Chapter 7 - In Joy And Sorrow

Oh girl we are the same

We are young and lost and so afraid

There's no cure for the pain

No shelter from the rain

All our prayers seem to fail

In joy and sorrow, my home's in your arms

In world so hollow

It is breaking my heart

In joy and sorrow, my home's in your arms

In world so hollow

It is breaking my heart

~ song by HIM ~

*** EST ***

DIANA

Diana sat in front of her vanity table, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Annabeth had pinned up her hair. Her makeup was perfect and her dress fitted the purpose. A classic wedding dress. She looked like a freshly painted doll and that was exactly how she felt. Dead - like a doll. The only thing that confirmed she had feelings was the sad expression in her eyes - a reflection of her soul.

Her heart felt ripped apart - drowned in an ocean of sorrow. She was sure she could never love somebody the same way as she had loved Mike. She thought back to the wonderful night they had spent in her room - in her bed.

She had met Marcus Tanner twice, her soon-to-be husband. He was nothing special, not ugly, and not overly handsome. But wealthy enough and not too old for her father, so it seemed, to marry off his pregnant daughter.

Henry had pointedly told her a week after she had gotten this letter that she would be married to Marcus Tanner. That had been the last time her father had spoken to her. He treated her like she was nonexistent. It hurt her more than she wanted to admit. If only Wade was here. Diana felt so alone.

Of course, her brother would tell her their father did what needed to be done by marrying her off, but still, Wade would at least talk to her, would maybe even dry her tears or cry together with her for Mike.

The worst of this situation was that Wade didn't even know about Mike's death. He would come home and she would long be gone - moved to Newport in the neighboring state of Rhode Island. At least Annabeth would come with her. She knew no living soul in Newport.

"You look beautiful, Miss Diana. The only thing missing is your smile," Annabeth told her, placing her hands behind her and looking in the mirror to meet her traitorous glittering eyes.

Diana dropped her gaze, "Thank you, Anna, can you please give me a moment alone?"

"Of course." Silent as a cat, Annabeth left the room.

Diana studied her reflection once more. She was close to bursting into tears again, she would destroy the hard work Anna had had with her makeup. She opened the drawer, pulling out Mike's scarf that he had forgotten that night. She pushed her nose into the blue fabric, inhaling his scent deeply. Why hadn't he listened to her?

All the crying didn't help anyway. It didn't help Mike who no longer was on this earth, it didn't help Wade who was far away and it certainly didn't help her situation or her unborn child. She had to be strong. She had to show an unaffected front no matter how broken she felt.

She got up from the chair, evening out the loose-fitting fabric over her belly. There was not really anything to see yet but she felt the change in her shape. It was a bit rounder than usual. Protectively she stroked over her belly. She whispered, "I'm so sorry baby. I wish your father could know about you. He would love you and would be so proud of you. We have to be brave and strong together now."

Diana tried to calm her breath. Inhaling deeply she let her hands sink. "Okay. Let's get this over with."

She glanced at her hand where she still held the scarf in her hands. In a quick decision, she propped her foot onto the chair and pushed her skirt over her knee revealing her thigh. She bound it around her stocks and fixed it with the straps which held her stocks. Feeling something that belonged to Mike on her skin gave her some strength. She would not allow anyone to take it away from her.

Diana grabbed an envelope she had prepared earlier for Wade. Mike's coin was inside. She was afraid that she would be not allowed to keep it should Marcus Tanner find it in her possession. It was far too obvious to whom this item belonged with the family crest of the Campbells to it. She went to Wade's room and stored it in his desktop drawer where he had his writing utensils.

Diana sighed and went downstairs where her parents and Marcus waited for her. There were no other guests than Marcus. Her parents had forbidden her to tell anyone about her situation. No one knew except for them and Marcus. Everyone should think it was Marcus' child.

The little party gathered in the dining room, waiting for the pastor to marry them. Diana entered. Her heart hammered in her chest. She wanted to run, she wanted to hide. This was all wrong and yet she knew she had no chance to escape this.

Diana said reluctantly yes when the pastor asked her the question. And everything was over fast. Marcus acted polite; she couldn't say anything against him. Her parents talked to him while she just sat on the sofa staring at the ground like on a burial.

Her mother took a seat next to her. "Diana, sweety, I know this is not what you imagined for your future but you will learn to love him. Not all marriages are out of love. But I know many who have grown to a strong bond in time. Give him a chance."

