Warning. Extremely long final chapter. Over 5k words.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

CHAPTER FIVE

FINALE

I don't own Bakugan or anything affiliated with it.

Joseph walked down the street with Alice at his side. They had just ended their second day of counselling, and Dr. Finsen was delighted that she was making progress with him. Before them loomed their large home, looking forlorn and melancholy, a stark contrast to the rest. Joseph unlocked the front door and switched on the lights. The house was empty because it was the caretaker's day off. "Thanks for the company Alice," Joseph said awkwardly.

He stared down at the floor. He couldn't bring himself to look at her. Waves of guilt washed over him.

After all of what had happened in just two days, Alice's hatred of Joseph started to diminish. She had resolved to forgive him for what he had done and put the past behind them. Scraping up some courage, she stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She rummaged around in her bag for the medical supplies the nurse had given to her while ordering him to sit in the sofa near to the fireplace. He obeyed like a timid lamb, completely trusting its shepherd. Shortly, Alice sat beside him attended to his wound from the day before.

After a while of sitting in awkward silence, she decided to release some of their tension by striking up conversation. It was awfully strained at first, however, she began talking more freely when she glanced at his face. On it was Joseph's long abandoned 'trademark smile' – the same smile that she had so long pined to see; the same smile that vanished just as Anya did.

She had barely gotten a chance to savour that moment before there were three sharp raps on the door. The smile instantly disappeared, and Alice stopped what she was doing and rose from the sofa. Joseph followed suit. The door was flung open revealing a man, red in the face, golden brown hair lying flat on his head. His lips curled in disgust. He marched straight up to the two, yanked Alice behind him and pushed her out the door.

"Get into the car," he mumbled darkly before locking it behind her. Before she could respond, Alice found herself with locked wooden doors behind her, and a vehicle ready and waiting for her to get in.

Inside, Mr. Gehabich brandished a polished wooden cane and advanced on his son. Joseph's slate eyes widened in fear and disbelief.

"Joseph, I thought the message was clear. You're a smart boy, I would have thought you'd understand that we don't want you near her anymore." He backed him into a corner and held the cane up in the air, preparing to make contact.

"You know Joseph, your mother and I loved you. Alice did too. Everyone thought that you were growing into a fine young man." He hit him. Joseph screamed in pain. "Nobody would have guessed that our little Joe was a deceptive snake. You manipulated us. You twisted us around your little finger for how long, I don't know. You've treated your sister like a dog and scarred her for life." All this time, Joseph's father hit him with the cane again and again and again.

In between blows he shouted, "Demon!" "Leviathan!" "Serpent!"

Alice curled up on the back seat of the car. She covered her ears and squeezed her eyes shut in a vain attempt to block out the sounds of abuse filtering outside. Every time she heard her brother shriek or her father cast out an unpleasant name, she felt as if nails were being driven through her heart. If I had just gone straight home today, this wouldn't have happened. It's all my fault. This just makes everything worse.

After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Gehabich returned to the car, sweating and flushed, and sped 'home'.

Inside, Joseph remained huddled up in his little corner. He cradled his bruised body in his arms and cried hysterically. He knew he had done wrong, but he didn't expect his own father to finally turn on him. He didn't expect that he would crush his hope.

The distressed youth's sobs echoed throughout the large empty house. They had left him alone. His parents, friends, sister – all of them had turned their backs on him when he most needed them. He'd been suffering for years, and when the root of his problems issued, everyone was too disgusted to help him. He felt like a dying mouse – he was so small and insignificant in comparison to the huge building he was left in, and nobody cared enough to encourage him or heal his wounds – everyone wanted him gone.

For over half an hour, the broken lad sobbed until his eyes ran dry and his throat was sore. Eventually he rose from his resting place and limped to the kitchen. He eyed the sharp knives with longing. He wanted to end his pain, but he hadn't the courage anymore. If he had known that this is how things were going to turn out then he would have ignored Alice and thrust the scalpel deep into a vital spot.

On his way to his room, his knees buckled and he fell. Unable to resist any longer, Joseph succumbed to the pain and allowed himself to drift into unconsciousness.

He tried to move his arms, but nothing happened. He did the same with his legs but got no response. His body refused to respond to his will, well, everywhere except for his eyes. Slate orbs stared blankly at Mr. Mills, the caretaker. The man nearly fainted when he saw his masters' 'delinquent' child collapsed on the floor, but he managed to carry him to his room as carefully as one would carry a broken china doll.

