Chapter 2

Only a week had passed since Jeff's death. Matt and Amy were in a trance. They had all been so close and now everything had been torn apart. They couldn't eat or sleep. Amy wouldn't stop crying and Matt was in denial, refusing to believe his little brother was really dead. The once lively house they all shared was now filled with a miserable atmosphere. There was just silence circulation the house. Amy was sobbing into a pillow, mesmerising a picture of her and Jeff in happier times when Matt entered, tray in hands.

"Ames, you've got to eat," he soothed. She looked at him, her expression blank. Her hazel eyes that were usually filled with joy and happiness were now glazed over with pain.

"I don't feel lime it," she said with no emotion in her voce. Matt was concerned about her. Jeff had asked him to protect her and he felt like he was failing, watching Amy fall deeper into depression. "Matt I'm sorry. I act as though you haven't lost him, I'm the only one suffering." "Ssh, I'm here for you. Eat this then get some sleep. I'll cope." Matt lied as he said that. Fact was, he needed consoling from Amy but he got it room his dad. Even Liger noticed Jeff was gone, as he wasn't the playful pup he usually was. The entire neighbourhood as grieving for Jeff. Everyone knew him as the daredevil, a risk taker, yet so laid-back and understanding. He was real and everyone had respect for him, Matt too. Shaking out of his thoughts, Matt made his way downstairs and called the local funeral director who, as a favour, insisted on making every single arrangements. Matt went to the mirror, eyeing his appearance. There were heavy bags under his eyes through lack of sleep, pale skin and chapped lips. He felt like part of him had died too. A tear slipped down his cheek, like the blood leaking from his heart. All he could do was remember the good times.

~Flashback, Jeff's Twenty First Birthday~

"Happy birthday," Matt, Amy and Gil greeted as Jeff entered the living room, only half a sleep. He looked around and saw three of the most important people in his life standing in the same room, smiles on their faces, shoving gifts and cards at him.

"Thanks you guys," he thanked gratefully after opening everything. "Matt, are we going out drinking later?"

"Hang on Jeff. It's only 8am!" Matt laughed.

"So, I'm twenty one now. The legal ago for drinking." Everyone laughed at him. He was so eager to go out clubbing. Of course, after gong out that night, Jeff got completely hammered but regretted it the next morning after feeling the full effects of his hangover.

~End Of Flashback~

Matt laughed as he recalled that memory. Sighing, he went to the back garden. And climbed on the trampoline, gazing at the stars. He lay back, resting his hands behind his head and crossing his legs at the ankles. He pictured Jeff looking down on them, happy and smiling wherever he was. Amy looked out of the window at Matt. She went to join him and climbed next to him. He warped his arms protectively around her as she cuddled against him. They locked together, crying and grieving for the young lost soul, who had so much more to achieve in life.

Dressed in black trousers and a black detailed top, Amy joined Matt in the living room. It was the day of his funeral and some of their friends had stopped by to send their condolences. They got into the hearse that carried Jeff's corpse. As they entered the church, they saw it filled with neighbours and friends from the WWF. Vince sat at the front and smiled sadly at Matt and my. The vicar stood at the front, settling everybody before asking if anybody wanted to say any words. Matt stood up and walked to the front.

"I'd just like to say a few things. First off, Jeff was the best brother I could have had. He listened to my problems and gave me advice. Seeing him die felt like I was too. He was a unique human being and always found ways to overcome problems. Some people might say he may have been reckless in the way he wrestled but he just liked to entertain. He thrived off the adrenaline rush he got from doing what he did. People will remember Jeff for his laid-back attitude and extreme style and the way he did things. He was an amazing writer and will always be here with us, heart and spirit," Matt said, his eyes watering. Amy walked up and took his place.

"As most of you already know, I loved Jeff and always will. We had a close relationship and never held any secrets. He inspired me in many different ways. Nobody can say anything bad about him because he never really had any flaws. He stood out from the crowd and even though people tried to copy him, he still maintained his sense of individuality. He has touched a lot of hearts, including mine.To me, he is only physically gone but he will always remain in my heart and mind." She returned to her seat next to Matt who hugged her tightly. The vicar carried on with the ceremony before they went outside for the actual burial.