This is it, guys. The final chapter of You Give Me Fever. Honestly, I never thought this time would come; I've grown so attached to this story and I'll hate to see it end. But to set the tone a little, we have Michael's song for Becky in the media area ... For All Time. ❤️

Michael's POV

"I now pronounce you, man and wife," the vicar says to Becky and I.

After demanding that we be married, a special priest was brought in to marry us in the hospital. We just about managed to get through the vows, and we're surrounded by the closest members of our family and friends – my parents are here now, too.

A smile forms on my face as I look longingly at the vicar. I need him to say his next words ...

Taking the hint, he gives in, "Mr Jackson, you may now kiss the bride."

My hand touches gently upon Becky's, and our gazes meet. It gives me great pleasure knowing this girl is now my wife – I've been waiting three years for this day.

"Mrs Jackson," I breathe, almost being unable to believe that we're finally married.

Then, I bend down, kissing her lips – our first kiss as Mr and Mrs Jackson. I knew we would be married before it was too late – I even told her that myself – I just didn't realise it would be under these circumstances.

Pulling away, a mellow smile tugs at my lips, "No more Miss Summers for you, Mrs Jackson. You're my wife now; I've been waiting for this since the day I first set eyes on you."

I know she can't answer; speaking the vows probably tired her out enough as it is, but at least I know she's acknowledging my words – she's watching me intently, so she must be listening to what I'm saying.

"I'll go and get Miracle," I then tell her. I peck her lips and head out the doors, to the little room next door, where Lisa is waiting with Miracle. "I'm taking her to see Becky," I say to Lisa.

"Take her; it's okay," she replies.

Despite what she's done bad, she's been a real support these past months. I'm glad our feud is over, and that we can finally be mature around one another.

I take Miracle from her arms, before kissing her forehead lightly, "Hello, my little blossom. I'm gonna take you to see mommy now." I carry her back into Becky's room, and when Becky catches sight of Miracle, her eyes light up, despite being too weak to speak. "You wanna see mommy, now, huh?" I ask Miracle rhetorically, "C'mon, let's go see mommy."

I sit on the chair by Becky's bed, then sit Miracle in my lap. She immediately fixes her gaze on Becky, which is when I see tears forming in Becky's eyes. Even though she can't speak all that well, I can tell she's hurting. I'm hurting, too, at the notion that she soon won't be here to see Miracle and I as we grow older.

"Look," I say to Miracle, forcing my voice not to break from crying, "Mommy can see you; she loves you, y'know." I close my eyes and a tear falls from each eye, and they roll down my cheeks, "And you love mommy back," I assert softly.

Becky turns her head ever-so-slightly, giving the faintest smile you ever saw.

"And I love you both ... " My voice breaks because I'm crying, "So very, very much. Never, ever forget that ... "

--

21 hours later – June 14, 1994

It's been almost a full day since Becky and I were married, and she's still here. She's fighting to stay alive a lot, now – almost too much. She's now fighting so much, it's making her deteriorate even quicker than if she didn't fight. Oh, how illogical that is.

At the moment, only I am here – along with Miracle. If you're wondering where everyone else went – like her parents – they're in the little room next door. They said they needed some quiet time; some time to think things over. I completely understand that.

Last night, after our little wedding, Becky started to suffer from a lot of pain, so the nurses gave her a slightly higher level of Morphine. It managed to get her through the night, which defied the odds that the nurse put in place about her not making it through the night. Let's just see how much longer she holds up.

What if she were to die tomorrow? I don't think I would be able to cope, really. Don't get me wrong; I'd have to find some way of coping, but initially, I would feel lost. This girl has become one of the biggest parts of my life, and to lose her at any time would kill me inside. The waiting game is hurting me so badly.

My hand reaches over to Becky's, taking it within my own. It's ice cold ... it's almost as if I'm touching pure ice. Her skin is gradually getting paler too; something tells me she's coming closer and closer to ... her end.

"I'm going to miss you so badly when you're gone, you know ... " I just about manage, tears forming thickly in my eyes, "But how about, just cos it's you and me, I sing your special song by myself? Little private concert for my beautiful, sweet VIP, hey?" Even if she can't hear me, talking to her is comforting me.

