Never Be Afraid Again (sequel to We'll Carry On)

"She's coloring now, so we're in good shape."

December 04, 2008, One month later

It's been a month since I gave birth to my little Beezle and a month since I passed away. I'm alive and well now, and thankfully I'm in remission from my cancer. That was probably the best thing Gerard and I could have been told in that moment and time. We were both terrified that I was still just as sick and that I would eventually be consumed by my disease again. When the doctor told us that, that indeed was not the case; I thought I would die of happiness.

November 9, 2008;

"Babe, she's asleep, will you lay her down in that bed over there please?" I asked my husband, handing him our daughter.

I loved spending time with Bandit, I loved putting her to sleep, changing and feeding her, I loved cuddling with her and watching the way the family was with her. She was my definition of perfection and already was such a calm, good, baby. I was addicted to being a mother, but not just anyone's mother; Bandit's mommy. Gerard was absolutely amazing with her, too. She was definitely spoiled already, but with love.

"Of course I can. Come here my little princess." Gerard cooed at our sleeping baby as he gently sat her down in the crib in the hospital room.

Sadly, I was still in the hospital, but I got a nice room and could shower and wear my own clothes. I would be lucky to get out of here by December. I'd rather not spend mine, Gerard's, and Bandit's first Christmas in a hospital. This would be my and Gerard's second Christmas as a couple and first as a married couple. Gerard came and lay down next to me, pulling me close as I rested my head contently on his chest.

We were making plans for Christmas and telling each other not to get anything for the other.

"Baby, really, you waking up is all I could ever want and I already got that. Plus on top of that, you gave me a beautiful baby girl. I have all I could ever want." Gerard pressed his lips to mine, and smiled at me as he pulled back.

"You and Bandit are all I could ever ask for, and our amazing friends and family are icing on top. I don't want anything but to be at home with my perfect family for Christmas." I squeezed his hand and snuggled closer into his chest.

Just as Gerard opened his mouth, there was a light rasp at the door, followed by my doctor poking his head in and smiling warmly at the picture in front of him; Gerard with his arms protectively around me and my head on his shoulder, with Bandit right next to the bed, asleep. It would have been an adorable picture. I wish someone could have captured it.

"Hey, Stormy, how are you feeling today?" Dr.Hepker asked with a warm, greeting smile on his aging face.

"I'm feeling good, doctor. I'm awake and unafraid of whatever is going to be thrown at me." I smiled.

"You certainly are a fighter, I can see why. You have a beautiful family, Mrs. Way." I smiled at Gerard who kissed my head knowingly.

"Well, I have some great news for you." He exclaimed, sitting at my bedside.

"Oh, do you now?" I raised my eyebrows playfully, he giggled.

"How would you feel if I told you I had a Christmas present for you?" He folded his hands in his lap and crossed his ankle over his knee.

"I would ask what that present might be?" It came out as a question, a very skeptical one.

"Mrs. Way, you're in remission. You're going to be around for a long time. You are free of cancer as of now." Dr. Hepker smiled triumphantly at me as I threw my arms around him.

"Thank you." I whispered in his ear, feeling him hug me back, seconds later I pulled away to embrace a teary eyed and smiling Gerard.

That was the best news I could have gotten. I was told I could go home that night, and I did. I went home with my husband, bringing our Bandit home for the first time.