Family Ties: Severed?

Well that's it then. My cousin Jade and her boyfriend, Ben, came over for dinner yesterday. They were able to meet Kai. We got to talking and they told us they were engaged. I was so happy for them. They had been high school sweethearts but at the same time I couldn't help but be a little nervous. The reason: They have made the decision to take Promicin.

I know that it's their lives and I should have no interference in it but these two are a newly engaged couple and I would hate for them to throw it away before they have the chance at being married to each other.

I had the guts to tell them that I knew they were wanting to take Promicin. I played it out cool instead of the way I had pictured in my mind (where I was going to become very angry at them.)

"You're not mad?" Jade asked me.

" A little," I replied. "But I can't interfere. This is your life, it's not mine. You guys have to understand something: ever since I left home, I have devoted myself to the cause- to helping other 4400's and Promicin Positives. I made it my mission after my family died, to continue on in their footsteps. I am always talking about how good the world is with Promicin Positives in it, always teaching classes when I can but it's different when it involves a family member. In this case, family members because Ben I have thought of you as a legitimate cousin since I first met you."

"Of coarse, we understand," replied Ben.

"Then you understand as to why I'm hesitant about the two of you taking it. Promicin can be a great gift if you know what you're doing but at the same time you have to fully know the risks as well as the responsibility that comes with it. Promicin isn't a game: you're making a life or death decision."

"We're ready for it," said Jade.

"Are you really? Look I don't want to sound like I'm trying to stop you because that is the last thing I want to do. I don't want to make myself become the bad guy in your eyes. I am just really concerned and I want you to be aware of the risks."

"Cove," said Ben, "This is the main reason we have come out there. We've been giving it a lot of thought for the past eight months. We do know what we're risking but we're ready for it."

I nodded. "Okay," was all I said. "Well in that case I'm not going to stop you and I'm not going to try to stop you. I just have one more thing before you go."

I went over to the desk and pulled four things from it. I handed one to Jade and one to Ben.

"One of them is a pamphlet that explains the risks of Promicin and the other talks about what to do should you get an ability. I hand them out at the seminars I go to. It would put me at ease knowing you have them with you."

"Thank you," said Jade.

We said our goodbyes and then the two of them left. I stood there standing, with Kai's arms drapped around me; afraid of the bad feeling I was getting within me.