This is a sexually explicit story (at times) involving homosexuality. By continuing to read, you affirm under penalties of perjury that you are not a minor or in the company of a minor and are entitled to have access to this story.
The following is a fictitious story with no real basis or credibility. It is solely for the enjoyment of the reader. Its all just fun. It does not imply anything about the sexual preferences or lifestyle of Justin Timberlake or any other celebrity mentioned in the story.
Author's Note
I have been deeply moved by the love and warmth that has radiated from the admirers of this story.
You all took a great personal view of the last chapter, Michael's sacrifice meaning so much to all of you.
This chapter deals with the next step in this saga. Please remember the underlying message of this story. Love, hope and faith will always prevail. Now, on with our story.
Previously
Four hours later, everyone showed up.
They'd all flown together on Alberto's private jet.
When they walked into the waiting room, they saw a lost Justin. A young man who was missing half his soul.
Lynn held her son in her arms, Justin sobbing deeply.
Randall and Lisa comforting him also.
Nana stood alone, Silas walking up to her, gently holding her.
Justin looked up at her, Nana guiding him into her arms.
"My sweet, Justin, don't cry. Our Mico's love still glows in our hearts. Let's hold onto that. "
Josh and Lance sat looking at Justin and Michael's grandmother. Josh turning and looking at Lance, seeing the tears and sorrow in his heart. Josh hugged him close, Lance crying on his shoulder.
Alberto sat alone thinking of his new grandson, and the loss his death would mean. Not just to the family, but he sensed to the world.
Joey and Chris were still on the way, coming from Florida and New York.
They all sat down quietly waiting.
Everyone's thoughts were on one man, one special man fighting for his life.
They all looked up as the door opened.
Zach walked in, everyone looking at him, and Zach only looking at Justin.
Zach walked across the room, standing in front of Justin, then sinking to his knees, the tears flowing.
"Oh, Jus, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
Justin felt his heart crack.
Chapter 55
Michael's Absolution
Justin looked into Zach's distraught eyes, seeing the pain and loss.
"He's gone isn't he, Zach?" Justin asked, praying against all hope.
"We removed the bullets, Jus. His heart has been repaired, but there is too much damage to his brain. We can't save him, Justin. He's my best friend and I can't save him. I'm so sorry, Justin, I can't save him."
Zach fell forward sobbing, his head resting on Justin's knees.
Justin brushed Zach's hair, rubbing his head.
"You did everything you could, my friend. I don't hate you for not being able to save him, I love you for trying to save him."
Zach looked up into Justin's blue eyes, seeing his love for Michael still shining, his love for him still there.
"We have him on life support machines, they are keeping him alive. But there isn't anything more we can do."
"How long will he live, Zach?" Nana said, Lisa putting her arm around her.
Zach got up, looking at her then again at Justin.
"That's up to you. You have the legal right to remove the machines. He's not going to get better, he'll never be the Michael we love. "
"You want me to let my grandson die?" Nana looked at Justin, Justin meeting her eyes.
He got up walking to her and wrapping his arms around her.
"I still feel Michael's love, in my heart. That has got to count for something, I'll not give up on him, never."
Justin turned, looking at Zach.
"I want to see him, Zacky. He needs me."
Zach nodded, looking at everyone. He saw all the love in their eyes, all the caring and concern for Michael, and even more for Justin.
"I'll take you to him shortly, Justin. But you need to get cleaned up." Zach said looking at his bloodied clothes.
"I've brought some clothes, Jus." Josh said pulling up a small bag he'd carried in with him. He'd known it would be a long night and Justin would need to get changed and refreshed.
"There's a small washroom in there, go in there guys." Zach said pointing to a door.
Josh walked Justin into the small washroom, closing the door.
Josh pulled out a shirt from the bag, Justin removing his blood stained one. He looked at the shirt in his hands, seeing Michael's blood all over it. And then he started crying, Josh pulling him into his arms.
"Oh Joshy, what am I going to do without him. How can I go on. His love was everything to me. He's everything to me. He's leaving me and I can't stop him from going."
Justin sobbed into Josh's chest, Josh holding him tight.
Josh loved Justin like a brother, knowing Michael had been right all along. Justin and Michael were soulmates. And Justin was losing half his soul.
Josh quietly helped him to change his clothes, Justin calming down, but remaining silent.
They walked back out, and sat down again.
Zach, who'd left, came back in with Christina, Joey, Chris and Kelly. They'd all just arrived. Christina hugged Justin, Justin letting her cry into his chest. Everyone else waited their turn to hug him.
"I'm sorry, Justin. I'm so sorry. How are we going to go on without Michael guiding us, without our guardian angel." Christina said.
"Michael will always be guiding us, his love knows no end." Nana smiled at them, Justin smiling back.
After Christina had parted with Justin, Joey and Chris hugged him, Justin seeing their tears and love for him evident on their faces.
"I'll take you and Nana to see him now, Jus." Zach said, putting his arm around him.
Justin, Nana and Zach walked out of the room.
"There are a lot of reporters and news people downstairs, we had a hell of a time getting through." Chris said, sitting down beside Vicky, smiling at her.
"Someone's going to have to make a statement for Justin. This is too big for the media to ignore." Joey said.
"What the fuck happened down there? How did Michael and Paulo get in the middle of this?" Chris asked, everyone seeing the tears in his eyes.
Lonnie and Jake went through the story, everyone now hearing of Michael's sacrifice for Justin.