"And maybe the walls will tumble ...
And the sun may refuse to shine ...
But—"

A single tear runs down my cheek, as a feeling of grief and pain stabs my heart. I have to get through the chorus, at least. It's the main part she loves.

"But, when I say ... "I love you" ...
Baby you gotta know that's ... For All Time ...
Baby you ... gotta know that's ... For All Time ... "

By now, tears are falling down my face quickly, my crying uncontrollable. I've never cried so badly about all this; I've been trying to suck it up in front of Becky, so that I don't put any stress on her. But now? I can't control it at all. I'm just sobbing hysterically, yet hoping she doesn't wake up to see this.

Unfortunately, my little wish isn't granted – Becky's eyes twitch, causing me to panic, and wipe away my tears speedily so she doesn't see. Once her eyes are fully open, I put a fake brave face on for her.

"Hello, my angel," I greet her softly, stroking her hair with my free hand.

"Hi, Michael ... "

Her voice causes me to widen my eyes in surprise. She's way livelier than she's been for the past week! But I think that's an indication that her time is almost up.

"How are you feeling?" I question softly, lifting our hands up so I can kiss her knuckles, "Feeling good? Bad?"

"I-I'm okay ... " she manages to say.

Hearing her voice is such a blessing right now. For the past few days, I've had almost no communication or response from her – now she's able to have a small conversation with me! I would say it's a development, but ... I don't think it is.

"Well, that's good. I'm glad you're okay, sweetheart." A warm smile spreads across my face, to indicate my slight feeling of happiness. I then lift Miracle out of her little cot-sort thing, setting her down on the bed, "Mommy look, it's Miracle!"

Becky sees our daughter, then tries to reach over to touch her. However, her drip stops her from moving her arm properly, resulting in a couple of tears threatening to spill out of her eyes. To this, I place Miracle slightly closer, then she rests her head against Becky's head. How adorable this is ...

"Our little family is absolutely beautiful," I start softly, drawing a breath, "Nobody is as brave, or wonderful, or magical, or amazing as our little family." My eyes remain on both my girls' heads, as I continue my little speech, "We have a gorgeous daughter, our little Princess; we got the Princes – Jason and Ollie; we have the King, who doubles as a Doctor, and then we have the Queen ... the most beautiful, strong, brave woman in the world ... "

"B-Beautiful ... " Becky repeats weakly.

"Yeah!" I grin at her.

To my surprise, she manages to let out a small laugh, before saying the one line I've been wanting to hear for ... forever.

"Wha-Whatever y-you say, Michael ... "

Granted, it's a little slurred and stuttery because she's so tired, but it's made my entire day, hearing her say that. In fact, it's made my entire life, hearing her voice speak that line.

"My God ... I love you both so much." I exhale deeply, trying not to let more tears fall from my eyes, "And Jason and Ollie, too. They're important to me, as well."

A moment later, the door opens, revealing Becky's parents. Her mother speaks first, "Michael, how is she?"

"She's doing okay at the moment; she's more alert than she has been all week, and she's been speaking a little bit," I answer, before taking my hand in Becky's, squeezing it. "My brave, brave sweetheart."

"Oh, well that's an improvement, isn't it?" Becky's father asks me hopefully.

My eyes shift their gaze to Becky, and when I notice she's falling asleep, I know I'm safe to answer his question, "Well, uh ... not exactly. If you're in Becky's condition, then being more alert and active often means that ... she's coming closer to—" I have to take a breath before continuing, "To her ... end."

At this notion, Becky's mother's eyes fill with tears, "No ... please, no ... " she pleads, as if I can change anything that's happening, "I-I can't bare this ... "

"I know ... it's so hard, it really is. I wish there was some way this could have all been ... prevented," I sigh, drawing circle shapes with my finger on the palm of Becky's hand.

The door opens once again, but this time, it's a nurse. "Hey, guys," she greets sweetly, "How is she doing at the moment? Anything changed?"

"She's more alert than she was before ... but I believe that means she's close to ... " This time, I can't even finish the sentence without feeling the urge to throw up. The thought of Becky dying ties my stomach in knots.

