair. "I can't bring myself to sign them. He has done so much for us. Here we are about to let him go without trying everything."
"Amber there is nothing that can be done. We have done all we could since he came in." Wendy puts her hand on her shoulder. "It's time to say goodbye and let him help others."
Amber looks around the room. "Can I have a few minutes with him alone please."
"Most certainty you can." The doctor beckons Mystogan and Gray to leave the room.
"I can stay Amber?"
"I need to do this Gray, check on the boys."
Gray leaves the room and walks down the hallway were Mystogan took the twins. He wanted to be in the room with her. For now he would give her time to say goodbye to her beloved brother. Plus, he wasn't to sure if she did have new papers for him to sign. Since, the last ones he tore up. She has made no claims stating she had new ones drawn, until now.
Walks in the visitors area and sees both of his kids colouring in a book. "Hi Dad" "
Hi daddy." Both boys came running over to him. "Are we going back to Uncle Mystogan place now."
"No, not yet, Shawn. Your mother is spending time with Jellal."
"Can we do that too?"
"Sorry Josh, your mom needs time alone in the room."
"Is she still sad, Dad."
"Yeah, she is son. When you see her, make sure you give her a big hug and tell her I love you."
Shawn looks at Gray and tips his head sideways. "Dad, do you love mom,"
He kneels down in front of his son. "Yes I do very much so."
"We haven't heard you say I love you to her."
Shawn had a point, he hasn't said the words. Has been saying my love, for him it means the same thing. "Can I tell you to a secret?"
"Yeah, ok."
"When you hear me say My love, to your mom. I am saying I love you."
"Does she know that?"
It was a other slap in the face for him. His boys were very perspective and smart. "Again no she doesn't. I guess I should tell her properly."
"Dad? When will you live with us?"
"Soon my boys, soon. Not to sure how to go about doing it."
The boys stood there thinking. Josh speaks first. "Why don't you do what the other guys do with Mommy."
"What is that?"
"Mommy says she goes on a date?"
"That is a brilliant idea, Josh." Gray ruffles the hair on his head. "To do that now when your mother is sad over Jellal, will have to wait. When we get back home and she feels back to her old self again, I will plan something nice."
"Are you going to marry her?"
"We are already married Shawn."
"But that is not what she says."
"It's complicated."
"What does that mean?"
"It basically means confusion or everything is mix up. Enough about that now. Why don't you two continue to play some more. I am going to go back to your mom."
"Ok We will wait." Josh and Shawn resumed there colouring.
Jellal, sister was still holding on to his hand. He was looking at her from the other side of the bed. Then he was looking at himself laying there on the hospital bed. She couldn't see him, but he wanted to let her know that everything was going to be ok. His spirit form was waiting for the final goodbyes to be given so he could travel to the next life. Tears were falling down her face. Wanted to make this easier for her and walks through the bed. Stands beside her and puts his hand onto hers. "Amber, Sister it is ok. You can let me go?"
"I don't want to let you go. You are my big brother, always been there for us. Now seeing you like his, my heart is breaking into pieces over your loss. I don't know if I can sign for your life to end."
"I have always adore and spoil you as you grew up. You are the baby sister I have always wanted." His hand goes through her as he was trying put his hand on her back. "My time on this earth is over and I am looking forward to what is to come. Please, it's ok. I am glad to help those that need to be alive for now."
He kisses her cheek. Amber puts her hand up to that same spot. She looks over at her brother and some how knows that he is still in the room. That he is telling her goodbye. "Jellal, going to miss you so much." Bends down and kisses his forehead and cheek. Raises up his hand that she is holding and kisses his hand. "You are free brother."
"Thank you sister. I can now move on." A warm light surrounds him and in a blink of a eye he is gone.
When she sees Gray walking back into the room. "Gray...I'll sign."
"Come here." He opens his arms out to her once again. Runs into his embraces. "I'll go let Wendy know for you." She can only nod as the tears overwhelm her. "Like I said it's going to be ok. Everything is going to be ok." When her tears lessen, he lets her go. "I'll be right back ok?"
He wipes the tears from her face. Gray doesn't have to leave the room. When he was about to head out, her brother and Wendy were coming back inside.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes I believe so."
Wendy hands her over a pen and the clipboard. "Sign at the bottom where Mystogan wrote his down." With a trembling hand she writes her name and hands it back to Wendy. "In a few minutes he will be taken up. You can walk down with him to the elevator doors." This time Amber goes over to Mystogan to be held by him. She wanted him to know that she was here for him and this will be the very last time they will see their big brother.
Soon two male nurses comes into the room. They remove some of the machines off his body but keep the life support in place. The breaks comes off his bed, they start wheeling him down the hallway. Amber and Mystogan go head of Gray. It was a slow progressions to the elevator. Nurses, Doctors and patients that know of Jellal, line the hall. They say there good byes and wish him a good journey. When they stop at the doors of the elevator, Amber gives him one last kiss on the cheek. "I love you brother."
Then she runs down the hallway. Gray tells Mystogan that he would go after her. He runs after her back into the room. She collapses onto the floor. "Amber!"
"Gray, I can't breath."
"Slow your breathing and you will be fine. I am here." Gets down on the floor and he pulls her into his arms, as he lays his back against the wall. Her head lies on his chest to hear his heart beating, it was good and strong.
"Gray?"
"Yes."
"Thank you for being here."
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but here." She lifts up her head and kisses his cheek. Rests her head back down on his shoulder feeling the comfort and support as he was helping in her suffering. "We will get through this together, my love."
