Death of an Innocent

by K

In South Africa the legal drinking age is 18, and you can get your driver's licence at the age of 18, too.

A huge thank you to my beta reader, Yolande and Kathy. Thank you.

This is dedicated to my friend Liz Webster, who passed away a few years ago and my cousin, Darrin, who passed away a few days ago.

October 1, 2004


Chris Larabee watched as Buck played with the boys. Chris never thought he could ever feel happy again after his wife and child died in a plane crash. After that Chris turned to the bottle, and Buck Wilmington came to the rescue. Buck and Chris had been childhood friends, so he knew Chris well. After a year of fighting, Buck finally got him off the bottle, Buck moved in with Chris, to help him around the ranch.

The months went by quickly and everyone became closer, a family. Chris never thought he could ever feel happy again after his wife and child died in a plane crash. After that Chris turned to the bottle, and Buck Wilmington came to the rescue. Buck and Chris had been childhood friends, so he knew Chris well. After a year of fighting, Buck finally got him off the bottle, Buck moved in with Chris, to help him around the ranch

After all these years, and Buck's perseverance, Chris became a little bit more human. Then Judge Orrin Travis came and offered Chris the job as an ATF leader.

Chris's first choice to join his team was, obviously, Buck. Then he got Josiah Sanchez, a.k.a the preacher, he has a master in psychology, which was very helpful. Next to join was Nathan Jackson, a.k.a. the healer. Nathan was the best medic there was. The following member was Ezra Standish, a.k.a the gambler, and the best undercover man there was. He could con his way out of death.

Even though there were only five of them, they were the best. A year later, on one undercover mission, they found two little boys, hiding in an alley. A heartbreaking sight. Two little boys, aged eight and ten, both very thin, their clothes were old and torn, their faces were dirty. They were hidden between two rubbish bins. Freezing. Hurt. Abandoned.

Chris and the others rushed the boys to the hospital.

They searched for the parents, relatives, anyone who was related to these boys, while the boys were in hospital, but all they found were dead ends. Until one morning, when Ezra come to the rescue. He found some old newspaper clippings and managed to find out that Vin had been orphaned at the age of six, where he was when placed in foster care. Two years went by, and Vin had been to three different homes when he ran away. Then two years with no records of him until now.

JD Dunne, on the other hand, had been living with his mom until six months ago. In the police records, JD's mother was found dead on a chair in the park. According to JD, he and his mother went to the park so they could see one last sun set together, before she had to go to a special home to take care of her, due to the cancer. While they were there, JD's mother died peacefully in her sleep leaving a scared and lonely eight year old.

That night, Vin had gone to the park to escape the many people who lived in the alleys. Vin saw JD, who was crying for his mother to wake up. Vin took JD with him, and from that day they had been together.

JD Dunne was the first to recover; he had only been on the streets a few months, so he wasn't as bad. But little Vin Tanner had to stay a few days.

Buck adopted JD right away. He just couldn't resist the little boy with dark hair, and those big chocolate brown eyes.

Chris, didn't really like the idea of that, but it all changed when little Vin Tanner opened his eyes. He had such amazing powerful blue eyes that melted Chris's cold heart.

Since that day, Vin become his son. JD became Buck's son. And everyone in Larabee's team became an uncle. Years went by quickly. They taught Vin how to trust, and for both of them to see the bright side of life. Now JD was sixteen, Vin eighteen.

Chris looked again to see that Vin was helping JD tackle Buck to the ground. Josiah and Nathan were laughing at their antics and turned back to their game of chess. Ezra was just smiling, his gold tooth reflecting the sun.

Chris felt happy, the loneliness and numbing pain had gone. Chris found himself laughing. He headed outside, and sat on his chair.