Christina and Kelly were openly crying, seeing the love that Michael had for Justin. Vicky was sobbing, Chris had his arm wrapped around her.
Everyone remained quiet, lost in their own grief and sorrow. Their hearts were as one, all feeling love and strength for Justin and Michael. For their parting love.
Justin walked into the room, followed by Nana.
It was a large room, darkened with dim lights. A large window looked out onto the dark Chicago evening.
In the center of the room was a hospital bed, surrounded with equipment, a lot of lights and sound emanating from them. Michael lay in the center of the bed, his head covered in a white bandage.
Tubes ran out of his mouth and nose.
Justin's eyes went to his face, seeing his closed eyes. knowing that he'd never see those golden eyes shining with his love for him again.
Tears flowed down his cheeks as he went forward towards the bed.
Zach pulled a chair up beside it, on Michael's right side, guiding Justin into it.
Justin reached out taking Michael's right hand.
As soon as he touched it he felt Michael's soul connect with him. There was a small amount of life left in him, Justin could feel it.
"Mico, it's Jus. I'm here now, I'm beside you. I love you, babe. Please let me know you love me back."
Only silence entered his mind and the room.
Nana walked over to the other side of the bed, Zach pulling a chair up for her.
"Michael, I'm here too. It's Nana, sweetie. I'm so proud of you. You saved your friends and you saved Justin. But why didn't you save yourself?" Tears fell from her eyes, Justin reaching his other hand across Michael, taking her's in his.
"Babe, we're here for you, we love you. I love you. Please talk to me, let me know you love me."
Zach was beginning to sob, seeing Justin's frantic need to hear Michael say anything, a pleading Michael could never answer.
They sat in silence, Michael's grandmother and his lover, holding onto him, letting him know that they'd be with him always.
Michael didn't move, nothing registered on his face or in his heart.
Nana stayed for two hours, then quietly got up, Zach leading her back to everyone.
Justin remained at Michael's side, looking at his face, lost in the beauty of his lover. His mind called out for him every little while, Justin's hope never failing.
Michael had to be somewhere, Justin knew that for certain.
Paulo opened his eyes, looking around the darkened room he was in.
On a chair to his left sat a sleeping Jake, sprawled across the chair.
On his right he saw Alberto staring back at him, tears flowing down his cheeks.
Alberto took his grandson's hand in his, squeezing it gently.
"I'm sorry, Poppa. I'm sorry." Was all Paulo could say through his sobs.
Alberto hugged him gently, kissing his cheek.
"None of this was your fault, Paulo.You didn't have a chance to do anything. All of this was Michael's doing, his decision. I sense he knew what he had to do and he did it. He saved all of you, I think."
Paulo teared up, sobbing, Jake waking up beside him, looking at Paulo.
"The last thing he said to me, I can't figure out."
"What did he say, Paulo?" Jake asked still staring into his green eyes.
"He said they all had it wrong. The one is important when the one is Justin."
Alberto looked at Paulo, holding his hand in his.
"He meant the needs of the many didn't outweigh his love for Justin. Justin told us he saw it in Michael's eyes, that he knew what was going to happen and sacrificed himself to save all of you."
Paulo started crying, Jake hugging his close, careful of his bandaged chest.
"He fought to save all of you, in the end he believed that was worth more than his own life." Alberto said, his own tears flowing.
"He's still alive, Paulo. But it's a forced life, machines are keeping him alive." Jake said quietly.
Paulo looked at his grandfather.
"What of the family, Poppa. What of our destiny. Michael can't save us now, he can't help. Was he not the one?"
"I don't know, Paulo. But don't worry about that now, god's plan is god's plan. You just need to get well, and we all need to be here for Justin. The next few days are going to be hard on all of us. I'll leave you to rest, my son. And to talk with Jake."
Alberto kissed his grandson on the cheek, and patted Jake's shoulder smiling at him.
He got up, leaving the two younger men alone.
"How are you feeling, Paulo?" Jake said still hugging him.
Paulo looked at Jake seeing the concern and compassion in those beautiful blue eyes.
"I feel okay, there's some pain but it's bearable. Jake, we need to talk about something."
"Okay, Paulo. What do you need to say?" Jake said sitting down again in the chair beside the bed, smiling at him.
"Michael told me something else before we got off that elevator."
Jake looked at Paulo, listening to his struggling to talk.
"Go ahead, Paulo. Talk to me."
"He told me to take a chance. To take a chance with you."
Jake looked into Paulo's green eyes, becoming lost in their tearful beauty.
"I have feelings for you, Jake. Deep feelings. I've never met anyone like you, you make my soul come alive. I'm gay, Jake. And I think I may be falling for you. I need to know how you feel."
Jake took Paulo's hand in his, looking into his green eyes again.
"When I saw you get hit with that bullet, I felt terrified that I was going to lose you before I even got to know you. And when I held you in my arms, it felt so right, as if you were a part of me. And I was crying because you were hurt, and I needed to keep you with me. I do care about you, Paulo. Deeply. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have feelings for you also. I'm gay, although not out, as you can gather. That doesn't mean I don't care about you, it means I also care about my career. But I do care for you, and I want to take that chance. Will you let me love you, and can you learn to love me?"
Paulo smiled at Jake, looking deep into his blue eyes.
"Yes, Jake. I want to learn to love you, and I want you to love me."
Jake smiled a wide beaming smile, Paulo smiling just as widely.