Diana knew it was useless to say something against this advice and maybe her mother was right. "Yes, Mother, I'll try."

Priscilla took her hand, squeezing it. "I'll miss you."

*** EST ***

They left Wilmington farm in the afternoon for Rhode Island. They stopped in Canterbury for the night in a hostel where Diana and Annabeth had a room. Diana was grateful that he didn't insist on sharing a room with her yet. Though she knew he expected her to lay with him when they were at home. She was worried about this. How could she keep him away from her? She wasn't ready. The only hope she had was that he would at least wait until her baby was born. She wasn't sure if Marcus would stick to this gentleman-like behavior. It was not his child, he was a man and she was quite sure he wanted to claim what was rightfully his now.

Diana hadn't slept all night. Her mind just didn't stop spinning around everything that lay before her.

They headed on in the carriage the next morning after breakfast. Marcus told her he didn't want to stop again in a hostel and because of this they would drive even longer today but would rest in comfortable beds that night. Marcus told them about the beautiful view over the ocean and the healthy sea air of Newport. Marcus owned a small ship company which he was pretty proud of. Though he complained about the ongoing war and what that meant to the trade. Diana only listened with one ear, soon falling into her usual daydreaming.

If not for the circumstances being like they were, Diana would have been amazed at the view of the ocean and the islands. But as it was, she looked outside only thinking about Mike. His birthday was coming up in a few days. She had not thought it possible that he wouldn't live to see his 22nd birthday. She should have been more adamant. She should have insisted on running away with him. She wouldn't have cared where they went. It would have been better than to be separated by death.

They arrived in Newport in the evening, though due to the close midsummer there was still enough daylight to get a glimpse of the new surroundings.

Marcus offered her a hand. She climbed out of the carriage and looked for the first time at the house that would be her new home. It was a nice blue three-story city house. The color reminded her instantly of Mike's scarf, still tied to her thigh.

The property was well taken care of. With a little front garden section with rose bushes and small hedges. A five-step natural stone stair led to the dark green front door.

Marcus began chatting again, „Tomorrow I'll show you the ship company and the harbor. There is even a beautiful ocean side for walks. You will love the area in no time."

Diana forced a smile. Marcus meant well. She should find at least a bit of politeness for him. He was not to blame for her situation. „Yes, this would be nice. I love long walks." They headed inside, leaving Annabeth and the driver with the baggage.

*** EST ***

DIANA

Marcus had only one man working in his house. His name was Paul. He cared for the garden as well as for the house and the cooking. She was glad there were not many servants; it made her feel more comfortable here with Annabeth at her side.

Marcus let her rest for today and she retreated to her room. Annabeth was settled in a room on the upper floor. Diana's room had a window to the back of the house where she discovered a bigger garden. Further back she could make out the ocean. She turned her gaze from the view and sat down on the bed. Her belongings had been brought inside and she stared at the many bags full of her past life. She would unpack tomorrow with Anna's help. Right now she only longed for one item. She picked one of the bags and pulled her sketch folder out.

She could recall every word from mind, but still - to read the beautiful words and see the letters Mike's hand had shaped was different. She longed for his touch, she missed his voice and his wonderful blue eyes giving her his look full of love and devotion.

A knock interrupted her daydream. „Miss Diana, do you need my help to undress?" Annabeth asked through the closed door.

Diana stuffed the letters back into the folder and placed it on the nightstand. „Come in, Anna. Yes, that would be good."

*** EST ***

The next day Marcus took her to his little company and a walk along the shore of the Atlantic ocean. The sea was endlessly wide and Diana could lose track of time taking in the sight.

„Do you like the view, my Dear?" Marcus asked her.

Diana nodded slightly, „Yes, I think I already fell in love with the deep blue of the ocean." she said, thinking of Mike's eyes.

Marcus stopped and brought his hand under her chin, lifting it so that Diana had to look at him. „I hope you can fall in love with me too. Your father told me about the man your heart belonged to - the father of your child. I don't say I am sorry about your loss - I didn't even know him. And I know you don't love me yet. But maybe when we get to know each other better, there could be something like love? Friendship?"

Diana took a closer look at Marcus. He had freckles, a straight nose, and a darting gaze. His eyes, though blue too, were more like the pale orbs of a monster. Without any warmth in them. She felt like a sheep that was sought out by a wolf as his prey. Diana swallowed uneasily. She had to answer something. „Maybe," she said, very intimidated.