He watched Buck beg for mercy, pinned beneath the teenagers. Buck groaned as he tried to escape, but the giggling JD wouldn't let him. After many groans and gasps of air that escaped between tickles, Vin gave up and got up, helping JD up too. Leaving Buck on the ground trying to catch his breath

When Vin came and sat down, he was smiling from ear to ear. Chris felt his heart sing, whenever he saw Vin so happy, so relaxed that his smile could reach the eyes.

"Hey, Pa, there's a party in town. Can I take the car and go?" Vin asked

Chris knew that Vin had his driver's license and that Vin was a safe driver. Chris looked into Vin's pleading eyes.

"Only if you don't drink. 'Specially if you have to drive home," Chris warned.

"Just coke," Vin promised

"Sure, but be back for supper," Chris said.

Vin gave his father a smile, and got up.

Chris raised an eyebrow, looking into Vin's eyes.

"Don't worry, I ain't going to get ya mad. Not when tomorrow is my race," Vin said.

Chris groaned when he remembered what was happening tomorrow. He was already dreading it. Since the boys grew, they wanted to try everything, from sky diving to motorbike races. Luckily Chris's hair was blond, so the grey hairs didn't show as easy.

"Just be careful," Chris said softly.

Vin nodded his head. He got up and went indoors, after half an hour he came out wearing black jeans, with a t-shirt. Looking very sexy. When he returned , everyone was sitting by Chris. They looked up when Vin walked out. Buck whistled loudly, while JD giggled.

"What?" Vin asked worriedly.

"Nothing, nothing," Josiah said with a laugh.

Vin blushed, which caused Buck to laugh.

"Now, you ain't going to the party alone, are ya?" Buck heckled.

"I might pick someone up," Vin said in a softly shy voice.

"Who?" JD asked.

Vin looked at Chris with pleading eyes, but Chris loved this too much. Vin gave his best glare, but that caused everyone to laugh again.

"Who?" JD asked again

"Liz," Vin whispered.

"You mean Liz, the Webster's child that you seem to spend everyday with?" Buck asked.

"Yep," Vin said shyly.

The others smiled. They remembered a shy, eighteen year old girl. She had long brownish hair, with soft green eyes. Little freckles around her nose. She was slim, and beautiful.

"Young love," Josiah said with a smile.

The others nodded in agreement.

"Look, I'll be back in a few hours, and BEFORE supper," Vin said as he glared at his dad.

Chris glared back. The others watched in amazement when Chris nodded his head.

"I'll be dammed, Vincent Tanner- one, the almighty Christopher Larabee - zero," Buck joked.

The others cracked up laughing.

"Have fun, Vin," JD said.

Vin could see that his little brother wanted to come with.

"JD, Casey will be here before I come back, and ya don't want her to be alone. Now do ya?" Vin asked.

JD went red when they talked of Nettie's niece, Casey, who JD liked.

"Okay," JD said, still blushing.

Vin smiled, and looked at his family. His family, even the word family made his heart beat faster. It warmed his soul.

"Bye," he said.

"See you in a few hours, Mr Tanner," Ezra said smiling.

"Yeah," Vin said as he turned around and walked to his dad's car.

He got in and started the car. Chris had followed him to the driveway to watch his son drive off. He always did that. Chris headed back to his family. Some how the word family never made him sad. He'd finally come to terms with his past, all thanks to a special Texan.

When he returned, Buck was teasing JD about Casey . Chris had to smile to himself.

Life was good.

+ + + + + + +

Vin drove to the Webster's house. It was a small house, because they didn't have lots of money. He parked in the driveway and went to the door where he rang the doorbell. A middle-aged man opened the door; he was wearing pants with a top and jersey on. He looked at Vin, very carefully, then smiled. Vin had worked for the Webster's when they needed help. And Mr Webster knew Chris well, so everyone knew each other. They had been neighbours for a long time.

"Afternoon, sir," Vin greeted.

"Ah, Vincent, it's good to see you. Come in, son," Alan Webster greeted.

Vin walked into the house just as Grace Webster came from the kitchen.

