I would like to thank all my friends who kept telling me that I should write DM Fan fictions besides coming up with ideas for others to write. This is a Steve hurt/comfort and/or a Steve/Mark Relationship Story.

This is a Steve based story.

Author's note: This story takes place 10 years into the future. I like Ellen and I wanted to give Steve and Ellen some years together before tragedy strikes. But I also didn’t want it to be too much into the future where Mark Sloan wouldn’t be around. I don’t like stories that don’t involve Steve and Mark together. Also there’s no Steve bashing. I just couldn’t hurt Steve in this story. At least not physically!

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To Ellen With Love

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Prologue

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Steve and Ellen have been married for 10 years. Ten years that have been filled with joys and sorrows as in most marriages. They’ve been together and supported each other. The biggest joys being the birth of their children. Other great times for them have been the numerous awards Steve has received. Steve has been asked several times to become a Captain and each time has thanked his superiors but turned them down. Preferring to be where the action was and not tied to a chair and desk as he put it. The sorrows being when Steve was hurt during the numerous occasions that he has been injured in the line of work. Or the time when Ellen having been a reporter for several years and very successful was asked to use her influence with Steve to get some information. When she refused to take advantage of Steve and she realized she would face the dilemma again she decided to quit her job. Steve didn’t force her but loved her all the more for not wanting to hurt him.

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They have 3 children. Twin 7 year-old girls Stephanie Ellen, and Katherine Carol, who was named after Steve’s mother and sister. And a boy 5-years, named James Mark. When Mark had found out that his son and daughter-in-law planned to name their son after him and Mark’s father Mark James, Mark had been pleased and honored but asked them to give his grandson his father’s name first. Mark having found out that his father whom he thought had deserted him and his mother at a young age had actually been murdered. Steve and Ellen honored Mark’s wishes.

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Steve and Ellen don’t live in the beach house with Mark but they live close by so they can all visit whenever they want.

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A lot of other things have also happened in those years. Mark is semi-retired but still finds time to teach and to entertain the children in the hospital besides enjoying his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. And his mind is as sharp as ever. Still helping Steve and the police solve crimes from time to time.

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Dr. Jesse Travis is now living in Hawaii. Having gone there on vacation he met a beautiful Hawaiian woman and decided to settle down and practice medicine there. They are anxiously expecting the birth of their first child any time.

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Dr. Amanda Bentley now Dr. Amanda Wagner is now living in Europe with her husband Ron and her son CJ, whom Ron has adopted.

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Steve comes home after visiting his father who has not been feeling good lately. Ellen greets him with a hug and kiss. “How’s your father Steve?”

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“Not good. I’m taking him tomorrow for a checkup. He still insists it’s not serious and he will feel better soon but you know how much I worry about him.”

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“Yes I know and I love you for it. …Steve I need to ask you something.”

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“What is it dear?”

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“My best friend from college is getting married and I’d like to go. I understand that you don’t want to go with your father not feeling well and I understand if you don’t want me to go but it would mean a lot to me.”

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“Sure Ellen. I know it’s important to you. Don’t worry have a good time. And don’t worry about the kids I have some time off. And besides if dad’s right and he usually is he should be able to watch the kids in a few days if I need him too. How long will you be gone?”

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“About a week. We haven’t seen each other in years and have lots of catching up to do.”

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The next day Steve takes his father to the doctor. And just like Mark says he only had a bad case of the flu. Mark is trying hard not to give Steve the ‘I told you so look’ as Steve is taking Mark home. Steve helps Mark into bed and promises to check up on him when he can but to call if he needs anything.

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Steve comes home and is instantly greeted with shouts of “Daddy’s home, Daddy’s home” from his young children.

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Ellen comes in from the kitchen having just been on the phone. “Honey I just got off the phone. My friend is having pre-wedding jitters and I told her I’d come early and help with her nerves. Is that ok Dear?”

