Chapter 2: Jack's last words

Claire was sitting at verandah remembering that day - when Ruth took Tess away and Alex promised to her that he won't leave her.

Since than, her and Alex developed even stronger friendship. The one thing that Claire didn't understand is - why was she getting all nervous when Alex was around her?

She took a sip of beer, watching her Dad riding back from the work. It was around 21'o'clock.

Jack got down from the horse and waved to Claire. Claire waved to him.

"Hey, Dad! Are you on for a beer?"

Jack smiled.

"Sure", he came toward the stairs and when he put his leg up to step on the stairs, he fell down!

Claire jumped from the chair and rushed toward Jack, screaming:

"DAD!!!!!!!!"

Terrified with her screaming, Meg and Jodi came running from the house.

"JACK!!", screamed Meg.

Claire was already beside her father. She kneeled down and put his head in her lap.

Jack was fighting for the air. Claire's cheeks covered with tears.

"Claire...My sweet little daughter...I'm so sorry, honey...I'm so sorry for not stopping Ruth and Tess...", Jack whispered, fighting with lack of air.

"Sssshhhh, Dad, don't talk. I am sorry I accused you for that and told you that I hate you...", Claire's voice trembled from tears " I don't hate you, Dad, I love you soooo much!", she sobbed "Please, Dad, don't leave me!"

Jack wiped her tears away, but it was too hard for him to have his hand up.

"In my study...in second draw is my testimony...", he whispered.

Meg turned toward Jodi and said;

"Jodi, go call a doctor! Quickly!"

Jodi ran to the study.

"Meg...", Jack quietly called. Meg held his hand in her own hand.

"I 'm here, Jack."

"Make sure that my testimony is respected...", he said.

"Jack, don't talk like that, you'll be fine...", Meg's eyes filled with tears.

"Promise!!", he grabbed Meg's hand.

Meg nodded.

"All right, I promise."

"Thank you...", he turned back to Claire "Claire..."

Claire hugged her father. With his last breath Jack whispered to Meg:

"Tell Alex...to take care of her...", with that Jack McLeod closed his eyes. Forever.

"No...no...Dad, don't leave me, Daddy, please, come back...", sobbed Claire.

Meg hugged her, also crying. That's how Jodi found them; they were sitting on the floor, crying, hugging each other. Jodi's eyes also filled with tears...