A/N: Using words from the songs "Will I" and "No Day But Today" in this chapter. Also, I'd like to apologize for causing difficulty with transitions. I learned too late that doesnt allow asterisks in the story, so I may forget to insert a break every once and again.
Collins was dying. He knew it, the doctors knew it. And his life was flashing before his eyes.
He was a kid, playing out on his front lawn while his mom prepared lunch in the kitchen.
He was a teenager, trying drugs for the first time, and experiencing something he never had before.
He was at his first day on the job teaching computer age philosophy.
He was on the street, lying on the ground, beaten on Christmas Eve. Where he first met Angel.
Collins saw Angel in front of him, so vividly and clearly that he thought it was real. But instead of saying what he had said on that December night, Angel said this:
"I forgive you for what you've done. Now you need to forgive yourself."
"But I can't…" Collins said, his voice sounding very weak and high pitched, "It was my fault…I should've-"
"Shhh," Angel said comfortingly, and placed his hand on Collins' cheek, "Honey, it wasn't your fault. It was going to happen. We all knew it. Please, let go. Learn to accept."
Angel hugged Collins, and Collins eyes watered. He couldn't hold on much longer…
"Angel…" he moaned.
"Yes?" Angel asked reassuringly.
-Will I/No Day But Today Mix-
COLLINS: Will I lose my dignity? Will someone care?
Will I wake tomorrow from this nightmare?
Will I lose my dignity? Will someone care?
Will I wake tomorrow from this nightmare?
ANGEL: You won't lose your dignity…people will care…
You will wake tomorrow from this nightmare…
There's only us, there's only this.
Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.
No other road no other way,
No day but today.
COLLINS: I die without you…
ANGEL: (At Same Time) No day but today…
Angel stood, and pulled Collins up. He offered his hand, and Collins slowly took it.
And they were gone.
The doctors tried everything they could, but it was no use.
They had lost him.
As the heart monitor droned on without a pulse, the doctor called it. 6:16 P.M. December 27th.
Another member of the family was gone.
Mark was preparing dinner, with what little he had. Two TV dinners, microwaved to perfection, and a candle on the table.
He looked at his set-up and smiled. He then realized how inadequate it was.
What kind of girl would like him for this?
Mimi and Roger were out for the night. Collins was still in the hospital. And Maureen and Joanne were busy with Angelina. There would be no interruptions.
About three minutes before seven, there was a knock on the door.
Mark bounded over to it, and unlocked and opened the heavy metal as fast as he could. When he slid it open, he found Amy standing there, smiling and holding a small dish.
"I brought some dessert," Amy said sheepishly, "I figured I should bring something."
"Great!" Mark said, moving aside so she could come in, "Just put it down on the ta-" he started, then stared at the meager meal that he had prepared for them.
"Counter…" he finished lamely. Amy obliged, and then they sat down at the table.
"Looks delicious," Amy said sincerely, smiling at Mark and beginning to eat.
Mark grinned pathetically and began to eat also.
Soon, their silent dinner developed into a meaningful conversation. However, when the subject of exes came up, things got a little awkward again.
"Who was your last girlfriend?" Amy asked as she ate the little steak that was in the TV dinner.
"Her name was Maureen," Mark said, knowing that he'd have to tell her the truth.
"Why'd she break up with you?"
"She…found a girlfriend."
"…Oh!"
"Yeah, pretty pathetic."
"Don't worry about it; my last boyfriend…turned out to be gay."
"Really!"
"Yep."
-Loving You-
MARK: Wow, this is weird; this can't be real
This girl is right, she's the one, and I feel
Sure of it! Can it be?
That I've finally found the one for me?
AMY: I understand your questions, your concerns and your fears,
The pain that comes with love, it cuts deep, it just sears.
But I think that you're the one, and I can't believe it's true.
Could it be that you love me, and that I love you?
BOTH: (Stand and to each other) I'm feeling something, and this is just the start.
Now when I think of you, it just kills to be apart.
I know this may seem fast, but I love you and I know
That when we are together, the river of love will flow.
So much could happen, I just wish I could peer
525,600 minutes, see into next year.
Will this work? Does it stand a chance?
Can we work in rhythm, in harmony and dance?
MARK: Can we really do this?
AMY: I'm just so afraid.
MARK: Don't worry, I am too.
AMY: When I'm down and out, will you come to my aid?
MARK: I will if you will, it's a two way street.
AMY: Our love's in the middle, that's where we'll meet.
BOTH: I'm feeling something, and this is just the start.
Now when I think of you, it just kills to be apart.
I know this may seem fast, but I love you and I know
That when we are together, the river of love will flow.
The two were suddenly interrupted by Mark's phone ringing.
He let it screen, and the loud recording of him and Roger saying "SPEAK!" filled the room. Mark smiled, and Amy smirked at him.
"Mark? Are you there? It's Joanne."
"Er…just a friend. Ex Girlfriend's friend, if you know what I mean," Mark said hastily so Amy wouldn't get any ideas.
"I have some news. Collins…he's…"
There was a pause.
"Mark, he's dead."