"Vin, good to see you lad. Come, come and have a sweet," Grace offered.

She knew all about Vin's sweet tooth. Mr and Mrs Webster never had a son, just Liz, so they sort of adopted Vin and JD, so it was a warm atmosphere.

"Thank you, ma'am," he said as he took a cookie.

Grace smiled, she went to the stairway.

"ELIZABETH WEBSTER! YOU GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE NOW!" Grace shouted.

"Honestly, that girl's got no sense of time. I'm real glad she's got you," Grace confided in Vin, who blushed.

Grace hugged Vin. "You are already Family, Vincent Tanner," she said as she let him go.

Vin's face was now blood red.

"Thank you ma'am," Vin blushed.

Suddenly Liz came running down the stairs, and stopped dead when she saw Vin. His hair was tied back and he was wearing a T-shirt that clearly defined his chest beneath, he had a top, and jeans.

Vin grinned at his girlfriend. She was beautiful. Her hair was swinging free; she was wearing a little bit of make-up, which made her even prettier. She had a tank top on, and blue jeans.

"You look beautiful," he said.

Liz blushed, and quickly hugged her parents.

"Bye, Ma'am, Sir, " Vin said as he headed out.

"Bye ma, dad," Liz shouted as she ran out the door and headed to the car.

Vin made sure she had her safety belt on, before driving away.

"So are you excited?" Liz asked.

"For the party, yeah. For tomorrow, nah," Vin smiled.

Liz blushed. "Thanks again, for inviting me."

This was the first time, for both teenagers to be going out, as a couple. They had their moments when they didn't know what to do, but they managed. They really did love each other. The drive was short, when they finally arrived at the house. They got out, and Vin waited in front of the car, for Liz. They took each other's hand, and walked into the party.

The music was playing, and people were dancing, and talking. Vin made his way to the table and took two cans of coke. Liz didn't really like drinking, and Vin had to drive.

"Oh, come on Tanner, be a man. Have some Al..coh..ol," Matt taunted with a slurred voice.

Matt's breath was filled with alcohol. Matthew Bernard was their High School football star. He and his family were rich, so his manners were little to none. Matt was a bully, he thought he owned the world.

I went to a party mom, I remembered what you said

you told me not to drink, mom, so I drank soda instead

I really felt proud inside, mom, the way you said I would

I know I did the right thing, mom, even though the others said I should

Vin just turned his back and headed to Liz.

"Jerk, just ‘because his daddy's rich, doesn't mean he owns people," she spat.

"Liz, don't let him bug you," Vin said, putting his hand on her shoulder.

They looked into each other's eyes. All they saw was love.

"Vincent Tanner, you're my knight in shining Armour. I love you," she said.

"Elizabeth Webster, I love you, too."

Liz was the same height as Vin, so she could see into his eyes.

Moments passed, and they finally kissed each other. The people disappeared into the background; they were suddenly in an invisible bubble where no one could reach them. They were happy, and they were excited. After a few minutes they broke their kiss. Both had smiles on their faces.

"Liz, I know we're young, but I can't live without you. I mean after you finish college, do you, do you want to marry me?" Vin asked.

Liz's mouth dropped. Her eyes grew large. She was shocked. Sure, she'd known Vin for three years, but this was still a shock.

Vin looked worried. He was really scared. He hadn't thought about asking her until that moment. Yes, he loved her and he couldn't see a life without her. But marriage? What had he gotten himself into? But in that next moment he didn't care. He knew it was right.

Liz smiled.

"YES!" she replied quickly.

She came closer and gave him a hug, which lead to another passionate kiss.

Liz smiled.

"YES!" she replied quickly.

She came closer and gave him a hug, which lead to another passionate kiss.

"So I go and study to be a doctor, while you go into the army. Then you get a job as an AFT agent, and I will finally be a doctor. Then we get married?" Liz asked

"Yes," Vin replied.

"Can we tell my parents first?"

"Yeah."

