Okay. I could not resist and had to put together a quick entry of my own.


“Right then,” Lucy said loudly, waiting until everyone quieted down and was paying attention before continuing. “Now that we are all here, I think it’s time the games began!”

Everyone laughed as they moved about to get ready for the game, their mood lively and full of expectation for a great night of fun. Lucy began to explain the rules of the first game, her face aglow with excitement. She had worked extra hard on planning games that would encourage interaction between partners and hopefully spark a few fires. Always the optimistic matchmaker, Lucy had many hopes for a successful night of bonding between certain friends. There was nothing that could ruin the night, everything was planned, even the tiniest details prepared and set in motion. Lucy practically bounced with anticipation.

With a dramatic look around the room at her friends, Lucy began to deliver her prepared speech outlining the game. But before she could finish her first few words, a loud boom echoed in the room and darkness engulfed the surprised faces leaving a prominent silence to the night

Within seconds the group was organized and set into motion to locate candles, matches and flashlights. Mumbles of blown transmitter, simple power outage, and “Lucy must have planned this in order to scare us” were hear. Awkward giggles and snickers emitted as everyone searched for confirmation that the sudden blackout was due to a mechanical malfunction and not spirit activities.

Levi, who had immediately gone to his master side, leaned closer to Sue’s leg to assure her he was right there and also to find comfort in her warmth. Even he felt a little wary of the dark and with raised hair and alert eyes, he watched the shadows that roamed the room, prepared to take action if necessary. Jack, who had been sitting nearby preparing for the game, had moved quickly to find Sue knowing she would be frightened by the dark. But when he reached out to touch her where he knew she had been just seconds before, he could only find Levi’s head. Jack squinted and tried to make out any shapes in the room but the darkness was too great and he could see nothing. Over the sounds of shuffling feet, banging drawers and cabinets, a sickening thud resounded.

“What was that?” D called out from the kitchen where he and Lucy had just acquired candles and matches. With a flick of his wrist, the flame of the match broke the darkness and D quickly lit several candles in Lucy’s hands.

“Is everyone okay?” Tara’s face glowed in the light of the candle that Lucy handed her. She searched her companions faces that could be seen within the candle’s range. D had returned to Donna’s side next to Darcy who was now joined by Bobby holding another candle. Bobby’s candle added light on Stanley and Myles who had gone in search of flashlights in the bedrooms but had only become lost in the dark and succeeded in finding the front door not the bedroom doors. Taking a step forward, Tara added Jack and Levi to the circle of light.

Jack looked around quickly for Sue but could not find her. “Sue? The group panned out with candles stretch high in front of them in search of Sue.

Levi was the first to locate her and he quickly sent out a short bark indicating his success. Jack followed Levi’s bark and found Sue on the floor next to the fireplace. She was laying awkwardly against the stone hearth and blood flowed from a wound on her forehead. His heart sank in his chest and he gingerly checked for a pulse. Relief escaped his heart at finding her pulse. “We need an ambulance.”

I hope Sue's ok.

Great start! Please add more soon.

OK, I'm preparing to be seriously scared...

I love the fact that you added a story - and that you only have 3 days to finish it.

Can't wait for more. You are off to an exciting start.

I'm so excited that you've entered a story, Michelle!! And so looking forward to seeing where you take this--that was quite the start!

Okay, can we talk about how very excited I am that you are posting a Halloween story?



Now can we talk about how nervous I am for Sue?

ACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, my goodness, what happened to Sue...seemingly by Levi and now bleeding by the fireplace. Since it's almost halloween you are bound by the rules of the challenges to have to disclose this quandry to us soon...which can I just say that I'm thankful for.

Michelle, I'm so glad you're doing a story...as usual you have us totally hooked with just your first post. I can't wait to see what fabulous tale you are ready to weave for us.

Haha bigfan, good point. Halloween is just a few days....so....yeah...it all better work out! Hehe. What a start! Let Sue be ok...please! Great job and eagerly looking forward to more!!

Um, can I add my boing's to rerio's please!?!?! And the ACK too!

