I Cannot Leave Here, I Cannot Stay, Forever Haunted, More Than Afraid

"Im sorry......It just hurts and I didn't want it to bother you like it does me."

"Darlin, if it bothers you it bothers me because it bothers you," Jeff replied.

"But you didn't know." Mike sighed. "So you were fine, you didn't have to share the pain."

Jeff stroked Mike's cheek gently. If he could he'd take all Mike's pain for himself.

"Jeff.....I don't want it to hurt you like it does me." A tear made its way down Mikes cheek. "Your momma loved you and so does your daddy, mine don't. They don't even want me anymore."

"Baby," Jeff sighed softly, wiping the tears from Mike's cheek. "I'm so sorry....."

"Its not you!" Mike wailed, this was why he didn't tell Jeff. "You don't need to be sorry,"

"I feel like it's my fault," Jeff admitted.

"Why?" Mike sighed. "This is why I didn't tell you Jeff."

"Because they did that to you because you loved me," Jeff said.

"And its okay....because I love you." Mike snuggled closer to Jeff.

Jeff smiled. He wasn't going to argue anymore, not now. He had the love of his life in his arms, now was not the time.

"Are the girls getting along?" Mike questioned.

Jeff smiled and nodded. "Perfectly," Jeff said.

"Are you gunna be okay?" Mike questioned softly.

"Are you?" Jeff asked in reply.

"No...but I will be as long as I have you." Mike replied truthfully.

Jeff nodded. "I'm right here darlin," he replied, kissing Mike softly.

"And hopefully, here is where you'll always be." Mike mumbled hopefully.

"I will be angel," Jeff smiled. "I will be."

"Angel...how come you always call me that?"

Jeff shrugged. "Just do, why?" Jeff asked.

"I just wanted to know." Mike stared up at the ceiling. Mike hummed "Do you think.....you momma would have liked me?"

"Momma would have loved you," Jeff smiled. "You're protective of me, just like she was."

"Your my Jeffy, I wouldn't be able to live without you."