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“That’s fine sweetheart when will you be leaving?”

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“As soon as you can drive me to the airport. I have a flight leaving in a few hours.”

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“Wow that’s quick!”

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“Well I may no longer be a reporter but I still have my friends in the airline business.”

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“Yes I’m sure you do” says Steve as he gives her a kiss on the cheek. “Stephanie, Kathy, James come on we’ll taking mommy to the airport.

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“Where are your bags Ellen?”

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“I knew you wouldn’t mind so I put them in the caravan already. They are in the trunk.”

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“That’s my girl always thinking ahead” Steve says with a smile.

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While Steve helps James into his booster seat and makes sure he is securely fastened in Ellen oversees Stephanie and Kathy making sure they have their seat belts on correctly. Ellen gives the kids each a kiss then Steve and Ellen give each other a kiss and head out for the airport.

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Steve takes Ellen’s suitcases from the trunk while Ellen helps James out of the booster seat and the girls get out of the car. Steve locks the car with his car remote. Steve carries the suitcases while Ellen holds James with one hand and Kathy holds onto Ellen’s other hand with Stephanie holding onto Kathy’s arm. A system they have done many times with the girls taking turns being the one to hold mommy’s hand.

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Steve and Ellen go to the ticket counter and Ellen checks her bags through. After passing through security they wait until the announcement for boarding. After hearing the announcement for her flight Ellen gives the kids a kiss goodbye and says she loves them. Steve and Ellen have a final kiss goodbye and Ellen heads for her plane. Waving to them as she goes.

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Steve picks James up when he starts to cry that mommy is gone. Steve assuring his little son that mommy will be back soon. While Steve holds James with one arm Stephanie holds onto her daddy’s other hand and Kathy holds onto her sister’s hand.

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They walk back to the car and Stephanie pulls the car remote out of Steve’s pocket and pushes the button. Steve gently lets go of Stephanie’s hand and opens the car door, and Stephanie and Kathy get in their seats and put on their seat belts. Steve helps James, who has fallen asleep into his booster seat. He makes sure the girls have their seat belts on correctly and then gets in the car himself and drives home.

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After they have arrived home and Steve has managed to put a still sleeping James into his bed and the girls are watching a Disney movie Steve checks his messages on his answering machine. There is just one from his father and so Steve calls him back.

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“Hello Dad.”

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“Hi Steve. ..Steve I’m lonely. The doctor said although it’s only the flu that I’m no longer contagious but I don’t think I should visit the children in the hospital yet. Some of those kids’ immune systems are pretty weak. I was wondering if you and the kids would like to visit?”

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“Sure James is asleep right now but he should be up soon and then we’ll head out after dinner.”

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“You’re cooking?” Mark sounded amazed. “Listen I don’t want my grandchildren having to eat something that their daddy cooked I mean ‘burnt’ why don’t you and the kids eat here for dinner?”

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“Very funny Dad. But I will take you up on the offer.”

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Steve and the kids arrive at Mark’s beach house. While they are waiting for the pizza to arrive. Mark having decided it was best that he just order something Mark entertains the girls and James with some magic tricks.

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The phone rings and Steve says “Don’t worry Dad I’ll get it.”

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“Mark Sloan’s residence, Steve Sloan speaking may I help you?”

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“Yes” said the voice nervously. “It’s actually you that I wanted. I tried calling your home and when I didn’t get an answer I decided to try here.”

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“Please just get on with it what’s the urgency?”

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“We are calling all the relatives of a flight 218 before the press air it on TV. There was a malfunction, at least that’s what we believe for now and the plane has crashed. There are no survivors. Mr. Sloan if there’s any comfort your wife and everyone on board must have died on impact. There was no pain.”

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Steve is stunned for a few minutes. “Sir can you hear me Sir?”

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….. “Yes thank you.” Steve hangs up the phone and just stares at it for a few minutes. He walks silently onto the deck while he hears his kids laughing at their Grandfather.