Michelle, I am so thrilled you're entering - yippee!!!!!!! Hope you are feeling OK, too, am thinking of you lots (and your fridge )

Interesting start!

Looking forward to more!
Cassie

Jack gingerly held Sue’s hand waiting and watching for any sign that she would wake up and be okay. Minutes past and Sue did not stir, her body lifeless and pale in the light of the many candles held by her friends. By the time the ambulance arrived, Myles and D and Stanley had organized neighbors to line the hallways and staircases with candles and flashlights so the paramedics could find their way to the apartment quickly.

Before the paramedics had unloaded the stretcher, Sue had begun to move. Jack missed Sue’s first moves as he had been praying fervently with closed eyes. But Bobby squeezed his shoulder drawing Jack from his prayers. Sue began to moan slightly and turn her head side to side. Jack gave her hand several squeezes and stroked the side of her face, hoping to reassure her that he was there, hoping to see her open her eyes.

Sue’s head pounded and the weight on her eyes was so heavy. All she could do was moan at the pain and wish it would go away. It took Sue a few seconds to realize that someone held her hand, caressing it. It had to be Jack and Sue’s heart filled and the pain lessened.

Fighting harder to open her eyes, Sue began to see success as light filtered in between her lashes She could just make out Jack’s head but details were fuzzy. She offered a smile to let him know she was okay.

“Sue, my love, you scared me.” His voice was scratchy and filled with emotion. She could feel his concern. Lifting her other hand from the floor, Sue touched her forehead but felt her hand being pulled back.

“Be careful. You have a nasty bump.” Blinking several times to clear her vision, Sue turned to look into the eyes of the man she loved and found a pair of grey eyes looking back. “Howie?” Sue’s voice cracked under the strain of confusion.

Howie?! :wipe glasses: Wasn't sure I read corretly... Howie?!

Howie? Where are you taking this Michelle?

Scared minds want to know - and i can't wait to find out!

Oh my goodness, this is too wierd...please post again soon. I hate thinking that Sue thinks that Jack is Howie....YIKES!!!!

“Howie? Well, you haven’t called me that in years. Are you okay, hon? When you fell out of bed, my heart stopped. You’ve given yourself a nasty bump but you should be okay, nothing a little ice won’t fix. But it would be a good idea to go to the doctor and get an x-ray. You never know. You could have cracked your skull and have internal bleeding or swelling. Maybe I should take you now. Or should we wait awhile. You know, to see if you have vomiting, dizziness, so on. Oh, where is our first aid book. Do you remember where we put it? Is it in the kids’ bathroom?” Howie continued to ramble on while Sue pondered her situation and then his comment about the kids’ bathroom.

“Kids? What kids? Howie, what is going on? Where are we?” Sue sat up and grabbed her head as the room spun violently at first and then dulled to a lazy twirl. Howie sat down next to her and pulled her close, supporting her body as she found her bearings.

“Just relax, sweetie. Take slow breaths. You’re safe at home, our home in Putnik, Iowa, just down the street from your parents’ house. The kids are still asleep. Has the dizziness stopped?”

Sue shuddered each time Howie kissed her forehead but her weakened state kept her from pulling away. In addition, it took all of her concentration to follow all the details swarming into her brain. She surveyed the bedroom noting the comfortable furniture and loving detail to matching color schemes. It was a pleasant room, full of warmth and soft flowers that welcomed the day. It was the bedroom of her dreams, simple and inviting. So, she was no longer in her apartment. We’re they on assignment? That was it. She was working undercover but with Howie and that didn’t make sense.

Turning to look at Howie, Sue noted that he was wearing a grey pinstripe suit and blue tie. “Why Howie, you look great.” She was surprised by Howie’s appearance considering she usually saw him in some form of a leisure outfit that hinted toward more of an pimpish style rather than classy business attire.

“Well, thank you. You do have great taste in my clothes. I don’t know how you do it, getting the colors to coordinate. I always receive compliments on my clothes and I am so proud to say my wife picks out everything I wear.” Howard was frightened by his wife’s state of confusion and by the ugly discoloration on her forehead and he sought to comfort and distract her until she felt more like herself.

