Martin and Ruthie walked into the funeral home hand in hand, seeing a big line of students from their school. They began to walk to the end of the line to go see Jack one last time. They saw many familiar faces as they walked past, until they finally got to the end. In front of them stood none other than Mac and Meredith.

"Hey!" Ruthie said, forcing a smile on her face as she hugged her two friends.

"How are you hun?" Meredith asked her, as she hugged her. Martin gave Mac a hug and then Meredith.

"We're alright…it's been tough but we're ok."

"Martin? How are you?"

"Amazing…even though my friend died, I'm happy…I have the most amazing girlfriend in the world." He said, hugging Ruthie to him. "Oh I'm sorry…I mean…since we used to date and…"

"Oh it's ok! Mac and I have actually been going out for a couple weeks."

"Really? Congratulations!"

"Thanks!"

"Hey…after we're done here, do you guys want to meet us for pizza?" Mac asked

"Thanks but we're meeting Mom and Dad and everyone at the pool hall." Ruthie said.

"I'd love to though…" she continued.

"Ok…how about tomorrow night? We can catch up."

"Sure…that sounds good."

They continued talking until they finally got up to the casket. Martin and Mac paid their respects, while their girlfriends stood behind them, crying.

"Bye Jack. We'll miss you." They said, as they set flowers beside his casket and wiped the tears from their eyes. Martin hugged Ruthie tight and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"It's ok honey…it's ok." They continued walking, sharing their condolences with each member of his family, then finally saw Eric.

"Hey dad." Ruthie said, hugging him.

"You alright sweetie?"

"Yeah…I wasn't but I'm fine…what time are you done here?"

"Oh…in about a half an hour…but mom and everyone else are all ready to go…why don't you guys all take the van and Martin…I'll take your car?"

"That's fine." He said, handing him the keys.

"I think Lucy and Kevin went home really quick…they wanted to pick up Savannah…"

"Who's over there with her?"

"Ben."

"When did Ben get in?"

"Late last night."

"And no one bothered to tell me because?"

"I don't know…don't worry about it."

"Fine. Martin, let's go find Mom and the twins and get going."
"Alright."

"I'll be there in a half an hour." Eric said, smiling.

"Bye dad."

They found Annie sitting with the boys by the door. She looked tired.

"Do you want me to drive Annie?" Martin asked.

"Oh no…it's ok. You ready to go?"

"Yeah…I'll call Lucy."

They began walking out to the car, and Ruthie pulled out her cell phone to call her sister.

"Hello?"

"Hey!"

"Hi Ruthie…you doing ok?"

"Yeah…

"You sure?"

"Yeah...um we're leaving the funeral home...so meet us there?"

"Yeah...we'll be there. Ben's staying home with Savannah..."

"Oh. ok."

"You sure you're ok?"

"Yeah. Bye."

Ruthie hung up the phone and sighed, sitting on the curb. Seeing this, Annie approached Martin.

"Hey Martin?"

"Yeah Annie?"

"Um...I think we're gonna meet you there...I'll go get your keys from Eric...she needs to talk to SOMEONE." she whispered.

"I know."

"Just...go to the pool hall and park and talk to her."

"Ok. I will."

Annie came back a couple minutes later and gave Martin his keys. Withouta word, Ruthie got up, and got into Martin's car and they drove off.

She looked out the window crying as one of her favorite songs played on the radio.

There's a little boy waiting for the bus on third avenue's inch
He hold twenty five cents for the ride in his freezing fist
Cause that's the only way he can make it across town for an education
But he thinks 'I can do this'

There's a little girl on the other side of the city drying her eyes
Cause she's going to school with her new look for the first time
She pulls her hat over her balding head and gives her mom a kiss
And says "Momma I can do this."

I don't know about you but that just makes me cry
Two kids so young, so precious having to fight for their lives
And they're so strong
Even after all the heartache they've been living with
If they can do that, then I can do this.

There's a woman in her bedroom packing up her bags
She knows she has to move fast if she wants to get away
She looks at her body covered in bruises and she turns to her kids
And thinks 'I can do this.'

I don't know about you but that just makes me cry
A mother and her children having to run for their lives
They're so strong
Even after all the heartache they've been living with
If they can do that, then I can do this

Yes this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do
But when I think of all the pain and suffering others have gone through
I know that somehow I'll survive after losing you
I can do this

"Ruthie...honey...he's in a better place."

"I know..but it still hurts. I feel like part of my heart is gone. And it hurts...it really hurts."

"I know...and it's ok to be sad...but...Jack's happy where he is...he really is."

"Yeah." She wiped her eyes and smiled at Martin. "Thanks..you always seem to make me feel better. I love you."

"I love you too. If you need anything just tell me. I'm here for you...forever."

He kissed her and they got out of the car, walking hand in hand into the pool hall.

SORRY THAT THIS TOOK SO LONG TO GET UP! i feel terrible about it! I've been so busy...school crap...grrr...

not sure if i'll update tomorrow-its my birthday :-) i'll write if i feel like it...love yaz! please review!