Title: A Never Ending Love

Disclaimer: I don't own Gary, Chuck, Marissa or any body else from Early Edition. Early Edition is owned by Tri-Star (But I do own Jillian)

Summary: Jillian and Gary are reunited, when Jillian finally moves to Chicago.

Rated: PG
Copy Right 2001
Writer's Comment: Here is my sequel to Gary's Day Off I hope you will enjoy it and comments are welcome.

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A Never Ending Love 
by Irene Brabson  

Ring Ring, Jillian Matthew turn over in her bed and reached to shut off her alarm clock that was sitting on the night stand next to her bed. As she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, she suddenly realized what day this was. Today was the day she was leaving South Bend, Indiana and she was moving to Chicago where her and her beloved Gary would soon be united. It had been six weeks since they departed, there had been lots of tears on both sides, but before this day would be over they would be as one again.

Pulling herself out of bed Jillian went to the window and opened it up. It was a lovely morning on this 1st day of June and the weather was beautiful, just the right day for a long car ride. Jillian leaned a little out the window and shouted, "Good Morning world, today is the  day that I will be with my Gary again!"

'Oh I have to called him right away', she thought to herself and  trotted over to use her phone.

Brriiiiiiiiii! Briiiiiiiiiiii!   Briiiiiiiiiiiiiii! Gary was sleeping soundly when the sound of the phone woke him up. Checking the clock he saw that it was only 5:00 am. 'Who could be calling at this hour?' He thought to himself. Oh boy, for their sake it better be important. Gary reached for the phone and began to answer the caller.

"Hello?" answered Gary.

"Gary, it's me," said Jillian.

"(Yawn) Who's me?" asked Gary.

"Jillian, silly," said Jillian.

"Jillian, it's only 5:00 o'clock in the morning. Is everything  alright?" Gary asked with a yawn.

"I'm sorry for calling so early and yes everything is alright. I called you this early because I couldn't wait to tell you the good news," said Jillian.

Gary suddenly sat up and became fully alert.

"Jillian is this the day you move here to Chicago?" Gary asked hoping that he guessed right.

"Yes, how did you ever guess?" asked Jillian.

"Well I couldn't think of any other reason why you would called me so early. When will you get here? Do you want me to meet you anywhere? Would you like to go out tonight? Maybe to dinner or something?" asked Gary

"Around 4:00, no, I will come to McGinty's as soon as I arrive, and yes I would loved to go out with you tonight." answered Jillian. "Oh Gary,  I missed you so much. I know we called each other on the phone almost everyday, but it's not the same as being there with you."

"Jillian, I've missed you too. I miss you so much it hurts, but in just a few hours we will be in each other's arms again. I love you Jillian." said Gary.

"I love you too Gary. See you soon honey." said Jillian.

"I'll be waiting sweetheart," said Gary.

Gary hung up the phone, everything was right with the world, he would soon be with his Jillian again and nothing not even tomorrows newspaper would ruin this day for him. Rechecking the clock, he saw that it was only 5:45, so he figured he had time for a shower before his feline friend showed up at the door. Gary laid out some clothes on the bed and proceeded into the shower. 43 minutes later he was dressed and ready to face tomorrow's paper, no matter what it had in store for him.

Meow! (Thump)

Gary went to the door.

"Good morning buddy and what do you have for me today?" asked Gary as  he bent to pick up the paper and to pet Cat.

Cat purred and rubbed himself against Gary's legs.

"You hungry buddy? Well come on, let's see what we can find to eat."

Gary looked into the refrigerator and found some left over pizza.

"Here we are and don't worry I know you don't like pineapple, so I removed it. Enjoy." said Gary. "Now let's see what the paper has for me today. Hey Cat, do you think the paper will give me tonight off? I sure do hope so. You see Jillian is coming and I want to spend the whole evening with her. Do you think you can arrange that Cat?" asked Gary hopefully.

"Meow!" said Cat and continued to devour his pizza.

"Okay, there's something at 9 and one at 12 and the last rescues for now, unless the paper changes are just  after 2. Okay buddy, I'm going down stairs to greet Marissa and Chuck, so enjoy your pizza.," said  Gary

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Briiiiiii! Briiii!

Lorraine Porter was in the kitchen fixing breakfast for Allison and herself when the phone rang.

"I got it! I got it!" screamed Allison as she ran towards the phone.

"Hi, this is Allison Marie Porter, who this?" asked Allison.

"Well hello Allison Marie Porter, this is your Aunt JIllian. May I talk to your mommy?" asked Jillian.

"Hi, Aunt Jillian. Is Gary there with you?" asked Allison.

"No sweetie, he isn't but I will be seeing him soon and I'll tell him you said hello," said Jillian.

"Okay, Mommy! Mommy! Aunt Jillian is on the phone." shouted Allison.

"Allison, honey you don't have to yell, Mommy is right here. Okay? " said Lorraine.

"Okay, Mommy, here the phone," said Allison.

"Thank you sweetie, now why don't you go and eat your breakfast? I  fixed your favorite, blueberry hot cakes," said Lorraine.

"With blueberry syrup? " asked Allison.

"Yes sweetie, blueberry syrup," answered Lorraine.

"Oh boy!" screamed Allison and ran into the kitchen to eat her  blueberry hot cakes.

Lorraine put the receiver to her ear and began to speak.

"Hello, sis. What's up? " asked Lorraine.

"Hi Lorraine, I called you to tell you that I will be leaving for Chicago today. Sherman and I are all packed up and we are waiting for the moving van. They should be here around 8:00 then we will be on our way," said Jillian.

"Oh that's great Jillian. Are you sure you've packed everything? You don't want to leave anything behind. Remember the last time you moved and you left your favorite Elvis Presley CD behind? It was a  collector's item and when you went back to get it someone had broke in and stolen it. Do you remember that?" asked Lorraine.

"I sure do Lorraine, but don't worry I've made double sure that everything is packed this time." said Jillian.

"Hey is Sherman ready for the long ride?" asked Lorraine. "Yes, He's a little nervous, but I think he'll be alright. I've taken him on a few rides to get him use to riding in a car. I think he will  do fine." answered Jillian.

"How is his leg doing?" asked Lorraine.

"Well Doctor Anderson said he will always have a slight limp, but he should do okay." answered Jillian.

"By the way, what kind of a breed is Sherman?" asked Lorraine.

"He's part German Shepherd and part Husky. He's gray with streaks of brown, his tail is bushier then a full breed German Shepherd and he has one blue eye and one brown eye," answered Jillian.

"Oh, he sounds adorable," said Lorraine.

"Mommy! I want some more blueberry pancakes," said Allison.

"Okay, sweetie, I'll be there in a minute. Well Jillian have a safe trip. It's just me and Allison for the weekend Wayne and Chris went on  a fishing trip and my daughter wants some more blueberry hot cakes. Call me as soon as you can." said Lorraine.

"I will. Bye Lorraine and say good bye to Allison for me," said  Jillian.

"Will do. bye sis.

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Gary grabbed the paper and hurried out the door. He scampered down the stairs and into the bar. The first person he saw was Marissa who was walking by him. Grabbing Marissa, he started to twirl her around out of total happiness.

"Oh, my goodness Gary you sure are in a good mood this morning." said Marissa.

"You bet your pretty little head I am. This afternoon around 4:00, you and Chuck will meet the most wonderful girl in the whole wide world. Jillian's coming, she's coming today and nothing  is going to spoil  this day for me." said Gary.

"That's really good news, Gary. I can't wait to meet her. Is she going to meet you here or somewhere else?" asked Marissa.

"She's going to meet me here and then we are going out on the town," said Gary.

" Is the paper going to cooperate with you?" asked Marissa.

"I only have a three saves, one at 9:00. I have to go to Draper Street and keep an elderly lady from falling down a flight of stairs and then  I have to be at Ohio at 12, to keep two teenage boys from fighting over a girl and my last save is at 2:15 there I have to go to Lakeview Drive and stop two small children from playing with matches, so that the one child doesn't accidentally catch her clothes on fire and then after  that I'm free for the rest of the night." said Gary.

"Free for what?" asked Chuck as he walked into the bar.

"Jillian's coming today," said Marissa.

"Hey, buddy that's great. When do we get to meet her?" Chuck asked.

"As soon as she gets here. Hey guys, if she happens to get here early, will you keep her entertained until I get here?" asked Gary.

"Sure Gar, you can count on me and Marissa. Go take care of your  paper," said Chuck.

"Go ahead Gary and don't worry about a thing," added Marissa.

"Thanks guys, see you later." said Gary

Gary then walked out of McGinty's and hurried on his way to his first save of the day.


~~~~~

Jillian was double-checking to make sure that everything was in order. She had one more thing she had to do before moving to Chicago. She had to return her apartment key to her landlady, Mrs. Walsh. 

Mrs. Walsh had been good to Jillian and she couldn't leave without saying good bye to her. Jillian walked out of her apartment and down to where Mrs. Walsh lived in apartment 6. 

She knocked on the door and waited patiently for an answer. After a few minutes, the door began to open. At the door stood a much older women. She was small in frame, about 4 ft 11 inches and weight around 95lbs. Her head was covered with hair that was as white as snow and she was around 70 years of age. 

Alice Walsh smiled as soon as she saw her visitor. She had always liked Jillian from the moment they met and hated the fact that she was moving away. 

"Hi Jillian, why don't you come on in?" offered Alice.

 "Okay, but I can't stay long. I've come to return the key to my apartment," said Jillian. 

Alice took the key from Jillian's hand. She looked down at it and then she looked at Jillian.  "Today's the day you are leaving for Chicago?" asked Alice sadly.   "Yes, today's the day and I'm going to miss you so much," said Jillian.   "Oh, I wish you could stay, but I understand that you have to move on," said Alice. "You be careful driving down there and think of me. Will  you do that?" asked Alice. 

"Yes, I will," said Jillian and gave her landlady a big hug. 

Alice returned the hug with tears in her eyes. 

"You know that Buffy's going to miss you too? Aren't you, Buffy?" asked Alice. 

Alice's Cocker Spaniel was sleeping on her favorite chair, she opened one eye, looked at her mistress and went back to sleep. 

"Well anyway I'm sure she will miss you too," laughed Alice. 

"I think so too," agreed Jillian, smiling. 

"Wait.  Before you go, I want you to have something," said Alice.   Alice walked over to her cuckoo clock and took it off the wall. 

"Here, I've always known how much you loved this clock, I want you to have it," said Alice.   "Oh I can't accept that, it just wouldn't be right," said Jillian. 

"No buts, I want you to have this," said Alice as she placed the clock into Jillian's hands. "Now you take care, you hear me?"   "I will. I promise," said Jillian. At that Jillian said her last good bye to Mrs. Walsh and made her to her apartment where she would wait for the moving van. 

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Gary arrived at his first save just seconds before it was to happen. He was standing in front of a Victorian styled house, with a high roof and a big front porch. At the top of the stairs he noticed an elderly lady struggling with a big box wrapped in her arms. 

"Boy this sure is heavy," said Deborah Mason to herself. Deborah  started down the stairs, but stopped short when she heard an unfamiliar voice. 

"Whoa, you just stay right there," said Gary, as he rushed up the stairs, taking the heavy box out of Deborah's arms. 

Then he took her hand and said.  "Here, let me help you with that. This is too heavy for you to handle and I wouldn't want you to miss a step and tumble down the stairs."   "Thank you young man, you are a real gentlemen," said Deborah as she held on to Gary's hand. 

Gary led Deborah safely down the stairs. He wondered what she had in  the box, because it sure was heavy. 

"Uh, what's in here anyway?" asked Gary out of curiosity. 

"Oh just a bunch of old books I'm donating to the local library. You see, my son was supposed to take them there, but who knows where he's at. I just can't depend on him to do anything for me. Here's something for your trouble," said Deborah as she handed Gary a twenty-dollar  bill. 

"Oh, you don't have to do that, I was more than glad to help you out," said Gary. 

"No, you take this and buy your girlfriend something nice with it. Okay?" asked Deborah. 

Gary knew she wasn't going to take no for an answer. So he reluctantly agreed to take it.   "By the way, what is your name?" asked Deborah.   "It's Gary. Gary  Hobson."   "Gary Hobson, well that's a real nice name. My name is Deborah Mason.  It was really nice to meet you Gary. Bye, I have to be going now. You take care now. Okay?" asked Deborah. 

"Okay," said Gary and hurried off to his next save. 

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Jillian was sitting on the couch petting Sherman who was laying next to her with his nose in her hand when the door bell rang. Getting up she walked over to the door and peeked though the peephole. 

" Are you with the moving company," asked Jillian.   "Yes," answered the man on the other side of the door. My 2 partners  and I are from We Move It Safely Moving  Company."   "That's great, come on in. You can start in the living room and work your way back. Please be careful with my coffee table. It once belonged to my grandmother and I don't want anything to happen to it," said Jillian.   "Don't worry miss, we've been in the business for 30 years and haven't broken anything yet," said the man. "Come on guys, let's start  loading." 

One hour later the moving van was packed and ready to roll. Jillian noticed Mrs. Walsh looking out her window and couldn't resist going  over and saying one last good bye.   "We'll be leaving any time now Mrs. Walsh, you take care," said  Jillian.   "Bye Jillian. Will you write me and let me know how you are getting along?" asked Alice.   "Yes, I will write you whenever I can. Bye," said Jillian.   "Bye Jillian," said Alice. 

JIllian walked towards her car and turned to give one last wave to Mrs. Walsh and then opened the passenger door  to let Sherman. 

"Come on boy, let's go, we're going for a long car ride." 

She let out a whistle.  "Come on Sherman. Come on boy. "

Sherman leaped in to the car and turned around three times before he settled into the seat. 

"Okay are you gentlemen ready to follow me to Chicago?" asked Jillian. 

The driver of the van nodded his head and the other two gave the thumbs up sign and soon Jillian and the moving van were on their way to Chicago.  

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Gary made it to his next save just as the two boys were ready to have a free for all over the girl that was standing off to the side. 

"Hey you two knock it off," said Gary, as he struggled to keep them apart. 

"What's it to you man?" asked the bigger boy. 

"Yeah, mind your own business," said the other boy and gave Gary a  shove that was so hard that Gary landed on his backside.   "But, I was only trying to keep you two from fighting over her," said Gary as he pointed to the girl. 

"Hey they're fighting  to see who gets to take me to the senior prom.  So butt out. Come on guys let's go some where else. It just got too  crowded here for me," said the girl.   The threesome walked off leaving Gary sitting on the ground, causing Gary to say the only thing that came to mind.   "You're welcome!" said Gary sarcastically. 

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Five hours later Jillian was in her new apartment on Freemont Street. The moving men had unloaded the van about an hour ago and Jillian was getting ready to drive over to McGinty's to be reunited with Gary. She was soon ready and Sherman and she got into her Volkswagen and drove  off towards McGinty's.   Jillian remembered that Gary told her it was between the intersection  of Illinois and Franklin Streets. After asking for directions she soon found herself in front of McGinty's. As she entered the bar, the first person she saw was Marissa. 

"Hello, is Gary around?" Jillian asked the young black women. 

"Oh, Hi. Are you Jillian?" asked Marissa. "My name is Marissa.... "

"Well who's the lovely young lady? Don't tell me you must be Jillian," said Chuck. 

"As I was saying I'm Marissa Clark and this is Chuck Fishman." said Marissa as she gave Chuck a stern look.

"Yes, I'm Jillian. I'm pleased to meet you both, Gary has told me so much about the both of you."

"All good, I hope," said Chuck. 

"Listen Gary had to run a few errands. He didn't expect you until 4,  but he should be back soon," said Marissa. 

"What kind of errands?" asked Jillian.   "Oh the kind that you have to take care of right away," said Chuck. 

Gary was running full speed to his next save to keep 7 year old Jo Ann Thomas from be seriously burned after her clothes caught on fire while she and her sister were playing with matches. 