“Wife? Did you say wife?” Sue shook her head sure she was hearing things wrong. With the impact of a freight train the realization that she was hearing rammed into her head. She could hear. When and how did this happen? Sue racked her brain searching for answers. It was too overwhelming to comprehend and Sue sank quickly back into the blackness that brought her to this strange world. Before her head could hit the floor, Howard reached out and caught her and pulled her quickly to his chest. Worry created creases on his face as he reached for his cell phone in his suit pocket. Dialing 911, Howard sent out a prayer for the woman he loved more than life itself.

Oh my gosh, Michelle, this is almost painful!!!!

And this
I live in Iowa, girlfriend, be careful... .

Well to say I'm very intrigued as to where you're going with this is an understatement but you do have Howie nailed...it's very fun.

I can't figure out yet if you're doing comedy or we need to take this seriously because something spooky is going on!!!

I shall just stay tuned and wait and see!!!

Just one minute...*jp shrieks* WHAT PLANET AM I ON?????????????

What happened? Howie? Sue can hear? I'm SOOOOO confused!!! And a little bit scared! I'm so glad you have to finish this in two days...I don't think I can take it much longer!

*jp wanders off, muttering...* Howie? What in the world...?

This had sooooo better be one of those Dallas dream scenes going on here!!!

This story is absolutely positively crazy...but I love it! Where on earth did you get this idea? I can't wait to see where you go with this--thank goodness I won't have to, since you have only two more days to finish it!!!

The darkness was a welcome reprieve from all the chaos and confusion. Sue reveled in the tranquility and absorbed the comfort it offered. She fought to ignore the hands that shook her, the subtle stroking of fingers on her hand and the feel of fur on her ankle. She focused on thoughts of her friends and her life as she knew it, hoping that if she saw it clearly in her head the nightmare would end.

“How long has she been unconscious?” The paramedic looked to the dark-haired man holding the unconscious woman’s hand.

The handsome man looked up with sad eyes and spoke quietly. “She’s been out for almost 10 minutes. She’s been mumbling but has yet to open her eyes. Will she be okay?”

The paramedic did not answer immediately. It was best not to make promises that he may not be able to keep. Head injuries were such an unknown factor and she had hit her head pretty hard against the fireplace and the fact that there was very little swelling on the surface of her head was a bad indication that there was swelling inside. He felt for the man obviously so in love with the beautiful woman on the floor. And breaking protocol, he offered some encouragement. “We’ll do our best for her. We’re not far from the hospital.”

“She’s deaf. She’ll need an interpreter.” Jack’s fear for Sue grew greater. He could sense the severity of her injury through the professional hurriedness in the paramedics as they prepped Sue for transfer to the hospital. His wig long departed from his head, he ran fingers over his hair in frustration.

The room was eerily quiet except for the mechanical movement of the paramedics as they loaded Sue onto the stretcher. The silence was broken only by Lucy’s sniffles that were muffled by Myles’ shoulder where Lucy had sought refuge long ago. Jack stood as Sue was secured to the stretcher. The team moved in stunned silence as they followed the stretcher from the apartment and out to the waiting ambulance.

Jack turned to Lucy and before he could ask if she wanted to go with Sue, Lucy pushed Jack toward the ambulance. “You go with her.”

Myles gave Lucy a tight hug and spoke huskily with grave eyes. “We’ll meet you there, Jack. Take care of her until we get there okay?”

Jack nodded a promise and jumped into the waiting ambulance. The doors closed and the driver took off with an urgency that left the circle of friends more frightened than any terrifying Halloween story.

I'm so worried for Sue right now! I hope she wakes up in her true reality very soon...that being the one where she fell down at the Halloween party!



ACK! Things are not looking good here! Please post more soon!!

Just for you Tina. If you're still around that is.

Sue could see the whiteness of the room through her eyelids. Instinct told her that she was in a hospital plus the smells reinforced her belief as the combination of antiseptic and chemical cleaner filled her nostrils. Taking a deep breath, Sue waited and strained to hear. Not finding any sounds, she released her breath relieved to know she was still deaf. It was just a dream she thought and with an eagerness that belied her injury, she opened her eyes and turned to find a set of grey eyes staring intently at her.