Marcus gave her a lopsided smile. „Good. I'll have Paul prepare a bath for you at home and we can meet in the evening for some privacy. We haven't had time for our wedding night yet, my Dear." He turned and took her hand, pulling her with him along the path to where the carriage waited.

Diana felt like someone had hit her. She had known this time would come. She was married to this man and if she wanted the world to believe her child was from Tanner she had to obey. She would just close her eyes and imagine it was Mike.

*** EST ***

The bath was warm and comforting. She enjoyed the water caressing her body. Annabeth washed her hair and massaged her temples. „What do you think he expects from me, Anna?"

Annabeth kept massaging her. „It's time to be wise. You need a father for that little life growing inside you, Miss Diana. He is your husband now. To push him away will only fuel anger towards you and the baby. Most men just take what they want. So you don't have to do much. I'll be there for you when you need me."

Diana grabbed Anna's hand feeling close to tears. „You know about me being pregnant?"

Anna smiled mildly at her. „Of course, I know. I know you since you saw the light of this world. I didn't need someone to tell me to count one and two together. With Mr. Campbell dead and your father searching for a husband for you so quickly. I'm so sorry, Miss Diana. He was such a friendly person."

Diana sighed, „I'm glad you are with me, Anna."

Marcus came to her room in the late evening. He had smoked a cigar, Diana already hated the smell. All the comforting feeling the bath had brought to her body was washed away by a firm tension.

Marcus had a bottle of wine in one of his hands and two glasses in the other. "Good evening, Diana."

She nodded at him.

Marcus placed the items on the table and opened the bottle to fill their glasses. "I get this brand from a friend of mine. It has an extraordinary taste." Stepping so close to her that she could smell soap and aftershave on him mixed with the heavy odor of the cigar smoke, he offered her one of the glasses. "I thought we could drink a glass first, talk a bit, and let one thing lead to the other," Marcus whispered now in her ear.

She smelled whiskey on his breath. Diana had thought she could do this, just closing her eyes and with a bit of luck thinking of Mike; but the whole scene was wrong.

They emptied the whole bottle while Marcus told her about what he had done today. Indeed the wine loosened her tongue and she talked about some things she had seen in town which had caught her attention. Her head began to feel foggy, and her hands numb. A shiver rushed over her body as Marcus brushed her open hair to the side, revealing her neck. His hands slid along its shape and drew a line over her decolletage. "You are so beautiful."

*** EST ***

DIANA

The seventeen-year-old young woman lay still unmoving in the bed. She felt dirty. It had been nothing like what it had been with Mike. Not gentle - not loving - just claiming and rough at some point. Finally, he rolled off her, sweating and exhausted. She didn't dare move, only pulled the blanket up to cover her naked body. A few minutes later, Marcus left, wishing her a good night.

She got up shivering though it was a warm summer night. She wanted to be clean again. Heading over to the bathtub still in her room, she washed with the now cold bathing water. But Marcus' smell still stuck to her body. It was as if he had marked her with his scent. She had tried to block out who had been in front of her; it hadn't worked. And though he had not been violent, she felt raped.

She already longed for the time she would be too pregnant to share the bed with him. Hopefully, he hadn't hurt her baby. Diana sat down on the bedside, opening the drawer. She had hidden Mike's scarf between her underwear. Pushing the blue fabric to her chest, she slid back into the blankets hiding her face from the world and began to heartbreakingly cry. She cried for Mike, she cried for herself and she cried for her baby who would never meet his real father.

*** EST ***

WADE

The journey back to Philadelphia was long and exhausting. Wade hated to travel injured. How George endured the ride was a mystery to him. If Wade had a concussion like George he would have already begged for mercy to let him stay at one of the hostels along the way. But George didn't complain during the ride.

Finally, they saw The Guardian's home coming into view. A sigh of relief escaped his throat when Chip stopped the carriage in the yard in front of the carriage house.

Bastian was first out of the carriage, asking Chip for his help with the two injured. They weren't even at the front door as it swung open and Thomas himself exited the house. „Bastian, what happened? Are you all in one piece?"

Bastian nodded while he steadied Wade. „Yeah, but you should really prove your intel better. We'll talk later. These two robbed me of my last nerve during the ride. I need a few hours alone."

Clara came out after her father and peeked nosy around him. When she saw Wade's state, she quickly helped Bastian to bring him inside. „Oh my gosh, Wade, what happened? Is it bad? We can call the doctor."