  ~~~~~~~~~

Gary soon arrived at his next save at 12001 Lakeview Drive. He first noticed a young woman in her mid twenties to early thirties standing on the front porch, talking to another woman about the same age.

"Hey Wendy are you ready to go shopping with our kids today?" asked Bonnie to her best friend Wendy Stone. 

But before Wendy had a chance to answer Bonnie noticed a man running up the stairs towards her. 

Gary took a quick glance at the paper and then turned to Bonnie and asked.  "Excuse me, are you Bonnie Thomas? Do you have a daughter name Jo Ann?"   Bonnie looked at Gary as if he were some kind of a nut. 

"Yes to both questions. Why do you ask?" asked Bonnie.

 Seeing that going through the house would be the best way of getting to the girls in time, Gary ran by Bonnie nearly knocking her down in the process. 

"Hey you come back here! You have no right to be running though my house." Bonnie called out. "Hey! I'm talking to you." 

Gary continued to run though the house looking for the back door. Finally locating  it, he saw Jo Ann and her sister Makaila playing around what looked to be a little bon fire. Seeing that Jo Ann was getting too close, Gary grabbed the fire extinguisher and ran towards the fire. 

"Hey get away from there!" he shouted at the two girls. 

Jo Ann and Makaila did as they were told and ran to their mother who  was standing at the back door with a look of shock on her face.   Gary turned on the fire extinguisher and proceeded to put out the fire. When he was sure that the fire was out he turned off the fire extinguisher and  looked at Bonnie and her two daughters. 

"Are they both alright?" asked Gary as he stood there with an exhausted look on his face. 

Bonnie looked at this stranger,who she first thought was some kind of a nut. But now she realized that she was wrong. Finally finding her voice she asked. "How did you know?" 

All Gary said was " I was just at the right place at the right time." 

"But, that still doesn't explain how you knew," said Bonnie. "My girls could have been seriously burned and I didn't even know they were playing with matches and fire. So how did you know?" asked Bonnie  again. 

Gary looked at his watch and saw that it was almost 3:30 and he had to be back at McGinty's by 4. 

"Uh, I'm glad your daughters are okay, but I have to be going now. " 

Then Gary ran off, leaving Bonnie standing there, still wondering how  he knew. 

"Mommy who was that?" asked Jo Ann.   "Yeah, Mommy who was that?" asked Makaila.   "Just some one who cares about other people, just as he cared about you two. I hope you two have learned your lesson about playing with  matches. Come on,  let's clean up this mess and then we're go shopping with  Wendy and her boys."   Bonnie took one more look to see if she could still see the stranger  who saved her daughters and then she and her two girls began to clean up  the mess as Bonnie scolded the two girls for playing with fire.  

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Marissa and Jillian were sittingin the office,  both sipping a cup of coffee and  talking about Gary's day off. 

"Gary was so sweet to me and my sister's family. I don't know what we would have done if he hadn't came along that day. He was such a gentleman and was so great with Allison and Chris. They both love him dearly and Allison asked me if she could call him Uncle Gary. She  really wants me to marry her angel. I hope some day it will happen." said Jillian.   "Allison and Chris sound like they are great kids," said Marissa. "By the way, how is Allison's arm doing? Does she still have the cast on?" asked Marissa.   "Yes, but she's doing fine with it and her cast should be coming off in a few days." answered Jillian.   As they were talking Cat jumped up on the desk and started to bump Jillian's hand for attention. 

"Meow."   "Well hi there fellow, I see that Gary still has you. How are you? Did you miss me? Well I missed you too," said Jillian as she petted Cat. 

"Woof."   "Oh come on now Sherman, don't be jealous, come and say hello. Come on, the cat won't hurt you," said Jillian.   Cat jumped down from the table and walked over to rub against Sherman's legs and soon after,  the two were lying side by side along with Marissa's dog Reilly, and all three were sound a sleep. 

"Marissa, where is Gary's other cat?" asked Jillian.   Marissa didn't know that Cat had visited  the Porter's house, so her answered was unexpected for Jillian.   "Oh this is the only cat that Gary has," said Marissa.

 "What happen to the other cat, that Gary said he had? Did it die or something?" asked Jillian.   Marissa and Chuck were wondering why Jillian was asking about another cat. Marissa wondered if Gary had told Jillian he had a cat at home and then somehow Cat had shown up at the Porter's. And when  Gary brought Cat home, Jillian believed that Gary was bringing him home for a companion for his cat, not knowing that the cat's were the one and the same. It was the only thing that made sense to her. 

Marissa looked at Jillian and came up with an answer.   "Oh no, that cat went to Hickory to live with Gary's parents. His  mother Lois always loved that cat, so he's living with them now." said  Marissa, hoping that her little white lie was convincing. 

"Uh Marissa, shouldn't Gary be here soon?" asked Chuck trying to change the subject. 

At that moment the door flew opened and Gary trudged into the office, holding his left hand. He had burned it putting out the fire on  Lakeview Drive and it was hurting like nobody's business.  Jillian heard the door open and got up to meet Gary at the door. 

"Gary!" cried Jillian as she ran and leaped into his arms. 

Despite the pain in his hand, Gary was able to react fast enough to catch Jillian before she hit the floor. 

Holding on to him tightly, Jillian began to smother him with kisses. 

"Oh you taste so good. I missed you so much," said Jillian between the kisses. 

Gary gently put Jillian down, lifted her face to his and then he  planted a kiss on her lips, that was like no other, it was a kiss that was so intense that both Jillian and Gary felt the earth shake under their feet. 

"Hey you two, how about knocking it off," said Chuck jokingly.   Gary gave Chuck a look as if to say, 'who asked you?'

Noticing the look, Chuck put up his hands in defense and said, "Come on Gar, old pal, I was only joking. Go ahead and kiss you two. Knock yourselves out, don't mind me." said Chuck with a sheepish grin on his face. 

Gary turned back to Jillian and gave her another kiss.   "Boy, I missed you so much. I never thought that the six weeks would ever end." said Gary, as he kissed Jillian tenderly on the top of her head. 

"I missed you too, but now we are together and nothing will break us apart," said Jillian as she gently squeezed Gary's hand. 

It just so happened that the hand she squeezed was the hand that Gary had burned, which caused him to cry out in pain. 

Jillian was quite startled over Gary's sudden cry of pain. She realized he cried out as soon as she squeezed his hand, so she took a look at  it, but she wasn't prepared for what she saw. His left hand was  red and raw. It was also covered with some real nasty blisters. 

To Jillian it looked to be second to third degree burns on his hand. 

"Gary! What the Hell happened?" asked Jillian.   Gary pulled his hand away. It was hurting him very much by now and he was having trouble fighting the tears that were threatening to stream down his face. 

Chuck walked over to where Jillian and Gary were standing. He took one look at Gary's hand and said, "Hey Gar, you better have that taken care of. Boy that really does looked nasty."   "Gary, I agree with Chuck. Let me take you to the hospital and have it taken care of," said Jillian.   "But, we were suppose to go out tonight." said Gary, no longer fighting the tears that were streaming down his face. 

"Why me? You just got here and I promised you a night on the town and this has to happen. Why me?" said Gary feeling very sorry for himself. 

"Gary, there will be other days. I live here now. I'm not leaving  town," said Jillian. "Come on I promise it will be all right." 

At that she tenderly wiped a stray tear from Gary's face. 

"Gary, I can't see how bad your hand is hurt, but it doesn't sound  good, so please go with Jillian and have it attended to and maybe when you  get back you can get Tony to fix you both something to eat and you can have a nice dinner up in your loft. How does that sound?" asked Marissa.   "That sounds great Marissa, but I really do hate hospital's," said  Gary. "I wish I didn't have to go." 

"I know." said Marissa, tenderly touching Gary's face. "But I think it would be best if you did."   "Okay Marissa," Gary turned to Jillian and said with a very shaky  voice. "I'm ready to go now Jillian. "

"Okay, don't worry Gary, it will be all right," said Jillian as she put her arm through Gary's right arm and they both walked out of McGinty to go to the nearest hospital.   

~~~~~  

Jillian and Gary soon arrived at the entrance of St. John's Emergency Hospital. As they entered the building Gary suddenly had an abrupt  sense of fear. He just couldn't help that he hated hospitals and dreaded  being examined in any way. Jillian saw the fear in Gary's eyes and touched  him gently on his arm to reassure him. 

"Gary, it's going to be alright." said Jillian, still trying to  reassure him. 

"Jillian, I-a-I -a -my-a-a -a hand feels a lot better, can-a can-a we  go now?" stammered Gary. 

"Gary, calm down. It's not as bad as all of that. You have a serious burn on your hand and I think you should have it looked at. Don't worry it will be okay." said Jillian, gently touching Gary's face. "By the way, as soon as we are done here, you are going to tell me how this happened. Okay?"   Gary nodded his head and thought to himself, 'Boy I hope I can come up with a good story.'   Jillian and Gary walked over to the sign up desk.   "Yes, what is the name and why do you want to see the doctor?" asked Denise Garner, the lady at the desk. 

"Gary Hobson," said Jillian.   At the mention of his name, Denise looked up. She couldn't believe who she saw. Two months earlier, Gary had been in to have his right ear checked for an earache. But before the doctor could exam him, he ran  out of the room and the hospital like he had been shot out of a cannon and never returned.   "I see you are back Gary. Are you going to stay put this time? Doctor Logan didn't appreciate you running off the way you did. Does your ear still bother you?" asked Denise. 

All Gary could comment was, "Oh boy."   'My God,' Jillian thought to herself. 'He really does have a fear of hospitals. I'll just have to help him through it.' 

Denise decided not to wait for an answer, instead she turned her attention to why Gary was there. 

"What do you want to see the doctor about, Gary?" asked Denise. 

"Uh, I burned my hand," answered Gary.   "Let me see it," said Denise. 

Jillian stood by while Gary showed Denise his left hand. 

"For God's sake," said Denise while looking at Gary's hand. "How in the name of God did you do this? This is really one hell of a nasty burn." said Denise. 

"Look that's not important right now. How soon can he see the doctor?" asked Jillian.   "He'll have to sign in first and then he'll have to wait until he's called," said Denise. 

"Okay. Gary can you sign or do you want me to do it?" asked Jillian.   "I can do it. I'm not that helpless," answered Gary, snapping at Jillian. 

Gary quickly realized how he had talked to Jillian and he was really feeling bad about how he acted. 

"Jillian, I-a-a-I 'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm -a -a - sorry."   Jillian put her hands gently on Gary's shoulder. 

She then said to him,  "Gary, you don't have anything to be sorry  about. I know you're in pain because of your hand. I can see that you're scared, but I'm going to be right here with you. We will get through this together. I promise. "

Gary nodded his head and they went to sit down and wait for his turn. 

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Chuck looked at the clock on the wall in the office. 

"They've been gone for quite a while, haven't they?" asked Chuck.   "Well you know how long you can wait at a hospital," said Marissa. 

"Tell me about it. You can wait for what seems like an eternity in the waiting room and then another life time before the doctor finally gets in to see you. Yeah I see your point," said Chuck.   "Woof," barked Sherman.   "Oh don't worry Sherman. Your mistress will be back soon," said  Marissa, patting Sherman on the head. 

"I suppose if they're not back by seven, I'll go ahead and have Tony whip them up something." said Marissa, as she continued to pet Sherman. Reilly came over to be petted too.  "Oh, so you don't want to be left out huh? Okay boy. I can pet you  too." Marissa bent down to pet Reilly also. 

"Chuck? Not to change the subject, but when is Jade going to be joining you?" asked Marissa. 

"I talked to her this morning on the phone, she said that she had one more week left in her contract and her modeling job will be over. She will join me by next Saturday. I just can't wait for her to get here. Boy I sure do miss her. I wished that she could have joined me when I was called to produce the new sitcom 'Count my Blessing's' here in Chicago, but she had to finish her work there first. Any way like I  said she'll be here soon."   "I'm really glad to heard that Chuck. I'll admit Gary and I were a little uncertain about Jade at first, but now we know that she was the right girl for you. I'm very happy for you both." said Marissa. 

"Thanks Marissa, that means a whole lot to me and I hope the best for Gary and Jillian too." said Chuck.   Marissa smiled at Chuck's comments. Yes, Chuck could be a pain at times and hard to swallow, but he had mellowed out some since he married  Jade. He was indeed a much better Chuck. 

"Well I guess I'll go and check the wine list," said Chuck and he  walked out of the office. 

Marissa just smiled as she heard Chuck's footsteps leave the room. 

---------------------------------------------- 

Gary had finally been called and was sitting in the room waiting to  have his hand looked at. 

Jillian was sitting on a chair in front of him and reassuring him that everything would be all right. 

"Ahem, I see the disappearing patient is back," said Doctor David  Logan. 

"Oh boy. I-a-Ia-a can explain," said Gary. 

"No need to. I understand, I'm a doctor and I work with patient's fear everyday, but you are the first one I ever had to run out on me. Maybe you should see a professional about your fear. Now, let's take a look  at that hand," said David.   "Hmm, you sure did a number on that hand, how did you do this anyway?" asked David.   "Putting out a fire," said Gary nervously.   "Putting out a fire?" asked Jillian. "Where in the world did you go, that you had to put out a fire?"  "Lakeview Ave," answered Gary.   "Well how did you know there was going to be a fire on Lakeview Ave?" asked Jillian.   Gary looked at Jillian. He wasn't sure how to answer her with out revealing his secret. He just wasn't ready to tell her about it quite yet. 

"Well... you see I uh----."   "Never mind now Gary, we'll talk about it later.  How bad is it?" asked Jillian, referring to Gary's hand. 

"I've seen worse, but it's bad enough. I'm going to have the nurse  dress it and I will fill a prescription and I want to see you back here on Tuesday at 2 to have it looked at. Okay Gary?" said David. 

"Okay,' said Gary.   Doctor Logan turned to Jillian.   "You make sure he uses that lotion I am prescribing for his hand. It will stop the burning and maybe prevent some scaring ," said David. 

"Will do," said Jillian. 

---------------------------------------------- 

Jillian and Gary soon returned to McGinty's. As they entered, Chuck caught sight of them and said,  "Hey you two, it's about time you got back here. How's the hand Gar?" asked Chuck. 

" It's fine, Chuck. Thanks for asking," said Gary.   "What did the doctor say?" asked Marissa as she joined the group. 

"He said it was second degree burn and he filled a prescription and  told Gary he wanted to see him again on Tuesday."   "Gary you just do what the doctor says, Okay?" asked Marissa. 

"Okay, Marissa. Chuck was there anything I need to know about?" hinted Gary.   Chuck knew right away what Gary meant. 

"No Gary, everything has been quiet, haven't heard a thing from your little friend," said Chuck, referring to Cat. 

"Okay," said Gary, but he couldn't help but wonder why. 

"Gary, don't worry. I'm sure you will hear something tomorrow. Look  Tony fixed you and Jillian a real nice dinner. Why don't you go up stairs  and I will have Tony deliver it to you," said Marissa. 

"Thank you Marissa. Come on Gary, honey. We can have a nice romantic dinner, just the two of us upstairs. "

The dinner Tony served was a feast  fit for a king. Roast Chicken in honey sauce, baked potatoes and Gary's favorite pecan pie for dessert. To wash it all down, Chuck sent the best white wine on the McGinty's  bar list up also. 

When Gary and Jillian were through they both went over to sit on Gary's couch.   "Gary, would you please tell me about what happened today?" asked Jillian with a concerned look.   "Well- uh- you see Jillian-uh- can I have a drink of water?" asked  Gary. 

Jillian looked at Gary, gave him a smile and then went over to the sink to get his water. When she returned, she expected to get an answer to her question, but instead all she got was the sound of soft snoring and Gary curled up and sound asleep on the couch. 

"I know it's been a long day," said Jillian, stroking Gary hair. "But tomorrow you are going to tell me all about what happened today. Is it  a deal?" asked Jillian as she gently kissed Gary on the lips. "Good night sweet prince, I love you." 