"How do you feel, sir?" he queried in a very slight Russian accent.

Joseph only averted his gaze in reply.

Hesitantly, Mr. Mills began, "W-well if you need anything, just call for me. I'll be in the rooms across cleaning up."

At hearing 'rooms across' Joseph's face became deathly pale, as he had remembered his immoral acts inside one of them. Luckily for him, Mr. Mills had already left. Once more, guilt consumed him and held him captive.

He squeezed his eyes shut, wishing the memory away, but like a persistent mosquito it remained. He remained there, silent, deathly still having no choice but to allow his guilt-stricken mind to review his sins…

Alice clasped her hands firmly, staring down at the food on her tray. She was in absolutely no mood to eat. She couldn't get the look of burning hatred on her father's face out of her mind. Neither could she forget the agonized cries of her sibling. It had been a full week since that incident. The poor girl was torn in two – she really did not hate Joseph, and naturally she wanted to see him especially since she had learned how delicate he was, but on the other hand, her father had given her strict orders to refrain from coming into contact with them. In addition to that, she was the only one on Joseph's side. Everyone she knew had turned against him.

Aggravated and confused, Alice pushed her tray away from her and threw her head onto the lunch table. Runo, Julie, Lucas and Dan looked at her worriedly. Lucas scooted over to her and placed an arm around her waist. With his other arm he pried her head away from the table and forced her to lean on him.

Alice covered her face with one hand. She knew that Lucas was looking at her – she could feel his stare. She knew that he would force her to talk one way or the other, and she knew that he knew that she was suppressing her tears – something he didn't like.

Despite her great effort, the warm liquid began streaming down her cheeks. Her face and neck reddened and goose bumps crept onto her arms.

Lucas stood up and led her outside of the lunchroom to the nearby garden. He sat her down underneath a shady Autumn Blaze Maple tree that was set back a bit from the entrance and which was offered a bit more privacy by a wall of Cypress trees.

He took a seat beside her and turned his head in the opposite direction.

All along Alice was trying desperately to smother her tears, but she only succeeded in becoming more miserable. Giving up, she buried her head in the young man's chest and wept loudly.

Lucas smiled a bit. Deciding not to be too harsh on her, he placed a hand on her back, hoping that she would understand why he was holding back on freely offering his comfort. Much to his surprise, a few seconds after he put his hand on her back, Alice desperately clutched his other hand and brought it close to her chest, allowing her tears to drip on it.

Finally giving in, Lucas leaned against the tree and pulled Alice close to him, letting her lie on him. He gently kissed her forehead and reassured her like he usually did.

After her crying spell, Alice said in a raspy voice, "I don't know what to do."

Lucas wiped her eyes and patted her on the head. "What happened between you two? He hasn't been to school in a while."

Alice told him about what happened during the counselling sessions and that evening she had foolishly followed him home. "Despite what he's done to me, I can't help thinking that he's the real victim here. I want to help him, but I don't know how." She pressed her hands onto her cheeks.

Lucas smiled softly down at her, "I know that this might not be the time for it, but I really admire you. The mere fact that you can even consider helping out the same person who's destroyed your life is amazing. Personally, I still kind of hate him for doing those things to you, but I'll help because you care about him."

Alice stared at him for a few seconds.

"It will be hard for us to forgive him, but if that is what you really want, then we'll try. He was our friend at one point, after all."

She sniffled a bit before hugging him tighter. "Thank you."

He kissed her forehead. "We can go today if you want, you know, so we can set things straight. The others and I, Ms. Finsen and your parents."

Looking up at him once more, she nodded vigorously.

That afternoon, after school, Alice stood at the school's gate. Twenty minutes had passed since the time she had arranged to meet up with her friends. Uncomfortable, she shifted her weight from one foot to the next and quickly checked her watch.

They probably blew me off. Lucas was just telling me things to make me feel better. I should have known that they don't want to have anything to do with him.

She was just about to leave when someone shouted her name. Four teens dashed out of the empty building and stumbled to her side. "Sorry for being so late. It was pretty hard convincing Dan to come." Lucas scratched his head sheepishly.

Alice sighed in relief. "I thought you guys had ditched me."

Julie's eyes widened in disbelief. "Ditch our best friend!? Alice, I thought you knew us better than that, she pouted.