Wade didn't want to appear weak in front of Clara. He tried to stand a bit more upright and forced a smile. „No, Clara. We already saw a doctor. It is nothing that won't heal with a bit of rest."

She smiled at him and Wade could see her cheeks blushing slightly as he smiled back. Clara took over the duty of steadying Wade's pace. When they passed Thomas Wade found him smiling over the two. At least this would not turn out as with Mike and Diana. Wade had just to do it the right way and it would be easygoing. He knew Clara liked him; he should officially ask his Guardian if he was allowed to court Clara.

Wade sighed as they made it into the house, finally sitting on a comfortable chaise lounge with soft pillows sruffed behind his back. Now he only had to heal and Mike had to come back from that vampire hunt and everything would be okay.

George already worked out new spells with Bastian after one week of rest. The most interesting thing for Thomas was the symbol George had drawn on Wade's arm to prevent possession. "This is fascinating, George. I'm glad that you found this information and used it on Wade. This could have turned out really bad." Rutherford turned away from the table where the spell book lay open. Thomas approached the window with his hands folded behind his back. He said nothing for a long moment. Then spoke while staring out the window. "I'm proud of you - all four. You grew to strong capable hunters. You handled that situation well. It confirms what I already discussed with The Knight and The Scholar before they passed away. I hadn't thought to have this discussion without them. But fate had other plans. So it is on me alone to decide." He turned again to face Wade, Bastian, and George. "Even when Mike is not here at the moment, I have to inform you about a decision I made." He paused again, looking at them on by one. "It's soon time for me to give up the lead."

The room became silent. Thomas smiled amused. "Wade will be my successor as The Guardian. Mike will be The Knight. Bastian, you will be The Scholar, and George, I want you to be the Advisor of the three. You are a capable hunter as well as a good crafter. Will you three accept?"

Wade had already assumed this but to hear it from Thomas' lips was like a ceremony itself. He felt proud that he trusted him to be the leader of the Brotherhood. "I think I can speak for the others that we all feel honored by your offer. I will not belie your expectations."

The others thanked Thomas too and accepted the honor. After the others were gone, Wade stayed a moment longer with Thomas. "Thomas, why didn't you wait until Mike is back?"

Thomas smiled at him mildly. "You two are very close. It is often so with Guardian and Knight. That is a really good thing. I don't know why but I had the urge to tell you today. Don't worry about Mike. He already knows. We talked about it before he left."

"Don't you worry that it takes him so long?" Wade needed to know.

Thomas came closer putting a hand on Wade's shoulder. "Have trust in him, Wade. I know he can succeed too. And when he is back we can discuss the consecration. I'm sure you will find something else to keep yourself entertained until your Brother is back." Thomas smirked amused. "Don't think only because I'm getting old I'm blind. Clara talks a lot about you. If you have feelings for her too you have my blessing to court her."

Wade felt uneasy but happy all the same. "Are you a mind reader, Thomas? That was the other thing I wanted to discuss with you. I thank you for your trust in me in both issues."

*** EST ***

The second week passed quickly. Wade had recovered and George's concussion had healed completely.

Clara spent most of her time with Wade. They played chess. She read to him. They even discussed ways to kill vampires efficiently. Clara was special. Wade was overwhelmed by joy to have her around. She was made for him, he was sure.

The three friends planned to stay for another week in Philadelphia. But they had to head home soon. Wade knew his parents would start worrying if he didn't show up at the made out time. And he wanted to see his sister. She would have news from Mike, he was sure of it. He knew his friend well enough to know when he was serious about something. And as much as he hated the fact how the two had betrayed his trust, he knew Mike loved his sister with all his heart and soul.

At the end of the third week, they packed their things and loaded the carriage to head home. Clara and Thomas were in the yard to say goodbye.

Clara stood close at his side, smiling at him. "I can't wait until you come back. Daddy told me when Mike is back he will prepare the Triad consecration."

"I hope you don't love me only because I will be the next Guardian," Wade grinned at her.

Clara quickly looked to her father who was occupied in talking to George and Bastian. She kissed Wade longingly. She smirked at him with a lopsided grin, "It's not the reason but I confess it makes you more attractive."

"I love you, Clara."

"I love you too, Wade Wilmington."

