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We stayed in the same position for the longest time, not talking, just enjoying the moment we had just lived, fulfilled and satisfied and yes... happy. I had imagined that situation a hundred times. It was far beyond my wildest expectations.
Unfortunately, Jeremy couldn't stay too long. The busy life of a physician I guess, but also the life of a carer for a sick person. I was not supposed to work yet. I admit I love my job and I had been missing it quite a lot. The first person I called was Jeff. I wanted to know how far he got with Jeremy's house. I was glad to hear he would be finished before the deadline. I had already talked with my Mum to know how much time she would need to finish the decoration so that the house would be livable and more a home than a house. Jeff told me she was already very busy with painters and carpenters. I was really eager to see it all with my own eyes. I knew that if I went over to the construction site and that my Mum was there, she would be really mad at me, so I stayed home but planned to go over there as soon as possible.
I started up my laptop to check on my e-mails. I saw that Mark and Filip had activated an "out-of-office" message. The only e-mails that came true were from people wishing me well and hoping for a quick recovery. I responded to those with a tank you message and then deactivated the out-of-office message. I wasn't going to sit on my butt doing nothing. A call to Mark and Filip was in order to have all the other e-mails with price requests and so on. We discussed the current business and I soon had my agenda full despite the doctor's orders.
Everybody told me to keep it quiet, to not overdo it. I had to impose a schedule on myself and rested as much as possible, but the business went on. Jeremy warned me that I wouldn't get a second chance and that scared me. The image of the woods and lake came back more frequently, although there was a small change in that image. At the edge of the lake, I could see the shadow of a man. It wasn't crystal clear but there was definitely someone there, apparently with his feet in the water. The feeling of peace was always there as well. I just wondered what the meaning of that image was, but couldn't find it. It intrigued me. It intrigued me even more when the image became like a movie as I could clearly see the wind in the trees, the clouds passing by and even the man at the lake move slightly.
When Jeff and my Mum called me almost simultaneously to say the house was finished and ready to move in, I was overjoyed and as excited as Jeremy and Claire to see the finished results. I had not been able to go and see it by myself, but I trusted Jeff and Mum enough to know it had to be spectacular. The day before the actual move, my Mum came to pick me up and go and see it. The collaboration of Jeff and my Mum made it so special. Even if I had designed it and I normally can visualize what I draw, I was in awe. The furniture wasn't all there yet, but I just loved the place. My Mum had even contacted a landscaper for the garden and the surroundings. Just driving from the road to the main entrance, it all exuded peace and tranquility. The house was standing there, just like a jewel in its case. I felt some pride, which increased when I got into the house. I had the feeling this was perfection, like all houses should be like this one. I had created it, with all perfect proportions. Nothing was too big or too small. The kitchen was any chef's dream. The ample living room/dining room was cosy and inviting. The bedrooms and bathrooms were perfectly equipped as to make Claire's life as easy as possible. The backyard was a pure heaven, with a lot of flowers and the swimming pool overlooking the surrounding scenery. All the walls were painted with a combination of soft pastels and touches of stronger colors. It was beautiful. I crossed my fingers that Claire and Jeremy would like it as much as I did, but didn't really doubt about it.
I had suggested to come and help with the move, but Jeremy energetically refused. If I wanted to be helpful, he said, I could take Claire out for the day and that was exactly what I did. I picked her up fairly early at their duplex and drove into town, the first visit being at the mall. We went for coffee first and then shopping. I didn't know shopping with Claire would be so much fun. Apart from being fun, it was also a source of information about what Jeremy liked. She was giving me advise on what he liked and disliked, what I could buy for a birthday or an anniversary and even Christmas. It felt like she was preparing me for the years to come, persuaded Jeremy and I would be together for a very long time and knowing she would never see it. We had lunch at a small café and talked more and once again Jeremy was the subject of all conversations. It was obvious she wanted me to know as much as she knew herself about her husband. She was in a hurry to update me as if she knew we were not talking about months any more. She was very realistic about it and it made me sad that I hadn't known her a lot earlier. Jeremy had been right telling me we would be great friends.