"Well, every patient is different Mr Jackson, but, yes ... I can't lie to you all. That's the most common reason for a patient suddenly becoming more alert. I hate to be so blunt, but I can't just sugar-coat the truth to make it easier; that would be wrong of me."

"I know what it's like," I frown, "I'm a doctor myself. I know how it all works, so don't even worry."

"Ah." She acknowledges my words, before checking Becky a little.

However, before she can finish, Becky's eyes open, and she squeals out in pain, sending me into instant panic mode, "Becky! Oh, sweetheart! Nurse, help her, please!"

"Of course, Mr Jackson."

I quickly rush Miracle into the room next door, before returning to Becky's room. All the nurse has to do is give Becky a dosage of Morphine – but there's a catch. A very, very big catch. The dosage she's given Becky is so large, it'll relax her body enough to make her stop fighting for her life.

Meaning Becky won't be here very soon ...

"Okay, she's been given Morphine to ease her pain," the nurse informs us, beginning to walk towards the door, "So I think I'll leave you all alone to say your goodbyes."

"Goodbyes?!" Becky's mother stands up immediately, her eyes widened, tears creating a thick layer over them, "You mean, she's going to go now!"

"Mrs Summers, the dosage I've given your daughter has relaxed her, so she won't fight for her life any more. I hate to say it, but it's probably the most painless way she'll possibly go. I'm so, so sorry ... " the nurse answers guiltily.

She then exits the room, leaving only me, Becky, and her parents. Her mother is shaking violently; her father is consoling her, whilst trying not to cry himself.

"M-May I go first, Michael?" Becky's mother asks politely, "I want to get my words done ... I can't watch my only daughter die ... "

"Of course you can. Go ahead." My hand gestures in Becky's direction, so her mother walks closer to the bed.

"Becky, sweetie," she starts, earning her daughter's attention, "J-Just know how much I love you, okay? You're on your journey to see the angels, which will be a wonderful experience for y-you. Just keep those happy memories in your heart, okay? Our memories of your childhood, and all of that. You're my brave, gorgeous little girl. I love you."

"L-Love you too," Becky answers, her voice small and almost inaudible.

Her father is next. "Honey, I wanna second everything your mother said. You've been such a fantastic, strong, courageous woman, and I'm so, so proud of you. You'll be the most perfect angel in Heaven, alright? I love you baby. You'll always be my little girl."

"I love you too, daddy," Becky just about manages to reply to him.

They both bend down to kiss their daughter's forehead in turn, hugging her tightly. They both know this is the last time they'll ever see her, and that must be the most heartbreaking feeling to ever experience.

They both leave the room, blowing kisses and miming the words "I love you" over and over again. I guess now ... it's my turn to say my words to my wife.

Tears form in my eyes, but I attempt to blink them back, "Oh, my sweetheart. You're such a beautiful, wonderful, incredible person. I'm so, so proud of you – everyone is. You've come so far in the three years I've known you. And today is our three year anniversary – isn't that special? Three years ago, we shared our first kiss. That's a memory that you'll take to Heaven, right? I hope it is.

"Me, Jason, Ollie, Miracle, Jasper, Charlie, and your mom and dad all love you so, so much. We're all going to miss you when you go on your journey to Heaven, but we know that you'll have no more pain if you go there to be with God."

A tear rolls down each cheek, as my thumb gently strokes Becky's knuckles, "I also wanna remind you of one little thing. And no matter where you are in Heaven, I never, ever want you to forget it. Promise me?"

She gives a tiny nod, which ushers me on. My eyes close, two more tears running down my cheeks, but I swallow and regain my composure.

"Y-You give me such fever, girl ... "

At this, I almost lose it completely, but I take deep breaths, trying desperately not to cry any more in front of her. She needs to feel relaxed and calm in her final minutes.

"Uh, but ... thank you for the memories, sweetheart. These three years have been the best three years of my entire life – simply because you've given me so much happiness. No one will ever make me happy the way you have. Thank you for making my life complete ...

"Just keep it in mind, that I love you more than anything, excluding the kids. You'll always give me fever, sweetheart."