An involuntary moan escaped Sue’s lips at the sight of Howie by her side. Assuming Sue was in pain, Howard leaned in to press butterfly kisses on his wife’s cheek. “You’re going to be okay Sue. I know it hurts but the doctor doesn’t want to give you pain medication until he has completely evaluated your head injury. Are you in much pain?”

“Howie. What is going on?” Sue pleaded and felt her heart fill with fright. She could not understand what was happening and why. Where was the team? Why was she not able to remember what had taken place and why she and Howie were undercover as a couple? It was too incredible to comprehend.

“Sue. You fell out of bed and hit your head. We’re at the hospital. Don’t worry. The kids are safe next door at Lucy’s.” Howard fought to keep his voice calm, but seeing his love’s confusion raised fears in his mind as to the possibilities that she had seriously injured her head. If anything happened to Sue, he would not be able to go on and he prayed that she would be okay. Life would be nothing without her sunshine to welcome each day. His heart raced further as he thought about their children. What would they do without her? She had to be okay.

“The kids? Lucy. Oh, thank goodness.” Sue was so relieved to hear Lucy’s name. Good, so Lucy was next door and must be part of the undercover job. Now where was the rest of the team?

Howard assumed Sue’s “thank goodness” meant that she was relieved to know the kids were safe with Lucy, their dear friend. He also took her comment to mean that she was remembering and he felt the heaviness begin to leave his heart. But his elation soon took a nose dive as he watched a painful horror pass over his wife’s lovely face.

“Sue, what’s wrong? Is the pain worse? Should I call a nurse?” Howie searched Sue’s face and bounced in place unsure what to do.

Sounds returned with a vengeance, shaking Sue to the core. Sue began to cry and the tears fell violently as shock filled her soul. The range of noises were too much for her poor body and mind to handle and the darkness again swallowed her in its comforting embrace. Howard started screaming for the doctor and nurses, running between the door and Sue’s side. It seemed to take minutes instead of seconds for help to arrive.

An hour later, Sue slept peacefully in a sedated rest. Several doctors had reviewed the MRI and x-rays and Howard was informed that his wife had sustained a brain injury resulting in some swelling and bleeding. Surgery was not a necessity as all indication showed that the swelling was decreasing and the minimal bleeding had ceased. All they could do was wait and see if she would wake up and how much she would remember, if there was memory loss.

Howard looked at the young doctor before him, so full of cocky confidence and displaced attitude. “She kept saying she could hear like she was surprised about it. She even seemed surprised to know we were married with kids. Will she continue to have memory loss?”

Hating this part of the job, dealing with patients’ family, the doctor let out an impatient sigh. “We won’t know anything for some time. She may have some memory loss that might last a few hours, days, or even years. She may never recover her memory. We just won’t know until she is able to stay awake for any length of time. The best we can do is keep her calm until her body can recover. We’ll just have to wait and see if . . . when she wakes up again.”

Howard could tell the doctor wasn’t optimistic about Sue’s condition but he didn’t know Sue like Howard did. “She’s a strong woman, doc. She’ll pull through. She loves her kids and me and she’ll pull through for us. She’s the most amazing woman I have every met. She’s a writer, you know. She writes a series of novels. You may have heard of them. Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye. They’re very popular.”

The young doctor’s eyes lit with interest. “My wife loves those books. Wow. She will flip when she hears that I’m treating the author of Sue Thomas. Isn’t the main character deaf?”

“Yeah. She is deaf and can read lips which is how she ended up with the F.B.I.” Suddenly Howard had an idea. “Could Sue be confused with her story? Is that why she kept saying she could hear? I mean, she gets caught up in writing her story and has been known to carry emotions and feelings of the characters into her regular life. I know to tread carefully around the house when she is deep in case development because she tends to be very focused on research and never really in a good mood. But then again, when she writes the teasing love scenes, well, let’s just say, I like those times.” Howie smiled at fond memories of passionate nights with Sue.