They leaned it to each other, kissing each other gently, and passionately.
Jake was still concerned for Paulo's well being.
"So, let's get you better, then get you out of here. Then we can go on our first date." Jake smiled again.
Paulo frowned, Jake seeing tears in his eyes again.
"Michael knew. He knew that we were interested in each other.God, I love him so much. He can't die, Jake. Please tell me he'll live."
Jake took Paulo in his arms again gently, holding him, feeling his pain.
"All we can do is pray god loves us enough to bless us with Michael's love and to keep him with us."
For two long agonizing days the hospital saw deep sadness surrounding one tearful room.
Josh held a news conference, explaining what had happened to a close friend of all the guys, especially Justin.
The press still clung to it's need to know everything, Josh asking for compassion.
Everyone learned who Michael was and his friendship with everyone, especially Justin.
But the deep sadness was soon felt by all, knowing that this man was a dear friend to so many. In the end the press reluctantly respected Justin's right to privacy for his friend.
Justin never left Michael's side, keeping his own vigil of love.
He talked to Michael for hours in his mind, only to be greeted by silence.
Everyone took their turn visiting Michael, all emotional meetings.
They all expressed their grief in periods of silence and tears.
Lance had broken down when seeing Michael, Josh or Justin unable to consol him.
In a short time Michael had come to mean so much to Lance. Josh sensed the same feelings inside himself. He felt he was losing a brother.
Michael had touched all of their lives so deeply.
Jake had wheeled Paulo, in a wheelchair, into the room, Paulo needing to see him.
He held Justin as Justin cried tears of joy at seeing him recovering.
"God, Jus, why can't it be me laying there, not him. I never wanted that." Paulo breaking down.
All Justin could do was hug him, and tell him he loved him and Michael loved him as a brother.
Alberto was grief stricken, Nana and Silas just as greatly hurting.
And everyone held Justin, feeling his love for Michael and knowing how hard it would be for him to let Michael go.
Vicky spent countless hours just holding Justin , both their hands in Michael's.
"He loved you so much, Jus. You were his everything, his life. It doesn't surprise me what he did, it just shows how deep his love was for you."
"I need him, Vic. I've only known him for a month, but it feels like only a day. Why did he affect me so much? Why did he give me so much love? I've never felt like this with anyone. He's right here with me, and I'm so alone. I'd give my life just to see his golden eyes or hear his beautiful voice once more."
Vicky held Justin feeling the deep love and loneliness in him.
"Michael is in your heart, Jus. He'll always be there. But you know in your heart that he's going, Jus. He can't hang on forever, he has to leave us."
Justin sobbed, Vicky holding him, knowing that Justin would have to accept that.
"I can't let him go, Vic, I still need him."
Vicky cried with him, crying more for Justin than Michael. She loved them both so much, and she knew that she would always be there for Justin, she could do no less for Michael.
She thought of his letter to her, his wanting her to take care of him, for all of them to take care of Justin.
She looked down at Justin's hand in Michael's. She saw the two rings touching together. Justin had went crazy, sobbing deeply, when he'd seen the ring missing from Michael's finger.
They'd removed it during surgery.
Zach had brought it back for him, Justin putting it back on Michael's finger.
Their rings of faith.
Vicky had always marvelled at the depth of their faith in each other.
At the love they'd shared so deeply and so openly.
She sensed that Justin needed to see the letter.
Justin was fighting against Michael's leaving, against the inevitable.
She somehow sensed that whatever was in Michael's letter to Justin would help him deal with Michael's leaving.
She quietly left him alone with Michael, going out and walking down to the waiting room.
It was full as usual.
Everyone couldn't leave, they all wanted to be close to Michael.
Zach was talking to Nana and Silas with another doctor.
Everyone looked up at Vicky seeing her determined look.
"What's going on, Zach?" She asked, knowing in her heart what was going on.
Nana walked up to her, tears flowing.
"It's been two days, Vicky. Nothing has changed. I feel in my heart that he's gone. His body is here but his beautiful soul is gone."
Vicky hugged her, knowing how hard it must be for Nana to accept that.
"I've signed the papers, it's time for Michael to leave us."
Nana was in tears, Vicky hugging her close.
"I know, Nana. I see his body, but I can't feel his presence either. Our Mikey has left this earth."
Everyone visibly teared up, hearing Vicky's declaration of what they all feared in their hearts.
She looked at everyone, seeing all of them with teary eyes.
She pulled the letter out of her pocket, looking at it.
"Justin was right, everyone. Michael knew what was going to happen. He slipped this letter into my robe pocket just before he went down to that garden."
She showed them all the letter, everyone looking at it, unsure of it's meaning.
"Let me read you what he wrote."
She read them his letter to her, all of them hearing Michael's acceptance of what he'd eventually done.
Chris put his arm around her while she read, Vicky smiling at him.
She's so courageous, so devoted to Michael, Chris thought.
He'd begun to really enjoy talking to Vicky, even though it was always about Michael and Justin.
Josh had quietly watched the two, sensing a closeness developing between the two mutual friends.
"This other letter is for Justin. I believe with all my heart that Michael wants all of us to hear what's in this letter. I think it will help Justin accept the inevitable, that he has to let Michael go."
Everyone nodded.
"I think we should all go down and be with Justin and Michael when this is read. Josh, would you read it to him?" Vicky said, a sob beginning to form.
Josh got up and hugged her, taking the letter from her trembling hand.
