GEN II: Chapter 22

Late that night, everyone had gone to bed. James and Cedric were restless though, and stayed up for a while. Cedric practiced his chess strategy while James read a book upstairs in the den. These two of the triplets seemed to sense something in the air tonight. Something a little off. Each tried to shrug that feeling off and concentrate on what they were doing. That feeling crept back up on them every once in a while though.

Charlie was in his bed, but not quite asleep. He felt a little anxious himself, but he was too warm under his blankets to come back out and join his brothers. In another room, Hayden and Isabel cuddled with each other fast asleep.

Downstairs with Jenni, something else was going on. Jenni had been asleep in her bed, settled in after a long evening. Just after they celebrated Hayden's birthday that night, she had helped a woman to the hospital, who had started going into labor on their own porch. Jenni also stayed with the woman while she delivered her cute baby boy. She had just been home an hour before deciding to go to bed, and was only asleep one hour when she felt the need to rise, apparently she was feeling the same thing as the boys.

She got up, as she crawled out of the comfort of her bed and tried to place her feet on the ground, she noticed she couldn't step down. Jenni was floating. She remembered Kenya at that moment doing the same thing just a few days ago, then Jenni then understood that she had passed away in her sleep. This did not surprise Jenni as much as she thought it would, but it wasn't until then that she realized she had been expecting it anytime. Though she was breaking the silent promise she made to herself regarding her grandsons, she couldn't stop what was happening.

Jenni felt the arrival of another presence and drifted outside her door. She knew who it was before she got there, Jenni had witnessed this more than once in her days.



When she came out, she was greeted by the Angel of Death. Jenni was not afraid, for the most part she was ready. What she wasn't ready for, was her family's reactions. She did not want to see the tears from her babies or grand babies. Jenni never liked to see them upset. As usual, she tried to remain strong and calm for them.

"I know this will be hard for you, but it's time for me to go." She told them as they gathered around to mourn her and beg Death to keep her here. "I'll be watching over you, do not fear. I'll miss you all dearly. Please don't be sad too long, live a happy life. And boys... Have a great birthday. I'll be there to see you grow. I promise I'll watch over you." Jenni tried very hard not to cry but it was almost impossible. Her voice cracked harder with every word. She was told it was time to go, and with a final farewell she disappeared leaving behind nothing but an Urn.

For the briefest of moments everyone stood there, breathless and speechless. Then it struck them. She was gone, Jenni was gone. The mother of the whole family had passed on, just leaving them here. The family seemed broken, unrepairable. Each tear filled Fuller dealt with their pain in their own way that night. Cedric ran upstairs in tears, and slammed his door. Charlie almost did the same but Isabel followed and tried to comfort him. She was also torn up though and they ended up just crying together. Hayden basically stood in a trance, unable to move for a while. James, being the soft yet very strong heart he is, whispered goodbye to his grandmother - his rock - and went into her room. He collected the clothes to wash and made the bed. James also dusted the furniture and made sure the bathroom was clean. Working this whole time through tear filled eyes, he talked to himself as he bustled about. "This is her room. No one else's. No one can use it while I am here. No one else belongs here. It's hers." He did not want to let go of her, and wanted to keep her things just as she had them. In case she came back.

When the sun rose, Hayden made a call. There had been a party planned that day for the boys. They were turning into young adults and Isabel had a big celebration ready. Hayden was calling each invited guest and canceling. The first person he called was Damien. On the other line Damien sounded heartbroken, just as the rest of them. He understood the cancellation of the party and wished the boys 'as happy a day as they could have'. Hayden showered and readied himself as he could. It was hard to do, since every few seconds a fresh wave of pain hit him and he had to cry. His mother was gone, without warning. He knew he should have expected it, but it would be a while before he was over it. She had always been there for him. There hadn't been a day she wasn't.



Downstairs, Isabel kept herself busy. It was the best way she knew to keep herself composed. If her hands were constantly moving, and her mind working, she wouldn't break down. Isabel set out the three cakes she had gotten and blew up all the balloons. The dining room was ready for a party that they weren't going to have. They would still celebrate the boys birthday, though no one else was invited. When Isabel finished with the decorations she stopped moving and surveyed her work. A mistake on her part, when she stopped and looked, she wanted to show Jenni. She had forgotten for a moment that Jenni wasn't around anymore. The memory flooded back and fresh tears began. Isabel stood and let them come for a little while before calling Hayden and the boys in.




James

Charlie

Cedric





The triplets each blew out their candles with heavy hearts, and each wished for the same thing. They grew into strong and handsome young men, almost ready to take on the world. James, Charlie and Cedric looked at each other, and at the same time said "We love you grandma." Hearing that made Isabel bow her head to try and hide the tears, and Hayden to hug his each of his boys. "She's here, she hears you." He said to them.

The rest of the day was spent not doing much of anything. Comforting each other, just by being together. Hayden did make a few phone calls to inform some friends about Jenni's passing. Hayden was unsure of whether to have a service for her or not. She always said that birthdays were something to celebrate, but never mentioned funerals. She had one for Kenya, but that was largely in part for Chase and Crystal. At the moment her death was to fresh on Hayden's mind to want to see anyone. Right now, the answer was no, he wasn't going to hold any kind of service. He might change his mind though.

Top : James

Center: Cedric

Bottom: Charlie