Author's Note: Oh, thank goodness, less despair this chapter.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Borrowed with love. Made no money.

Title: Keeping It Together

By: Marion

Chapter 16

"And so we commend our sister, Francis Goren, to God the Father. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. Amen," the chaplain at Carmel Ridge finished the service.

Alex looked at her partner and squeezed his hand. He'd held hers all through the service. He gave her a half smile, though she could see unshed tears shining in his eyes. Now came the part he'd told her he wasn't sure he was ready for. Greeting the people who came; shaking hands; accepting condolences.

He rose and she went with him to lay a white rose beside his mother's urn and picture. The parade of mourners few and Bobby supporters many began. He looked at her, a silent plea in his eyes for her to stay by his side. She patted his arm for reassurance. She'd already promised to stay with him.

A few of the more stable patients at Carmel Ridge who had been his mother's friends were there. She would be missed, they said. Her nurses were all there. Francis Goren had grown near and dear to the hearts of many of the staff. Her primary doctors were there, and they assured Bobby she was at peace now after a lifetime at war with her own mind.

Mike Logan and Carolyn Barek had taken the day off from work to be there. They handed Bobby a big manila envelope. "Open it," said Mike. Bobby did and he and Alex looked at the contents in amazement.

It was a certificate presented to Francis Goren for her generous donation of over $6000 for schizophrenia research from The Lieber Schizophrenia Research Clinic. "How did you…" Bobby choked out.

"That's from the whole department," said Carolyn. "Mike and I put the word out."

Bobby covered his mouth with his hand. "Thank you," he said softly, overcome. Carolyn hugged him gently, a gesture that he returned.

"We miss you at work," said Mike. "You take care of yourself."

Bobby reached out to shake his hand. Mike pulled him into a hug.

Carolyn gave Alex a hug. "How are you doing?" she asked quietly.

"I'm okay," said Alex.

Carolyn smiled at her. "Let's have lunch on Friday, Alex. Just us girls."

"Okay," Alex agreed with a smile.

"Do I get a hug from the hot one, too?" asked Mike. Carolyn slapped his arm but Alex put her arms around his neck.

"You did a good thing, Mike," she whispered in his ear.

He grinned at her when he pulled back and ruffled her hair. "Take care of yourself, kid. See you back at work."

"Bye, guys. Thank you for being here," said Alex.

Bobby slipped the certificate carefully back into the envelope and sat it with his mother's urn. "Thank you for coming," he said to Jimmy and Angie Deakins.

"How are you doing, Bobby?" asked Jimmy. He patted Bobby's arm.

"I'm all right, sir," said Bobby. "Alex is such a godsend."

"That she is, son," said Jimmy.

"You and Alex come to dinner on Thursday," said Angie. "I want to see that you're eating okay."

"Yes, ma'am," said Bobby. "I wouldn't miss one of your home cooked meals for anything."

Angie hugged him. "Aren't you sweet? I'll see you then."

"Take care," said Jimmy.

They each hugged Alex and walked out together, holding hands.

Lewis was next. He hugged Bobby. "You come to the garage next week," he said. "I got a car coming in that you'd fall over yourself to work on."

"I'll be there," said Bobby.

Lewis moved on to Alex. "You taking care of him for me?"

"Always," she said.

"If he ever gives you any trouble, you tell me and I'll set him straight. He's a lucky guy to have you."

Alex blushed slightly. "Thanks Lewis," she said, giving him a quick hug.

Bobby was hugging an older lady that Alex didn't know.

"She was a fine lady," said Francis Goren's best childhood friend. "You come see me sometimes. Let me know how you're doing."

"I will, Mrs. Bertoli, I promise," said Bobby.

Alex surveyed the throng of her family that was the end of the line. She hadn't really expected them all to show. She went over to Ted and Elizabeth.

"When did you get in?" she asked Ted.

"Janet and I drove in with the girls this morning. We're staying until tomorrow afternoon," he said. He was holding Cassie's hand. "Janet's back at Mom and Dad's with Sarah and Caleb."

And truly, they were the only ones missing. Elizabeth and her husband, Fred were there. So was Sam, and of course Johnny and Annette.

They all went to Bobby to offer their condolences. He was amazed to see all of them there. He thanked each of them for coming.

Cassie tugged on his arm. He looked down. "Pick me up, Uncle Bobby," she said. He did. She put her little arms around his neck. "Don't worry, Uncle Bobby. Your Mommy is watching over you from heaven." Bobby squeezed her gently. "Don't cry, Uncle Bobby," said Cassie, distressed. "I didn't mean to make you sad."

Bobby smiled at her despite his tears. "You didn't make me sad, Cassie," he said. "Thank you for coming to see me."

"You're my favorite, Uncle Bobby," she said.

"Hey, what about me, squirt?" Sam teased.

"You're my other favorite." Everyone chuckled except for Cassie.

xxx

"I think I'm going to go home tonight," Bobby told Alex on the ride home.

"Okay," said Alex. "We'll go pick up your stuff and I'll give you a ride."

"You got me through this, you know," he said.

She turned to smile at him for a second, then back to the road.

"I mean it, Alex. I don't know what I'd do with out you. Thank you, for everything."

"You're welcome, Bobby," she said. "Did your mom have any place in mind for her ashes?"

"I'm taking them to Central Park tomorrow," said Bobby. "She wanted them spread by the Turtle Pond near Belvedere Castle. It was her favorite spot. She used to take me there when I was little."

"Lizzie and Janet and I are going to take the kids to the Central Park Zoo, tomorrow," said Alex. "You could meet us after you're done, if you want."

"I'd like that," said Bobby.