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Mark sensing that something has happened excuses himself and goes out onto the deck. “Steve what’s the matter?”

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“Dad,” Steve says with tears coming down his cheeks “she’s dead, Ellen’s dead!”

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“No Steve it can’t be!”

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“That was the airline, they said the airplane crashed and there’s no survivors.”

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“Oh Steve” Mark says as he puts his arms around him. Just then they hear pounding on the glass door. Mark turns his head slightly with Steve on his shoulder trying to get a hold of himself for his kids’ sake. The kids motion that someone is knocking on the front door.

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“Steve I’ll be right back.” He gently guides Steve to one of the lounge chairs on the deck and goes inside to answer the door. While he’s heading there the kids ask him a lot of questions. Mostly about what’s wrong with Daddy. “I’ll tell you in a minute. Let Grandpa answer the door.”

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Mark answers the door and pays for the pizza and puts it on the kitchen cupboard. Knowing that soon they will all be too upset to eat but also knowing that he had to try to get the kids to eat. He wanted Steve to eat too but he figured it was better if he gave Steve a sedative and had him sleep for awhile.

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Mark gets his grandchildren their pizza. Having decided that he would tell them about their mommy after they ate and he consulted with Steve about the best way to tell them.

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Mark goes back out onto the deck having gotten back just as soon as he could. Steve is still sitting on the lounge chair apparently still in the same position. “Come on Steve you need to come inside now. Let me give you something so you can rest.”

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“No the kids… what do I tell them?”

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“We will worry about that later.. Right now I’m more concerned about my child.” Mark gently guides Steve back into the beach house.

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“What’s wrong with Daddy?”

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“Your Daddy’s tired. Eat your pizza while I help your daddy get some sleep. You kids can spend the night at Grandpa’s house” Mark tries to sound happy although he himself was falling apart himself. He really liked Ellen.

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Mark guides Steve to the guestroom. Not wanting Steve to be alone in his old apartment downstairs. He helps Steve into bed and then goes and gets water and some sedatives. “Here take these and drink this water. No arguments Steve.”

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“But what about the kids I have to tell them… I have to…

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“Hush Steve first you need some sleep then we’ll tell the kids.. Or Steve would you like me to tell them myself?”

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.. “No it’s better if I’m there too…. I just can’t believe she’s gone. I loved her.”

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“I know you did Steve. Steve.. Ellen would want you to take care of yourself now come on.”

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Steve reluctantly agrees and takes the sedative and the water. Mark stays with his son for a few minutes while he waits for the sedatives to take effect. Given the state that Steve was in it doesn’t take long for the sedative to work and Steve to fall asleep.

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Knowing that the news would have the crash on and not wanting his Grandchildren to find out on TV about their mother he keeps the TV off and tries to entertain them until he knows that he has to get them to bed. Tomorrow after Steve was rested they would both tell them. In the meantime he had to make sure that things were as normal for his Grandchildren as possible.

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Mark changes the sheet on his bed and the girls go to sleep on Grandpa’s bed. Although Mark knew his back would hurt him the next day if he slept on the couch there was no way he was going to have his Grandchildren sleep all the way down in Steve’s old unit.

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Mark was going to have James sleep with Steve knowing that with the sedatives nothing would wake Steve up for several hours. But also knowing that if Steve tossed and turned in his sleep which was very likely he might accidentally hurt James. Instead Mark gathered Steve’s old sleeping bag. Refusing to part with anything sometimes had its advantages thought Mark. He was also glad that he had recently had it cleaned going through Steve’s old stuff earlier reminiscing about when Steve was younger. He then took some blankets out of the closet. Moved the coffee table over laid the blankets down on the floor spread the sleeping bag out and then helped his Grandson into the sleeping bag. Having made sure the house was secure and the girls were asleep Mark quietly peeks in at Steve. Knowing that his son had a long road ahead of him. Assuring himself that his son and grandchildren were fine Mark gets the couch ready for him and falls asleep.