~~~

Gary soon arrived at his destination. Standing in front of Jillian's  new office, he was debating about whether to go in or not. Checking the paper one more time for any signs of a change, he was satisfied that everything looked okay and proceeded to walk into the building. He stopped at the reception desk to let them know that he was there.

"Well hello Gary," said Regina. "How are you today?"

"I'm fine. Thank you," answered Gary.

"Are you ready?" asked Regina.

"I guess," said Gary unsure of himself.

"All right then, you have a seat in the waiting room and Amy Lou will  be with you in just a moment." said Regina.

Gary nodded his head and walked over to the nearest chair.

"Gary?" said Regina.

"Huh?" responded Gary.

"Don't worry, Amy Lou will be as gentle as she can. Okay?" said Regina, trying to reassure Gary.

Gary just nodded his head and sat down on the chair.

"Is he here yet?" asked Jillian as she walked up to the reception desk.

"Yes he's in the waiting room." answered Regina.

"Does he seem nervous?" asked Jillian.

"Maybe a little, but not enough to make him run out of here. Maybe  we'll get through it this time." said Regina.

Gary was waiting patiently for Amy Lou to call him. Suddenly the pages in the paper started to fly open. Looking around to make sure no one  saw what was happening, Gary picked up the paper and shook it.

"Please not now. I have to stay here so Jillian won't think I'm some kind of a lunatic. I have to get my teeth cleaned and examined. Please not now." said Gary desperately as he laid the paper down on the table next to him.

Gary tried hard to ignore the paper, but the paper just wouldn't be ignored. Once more it started to fly open. It opened to an article on page 3.

'Six-year-old boy suffocates in trunk of car.'

' Six year old Ricky Abbott, died yesterday afternoon, when he suffocated in the trunk of his father's Oldsmobile. The incident happened around 1:15 p.m.'

"Oh no not him again," said Gary.

Taking a look at his watch he could see that it was 1 minute to 1 and that Amy Lou would come for him at any time, but there was nothing he could do, he had to save Ricky Abbott.

Gary stood up and made a dash for the door. At that moment Amy Lou walked into the room.

"Gary, where are you going? I'm ready for you now," said Amy Lou.

"Un I-a-I-a have to un go," said Gary as he reached for the doorknob.

Jillian walked out of her office when she heard Amy Lou ask Gary where he was going. She saw the fear in his eyes and she walked over to him  in an effort to try and calm him.

"Gary calm down, there's nothing to be afraid of, no one here is going to hurt you," said Jillian.

"I-a -I-a-a gotta go," said Gary as he gently moved Jillian aside and ran out the door nearly knocking down the 2:00 patient in his hurry.

"My gracious, what in the world is his hurry?" asked Mrs. Marple as  Gary ran by her. "After that display, I'm not sure I want to go through with this."

"Mrs. Marple, please come in. Gary is just a bit frightened," said Regina.

"Frightened? If you asked me, he's down right terrified," said Mrs. Marple. "The poor boy ought to see a professional about his fears."

Jillian walked over to Mrs. Marple.

"Hi, Mrs. Marple. My name is Jillian Matthew, your new dentist."

"Hello, Jillian I'm pleased to meet you." said Mrs. Marple. "Maybe you should have a long talk with that boy, to calm his fears."

"Don't worry Mrs. Marple I intend to do just that." said Jillian.   'Yes I do', she thought to herself.

"Mrs. Marple please come back with me. I am ready for you now, since  the 1:00 patient left," said Amy Lou.

Jillian watched as Mrs. Marple walked back with Amy Lou, thinking once more, 'Yes Gary, we need to have a long talk. '

----------------------------------------------

Gary soon found himself back on Wabash Street. He spotted Ricky playing near his father's Oldsmobile. Ricky had just popped the trunk and was getting ready to climb in. Gary wasn't in the mood for another crack on his hand, but he couldn't let Ricky die, even though he was a little brat.

Gary ran up to the car just as Ricky was closing the trunk.

"Ricky come out of there," said Gary as he lifted Ricky out of the trunk. "You're going to suffocate. "

"No I won't," said Ricky cried out loudly, kicking Gary as hard as he could in the right shin.

"You little...... What did you do that for?" asked Gary, hopping up and down in pain.

"Here comes my Daddy, wait until I tell him what you did," said Ricky.

James Abbott was a muscular built man that stood about 6'4" tall and weighed about 235 lbs. Gary's only thought was 'Oh Boy.'

When James arrived at the scene, he never said a word just glared at both Gary and Ricky. He was waiting for one of them to say something.

"Daddy, that man tried to steal your car," said Ricky.

Gary was horrified to hear what Ricky had accused him of.

"Howzat?"

James looked at Gary and then he turned around and face Ricky.

"Ricky, I want you to go in the house," said James.

"Oh, do I have to? I want to see you sock that guy, just like Mommy did," said Ricky.

"Yes, you have to young man. You got my attention when you yelled and I saw what really happened and I'm not going to sock anyone. You may be able to fool your Mother with your little tricks, but you can't fool  me. Now you get your butt into that house. Now!" said James.

James waited until Ricky was in the house and then turned his attention on Gary.

"What's your name?" asked James.

"Gary Hobson," answered Gary.

"Well, Gary you can relax, I'm not going to hit you. I know that you weren't trying to steal my car. Ricky just likes to cause trouble to  get attention. It works with his Mother, but it doesn't work with me."

"Hey are you the same man that was here earlier, who my wife struck  with her cane?" asked James.

"Yes, and she struck me on my left hand and it hurt like hell. Just yesterday I received 2nd degree burns while I was putting out a fire." said Gary .

"Why were you here earlier?" asked James.

"I was trying to keep Ricky from getting his head caught between the rails of your front porch?" answered Gary.

"Gary, I'm sorry that this happened. I hope your hand feels better soon and I promise I will have a long serious talk with my wife and child. Thanks for your help. You are a good man Gary Hobson.," said James as  he gave Gary his hand in friendship.

"Gary took James's hand and smiled, he was glad to make a new friend.

----------------------------------------------

Jillian pulled up in front of McGinty's Bar, she wanted some answers  and she wanted them now. Looking at her watch she saw that the time was 3:30, she exited her car and walked on into McGinty's. When she entered she noticed another women talking with Marissa, so she walked on over.

"Hi Marissa," said Jillian.

"Hi Jillian. Jillian this is Lois. Gary's mother," said Marissa.

"Well hello Jillian. I'm so happy to finally meet you. My you are so beautiful," said Lois.

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you too," said Jillian blushing.

"Mrs. Hobson-----

"Please called me Lois."

"Lois, can I ask you a personal question?" asked Jillian.

"Yes you may," answered Lois.

"Did Gary have a bad experience with a dentist or a doctor when he was small?" asked Jillian.

"Bad experience?" asked Lois.

"Yes, he was supposed to have his teeth cleaned and examined today, but before we even got to the cleaning, Gary freaked out and dashed out the door. I tried to calm his fears but it was futile. So has he had any  bad experiences?"

Lois, knew why Gary ran out, and she could go ahead and tell Jillian, but she thought that Gary's secret was his alone and he should be the one to tell Jillian.

"Jillian, I know why Gary ran out, but I can't tell you. Gary should be the one. He should be here any minute, so why don't you go upstairs and wait for him. "

Jillian started to say something else, but changed her mind and turned to walk into the office and headed for Gary's loft.

Twenty minutes later Gary entered  the bar. Seeing his Mother he walked over to her and waited for the hug he knew was coming.

"Hi sweetie," said Lois as she grabbed Gary in one of her bear hugs.

"Hi Mom. Where's Dad?" asked Gary.

"Oh your Dad went to the bank to withdraw some money, so we can take  you and Jillian out for  dinner tonight."

"Mom, Dad doesn't have to do that," said Gary.

"Oh, he know's that, but he wants to. By the way Gary, I met Jillian  and she is such a sweet girl.  Much better for you then Marcia ever was," said Lois.

"Mom, I'm glad you approve. So was Jillian  here?" asked Gary.

"Yes sweetie, she went upstairs and is waiting for you and she wants an explanation about what happened today at the dentist's office," said Lois.

"Oh boy. What do I tell her?" asked Gary.

"I think you already know what to tell her," said Lois.

"Gary, have faith, it will work out okay," said Marissa.

Gary nodded his head and headed for his loft as if he was walking the last mile of a long journey.

. ~~~~~~

Gary had just left McGinty's where he had breakfast with Marissa. He  was on his way to Wabash Street, to prevent a 6-year-old boy from getting his head caught between the rail of the boy's front porch. The incident was supposed to happen around 10. It was all ready 9:40, so Gary had to hurry. When he arrived he could see the young boy kneeling on the  porch, with his hands on two of the rails. He was about to stick his head through, when Gary called out to him.

"Ricky, don't put your head through there, your going to get trapped if you do," called Gary.

"I can do what ever I want," said Ricky. "You're not my boss."

"Listen to me Ricky, if you put your head in there, you won't be able  to get it out." said Gary.

"Go away, I do what ever I want," said Ricky.

Gary realized that Ricky wasn't going to listen to reason, so he rushed up the steps to the porch and picked Ricky up so he couldn't stick his head through the railing.

"Mommy! Mommy!" cried Ricky.

Maggie Abbott came as quick as she could, out her front door. She was a woman that looked to be around 35 years old and walked with a cane,  that she required after a car accident 5 years earlier. When she saw Gary with her son, she immediately thought the worst.

"Hey, put my child down you monster," said Maggie.

Gary did as he was told and sat Ricky down on the porch. Then he  glanced in Maggie's direction and tried to explain to her why he picked up her child.

"Lady you don't understand. I was------ "

"I don't give a damn what you were doing," said Maggie as she struck Gary's left hand with her cane. You get the hell off my porch and now  or I'll call the police."

Gary couldn't believe what had just happened to him. He was trying to keep a small child from being hurt, but instead all he got was abuse.  He glared at Maggie and then walked down off her porch, shaking his hand  as if this would stop the throbbing pain that was caused by Maggie's cane.

"You didn't have to hit me with that stupid cane of yours," mumbled  Gary to himself as he continued to shake his hand. "I was only trying to  keep your child from getting his head trapped between the rails."      Gary shook the paper, his hand was hurting him so much and he was so frustrated that he started to scream at the paper.

"Why do you put me through this torture?" asked Gary with lots of frustration. "I did what you wanted. I came over here, but instead ofa thank you, I got screamed at like I was some kind of a lunatic and to make matters worse, I got struck on my burned hand by a crazy women's walking stick. I don't need this. Do you hear me?"

Gary started the car and then turned to look at the house.  "I hope I never see that house again,' he thought  angrily to himself. 'That little brat can get his head caught for all I care.' Gary pulled away from the curb and drove off to his next save.

----------------------------------------------

Jillian was setting at her desk and going over Larry Johnson's x-ray's. Larry was a six-year-old patient that was there to be fitted for  braces. Jillian tried to keep her mind on her work, but it kept drifting  towards Gary.

She couldn't shake the feeling that she had put her Gary down and she felt so guilty and ashamed. Even if she didn't know who the girls were talking about at the time, to her it was still no excuse. She had  called her sweet Gary a loony and to her this was not acceptable.

"I'm sorry Gary," said Jillian as she laid her head on the desk and started to weep uncontrollably.

Carly came to the door to let Jillian know that her patient was ready for her. Standing at the door, she could see that Jillian was crying.

Carly walked over to Jillian's side and then she put a comforting hand on Jillian's back.

"Jillian, I know that you think you let Gary down, but you had no idea who we were talking about. Besides, you are not the one to blame. Regina, Amy Lou and I are the ones to blame.," said Carly.

"That's not true. I'm just as much to blame. Even if didn't know it was Gary you were talking about. I'm a professional Dentist, I see fear everyday, I should have been more understanding, but no I called my  Gary a loony. How could I say that about the man I love so much?" asked Jillian.

"Jillian, I'm sure that Gary would understand and he will forgive you.  I tell you what we can do, when Gary comes in, we will all figure out a way to calm his fears.  How does that sound?" asked Carly.

Jillian wiped her tears and smiled at Carly, "Yes I think that would be a good idea."

----------------------------------------------

Gary drove up to his next save. This was near the 1400 block of  Dearborn Ave. He exited his Jeep Wagoneer and began to look for a small girl and pure white cat. His hand was still throbbing, but not as much. He tried to put the pain out of his mind so he could concentrate on this save.  He finally spotted the young girl as she was running after her cat.

"No BoBo, please come back. Don't run into that pipe.  You will get stuck if you do," said Susan Morgan, running to try and catch her cat. Gary made a dash for BoBo. Diving for her, he was able to catch her by her back legs before she ran into the pipe. The act made his hand hurt all over again, but he was glad that BoBo was safe.

Gary managed to pull himself up holding on to BoBo. As he did so, he could see Susan running up to them. Gary bent down and handed Susan her cat.

"BoBo, you bad kitty. Why didn't you come when I called you? You could have been hurt, you silly cat." said Susan.

Susan looked up at the stranger who saved her cat. Holding on to BoBo she walked over and gave Gary a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you Mister for saving BoBo and BoBo thanks you too. Don't you BoBo?" said Susan, as she waved the cat's paw so he could thank Gary too.

"You're welcome honey, but maybe you should keep BoBo in the house  where she will be safe. What do you think?" asked Gary.

"I do, but she keeps getting out. I just have to find away to keep her in."

 Susan looked at Gary's hand, she didn't like what she saw.

"Mister what happen to your hand? It's bleeding right through your bandage," said Susan.

Gary took a look at his left hand. Susan was right, his bandage was soaked with blood.

"Oh I burned myself and I must have re-injured it when I dove for  BoBo," lied Gary.

"My mom's a nurse. She can fix your hand up for you. Come on, I live right over there." said Susan.

Susan was pointing to a stucco house that stood on the corner. Her mother was on the front porch pushing her baby brother on his swing.

"Come on she'll fix you up," said Susan as she grabbed Gary's good hand and led him to the porch.

"Mom, this man hurt his hand. Could you take a look at it?" asked  Susan.

Stephanie Morgan looked at her young daughter and the stranger who was walking up on her porch.

"Susan, who is this man?" asked Stephanie.

"My name is Gary Hobson, " said Gary.

"Mom he saved BoBo from getting caught in the pipe and he hurt his hand when he did it."

"Come on in and I will take a look at it. Let me get Danny first," said Stephanie as she bent over to pick up her son.

"I'll put Danny in his playpen and then I'll take a look. I'll be right back."

Stephanie put ointment on Gary's hand and then wrapped it with a clean bandage.

"You should keep that clean and  be more careful next time. That's a pretty nasty burn you got there." said Stephanie. "How did you do that anyway?"

"Putting out a fire," answered Gary.

"Okay, but how did your hand get so bruised?" asked Stephanie.

"Just like I told Susan, I must have bruised myself when I dove for BoBo."