*** EST ***

15th of June 1813, Connecticut

WADE

The black carriage stopped at the crossing where the driveway to Wilmington farm began. Wade had decided his friends would better not bring him down to the main house. He was not quite sure how much his father had cooled down. The last thing he wanted was to enrage him again. He exited the carriage and headed to the back where their packages were stored. With his pack on his shoulder and weapon pack under his arm, he returned to his Brothers who had exited too.

"Gentlemen," he nodded at George and Bastian.

Bastian pulled him into a short hug. "We meet tomorrow, Wade. Don't fight with your father about Mike and Diana. Promise!"

Wade nodded, "I'll behave, Bastian." Wade placed a hand on Bastian's shoulder, "And you watch out for Harris. Mike is not around. Usually, I leave it to him to prevent the poor guy from gambling."

George spoke up, indignant, "I'm right next to you. I'm no gambler. I don't need a nanny. Campbell often enough is involved in the trouble we get in."

Wade laughed full-hearted. "I'll pay for your drinks the whole night when we're finally reunited. Hopefully, it won't be long until then. I'm sure Diana can tell me exactly where Mike is at the moment. He promised to write to her every day, can you imagine that?"

Bastian answered, suddenly serious, "I know, he told me about it. This love between those two is really strong. We must find a way to help them or Mike will do something stupid. You know him, he let his decisions be led by his heart, together with his Scottish stubbornness; This is an explosive mixture."

Wade nodded, "Yes, I'll see what I can do. Until tomorrow," raising his hand, he turned and started walking toward his home.

It was not far and his steps were light, looking forward to a comfortable bed and his own room, almost as much as seeing his sister and hearing news from Mike.

He met no one on his way to the main house and entered without being noticed. Wade placed his pack and weapons on the floor at the entrance. "Hello? I'm home." His words echoed through the empty house. This was odd. Usually, Diana was the first one to jump on him when he returned from a long journey. Maybe they were out. His family didn't know he would arrive today.

He heard steps from the upper level. A door was opened and his mother's face appeared at the top of the stairs. "Wade! God, I'm so glad you're home!" She rushed down to him and took him in a tight hug.

Wade looked into her face and saw new lines of worry on her forehead were added to the few laugh lines around her eyes. "Mother, are you alright? You look worried. Did something happen? Where is everyone?"

Priscilla dropped her head, not able to face her son. Wade got unsure. "Mother, what is it ?"

She placed a hand on his, "It's complicated, Wade."

Wade didn't understand what was going on here but his mother's demeanor left him with an uneasy feeling. "Where is Father? Is he alright?"

"Your father had a stroke three days ago but the doctor says he will survive, though his left side will stay paralyzed."

"Oh, Mother, I'm sorry. What triggered it?" Wade wanted to know.

Priscilla sighed and said, "Diana's husband Marcus was over and they had a fight…"

Wade took his mother by the arms. What had she said? Husband? "What husband? What has happened in these few weeks I was away? She was in love with Mike when I left - so fierce that I thought the world would go under when she couldn't have him."

Priscilla took a deep breath, "Diana got mail from the front. I'm so sorry Wade, I know Mike was your best friend. He died in the battle of Fort George on the 28th of May."

A shudder ran through Wade's body. He was stunned. Mike was dead? Mike couldn't be dead. Mike was his Brother. No - No! Wade wasn't able to say a single word. He didn't believe what his mother told him. "I don't believe you, Mother. This must be a mistake. How can you be sure about this? How can Diana be sure about this? And why in the world is she married?"

Priscilla turned and walked over to the small cabinet in the hallway. She opened one of the drawers, revealing a letter. "Read it yourself if you don't believe me."

Wade took the letter from her, reading the few lines of this dispatch rider, Will. All color vanished from his face. He couldn't tell what he felt - there were no words for it in his jargon - it was just emptiness. He had to see Diana. He had to … "Where is Diana?"

Priscilla approached him again. "Son, she was in a tricky situation, we had to act quickly. Your sister is pregnant. She must be married off quickly to save her honor."

Wade hadn't thought it possible, but he got quite a bit more shocked. His mother told him his sister got pregnant by Mike and Mike had fallen in battle. "Where. Is. She?"

His mother looked to the ground ashamed. "She lives in Newport, Rhode Island. She is married to a ship company owner. Your father knows him from the Hartford Convention. He was willing to marry her knowing about her situation. It is a good match. His name is Marcus Tanner."

Wade didn't say a word, staring at his mother. He had to see his Brothers. He … he … Wade couldn't think straight. He needed Bastian's advice on this. He had to leave! Turning around he grabbed the belongings he had left on the floor earlier and headed out to the stables.