"Yes, Vicky, I'll read it." He said kissing her wet cheek.
They all filed out of the room quietly, Zach informing the nurses of what was going on, of the group going into Michael's room. And their need for privacy. For a final privacy.
Justin looked up, sitting beside Michael's bed, seeing everyone coming into the room.
He saw Josh looking at him and a letter in his hand.
Justin squeezed Michael's still hand, sensing something was going on.
Josh put his arm around Justin's shoulder, looking down at him.
"How are you doing, buddy?" He asked with love in his eyes.
"I'm hanging in there, Joshy. Why are you all here? " He asked.
"Justin, it's time. It's time to let Michael go." Nana said, kneeling in front of him.
"We've held on to him for as long as we can. It's time to give him into god's hands."
Justin looked into her loving eyes, seeing the sorrow and love there for her Mico.
"I just love him so much, I don't know if I can let him go." Justin sobbed, Josh still holding him tightly.
"You were right, Jus. Michael did know what was going on. He left Vicky a letter, and he left a letter for you." Josh handed Justin the letter.
Justin took it in his hand, his hand trembling when he saw the writing. He still held onto Michael's hand.
"Timby" was written on the envelope.
He dropped it, sobbing gently, Josh catching it before it hit the floor.
Justin looked into his eyes, Josh smiling.
"I'll read it for you, buddy." Josh said, Justin nodding.
Everyone gathered around Michael's bed. All his family and Justin's, and their friends.
The room was full of love and tenderness, for Michael and for Justin.
Josh opened the letter, seeing that rich hand writing of Michael's.
He began to read, his voice filling the quiet room.
My dearest Love;
I love you.
I've said that every day since the first day we pledged it to each other. And everyday it has taken on a greater meaning.
For every day our love has grown, and now here at this final parting, it's been fully realized.
I love you, Justin.
I can't say anything else to mean what I feel.
Your soul and mine have united forever.
We are one. We are love and hope and faith united.
I told you that I've had a dream about my father. How he came to me and we'd healed our love, how I'd found his love again.
He showed me something else, Justin.
He showed me a vision, a vision of what would, in reality, be your death.
You, Lonnie and my Paulo, would all die at the hands of two madmen.
In a garden of beauty, your beauty would perish.
I was told that the future couldn't be changed. That the needs of the many outweighed the needs of the one.
Well that's wrong. They have gotten it wrong.
I realized after I'd seen that vision, that god was trying to tell me something.
I was told that now was the time of my choice.
I was also told that the end justified the means.
But how could I justify my losing you.
I can't.
That's what didn't make sense.
And now I've realized what my choice really is.
What it's always been.
My choice wasn't you or me.
To love you or to lose you.
To let you go or save myself.
That's not what it is.
My choice simply was to be healed in death, or to be lost in life .
It was an easy choice.
For without you in my life I would be lost, my love.
I need your love to sustain me, to keep me forever happy.
So the one does outweigh the many, when the one is you and me, my love.
We are one, two parts of the same soul.
So, don't cry, Jus. I am with you, you feel my love in your heart. In death I shall still be with you, a part of you.
We are one, always.
And so I'll sacrifice my life for yours. It was an easy choice to make.
You mean more to me than life.
So go on, Jus. Go on and accomplish all that you must, and I will be beside you, in your heart, and yes my love, in your soul.
We are one, forever.
Look around you, Jus. Seen all the faces that surround you. They are the people that loved both of us, as one, and still love you as yourself. Lean on them, see their love, and grow with their love.
Be everything I know you can be.
Trust me one more time, my love. Trust in my wanting you to let me go.
Don't hold on to a dream, hold onto to what's real.
Our love was and always will be real.
I love you Jus.
Love, Mico.
Through all Josh's words, Justin's eyes never left Michael's face.
His angel was asking him to let go, to let go of his need for him, to embrace his leaving.
Could Justin do that? Could he let Michael go forever?
Through all his words Justin felt Michael's love for him, his need for Justin's love.
And Justin loved Michael completely.
That Justin realized too late. He'd felt deep love for Michael, deep rooted love. But this now was something more, it was complete, pure true love.
Michael was a part of him, a big part of him. In his heart and in his soul.
Justin leaned down, kissing Michael's mouth, his cooling mouth.
"Alright, Mico wants me to let go. He says it's time to let go.I will love him forever, nothing will change that. He's a part of me, he's a part of all of you."
Justin got down on his knees, everyone kneeling.
"God, it's me, your faithful servant. Take Michael to your heart, heal him with your love. Give him the happiness that he's given me every day I've known him.
I love him so much, he's my everything. Please god, let him be with me always, I need his love so much."
Justin got up, nodding to Zach, Zach hugging him.
"It will take only a few minutes Justin, please go and sit down and rest." Zach said tenderly, Vicky guiding Justin over to a couch, Joey and Chris getting up to let him sit down.
" I want everyone here, Vicky. I want everyone here when and if Michael goes. I want him surrounded by his family, all of us. Where is Jonathan, Becky and Stevie?They love him just as much as all of us."
"We'll get them all here, sweetie." Vicky said quietly looking at Christina.
Joey and Christina disappeared out of the room, returning shortly with the kids.
Jonathan and Stevie hugged their brother, kissing him tenderly.They knew Justin was sad because of Michael.
Becky ran up to Justin, Justin pulling her into his lap.
"Hi, Uncle Justin. I've missed you."