Stephanie wasn't buying this explanation. She was a nurse and she knew when a blunt object struck some one, but she decided not to push the issue any further.

"Well you be more careful and make sure you see your doctor with a follow up soon." said Stephanie.

Gary took a look at his watch and noticed that it was 12:35 and he had to be  at Jillian's office by 1:00.

"Thank you for fixing this for me, but I have a dentist appointment and I have to be going," said Gary.

"Alright, but you take good  care of that hand," said Stephanie.

"Bye Gary, " said Susan. "Say good bye Danny."

"Bye Danny," said Gary. Turning to BoBo, Gary said.

"And you, young lady, stay out of trouble."

Gary said his last good bye and walked out the door. He returned to his Jeep Wagoneer, and climbed into the driver's seat. He picked up the paper that was lying on the passenger side.

 Looking at the paper he said, "Please don't change while Jillian is examining me, she'll think I'm loony for sure. Oh please don't." said Gary as he started the car and drove away.

. ~~~

Jillian went over to Gary's bed and took a blanket from it. She walked back to the couch and placed the blanket on Gary.She then gave him a kiss good bye, turned off the lights and walked out the door, to go  down to the office.

Marissa was sitting at the desk, going over the inventory when Jillian walked into the room.

"Marissa, are you still here?   It's almost 11:00. When do you get off?" asked Jillian.

"Oh I've been off since 8. I'm just going over the inventory to see  what we need.  I'll be done in a few minutes and I'll called a taxi and go home," answered Marissa.

"You don't have to call a taxi. I'll be more than happy to take you home," offered Jillian.

"Thank you Jillian, I really do appreciate your offer. I'll be ready   in just a minute. How is Gary feeling?" asked Marissa.

"He seems to be all right. He fell asleep on the couch and I put a  light blanket from his bed on him, incase he gets cold during tonight. I know the weather during the day has been warm, but the last couple of nights it got quite chilly," said Jillian. "Marissa, do you know why Gary  would be putting out a fire on Lakeview Ave?"

"Lakeview Ave?" asked Marissa.

"Yes," said Jillian.

Marissa knew why Gary was there. The paper had sent him there to save someone. To change what would happen if he didn't get tomorrow's paper. She also knew Jillian didn't know about the paper, so she had to come  up with a good answer.

"You see Gary ran some errands this morning and maybe he walked by and saw a small fire started in a house or something and ran in to put it out before it got out of control. Maybe he was just at the right place at the right time." said Marissa, hoping that this explanation would answer Jillian's question.

"Do you really think that, that was it?" asked Jillian.

"Yes I do," answered Marissa.

"Why couldn't he just tell me that, instead of stammering all over when I asked him about it?" asked JIllian.  "Never mind, I know, it's  because he's modest and doesn't want anyone to make a fuss over him. His  modesty was one of the reasons why I fell in love with him. He was so sweet and so sincere. I'll never understand why his wife, Marcia, ever threw a sweet man like him out. But of course if she hadn't, I never would have met Gary. Maybe I should look her up and thank her."

Marissa gave a little laugh and said. "Boy that would really be something if you did."

"Oh you never know what I might do," said Jillian with a sly grin.

"Well I'm ready to go now. When do you start your practice?" asked Marissa.

"Tomorrow at 8. I'm taking over for old Doctor Miller who just retired. I'll be getting his old patients and some new patients of my own. Did you know him Marissa?"

"Yes, I do. He was a good dentist."

"Well I hope his patients will like me too. I sure hope I don't have  any trouble trying to get  use to them. "

"Oh I don't think you will," said Marissa.

'Oh boy, Gary. I hope the paper will let you get through your dentist visit tomorrow, because Jillian is your new dentist.' Marissa thought  to herself.

----------------------------------------------

"Good morning Chicago. It's 6:30 a.m. and time for the......" (click)

The radio had woken Gary and he walked over from the couch to shut it off.

'Oh boy,' he thought to himself.  'I must have fell asleep while  Jillian was here. Yes Hobson that was really smart. You fell a sleep while Jillian was talking to you. Yeah that was really swift, real smart.'

"Meow"

"Okay, I'm coming. Don't get you fur in a knot." said Gary.

"Good morning," said Gary to Cat as he opened the door.

Cat looked at Gary as if to say, 'hey I did my part. It's your turn now,' as he walked into the room.

Gary just stood shaking his head.

"I never will figure you out Cat," said Gary.

Gary glanced at his paper, he saw that there was nothing for him to do until 10, so he figured he had time to take a long shower and have some breakfast with Marissa and Chuck. He fed Cat some tuna and then went to take his shower.

----------------------------------------------

"Good morning Marissa," said Gary as he walked into the office.

"Good morning Gary. Did you sleep well last night?" asked Marissa.

"Yes, but I'm afraid Jillian may be a little upset with me. She wanted to talk to me about my hand, so I asked for a drink of water and that's all I remember. When I woke up this morning I found myself on the  couch. I guess I must have fallen asleep while she was getting the water for me. Oh boy, I really do feel stupid." said Gary.

"Gary, you have nothing to feel stupid about. Jillian wasn't upset, she understood that you were tired. She just covered you with one of your lighter blankets and probably  kissed you good night.  Then she took me home, before she went home herself," said Marissa. "So don't worry. By the way, don't forget you have a dentist appointment today."

"Its today?" asked Gary.

"Yes, at 1:00 and Gary, Doctor Miller has retired and Jillian is your new dentist," said Marissa"

"Oh no, please don't tell me," said Gary. "If the paper changes while Jillian is examining my teeth and I have to run out on her, like I did with Doctor Miller, she's really going to think I'm loony. Oh Boy."

"Gary, the paper's unpredictable, you will just have to deal with it if it does change." said Marissa.

"Well, I sure hope it doesn't , so I don't have to worry about It."  said Gary.

"Well there's one way to solve that problem," said Marissa.

"Howzat?" asked Gary.

"Tell Jillian about the paper," said Marissa.

"Are you nuts? I'll lose her for sure, just like I lost Erica," said Gary.

"Gary, you don't know that for sure. Tell her, don't keep this from  her, the sooner she knows the better. She loves you Gary, she will believe you and she will understand." said Marissa.

"Marissa, I'm just not ready to tell her yet."answered Gary.

  "Gary, let me ask you a question. Didn't the paper give you the day off, so you could meet Jillian?" asked Marissa.

"Yes," answered Gary.

"So it stands to reason, that the paper wants you and Jillian together, so it's all right to tell her about it. Right?" asked Marissa.

"I suppose, but I'm still not sure if I'm ready to tell her yet," said Gary.

"Do you love her?" asked Marissa.

"More than anything on this earth," said Gary.

"Then you're ready. Have faith Gary.  It will all work out," said Marissa.

"When is your first save anyway?" Marissa wondered.

Gary  double checked his paper to make sure he didn't miss something.

"It's at 10. I have to save a small boy from getting his head caught between the rail on his front porch. Then at 11:30 I have to keep a child's pet cat from getting caught in a pipe. Then I'm free until I go to see Jillian. So would you and Chuck like to have some breakfast with me?" asked Gary.

"Chuck won't be in today.  "He's working on the set of 'Count My Blessings', but I would love to have breakfast with you."

"Good," said Gary. "Let's see want we can find."

"Okay, lead the way," said Marissa.

Gary then took Marissa's arm and walked into McGinty's kitchen to see what they could dish up.

----------------------------------------------

Jillian drove up to her new office on Canal Street. She had shared an office in South Bend Indiana, but she never had an office of her own. She was really full of enthusiasm as she walked in the door. The first person she saw was the receptionist,  so she walked over to introduce herself.

"Hello," said Jillian with a pleasant voice.

Regina Boulder looked up from her computer.

"Hi, you must be Doctor J. Matthew," said Regina. "The girls and I have been expecting you."

"It's Jillian and are the girls the dental hygienists?" asked Jillian.

"Yes. Hey you two come and say hello to Jillian our new dentist." said Regina.

Amy Lou Liller and Carly Williams both walked into the area to meet Jillian.

"Hi Jillian, I'm Amy Lou Liller and this is Carly Williams" said Amy Lou.

"Welcome to the club," said Carly.

"Thank you. I think we are going to get along just fine," said Jillian.

"Would you like to know who your patients are for today?" asked Regina.

"Yes I would." answered Jillian.

"Well you have Mrs. Parker at 8:30 and Larry Johnson at 10 . He's a small 6-year-old-boy. Then at 11:30 you have Mr. Shook. We break for lunch at 12 and then at  1 you will have the most fidgety patient that Doctor Miller ever had in all his years of being a dentist." said Regina.

"Boy you can say that again," said Amy Lou.

"Ditto," added Carly.

"What do you mean?" asked Jillian.

"Well for one thing he never sat still in the chair. One time I was cleaning his teeth and right in the middle of the cleaning he jumped  up, nearly knocking me down and ran out the door." said Carly.

"How about the day Doctor Miller was trying to fill a small cavity? Doctor Miller had this guy's mouth numb and everything, but before he was able to do the job, his patient took off again with a numb mouth  and all." said Amy Lou.

"He's never with out a newspaper. He carries it around like it's a  prize possession," said Regina.

"Boy this guy must be  a real loony" said Jillian. "Who is he anyway?"

"Gary Hobson!" answered the three girls together.

"Gary Hobson,?" asked Jillian. "My boy friend is the patient you're talking about?"

~ ~~

After what seemed like a lifetime, Gary finally made it to the top of the stairs. He stood for the longest time staring at the door that led into his loft. As he stood there he wished that the floor would open up and swallow him whole. 

'I know Jillian loves me,' he thought to himself. 'But I'm not sure how to tell her about the paper. I thought that Erica would be able to handle it when I told her, but that's not the way it worked out....... Jillian is nothing like Erica.....Okay.... Marissa says to have faith.'

 Gary took a deep breath, opened the door and walked in. Looking  towards the couch, he could see Jillian sitting there, she still had on her dentist uniform and  had her hands folded. She was giving Gary the 'we need to talk' look. Gary was a bit nervous, but he managed to speak first. 

"Hi," said Gary, with the biggest smile that he could muster.   "Hi yourself," said Jillian and she returned the smile. 

"Uh, would you like something to drink?" asked Gary.   "No, thank you. What I really want is for you to come over here so we can talk," said Jillian as she put her hand on the spot next to her.  "Come on Gary, you can sit right here."   "Oh boy," said Gary. "Do you mind if I get a drink of water first? "

"No, go right ahead."

Gary went over and turned on the cold water, letting it run for more than a minute.  Jillian decided that enough was enough, so she walked over to the sink and gently put her arm though Gary's  and turned him face to face with her. 

"Gary would you please turn off that water, so I can talk to you?" Jillian asked.   "Uh, I'm trying to make sure it's cold enough,"  Gary replied.   "Gary, I guarantee, it's cold enough, now please turn it off and come over here. We really need to talk," said Jillian.   Gary did as he was told and walked slowly with Jillian over to the couch. Jillian felt so sorry for him, but she had to know what happened today. She had to find a way to deal with his fears. They sat on the couch and  she gently took Gary's face and turned it towards her so  they could make eye contract. Looking into his mud puddle green eyes, she could see quite a lot of fear in them.   "Gary relax, it's okay, I just want to know what happened at my office today. Why did you run out like that? What are you afraid of? Please tell me so I can find away to calm your fears," Jillian said softly.

"I'm not afraid," said Gary.   "Come again?"  Jillian asked.

"I'm not afraid to have my teeth worked on," said Gary as he fidgeted  on the couch. 

"Well, you could have fooled me. I've been a dentist for 5 years and I've never seen anyone run out of the office like you did today and now you sit there and tell me that you're not afraid? Jillian asked,  amazed.

"Jillian, I'm not afraid," said Gary trying hard to convince her. 

"Okay, if you're not afraid, why did you run out just as Amy Lou was getting ready to call you back?" asked Jillian.   Gary looked at Jillian for a very long time. He was trying to figure  out the right words to tell her about the paper. 

'Maybe I should show her the paper instead of telling her. After all, seeing is believing,' Gary thought to himself,

Gary picked up tomorrow's paper and faced Jillian to answer her question. 

"I ran out because of this," said Gary.   "What? A newspaper?" asked a confused Jillian.   Gary nodded his head. He could see the confusion  on Jillian's face and was hoping that he hadn't already lost her.   "Gary, what does the paper have to do with this?" Jillian wondered.   Gary handed Jillian the paper and told her to check the date. Jillian did what Gary asked, and was surprised that the paper was dated June 3rd, when the date was June 2nd. 

"Gary this paper has tomorrow's date on it," said Jillian, surprise still registering on her face.   "Yes I know. You see for the last six years, I have been getting tomorrow's Sun Times and I run around Chicago trying to save lives.  Most of the time I'm successful, but there have been times that I wasn't," said Gary hoping that Jillian would believe him. 

Jillian looked at Gary and then she looked at the paper. She knew that Gary was telling the truth, he was the kind of man to receive something this important. He was a kind-hearted man  that she loved more and more with each passing day.  Now she understood why he had run out. He was  on his way to save someone he read about in the paper. Jillian was more than happy to be part of this sweet guy's life. 

Gary couldn't stand the quiet. He wanted to know what Jillian was thinking. 

"Jillian, please say something. I can't stand it, you're too quiet."   "Gary how did it all began?"  Jillian asked softly, wanting to learn every detail. 

Gary stood up and faced Jillian. Relief evident on his face. He knew with out any doubt that his beloved Jillian believed him and he was  more than happy  to tell her about it.   "You see the paper started to come to me shortly after Marcia threw me out. I was staying at the Blackstone Hotel and one morning I was awakened by the sound of a cat----"   "A cat?" asked Jillian.   "Yes a cat, well any way I went over to open the door and there sat a cat on top of a newspaper. I shoo'd the cat away and picked up the paper, not noticing right away that there was something different about it. It wasn't until later that day when a stock price jumped, just like the paper said, that I realized that something was different about that paper.  I went back to my room but it had already been cleaned and the paper was gone. The next morning the cat was back with another edition of tomorrow's paper.  I thought I would test it out, so I went to the track to bet on horses to see if the paper was for real. The money I won,  I gave to Marissa so she could buy herself a seeing eye dog. I really didn't realize the importance of this paper, until a friend of mine got hurt. 

He ran a news stand and a car ran into him causing him serious  injuries. I found out too late that I could have stopped this if I had checked  the paper. But later on, the paper gave me another chance. This was to keep a desperate man from killing 9 people when an attempted bank robbery went wrong. To make a long story short, I talked the man out of it, was arrested, found innocent of any wrong doing and was released. From that moment on I have taken care of this paper and I have always tried to change the bad to good."

 Jillian sat where she was for the longest time letting it all sink   in. She wanted to tell Gary how proud she was of him and she got up from  the couch and went over and threw her arms around Gary's neck. 

She lightly touched his face and said. "Gary if this paper is part of you, then that's all that matters to me. I love you Gary Hobson."  She put her lips fully on Gary's  and kissed him passionately.

Gary returned her kiss. They both were locked in a full blown kiss,  that made them both hungry for more. But before they had a chance, Gary  heard a familiar sound.

"Meow."   "Not now, can't you see I'm busy?"  Gary grumbled as he eagerly  returned to kissing Jillian. 

"Meow!"  Cat repeated, determined to get Gary to listen. 

"Alright, you drill sergeant, this better be important. Jillian I'm sorry but----"   "No Gary don't be sorry, go ahead and see what he wants." said Jillian. "Gary isn't that the same cat we brought back from Little Creek with us?"

"Yes, and I'll explain later," said Gary as he picked up the paper to see what the cat wanted him to see. 