In the late afternoon we finally went to the new house. Claire was speechless when she saw it. Just as I drove up to the main entrance, the mover's truck left the property. I was eager to see the final decoration of the house with all its furniture and Claire was as nervous as I was. I stopped the car just in front of the door and Jeremy immediately came out to help his wife to get in the wheelchair and then pushed her inside. I recognized a few of the personal touches of my Mum, who was still busy arranging things. When I entered the living room I had that feeling of coming home. What surprised me the most was a painting hanging above the fireplace. I stood there, totally motionless, my eyes glued to that painting.
It was the perfect reproduction of the image I saw in my dreams and the flashes I received.
I was stunned, knocked out and couldn't move nor speak. This was totally surreal. Nonetheless, I felt Jeremy's hands on my shoulders while he was standing behind me. His mouth was next to me ear and he whispered softly.
-Isn't it beautiful?
I woke up from my stupor and turned around.
-Jeremy, I told you about my visions and my dreams, yes?
He nodded.
-This painting above the fire place is EXACTLY the vision and dreams I have... till the last detail. In my dreams it is moving, I mean, the clouds and the wind in the trees. But apart from that, there is no difference at all...
He looked over my shoulder to the painting, as stunned as I was. There was no logical reason for me to dream about that painting that I was seeing for the first time in real. I asked Jeremy if he had any idea who was the painter of this artwork, but he had no idea at all. It was one of Claire's paintings, but had no idea where it came from. He promised to ask Claire when she was up to it. The mystery of it confused me more than what I expected. I felt my heart beat faster and got a little dizzy, as well as weak in the knees. I had problems standing on my feet and was lucky enough Jeremy was at my side, as he felt me going down and about to fall to the floor. He quickly put me down on the sofa and urged me to lay down. He yelled at no one in particular to bring him a cold wet towel as well as his doctor's medical bag. While I was between fainting and consciousness, I saw an image of a man I had never seen before.
My Mum rushed in with a cold wet towel, followed by Claire in her wheelchair. There was suddenly a chaos around me, although I was not really aware of it. They just told me afterwards. The wet towel felt good on my forehead and a second one was applied to my neck. Jeremy had his stethoscope in his ears and listened to my chest. I remembered I was thinking that I didn't want to go back to the hospital. Little by little I came to my senses and saw all but concerned faces around me. I was sorry I had worried everyone so much, but then again, I had no clue of what was happening to me. I certainly would have to tell my cardiologist about it.
After listening to my heart and measuring my blood pressure, Jeremy had no choice to say everything was normal. There was no medical explanation to what had happened, which was reassuring. In all that chaotic surrounding, I couldn't help myself to ask Claire where she had gotten the painting from. She looked quizzically to me, not understanding where that question was coming from, but answered me anyway.
-It is my brother who gave it to me. It was painted by a friend of his... Why?
I had to know who that friend was and talk to him. The coincidence of dreaming about it and seeing it hanging on a wall was to important. That friend of Claire's brother would know where he got the inspiration from, to draw and paint this landscape. I told her so and meanwhile, everybody around me would know about my visions.
The most intense look came from my Mum. I knew her brain was working at full speed and even in overload. As she didn't make any comment at all, except asking me if I felt all right, indicated that she had some ideas in her head. Knowing her as I did, I knew she was going to leave soon and start a serious investigation. It was just her way of doing things and not speak before she had all the information she wanted to have.
I sat upright, carefully as to not have another dizzy sensation. It was obvious I had been already too busy and didn't rest enough. I too easily forgot I had some serious surgery and a new heart beating in my chest. With spending the day with Claire, I hadn't have my usual siesta. My body was screaming for attention and telling me to slow down. It happened too often that we didn't take in account the things our own body was telling us. That I wanted or not, I just received a warning and had to be very consequent about it. I wanted to go home and lay down. I could understand Jeremy couldn't leave Claire with her nurse and drive me home. I asked my Mum to drive me home and Jeremy to come and collect me so I could get my car back the following day. I was sensible enough to not sit behind the wheel of the car, although it was a short trip.
It was still early when I was home and Mum had left. I had a very light dinner of some fruit and a yogurt and went to bed. It wasn't even dark outside. Don't ask me what I dreamt about because I can't say it. I just knew it was not as peaceful as the dreams I had the other nights and for once I got up but was not rested. It worried me a bit as normally seen I sleep very well and get up as fresh as a rose!