His mother shouted after him to stop - to speak this out in peace, but he couldn't stay right now.

He left Wilmington farm in a hurry, spanking his horse into a full gallop. He rushed down the well-known path to the little chapel the four friends used to meet. Wade stopped his horse at the stone chapel, sliding off his mount. He slumped down at the outer wall, taking out the crumpled letter he had taken with him. Once again he read these few lines, this time aloud "... Mike had fallen yesterday in the battle at Fort George." The words left holes in his heart. His Brother was dead. Killed in this useless war. Oh, why hadn't he stopped him? Why did they separate in anger? The last words they had spoken were in a heated quarrel. Now he would never ever get the opportunity to say he was sorry - to have Mike at his side - to feel safe in the other's presence. Rutherford had promised him Mike would return soon. Now he held the confirmation of his death in his hands. Wade was unable to fight back the tears. Hiding his face in his hands, he cried for his best friend and Brother until he was left broken and exhausted in front of the little chapel.

He had lost track of time and didn't know how he found the strength to push his body from the ground. Mechanically, Wade mounted up and directed his horse towards Hartford. He needed his Brothers now more than ever.

*** EST ***

GEORGE

George sighed as he entered the guestroom in the Summers' newspaper office. Bastian was still in the fangs of his parents who were happy to have their son back home. Sometimes he was jealous of Bastian to have his parents always around - well and sometimes not. He knew this procedure. Bastian wouldn't come up in the next hour. He ordered his belongings and packed a bag with used clothes to bring them later to the laundry house. "Advisor Harris," he played with the words. He chuckled over the jokes he could make with this title to irk Mike. He missed his friend. To hang out alone in the pubs was not half as funny.

Tomorrow, Wade would come over and maybe bring some news when Mike would be back. George sighed, eying the bag with dirty laundry. He could just as well bring them over now. He grabbed the bag and headed outside.

George took the backdoor to not get caught in the reunion of the Summers. He knew how this would end and he had already gained weight, that he didn't fit in his good pants anymore. In a good mood, he passed several houses to reach the laundry house.

Half an hour later he came out again whistling happily and thought about what he could do on this sunny day. He came up with nothing and decided to join Bastian if he was still caught in his parent's dining room. At least he did not have to pay for the drinks there.

Entering the street where the Summers' Hartford Gazette was he saw Wade riding slowly to the same destination. Something was wrong with his appearance. George saw him much too slowly mounting off and he took a moment with his face hidden in his hands before he entered. Wade hadn't seen George coming along the street to him.

George hurried to catch up to him and entered only a few seconds past him. He found Wade still standing in the printing room, hasitating to enter the private rooms of the Summers family.

A bit out of breath, he asked, "Hey, Wade, why are you here? You wanted to spend the day with your family. Did something happen?"

Wade turned, his face was puffy from crying, his eyes red. George saw him searching for words but his friend didn't get anything out and went to the floor mournful crying.

George got so unsure. Had Mr. Wilmington had another heart attack? He came closer squatting next to Wade. "Hey, it's okay. Whatever happened we are at your side." George tried to embrace his friend but Wade suddenly pushed him back, screaming at him. "Nothing will ever be okay. He is dead, George! Mike died in Fort George caught in the middle of this useless war! And for what? To kill some stupid vampire? It was all wrong that he went to that hunt alone!"

The door to the Summers opened and Bastian stared at the two on the ground. "George, Wade, what is wrong? Why are you screaming?"

Wade looked at Bastian with a blank expression, a blind man could see he was completely on the edge. Wordless, he pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his inside jacket pocket, offering it to Bastian. "Here, it is all we know."

Wade hid his face in his hands again after Bastian had taken the letter from him, quickly reading the message. All the color vanished from Bastian's face. "This is a mistake. He is not … no!"

George demanded the letter from Bastian with a hand gesture. Reading the lines himself, he couldn't believe it. Mike would never come back to them. There would be no funeral, no goodbye, he was just ripped from them brutally by an explosion. George didn't find words. Everything seemed stupid at the moment.

Bastian helped Wade up, bringing him into his home for more privacy. They sat long in the Summers dining room. All the good mood from coming home was washed away. Soon they were gathered around the Summers' table but Mike's place stayed empty - he would never again sit here with them. They talked long about Mike, mourning, holding each other when needed, and drinking to him.

TBC