Jillian watched Gary as he read the front page. To her horror she saw Gary's face turn white. He looked as though he was going to pass out at any moment.   "Gary! What is it? What's in the paper?" asked Jillian, concerned.   Gary looked at Jillian and gave her the paper so she could read what he had just read. 

'Bernard William Hobson 59 from Hickory, Indiana was killed yesterday evening, when he walked into a bank not knowing that there was a hold  up in progress. He was shot and killed as he entered The United National Bank on State Street. Witnesses said, that the would be bank robber heard the door open and fired one shot. Hobson took a direct hit to the chest, killing him instantly. The incident took place at 5:10 p.m.'   "Gary, that's your father isn't it?" asked Jillian.   Gary nodded his head, tears were streaming down his face. 

" I just can't let this happen to my dad." 

Taking a look at his watch he could see that he only had 15 minutes to stop this terrible thing from happening. 

"Jillian I have to hurry. Please, you stay here with Mom and Marissa," Gary instructed as he turned to leave.   "No, I'm coming with you, the paper is part of my life now too and I want to help save your father." Jillian argued.

"Jillian it's too dangerous. I'm already worried about how I'm going to save Dad. I don't want to worry about you too. So please stay here. "

"Gary we are wasting precious time. I'm going with you and I won't take no for an answer,"  Jillian said firmly.

Gary unwillingly agreed to take Jillian and they both ran out the door, down the stairs, through the office and into the bar. 

Lois saw her son and Jillian run by her, like they were on their way to a fire. 

"Gary, what's happening? What's your hurry," asked Lois as she grabbed Gary's arm.   "Mom, we have to get to the United National Bank on State Street in 12 minutes." said Gary. 

"Why? What's going to happen?" asked Lois.   "Dad's going to be killed if we don't get there in time," answered Gary matter of factly.

Lois was horrified on hearing what Gary had told her.

'No!' she thought to herself.  'This can't happen, I won't let it.'   "Gary, wait up. I'm coming with you," said Lois.   Gary and Jillian waited at the door for Lois and all three hurried out to Gary's Jeep Wrangler and drove off towards State Street, while Marissa was left standing at the door, with a prayer on her lips. "Dear God, let them get there in time."  

.  ~~~

Dennis Taylor, a bank teller for The United National Bank, took a look at his watch. He noticed that the time was 5:00 and he still had one more hour before the bank closed for the day. 

Most banks were getting ready to close at this hour, but The United National Bank stayed open an extra hour so that anyone who didn't used the ATM machine and wanted to do some last minute banking would be able to do just that. 

Dennis looked around and saw Rose Mitchell, the other bank teller, waiting on a patron when he caught sight of a suspicious looking man.  He was a stocky built man, about 5'5' in height and weighed around 200  lbs. The man walked over to the window and glared right at Dennis.   "May I help you?" asked Dennis.   "Yes you can. Fill these bags and don't try anything funny or you die. Understand?" said the man as he held a gun in Dennis's face. 

Dennis nodded his head, stepped on the silent alarm, and started  filling the bags. 

'God I hope the alarm went through.' Thought Dennis desperately to himself.

"Hurry up!" yelled the man impatiently. 

"I'm hurrying! I'm hurrying!" cried Dennis nervously. 

"Just fill the bags and shut up," said the man. 

The man turned towards Rose, aimed the gun at her and ordered her to come out on the floor.  Rose timidly did as she was told. She walked over to where the five patrons were standing, nervously waiting on what to do next.   "Okay, all of you get down flat on your stomach's, your arms stretched above your heads and don't you dare move. The first one to move will  get a bullet in his or her head. Get down now!" the man ordered.

All but one dropped to the floor and did what they were told. The man glared over at the one patron who didn't hit the floor. He could see  she was at least 6 months pregnant and looked totally terrified. The man walked over to her and gave her an evil grin before speaking to her.

"I see that you are expecting," said the man. "Do you want your baby to come into this world and have a chance to live his or her life?"   The women nodded her head nervously. 

"I thought so. What's your name?" he asked as he held the gun to her face. 

"Sally" she said timidly.   "Well, Sally if you are not on that floor, by the time I count to five, you and your baby will die. 1-2-- "

Sally hit the floor with a thump, as she did so she said a silent prayer. 

'Dear God please let my baby be all right. Please don't let him be harmed by the hard fall I took to the floor.'   Dennis looked over, he was really beginning to worry. 'God where's the police?' he thought to himself. 'If they don't get here soon, we will all be dead.' 

---------------------------------------------- 

Gary was racing to The United National Bank on State Street. He had  less than 9 minutes to get there and he was taking the fastest route he  knew. Gary knew that if he didn't get there in time, his father would die. 

Jillian was sitting next to him, praying along with Lois that they wouldn't be too late. Suddenly the trio heard a siren. The policeman  was motioning for Gary to pull over, but Gary ignored the warning and drove even faster toward the bank, hoping that the police cruiser would follow. 

---------------------------------------------- 

Bernie was trying for the umpteenth time to get the ATM machine to take his card, but every time he tried, the machine kept spitting it back. 

"You stupid machine. Why won't you take my card? I'm giving you the right pin number 0917. So what's the problem?" asked Bernie.   Seeing that he was getting no where, Bernie decided to go inside to  make a withdrawal. 

"I really didn't want to go inside, but I have no choice, since this stupid machine won't take my card." Bernie replaced his card in his wallet and placed it  in his back pocket,  then proceeded to the front entrance of the bank. 

The robber could see Bernie walking up to the door.  A wicked smile appeared on his face. He was waiting for Bernie to get closer so that  he could blow him away. At that moment Gary pulled up to the curve jumped out of his jeep and started to race after Bernie. 

"Dad!" screamed Gary. 

Bernie and Gary landed in a heap, just as the man fired his gun. The bullet hit the glass door, shattering it to pieces. Glass was flying everywhere.   "Gary!" screamed Jillian and started to run towards him, but she was stopped when the policeman who was following them grabbed her arm. 

"No! you two get into the police cruiser and stay put. I'll radio for some help. Stay here." said the policeman to Jillian and Lois. 

Bernie could hear the gun fire and he tried to move but was unable to  do so, because he was pinned underneath Gary. 

"Dad, stay down, don't move," said Gary. 

"Gar, that maniac is spraying bullets everywhere. What are we going to do?" asked Bernie. 

"Dad, I'm going to try to get us out of the line of fire. I'm going to roll off of you and you and I are going to slowly crawl on our stomachs to safety. Are you ready Dad?"  Gary asked as he slowly rolled off of Bernie. 

Bernie nodded his head and both proceeded to crawl out of harms way. As soon as they were safely out of the way, Gary turned his attentions on his dad. 

"Dad are you all right?" asked Gary. 

Bernie was shaken from the whole ordeal, but was able to answer Gary's question. 

"Yeah Gar, right as rain. How about you?"   Gary looked to see if he and Bernie were hurt in anyway, satisfied that both were okay, he picked up the paper to glance at the situation. 

"Gar are you okay?" asked Bernie with quite a bit of concern. 

"Yeah, Dad I'm fine," said Gary as he kept looking at the paper. 

"Dad, the paper says that everybody in there is going to be killed within the next hour. The robber is going to kill all the hostages and then turn the gun on himself. Dad I can't just sit by and let this happen. I have to find a way to prevent this disaster from happening," said Gary.   "Gar, how are you going to accomplish this?" asked Bernie. " You just can't run in there. That maniac will kill you before you got one word out of your mouth." 

"Dad, there has to be something we can do to stop this. There just has to be," said Gary. 

---------------------------------------------- 

Sally was shaking all over from the sound of gunfire, She thought for sure that she would go into  early labor. "God please help me and my baby," she whispered.   Rose, who was lying next to Sally, took Sally's hand and softy  whispered in her ear. "Don't worry honey, you and your baby are going to be just fine. We will all get out of here alive. Have faith it will be all right."

 Sally turned and smiled at Rose, she was still scared, but felt much better with Rose holding her hand. 

Jillian and Lois looked on helplessly while the policeman radioed for helped. 

"This is Officer Ralph Winters in car number 4. I'm at the United National Bank and there is a hold up and hostage situation. Need assistance immediately."   "Ten four, car number 4 help is on the way." said the dispatcher. At that she sent help right away. 

Paul Armstrong and a swat team arrived shortly at the scene. He made  his way over to the police cruiser and began talking to Officer Winters to find out the details. As they were talking Paul happened to looked into the police cruiser, seeing Lois, he knew right away that Hobson was not far away. 

  ~~~

Jillian looked up to see a talk black man staring back at her. She didn't know why, but she felt intimidated by him. To her he looked so massive, and next to him she felt so small. 

Armstrong looked at Jillian a couple seconds more before he turned and spoke to Lois. 

"Mrs. Hobson, could you please get out of the car?" asked Paul. "We  need to talk." 

Lois exited the police cruiser and went over to face Paul. 

"Mrs. Hobson. I know your son's near by, so could you tell me exactly where he's at and what he knows about this crisis?" asked Paul. 

"He and my husband Bernie are behind the bank," said Lois as she  pointed to the right of the United National Bank. 

"And we don't know if they're dead or alive," added Jillian, weeping hysterically. 

Lois put her arms around Jillian and held her close to her breast and began to speak encouraging words to her. But the words weren't only for Jillian,  they were also for her too. 

"Jillian honey, it's going to be okay, I know with all my heart that Bernie and Gary are both alright. You'll see, everything is going to work out," said Lois. 

Paul looked at Jillian. He felt sort of sorry for her and thought it  was best that she went back to the cruiser to calm down. 

"Miss, why don't you go with officer Danner here, she will sit with  you, while I talk to Mrs. Hobson," said Paul. 

"But, I want to stay here. I need to know if Gary and Bernie are all right," sobbed Jillian. 

Cindy Danner gently took Jillian's hand. Cindy could tell she was frightened and did her best to calm her. 

"Hi my name is Cindy. What's yours?"  

"Jillian," she sniffed in response.

"Well Jillian why don't you and I go over there and talk, so Paul can talk to Mrs. Hobson. I promise everything will be all right. Come on honey let's go over there and sit down," said Cindy as she took Jillian over to a bench across the street. 

Paul watched as Cindy and Jillian crossed the street and then he turned back to Lois. 

"Mrs. Hobson, does your son know what is going on in the bank?" asked Paul. 

"What makes you think that he does?" asked Lois. 

"Simple. Because whenever there is trouble, your son is always the  first to show up. So what does he know?" asked Paul. 

"I can't answer that. You'll have to ask Gary yourself," answered Lois. 

Paul looked at Lois for a long time. He knew she knew more than she was telling him, but he decided not to question her any further. Instead he turned to Officer Winter and said. 

"Winter, I want you to make sure there's a sniper on the roof and he's in place. Then I want you to go around to the left of the bank and see if you can locate Gary Hobson and his father," said Paul. 

"Yes sir," answered Ralph and went do to what he was told. 

---------------------------------------------- 

Gary glanced at the paper again, there was no change, everybody was still going to die. He had to think of a way to put an end to what was happening inside the bank. 

Officer Ralph Winter approached Gary and Bernie from the back of the bank. He could see that Gary was looking at a newspaper and wondered what it was that put such a worried look on Gary's face. 

"Ahem," Ralph cleared his throat and then asked. "Are you Gary Hobson?" 

"Yes," answered Gary. 

"Is he your father?" asked Ralph, pointing to Bernie. 

"Yes I am," said Bernie. "Who want's to know?" 

"Detective Paul Armstrong, that's who?" answered Ralph. 

"Armstrong's here?" asked Gary. 

"Yes, he's talking with Mrs. Hobson," answered Ralph. 

"Well what's he talking to Lois about? She doesn't know anything about what's happening in the bank," said Bernie. 

"Oh Detective Armstrong knows that, but he's quite sure that your son here does, Mr.  Hobson," said Ralph. 

"Well, then let's go talk to Armstrong," said Gary. "Maybe we can both work together to end this thing." 

---------------------------------------------- 

The perpetrator was starting to get impatient. He had stopped shooting his gun, but still had the weapon pointed towards the 7 hostages that  he held in the bank. The man got up and walked over to Dennis who was  still filling the bags with money. 

"How much longer is this going to take?" asked  the man. 

"I'm not sure. It takes time," lied Dennis in an effort to try and slow things down until help could arrive. 

"Okay, but you make sure those bags are stuffed full. You got me?"  asked the man as he put his gun in Dennis's face. 

Dennis just nodded his head and went back to filling the bags. 

The man walked back to the other hostages. He stepped in front of a small boy who was lying down next to his father. The man bent down and tapped the boy lightly on top of his head. 

"Hey kid, get up.  I want you to do something for me," said the man. 

The boy looked at his father, who nodded his head and the boy got up slowly and waited  to see what the man wanted. 

"What's your name son?" asked the man. 

"Timmy," answered the boy, terrified.

"Hey son you don't have to be afraid, as long as you do what I say, you got nothing to be afraid of. Okay." said the man. 

Timmy nodded his head. He was shaking all over and beads of sweat were forming on his forehead. 

"Now this is what I want you to do," said the man as he put his arm around Timmy. 

This was more then Timothy Mason could take.  "Hey! Get your filthy hands off my child," said  Timothy. 

The next thing Timmy knew, the man had a gun in his father's face and began screaming all sorts of vulgarities at him. 

"You keep your damn month shut or I promise you I will kill Timmy right in front of you and then I'll kill you. You got me?" asked the man with a wild look in his eyes. 

Timothy looked at the madman. He wasn't afraid to die, being a sergeant in the army, he faced that possibility everyday, but he did fear for  his son's life and didn't want to do anything to jeopardize it. Even though he was no coward, he couldn't take a chance that Timmy might be hurt or worse, so he just nodded his head, laid his head back down and started to pray. 

"Now Timmy, this is what I want you to do. Take this bag and go around to everyone here, including that man over there (pointing to Dennis)  and fill this bag with all their personal belonging's. Okay?" asked the man as he rubbed the top of Timmy's head. 

Timmy nodded and went to do what he was told. After he collected everything, he returned the bag back to the man. 

"That's fine Timmy, now give me what you have," said the man. 

"But, I don't have anything," said Timmy as he started to cry uncontrollably. 

"Yes you do. How about your nifty Mickey Mouse watch?" asked the man. 

"But, my Daddy and Mommy got that for me for my 7th birthday," sobbed Timmy. 

"Oh now, want's more important? A stupid little  birthday present or the lives of everybody in here?" asked the man. 

Timmy looked at his Mickey Mouse watch and then he slowly removed it  and handed to the man. 

"Good boy, now go and lie back down next to your daddy. Okay?"  the man instructed Timmy.

As soon as Timmy was back with his father, Timothy grabbed his hand and held it as tight as he could. 

"Timmy, Daddy's sorry you had to go though this, but I promise we will all get out of here alive. You just be brave and hold on," said  Timothy. 

Timmy just looked at his father who gave him an encouraging smile. A smile that said everything will be all right. 

---------------------------------------------- 

Ralph, Bernie and Gary started to walk over to where Detective  Armstrong was, when Gary decided to take one more look at the paper. As he looked something caught his attention. 

"Dad. Hey Dad!" cried Gary. 

Bernie turned to see what Gary wanted. 

"What is it Gar?" asked Bernie. 

"I know who the gunman is," answered Gary. 

"You do? Who is he?" asked Bernie 

"Benjamin Potter," answered Gary. 

"Who?" asked Bernie. 

"Benjamin Potter. I went to school with him," answered Gary. 

"Oh, do you mean that short stocky kid with the thick glasses and everyone called him Benji the goon?" asked Bernie. 

"Yes Dad, he's the one, but I never called him that," said Gary. 

"Okay, but are you sure it's him?" asked Bernie.  "Yes, come on.  I better tell Armstrong what I know," said Gary. 