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The next morning as news of the tragedy had spread there were telephone calls from reporters wanting interviews as well as people offering their sympathy to the grieving family. Mark knew that if they put it off any longer that the kids would find out elsewhere and he knew that it would be more painful for the kids to find out about their mommy from others besides their Daddy and Grandpa.

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Mark goes in and wakes up Steve. “Steve wake up son. People are already calling. I’m afraid if we don’t tell the kids soon they will find out from someone else.”

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“Ok Dad you’re right. We can’t put this off anymore. Could you get the kids up while I try to gather my thoughts. Maybe I can think of the right words to say.”

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“Sure son.”

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“Just then the telephone rings again.”

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“Not again says Mark.”

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“Dad don’t worry I’ll answer it just switch it to here will you?”

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“Sure son.”

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Mark goes and pushes a button on the telephone which transfers the call to the telephone in the guest bedroom.

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Mark wakes up James once again amazed at how much his little grandson looks just like his Daddy when he was his age. And then he knocks on his bedroom door and tells Stephanie and Kathy that it’s time to wake up. He helps James with breakfast and makes sure the girls are eating too and then puts away the sleeping bag and blankets and moves the coffee table back. He goes into check on his grandchildren. They are still eating breakfast. And then Mark goes into his bathroom and gets out a heating pad to put on his back. Like he knew his back was hurting him. He also knew he would sleep on the couch again tonight if the situation called for it.

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In the meantime Steve is talking on the phone. It’s Ellen’s friend Rachel. Having heard the news she had called Steve and Ellen’s home. Not getting an answer she had called there. Ellen having told Rachel earlier of her fondness for Steve’s father. And knowing that this is where Steve would want to be right then.

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“Steve this is all my fault” Rachel sobs hysterically.

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“Rachel it’s not your fault…. No one is to blame.”

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“But if I hadn’t had asked her to come early she wouldn’t have been on that flight.” Rachel continues crying.

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Steve still in pain himself but knowing that it wasn’t Rachel’s fault and knowing that Ellen wouldn’t want him to blame Rachel either tries to soothe her. He knew while he was comforting her he was also helping himself to be able to gather his thoughts to tell his kids with his Dad’s help.

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“Rachel, Ellen cared for you a lot. She cared for everyone her family, her friends… That’s one of the reasons I loved her so much. She wouldn’t want you to keep doing this to yourself.”

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“You’re right Steve she was a very caring person.. Steve is there anything, anything at all I can do for you?”

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“Not right now thanks. But I do need to go soon.. My dad and I were planning on telling the kids about their mommy.”

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“Ok Steve. Give the kids my best.”

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“Rachel wait a minute.. I know it would mean a lot to Ellen if you were here for the memorial. We haven’t planned anything but I do want to have some sort of memorial in her honor.”

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“Steve I’d be glad to. Just let me know. And Steve thank you. You and the kids are the best that has ever happened to Ellen.”

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“Thanks Rachel goodbye” Steve says trying to keep the tears under control. He knew that he needed to stay strong right now for his children’s sake.. For his and Ellen’s children sake.

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Steve leaves the guestroom in search of his father having noticed a light on in the bathroom he knocks on the door. “Dad is that you?”

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“Yes son I’m getting a heating pad on for my back.”

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“Let me in and I’ll help you.”

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While Steve is helping his dad with the heating pad Steve says “You know Dad I love you but you aren’t as young as you used to be. You shouldn’t sleep on the couch.”

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“Well Steve I had no choice. And I’ll tell you this much. I’ll do it again tonight if I have to.”

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“No Dad. We’ll think of some other arrangements later but now let’s tell the kids. They must be through with breakfast by now.”

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“Steve later on I’ll go to your house and get some extra clothes, some of their toys, and other things you will be needing.”

