What You See Isn't Always What You Get

Chap.8

Danny gasped as he saw Maddie crumple onto the ground. He rushed forward, and tackled Terri.

"Terri, why are you doing this? Isn't there a way that you don't have to do this!" He begged. Jazz slowly walked up behind Danny, and spoke softly.

"Terri, I know you want to always be with Maddie, but look around you. There are plenty of people here, ready and willing to fight for her." She swallowed hard, choking back a sob. "Why are you so willing to disrupt the happiness of all these people just to get what you want?"

"You'll survive." Terri smiled. Jazz narrowed her eyes at him.

"Mom told me that Terri was a kind boy, one who never put himself first. But the boy I see before me is a selfish one who thought of his own desires before he thought of others'. Look around and reconsider, Terri. If you truly want to make Maddie happy, then why don't you just rest? She will be happier to see you finally at peace with yourself than she is at seeing you in such anguish."

"Maddie…" Terri looked over at Maddie who was finally stirring, and her original image returning. He smiled weakly. "I'm sorry, so sorry, all of you."

"Terri….?" Maddie wondered. Tears were running down Terri's cheeks, but everyone could see that this time, they had a clear crystal color; the color of redemption.

"I'm so sorry, Maddie. I just….I wanted to keep my promise to you forever, and I guess I got a little too caught up. I wanted to rest with you so badly, I….I lost sight of what you might lose. I acted out of character, and my desire blinded me from the truth." He chuckled. "I promised to be there to see your grave, Maddie, and I will. But…I'm going to do it at a safe distance."

"A safe distance?" Danny wondered.

"From Heaven." Terri replied. Clouds opened up and a pillar of light shone down on Terri, and he started to be lifted up. Maddie rushed over, and struggled to hold his hand one last time.

"Terri!"

"Maddie, remember…" Terri softly caressed her hand. "I'll….always love you." And then he was gone. The darkness dispersed instantly, and they were all standing in the Lander Mansion. Maddie swallowed hard, and strode out the door.

"Mom, are you okay?" Danny asked. Maddie turned back to him; he cheeks were glistening with tears, but her eyes were bright with happiness. She nodded and looked up to the sky.

"Of course I am, Danny. Terri's finally resting in peace." She led them out of the house, never to return. As they walked, Danny looked up at the sky, and could've sworn he saw Terri staring down at him. Terri smiled, and waved a hand to Danny. In return, Danny waved back and ran to catch up.

"Daniel, please….take care of my Annabel Lee."