Runo punched Dan on the shoulder. "Idiot, this is all your fault! Why do you have to be so difficult?!"

"Me? Difficult? Well excuse me for hating the guy!" Steam poured out of his ears.

Lucas' eyes twitched. He desperately tried to block out the bickering, but when he could take no more, he buried a hand each in their hair and slammed their heads together.

The brunette and blue-head rubbed their heads and winced in pain.

Lucas cracked his knuckles then faced his girl. "Let's go. Your parents and Ms. Finsen are already on the way."

Alice nodded then started home.

Some time later, the small group stood on the covered patio of the siblings' large, double storey home. Alice hesitantly pressed the doorbell, half expecting her brother to answer by screaming obscenities at her and spitting in her face. After all, she did cause her father to go all ballistic on him.

When there was no answer, she felt like spinning around and leaving, but Lucas entwined his fingers with hers and rang it again. In a few seconds, the caretaker cautiously cracked the door open. His eyes lit up upon seeing Alice.

"Young Miss! How glad I am to see that you're okay." The short man hugged her tightly then nodded hello to the others.

"Come in, please. The young Sir isn't doing well, I'm afraid." He wrung his hands nervously. "Come with me please, all of you. I think that he will feel much better if you speak to him."

Dan folded his arms and pouted. "What makes you think he will?"

Mr. Mills started up the staircase. "I see it in his eyes. He regrets what he's done. Guilt is eating him from the inside."

Dan glanced at Alice and his expression softened when he saw the despair in her eyes. Clearing his throat, he wordlessly grabbed Runo's hand and pulled her up the stairs after the caretaker.

Alice followed with Lucas and Julie in tow.

When they entered Joseph's room, he was already kneeling beside the bed. "Joseph, Joseph? Wake up please young master. Your friends are here to see you."

The boy stirred slightly then cracked his eyes open. He had covered his bruises and welts with a n oversized T-shirt and baggy pants in addition to the thick quilt which he had draped over himself. Mr. Mills helped him sit up and propped up a pillow behind him for support.

Julie bit back a gasp. His skin was so much paler than when she had last seen him. Group that with the dull hair and purple bags beneath his dead eyes, then of course she felt sorry for him.

Joseph's eyes scanned the small group. When they rested on Alice, they filled with genuine concern.

"Are you okay? What are you doing here? If father finds out you're here again, he'll get mad at you..."

Alice kneeled down beside him. "It's okay. He knows we're here."

Joseph bent his head. His voice cracked. "Why are you all here? I thought you hated me," he whispered.

"We do. Well, at least I do, but Alice wanted everyone to straighten things out so we can move on." Dan watched intently as his former friend flinched at his words.

"I-I see." He wrapped his hands in the quilt and quietly asked Mr. Mills to get seats for them.

When all her friends were seated, Alice sat on the bed beside him and lifted the quilt.

"What did he do to you?"

No answer came. She wrapped a hand around his arm and gave it a good squeeze. Joseph screamed in pain and the others left the two alone. Alice removed his shirt and pursed her lips when she saw the damage done. He was about to respond when he heard Lucas greeting his parents and the guidance counsellor downstairs.

She hastily helped him dress and pulled the quilt over him. Just as she stood up, Mr. and Mrs. Gehabich as well as Ms. Finsen walked inside. The latter woman flashed the two a kindly smile.

Mrs. Gehabich couldn't even bring herself to look in her son's direction. Mr. Gehabich, however, gave him a reprimanding, disgusted look. Runo's heart shifted when she saw how Lucas shrank beneath his father's glare.

He stared at the quilt, unwilling to meet anyone's gaze.

Alice greeted the visitors, kissing each of them on the cheek. After they were all seated comfortably, Ms. Finsen began,"Alright, so we're here today to clear up all the misunderstandings and misdeeds that we've done to each other. Now that all the formalities are out of the way, who would like to start?"

Dan, Runo, Mrs. Gehabich and Mr. Gehabich all stared at Joseph, since he seemed to be the only wrongdoer in the room.

Feeling their glares, he began.

"Ah...so...Everyone knows about what's been going on for the past month between me and Alice. I understand now that I was doing the wrong thing." Turning his attention to Alice, he said, "I-I feel terrible about what I've done. It was never my intention to hurt you, I've only ever loved you." His voice cracked, and he bowed his head, but forced the words out of his mouth, refusing to even mention his grandfather. "I'm not asking your forgiveness, and frankly, I don't deserve it, but, I'm just so sorry." In near hysteria, he continued, " I don't know what I was thinking. I know apologizing can't erase anything I've done, but I can't bring myself not to."