Around ten in the morning, Jeremy dropped by. When he saw my face, he immediately knew I was not at my best. His professional side took over for a minute, but he couldn't detect anything wrong.
-What's bothering you Al?
I couldn't tell it exactly. I didn't feel like I should, but at the same time I couldn't define what was not ok. As he told me that physically there was nothing wrong, it had to be a mental issue. Yes, seeing the painting at his house had affected me more than I could say. It was such a weird feeling. The other thing was the image I had received of the face of an unknown man. I told Jeremy all about what was on my mind. If I wanted us to become a couple and have a serious relationship, it was necessary to have no secrets at all.
He listened to me very carefully and admitted he had forgotten to ask more details to Claire about the author of the painting. She just mentioned a friend of her brother, but that was quite vague. I knew he wanted the best for me and in the short time we had known each other, Jeremy had learned quite a lot about me. One of the mayor things was how to have me relax. Feeling his arms around me, had such a calming effect on me and he knew it. That was why he did it. We were sitting on the sofa where I was half laying on him and having his arms protecting me. I felt so safe with him. I didn't have to be scared about anything, but I felt always better when he was touching me. When I was in such a state, he also lowered his voice, to a whispering tone, choosing his words carefully. I couldn't feel more loved at these moments.
I mentioned the words Claire had spoken to me about being fortunate to receive some extra DNA with the transplant.
-If we think logically, it would indeed be like that. If we think about it with a scientific approach, I doubt about it, but I would have to look it up. It wouldn't be a bad idea to talk it over with your cardiologist, although he is specialized in hearts and not necessarily with DNA. I'll try to get more information about the subject with some colleagues, but whatever they tell me, there is one thing that I am sure of: I love you with all my heart despite the mix of DNA or not.
And then he kissed me passionately, making me feel that his words were meant and didn't leave the slightest trace of a doubt. It was difficult to describe Jeremy's kisses. I had kissed a few guys before him, but it was nothing compared to Jeremy's way of doing it. It was as if I couldn't breath and when he kissed me, my lungs opened up and the fresh air could reach them. The result was always the same: it made me hopelessly horny. It made me want to explore his body and soul, mixing the physical and the emotional sides of what we were living. I wondered if he was always looking at my crotch because he always detected my hard-ons so quickly. His right hand traveled from my chest to my genitals and caressed them softly through my sweatpants. I moaned softly and even though I couldn't see his face, I knew he was smiling. He outlined my hard manhood up and down and soon enough there was a wet spot at the tip of my cock. I turned around so that he could still caress my manhood and that I could see his face and kiss him. What always started as soft kissing, turned to more passionate and I could feel his tongue invade my mouth, searching for any deep corner. My tongue responded to his and the deep kissing was waking up the urge to go further. Our hands were not idle and in the uncomfortable position we were in, we couldn't really reach all the places we wanted. That was why I got on my feet, took Jeremy's hand and dragged him to the bedroom. It was not really easy to move from one room to the other, not stopping to kiss, but we managed.
When we were standing next to my bed, the urge of feeling the other's naked skin was the most important thing. For Jeremy it was easy as I had only a T-shirt and my sweatpants, but he was coming from the street and had more on his body than I did. Nonetheless, I loved to undress him and time after time discovering his body, kissing and licking every square inch that came to sight. He was liking it as well as he let me do it, not hurrying me, not even helping me to have the job done earlier. My favorite part was when I opened his trousers and that they fell to the floor around his ankles, letting me see his tiny white briefs which were fully packed, showing his huge manhood that was trying to show up above the elastic waistband of it. I went crazy when I saw the little briefs. I have always loved them above boxers or any other underwear. It was even more erotic than when he was completely naked. I dropped to my knees to remove his shoes and socks and pull the trousers completely off. I pushed him and he fell on his back on the bed. I looked at him with an undeniable lust. He opened his arms, inviting me to get into them, but I had other ideas. I kneeled between his legs and went for his covered cock, licking it through the fabric of his underwear, munching softly on this fine piece of meat, wetting the fabric till it became almost transparent. It was only then that I could see how hugely endowed he was. I couldn't wait any longer and with my fingers in the waistband, I pulled the wet fabric over his legs and feet and off. I wanted to go slow, but with such a hunk of a man in my bed, it was almost impossible. I had to lick him, kiss him, taste him. I had never been so hungry for my lover's body as I was that morning. I wanted to tease him with slow and enticing movements, but I was fooling myself as I couldn't resist the urge of feeling his cock deep in my throat. Jeremy's body was squirming under my touch and he grabbed the sheets as to be able to hold on to something. His deep voice was pronouncing incomprehensible words, guttural sounds from his throat, making me suck him with even more strength, deep-throating him till I couldn't breath anymore. I was overwhelmed with a fever to pleasure him to no end. Between the ragged sounds he could finally tell me to turn around and give him access to my own throbbing hard-on. I knew this 69 position would start with rock hard cocks in our mouths, but that we would go further, licking balls, munching on taints and finally eat-out each other's asses.