"M-Michael ... I love you too ... my King ... " Becky responds, her voice gradually growing weaker with each word.

We exchange soft, mellow smiles, before I bend down to kiss her lips. Even if she's dehydrated, and her lips are dry, and she's sick, she still has her magic. But to make it worse, this will probably be our last ever kiss ... and that breaks me.

Before too long, I pull away, looking down on her. Her eyes open, before gazing into mine. They're so glazed-over, bless her.

My arms wrap around her, being careful not to interfere with her drip, or the tubes attached to her body. I lightly peck her forehead, to assure her that I'm still here with her.

"You can let go if you like, sweetheart. The angels are calling for you ... "

Then, the idea to sing For All Time enters my head. I might as well; it'll be the last time she hears it – plus, I want our special song to be the last thing she hears before she leaves.

"And maybe the walls will tumble ...
And the sun may refuse to shine ...
But when I say "I love you" ...
Baby you ... gotta know that's ... For All Time ...
Baby you gotta know that's ... For All Time ... "

The room then falls silent, only my breathing really audible. Becky's breathing is getting quieter and quieter with each passing second. Before too long, her breathing isn't even audible, and that's when my stomach flips over, and my heart stops beating for a moment.

"Sweetheart?" I call her by her nickname, trying to earn her attention. Receiving no reply, I repeat it, "Sweetheart?"

Still nothing.

I separate myself from her, averting my eyes down to her face. Her eyes are open, with no signs of blinking, and when I look down at her chest, it isn't rising or falling to breathe.

She's gone.

"Oh, sweetheart ... " I cry, my voice suddenly raising a little, "My baby girl ... oh, my ... "

I can barely string a sentence together. My mind has gone completely numb. This is one of the worst pains I've ever felt in my entire life. Forget finding out about the cancer ... forget her telling everybody she loves about it ... forget all of it. My wife of twenty-two hours ... is dead.

Then suddenly, I break out into sobs of pure sadness, cradling Becky's body in my arms. It's like I physically cannot accept that she's gone, after all we've been through together. I don't want to accept she's gone after all we've been through together.

*

I come closer to her, wrapping my arms around her waist, both of us still in the water. My head moves closer to hers, and soon our foreheads are touching.

"Becky, you give me such fever, girl," I say seductively.

"And you give me it back; it's contagious," she whispers back.

Then, I bring myself closer, making our noses touch.

"I hate the idea of waiting for these ten dates to be over," I sigh.

"I know ... but my mother wouldn't be very happy if we got together officially any sooner than that," she explains.

Then I give her a sweet smile, before bringing my lips closer to hers. She stops me before I kiss her.

"Were you just gonna kiss me?" she questions.

I smile and nod. "Of course I was."

"But won't mom get mad at us; kissing on our first date?"

"What your mother doesn't know, won't hurt her," I smirk.

I bring my right hand up from the water, and slide her wet hair back behind her, before stroking her cheek with my thumb gently.

My eyes then look into hers, our noses still touching, and I bring my lips closer to hers, before they touch in a passionate kiss.

*

Her eyes close as she takes a deep breath, before she hands me my present.

"Thank you," I beam, before unwrapping it. Then, I pull out the present. "A teddy bear?" I grin. "He's so cute!"

"Not just any teddy bear," she laughs.

I look closer at the bear, and see what she's talking about, "Ooh, another present!" I chuckle, taking the box from the bear's hands.

Once I've done that, I open the box. My eyes peer inside, before I take the present from inside it.

There's a note attached to it, so I read it. "I can't wait to meet you ... " The next word causes me to pause in shock.

"Daddy ... "

"Keep going," Becky presses.

So I do. "I love you with all my heart. Only eight months to go until I get to see you!"

After reading the note, I look at the present to see it's a pregnancy test. I check the screen on the test, and when I see the positive reading, my eyes fill with tears.

The atmosphere becomes gentle and beautiful, as I look up from the test and fix my eyes on her, seeing her expression match mine.

"Is this really happening?" I ask, my voice breaking from shock. "Y-You're pregnant?"

Tears are forming in her eyes now.

