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Epilogue

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"Nick, Nick! Look at what Santa got me!"

The young Precept smiled when Kat came over to him, clutching a bright pink purse, no doubt picked out by Alex, who was beaming in joy. None of them believed in Santa Clause anymore, they all knew they bought presents for each other, but it didn't matter. Christmas was all about the tubby old guy in a red suit.

"Wow, that's great, a purse, what are ya going to do with it Kiddo? Or is it for your date with Jason?"

He winked teasingly, chuckling softly as the young teen turned a bright red, smacking her friend playfully upside the head. He so loved to tease Kat about that, she was definitely getting older now, her interest in boys growing every day. She would have her first date in a couple of weeks. And he was gonna makes sure to be there, to play the role of the irritant father.

Nick watched his other two friends admiring Kat's purse, Rachel with pride as she smiled and laughed at her daughter's antics. It was good to see them laughing, this was his family and no matter what, they were going to stick together.  He wheeled his wheelchair closer to the window, seeing the snow fall down into the now hidden garden. He picked up his journal, it was about time he started writing in it again. Especially now that soon he would get crutches and he could leave this damned chair in the hospital.

It has been months since we lost Derek, it still seems like yesterday to me. At first I had hope he would return, but right now I know that was hoping beyond hope. He sacrificed himself to seal the portal; he had known it was going to be his time. When I look back I should have known by the way he talked to me.

He gave me his ring, he wanted me to be precept.

In the end I can only hope I can do the same, that I will be like Derek, that I will be able to sacrifice for the sake of my team, my family.