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“Thanks Dad. I hadn’t thought of that. But you are right. Just the thought of going back home knowing Ellen will never be there with me again is too much for me right now.”

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“I know son. I’ll go later on but first lets tell Stephanie, Kathy and James.”

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“Ok Dad.”

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Steve and Mark leave the bathroom. Both knowing that in a few minutes they would be having one of the hardest and most difficult conversations they had ever had.

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They go into the living room where the kids are playing together. “Stephanie, Kathy, James we need to talk to you” says Steve. Trying once again to stop the tears from coming down again. Mark gives Steve a supporting squeeze.

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“What is it Daddy? Says Stephanie.”

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?“Is Mommy coming home” early asks James excitedly.

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Kathy being sensitive sees her Daddy’s and Grandpa’s eyes already afraid of what they have to say she doesn’t say anything.

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“Kids I got a telephone call from the airline yesterday. Mommy and everyone on her flight went to Heaven.”

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“You told me Mommy would be back soon. You told me!” James runs off to cry.

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Steve is about to get up and go to James but Mark says “Steve I’ll talk to him stay with your daughters. Don’t worry.”

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Mark goes after James who has managed to open the guestroom and lie on the bed. He is kicking and crying when Mark comes in.

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Mark goes in and sits on the bed. “James can we talk man to man?”

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James excited to be called ‘a man’ looks up at his Grandpa.

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“Your Daddy didn’t mean to lie James. He really thought that your Mommy would be back soon. Your Daddy needs you James.”

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James gives his Grandpa a hug and says OK Grandpa but can I be with you for a few minutes?”

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“Sure James then we’ll go to your Daddy he needs his son.”

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At the same time Mark and James were talking Steve and the girls were on the couch. Both of the girls were crying and Steve had his arms around both of them. Stephanie and Kathy were identical twins who both looked like their mother.

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Sitting there on the couch holding his daughters Steve couldn’t help but drift back to a happier time. The birth of their daughters.

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“Ellen they’re beautiful they both look like you. They look so much alike how are we going to tell them apart?”

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“Steve dear don’t worry as they grow up they will both change somewhat and don’t forget they may be identical but they each have their own personality.”

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“Hey and just think of all the fun they can have confusing their teachers.”

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“Oh Steve!” She says giving him a slight jab. ..“Steve dear it’s important that we not dress the girls up the same you know that don’t you?”

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“Yes dear don’t worry we will treat them as two different individuals.”

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Steve realized how right Ellen had been. Although identical both girls’ faces were shaped slightly different. Both were beautiful and both still looking like their mother. Their personalities were also different. Katherine didn’t mind being called ‘Kathy’ but hated ‘Katie’ as a nickname. Kathy already showing signs that she wanted to ride a motorcycle when she got older just like her Daddy. Stephanie long ago told them that she hated the nickname ‘Steffie’ and so they had decided? years ago to call the girls Stephanie and Kathy.

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Just then Mark and James come out of the bedroom. James jumps on his father’s lap. Steve wanting to hold his son very much but also didn’t want to let go of his daughters.

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Mark knowing what his son wanted to do said Stephanie, Kathy how about giving Grandpa a hug?” Both girls go to Mark and Steve thanks his dad with a smile and gives James a hug. Assuring him how much he loves him and how much he loved James’ Mommy.

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After a few minutes the telephone rings again. “Not again says Mark.”

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“Don’t worry Dad I’ll get it.” He puts James down and the kids all hug each other.

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“Mark Sloan’s residence. Steve Sloan speaking.”

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“Hello this a reporter from the ‘Seasons’ we’d like to do an exclusive interview on the death of Ellen Sloan. Can you tell me how you felt when you first heard about the crash?”

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Steve hangs up the phone in disgust. “Who was it Steve?”

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“Just another reporter wanting to know how I feel.”

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Again the telephone rings. Steve still being angry over the last telephone calls says very angrily “What do you want?”