"Congratulations, daddy," she says with a soft smile.

Unable to contain my happiness, I pull her into my arms and cry into her shoulder with happiness. "It's a miracle, a real life miracle!"

*

"Michael ... please make Mini cry ... " she begs.

"I'm trying honey," I reply.

Then it happens.

The most beautiful cries I have ever heard ring in my ears, and I feel a rush of excitement burst through me.

"Oh, God!" I cry happily, aiming my speech at my newborn baby. "Oh Lord, you're okay!"

I then carry the baby over to Becky and the boys, and Charlie moves over so I can sit next to Becky.

"We've got our baby!" I gasp.

"Baby what?" Becky asks.

"Baby Miracle, sweetheart. It's Miracle, our baby daughter ... "

*

"What would I change?" I ask. "I would change your surname. And as for being ashamed of calling you my girlfriend ... "

Her eyes widen and her hands involuntarily clasp her mouth shut when she comes to the realisation of what's happening.

"I would much rather call you my fiancée..."

Then, I bring my hand from my pocket, to reveal a box. And when I open that box ...

... A ring is sitting beautifully inside.

"I've been waiting so long to ask you this question, baby ... " I continue.

Then, I hold the box up, and my eyes look up at her sweetly.

"Becky ... will you marry me?"

"O-Oh, Michael!" she gasps.

"You promised you would say yes!" I remind her, a beam on my face. "You should never break a promise!"

"And I won't!" she grins, rushing over to me. "Yes, Michael! A million times yes! Yes, I'll marry you!"

I stand up quickly, and she falls into my arms in a tight hug, before I press my lips against hers, in the most powerful, intense kiss I have ever experienced.

*

"I'm really sorry Miss Summers ... but based on the results of the Biopsy ... "

The doctor clears his throat, fixing his collar and exhaling, showing sympathy towards Becky – the reason still unknown to her. I, however, think I know what's about to be said.

"Miss Summers, you've got pancreatic cancer ... "

*

"Miss Summers, this pill will end the pregnancy."

Those words fill me with a strong feeling of guilt, but nevertheless, I find us both nodding in understanding. Becky walks over to me and sits down by my side.

Before she takes the pill, I get up from my chair, and kneel down in front of her. I rest my hands lightly against her stomach, kissing it gently.

"Listen, little one. Y-You've gotta go to Heaven now, so ... look after your other siblings, okay? I love you ... "

Fighting back tears, I stand up, sitting back on the chair next to her, and placing my arm around her.

Then, she does it. She places the pill on the back of her tongue, and takes a sip of water. She swallows, almost choking due to the high level of grief she must already feel. I then rub her back soothingly, but it doesn't stop the tears from forming largely in her eyes.

"The baby will be gone within four to six hours," the nurse informs us.

*

"Listen, Miss Summers. We've been tracking your progress on your cancer journey, and based on what's just happened, we've been able to come to a more clear conclusion ... in terms of life expectancy."

My stomach suddenly fills with fear, worry and nerves. What if the life expectancy is shorter than four years? I wouldn't be able to cope with that.

"A-And how long is it now?" I question on our behalf.

"Mr Jackson, Miss Summers' life expectancy will be around twelve to eighteen months, now."

*

"Michael, Miss Summers' life expectancy will be a matter of days, now ... "

And this is the exact moment my heart feels as if it's stopped. A matter of days. A matter ... of days. Not even months any more; not even weeks.

Days.

A matter of days.

*

"Mr Jackson, she may not make it through the night!"

At those words, my heart literally misses a beat. However, through all the pain, the anger, the upset, the frustration, the panic, and the numbness, I manage to make my next statement crystal clear.

"Then I want her to be my wife, now!"

*

"I now pronounce you, man and wife," the vicar says to Becky and I.

She's finally my wife ... after all we've been through.

Finally Mrs Jackson.

*

"And maybe the walls will tumble ...
And the sun may refuse to shine ...
But when I say "I love you" ...
Baby you ... gotta know that's ... For All Time ...
Baby you gotta know that's ... For All Time ... "

The room then falls silent, only my breathing really audible. Becky's breathing is getting quieter and quieter with each passing second. Before too long, her breathing isn't even audible, and that's when my stomach flips over, and my heart stops beating for a moment.