~~~

Paul Armstrong was starting to lose patience. He knew that there was a bad situation going on in the bank and his negotiator was having no  luck in getting the gunman to come to the phone. 

Paul was also waiting for Officer Winter to return with Gary and  Bernie. He finally caught sight of them and hurried over to intercept them. 

"Okay, Hobson, let's skip the formalities, just tell me what you know and tell me quick," Paul ordered..   Gary started to tell Paul all he knew, when Lois came up and threw her arms around Bernie.   "Oh God Bernie, are you and Gary all right? Jillian and I were so afraid. God if anything would have happened to you two, I don't know if I could have gone on," said Lois sobbing.   "Lois honey, don't cry Gary and I are just fine," said Bernie as he  held his wife, while she cried.  "Gary honey please come here," said Lois as she held out her arms for her son. 

Gary walked over and took his mother in his arms. He stood there for awhile just holding her and comforting her.   "Mom everything is all right. Dad and I are a bit shook up, but we're both okay," said Gary. 

"I know, it's just that Jillian and I were so scared," said Lois.   Gary looked around, but didn't see Jillian. 

"Mom, where is Jillian?" asked Gary. 

"She's sitting across the street on that bench, with a female officer," said Lois as she pointed to where Jillian was sitting,

 Gary looked over and spotted Jillian on the bench, he smiled and waved to let her know that everything was all right. Jillian saw Gary and she smiled and blew a kiss at him. She was still shaken, but was relieved  to see that he and Bernie were both okay. 

"Hobson, are you ready to tell me what you know?" asked Paul.   "Yes, just one moment. Dad, I want you, Mom and Jillian to go back to McGinty's. I would feel much better if you three are out of harms way," Gary explained.   "Gary, Jillian and us are not going to leave you here. Absolutely not," said Lois. 

" Gar I have to agree with your mother, I'm not too crazy about leaving you here either," said Bernie.   "Dad, please.  For once do as I say and don't argue," said Gary.   "Okay, Gar on one condition. You promise not to do anything foolish. More like, don't try to be a hero, let the police do their job. Is it a deal Gar?" asked Bernie. 

"Yes Dad, I'm just going to tell them what I know. I promise no hero stuff," said Gary. 

"Okay then Gar. Lois let's go," said Bernie. 

"Bernie I am not leaving. I will agree to go and sit on the bench with Jillian, but I am not leaving the area and that's final," said Lois. 

"Okay Mom that's fine, just please stay over there no matter what happens here," said Gary.  Lois and Bernie started to cross over to the other side of the street, then Lois turned around and gave Gary a motherly hug. She then said.  "Gary please be careful." 

"Don't worry Mom, I'll be careful," Gary assured her..

 "Hey you two, tell Jillian not to worry and tell her I love her," said Gary.   "Will do son," said Bernie as he took Lois's hand and proceeded across the street. 

---------------------------------------------- 

After Gary made sure his parents were safely across the street, he turned back towards Paul. 

"I know who your gunman is," said Gary.   "You do huh? Well who is he?" asked Paul.   "His name is Benjamin Potter," said Gary.   "And how do you know that?" asked Paul.   "I went to school with him, that's how," said Gary. "I thought that maybe I could talk to him and see if I could get him to end all of this." 

"Lots of luck," said Peter Kilmore the negotiator. "I've been trying  and all I've been doing is speaking to a small boy named Timmy. The man  just won't come to the phone."   Paul looked at Peter and then he looked at Gary. 

"Do you think you can talk him into coming out?" asked Paul. 

"I don't know, but I not going to stand by and watch if there is a chance we can end all of this," said Gary. 

"Detective Armstrong, you might as well let Hobson try, I'm sure not getting any where," said Peter. 

Paul looked at Peter, he wasn't too crazy about the idea, but he felt  he had no choice. 

"Okay, Hobson, talk to the man. See if you can get him to surrender,  but promise him nothing," said Paul. 

Peter handed Gary the phone and Gary began to speak into it. 

"Hello, who am I speaking to?" asked Gary. 

"Timmy," said a very timid voice. 

"Timmy, my name is Gary. Is everyone okay in there Timmy?" asked Gary.   "Yes, but I'm scared," answered Timmy. 

"Timmy I want you to listen to me, it's going to be okay. The police  and I are working on a way to get you and everybody else out safely. Now  can you tell me where the man is?" asked Gary.

"He's sitting on a chair, staring at his gun," answered Timmy.   Gary was beginning to get nervous. 'Oh God I hope he doesn't start shooting again. I just have to get Benji to talk to me. I just have  to,' Gary said to himself.   "Timmy, I want you to do me a favor. I want you to tell the man that Gary Hobson wants to talk to him. Can you do that for me Timmy?" asked Gary. 

"Yes," answered Timmy. 

"Okay," said Gary. 

Timmy glanced at the gunman. He was scared, but he did what Gary wanted him to do. 

"Mister, Gary Hobson wants to talk to you," said Timmy with a shudder. 

"Who, kid?" asked the man. 

"Gary Hobson," answered Timmy.   "Oh, good old Gar. Yeah I went to school with that guy. Ask him what he wants," said the man. 

"He wants to know what you want?" Timmy relayed the message.

"Tell him I want to talk about old times and do some catching up with our lives," said Gary. 

Timmy told the man what Gary said. 

"Well I guess I can talk to Gar. Give me the phone kid and you sit   down right here on the floor in front of me and don't you dare move," said the man.   Timmy handed the man the phone and sat down where he was told. 

"Hello?" said the man. 

"Hey Benji, It's been a while. What have you been up to since graduation?" asked Gary. 

"Why do you care? You got everything you ever wanted. You were the captain of both the baseball and football teams. Any girl in school would have done just about anything to go out with you. Yes you were  the All-American boy. I wanted to play baseball, I wanted to play football. But no!  Benji the goon wasn't good enough. Benji the goon was a nobody and everybody always laughed at him, but no one's laughing now Gar," said Benji as he pointed his gun at Timothy. 

"Benji, you're wrong, I didn't always get what I wanted. I wanted a  wife and family, but Marcia, my ex- wife, threw me out on our wedding anniversary and my dreams of having a family were thrown out with me. Benji, please tell me what the problem is and what we can do to end all of this,"  Gary pleaded. 

"What this is  all about is that I'm tired of people looking at me like I'm some kind of a freak. So I'm going to teach everyone a lesson, starting with these hostages," said Benji. 

"Benji, I know the other kids treated you cruelly in school and I also know that you were hurt by all of the things they said and did to you, but the people you are holding in the bank had nothing to do with that. Please Benji. let them go and you come out.  I'm sure we can talk  things out," said Gary. 

"So you want me to come out? Why don't you come in Gar?" asked Benji. "Tell you what, if you come in, I'll let two of the hostages go. How about that Gar?" 

"You'll let two of them go?" asked Gary. 

"Yeah. Little Timmy here and  Sally the pregnant women," said Benji.   "Do you promise to let them go if I come in?" asked Gary. 

Paul heard all he was going to hear. 

"Hobson! Are you out of your mind? If you think for one minute I'm  going to let you go in there, you have another thought coming," said Paul.   "Gar, you tell that big mouth cop, if you don't come in here I will  kill everybody in here, starting with little Timmy. I have the gun pointed  at his head now," said Benji.   Timmy stared at the gun through the corner of his eye. He was starting to shake all over and was dizzy with fright. His dad wanted to go to him, but was warned not to make a move or his child would die on the spot. 

"Gar, I'm serious, you better come in here or else," said Benji. 

Gary turned to face Armstrong. He looked straight in Paul's eyes and said. 

"Armstrong, I don't have a choice. He threatened to kill everyone in there, starting with Timmy, if I didn't.  I have to do this. I won't be responsible for their deaths."   Paul looked Gary up and down.  He wasn't too thrilled about Gary entering into the bank and trading places with two of the hostages. But seeing he had no choice he turned to Officer Winters and said. 

"Make sure the swat team is ready and tell them to wait for my signal."   "Hobson, I'm not too crazy about this, but we will do it his way for now, but I will have my men ready to back you up just in case," said Paul. 

"Thanks," said Gary. "I'll need all the help I can get. 

"Oh boy, I hope I can talk him in to coming out".  "Me too Hobson, me too." said Paul. 

The End of 11  TBC Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/

 Title: A Never Ending Love12/?

Author: Irene Brabson Keeper of Gary's Bicycle and  Jake's 2 Red Couch Throw Pillows  Disclaimer: Same as before. Rated: PG  Copyright 2001 

Writer's Comments: As always comments are welcome and appreciated. ~~~   Gary turned back to the phone, and started to speak into it once more. 

"Benji, I will agree to come in there, but you must give your word that you will let Timmy and Sally go," said Gary. 

"Gar in all the years we went to school together, did I ever break a promise?" asked Benji. 

"No, Benji you didn't, I just need to be sure," said Gary. 

"Don't worry so much Gar, I'll let them go I promise," said Benji. "But you must promise me something." 

"What?" asked Gary.   "You come alone. If any cops come with you, I will kill both Timmy and Sally and I will also kill you. Do we understand each other Gar?" 

"Sure, Benji. No cops I promise," said Gary. "I'm on my way in."    "Hobson?" 

Gary turned his head towards Paul. 

"Hobson, are you sure you want to do this?" asked Paul. 

"No, but I have no choice. I know I promised Mom and Dad that I  wouldn't try to be a hero, but I know they would understand my reason for going back on my word. I just hope they can make Jillian see that too. "

"Here you might need this," said Paul as he handed Gary a bullet proof vest.   "I don't think I'll need that," said Gary. 

"Well I do. If you think I'm going to let you go in there unprotected, you are out of your cotton pickin mind. So take off your jacket and put this on underneath. The gunman won't be able to tell that you are wearing it and it will give you some protection at least," said Paul. "Now don't argue with me and put the damn thing on."   Gary looked at Paul and then he reluctantly slipped on the jacket. 

"It won't be much protection if he shoots me in the head," said Gary nervously. 

"I know. I just hope that doesn't happen," said Paul. 

"Yeah,"  Gary agreed.   Paul checked Gary over to make sure the vest was secure. 

"Now listen Hobson, my men are all around the building, There are even some in the basement. They are ready to move, if you get into any trouble. Here put this in your pocket."   "A bug?" asked Gary. 

"Yes, so we can keep our ears on you. Now good luck and be careful."   "Yeah thanks for the luck and I'll be careful," promised Gary and then he started walking towards the bank's doors. 

---------------------------------------------- 

Jillian couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the drama that was unfolding across the street. 

'No it couldn't be!' she thought to herself. 'He's not going in there. No, it just can't be. I won't let him. I just won't!' 

Jillian jumped up from the bench and started to dash across the street, but she was suddenly stopped when Bernie grabbed her around the waist and held on to her for dear life. 

"Let me go!" screamed Jillian as she struggled and kicked to break  loose of the arms that held her so tightly. "He's your son, damn it! Don't  you care what happens to him? Don't you care?" 

Tears were streaming down Jillian's face as she continued to struggle against Bernie's strength. 

"Oh Jillian, of course we care. Gary is our child. He's mine and Bernie's world and if anything ever happened to him, I.... no.... we... would never be the same, but you have to understand Gary---- "

"But, he promised that he would let the police handle it. Why is he going in there to risk his life?" sobbed Jillian. 

"We know he promised, Jillian. But like Lois started to say, Gary is  the type of person who can't stand by and let someone get hurt or worse, even if it means losing his own life," said Bernie. 

"Is that why he get's the paper?" asked Jillian, softly sobbing. 

"Yes, that is the reason. Who ever sends tomorrow's paper to Gary,  knows he is someone special and you will learn how special he really is, as you get to know him better," said Lois. "Just remember that he loves  you with all his heart."   "I love him too, I'm just scared," said Jillian as she started to cry even harder than before. 

"We know you're scared, but you have to be brave. Lois and I both know that Gary broke his promise for a good reason and we will know what  that reason is soon," said Bernie as he held Jillian while she cried. 

Lois came over and Bernie put his arms around both girls and together they said a silent prayer for Gary and the hostages. Officer Danner sat near by, saying her own prayer. 

----------------------------------------------  

Benji hung up the phone and then he grabbed Timmy and jerked him to his feet. 

"Come on you. You and Sally are both getting out of here."   "But I don't want to go," sobbed Timmy. "I want to stay with my Daddy."   "Look, I promised to let you and the pregnant lady go, so come on kid, let's go," said Benji.   "No! I want to stay with my Daddy," screamed Timmy as he ran for the comfort of his Daddy's arms. 

"Please let me have a minute with my son," pleaded Timothy. 

"One minute, no more," said Benji. 

Benji then turned to Sally and ordered her on her feet. 

"Let's go before I change my mind," said Benji with a look that made Sally quiver all over. 

Rose gently took Sally's hand and gave her a reassuring smile. "Go on honey, everything is going to be all right." 

Sally stood up and walked over to Benji to wait for Timmy. 

Timothy held his son in his arms, while Timmy cried. 

"Hey sport, listen. Do you remember, the day you turned seven, and you came to me and said that you were a big boy now?" asked Timothy. 

"Yes," sniffed Timmy. 

"Well this is one of those times. You have to be brave and go with Sally. Besides Sally needs someone brave to help her. Okay Sport?"  asked Timothy. 

"Okay, Daddy," said Timmy and gave his father a big bear hug. Timothy returned the hug and then he said.  "Go on with you now, Mommy is waiting out there for you."   Timmy stood up and faced Benji. 

"I'm ready now," said Timmy as bravely as he could. 

---------------------------------------------- 

Gary was approaching the door, when he suddenly stopped. Paul saw this and came running over. 

"Hobson, what's wrong?" asked Paul. 

"I can't go through with this," said Gary. 

"You mean you're coming to your senses?" asked Paul. 

"No, I mean I can't wear this stuff," said Gary as he removed the  bullet proof vest and the bug he had in his coat pocket. 

"Are you out of your mind?!  At least keep the bug, so we can keep an eye on you." said Paul desperately. 

"Don't you see? If I go in there with all that stuff and Benji starts checking me out for weapons, he's sure to start shooting and everyone would be killed. No! I have to go in unprotected. Besides, it wouldn't be fair to the hostages for me to be protected and not them," said  Gary.   "Hobson, I'm not crazy about this, but if you think this is right, then I will back you. Here maybe this bug will work," said Paul as he handed Gary a man's bracelet. 

Gary reluctantly took it and placed it on his wrist and started once more to the bank doors. 

----------------------------------------------  

"Okay, you two stand over there, I'll be with you in a moment." Benji then turned to the rest of the hostages.   "If any of you dare to move, I will drop these two where they stand.  Oh, excuse me, these three," said Benji as he patted Sally's belly. 

Sally's body shivered as Benji touched her.  All she wanted was to get out of there and to be in Danny's arms. She and her husband had a fight that morning. It was so silly she couldn't even remember what it was about. She only needed him to hold her and make all her fears go away. 

Gary soon got to the door and waited for Benji to come with Timmy and Sally. 

"Are you alone?" asked Benji. 

"Yes, I'm alone just like I promised. Now please keep your part of the deal," Gary pleaded.   Benji unlocked the door and pulled Gary in. He checked him over and was satisfied that he had no weapons or anything else on him. 

"Okay you two walk out of here and don't look back, because if you do Gar, here gets it," said Benji. 