"Tonight?" Liz asked excitedly.

"Yes." Vin said.

"I can't believe it. I'm going to be Liz Tanner. It sounds right," Liz smiled.

"Sure does."

"Oh, Vin! Let's get married today," she begged.

"Today?" Vin asked, shocked.

"Yeah, why wait? I love you with my whole heart, and you love me to. So what's the problem?"

"Got to get you a ring and a dress. I want everything to be prefect," Vin said.

"Ok, Right before you go back to army, and I study?" Liz asked.

"Sounds right like a plan," Vin smiled.

"Let's get home," Vin said eager to leave the party now that his mind was set on other ideas.

Looking around they realized…that many people where gone, and only a few people were left. Vin checked his watch.

"We better go."

Now the party is ending, mom, as everyone is driving out of sight

As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece

Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet

I started to drive away, mom, but as I pulled out into the road,

the other car didn't see me, mom, and hit me like a load

They headed to the car. Liz smiled as she saw Vin wait for her to climb into the car before closing the door. She smiled when she put her seatbelt. Vin walked around and got in.

He quickly put on his seatbelt, and started the car. As they were pulling out, a car came out of nowhere.

Time seemed to freeze. Vin turned to look at Liz, he watched, as Liz's eyes grew large with fear, her mouth opening, as she was about to scream.

But Vin knew why, he couldn't prevent the car from crashing into them. He couldn't manoeuvre his father's car quick enough to get it out of harm's way.

"I love you," Vin said sadly.

"I love you, too," she cried.

Tears ran slowly down her face.

Time seemed to speed up, because the next thing Vin felt was pain.

Unbelievable pain as he heard metal crash into metal.

He heard Liz scream, as their bodies were jerked into every direction.

As I lay there on the pavement, mom, I hear the policemen say,

the other guy is drunk, mom, and now I'm the one who will have to pay

I'm lying here dying, mom, I wish you'd get here soon

How could this happen to me, mom? My life just burst like a balloon

People that where watching, watched in horror, as the speeding car drove straight into the car. They watched the impact, the screaming tires, and the sound of metal crushing metal, as the one car forced the other in another direction. After a few seconds, everything stopped.

There is blood all around me, mom, and most of it is mine

I hear the medic say, mom, I'll die in a sort time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink

It was the others, mom, the others didn't think

The owner of the house ran inside and called 911.

He was probably at the same party as I

The only difference is he drank and I will die

Why do people drink, mom? It can ruin your whole life

I'm feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife

Matthew Bernard looked up from his dashboard to see blood on the window from the other car. He couldn't move. He felt sick, helpless, and lost.

The guy who hit me is walking, mom, and I don't think it's fair.

I'm lying here dying and all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom, Tell daddy to be brave.

And when I go to heaven, Mom, put "Daddy's son" on my grave.

Minutes went by when finally the police and medics came. One of the attending officers recognized the car number plate.

"Ah, shit. It's Larabee's car. Someone, get Larabee down here. NOW!" Jim Walter, the officer in charge, shouted.

The medics went to Matt first.

"Sergeant, he's drunk, bruised, but he'll live," the one medic said.

"Get him out the car. Mike, get these people away from the site," Jim ordered the second officer in charge.

Officer Mike Fraser jumped into action getting people away.

Meanwhile:

Chris and the others were enjoying the afternoon. It was getting dark, but it was summer, so the sun lasted longer. They were all outside, and Nettie had just come in, when a police officer walked in.

Everyone froze, an eerie silence filled the room.

"Mr Larabee, I'm David Smith. There's been an accident," he said nervously.

Everyone's heart stopped with those few words.

"Vin, he's ok?" Chris asked.

"It's bad. You need to come. We can't get him out, and well…please, just come," David said.

Everyone headed for the door. Chris couldn't believe it. He felt numb, lost and confused.

It's a nightmare, that's all. It's not real. It can't be real. NO IT'S NOT REAL he thought.