"Sweetheart?" I call her by her nickname, trying to earn her attention. Receiving no reply, I repeat it, "Sweetheart?"

Still nothing.

I separate myself from her, averting my eyes down to her face. Her eyes are open, with no signs of blinking, and when I look down at her chest, it isn't rising or falling to breathe.

She's gone.

*

Through my tears, I manage to say, "Goodbye, my angel. I'll see you in Heaven ... "

--

It's been three weeks since Becky passed away, and it's currently 9:00pm. I'm looking through photo albums which date back to the first time Becky and I met.

I see pictures of Becky and I, after our first date.

I see pictures of Becky and I; both of us holding the pregnancy test on our first anniversary.

I see pictures of us both holding Miracle, not too long after she was born.

I see pictures of Becky and I, with Becky flaunting her new engagement ring. I had just proposed to her.

I see pictures of us both, with Jason and Ollie as our new additions to the family.

I then see Becky and I, after we had gotten married, only a day before she died ...

There's a lot of blank pages after that. That's where our future memories should have gone ... as Mr and Mrs Jackson.

"My God, I miss you ... " I cry, stroking her face in the picture with my fingers.

I try to shut the photo album, but something prevents me from doing so properly. Turning to the back page, I find a note, which I decide to read.

I am a fighter

I will win this thing

Nothing will stop me

I can do this

The Extreme Fever and love we have will keep me strong

I am forever

But if I'm not forever ...

Michael, Miracle, Jason, Ollie, Jasper, Charlie, mom, dad ...

I'm forever in your hearts ...

I'm never too far away ...

If you just close your eyes and remember me

Believe

Look into your heart

It's there that you'll find the cure

Love you always ...

Becky S xx

It's Becky's handwriting. She must have written this before she knew the cancer was terminal – it says nothing about her dying in it any time soon. Why didn't I find this sooner? I wish I had.

Then, I hear footsteps coming downstairs, and Jason and Ollie enter the room to see me crying.

"Michael, are you okay?" Ollie asks.

"I'm okay Ollie ... just looking at old stuff," I breathe, trying to calm myself down a little, "Wanna see too?"

"Maybe later. First I wanna speak to mommy and Becky in the stars," Ollie answers.

"Of course. I think that would be nice, Ollie." A faint smile forms on my lips.

We all make our way to the back door, with me carrying Miracle in my arms. The first thing I see when I look up is the stars in the sky. Becky always said she felt a sense of loss whenever she looked up into the stars.

... Now I understand that sense of loss.

"And maybe the walls will tumble ...
And the sun may refuse to shine ...
But when I say "I love you" ... "

Before I can sing the final line, tears fill my eyes, a couple falling down my cheeks with grief.

"Baby you gotta know that's For All Time ...
Baby you gotta know that's ... For All Time ... "

I feel Ollie grasp my free hand lightly, and both he and Jason look up at the sky with me.

"And that's how long I'll love you for, sweetheart. For All Time." I then point up at the sky, resulting in Miracle looking up there, too, "See that big star up there, Miracle? That's mommy. She's looking down on us now, feeling so proud of us. You know that? She loves us all so much, baby ... "

You give me such fever, girl ...

... Whatever you say, Michael.

And I know one thing for sure ...

... No one will ever give me fever the way Becky did ...

~~

So that's it! You Give Me Fever is over! Man, I'm going to miss writing this story so, so much. I'm already feeling a sense of loss ... and I actually cried three times whilst I wrote this! Three times!

Honestly, it's been an honour writing this story for the past year and two months. It's been one hell of a roller coaster.

But have no fear; there will be a sequel arriving soon. And yes, it will follow on from the original story. Now, before you say anything, it'll still have Michael and all the characters ... just not Becky. We all know that Becky wouldn't want Michael to grieve for her for the rest of his life.

Anyway ... that's it from me. You Give Me Fever is officially over. I hope you enjoyed this story. :)

You Give Me Fever – finished March 15, 2016.

– MissJackson777. ❤️