Justin hugged her to him, a sob issuing from his throat.
"Don't cry Uncle Justin, I love you."
Justin smiled through his tears at this little angel.
"I love you too, Becky."
"Is Uncle Mikey going away? I don't want him to go. He said he wasn't going."
Justin hugged her close.
"Uncle Mikey loves you dearly, Becky. But he's tired and he has to go away to be with his mommy and daddy."
"Will he be happy?" She said looking up at him with such innocence.
"He'll always be happy, sweetie. As happy as we were with him."
Vicky cried deeply beside Christina, seeing the innocence in Justin too.
Two nurses and two orderlies removed all the equipment from the room, the deathly silence echoing off the walls.
Zach removed the final tubes from Michael's mouth and nose, all the hospital staff quietly exiting, closing the door, leaving the family alone for the final moments.
Justin got up carrying Becky over to Michael. She settled on the bed,crawling up to him, kissing him on his cheek.
"I love you Mikey. I hope Santa still needs you."
A few choking sobs were heard in the room.
Everyone gathered around the bed, seeing Michael hardly moving, his chest slowly going up and down.
Zach and Christina stood beside Justin and Vicky, Becky smiling up at her mother.
Jake and Paulo were beside them, Jake had his arm around Paulo, his injuries still taking a toll on him.
Nana, Silas, Alberto, Lynn, Randall and Lisa stood on the other side of the bed.
Josh, Lance, Joey, Chris, Lonnie and Jonathan stood around the end.
Stevie sat on the end of the bed looking at Michael.
Michael was surrounded by all the people who meant everything to him.
His family.
Everyone in the room was a part of him, he'd become a part of all them.
Justin looked at Michael, taking his hand in his, their faith rings together.
He leaned down kissing his lips, feeling no return of that passion.
Justin let out a sob, Zach rubbing his back.
Justin wrapped his arms around Michael's still body, breaking down.
His deep sobbing entering everyone's soul.
"Why is everyone here, Uncle Justin?" Becky asked.
"Because Michael is going away, sweetie, we're all saying goodbye." Her mother said gently.
Becky crawled up the bed again, putting her head against Justin's.
"Uncle Michael told me he wasn't going to go away."
Justin looked up at this smiling child through his tears.
"I'm sorry, Becky. He is."
"But he said we were all going to bring him back." She said looking him in the eyes.
Justin paused a moment, looking at her quietly.
"What are you talking about, Becky?" He said slowly sitting up on the bed.
She wasn't looking at him, she was looking at the other dark side of the room
"Who's that man, Uncle Justin?" Becky asked pointing into a dark corner of the room.
Justin turned looking at a man half hidden in shadows. He was surrounded by a soft blue glow.
"Who are you?" Justin asked, everyone turning to look in the direction that Justin and Becky were looking in.
A man walked slowly out of the darkened shadows smiling.
Justin gasped, as did Alberto.
"Daniel?" They both said at the same time.
"Yes, Justin. It's me, Daniel, Michael's friend."
He slowly walked out of the darkness, everyone seeing the whiteness of his clothes, and the blue glow surrounding his beautiful face.
"Here at the end, I can now come to him. I can now show Michael's his final truth."
Justin got up, looking down at Michael, then looking at Daniel.
Daniel smiled at him, walking up to him quietly and hugging him.
"It's time, Justin. It's time for Michael to be healed."
Justin didn't completely understand what Daniel was saying.
"Hello, everyone, my name is Daniel."
Everyone nodded to him, saying hello. Becky laughed, Daniel smiling at her.
"Hello, my little angel." He smiled.
"Hi, Daniel. Are you here to see Michael?" She asked innocently.
"Yes, Rebecca, I'm here just for Michael."
Daniel looked at Justin then walked to the bed.
"He made the right choice, Justin. Michael did what he had to do. It was the only way."
Justin started crying.
"What was the only way? He had to die to be healed? How is that the right choice. Look around Daniel, see all the grief this has caused. Everyone in this room loves Michael, do we all have to see him die? Do we all have to lose his love?"
Daniel walked up to Justin hugging him again.
"It never was a question of life or death, Justin. It was a choice of love or loss. Michael had to choose between loving completely, or losing completely.
He chose love."
Daniel went to the bed, laying his hands on Michael's head and his chest.
"Arise, Michael, child of god. See what needs to be seen, hear what needs to be heard."
Everyone stepped back a bit, seeing the bed glow a deep blue.
The glow took on the form of Michael's body.
The form rose slowly, almost a human form, rising out of the bed and standing.
Justin and Vicky stood together watching what was in front of them.
Justin saw it take on a form, it slowly changed, until it was Michael.
A transparent, lifelike replica of Michael.
The image looked around, looking at everyone, seeing all that surrounded him.
His gaze stopped on Justin.
He walked up to him stopping in front of him.
His hand came up, lightly stroking against his cheek.
Justin felt a softness, but no warmth.
His eyes looked into Justin's, Justin feeling their deep gaze of love.
"Jus? Is that you, for real?" A softer version of Michael's voice could be heard.
Justin started crying, knowing he was looking at Michael's soul, his spirit.
"Yes, my Mico. It's me."
"I saved you, you're alive? Thank god." Michael smiled, you could see the translucient tears roll down his cheek.
"Yes, my love. You saved all of us." Justin said, Michael looking around, seeing Paulo and Lonnie, smiling at both of them, both men crying.