The drive was the longest drive anyone faced. When they got the site, everyone stopped dead in their tracks.

Everyone went closer. Lying on the ground was Liz, she was covered in cuts and bruises and had a collar on her neck; tears were running down her face.

Then everyone saw, the heartbreaking sight.

"Dear God," Ezra said.

The driver's side took the whole impact. The engine of the other car was totally destroyed, most of it crushed the driver's side. And there, still trapped in his seat, was Vin.

Tears run down everyone's faces.

"No," Chris said softly.

"Mr Larabee, he's still alive. We're getting him out now, but..I'm sorry…" Jim said.

They all watched as medics try and get Vin out, but the damage to his side of the car was just to damaged. The steering wheel had found itself imbedded in Vin's stomach. His legs were crushed by the metal from both cars.

He was trapped.

The others formed a circle surrounding him, blocking the inquisitive eyes of the onlookers.

Blood covered his body. His side was just a bloody mess. Thick blood oozed from Beneath the steering wheel.

"He has massive internal injuries. He's lost too much blood. We did all we could to make him more comfortable. We can't do anything more, not until we get him out," the medic said sadly.

"We're getting the equipment now, but it might still be a while," Jim said sadly.

He called his men, and the medics, away from the car, giving the family a chance to say their goodbyes.

When the police officers left, Chris and the others saw Vin's eyes open. They could see the pain.

"D..dad," Vin said weakly.

They listened to his struggle to breath.

"I'm here son," Chris said softly.

"Why...look...so...sad?" Vin asked.

"My car, you see?" Chris joked.

"Yeah, needs...to...be...re...replaced," Vin joked back.

"Vin, I'm…I'm so sorry," Buck said.

Vin looked around to see everyone standing outside the passenger‘s side. He saw tears run down everyone's faces.

"I guess...I...guess... I am not going to...make it this time," Vin teased.

Nettie burst into tears.

"Ah ,.... N....Nettie don't be s....sad. I had a good life. I...was...hap...py." Vin was struggling to breath. Vin's breathing became a wheeze.

"Don't...cry."

They watched Vin struggle for every breath. They watched as blood seeped through the bandages on his body. Every second, his face getting whiter and whiter.

"Please ....do...don't...blame...yerself." Vin was really struggling now.

Chris sat down on the passenger's side, trying to hold his dying son in his arms, trying to give him strength.

Chris could feel his son's warm blood soak through his shirt.

"Oh, Vin," Chris cried. Tears were running down his face.

"N…Nettie loo...look ...after...dad...for...me," Vin begged her.

Nettie smiled though her tears .

"I'll kick his ass, for you. MY brave boy, my brave young man," Nettie said in a shaky voice. Nettie nodded, understanding that Vin had had just said his goodbye.

"Josiah...take....care....of...everyone...and...don't...lose...h....hope," Vin said.

"I will." Josiah voice was filled with pain and sorrow.

"Ez...ya..be...more...careful...with...ya...gam..bling..and...stop...acting....like...ya...don't...hav..have ....a....heart....ya...do.. Saw......straight ....through ....your....lies," Vin joked.

Ezra had a ghost of a smile. But tears still run down his face.

"You, my young sir, are wise beyond your words. I am honoured to be your uncle. Take care, Vin, " Ezra said sadly, as he moved back.

"Nate..take..care..and...thanks...for...all...your..stitches." Vin smiled. Everyone got a shock when they saw that blood was in his mouth, covering his white teeth.

Nathan shook his head. "You're worth it. I did my best," Nathan said sadly.

Vin nodded his head.

"Bucklin ....take...care...of..dad...and...JD… ...and...your..self," Vin said.

"You bet I will, and I'll tease them for you," Buck said before bursting into tears.

"Casey...take...care...of...Nettie and JD.....for...me," Vin asked.

"I will," Casey said, as she wiped away her tears as more appeared.

