Hi everyone. Last chapter I wrote that Tokka Fanatic wrote the Hannah Montana story. Well, I think the pen name is Broken But Still Plays. Okay, this song is called 'Homesick' and it is by Mercy Me.

You're in a better place I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you

People filed past Esteban. They all offered words of sympathy, love, and regret. Soothing words. Words of rejoicing and eternal peace. He could hardly look at them. His gaze focused on the long narrow box in the front of the church. Person after person filed past it, just like they had filed past him. But there were no words of sympathy, or love spoken to the box. Just silence. Silence as they looked down at her. And then tears, when they realized that she wasn't really there.

She was in a better place. But that didn't heal the wound. It just made it bearable.

But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry

Is how long must I wait to be with you

Esteban suddenly stepped out of the line, and numbly walked toward the box. As he got there, he took a deep shaky breath, and looked down at what used to be the woman he loved.

He felt his breath intake sharply. She was still beautiful. But she wasn't there. He could tell. There was something different about her appearance. You knew, what lay in the box, it wasn't Maddie. Just an imprint. A reminder. He gazed down at her face. He closed his eyes, and images… memories… flooded through his brain.

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is, then I'm out of place.

Maddie standing next to him. Laughing with him. Her long blonde hair, he could never get enough of it, swishing behind her. The smile that lit up her whole face, and the sparkling eyes that never ceased to captivate him.

Esteban opened his eyes and saw the box. The memories continued to pound in his mind as he looked down at Maddie's form. An intense burning started in his throat. Tears leapt to his eyes. For what seemed like the millionth time in the last four days, Esteban felt grief threaten to engulf him completely.

Lord won't you give me strength to make it through some how

Tears flooded out from his eyes, and his whole frame shaking, he bent down to kiss her lifeless forehead. For the last time.

I've never been more homesick than now

London sat down shakily in the pew. She barely made it through seeing Esteban without bursting out crying. And as she saw Maddie lying so serenely in her coffin… London knew she needed to find a seat. Her mind began to whirl.

Why did it happen? Maddie and Esteban were just starting out their life together. A new life had just begun. Why did it happen?

Help me Lord, 'cause I don't understand your ways

The reason why, I wonder if I'll ever know

Tears heated under the lids of London's tightly closed eyes as she struggled to hold them back. Maddie was gone. One of the only true friends she had ever had. She just didn't understand. And for once she wasn't the only one. She wanted to know why, but she knew it wouldn't make a difference. She would still be sitting here now, missing Maddie.

But even if you show me, the hurt remains the same

'Cause I'm still here so far away from home

Zack Martin slowly crept into the sanctuary and stood just behind a huge potted plant. He looked out from behind it, and saw tons of people, people that he would call his family, standing in the sea of black.

Zack scanned the room, looking for the thing he most dreaded seeing. His stomach clenched painfully, and overwhelming guilt shot through his brain. He shut his eyes and tried to block out the mental image of one of the most important people in his family. Despite his attempts, Maddie's face blossomed across his mind. His heart wretched painfully.

I close my eyes, and I see your face

If home's where my heart is than I'm out of place

Zack leaned against the wall and slid down it, sinking to a heap on the floor. He grabbed his aching head and panicking sobs filled his chest, and spilled out in a great torrent. How could he live with him self? He killed her. It was his fault. She was dead. He needed help. He needed strength. He couldn't do this any more. He gave up everything he held on to. All of the excuses. All of the justifying lies. He felt his soul cry out. He couldn't do this on his own.

Lord won't you give me strength to make it through some how I never been more homesick than now

He was weeping.

He was sorry. Sorry for all the sins he had committed. He couldn't live his life any more. Not like this. For if he did, there was nothing but more death. Eternal death. He couldn't take any more death. He was sorry.

Then he knew… almost as if some was standing right next to him speaking it in his ear…it was alright.

He was forgiven. He was no longer alone. He was changed. He was whole. He could make it through this, because it wasn't just about him.

He was forgiven.

In Christ there are no goodbyes

And in Christ there is no end

Carrie stood by Cody and watched as Esteban broke down over Maddie's coffin. Tears silently spilled down her cheeks. Maddie was like the daughter she never had. And Maddie was going to have a baby. Carrie was anticipating the arrival as much as Maddie's own mom was.

Now they were both dead. And because of Zack. Because of his foolish choices. A Sister, Friend, Daughter, Wife, and Mother, were dead. Maddie was gone. Carrie tried to shake away the tears. She would see Maddie again, and her child some day… in heaven. Then they could all have that big baby shower she'd planned.

Tears began to slide down her face again, as she smiled at the thought.

So I'll hold on to Jesus with all that I have To see you again…

To see you again…

Esteban was clutching the side of the coffin for support as the blinding tears coursed down his face. He barley noticed Maddie's dad's hand on his shoulder, until he felt himself gently being steered toward a pew. He collapsed on the bench, his body raking with sobs. Maddie's Beautiful face was everywhere. She was there. Holding the baby. Their baby.

And I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is than I'm out of place

He sobbed convulsively. He missed them. He loved them.

Lord won't you give me strength to make it through some how

London pulled out her handkerchief, and buried her face into it.

Won't you give me strength to make it through some how

Zack lay on the floor with his eyes shut tight. Weeping. Praying.

Won't you give me strength to make it through some how

Carrie hugged Cody tightly, and scrubbed at her tears.

I've never been more homesick…

Maddie held her baby and smiled down at all the people who loved them.

…than now

Madeline Ramirez

Born 1987 Died 2008

Along with her daughter

Carlota Ramirez

Their memories will live on in our hearts,

Until we are home with them once more

There, I finished it. Tell me what you think! Thanks for reading-

captain lyd