"I did good. I did good." He said looking now at Daniel. He looked shocked.
"Daniel!!!" He yelled running up to his friend, taking him in his arms, the two hugging tightly.
"Hello, Mikey D. Yes it's me."
Michael was crying, everyone seeing his tears and feeling his joy.
"What's going on, Daniel? Am I dead. Is this heaven? " He asked, looking at his hands.
"You are in Exaltosa. It's a place between heaven and earth, Michael." Daniel said.
"You mean, like heaven's waiting room." Chris said, Joey smacking him on the arm.
Daniel laughed, his boisterous laugh bringing smiles to many faces.
"Yes, Chris, good image."
Chris smiled at Daniel.
"I've missed you so much, Daniel. You've always been in my heart."
Daniel teared up.
"I've been right beside you, Michael. All through the last few years."
"Yes, Justin told me." Michael looked at Justin, who still had his eyes glued to Michael. Michael saw his love and the deep emotional state Justin was in.
"Why am I here, Daniel? Isn't this painful enough for everyone without them having to see me like this."
Michael's directness was in full force as always.
Daniel laughed.
"Same old Mikey."
Michael smiled.
"It all came down to your coming here, Michael. You needed to come here to be saved, in a sense. A long time ago you did something that touched god's heart. It isn't often that god's heart is touched, Mikey.
But you, and the goodness of your love, brought a tear to god's eye.
And he has given you something more in return.
Your choice was a difficult one.
But you chose with your heart and your soul.
You were correct, Michael. It was a choice between living without Justin's love, or dying with it in your heart.
You found love, Michael. You found true love. And you sacrificed that love to make Justin love life.
As you did many years ago."
Michael looked at Daniel with a confused look on his face.
"I hate to say it, Mikey, but you were wrong."
"Wrong about what, Daniel?" Michael asked.
"The needs of the many did outweigh the needs of the one. And you were the one, Michael."
Michael stared at him.
"You, all your life have put everyone else's needs in front of your own, in a sense you felt you didn't matter when compared to everyone else."
Michael lowered his head, Justin seeing his continued reluctance to accept praise.
"This is what this is all about Michael. This is what all this self sacrifice is about, Michael."
Daniel turned and looked off into the darkness of the other side of the room, everyone following his gaze.
They all saw a bright blue glow forming, Justin walking up beside Michael, the two looking into each other's eyes.
Michael looked back towards the brightning light.
It seemed like a human size shape was forming from the light.
Michael stared at it, lost in its brightness.
Out of its glowing center walked a person.
A person who shocked Michael to his very soul.
Michael gasped, his face registering deep shock.
Everyone looked at a beautiful woman who walked up to Michael.
They all could see the resemblance, see the way she walked and smiled.
It was indeed Michael's mother.
Michael was sobbing, his emotions unleashed.
They all could see his heart and soul glowing a bright white. They could see his golden eyes glowing. And they could see Michael sobbing.
The woman took Michael into her arms, Michael crying on her shoulder.
"Oh, Momma. It's really you. Oh, Momma." Michael sobbed.
Diana looked across the room to her mother, Nana sobbing as much as Michael, Lynn holding onto her.
"Yes, Micky. It's me. I'm here now, I'm here to tell you the truth. Your final truth."
Michael pulled away from her, Justin putting his hand around Michael, Michael looking into his tearing eyes. Blue eyes of love.
"It's okay, Mico. I sense it's all okay." Justin said, feeling Michael's softness against him again, but still no warmth.
Michael smiled at him, returning his gaze to his mother.
"I'm here for you to know what you've done, Michael."
She walked up to him, putting her hand on his chest, feeling his heart.
"You saved me, Michael. You saved me from an eternity of sorrow. Your love saved me completely."
Michael remained quiet, listening to his mother's voice.
"That night, when I took the coward's way out, when I left you all alone, you saved me.
You'll never know how hard it was for me to do that, Micky. I loved you so much. I needed you so much. You were my child, my child that I abandoned.
I now know what you were trying to do for me, with the letter and hiding it.
Your love for me knew no bounds. But I didn't see that.
I realized too late what truly had happened. To my Ramone and with Fredrick.
The night he raped me, I knew he was different. I knew it wasn't my Ramone anymore, but I just couldn't bring myself to believe it."
Michael saw the tortured look on her face, her deep shame at being fooled.
He took his hand and clasped her's.
"We were both fooled, Momma." He said, looking into her deep loving eyes.
Golden like Michael's and Nana's.
"I couldn't come to terms with the deceit, Micky. I took the easy way out. And for that I am truly sorry. Know this, my son. There never was a day that I didn't love you. I loved you with all my heart."
Michael was crying again, hearing his mother's confession of her love for him.
"I still love you. I've watched you grow, seen the beautiful, caring, loving man you've become. Seeing you being hurt again, hurt by so many. And I've seen you find love, true love."
She looked at Justin, walking up beside him.
"Thank you, Justin. For giving Michael your deep love, for showing him that he could have happiness, and hope, and love. The two of you are so in love, it glows so greatly that god himself can see it from heaven."
Justin was crying now also.
She looked back to Michael, taking his hand again.
"I left you that night so long ago, I clung to you as my life left me. I wanted you to be there, I didn't want to be alone. You were and always will be the most important person in my life. I loved you then and I love you now."
Michael hugged her again, everyone wiping their eyes, Nana walking up to her daughter.