"JD....take...care..of..yerself ...ya..been..the...best...bro..I .had… Do..your....best...and....and...play...with...Buck. Don't......let...him....win." Vin was wheezing heavier.

JD stood closer and nodded his head.

"Going....to...miss..not having you around. I love you, Vin. Please don't go," JD begged.

Buck hugged JD as he burst into tears and drew him back from the car.

"D ...dad...please...take...care..of..yourself....Remember …the…good...times. .....Yer the...best...dad....ever!" Vin said in a whisper.

"I love you too, Vin."

"Oh, god," Vin said, as tears fell down his face. His wheezing had become worse.

"Take care....of...Liz....dad...I..w.as...go..na...marry...her," Vin said sadly.

"Oh, Vin." Chris's heart was breaking.

"As..ked...her....tonight...she....she...said...yes," Vin smiled a sad smile.

"Oh, Vin, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Chris stroked Vin's hair.

Vin started to cough. Blood was bubbling out his mouth. His teeth were now a reddish orange.

"Ya...da....best....kin....i..ev..er...had...I'm ..grateful...to...have....known....ya... Thank ...ya...for...taking....us....in," Vin said, thanking everyone.

"It's me who must thank you. You opened my heart ," Chris said sadly.

"Don't .....clo....close..it... Too ..much...ya...missed....already." Vin said. A trickle of blood come out the side of Vin's mouth. His eyes become glazy.

"I'll....check....up...on...ya. . So….....ya ...bett...er...be.....ok," Vin joked.

No one laughed.

"Lighten...up...I'm ...go..na..see...my...ma,....and....wait...for...ya...BUT....it....must not....be....soon....need....some.....time...with...my...ma," Vin said.

They cringed as Vin made a choking sound.

Someone should have told him, mom, I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, mom, I'm becoming very scared.

Please don't cry for me mom. When I needed you, you were always here.

When Vin tried to speak again, blood poured out his mouth. The wheezing turned to choking and then silence.

I have one last question, mom, before I say goodbye.

I didn't drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?"

Chris felt his son go limp, as he lifted his son closer, cradling him from the night's air. Chris began to gently rock Vin, like a child. Tears ran down his face.

"No! NO! NOOOOOOO!" Chris screamed.

The other people stopped working, they all watched the boy die in his fathers arms. They carried on watching the father gently rock his dead child in his arms with tears, crying to the heavens. Everyone found themselves with tears in their eyes.

The silent street was filled with heartbreaking sobs, and silent pleas, that weren't heard.

+ + + + + + +

Spend all your time waiting
for that second chance
for a break that would make it okay
there's always some reason
to feel not good enough
and it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
oh beautiful release
memories seep from my veins
let me be empty
oh and weightless then maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

He watched as the medics pulled his son's lifeless body from the wreckage. He wanted to scream to shout, to do anything, but all he could do was stare. He felt his body become numb, his hopes, his dreams shattered. It felt like someone was ripping out his soul.

Chris winced as he heard the medic's lay Vin's body on a body bag, and felt sick when he heard the bag being zipped close.

"No," he whispered.

He wanted to punch the medics, telling them that it was all a mistake, that his son was a live, but his body didn't move.

He watched as they loaded his son into the black van.

His body jerked as he heard the door slam shut.

He turned to see the medics leave, taking his son with them.

He felt the soft drops of drizzle fall down on his body. He knew he should get out of the rain but he just didn't care.

In the arms of the angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you feel
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here

He found himself walking back to the car, before he knew it he was sitting in the passenger side, staring at the bloodied seat next to him. He felt the tears threaten to fall.

"Why?" Chris whispered.

Suddenly he couldn't stay there, he just suddenly began very claustrophobic.

As soon as he left the car, he began to run. He just ran, he didn't know where to go, but he just didn't care.

He felt the heavens open up as the rain fell heavy to the ground.

The rain began to sting against his face as he ran faster.

