She lifted her head and stared into his eyes. “Anything,” she said sincerely.
“Lighten up on Nick.” He said and when she opened her mouth to speak, he shook his head, telling her he wasn’t finished. “I know you’re mad at him for leaving, but, the reason he left Riverdale, was because of me.”
Sam sniffled and drew her eyebrows together in confusion. “What do you mean he left because of you?”
Jake swallowed and then pointed towards the cup of water she held in her hands. She helped him quench his thirst again.
“I did something stupid, and I called Nick to help me out of the mess I created. Long story short, he came to my rescue. He was arrested that night because of something I did, and when his mother found out that I had been the one that actually committed the crime, she used it against him. She blackmailed him to go to Seattle, and he went to save my ass.” He gasped for breath, and then reached for the oxygen mask. Once he placed it back over his mouth, he turned and awaited her reaction.
Sam stared at him dumbfounded, all these years, she never knew the real reason why Nick had left her, and broke all his promises to her. She had a million questions, but didn’t want to waste the time she had with her brother on her sordid past with Nick. Jake’s admission was just that, Jake’s admission, there was no reason why Nick couldn’t tell her that himself.
Jake removed the mask one more time. “I’m not telling you what to do, well, maybe a little bit, but I just want what’s best for you. The two of you are idiots, who love each other. Stop circling around because you never know what could happen.” He pointed to himself. “Take it from me, I’m exhibit A.”
Sam leaned forward and pressed her lips to his cheek. “I love you, Jake.”
“I love you too, Samantha.” He whispered.
Sam closed her eyes and pressed her cheek against his as she wrapped her arms around him, the best she could, due to the confines of the hospital bed. She breathed in his scent, and prayed she’d always remember that moment she held him in her arms and he told her he loved her.
Luke watched Ava through the glass window of the hospital day care center. She sat at a table by herself coloring a picture. How was he going to help his family grieve? How would he explain heaven to his daughter? He shook his head, before leaning his forehead against the cool glass. He didn’t have the answers. He could hear his brother’s voice in his head, pleading with him to take care of Cara. He knew one thing for sure. He’d make sure he abided by his promise to Jake. He felt a hand on his shoulder. Slowly he lifted his head and looked over his shoulder. Leah was behind him, offering him a cup of coffee. He blew out a breath and straightened his posture and turned around. His eyes found hers that were full of sympathy. He took the cup of coffee, she offered and then with his free hand he took her hand.
“Thank you,” He whispered gruffly.
She squeezed his hand and watched as he looked back at his daughter once more. He blew her a kiss even though she wasn’t looking at him. His daughter was about to get the most amazing guardian angel, who would undoubtedly always watch out for her. His lip quivered, but the tears didn’t fall. With Leah’s hand firmly locked in his, he took the first step, pushing his feet to join his brother, as he found the end of his journey.
Nick stood a few steps behind Joe Lanza, watching him as he lit a candle for his son. The hospital chapel was dark except for the candles that illuminated the sacred room. Joe made the sign of the cross as he finished lighting the candle. Nick took a step back, his eyes followed Joe as he knelt before the altar and stared up at the crucifix that hung in front of him.
Nick bit the inside of his cheek, and watched the man he thought of as a father, lose himself; for the first time in all the years he knew him. Joe clasped his hands together in prayer and looked over his shoulder towards Nick. “Do you believe in God?” Joe asked. His voice was raspy and full of emotion.
Nick cleared his throat, finding his voice was just as full of emotion as Joe’s. “Somewhat, its times like this I ask myself why he does the things he does.”
“Say a prayer with me.” Joe said and turned back around and bowed his head. Nick took a deep breath and looked up at the crucifix. He knelt beside Joe, and made the sign of the cross. He bowed his head, just as Joe had.
“Our father, who art in heaven…” They began in unison and prayed to the Lord to take Jake’s soul.