"Forgive me Diana, forgive me for not seeing that. I couldn't see past Michael's pain, I couldn't see your love. Justin pointed that out to me, he saw your love there."
Diana smiled at Justin, seeing the remarkable man he was.
"I love you, Mama. I always have. I'm sorry we were seperated, that my love seperated us. Please forgive me?"
"I forgave you a long time ago, my loving child."
Nana hugged her, not really being able to feel her, but still knowing she was there.
Diana turned back to Michael.
"You saved me that night, Michael. Remember when you awoke and I was gone. You sat there all night, using your gifts, trying to bring me back. To bring my soul back. It worked Michael. But not in the way you wanted."
Diana took his two hands in her's kissing his cheek.
"God heard you that night, Michael. He heard your deep love for me, your calling out for my love, for a love I threw away.
You touched god's heart, Michael. Deeply.
That a child would risk his own life to bring his mother's love back, moved god.
Your soul has been bless with pure love Michael. I know Justin has felt it, as has everyone here."
Everyone smiled looking at Michael, no one more than Justin.
"So in the kindness of his love, he made me your guardian angel, Michael. As he did Daniel. We've both walked beside you, heard your nights of crying, saw the tears fall and heard you heart soar when Justin entered your life.
I've been beside you all along, my son. You have walked each day with your mother's love. It's only been hidden from you. And now it stands here in front of you, and I can only say one thing to you.
I love you, Michael. I am so proud of my beautiful, caring, loving son."
Michael hugged against his mother, his face in her chest, his sobs echoing in the silent room.
DIana held her son, looking behind him at Justin.
She only knew one thing that could calm her little boy.
Her beautiful voice filled the quiet room.
You've got to give a little, take a little.
And let your poor heart break a little.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.
You've got to laugh a little, cry a little.
Until the clouds roll by a little,
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.
Justin walked up beside them, his rich, high voice joining in with Diana's soft melodic tone.
As long as there's the two of us,
We've got the world and all it's charms,
And when the world is through with us,
We've got each other's arms.
You've got to win a little, lose a little.
Yes, and always have the blues a little.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.
Michael looked up, seeing his mother's shining golden eyes, and Justin's deep blue ones looking at him with deep love.
"I'm so happy, Momma. I'm so happy I've found your love again. I'll have it now for eternity."
Justin's face fell, Michael seeing the deep sorrow there.
"Justin, I love you. I will always love you. But you have a life to live, a life to fill all your dreams and hopes."
Justin looked at Michael, taking him in his arms.
"You are my dreams, Mico. You alone fullfill them, and all my hopes. I love you."
Michael began to cry.
"I'm sorry, Jus. I would give heaven and earth to stay with you, my love, but god has other plans for me."
Michael's mother walked away from him slowly, stopping at the edge of the darkness.
"You saved me Michael. You saved me so that I too might have love and happiness again."
Everyone saw a new glow extend from Diana's hand, another blue glow that took on a form also.
In front of them stood a tall, handsome, beautiful man.
Almost a double for Michael.
"Hello again, Michael." Ramone said, smiling at his son.
Michael eyes were watering, his face a smile of immeasurable joy.
He ran up to both of them, throwing his arms around them.
Justin stood watching the scene in front of him.
Michael's family was together again.
Through Michael's love and tenderness he had saved his own family.
Through his love, his family was reunited.
Alberto walked towards them, looking at his son standing with his own son.
Ramone walked up to him, smiling at his own father.
"Hello, father."
"Hello, Ramone, my son."
Alberto felt Ramone put his hand on his face gently.
"I love you, father. I've been beside you every day, loving you. I, like my own son, sacrificed myself for the ones I loved. For you, my father. I love you, dad."
Alberto put his arms around his son, crying deeply, sensing his love, but not able to feel him.
"Don't be sad, father. In heaven there are so many flowers. It's so beautiful. I'm so happy, especially now that I have my family again."
Alberto smiled at his son, his love of flowers still in his heart.
Ramone smiled at his father again, walking back to his wife and Michael.
They all stood together, everyone seeing the glow of love all around them.
Michael turned and looked at everyone, sensing the end was near.
"I love all of you, everyone of you. My real family, and my new family."
He walked up to Justin, taking him in his arms, Justin still feeling Michael's deep love for him.
"I love you most of all, my Jus. I will always be Justin's angel. Always."
He leaned in, kissing Justin deeply.
And now Justin felt the warmth and passion of Michael's love, he felt it enter every part of his body.
They parted, Michael smiling at him, with no tears in his eyes.
"I love ya, Jus."
"I love ya more, Mico."
The two lovers parted, Michael walking to his parents, both of them taking a hand, Michael looking back, blowing Justin a kiss.
" My devotion knows no end, Jus. Love conquers all."
The brightness around them glowed brightly, and then darkness enveloped them.
Everyone stood still seeing the love that had radiated off Michael.
Lance was in Josh's arms, crying into his chest.
"Did you see the happiness on Michael's face, the pure love?" Lance said.
"Yes, Lance, We saw love in its purest form."
Lynn held Nana again, Nana smiling, knowing now that Michael would always be happy.
"My angel has his family again, I am so happy."
Chris held Vicky, her tears had soaked his chest.
"I'm sorry, Chris. I didn't mean to do that."
"It's perfectly okay, Vicky. I didn't mind at all."
She smiled at him, Joey picking up on their eyes staring at each other.
He smiled inside himself.
Kelly hugged him close, Joey seeing her love for him there.