Warming to the soft nature of this small man, the young doctor did something he had never done before with a patient or a family of a patient, he offered support. Placing a hand on Howard’s shoulder, he provided encouragement. “I have a good friend who specializes in head injuries. I’ll give him a call. We will do everything we can for her.” Overwhelmed by his temporary compassion, the doctor quickly vacated the room leaving Howard to his memories and pain.

All the while, Sue fought the battle to awaken to the reality she knew. She called out for her friends, for Jack but only the nurses who treated her heard her cries and, of course, Howard heard them as he never left her side. The efficient staff simply shook their head with weary acceptance having seen on many occasions what head injuries can do to a person’s mind. They watched with grief as Sue cried for someone named Jack and felt such pain for the man who clung to her every movement and cried silently in anguish at her words. Whispered discussions abound as to Jack being her lover and whether or not her husband had known about this other man.

Whoa...I swear I got goosebumps with that post, Michelle! What a twist! Now I understand what you meant in chat...

Part of me wants to chuckle at the thought of Howie and Sue as a happily married couple..just doesn't fit somehow--yet the dramatic twists in this story, not to mention the emotions you are portraying, are gripping to say the least. I'm certainly not laughing..you've got me on the edge of my seat, dying to read more. I know that you won't disappoint!

Thanks for the encouragement Tina. And for all your support!

Maybe I should add a warning that my story takes drastic twists and turns and it is easy to get lost if you don't pay close attention. :wipe glasses:

WOW! What an awesome storyline, Michelle, you got hit by the 'inspiration stick' big time, didn't you!!!

Love that the 'Howie alternate universe Sue' writes STFBE - pure genius!!!

Do we have a creativity award? Because this wins it, hands down! But ACK!! Okay, apparently I haven't completely suppressed my J/S tendencies, because I really, really want the universe with Howie to be a dream and the J/S world to be the real one! Although Howie is very sweet here, and I think the idea you came up with is just wonderful!

So...posting again soon?

Interesting Twist!

Looking forward to more!
Cassie

Big Michelle. this is so creative! Where did this idea come from? It's fantastic and i can't wait to see where you'll take us.

Lynne

PS i too hope the J/S story line is reality. Heehee.

The idea probably came from some greasy food I ate one night.

The once comforting blackness now turned violent and carried Sue further away and she fought to maintain strength to continue her upstream battle. Just further up the way Sue knew Jack and her friends waited. She just had to fight a little longer, push through the waves of pain and pull herself back to her life. The blackness thickened and filled her nostrils, choking her and she could feel herself drowning, dying. Just when she felt the last of her strength waning, strong hands reached through the darkness pulling her upwards to the light. Grabbing with every ounce of her soul, Sue clung to the hands as they pulled her into the light and through the surface of the dark body that had kept her captive so long.

Free from the dark, Sue opened her soul to the dark eyes that hovered over her face. “Sue. Thank God you’re awake.”

With tears of joy at finding her way back, Sue reached out to touch his face, enjoying the rough feel of stubble on her soft hands. Several tears streamed from her eyes and over her cheeks and Jack reached out and gently wiped away the wetness.

Jack’s heart pounded and he was sure it would bounce right out of his chest. He strained to not faint under the pressure of blood surging though his body. He had almost lost Sue and nothing had ever frightened him more. In the past hour, he humbly accepted his fate, he was in love with Sue and he could no longer hide it, no longer wanted to hide it. “Ssh. You’re okay now. Just don’t ever scare me like that again. I thought I lost you.”

Confused by the passion Sue could see on Jack’s face, she feared that her injury was very serious. “What happened? Am I okay?”

“You fell at the party, hit your head on the fireplace. The doctors say you’ll be okay but will need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation as a precaution. Do you remember anything?” Jack searched Sue’s face, praying that she had no memory loss which the doctors had prepared him for as a possibility.

“I remember the party and the lights going out but that’s about it. Wait. I remember something to do with Howie. He was wearing a suit and looked really nice. There was something with . . .” Sue hesitated to say anything further because she knew it would sound too bizarre, besides it had to have been a dream or hallucination. That was it. It was a hallucination caused by the bump on her head. “I think it was a dream.”

