Us Against The World

Chapter 15- A Bittersweet Goodbye

Ashley's POV

As i was driving home I get a call from an unknown number, usually I don't pick it up but something inside me told me to. "Hello is this Mrs. Payne?" the lady from the other end. "yes who may I ask is calling?" I say unsure of the conversation. "Mrs. Payne I'm afraid your husband Finn Payne is in ICU he was in a bad accident and he doesn't have much longer so please if you can he wants to see you and the kids." my heart felt like it just dropped and the world around me went mute. I couldn't believe no...no please don't take him from me please God no. "ma'am are you still there?" she asked and I clear my throat,"I'm on the way" I say with a shaking voice and she tells me which hospital he's at and I write it down when i get to a stop light. After she hangs up I call the school and told them to take the kids out of class and have them ready outside for pick up because of a family emergency. As i pull up to the school they all rush to the car and get in "mom what's going on" Jazzy says and I just drive off holding back tears and not knowing how to tell them. "mom?...what happened?" Karina says but again I don't answer. Then I pull up to the hospital and park "mom...what's going on?" Aiden says and i hold the steering wheel," you father....got into an accident....he's in ICU...you kids go see him I'll meet you inside" I say softly. "mom..." Aiden says and I shake my head," please go to him" and with that they all rush out the car to go see him. The minute they was out of sight tears started flowing from my eyes as I grip the steering wheel. Don't...please don't go Finn....I love you so much. I reached and pulled out a picture I had in the glove department and started at it, it was our wedding picture and more tears fell from my eyes.

I put the picture up and wiped my eyes and took a deep breath and got out of the car to go see my husband. As i walk in and I see the kids already in there in the room and I go inside and join them "there's my queen" he says weakly with a hand reaching for me and I grab it and hold onto it and tears fall from my eyes. "will you sing one last time?" he asked and I shake my head" no...you ..." and he interrupts me," please....it's my last wish" he says staring at me and Jazzy moved from the seat next to him and stood next to Aiden and KP on the opposite side. "ok" I said softly.

I know it was just a moment ago

When we stepped out on this road

But now I can't imagine love without you, here

So hold my heart, though you're far away

It's not the end, but one more day

Until we make it through, know that i love you

I will be brave

I will be strong

Nothing can tear us apart

Just one more step

Just one more breath

For you I will

I will be brave

We live because we love

We love cause we belong

Yes i swear, oh you healed the scars

That never felt a wound

And we'll never need their rules

To guide the way

Love will light the day

I start to cry as he starts to sing softly holding me

Finn:

I finally have you

Here in my arms

The hope I imagine

The heart to my heart

All of me, I lay it down

To find you in the dark