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The caller somewhat taken back with the hostility nevertheless presses on. “Steve it’s Jesse.”

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“Oh Jess I’m so sorry. I thought you were another uncaring reporter. You’d think I’d be used to reporters by now. Ellen was a reporter for a while.

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“Steve Ellen was never a reporter like that. She cared about people’s feelings.”

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“You’re right Jess Ellen was very compassionate.”

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“Steve I was calling to let you know how truly sorry I am.. How truly sorry we all are. I talked to Amanda earlier. Ron’s at a conference and won’t be back for several days and CJ is just recovering from getting his tonsils out. And you know my wife and I are expecting the birth of our first child any day now. But we both want to be there for you and Mark as soon as we can. We both miss you two very much.”

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“We miss you both too.” Steve says tears threatening to come down again. He didn’t want his best friend to hear him cry.

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“Steve remember what you told me when Susan dumped me years earlier that it was ok to cry that it didn’t mean that I was less than a man?”

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“Yes.. Of course I do.”

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“Well Steve it’s the same for you… And Steve I know now that Susan and I didn’t love each other the way you and Ellen loved each other.”

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“Thanks Jess” Steve says the tears finally winning and pouring down Steve’s cheeks. Mark goes to his son gives him a hug and takes the phone away saying a quick thank you to Jesse for helping his son. Knowing that Steve needed to be able to cry without feeling guilty.

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Steve, Mark, and the kids find comfort with each other. Each gaining strength from the bonds they shared.

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When they finally break apart Mark says “Steve the kids could use some change of clothes, and you could too son. Give me your house keys and I’ll drive to your place and get some. I know it’s too soon for you to go back home.”

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“Thanks Dad. I appreciate it.”

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Steve hands his father the keys. Just then there’s a knock on the door.

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“Why can’t we be left alone.” Steve says trying to not let his temper get to him again.

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“I’ll get it Steve” Mark says.

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Mark opens the door and there are lots of people standing there. Neighbors of both Steve’s and Mark’s and colleagues of Steve’s.

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One of them clearly given the task of being the speaker for the group says Steve, Mark we wanted to show you that we cared and express our deep sympathy for you.

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“Thanks so.. Very much we really appreciate this.”

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“Wait this isn’t all. He steps aside and allows another man through. A man Steve worked for years earlier. Captain Newman- who has been retired for years.

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“Steve we knew how hard it was going to be to go back to your place so soon and we also knew that you Mark needed to stay here so I got a team of experts and we went into your home Steve. I promise you we didn’t disturb anything. But we brought some things we thought you’d need. Clothes, toys, food, and other things to make it easier for you. Steve then noticed people getting in their cars and pulling out clothes, toys, food and whatever they could find. They even had taken apart James little bed so that they could put it together so that James would not have to sleep on the floor again.

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The first man- Mr. Pierce says our wives have managed to cook some food for you all. There should be enough to last several days, and there are cookies for the kids.

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A couple of teenage boys say “Mr. Sloan we mowed your grass and pulled weeds for you and watered your lawn and flowers. We’ll continue to do it for you as long as you need us to.”

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A colleague of Steve’s says “Lt… Steve we’ve gotten together at the precinct and we’ve come up with a way that we can help. Each of us is going to take turns filling in for you when it’s your turn for duty and you can’t find a baby-sitter.

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A woman Mrs. Patterson whom Steve recognizes as a neighbor of theirs, she having children almost the same age of Steve and Ellen’s, volunteers to watch the kids whenever they need her too.

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Steve and Mark are overcome at the love and sacrifice shown to them. They thank them for their kindness. After several hours the grownups notice the kids are getting tired. They all excuse themselves with Steve and Mark again expressing their thankfulness.

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Mark and Steve help the kids go to bed to take their naps. Once again the girls on Mark’s bed and this time James sleeps on the guest bed. Mark changing the sheets for James.