Relieved to know that Sue remembered mostly everything, Jack looked intently at Sue with a stern expression. “I’m not sure I like the thought of you having dreams about Howie.”

Not fooled even for a second by Jack’s stern comment, Sue teasingly replied, “Oh, and who would you rather I dream about?”

He was so near her now. She could smell the musky scent of his cologne and feel the warmth of his breath on her face as he leaned in closer. Sue gulped, grateful that she was already laying down because her knees had suddenly gone weak. She was sure Jack could hear the rapid beating of her heart. For several seconds they stared at each other and then Jack pulled back slightly so Sue could see him speak. “I think I would like you to keep your dreams focused on . . .”

Jack stepped back quickly as the door swung open and Lucy and Levi entered. “Sue, you’re awake. I’ve been so worried.”

Levi ran to the bed and pushed Jack out of the way so he could lay his head on Sue’s lap. Jack laughed and stepped back giving Levi and Lucy ample room to approach Sue. Over their heads, he gave Sue a wink before leaving the room.

Sue wondered what Jack was going to say before Lucy interrupted. She would have to ask him later, the next time they were alone.

Well, Michelle, I appreciate the J/S reprieve because I'm barely stomaching thinking about passionate nights between Howie and Sue...YUCK!!! But I'm trusting you, girlfriend. I know you like to play with and dangle your loyal fan base but I also know you don't want to lose us... ...so carry on...I am honestly very intrigued by where your wanderings are going to take us.

This is halloween craziness at its best!!!!

And don't we just love it!!! Carry on Michelle.

Ditto!

This is a very nice story and... Could we get some more?

Yes, thank you for breaking up the Sue/Howie marital bliss scenes with a nice Jack/Sue moment...you certainly are messing with us big time here, Michelle...but I trust that you'll make things right in the end....

(Years Later)

The older nurse working the shift smiled softly at the hunched figure that walked past the nurse’s station. His weary greeting and usual optimistic question always brought tears to her eyes. “Good morning. How is she?” He was always hopeful for some change and it pained her greatly to have to repeatedly tell him the same thing every day. “She had a peaceful night. I’m sorry, there is no change.”

As he walked away toward the room where his lovely wife slept undisturbed, the nurse gave way to the tears that found her every morning. If only she could find a love like this man had for his wife. He had never given up hope that she would wake from the coma that took her shortly after her head injury that fateful day years before.

Grabbing a tissue from the counter, she stifled the last of her tears turning as the younger nurse on duty joined her at the station. The cute young nurse had recently joined the staff at the long-term care facility and while quite efficient at her job, she tended to be abrupt and sometimes rude in her manners.

“I see the old geezer is back. He gives me the creeps always lurking around the floor, talking constantly to that woman and always wearing the same grey pinstriped suit. Who is she anyway? His daughter?”

The older and wiser nurse took a steadying breath before answering. “He’s visits his wife, bed #13, every day and has never missed a day since she was brought to this facility. I would suggest you show him more respect. He’s had it rough watching his wife literally melt away. And as for the suit, he actually owns several pairs of the same outfit. One of the last things his wife told him was how nice he looked in that suit. So every day he wears the same outfit, just in case she wakes up. He wants to look good for her.”

With a careless shrug of her shoulders, the younger nurse grabbed a soda water from the small frig below the counter. Popping it open, not caring as droplets of soda splattered over the various neatly organized paperwork on the counter, she took a quick swig before asking, “How can he afford to spend all day here. Doesn’t he work?”

What insolence the older nurse thought as she cleaned the spilt soda from her paperwork. “Have you heard of the show Sue Thomas?”

“Who hasn’t? It’s great. I just love Yannick as Jack. What incredible eyes. I could just eat him alive.”

“Well, the show is based on a series of books written by that gentleman’s wife and he receives a nice dividend from the show which supports his family and her medical expenses.”

Instantly the young nurses eyes lit up. “So he’s loaded.”