He began wheezing and buried his head in his trembling hands. After a few sprays from his asthma pump, his breathing evened out. Dan tried his best to keep indifferent, and Lucas stared wordlessly at the floor. Alice kept her mouth shut. She had already known that he regretted what he had done.

"Mr. Gehabich, I believe that it would be appropriate for you to address your son, now that he's calmed down a bit." Ms. Finsen narrowed her eyes at the man.

Said man sized up his son and scoffed. He sat back in his seat and eyed him with disgust.

"I've always hated you. From you were a toddler, I despised you."

Joseph flinched slightly at his words, and with a sad smile replied, "I know."

"You gave your mother such a hard time during her pregnancy and your birth. It might seem immature, but because of that I became biased towards you. When you were a toddler, I became so disappointed and disgusted with you. You had his eyes, you acted like him, and to make it worse, you loved him. The more we took you to his house, the more manipulative you'd become, and I couldn't stop taking you because he was the only one that could make you happy. Even now I can't stand the sight of you because you remind me of Father in every way. If I got the opportunity, I would have gladly killed you both a long time ago."

Joseph's breath hitched in his throat. He knew that his father wasn't lying. When he had attacked him, he could feel the hatred rolling off of him in waves and the killing intent was visible in his eyes.

"I've had to hide it from Alice over the years, so I couldn't treat you as harshly as I'd wanted to. I'm actually impressed that you caught on early and kept up the father-son act for her sake." Alice stared in horror at the man she called her father. Slowly, she was starting to see him for the monster he really was.

Joseph closed his eyes and bit down on his lip, trying to ignore the pain that accompanied his father's words.

"I've just had to be satisfied that you allowed him to use you. You're so desperate that you let him manipulate you. I think I get the most satisfaction from knowing that you've had to live under the guilt of murdering your own granddaddy. Who knew? My son's a murderer." Mr. Gehabich let out a harsh laugh.

Alice's face grew red. Her fists shook with anger.

"Shut up," she murmured. Springing to her feet she shouted," All this time you had me fooled. You're a monster. How could you talk about your own son like that?! Is it his fault that he looks like your dad, or that they have similar character traits?! I understand why he loved grandfather so much. Looking back, he was the only one who ever expressed any genuine care towards Joseph, even though he ended up using him in the end. I can't believe you. I'd trusted you and mom for so long, and played the fool for you guys too." Her skin was hot, and angry tears streamed down her cheeks.

Her friends stared at their former friend whose face was buried in his palms. The tips of his ears were red, and his hands trembled. Alice was about to launch off again, but he cut her off.

"Ever since I was little I'd try to please you. For nights I'd stay up, trying to figure out what I'd done to make you hate me so much, trying to plan schemes I could use to make it up to you, but nothing would work. When Anya died, I tried even harder. At the funeral, I tried to force tears because I knew that would at least make you soften up to me, but my tears had all dried up. Even recently, I've still had the small hope that you'd start liking me. Father, even though you hate me, I can never find it within myself to hate you. I've tried my hardest to gain your favour because I love you. I love all of my family and friends to death, and I've been living my life to please others."

Dan stared at the floor guiltily.

"Completely unfazed by what his son had just said, Mr. Gehabich remained intent on destroying his son. He had his trump card.

"Speaking of which, I need to show you something." He clapped his hands and slowly the door creaked open.

A young woman with auburn streaked brown hair timidly stepped in. She rubbed her hands against her smooth, milky arms and greeted in a honey sweet voice, "Good evening."

Joseph leaned forward. His mouth fell slightly ajar, and he rubbed his eyes a few times. Alice's knees turned to pudding and she fainted on the bed.

"You're not real...a ghost...just an apparition." He turned his head away and nodded to himself weakly.

The lady began walking closer to him. "No Joe, I'm not a ghost."

He shook his head. "You lie...everyone here has been lying, so you can't be any different...you're not real..."

She kneeled at his side and cupped his cheek with her hand.

Joseph forced himself to look into her face. Finally, the tears came. "It can't be...You should be dead...Anya is dead...Grandfather shot her."

He clutched at her desperately. "I saw the blood...we checked her pulse...so why is she standing in front of me?"