His body suddenly gave up on him, sending him to his knees. He looked up to the heavens.

"WHAT HAVE I DONE?" Chris yelled to the heavens above.

"WHY? YOU TOOK MY WIFE, MADE ME LOSE MY SON, NOW YOU TAKE VIN AWAY FROM ME! WHY?" Chris yelled angrily.

His only answer was the pouring rain and the howling wind.

Chris looked at the heavens with tear-filled eyes.

"What have I done?" he begged.

With thunder as his only response, the rain washed his tears from his face.

"He didn't deserve to die, not like that, not that young," Chris said softly.

So tired of the straight line
and everywhere you turn
there's vultures and thieves at your back
the storm keeps on twisting
you keep on building the lies
that you make up for all that you lack
it don't make no difference
escaping one last time
it's easier to believe
in this sweet madness oh
this glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

Buck, who had remained to look after Chris, witnessed the heartbreaking sight. He felt tears fall from his eyes, as he looked to the heavens.

"No, no he didn't," Buck said sadly.

He made his way to Chris, not being able to see the suffering. Instead of helping Chris up, he sat next to him.

They sat in silence as the rain poured down on them.

"What are you doing here Buck?" Chris asked quietly.

"Sitting in the rain," Buck answered.

"Why?"

"The same reason you are," Buck said as he looked at Chris's face.

He could see the frailty and sadness.

"Why, why Vin?" Chris asked the impossible question.

Buck didn't have an answer, he just didn't know.

They remained in the rain, wishing that the rain would wash away the pain and heartache, but it never did.

In the arms of the angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you feel
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here

Two days passed slowly for everyone; it was as if they were in this horrible nightmare that just wouldn't end. Today was going to be hard for everyone. Today was the funeral.

Everyone gathered together as they watched sadly as they lowered the coffin into the ground.

No one moved, it was so final. They just couldn't believe it. It was real and the pain was still just to much to bare.

Chris looked at the new grave in front of him. He couldn't move. He heard the others leaving, but he couldn't leave, he didn't want to.

Nettie had just become a shadow of her former self, the once stubborn, feisty woman was now a old woman who cried herself to sleep.

Rain held Nathan in her arms, both were hurting. Josiah looked towards the heavens, wondering what could have happened. Ezra was still looking strong, but inside his world was falling apart. Buck was still strong, but he was lost, confused, and was hurting. He held JD close, wishing he could bring comfort to his son.

In the arms of the angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you feel
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here

Nathan and Rain helped Nettie towards the car, as Josiah and Ezra went to the other car. Buck carried JD to the car, but turned around to see a lone figure standing by the grave.

"Buck, leave him. He needs time," Josiah said.

Buck nodded, he knew he couldn't help Chris.

Chris didn't know how long he remained standing, staring at the grave that held his son, but he knew that everyone had left. He was happy, he didn't want to be around people, he didn't want to act strong.

He suddenly became aware of someone standing next to him. He turned to see Alan and Grace Webster.

"I'm so sorry Chris," Grace said sadly.

Chris nodded, as he turned his gaze back to the ground.

"How's Liz?" he asked barely above a whisper.

He turned to see Grace burst into tears, he saw Alan holding her in his arms.

"She had internal damage, she died this morning," Alan said as tears fell from his face.

"I'm so sorry," Chris said in angst.

Alan nodded as they looked down to the grave.

"They are together, and in peace," Alan said.

Chris smiled a sad smile.

Alan nodded, and slowly turned to leave, taking Grace with him.

Chris looked at the ground and knelt down, slowly tracing the words engraved on the tomb.

Vincent Michael Tanner
Beloved son, brother, and boyfriend.

He lowered his head, and placed a white rose on the ground as he felt the tears begin fall down his check.

In the arms of the angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you feel
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here

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In loving memory of Elizabeth Jane Webster
In loving memory of my cousin, Darrin.
Who both died too young.