The need to feel each other, the urge to pleasure each other was incredible. I loved our way to get to total physical satisfaction and we just knew how to do it. When Jeremy's tongue reached my ass, wetting it with a lot of spit, I was already trying to push a finger in him, looking for his prostate and caressing it till he would ejaculate even more precum that I would catch in my mouth, leaving it for a moment on my tongue before swallowing it so that I could taste his sweet/salty production. He mimicked my actions and soon I was crying out loud, expressing the ecstasy he woke up. I felt my balls retracting in my belly, but didn't want to cum yet. I wanted to feel him in me completely or being in him till I couldn't get any deeper. Our total versatility was giving us double pleasure. It had no importance who penetrated who, it was always satisfactory. As I was on top of Jeremy, he pushed me aside, and with his agility, he was kneeling between my legs, pushing them apart with his knees. He was clearly in "top mode" and I reached for the tube of lube, although with the amount of spit, it was not really necessary. Anoint his over sensitive cock with lube would wake-up all the nerve endings in his manly organ and making him want to push deep inside of me. I also lubed my hole as to have the easiest penetration, not having to wait for my body to adjust to his invading manhood.
Just feeling his cock-head slightly rub over my puckered hole, gave me shivers. The anticipation of having him inside of me was filling me with feverish lust. I spread my legs wide in the air, giving him the best access and inviting him to make love to me the way he liked most. As he was pushing against my sphincter, I relaxed my muscles and wrapped my legs around his waist, pushing with my heels on his buttocks and feeling him entering me in the most exquisite way. It was obvious he was about to caress my prostate with his cock, pushing even more precum out of my cock-head. The first thrust on my sensitive prostatic organ made me gasp for air. Jeremy bent down and kissed me while the last inch of his cock pushed its way into my bowels. We were once again united, physically and mentally. We put all our heart in the kiss and as soon as he started the in-and-out movement I blessed heaven for bringing Jeremy into my life. Long, slow strokes got me wild, knowing that he would increase speed and strength to reach places I didn't even realize I had. His hot cock mingled well with the furnace that was my ass.
Jeremy took his time to alternate slow long strokes with short and hard ones. He had to control himself as not to reach orgasm too quickly. We both loved it when he delayed our orgasms as much as he could, making us enjoying the feelings in our nether regions. He pushed himself upright till he was on his knees, grabbing my ankles and widening my legs as far as his arms allowed him, pushing his hips in a steady rhythm. I was in heaven, on cloud nine and didn't want to come back to reality. I squeezed my ass muscles to be sure he wouldn't get out of my ass, but doing that, I increased the speed of Jeremy reaching his orgasm. The short, hard and strong thrusts, told me he was going to shoot a huge load into me. We strove to go on without ejaculating, but the excitement was far too strong. Jeremy's ragged breathing told me he was about to empty his balls and when I felt the spasm in his cock, it sent me over the edge. I didn't even touch my cock when the first spurt of semen landed on my chest.
Our balls were empty far too soon. Jeremy dropped my ankles and collapsed on me. I crossed my ankles on his back to be sure he wouldn't get out of me. He hold my face in his hands and kissed me with a renewed energy and love. I kissed him back, putting all my love and passion in it, making him understand we were together and in perfect communion. His cock deflated and left my hole. I hated that feeling of emptiness after the lovemaking, but nature was stronger than our own will. Feeling his sweaty body on mine made me happy.
