Mount Olympus [3]

Rayah

I nod, standing and walking back, "Let's go."

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Jackie

I nod again, "She's coming."

Nic

I stand and follow her into the room, taking Jackie's hand and leading her back out of the room. I don't say anything, not sure what I could, and just hug her as the feeling in my gut worsens.

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Jace

I wait, and soon Rayah is at my side again. I try my best to calm, my breathing harder than before and the pain growing with each strained breath, and wait for her to say something or do something.

Rayah

I take Jace's hand, looking down, "I'll miss you."

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Jackie

I hug Nic back, closing my eyes, and take a deep breath.

Jace

I lightly grip her hand back, everything dulling. I know. But you'll be okay.

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Nic

I close my eyes and bury my face in her neck, composing myself.

Rayah

I sigh, the machine slowing, "Promise me you'll come visit."

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Jackie

I watch him, "You okay?"

Jace

Her voice echoes in my mind, taking longer to process than before. The constant beeping slows, making it harder to concentrate on forming a response.

I can't promise that, but I promise I'll try.

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Nic

I shake my head but bottle all my emotion inside me, "I-I lost you last month...and now I'm losing him. It's not fair. It's not..."

Rayah

I look down, sniffling, "I know you will," I whisper, gripping his hand tighter, "There's a lot of things I have to think about now. T-The house...You're stuff...The bills..." I shake my head, "I'm just not ready for that yet."

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Jackie

I sigh, "Nic...You got be back. Have hope that he'll come back too. Somehow..."

Jace

I squeeze her hand. Then don't think about it now. Give things time.

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Nic

"And if he doesn't?" I flash a smile, "I lose him completely and am left waiting for someone who will never return. I-I practically raised him, Jacks. I can't handle thinking that way."

Rayah

I nod, "Alright," I look at the machine again, swallowing, "Just know that I love you and always will."

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Jackie

I swallow, taking a step back, "D-Don't think that way."

Jace

I know. And I love you...always will.

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Nic

I study her before the machines go off inside the room. I walk in and watch the whole thing flat line, Jace pale and lifeless. Swallowing, I cross my arms over my chest and walk back out. Love you, brother.

Rayah

The machine beeps in a line and I start crying again, looking at the floor but not letting go of his hand. Jackie comes to my side, looking at me in a way of saying its time to go. I nod slowly and kiss Jace on the lips one last time before walking out with her. This shouldn't happen to him. He doesn't deserve it.

Nic

I wait outside the room for Jackie and Rayah, not wanting to see my brother like that. Once they're out, I start walking down the corridor and suppress the sobs catching in my throat. Alyx meets us outside, solemnly watching all three kids. I take Halee in my arms and feel Alyx set a hand on my shoulder before looking to comfort Rayah. This wasn't the way it was supposed to play out... He was supposed to outlive me.

Rayah

Alyx comes to comfort me and I sit on a bench, taking my kids in arms, holding back tears just for them. Jackie goes to Nic and rests her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

"Wheres daddy?" Riley asks, glancing around.

I swallow, moving some hair from her face, "He's on vacation," I tell her, "He won't be back for a while."

"Where?" Logan asks, giggling.

I flash a halfhearted smile, "A better place."

Alyx

I sit beside Rayah, watching as she handles her kids.

"I'll watch them whenever you want," I offer, "Or whatever else you need. I think I owe you and Jace that."

Rayah

I nod, "Thanks... Can you um...watch them now? I need to be alone," I sniffle, "Please?"