“Keep your fancy panties to yourself. He’s got eyes only for his wife, has for years. He brings in specialists all the time hoping for a miracle.” The older nurse shook her sadly. She had watched as time after time Howard’s hope had been shattered as numerous specialists all resounded the same thing, there was no hope that Sue would ever recover. His wife was slowly withering away, her body growing weaker, even with physical therapy. It was just a matter of time before her heart gave out.

But Howard never gave up. Just yesterday he had flown in another specialist, some psychologist from Germany. He was a very kind doctor and unknowingly in trying to be gentle in his analysis, he had pratically crushed Howard. The older nurse would never forget watching Howard’s face crumble as the large German doctor informed him that Howard should be grateful that wherever his wife might be mentally she displayed such happiness as could be seen by the almost constant smile on her face, even sometimes laughing out loud. He added that it almost seemed she glowed with love.

The older nurse had known Howard for years but had never seen him so despondent and lost than at that very moment. She really thought as he walked away that she would never see him again. But he surprised her this morning when he returned carrying a large bouquet of lilies, his wife’s favorite.

How sad for Howie! Tears definitely threatened while I read that, Michelle--it was so well written! This story is just amazing. Now...what's been going on in the other reality while Howie's Sue has been in a coma???

Oh, that was heart wrenching, Michelle. And yet was Howie to perfection, so loyaly to Sue, so desperate to please her.

This really is a superb storyline, your creativity takes my breathe away! Almost sad to know that this is the final day of the competition, and that it is about to end. Will be looking forward to the conclusion with tissue's in hand, as either way someone is about to lose the love of their life.

Oh yes, before I go: Count me in for seconds .... and thirds .....and fourths ....

Michelle, I feel like I'm on a trip to the twilight zone! This is absolutely brilliant! As much as I prefer the warm fuzzies of the J/S moments , I can't help being amazed with how you came up with this.

Sue could smell the flowers, so soft and sweet. They reminded her of something but she could not put her finger on it. This was not the first time she had a nagging feeling that she was missing something important, something forgotten but she could never figure out what it was. And eventually, the feeling would go away until something else triggered it. Sometimes she woke at night sure she was supposed to be someplace else but never sure where and why.

Turning to look around the room for the flowers she so strongly smelled, Sue was confused to find no such item on display. In her search of the room, her eyes fell upon Jack who set watching her from his desk.

“Looking for something?” Jack raised his eyebrow and lifted the corner of his mouth in a slight smirk. They had been teasing each other all morning and he was just itching for another good round of harassment, anything to allow him to look at Sue.

Sue shook her head. “Just thought I smelt something.”

“Myles, have you been eating sardines and garlic again. Little sheila over here says she smells something.” Bobby grinned from ear to ear always enjoying the opportunity to spark a fire in Myles.

Failing to see any humor in Bobby’s comment, Myles simply chose to ignore the Aussie’s rude comment and focus on work. But the rest of the team enjoyed his words and laughed heartedly.

Sue laughed along with the group and looked fondly at her co-workers/friends. She was ever so happy with her life and quiet content to never leave. Suddenly that nagging thought came upon her again that she should be someplace else and she frowned fiercely.

This time was different though, the feeling was stronger and Sue began to shake with fear or uncertainty, she could not decipher. Quickly escaping the bullpen, she found her way into an empty conference room. Sue hugged herself, taking deep breaths trying to stop the shivers that continued to rock her body.

The feel of his warm hands on her arms startled her and she turned swiftly to find Jack, eyes dark and wide with concern. “Sue, what’s wrong?”

Sue shook her head, not knowing how to answer, unsure how to describe what she was feeling. Wanting to explain, hoping Jack would understand, she began by describing the smell that triggered the emotion. “I thought I smelt flowers, lilies I think. The smell was strong and it reminded me of something but I don’t know what.”

“You’re shaking.” Jack rubbed his hands up and down Sue’s arms. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I guess it was just deja-vu but really strong deja-vu.”

Jack’s eyes crinkled and he took the opportunity to lighten the mood. “Ah-ha. You must be having images from a former life.”

Sue laughed. “Sure a former life. Probably one in which I was a world renowned heart surgeon and you were one of my patients that I saved.”