I faintly heard the ringing of his cellphone and hated the fact that he would get up to answer it. I had to get used to that, as it could always be an emergency he had to attend as a physician. As he went to the living room to get his phone, I suddenly felt cold alone in this bed. That cold was not only the temperature, it was also the fact that my lover was suddenly not with me anymore. I heard him talk but didn't understand what he was saying. It seemed it was not going to be a short call, so I got up and went to the shower. I adjusted the temperature of the water before I got in. I let the water cascading over me before taking some soap and wash my body and hair. I had my eyes closed while soaping up. I didn't hear the door of the shower open, but clearly could feel Jeremy's presence behind me. His arms wrapped around me and he softly kissed my neck while letting his hands roam over my slippery body. I rinsed the soap away, turned around and welcomed his lips on mine.
-You came to say you have to go, don't you?
-Unfortunately, yes ... You know that I am available for my patients 24/7, but I promise you I will make it up to you!
Knowing Jeremy like I started to know him, it was true he would. Even though I had not slept well, after our lovemaking and the shower I felt a lot better. I still would have to make an appointment with the cardiologist because of what happened the day before. I also expected to have at least a phone call from my Mum although I suspected that she would rather call Jeremy first to have a precise update on my condition. The surprise was when the first call I got, was from Claire. Jeremy had told her the story about my visions and dreams and she had inquired with her brother where the painting was coming from.
-The painter of what you saw above the fireplace at our house, is of a friend of Jules, my brother. He has no information about where or when it was painted. He promised me to call me back as soon as he knows anything. But... tell me about the visions and the dreams Al. It intrigues me.
I told her in detail how the images had appeared after my surgery and insisted there was nothing to worry about as it always gave me peace and happy feelings. It had just been a shock to see it so clearly with my own eyes.
-I understand, she said, but Jeremy said you were anxious to know where that place was...
-Anxious is maybe a too big word Claire. It would just be nice to see the place as it gives me so much peace. A painting is nice, but the real thing must be awesome. It is also true that I feel drawn to it, even before I saw the painting at your house. It can sound stupid, but something tells me that the place has something magical, or at least surreal. For most of the people it is just a painting, but it is more to me than just that. God... I don't know how to explain it. There is no rational approach to all this. I just feel, or better said, I just know I will have to find this place sooner or later.
She understood. We were really on the same wavelength. There was no surprise about that. We had a very similar mindset. We even loved the same man.
The following week, Claire called me again. She had talked to her brother.
-Al, I saw my brother and asked him about the artist who made the painting he offered me. Unfortunately, the artist died a few months ago, but Jules told me his family was making a photo album about his paintings, to remember him and honor his work. For the moment, he doesn't know the place that was an inspiration for the artist, but once he receives a copy of the album, he promised me to at least ask the family if they know where it was made.
-I'm sorry to hear he died Claire. I think it will be very interesting to see the copy of the album. Apart from the connexion I have with your painting, I really like his style and I would love to see his other works. I would probably be interested in buying one for myself. Let me know when I could have a look at that kind of catalogue.
-I sure will!
The strange thing was that since I had seen the painting in Jeremy's house, the dream didn't come back anymore. The only image I still received was the face of that unknown man. With each dream, I could see that face clearer. I could even start to see details of that face as if the images were a close-up. Jeremy often asked me if the dreams and images were still coming to my mind and I told him everything in detail.
Meanwhile, I had more and more work. I spent so many hours at my drawing table that I almost didn't see my apartment. Even with my Mum I had phone calls, but I didn't see her, let alone seeing my father who was very busy as well. Jeremy and I had daily contact and I couldn't stand to not see him for more than two days. I had that deep inside need to see him and feel his presence and the physical touch, even if it was just a hug and a kiss. He always tried to stay as long as possible, but the constant calls for his professional skills and the needs of Claire, were making it difficult. When he suggested to get away for two days (only) I was overjoyed. My happiness had no more limits. Two days! That was forty-eight hours with him, without interruption. I couldn't believe my luck. He even promised to leave his cellphone at home, giving precise instructions to the nurse. It had been Claire's suggestion to have that little getaway. She was convinced we needed some quality time together and assured Jeremy she could manage for two days if the nurse saw no problems.
