December 16, 1988.
16 year old Erin Reagan eagerly sat in her mother's bathroom as she got ready to go to her junior prom. Her date Cliff Rodgers was due to pick her up at 6:00 sharp for dinner before the dance. She had been looking forward to this day for a long time. At 5:45 she eagerly waited for her date.
She watched the clock and as six o'clock came and went her excitement was beginning to be shadowed by disappointment and false hope. Danny watched worriedly from the kitchen as Erin sat on the stairs staring at the door.
Six to six-fifteen and six fifteen to six twenty. Erin knew that her date wasn't coming but she wasn't ready to admit it to herself. Danny carefully approached her, a glass of milk in hand.
"Sis?" He asked.
He saw the tears on her face and her smudged makeup as she looked at him.
"Here." He said handing her the glass. "Thought you could use this."
"Thanks." She says taking the glass.
"Can I sit?" He asks.
She nods while sipping her milk.
"I'm sorry he didn't show." Danny says carefully hugging her.
"What's wrong with me?" She asks wiping away a tear.
"Nothing." Danny says. "There is nothing wrong with you. I don't know why he didn't show tonight but if you ask me he's the one missing out. You are Erin freakin Reagan. Any guy would be lucky to be your date. And rest assured tomorrow I will introduce my fist to his face."
Erin giggled. "Thanks Danny."
"Let's go get some burgers and shakes." Danny suggests.
"You always know how to make me feel better." Erin says.
"That's what big brothers are for."
-BB-
"Family of Jamie Reagan."
The voice of the doctor brought Danny from the memory. He stands with the rest of his family to look at the doctor.
"I'm Dr. Turnblad. I was the doctor working on Jamie." He explains. "His CT scan showed significant swelling to the back of his brain. Most likely caused by a hit from behind. We managed to relieve some of the pressure however he does have a long road ahead of him. You can see him if you would like. He's in the ICU."
The family silently followed the doctor up a floor to the small ICU waiting room. A nurse explains they can go back one at a time. The family decides Frank would be first to go back.
Frank followed the doctor down the long white hallway bracing himself for what he was about to see. The doctor stops at room 223 and opens the door. Looking in Frank's heart drops.
Jamie, his youngest child, his baby was hooked up to so many machines. A long white hose connected to a mask covering Jamie's mouth. A white bandage was wrapped around his head. Frank wordlessly went across the room and sat in the chair by Jamie's bed. Suddenly all the emotions he was trying to hold back came rushing to the surface. Tears cascaded down Frank's face, he unable to stop them just let them come.
"Why god why?" Frank says. "Why do you have to take my children from me? I know I shouldn't doubt your plan but you already had Joe. Why did you need Erin too? If I've at all earned any grace please just hear my prayer. Please don't take Jamie from me."
Frank carefully gets up from his seat and gently presses his lips to Jamie's head.
"Please hang on buddy."
-BB-
Anthony Abetemarco had been to the morgue more times than anyone should have. It came with the territory of being a cop. This time however he didn't want to be there. Anywhere else would have been better but here he was.
A shiver went up his spine as stepped into the drafty metal room. The doctor directs him to locker number 357. Carefully walking up to it, he opens it. He slid the long metal bench out it's place. On top of it was the woman he knew as his best friend. Most people on the table have a look of peace on their faces. Erin just looked like she was sleeping. Her skin was only a little paler than usual. His eyes began to fog over with unshed tears. Taking his hand in his, he takes a deep breath.
"Why did this have to happen to you?" Anthony whispers. He knew he didn't have to whisper but he felt like talking any louder would disturb her. He takes a deep breath before continuing.
"Just this morning we had donuts and you were giving me a hard time about carbs. Now you're on a slab." He whispers to her.
After the first tears more followed at a quick pace. Unable to get a hold on his emotions he kneels down beside the slab. Squeezing her hand he whispers out.
"You didn't know it." He says. "You didn't know it but I loved you. The reasons why my dates never worked is because I wanted them so badly to be you. I wanted you across the table. I was always too afraid to tell you. Now it's too late."
Taking a deep breath, he tried to get ahold of himself.
"I promise we'll find who did this."