CHAPTER 4

Whoa! Jeremy says as he rises up off the table. What's happening? I didn't know I could do this, he chuckles. This is pretty neat. He realizes he's hovering above a table. Looking down he sees Allyn and Rachel working feverishly on someone. I sure hope he makes it. Poor guy.

All of a sudden a bright light appears. Jeremy shades his eyes from the blinding light. He can barely make out a woman coming out from the light. The closer she gets, the less he needs to shade his eyes. No, it can't be! Mama! Mama! He runs to her and they hug each other crying. Mama, is it really you? What are you doing here?

Jeremy's mama, Sarah, says, Yes Jeremy, it's really me. Oh, how I've missed you, she says as she cups his face in her hands. My sweet little boy. I'm so sorry you've had such a sad life.

Mama, I'm not a sad little boy anymore. I'm a man, now. I have a wife, named Candy and a little baby on the way.

I know that Jeremy. I know everything there is to know about you. And your brothers.

You do? How? he asks.

I've been watching the three of you ever since I left. I am so proud of all of you.

Jeremy beams. Mama, where's Father?

He's at home waiting for us. He'll be so happy to see you. He's missed you so much.

I want to see him, too, Jeremy says. Can I bring Candy and the baby, too? You and Father will love her. She is such a beautiful loving woman. She makes me happy, Mama.

No, Jeremy, I'm afraid Candy can't come with us.

Jeremy frowns, Why not? Why can't Candy come with us?

Jeremy's mama sighs, Because it's not her time to come. Her time will come later.

So, it's my time to come now. Jeremy shakes his head, Mama, I can't leave Candy. I love her.

I know you do, Jeremy. I'm sorry.

Jeremy looks down at the table and gasps, That's me, isn't it? I get it now. I was shot and I'm dying. Or am I already dead? No, they wouldn't still be working on me if I were dead. He looks at his Mama, I don't want to die. I want to stay here with Candy and the baby. And Jason and Josh, too. Please Mama, please let me live, he cries.

It's not really up to me, son. I wish I could grant this for you. I know only too well what it's like to leave the ones you love behind. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

Then you realize why I can't go. Candy needs me, especially with the baby coming. I need her, too. I need to see Candy, now. Where is she?

Sarah takes Jeremy's hand and takes him to the next room. He sees his family, Candy, Jason, and Josh. And his friends, Aaron, Lottie, Biddie, Ben and Emily. Look Mama, there's my wife Candy. Isn't she beautiful?

Yes Jeremy, she is very beautiful. I can tell she loves you very much.

And I love her just as much, too, Mama, Jeremy says.

They listen to the conversation going on in the room. The men talk about how justice was served by Ben killing the man. The ladies are all crying and trying to console one another. "Oh Lottie," Candy cries, "I don't know what I'll do if Jeremy doesn't make it. I love him so much. We were so happy with the baby coming and all. Jeremy was so excited to be a daddy. He would make a wonderful daddy, too.

The door opens and Allyn comes out with a grim face. "The surgery is over and the bullet was removed. He. . ."

Candy asks, "Is he alive, Allyn?"

"Yes, he is, but barely. I wish I had better news, but I'm going to tell it to you straight. There is a very strong possibility that Jeremy won't make it through the night. He just lost too much blood."

Candy sways back and forth almost collapsing before they get her to a chair.

Candy! Jeremy calls out. I have to help her.

Sarah grabs him by the arm. Jeremy, you can't go to her. He stops and watches.

"Can we see him?" Jason asks.

"Yes, you may want to say your goodbyes just in case. Try to limit your visit and only one at a time, please. I'm sorry. I wish there was more that I could do." She turns and goes into her office where she sits down behind her desk. Folding her arms on the top of her desk, she lays her head on her arms and breaks down crying.

They all love you so much, Jeremy. It breaks my heart knowing what grief they will have to endure, Sarah says.

Mama, please. Candy doesn't deserve this. I have to help her. He watches as Candy goes into the room where he lays.

Candy wipes the tears from her eyes before she takes his hand in hers. "Jeremy, you're going to be just fine. Please, sweetheart, you have to be." She swipes his hair from his eyes with her other hand. "I love you, Jeremy. Allyn said to say our good. . . I can't do that. I'll never let you go. You just rest and get stronger, all right? I'll let the others come in to see you, then I'll be back. Oh Jeremy, please come back to me," she sobs as she leans over to give him a hug, being careful of his chest wound. She kisses his lips before departing the room.

Candy! I'm trying to come back to you! Don't give up on me! I love you! Jeremy shouts although he knows she can't hear him.

His brothers and the others take a brief moment to say what they need to, to Jeremy. He is touched by the love they show him. Mama, can't you do something, talk to someone, do anything so I can stay here?

I know it's hard to say goodbye. But once you go with me into the light, you'll be glad you did. Trust me, Sarah says.

No matter what you or anyone else says, I'll never be happy again. You're making me give up what's most important to me. You're making me give up the love of my life and my baby that I haven't even gotten to hold yet. Mama, I had such an unhappy childhood. I went through so much pain and suffering with people laughing at me, making fun of me all because I stuttered. Now, I've finally found my happiness. I found Candy. Don't I deserve to be happy with her? Please Mama, as much as I love you and Father and want to be with you, I-I love Candy more. She's the reason I am what I am today. I don't want to hurt her like this. Surely you understand that, don't you? Please, do something, he cries.

All right Jeremy, I'll see what I can do. I can't promise you anything, but I will try. I love you, Jeremy.

I love you, too, Mama. Thank you. He gives her a hug and she goes back into the light, which dims while Jeremy hovers above the room.

He sees Candy come back into the room and take her seat beside him. She holds his hand. She has informed everyone that she is going to stay with Jeremy the rest of the day and night. No matter how long it takes, she will not leave his side. She knows he would do the same for her.