That week-end, he diverted his professional calls to a good colleague of him. We would leave on the Friday night and come back on the Sunday night. We had found a small family run hotel in the mountains. The pictures on the internet looked absolutely fabulous. They offered high quality week-end, combined with gourmet meals. We received the necessary coordinates to put in the GPS of the car. The woman on the phone said that if we had not been there before, we would probably not even find the hotel without a GPS. We were supposed to arrive there before 8pm as to not miss the first meal. I had prepared a small bag with my toiletries and a change of clothes. Jeremy would pick me up at my office around 6pm. I should better have taken the day off as I was too excited to do any decent job. I looked more at my watch than concentrating on my drawings.
At 5.30pm I had already tidied my office and it was good that I did as Jeremy arrived early. He seemed as excited as I was to have the two days on our own. If the kiss he gave me at my office was any indication, the week-end was going to be a very hot one. My God! He could be so passionate when kissing and I always answered his kiss in the same way. If you looked for the word "passionate" on Google, there had to be a picture of Jeremy and I kissing. We were soon on the road, Jeremy at the wheel and following the instructions of the GPS. Now that we were together, there was no hurry anymore. The simple fact of being close to each other was more than enough for us. We could feel the energies flowing from one to the other and felt just happy.
The hotel was indeed well hidden and very private. It was an idyllic place and as we arrived just before sunset, we could admire the surroundings. The setting sun was giving the place really beautiful colors and I couldn't help it to think about the painting, as the scenery was very similar although different. We were greeted by a charming lady who explained everything about the place, offering us a glass of Champagne as welcome drink. She and her husband ran the place, together with their son who was a chef and their daughter helping wherever it was necessary. Our room was simple but decorated with a lot of taste. The en-suite bathroom was worth what you find in five star hotels. We immediately felt home and very comfortable.
The first meal was absolutely exquisite, but nothing compared to our first night together. We made love from the moment we reached our room and almost till dawn. It was incredible as we had multiple orgasms, penetrated each other several times. My ass and my cock were sore and I could very well imagine Jeremy had the same problem. It was better than the first time and I just hoped it would be better every time we made love. We were so exhausted that we slept profoundly and even missed breakfast. Around noon we went for a long walk, discovering the beauty of the place. Around 4pm we were back in our room with the intention of having a nice siesta, but we were horny once again. We almost had to hurry to be in the restaurant in time for dinner. We knew we had to go back the following day. It was obvious that as well Jeremy as I wanted to stay longer, but our professional occupations didn't allow it. On our way back to our places, we were silent in the car, holding hands the whole time. We just had to make more time for ourselves and do some escapades more often. The week-end had brought us even closer than what we were. Apart from the lovemaking, we had talked so much and about any and everything, but most of all about what we thought our future would be.
Jeremy insisted a lot that he couldn't make any decisions yet about what WE were concerned as he had the huge responsibility to take care of Claire. I understood that without any problem. I had to admit that I wanted to take our relationship to a new level, meaning to spend more time together in our private time. During this week-end I had discovered the pleasure of sharing the same bed with Jeremy and waking up together. I wanted that to be a daily thing, but didn't want to put any supplementary pressure on Jeremy. I could guess he wanted it as well. He had not expected to fall in love with me. He obviously was and so was I. We had not pronounced the L word yet, but in my heart I knew it wouldn't take long. I am not the kind of person to hide my feelings. The only thing was that I wanted to be sure a hundred percent. Even ninety-nine was not enough. We both knew that everything would change the day Claire was not there anymore. Unfortunately, we also knew that day was getting closer and closer. Jeremy kept me updated with her general condition and it was not really good. With the help of the nurse, he could do whatever was necessary to keep her as comfortable as could be and she had expressed the wish to die at home and not in an anonymous hospital room. Jeremy had promised her it would be like that.