Anya sat on the bed and pulled him into her arms. He buried his head in her chest and wept. Ms. Finsen hesitantly looked at Mr. Gehabich who still had that evil smirk on. She had been out of the picture for a while and had begun contemplating whether she should just let things play out, or if she should interfere. She decided on the former.

Guilt practically ate at the four friends from the inside. Even Lucas couldn't have predicted the huge rift in the family. None of them could bring themselves to look at any of the siblings, much less their parents. Mr. Mills had dropped his hat and nearly collapsed at seeing the eldest sibling enter.

Suddenly the crying stopped. Ignoring the pain tearing at his chest and the way his lungs screamed for air, Joseph caught himself. He removed himself from his sister's hold and eyed her darkly.

"Where were you all this time? Why choose to come now?" he whispered, resentment lacing his voice.

Anya turned her gaze to her father. Joseph followed her line of vision and grit his teeth when he saw the smirk on his father's face. Ms. Finsen rose from her seat and ushered everyone out of the room except for Joseph and his father. "I think Joseph will express himself more comfortably when he's with his father." She smiled at Anya who rose from the bed and stepped out with them.

"What is wrong with you? Why would you keep something like this a secret?!"

"Do I really need to answer a stupid question like that?" Mr. Gehabich sneered.

Joseph twisted the quilt in frustration. "Not from me! I don't care about what you want to put me through. Why would you hurt Alice like that? You know how much she missed her, yet still, you kept quiet." He spat out the words in anger for his sister.

The smirk instantly fell from Mr. Gehabich's face. "There you go again. Not thinking about yourself. That's just something that he would do. Did I not mention how annoyed I get when you act like him." The man sprang up from his seat and strode towards his son.

Climbing over him, he kneeled down on his bruised thighs. Joseph bit back a scream as he tried to get him off.

Kristoff slapped his son on the cheek with a heavy hand. The young man winced in pain but refused to scream, knowing that his father would feel accomplished if he did.

Kristoff slid his hands around Joseph's throat and squeezed tight. Joseph clawed at his father's hands as his already waning strength dwindled away. Mr. Gehabich leaned in closer and kissed him on the forehead. "Did I not make it clear that if I got the chance, I would kill you?" he whispered.

Everything around him began to go dark. His lungs and heart felt about ready to rip out of his chest. The burning pain increased for a bit before he started to lose all feeling, first in his legs, then midsection then arms, and eventually all he could feel before slipping into unconsciousness was throbbing pain.

Outside, the others heard the sound of shattering glass, then a heavy thud. Lucas and Dan were the first to burst through the doorway and their hearts flipped at what they saw - Alice stood, panting heavily beside Mr. Gehabich who had collapsed, lying in his own blood and shards of glass. Alice clutched a lampshade close to her while staring at the man. Worst of all though, Joseph lay limp, the tips of his fingers and lips blue and a large, ugly bruise on his neck.

Ms. Finsen cursed herself for her stupidity while hastily calling an ambulance. Alice dropped the lampshade in a daze and sank to the floor while her friends and siblings rushed inside. Completely ignoring his employer, Mr. Mills checked Joseph's pulse and hastily carried him downstairs to make it easier for the nurses when they arrived. Mrs. Gehabich was nowhere to be found.

Lucas kneeled at Alice's side and pulled her into a hug. "I'm tired," she whispered weakly.

Joseph cracked an eye open. He winced at the harshness of the light. He lifted an arm to shield them from it, but ended up hurting himself in the process. Ignoring the pain, he sat up, recognizing the familiar layout of a hospital room. He saw his friends and sisters siting around him.

"Why? Why am I here? I'm supposed to be dead." He shut his eyes from the worried looks and buried his head in his hands."You keep interfering," he whispered softly.

"Sorry. I can't help it," Alice answered dejectedly, knowing that he directed his statement to her.

"Oi. Smile for a bit. Try to feel happy." Anya removed his hands from his face. "It's okay to cry in front of your friends too."

"You should try being a bit selfish sometimes ya know...It'll work out." Daniel smirked at his old friend.

Joseph reached for Anya's hand and she entwined her fingers with his.

"I'm sorry," she began. "Father did all in his power to ensure that I stayed away from you two. I'm sorry that I played right into his hands."

Joseph couldn't bring himself to meet her eyes.