Timmy and Sally both dashed out the door. Danny was waiting and started calling Sally's name as soon as he saw her.   "Sally! Sally! Honey! Over here!" cried Danny.  Sally fell into the arms of her husband and they both started to kiss and hug each other. 

"Oh, Danny, I'm sorry about the fight this morning," said Sally crying. 

"Forget about the fight. The important thing is you and the baby are  all right, but to be sure let's go see Doctor Wavely, so he can check on  you and the baby," said Danny. 

"Danny, I don't know who that guy was, but I hope he and the other hostages will get out safely," said Sally. 

"Me too, Sally, Me too."

An officer escorted them to a waiting ambulance and rode with them to get Sally's statement.   Dollene, could see Timmy looking around desperately for her. 

"Timmy, Mommy's over here sweetie, Here I am baby," said Dollene, as Timmy came flying into her open arms.   "Oh, God Timmy, Mommy is so glad to see you. Are you okay sweetie? Did he hurt you?" asked Dollene as she hugged and kissed her son. 

"No, but Daddy is still in there, the man wouldn't let him go," bawled Timmy. 

"I know sweetie, that's why Mr. Hobson went in there, in hopes that he can talk the man into coming out, so Daddy and the other hostages can get out safely too."   "Mommy is Mr. Hobson, some kind of a super hero? Huh Mommy?" asked Timmy. 

"Yes sweetie, I believe he is," said Dollene. 

Dollene held Timmy in her arms as they both stood and stared at the bank. 

~~~

Gary stood at the door, taking the sight in. Looking over at his left he could see Rose lying on her stomach and praying softly to herself. Nearby was Timothy, who was nervously drumming the floor with his fingers, trying to keep his mind off  what was happening. Dennis was still at the teller window, he had long since filled up the bags, but was waiting for the next order from the gunman.

Gary also noticed another couple that was lying side by side and he could see that the man was having trouble breathing.

"Benji, why don't you let that couple over there go too? It look's to  me that the poor guy is having trouble breathing. What do you say? Huh?" asked Gary hopefully.

Benji glanced over at the elderly couple. He saw what Gary was talking about and walked on over.

Motioning for the woman to get up, Benji asked. "What the hell is wrong with him?"

Sherry Hull looked into her captor's eyes, hoping to find some sign of compassion. After all, he did let Timothy and Sally go, maybe he will let her Jerry go too.

"My husband is very sick, he has chronic asthma and he needs his medication right away," said Sherry.

"Why didn't you bring it with you?" Benji demanded.

"Because we didn't think we would be gone long and now I know I should have brought it along. Oh please let Jerry go, oh please so he can get his medication," pleaded Sherry as she held her husband in her arms.

Benji stared at the couple for what seemed to be an eternity. Gary couldn't just stand there and watch Jerry struggle for each breath that he took. He had to make Benji understand and find a way to release  Jerry and the rest of the hostages.

"Benji, listen to me," said Gary as he started to walked towards Benji.

"Stay, where you are Gar, or so help me I'll blast you.  I swear I will," said Benji as he pointed his gun straight at Gary.

Gary's heart started beating like a hydraulic drill pounding into the ground. His hands were shaky and sweaty. and he felt like he was going to vomit.  But he knew he had to get a grip on himself, for the sake of everybody in there.

"Okay Benji, I'll stay right here, but why don't you let Jerry go?  Can't you see that he needs some help?" asked Gary nervously.

"Why should I? I only promised the boy and the pregnant lady, I didn't say a thing about him," said Benji, angrily.

"I know Benji, but maybe since he's sick  you could let him go too," Gary suggested.

"No, I won't. It's not my fault that they were stupid enough to forget his medication," said Benji.

"I know, but they didn't expect something like this to happen."

"Oh now it's my fault they forgot his medication? Huh Gar? Is that what you're saying? It's my fault?" said Benji as he shook his gun at Gary.

"No, I don't mean that, I meant you need to end this and let everybody go, so Jerry can be treated," said Gary.

"Give me one good reason why I should?" asked Benji.

Glancing at Jerry, Gary knew he needed help, he just had to find away  to reason with Benji.    "Please Benji, I know that you are not a bad person, you're just confused right now. Please let him go,"  Gary pleaded.

"No, I won't let him go, but I will allow him to sit up so he can breathe more easily, but that's all I will do," said Benji.

"Sit up over here. You will breathe much better if you slow down your breathing and take slow even breath's. Here I'll show you," said Benji.

Gary watched as Benji helped Jerry  with his breathing. As he watched, he noticed how only a professional would know the breathing techniques that Benji was showing Jerry.

"Benji?" asked Gary.

Benji stood up and turned to face Gary.

"What?"

"How do you know how to help Jerry?" asked Gary. "Are you a doctor?"

"I was. I was an Allergy Specialist. Things like breathing problems, food allergies, bee stings and other things," said Benji.

"What happened?" asked Gary. "Please talk to me Benji. Please."

"Why do you care what happened? No one ever cared before. So why do you?" asked Benji.

"Oh, Benji weren't we friends in school?" asked Gary.

"You were the only one that didn't call me Benji the Goon and you invited me over to play, when nobody else would," said Benji.

"So wouldn't that make me a good friend?" asked Gary.

Benji looked Gary up and down. He had been a good friend in school and Gary never made fun of him.

"Do you really want to know?" asked Benji.

"Yes, I really want to know."

"Well okay, I'll tell you," said Benji.

Benji lowered his gun but kept it in his hand as he began to talk to Gary.

"Well Gary, you know I have a handicap. I was born with one leg 3  inches shorter than the other, so I had to wear a custom built shoe and my  left hand is fused together?" said Benji as he showed Gary his left hand.

"Yes, I know," said Gary.

"Well everybody said that I would never find someone to love me, but they were wrong. I did. Her name was Rita. We met in a McDonald's one day when I was having lunch. Gary, she was so beautiful. I didn't think she would even give me a second look but she did. She was a nurse and a year later we were married and we were working side by side. We were married for ten years," sobbed Benji.

"Benji what happen?" asked Gary, as he slowly took one step towards Benji.

"She died," said Benji as he continued to weep.

The rest of the hostages couldn't help but  listen.

"I'm sorry Benji. How did she die?" asked Gary.

"Having our son," said Benji, wiping a tear from his face. "You see Gary, we tried for years to have a child, finally after 9 years Rita  got pregnant. But the day our son was born was the worse day of my life.  Our son was still born and Rita died half an hour later from hemorrhaging. She just bled to death. Her doctor tried to save her, but it was no  use. Oh God, why did they have to die?  Why? I lost my wife, my child, and  my practice all at once. Why?"

Benji was sitting with his head in his hands, crying, and his whole  body was shaking uncontrollably.

Gary slowly moved to the right side of Benji and gently, but carefully removed the gun from Benji's hand. Benji looked up saw the gun in  Gary's hand and then he put his head back down into his hands.

Gary stared at the gun, he didn't like the feel of it and wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible.

"Okay everyone, it's okay. Please stand up and walk slowly to the  doors. Tell Armstrong to give us a minute and then come on in," said Gary.

Timothy helped Sherry with Jerry and Dennis and Rose walked towards the door together. As Dennis walked by Gary, Gary stopped him.

"Here take this with you," said Gary as he handed the gun to Dennis.

Dennis nodded, took the gun and hurried to catch up with Rose.

Benji looked up, he could see them walking out the door, but he didn't care. He was too busy missing his wife and child,

"She was so beautiful Gary. You should have met her. You would have liked her. I know you would have, " said Benji.  "My parents didn't though.  Do you want to know why?" asked Benji.

"Yes. Why didn't your parents like Rita?"  Gary asked.

"Because she was black, but I didn't care. Damn it, I loved her and she loved me. We didn't see color, we saw only love. You understand Gar?" asked Benji.

"Yes, Benji I surely do understand," said Gary as he held Benji why he cried.

Paul Armstrong walked into the bank with some of his men.

"Are we ready Hobson?" asked Paul.

"Yes, he won't give you any more trouble. Just give me one more  minute."

Gary turned and looked into Benji eyes.

"Benji, I know you've lost a great deal, and all hope seems to be gone. But I promise things will get better, and you will be able to go on  with your life," said Gary.

"I'm sorry Gar," sobbed Benji. "I didn't mean to cause so much trouble, please forgive me."

"I know you're sorry, just get some help so you can live your life again," said Gary.

Benji nodded his head and then went willingly with Paul. A few minutes later Gary walked out of the bank too.

~~~

Jillian, Bernie and Lois along with Officer Cindy Danner were taking in the action from across the street. About one hour ago the foursome saw Timmy and Sally reunited with their families, but the drama still  wasn't over. Gary and the other five hostages were still in there. 

Jillian was sitting between Bernie and Lois and she had her head  resting on Bernie's shoulder, when suddenly she saw the rest of the hostages being helped out of the bank. 

"They're coming out! They're coming out!" cried Jillian. 

The drama that had started three and a half hours ago was finally over. The last of the remaining hostages were emerging from the bank. Dollene and Timmy were still staring at the bank when they caught sight of Timothy. 

Timothy was helping Sherry and Jerry out the door. There was an ambulance waiting to take Jerry to the hospital and two paramedics came over to take care of him. Timothy made sure that Jerry was all right  and then he rushed over to his family. 

"Oh, God you two look so good to me right now," said Timothy as he took Timmy from Dollene and pulled her closer to him." 

"Daddy, I was so scared. I thought the bad man wouldn't let you go," said Timmy sobbing. 

"Oh Tim, I was frightened too. Are you hurt honey?" asked Dollene, as she looked into her husbands brown eyes. 

"No, Dollene sweetie. He threatened quite a bit, but except when he  shot at the door, he really never hurt anyone. Just scared us a bit that's all," said Timothy.   "Tim, there was a man walking into the bank at the time he shot at the door. If it hadn't been for Gary Hobson, that man would be in the  morgue right now. I don't understand why you seem to feel sorry for this maniac. "

"Dollene, I know what he did was wrong and I don't condone it, but you see the man had problems that he didn't know how to deal with," said Timothy.   "What kind of problems would make a man go berserk like that?" asked Dollene. 

"Look,  honey I'll have to give a statement to the police and then we will all go home and I will explain it more to you then," said Timothy. 

"Daddy, can I go with you when you talk to the police?" asked Timmy. 

"Yes, Timmy, they're going to want to talk to you too, you know," said Timothy. 

Dollene looked at her husband. Timothy could see the worry  on her  face. 

"It will be all right Dollene, I promise," said Timothy and then he kissed his wife gently on the lips. "Wait right here, Timmy and I will be right back."   Rose had met her husband Bradley and had already spoken to Paul and had left for home. 

Dennis was a single man, but was greeted with a big hug by his mother Millie.   "Oh Denny, I was so worried about you. I'm so glad you're safe," said Millie as she held her son and cried.   Dennis held on to his mother, reassuring her that he was okay. 

"It's okay, Mom. The whole ordeal is over. It's okay. I'll take my turn talking to the detective and then we'll head for home. "

---------------------------------------------- 

"Hey let's get on over there," said Bernie as he took both Lois and Jillian's hand. 

Officer Danner looked across the street. She was looking to make sure that everything was secure. 

"Let me make sure that everything is okay first," said Cindy. 

"But, the hostages are free now, so it must be okay," said Jillian. "Please I want to go to Gary and to make sure he  is alright."   "I know, but we have to be sure. The gunman is still  in there," said Cindy. 

"There they are. They're coming out now," said Bernie.

 The three girls looked across the street. Paul Armstrong had a guy in custody and behind them was Gary, who looked tired and weary. 

"There he is!" cried Jillian. "There he is." 

Jillian started to scamper across the street. A pick up truck was barrelling down the street at a fast speed. Bernie saw the truck and managed to grab Jillian and pull her out of harms way.

 "Boy, Gary's been through enough today. I don't think he would want to hear that a truck hit his girlfriend. Do you Jillian?" asked Bernie as he held tightly to Jillian. 

Jillian looked up at Bernie. She was a bit shaken from her near death experience. 

"Yeah, Bernie, thanks I'll be more careful next time. "

---------------------------------------------- 

As soon as Gary stepped out of the bank, the reporters were all over him. Like flies to honey.   "Mr. Hobson, tell us how you got him to end all this," said one reporter. 

"Yes, Mr.Hobson, we all  would like to know," said another. 

"Did he threaten you in any way?" asked still another.

 "Mr. Hobson, will you talk to us?" asked the first reporter. 

Gary was getting flustered with all the questions that were being  hurled at him. All he wanted was Jillian in his arms and to get as far away from there as he could.   "Mr. Hobson----- "

"Okay you hound dogs, Mr. Hobson has no comments. Let the man by already, he's been through enough. Just back up and let him pass," said Peter as he helped Gary through the maze of reporters.

 "Thanks," said Gary. 

"No, thank you. Hey, did you ever consider joining the police force?  You would make one heck of a negotiator," said Peter. 

"No, I never thought of joining," said Gary. 

"Well think about it. Okay?" asked Peter. 

"Yeah," answered Gary.  'Yeah sure I will,' Gary thought sarcastically to himself. 

Jillian, Bernie, and Lois was trying to get through the crowd of reporters and the on lookers.   "Please let us by, please step aside so we can pass," said Jillian as she made her way through the crowd. Finally Jillian spotted Gary, he  was standing by the negotiator, Peter Kilmore. 

"Gary! Gary!" cried Jillian.   Jillian's auburn hair was flying all around as she was running towards Gary. When she was close enough she flung herself into Gary's arms.   Gary nearly lost his balance, but managed to catch her and then their lips locked in  a full-blown kiss. Lois and Bernie looked on as the young couple showered each other with love and devotion. There was no doubt. Gary and Jillian were in love. 

Jillian looked up into Gary's face. She could tell he had been through  a lot and all she wanted to do was hold and comfort him.

 "Gary, are you going to be all right," asked Jillian. 

"Yeah, honey, I'll be okay. I just feel sorry for Benji. He has been through a Hell of a lot these last few years. "

"Oh, was he the gunman?" asked Jillian.   "Yes, but he wasn't himself. You see his wife and child both died  during childbirth. It just took a lot out of him and he kind of went berserk," said Gary. 

"Oh, Gary that's terrible! Poor Benji, no wonder he was so mixed up," said Lois. "I hope he gets the help he needs to deal with everything that has happened to him."   "Oh, me too," said Jillian. "He must be feeling really alone and lost." 

"Yeah, I'm sure he is," said Gary. 

Gary knew what it was like to feel alone and lost, but he could not  know what Benji was going through. Benji's wife and child died, Marcia just threw him out. It was such a big difference. He couldn't help but understand what Benji did, even though what he did wasn't right.   "Gar, did Benji say anything else?" asked Bernie.   "Yes, he said he was sorry for all the harm and misery that he caused." said Gary. "Thinking of sorry. Mom, Dad, I'm sorry I broke my promise, but you see-----"   "Gary, honey we know you had no choice, we're just glad that everybody is okay and the whole ordeal is over," said Lois. 

"Me too," said Jillian as she started to pepper Gary with kisses all over his face. 

"Ahem, Dad I-a I-a know you wanted to take Jillian and me out tonight, but if you don't mind, we'd rather be alone," said Gary. 

"No problem, son. We can make it some other time," said Bernie. 

"Well before you two can be alone, Hobson here has some question to answer," said Paul. 

"I guess I do. I'll be right back Jillian," said Gary as he kissed Jillian gently on the lips. 

"I'll be waiting," said Jillian and she returned the kiss. 

Gary soon returned, he had spoken with Paul and was greeted with hugs and thank you's from the other hostages and their families. 

Timmy had given him a big bear hug and called him a better super hero then Batman and Superman put together. Gary was still smiling when he returned. 

