Sand and Water Chapter 3

Letter from Randy

Disclaimer: I own no one except Rhiannon.

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"Look in the nightstand," he rasped, a nurse coming in. John nodded, stepping out of the nurse's way.

"Randy, I don't like your pulse ox. I'm hooking up oxygen," she murmured. Randy nodded weakly.

John rifled through the nightstand, finding two envelopes. Then, he turned his attention back to Randy.

"How much longer?" John asked, noticing the soft hiss coming from the oxygen tank.

The nurse sighed, sliding the nasal cannula into Randy's nose.

"Hard to say. Could be a few hours, could be a few days," the nurse said, covering him with a blanket.

Sitting by Randy's bedside, he slit open the envelope addressed to him and began to read.

1/16/10

Dear John,

You have fallen asleep in a chair, beside my bed. You have spent so much time here that it's amazing Rhiannon remembers who you are.

When I first got sick, you promised you wouldn't leave my side. I thought "He'll go back to Rhiannon. I'll see him when Rhiannon's in preschool." I was wrong. I'm amazed Rhiannon doesn't give you a problem when you leave.

I know I don't have long to live. Most people are afraid of death. I view it as a new adventure. I'm sick of all the pain.

Don't mourn for me. I am not a person to be mourned. I led a happy life. I am twenty-nine years old. I should have another forty, fifty years ahead of me.

When I lay awake after chemo, I pause to wonder. Would you have stayed with me six years ago if you had known about the future? How did I get so lucky?

The day Rhiannon was born was the best day of my life. Take care of my little princess. She is one of the best things to ever happen to me.

Enclosed is my commitment ring. Drugs meant to keep me alive have made my hands and fingers swell. Besides, Rhiannon deserves to have it.

Remember our commitment ceremony? It seems so long ago. Everything was so new. We vowed to be together forever. .

Now, I lay dying. I don't want drugs or machines keeping me alive. I want to die with dignity.

Keep my memory alive for Rhiannon. She should know why she's an Orton-Cena.

You made me so happy in life. If you ever meet a special guy, don't be afraid to follow your heart. I want you happy after my passing.

I love you, and I always will. I'm always around. Whenever you're sad or lonely, just pause and think of me. I am always with you.

Until we meet again.

Love you forever,

Randy

P.S I am not afraid of death. I look forward to Eternal Paradise. No pain, no suffering.Only one thing about death upsets me.

You will not be with me.

P.PS Please read Rhiannon's letter to her.

P.P.P.S It is okay to cry. Don't be strong for my sake. I'd be happier if I saw show all your emotions.

Closing his eyes, John struggled not to cry. Remembering Randy's words, John began to bawl.

Life was changing so fast. Rhiannon was growing up. Randy was dying. Through it all, John had the tough one, never shedding a tear. He was afraid that showing the slightest bit of emotion would make him seem weak.

John Cena had grown up, hearing 'Grown men don't cry.' It was a sign of weakness. He had always been taught to never show his emotions.

For the first time in his life, he showed emotion.

It felt great.

"John," Randy rasped. Jerking his head, John faced his husband. "Be with Rhiannon,"

"What?" John questioned.

"Take Rhiannon out,"

"What if something happens to you?" John knew Randy's time was coming to an end. He had known it for a long time.

"I'll wait until you get back,"

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Chapter 3 is up! I am stunned by the popularity of this fic. Keep reading! Keep reviewing!

Enjoy!

JenLea

PREVIEW: John goes out with Rhiannon and has an in-depth conversation with his young daughter.