"You haven't been happy these past years, haven't you? You've only been used and lied to and cheated from birth. You knew that grandfather was using you, but you were so desperate for love that you let him. You've disillusioned and brainwashed yourself into living out his dream. Am I right?"

Joseph bit down on his lip.

"Joe, you can trust us. I know it will be hard, and I know your friendships will be hard to rebuild, but we won't hurt you. We won't use you, or lie to you. Just give us a chance." Her voice cracked.

"Um...we have our apologies to make too. In all truth, we haven't been the greatest friends, and we haven't really been supportive. We were so suckish that we couldn't even pick up that something was wrong with you, but we want to start over...I understand if you don't want to have anything to do with us, but, it's worth your consideration, isn't it?" Julie looked at the blonde boy with an encouraging smile.

Lucas and Runo kept quiet.

Daniel cleared his throat. "Joseph, I'm sorry for all of those harsh things that I said to and about you. I had no idea-"

"Please, just stop." Joseph held a hand up in the air. Everyone held their breath. "I don't deserve all of these apologies, really. They don't erase my sins. And I know I don't have the right to be selfish, but, I really want to start over. I might sound like a kid by saying this, but I really want us to be like a family."

A Cheshire grin spread over Daniel's face and everyone hastily answered the affirmative.

EPILOGUE

Anya kneeled in front of her siblings and couldn't stop fawning over them. "Joe, you've grown so much!" she squealed. "Your hair's gotten darker, but your eyes are still beautiful. Slate's my favourite colour you know." She winked at him. "Do you remember when we were little and I'd always kiss you and help you get dressed. You were so cute! And the best part is, you still are!" A devious smile spread across her face as Joseph turned his head away, hiding a blush. "Aww. That makes you look even cuter!"

"Pshk. What are you talking about?" he coughed in embarrassment.

Joining in the fun, Julie said," Eh? When he blushes, he really does look super-cute! We've never really complemented him on his good looks before Ann-chan."

Alice chuckled, only making Anya turn her attention to her.

"Eh?! Ally's grown too! You've grown out your hair and, my gosh! J-Julie, look!" Anya pointed at Alice's chest. Julie laughed hysterically, rolling on the picnic blanket. "You're almost my size! And that's big. Your face is so pretty too, and your skin is smooth, not to mention your extremely kissable lips. You've got to have a boyfriend."

"What are you talking about?!" Alice echoed her brother hesitantly.

"I mean, with all these assets, not having one would be a waste. Am I right?" she turned around to get Lucas to join in, but froze when she saw the intense blush on his cheeks and the way he was plucking at grass and avoiding her eyes. "Wait a minute...Ally! You're way ahead of me! Lulu's your boyfriend! Don't tell me you've skipped to second base already, or is it third yet..."

Alice sprang up and stuffed Anya's mouth with food, heat rising to her face. Now, even Lucas' ears were red and he began coughing uncontrollably.

Luckily for them, Daniel began choking on a piece of flatbread. He held his throat in agony as Runo fed him some water and rubbed his back. As soon as he felt relief, she smacked him up the side of his head and he cowered. "HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU TO CHEW YOUR FOOD PROPERLY YOU PIG?!" Daniel whimpered as he snuck a doughnut from a container. Runo's elbow collided with his jaw as soon as he was about to swallow and he started choking again.

She scoffed and just got up and walked off, leaving him to suffer. Lucas rolled his eyes and Alice and Julie snickered. Anya just looked on with that 'older sister' smile on her face.

Joseph laughed.

Runo was too far away to hear the soft sound. Everyone else (with the exception of Dan who began choking harder) paused. A wide smile grew on Alice's face and she crawled over to him in ecstasy. Joseph stopped laughing when he saw that all eyes were on him and stared at everyone with a smile on. "What's the matter?"

"You've finally laughed," Lucas said simply. "Come to think of it, this is the first time I've ever heard you laugh because you're happy."

Joseph placed a finger contemplatively on his chin. He had healed nicely and his skin and hair were looking better than ever. He rested his bright slate eyes on his best friend.

"Eh? I suppose so. I guess I really am happy."

~FIN~

This is the end, and officially, the longest chapter I've ever written. I don't think I'll ever write a chapter this long again. Oh, and I decided on my own to make this fic one with a happy ending. Sheesh...It's kind of cheesy, but it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. A few happy endings are good every once in a while.

Thought:

"Laughter is wine for the soul - laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness - the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living."

Seán O'Casey

~ Anne Callendar