"Okay, I'm finished," said Gary. "You know what? You should have heard what Timmy said, It was really cute."   "What did he say?" asked Lois. 

Gary told his parents and Jillian what Timmy had said and they all got  a big laugh out of it. 

"Well super hero, where would you like to go?" asked Jillian. 

"Where ever you want is okay with me," answered Gary. 

"How about Navy Pier, I've always wanted to go there," said Jillian. 

"Navy Pier it is then," said Gary. "Bye Mom and Dad, we'll see you  later at McGinty's."

At that Gary kissed both his parents. 

"Do you two mind if I kiss you too?" asked Jillian. 

"Of course not," said Lois.   "In fact, we would have been insulted if you didn't," added Bernie. 

Jillian kissed then both on the cheek and promised to see them later. 

Lois and Bernie stood holding hands as they watched Gary and Jillian drive away in Gary's Jeep Wrangler.   

~~~

Gary and Jillian arrived at Navy Pier around nine p.m. The night was young and full of promise. Gary parked his jeep, helped Jillian out of the passenger side and then they both walked hand in hand along the sidewalk.

"Oh Gary isn't this a beautiful night?" asked Jillian. "Look at all the stars. See there's the Big Dipper. Do you see it Gary? Isn't it beautiful?" asked Jillian as she pointed towards the sky.

Gary looked up at the night sky.

"Yes, the stars are very beautiful, but not as beautiful as you," said Gary.

He took Jillian into his arms and kissed her. She grabbed Gary around the waist and returned the kiss with so much passion that the whole world seemed to disappear around them. "Gary?" asked Jillian, while Gary trailed kisses down her neck.

"Gary, could we go up on the ferris wheel? Please Gary, I just love ferris wheel's."

Gary stopped kissing Jillian's neck and glanced up towards the top of the ferris wheel. 'Oh Boy!' he thought to himself.

Gary was a bit nervous when it came to heights, but he was willing to  go up with Jillian.

'Well at least I won't be in a hostage situation if I go up there. Why not?' thought Gary to himself.

"Sure, we can go up, if that's what you really want to do," said Gary, trying hard not to show how nervous he was.

Gary some how managed to hide his fear well, for Jillian didn't notice and she was very excited about going up.

"Oh, Gary thank you. I just love the ferris wheel, you can see so much from up there and I think it  will be so romantic, to be up there, just you and me. Let's go," said Jillian as she excitedly pulled Gary  towards the ferris wheel.

The couple soon got to the ticket booth and Gary paid for the tickets. Then the ferris wheel attendant helped them into their seats,put the safety bar in place, gave them some safety tips and told them to enjoy the ride.

The attendant started the ride and up, up, up to the top Gary and Jillian went. Up to the top and over. Jillian was holding on to Gary  and screaming with delight. "Isn't this fun Gary?" asked Jillian. "I just love how I feel when we go down."

Gary's stomach felt like it had fallen to his feet, but he was able to compose himself enough to answer Jillian's question.

"Oh, yeah. I'm really having a ball," said Gary.

'Oh boy!' he thought to himself.

"Hold on, here we go again," said Jillian, holding on to Gary for dear life.

The Ferris wheel made it all the way to the top, but  without warming  it came to an abrupt stop.

"What happened?" asked Jillian.

"Maybe they're letting someone else on," answered Gary.

"Yeah, maybe they are," said Jillian.

Mike Woolhound, the man that ran the ferris wheel was trying  desperately to start the wheel back up, but the controls were jammed and he was having no luck in getting them unstuck.

"What's going on?" asked Ted Brook, the headman.

"The controls on the ferris wheel are jammed sir," answered Mike.

"How many people are on it?" asked Ted.

"Just a young couple and they are at the very top sir," said Mike.

Ted glanced up to the top of the ferris wheel and spotted Gary and Jillian sitting together in the seat. He then turned to Mike and said.

"Go call the fire department and the superintendent, we have to get  them down from there. Now hurry!"

Mike hurried as fast as he could to get help. Ted ran over to his truck and got the megaphone, he returned and began to talk to Gary and Jillian.

"Hi folks, I want you to sit as still as you can and try to stay calm. The controls to the wheel are jammed, Mike's gone to call the fire department. It may be a while, but we will have you down as quickly as we can. Just relax," said Ted speaking into the megaphone.

A crowd was starting to form around the ferris wheel. They were all curious about the sight that was happening far above them.

"Well, I guess we'll just have to wait. I don't mind as long as I'm  with you," said Jillian.

Jillian took  hold of Gary's hand, she couldn't help but notice how sweaty and clammy it felt. She could also see that Gary was starting to turn white, he was breathing hard and he was shaking.

"Gary, honey are you all right?" asked Jillian with concern.

Gary looked at Jillian, his mud green eyes were full of fear and he  felt like he was going to pass out at any moment. Yes he had been in high places before, but that was during a save and he didn't have time to worry about the height.

"Oh boy!" said Gary, terrified.

"Gary, why didn't you tell me you were afraid of heights? I never would have forced you to bring me up here. Why didn't you tell me?" asked Jillian as she stroked Gary's hair in an effort to calm his fears.

"I-a -I -a-I -a didn't want to disappoint you," said Gary as he sat shaking in the seat.

"Gary, you could never disappoint me," said Jillian.

Jillian cupped Gary's chin and turned his head towards her. Looking  into his mud puddle green eyes she knew that he was blaming himself, because he felt if he had checked the paper they wouldn't have been up there.

"Gary honey, listen to me. What happened, happened. Don't blame  yourself for this, it wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known, you were too busy trying to get everybody out of the bank safely. You couldn't have possibly remembered to check the paper. It wasn't your fault. Do you hear me Gary?" asked Jillian.

Gary looked at Jillian, he knew she was only trying to make him feel better, but he felt the paper was his responsibility and if he had  taken a moment to glance at it, he could have prevented what was happening.

"Don't you see Jillian? It was my fault. It would have only taken me a minute to  check, but no, I didn't, so now we're stuck," said Gary.

"Gary, listen to me. This wasn't your fault. You are only one person. A human being, that happens to get tomorrow's paper that's all. You are not some kind of a super hero, that can save the whole world. You are human and whoever sent you this paper knows that."

Jillian decided to try and do something to get Gary's mind off of the paper and his thought's off blaming himself.    "I know it won't be easy Gary, but you have to try and relax. They will have us down as soon as possible. Why don't we do something to keep our mind off of the situation. Hey! I know. Let's sing."

"Sing?" asked Gary, not really sure if he wanted to.

"Sure, it will be fun. You'll see. What was your favorite song in elementary school? The first grade?" asked Jillian.

"Bingo," said Gary.

"Oh do you mean the one about the farmer and his dog Bingo?" asked Jillian.

"Yeah, that's the one," answered Gary.

"Okay, than let's sing it," said Jillian.

"Jillian, I don't know. I---- "

"Gary, it will be all right, besides it will help you to get your mind off of where you are at. It's going to be a while, so we might as well entertain ourselves. Okay?" asked Jillian.

"Okay," said Gary.

"Are you ready?" asked Jillian.

"I guess so," said Gary unenthusiastically.

Gary and Jillian started singing Bingo. After singing the first two choruses, Gary began to feel calmer.

"Hey this is fun," said Gary.

"I knew you would enjoy it. Come on let's finish the song," said Jillian.

----------------------------------------------

Marissa was sitting at the bar. She had listened to the hostage crises on TV and was waiting for everyone to return. Finally she heard the sound of the front door opening. She got up from her seat and felt her way to the door.

"Gary, is that you?" asked Marissa as she stood waiting for an answer.

"No Marissa, it's Bernie and me," said Lois.

"Oh? Where are Gary and Jillian? Is Gary all right? I listened to the hostage crisis on TV and I was really worried. I'm sure glad that everything turned out okay. Is Gary all right?" asked Marissa for the second time.

"Yes, he's okay, He and Jillian went over to Navy Pier for a while."

A news flash came on the television.

"This is Sam Butler, live from WQIO TV here in Chicago. We are live at Navy Pier, where fire companies from the North Side and the South Side are working together to get a couple down from a stuck Ferris wheel."

A cameraman in a helicopter zoomed in on Gary and Jillian.

"My God! It's Gary and Jillian,'' cried Lois.

"Let's go girls," said Bernie. And at that they all left McGinty's for Navy Pier. 

~~~

Bernie and the girls soon arrived at Navy Pier. 

"There's the ferris wheel," said Lois as she pointed towards the big wheel. 

"Come on let's go," said Bernie.   Lois waited for Marissa and Reilly and then they all followed Bernie to the ferris wheel. When they got there, they could see some firemen on the scene. Two were trying to come up with a plan on how to get Gary  and Jillian down. 

Bernie looked up towards the top of the ferris wheel, he could only  make out two small figures, but he knew that those figures were his son and Jillian. Bernie felt that the firemen were just standing around, to him it seemed like they were not doing their job. 

"Hey, why are you all just standing around? My son and his girl are stuck up there. Why aren't you doing something to get them down?" asked Bernie angrily. 

Joseph Olson, was the fire chief for the North Side fire station.  Joseph walked over to where Bernie and the girls were standing. 

"Hello, my name is Joseph Olsen, I'm one of the fire chief's here at  the scene. Did you say  that was your son up there?" asked Joseph. 

"Yes, that's our son and his girl up there," said Bernie as he held  Lois in his arms. 

"What's your son's name," asked Joseph. 

"Gary, his name is Gary. Jillian is his girlfriend's name," said Lois. "Please hurry up and get them down. Gary is so afraid of heights."   "He's what?" asked Joseph, not believing what he just heard. "Did I heard you right? Your son is afraid of heights? Well why in the name of God did he go up there then? Do you have any ideas?" 

"Well you see----"   Joseph turned and looked at the attractive young black woman who was standing with a seeing eye dog. 

"Yes young lady, would you know why he went up there? Being afraid and all," asked Joseph. 

"Well you see, it's likely that he went up because his girlfriend, Jillian, wanted to go up," said Marissa. 

"Let me guess. He didn't want to disappoint her, right?" asked Joseph. 

"Uh, right?" said Marissa. 

"See, you have to understand our son. Gary loves Jillian so much, that he hates to disappoint her. He's just like that. You know what I mean?" asked Lois. 

"Look, haven't you ever been in love," asked Marissa. 

"Yes, my wife's name is Regina, and yes I've done some stupid things in the last 25 years to show her how much I love her. Well we better be thinking of some way to get them down. I'll be right back," said  Joseph. 

Joseph walked over to where the chief of the South Side fire station was.   "Hey Greg, have you and your men come up with a way to get that young couple down from there?"   "Well the hook and ladder aren't long enough, so we might have to try the helicopter," said Greg. 

"There's one up there now," said Bernie. "Why can't they bring them down?" 

"Because it's not a rescue helicopter. They wouldn't have the right equipment to get them down. What we need is the fire rescue  helicopter," said Greg and he walked over to the truck to radio in for one. 

"How long will it take them to to get here?" asked Lois. "Oh I hope it won't be too long." 

Bernie turned his head towards what sounded like an echo from a man's voice. He could see Ted Brooks talking into a megaphone to Gary and Jillian. Bernie got Lois and Marissa's attention and they all hurried over to where Ted was standing. 

"Are they all right? Can I talk to them?" asked Lois with motherly concern. 

"Yes, they're fine. Do you know them?" asked Ted. 

"Yes, that's our son Gary and his girlfriend Jillian. Please can I talk to him?" asked Lois. 

"Yes you can. Have him wave to you to make sure he hears you," said Ted handing Lois the megaphone. 

Lois took the megaphone and began to speak into it. 

"Gary, honey it's me Mom. Dad and Marissa are here too. Are you and Jillian okay? Wave and let me know honey. Okay?" asked Lois. 

Gary was glad to hear the sound of his mother's voice.

 "Hey Jillian, that's Mom," said Gary. 

"I know, maybe we better answer her," said Jillian. 

Gary and Jillian both began to wave their hand's so that Lois and  Bernie could see that they were all right. 

"Okay, honey you and Jillian just hold on, the fire department will  have you down soon," said Lois. 

Lois went into Bernie's arms. 

"Oh Bernie, I hope it's not too much longer. Gary must be really scared by now," said Lois. 

"I don't know," said Bernie. "He's with Jillian and their love for each other will conquer any fear." 

Bernie put his arms around Lois and they along with Marissa, prayed  that Gary and Jillian would be down soon.  -

--------------------------------------------- 

Gary held on tight to Jillian, he didn't want to lose her, for anything in this world. When Marcia threw him out, he never thought he would  ever love anyone again, but he was wrong. Jillian came into his life and changed all of that. He wanted her in his life forever and nothing, but nothing was going to take her away from him. Especially not this stupid ferris wheel.  "Gary, are you okay?" asked Jillian. 

Gary nodded his head and then turned Jillian's head towards him. He stroked her face gently with his fingertips and then kissed her gently on the lips. 

"Jillian, can I ask you a question?" 

"Sure Gary. What is it?" asked Jillian. 

Gary gently cupped Jillian's face and looked into her beautiful violet eyes. 

"Jillian, Uh will you, uh a marry me?" asked Gary. 

Jillian couldn't believe what she had heard. 'Did Gary ask me to marry him?' she thought to herself. She just had to make sure she heard  right.   "What did you say?" asked Jillian. 

"Jillian Matthew, will you marry me?" asked Gary, hoping that Jillian would say yes. 

"Yes! I'll marry you Gary Hobson. My God yes, I'll marry you." 

"You will?" asked Gary. 

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" said Jillian as she nodded her head up and down with happiness. 

Gary and Jillian's lips met, they started to kiss with so much love for each other,that they didn't notice the helicopter that was hovering above them. 

"Hey you two love birds, are you ready to get down off of there?" asked the pilot.   Gary and Jillian glanced up at the helicopter. 

"Oh, I don't know we're having so much fun up here. Aren't we Jillian?" said Gary as he kissed Jillian gently on the lips. 

"Yeah, we are, but if we don't go down, how can we get married?" asked Jillian as she lightly touched Gary's face.   "Yeah, I guess you're right. Yeah we're ready to come down."   "Okay you two. My name is Abner and I'm going to pilot the chopper, while my friend Oliver here comes down with the ladder and helps you both up here. Okay?  Just hold on, Oliver is on his way," explained Abner. 

Fifteen minutes later, Gary and Jillian were safely on the ground. Lois was in her son's arms almost as soon as they we're down.   "Oh Gary, are you and Jillian alright?" asked Lois, gently kissing her son on the cheek. 

"Yeah Gar, are you okay?' asked Bernie as he patted Gary on the back. 

"Yeah, we were really worried about you and Jillian. It must have been really scary for the both of you," said Marissa. 

Jillian could no longer contain her excitement. She just had to tell Lois, Bernie and Marissa the good news. 

"We're getting married!" cried Jillian with tears of happiness  streaming down her cheeks. 

"Oh! You are? I'm so happy for you both," said Lois as she hugged the both of them. "Yes I know you two will be very happy together."   "Congratulation's Gar, I knew you had it in you," said Bernie. 

"I wish you both the very best," said Marissa. 

Jillian walked over and gave Marissa a big bear hug. 

"Thank you Marissa. Marissa would you sing at  our wedding?" asked Jillian. 

"I love to, just let me know the date," said Marissa. 

"Well we don't have one in mind yet," said Gary.  "I do," said Jillian. 

"You do?" asked Gary, surprised. 

"Yes, I do," said Jillian.   "Okay, what day would you like to get married?" asked Gary.

Continued in Installment 2  

Email the author:  reaness46@yahoo.com
 

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