The strangest thing was that, except for Claire's brother, none of the other family members, being it from her side or Jeremy's, came to visit her. Very rarely she received a phone call. That was it. Their parents didn't seem to realize the seriousness of the situation or was it that they didn't WANT to see it? It was not understandable. I don't like to say she was dying. I'd rather say she was fading away. Came the days she didn't even get up anymore. Just getting up to sit in her wheelchair was too much of an effort. The nice color she had in her face disappeared as well, making place for a more grayish complexion. Even smiling seemed to be hard for her. We knew the fatal day was coming closer rapidly. Jules, Jeremy and I took turns to be with her, never leaving her alone at all. We all adapted our work schedules.
One evening, she asked both Jeremy and I, to come to her room. We were each standing at each side of her bed, holding her hands. It was difficult for her to keep her eyes open, but she did, looking alternatively to Jeremy and I. She wanted to tell us something... The words came outs weakly that we both had to bend down to hear her.
-Keep together... and kiss... to show me... you promise me that...
Jeremy and I kissed passionately. When we broke our kiss we simultaneously said: "I love you". The grip she had on our hands faded slowly. Her eyes were closed... her breathing stopped all together. We knew she was gone and we each shed a single tear.
The following hours went by in a blur. Jeremy had to call a colleague to make up a certificate of disfunction as he couldn't do it being her husband. He also called Jules to give him the news. Not even fifteen minutes later he was at the house, wanting to spend a little time with his sister to say goodbye. Parents from both sides were informed as well. Strangely enough, the only thing they asked was when the funeral was going to be. They didn't even come by or anything. The coroner came by and took away the body and discussing a few details about the funeral. The nurse was really affected. Nonetheless, she did all she could to have Claire's room cleaned and tidied up as if there had never been a sick person laying there. With the help of her husband, they even moved some furniture as to have as less possible memories in there. Medication and other medical supplies were removed.
I tried to comfort Jeremy as much as I could, but as you can imagine, there was not a lot to do except being there for him. Except for the single tear he shed, holding hands with his wife, he didn't cry at all.
-Someone once said to me, he said, that crying for someone is a sign that you regret what you didn't do. With Claire, I have no regrets at all. I know I did everything that was in my power to give her all she needed, being it material or emotional. I took care of her as much as was humanly possible. Yes, I'm sad she is gone. The only thing that alleviates the pain is that I was there when she passed away. I am not sorry that she is gone, I am happy I knew her and that she was such a huge part of my life. I am happy that she knew you Al. She told me she really liked and even loved you. I am so glad we could make her the promise to stay together because that is also what I want. Do you want it as well?
-Of course I do Jeremy. So that you know, I don't make promises easily, but when I do, I do everything that is in my power to respect that promise. So that you know, it is the easiest promise I have ever made.
At the funeral, there was a lot of people. Nevertheless, there were unexpected absences. Both, Jeremy's and Claire's parents didn't show up. There was no way we could understand that. Jules was absolutely furious. The rest of his family, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews, were there but not his parents. No one could understand it. They perfectly knew when that funeral was. The absence of Jeremy's parents was evenly not understandable either. It was their daughter-in-law after all. Jeremy was more hurt by their lack of respect and education than by Claire's passing away. If what I saw in Jeremy's eyes was correct, he had banned his parents from his heart and they had reached a point of no return.
Seeing the amount of people at the service, it was obvious Claire was a very loved person. Jeremy collected all his courage and strength to stand up in front of everybody, holding a little speech to thank everybody for any show of sympathy, asking them to not be sad because she was gone, but to respect her joy of life and be happy they had known her. The cremation was done in the most strict intimacy: Claire's nurse and her husband, my parents, Jules, Jeremy and I, no one else. When it was all over, we went to a restaurant. The day had been heavy enough on us. To celebrate Claire's life, we started with Champagne. My Mum started to ask questions about her life and insisted that we would tell only happy memories, anecdotes that would bring smiles on our faces. Everybody had a lot of good things to tell and it was quite unusual that after a few stories of Claire's life, we were not only smiling but laughing out loud. That was exactly my Mum's intention. Claire, although she was sick and suffering, always had a word to make people laugh. It was a real celebration of Claire's life and we couldn't be more grateful to my Mum to initiate the round of happy stories. The last story before we paid the bill and left was Jeremy's. He told what had happened just minutes before Claire died, the promise we made and asking my parents my hand, saying that as soon a respectful mourning period was over, he wanted to marry me.
To be continued
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