“Honey, you could save me any day.” Jack grew very serious and his stomach fluttered nervously. “I would not hesitate to have you as my heart doctor, especially considering you already have my heart.”

Sue swallowed her breath and watched as Jack moved closer and slowly pulled her hands to his chest “You do know you hold my heart in these hands?”

Jack watched a soft blush cover the paleness of Sue’s face. He could see her struggle with uncertainty and he feared he had been wrong in his assumption that she cared for him as he did her. With a heavy heart, he began to pull away from Sue only to find his departure stopped by a hand on the front of his shirt. With shy tenderness, she played with one of his shirt buttons and he could feel the warmth of her fingers through the thin material.

“I love you Jack.” Her words were spoken so quietly that Jack wasn’t sure he had actually heard her correctly but when she pulled on his shirt forcing him closer to her, he had his answer. Their lips hovered just inches apart and Jack savored the smell of her skin. Just when Sue thought she could handle the anticipation no more, Jack delicately touched his lips to hers and the brief contact took Sue’s breath. Their lips met again in another kiss, more demanding, both giving and taking.

Shaking with desire, Jack broke the kiss and pulled Sue tight, giving him time to fight his desire. “Don’t ever leave me.”

Sue leaned back and gave Jack a brilliant smile. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re the one I want.”

I really like the way you're showing that Sue's 'other' life is still with her in some way. And what a sweet moment between Jack and Sue in the conference room...nice way of working in that line, by the way! This story is so intriguing and creative--I can't wait to see how you end it!

WOW I love it It's REALLY REALLY GOOD!!!! uve got to feel sorry for howie, but of course Jack must always win out. i also like how she can smell the lillies and they are reminding her of something she can't quiet remember. It is excellent

I agree wholeheartedly with every single word Tina said!

Okay, can I just say that I really loved that image? That the kiss would be so important to him that he would be trembling...wow.

Are we done yet? Somehow I have this feeling that you're not finished breaking our hearts. The scenes with Howie are so sad! And I say we drag the young nurse out back and shoot her.

Michelle that was so You know Michelle, you got me to thinking, that if I was ever in a coma, I would be just fine playing the role of Sue with Jack! :laughs:

Howard held his wife’s hand tightly. But the shrieking of the monitor told him that it was time to let go. The older nurse turned off the monitor not knowing what to say. She had stopped by to say goodbye to Howard as she always did at the end of her shift only to find him crying a flood of tears. Sue was mumbling and at first the older nurse thought she was waking up. She distinctly heard Sue say “You’re the one I want.” And then Sue had suddenly gone quiet and smiled brightly before the monitors indicated that her heart had stopped.

His voice sounded so small and distant that the older nurse had to strain to hear him but perhaps it was more likely that he was not speaking to her but just voicing some thought. “He’s won.” Howard reached out and gently removed the wedding band that he had placed on a necklace around Sue’s face when her hands had become to thin to support her wedding ring. Clutching the ring to his heart, he leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. “You’re free. Go my love and be happy.”

The sun shone brightly on Howard’s head as he left the medical facility for the last time. As he walked with hunched shoulders to his car, a small woman watched from a nearby park where she walked her service dog. She could see the pain and anguish on the man’s face and she felt such a powerful urge to go to him. She could not explain the need to comfort him but reason would not let her move. As he drove off, she could not help but feel much regret and an overwhelming loss. With a soft shake of her long blonde hair, she urged her companion back to the federal building down the street. She was looking forward to returning to the office and especially to a certain handsome agent.

THE END

Happy Halloween!

Brought tears to my eyes, then gave me a major case of goosebumps at the end! That was amazing, Michelle! Absolutely inspired, my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

Great job!!!

WOW! Words escape me! WOW!!!

Sorry to be so incoherent, but still trying to get my head around it all! What a great story!!!

Wow, how did I ever miss this one?! Fantastic job! And, I got to read it all at once! Man, you sure have a way with those twists!! It was interesting... it was like Howie was a totally different person, but at the same time... still him.

Wonderful job!!

Very interesting story. Wow. Great job and right in time! I loved it!