There used to be a TV show on PAX called Twice in a Lifetime. I won't give away the plot because that will take away from the story, but I wondered what would happen if Landon met Judge Othniel. As to a disclaimer, I just like the story and this is completely non-profit (how's that). I own nothing.

Prologue

Landon Carter opened eyes to find himself looking at a rather forgettable woman. Everything about her was average: average height, average brown hair and eyes. To top it all off, she was wearing jeans, boots, a t-shirt, and an ankle length brown coat. Nothing eye catching at all. It was almost as if she was trying to not be remembered.

"Hello," she said with rather average vocal tones with an average, but warm smile.

Pulling himself upright, Landon said, "Hello. Who are you?"

"I'm Ms. Doe."

"Like Jane Doe," he said suspiciously.

"That's right," she answered with a nod. Crossing her legs, she plopped down next to him and looked Landon intently in the eyes.

"And you're in my bedroom why?"

"I'm sorry, Dr. Carter, but you're not in your bedroom."

Looking around, Landon realized he didn't recognize this place at all. He was sitting in a gazebo in what appeared to be the middle of no where.

Scooting back, Landon said, "Where am I?"

The smile dropped from her face and Ms. Doe said, "I'm sorry, Dr. Carter, but you're dead. You died during your sleep. I'm your angel. I'm here to escort you to the other side."

"I'm dead."

"That's right," she softly said.

Ms. Doe was used to shock and even anger upon hearing the news. Especially from one so young. Dr. Carter wasn't even fifty yet. She was, therefore, surprised when Landon looked up with tears in his eyes and asked, "Does that mean I get to see Jamie again?"

"Your wife."

Landon nodded, "She died three months after our wedding."

"You're still wearing your wedding band," Ms. Doe said while gesturing to his left hand.

"I've never taken it off. I've never wanted to."

Patting Landon's knee, Ms. Doe said, "Come on, Dr. Carter. First, you have to go to judgment before I can take you to Jamie."

"But, then I'll definitely get to see Jamie?"

"Of course," she replied with a smile. "We like her up here. She's been telling all of us about you for years. She thinks you're pretty special. Your wife is very proud of you."

The tears Landon was trying to hold back slipped down his cheeks. "I've missed her so much."

"She's always been with you."

"I know. I could feel her. Like the wind."

It didn't take them long to arrive before the judge. Stopping in front of his high bench, Ms. Doe said, "Judge Othniel this is Dr. Landon Carter. Landon, this is Judge Othniel. He'll be trying your case." Leaning over, she added in a whisper, "He's in the Old Testament."

Smiling, Landon whispered back, "I know. Book of Judges."

Luckily, Judge Othniel had been looking down at the papers in front of him so he didn't notice them while they whispered. Looking up, he said, "Well, let's see. You became an oncologist. You were very good with your patients."

"He diffidently deserves to go straight to Heaven."

"Does he?"

"Of course. Dr. Carter read the bible, went to church every Sunday, did lots of volunteer work…"

"But does that make up for his past?"

"Excuse me?" Ms. Doe asked, surprised.

"He was involved with a gang in high school."

"I wouldn't call them a gang," Ms. Doe interrupted. "They were his friends."

"And they weren't bullies?"

"What about repentance?" Landon asked.

"Landon," Ms. Doe tried to warn.

Landon ignored her. "I tried my best to make up for that. I spent the rest of my life trying to help other kids stop from screwing up like I did."

"In your spare time."

Ms. Doe quickly wrapped a hand around Landon's mouth and said, "And the rest of the time he was helping cancer patients. I don't really see how that's a mark against him."

"What about Jamie Sullivan?"

"You mean Jamie Carter," Ms. Doe corrected.

Leaning over, Ms. Doe whispered fiercely, "Do not say anything. I am your advocate. I will take of this. Okay?"

At Landon's nod of agreement, Ms. Doe let go of him and turned her full attention to Judge Othniel.

"Judge Othniel, I think the fact that Jamie married Landon and spent her remaining time with him and was constantly with him in spirit since she died is proof that she forgave him. I do not think that his previous actions against her should be held against Landon in anyway."

"How about the fact that he let her die?"

Landon looked like someone just sucker punched him. Ms. Doe just started blinking in confusion.

"Would you mind repeating that?"

"Mrs. Carter needed a bone marrow transplant but never got it."

"I wasn't a match. I was tested," Landon half-whispered in answer.

"Where your friends?"

"Ah…I don't know."

"So, I guess you didn't do everything."

"Wait!" Ms. Doe yelled. "If that's all, Landon's a perfect candidate."

"Ms. Doe…"

"Come on. I've seen the people you let Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith take back. Landon was young and inexperienced. How was he supposed to know what to do? Jones and Smith's people knew what they were doing. Please," she begged. "Three days, that's all I ask."

Judge Othniel sighed. Nodding, he said, "Fine, but only three days."

"You won't regret this. I promise."

"Go, quickly. Before I change my mind."

Landon looked at Ms. Doe with confusion as she grabbed his arm and they disappeared. Due to his inattention, Landon missed Judge Othniel giving Ms. Doe a quick wink.