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While the kids are taking their naps Steve and Mark have a chance to talk. “Steve have you thought about what you want to do?”

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“I don’t know Dad… I really don’t know right now.”

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“Steve why don’t you give it some thought and you and the kids move in with me?”

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“Dad I can’t put you through this. The kids are going to get older and take up more room.”

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“So I’ll have an addition built if I have too. Or I’ll have your old apartment converted into bedrooms for the kids. Or who knows a toy room.. Or something. The main thing is that we stay together and support each other.

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“You’re right Dad. We do need to support each other… Dad have I ever thanked you for all the times you‘ve been there for me?”

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“Yes you have Steve. But it seems that I don’t thank you enough for all the times you’ve been here when I’ve needed you.”

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Steve and Mark share some memories with each other about their past and their friends, and about Ellen and how much she meant to each of them and how Steve and Ellen didn’t get along with each other in the beginning.

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They also decided on sleeping arrangements for that night and as many days as Steve and the kids stayed there. Steve knowing that his kids needed to be in the decision process of what they were to do in the future as a family. Steve was adamant that his father not spend another night on the couch. So it was arranged that Mark slept on his bed again with some of his furniture moved out of the way to make room for James’ little bed. The girls took the guestroom and Steve took the couch.

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After a week of this set up Steve and Mark had another talk while the kids slept. “Dad I talked to the kids while you were back at the hospital entertaining the children.”

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“Oh and what did you decide?” Mark hoping that he would be able to have his son and grandchildren with him permanently.

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“We’ve decided to go back home and make arrangements to sell the house and move back here. We want to thank everyone for their kindness. But are you sure you don’t mind all of us here?”

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“No Steve like I told you I would have your old unit converted or build an addition. Do you have any preferences? This will be your house too.”

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“Thanks Dad. I would like to have my old unit converted to bedrooms for the kids. And maybe a toy room so the rest of your house doesn’t get dirty all the time with toys scattered everywhere.”

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“Our house Steve.” Mark reminded Steve.

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“Our house Steve confirmed.”

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But the decision about where to live was not the only thing that took place that week. They also had a memorial for Ellen. After Steve found out about the extent of the wreckage from the plane that only the black box and other mechanical equipment, and watches and other personal items remained.

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Rachel having kept her promise and flown down. Jesse and Amanda were also able to come. Jesse’s wife Noelani having given birth to a beautiful daughter which they named after her the next day after he had called Steve. Jesse told them that Noelani meant beautiful girl from heaven, in Hawaiian. He was delighted to tell them that her middle name was Jessica. Amanda was also able to come with Ron back from the conference he was able to take care of CJ who was feeling much better.

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They had a nice memorial with all of them expressing their love for Ellen. Then they toasted to Ellen with Non-alcoholic pure grape juice.

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A couple of days later Rachel, Amanda and Jesse all declining the invitation to stay at the beach house went home after again expressing their sympathies and their promises to keep in touch.

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Postscript

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It’s been over a year since Ellen’s death. Steve has sold his house and he and the kids have moved back into the beach house. Mark keeping his promise and having Steve’s old unit converted into bedrooms and a toy room. Steve now using the guestroom as his bedroom.

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And Steve is back at work Mrs. Patterson watching the kids when Steve has to go to work and Mark isn’t able to watch them, and his friends at work holding on to their promise of taking over Steve’s shift when neither Mark or Mrs. Patterson are available which didn’t happen too often Steve was glad. He was grateful his friends were willing to do this but still felt guilty when he had to get someone to cover for him.

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And something else had happened Steve was starting to date. He felt guilty at first as if he was somehow betraying Ellen. But Steve had had a dream one night. Ellen coming to him and telling him how much she loved him but she didn’t want him to spend the rest of his life alone. Although Steve was not alone with his dad and children with him Steve knew what Ellen was trying to tell him.

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The End

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