"This has been an eye-opener, Joe. I love you so much."
"I love you more, sweetie." He kissed her deeply.
Jake and Paulo stood together, holding hands. They'd connected hands while seeing Michael's love shining through.
Justin looked around at everyone, seeing all the love , seeing all the blue auras.
He realized now that he could see them.
"You okay, Jus?" Lonnie asked walking up to him.
Everyone looked at him
"I see all your auras." Justin said.
Everyone looked shocked.
Becky walked up to him, Justin bending and picking her up.
"Uncle Michael said you would be his salvation, Uncle Justin."
Justin looked at the still body, laying on the bed.
"When did he say that, my angel?" He asked her quietly.
"This morning, when he visited me at home."
Christina gasped, as did everyone.
Justin looked into her smiling face.
"He told me to tell you that your love would conquer all." She smiled.
Justin hugged her to him crying.
He now understood, he now knew what Michael was telling him.
He turning around when he heard a small sound.
Daniel still stood at the edge of the darkness.
Justin looked at him, seeing a wide smile cross his face.
"You saved him, Jus. Once and always. Love does conquer all."
Daniel smiled as his form faded.
Justin was smiling also.
He turned and swung Becky around.
She laughed, everyone wondering what was making Justin so happy.
"Thank you my angel, thank you."
He set her down, walking up to the bed again.
"I love you, Michael, for you I do this, for our love."
He looked around at everyone smiling.
"I can bring him back, I can bring him back to me."
"What are you talking about?" Josh put his hand on Justin's shoulder.
"Michael, he told me what to do. He said his devotion knows no end. And that love would conquer all. My love. I can bring him back."
"Justin, it's too late, he's almost gone. "Zach said, putting his hand gently on Michael's throat, to feel his slow pulse.
" Hasn't what we've seen here today given all of you the faith in our love, in Michael's and my love."
Everyone smiled, they'd all seen that love.
"Yes, Jus." Lynn said to her son, smiling at him.
"Michael gave all of you, well most of you a devotion, right?" They all nodded. Jake, Josh, Joey, Chris and Lance the only ones not sworn by Michael's protection.
"When he gave you that devotion, he gave all of you a small part of himself, a part of his soul. That's what he was trying to tell me. You all have a part of him in you, a part of his gift. All through that display here, every time I touched Michael, I felt no warmth. His soul wasn't in him. It was in all of you. Only when he kissed me goodbye, did he give me the last small peice of himself, the last and most important peice. The center of his soul, and the center of his gift."
"That sounds pretty far fetched, Jus. I can't see how that's true." Joey said.
"I see all of your auras because I have Michael's gift to see it. He told Becky through the part of himself he gave to her, I believe his mind, that she needed to tell me that. He's been safe all along, because we've all carried him with us."
Everyone smiled at Justin's explanation, it almost sounded plausable.
"Alright, Justin. What do we have to do?" Randall said, his faith in his son unquestionable.
"Let's join in a circle, join hands with Michael and see if we can reconnect him with his soul. Jake,Joey ,Chris, Lance and Josh, please stand away from us, I don't know how strong this will be."
The five friends nodded, all hugging Justin, feeling his hope and love.
All the others formed a circle around Michael's bed.
When they were all settled and ready, Justin looked around at all of them. He saw all their blue auras, strong and glowing.
He closed his eyes, sending out his mind to find Michael's.
"Michael, are you there?" He asked in his mind.
All in the circle heard him call.
"Yes, Jus. Where are you? I see only darkness." A low voice called back.
Everyone shivered, sensing Michael within them.
"What do I have to do, Mico? How do I bring you together again"
"Concentrate, search each person for the part of me they have, then draw in to the center."
Justin stood still beginning with Vicky on his right side. He felt through her, finding Michael 's presence.
A golden glow luminated from her, pulling away from her, it hovered above her.
Justin went to the next. Each person relinguished Michael's soul from them, feeling the loss of him, but still feeling a presence.
And so it went, until Justin had only himself left.
"Alright, Michael. I've pulled all of you out except what's inside me.
"That's wonderful, Jus." Michael voice was strong and loud now.
"I can take it from here, my love."
Justin smiled, sensing an invisible force around all of them. Justin felt Michael's soul rise out of him, but all his love and beauty still remained.
The other five guys stood in wonder looking at what was in front of them.
They saw a golden glow about each person.
And above Justin they saw a white ball of energy.
That ball started to move, going around the circle, each golden glow absorbing into it, the ball flickering and glowing brighter.
When all the golden glows had been consumed by the white light it hovered above Michael's prone body.
Everyone stood still seeing the light in front of them.
They all sensed what it was.
It was the essence of Michael. The soul of Michael. It was his pure love.
Within a flash the ball descended, disappearing into Michael's chest.
Michael's body lurched, everyone stepping back, breaking the circle.
A loud gasp issued from Michael's mouth.
Justin knelt down beside the bed, looking into Michael's face.
Michael's golden eyes opened, looking up at him.
Justin's heart soared, the smile on his face beaming widely.
"I love you, Jus." Michael whispered, only Justin could hear him.
"I love you more, Mico."
And Justin began to cry.
End of Chapter 55
That took a part of my soul.
I hope it's everything my fans hoped it would be.
Michael is destined for more love and greatness.
Please keep reading, the story only gets better.
Props to Mike, your the man. Thanks for all your inspiration and thoughts.
Angel.