Jim's Folly

Okay, people, I didn't ask you to like the story, nor to read it. I just know that the few of you who've stuck by me and actually still like this story, thank you. I really appreciate it.

Another thing I'm wondering is where all these sudden people have come. It seems you have to write two chapters a day and update constantly to remain in the top six. Back in the day….(I'm sure few of you remember), there weren't many stories to choose from. I tell you, though, there's something for everyone here these days…

Oh, and Night Music, thanks for your sweetness. I'm glad your day was made.

By the way, my dear Squabbit/Monkeypants…here's your surprise.

Chapter Forty-Eight

The baby was born on August 20th, a healthy seven pounds and four ounces. It was a girl.

As Raven held her little girl in her arms, she had no tears to cry, for her heart was overflowing with joy. Her little girl had light brown hair, straight as a whistle. Her eyes were blue and sparkling, but Raven knew that all children were born with blue eyes. Andrew's had also been blue at birth.

Jim cried when he held his child. Never had something so tiny been put into his charge, save for Morph, who was not a small image of himself. Jim couldn't comprehend the life that this little one held. Such a tiny thing, yet so vivid.

He held his future in his arms.

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Silver didn't cry when he held the baby. She was a week hold and finally, Raven had courage enough to let others hold her. Silver sat down and held the baby gently, smiling and cooing at the tiny little girl.

"So 'ave you a name for 'er yet, Jimbo?" Silver asked, looking up from where the baby held his index finger. Jim smiled and glanced at his wife who nodded.

"We've chosen one, actually. Well…two, really. Her name is Micha Kendalyn."
"Micha Kendalyn Hawkins. Quite a beautiful name you're givin' 'er, there, love."

Raven nodded. "She's a beautiful girl. Beautiful name to go with a beautiful girl."
Micha Kendalyn. Raven had no idea of this girl's future, nor had she the idea what impact she might have on Silver in the future.

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Avery never did explain things to Andrew, but after a month of being a duet, Avery had finally had enough. Andrew was woken one night by the slipping of a letter underneath his hotel room door.

Avery's neat writing was scrawled on the paper in black ink, cursive writing on the lines.

"Dear Andy,

I'm sorry to leave you like this, but I've decided I've done this for long enough. An image has been put out for me and I'm sick of it. You may see me again, but no longer will I be Avery. No longer will I look the way you remember me, but I know you'll recognize me.

I must add that I'm terribly sorry to hear about what happened to Simon. I'm sorry I can't be there in your time of need but I know that it's for your safety as well as mine that I leave as soon as possible. Brock nor Darryl have no idea where I'm going to be, but Ruby knows. Trust Ruby, Andy. I know you don't yet, but let her grow on you. I know she'll take good care of you, so I'm leaving you in her care. You've definitely matured in this time of our friendship. I urge you on in contacting your mother, now that Simon is gone. He can't get in the way. Try your best to do this without Brock's knowledge…Brock and Simon made a deal back when Simon was still with us. Watch out for Brock. Let Ruby do some talking and make some deals. She'll definitely help you out, trust me.

Andy, again, I hate to leave you like this but I have to. I'm going somewhere where no one can find me in this state. Do not fear for me. I'm not going to commit suicide. You've seen enough of it lately, I'm sure.

Please, don't tell Brock about this letter. Remember what is necessary and burn this letter as soon as possible, okay? Ruby already knows the business I've mentioned.

Notify her and try to contact your mother. I'm sick of you being without her. I heard you screaming at night, you know. Your dreams are worse than you had let on, so don't go denying it, even though I'm not there for you to deny it to.

Well, my Andy, I must conclude this letter. Thank you for your friendship. You were definitely an enigma and I enjoyed our time together.

Many best wishes,

Avery.

Andrew wasn't sure what to think. He was an enigma to Avery? That was a joke, obviously. Avery himself was an enigma to anyone he met!

Either way, Andrew knew that Ruby knew the key to finding Raven.

Whether or not Avery was gone yet, Andrew had a piece of himself torn from his soul. Another one important to him was gone. The fourteen year old boy was finally alone, and he hated it. Falling to the floor, he curled into a ball and sobbed. There was no one left for him now.

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