Page 65 of Creed

My eyes began to water. “Where would I be without you right now? You saved us and you continue to save me every single day.”

He studied my eyes then leaned in and kissed the side of my mouth, but lingered as his lips brushed against mine. “That goes two ways, now let’s do this, okay?” He pulled his head back and I gave him a nod before I lifted my fingers to my lips and felt them. He had never gotten that close before, but in that one intimate moment, he gave me the courage I needed to step outof the SUV. Creed put on his aviators then climbed out first and held his hand out for me. Thankfully, I had my sunglasses on, and the moment my leg went to step out, the questions began.

“Is it true your best friend was killed right in front of you?”

“Who killed Shane Doyle?”

“Are you adopting the child of the deceased?”

As photos were snapped constantly, Creed shielded me until the doors opened for us.

“Who are you wearing today?” Was the last question I heard, which made me roll my eyes behind my sunglasses. How did the public get any entertainment by judging what label someone wears to a funeral of all places? My choice was made by what was already in my closet. As soon as we were all inside the foyer area, the doors locked behind us. We arrived an hour before the visitation was due to start. The doors would open at 10 am for the public viewing.

“Where is my granddaughter?” I heard Leslie’s voice, and I turned to see her standing with her hands on her hips. Her bleached blond hair was down, and she still had the feathered wings from the 1980’s hairstyle, and she wore a black t-shirt dress with black stiletto heels.

“The papers have been filed with the court and she will be released from state care on Tuesday. They haven’t allowed me to see her yet and I tried to speed up the process, but nothing I did worked.” I said.

“I guess you’ve done whatever you can, but I’d like to see her right away.” She turned into the arms of an older man with sandy hair that was slicked back, and he had a huge beerbelly. He wore a striped polo shirt with faded black Lee jeans and a brown belt. He held her as she cried while chewing on a toothpick.

I turned from that episode of white trash trailer park, and my eyes landed on my mom. She pulled me into a hug and whispered into my ear. “Have patience.”

In the foyer was my parents, Uncle Darren, my brother, my sister, Mike, Josh, Leslie and the strange date she brought, Creed, and myself.

The double doors that led to the parlor opened and Mr. Rhys greeted us. “The family viewing is about to start. I would like to give you some comfort in knowing that Mrs. Doyle looks very peaceful. Your makeup artist did a wonderful job at covering all her injuries and your stylist chose a gorgeous dress. She is wearing the jewelry you gave us, and we have received more flowers than we can fit into the parlor. We will take some to the cemetery, but we will need to send several home with all of you. Do any of you have any questions before you enter the parlor?”

I looked at Creed, not knowing what kind of questions I should have asked. He shook his head, and I nodded just before Leslie spoke up.

Leslie sniffled. “You said jewelry, will she be buried with those?” She blew her nose.

“Yes!’ Everyone quickly answered at the same time. Creed turned to Axton and whispered something to which Axton gave him a nod. I supposed he was to watch Leslie and her date around the casket before it was closed. Who brings a date to their daughter’s funeral?

Everyone walked around me as they entered the parlor, but I froze. The quiet was just too much and I could hear the old floor creaking and a few whispers here and there as the foyer emptied out.

“Oh, my baby!” Leslie cried out and I shuttered.

“I hate that woman.” I whispered to Creed, the only person that stayed with me.

Creed pulled my sunglasses off me and put them in his pocket before he took both my hands in his. “Look at me, Morgan.”

I lifted my eyes to meet his. “I will be right here all day. You’re not alone and when you need strength lean on me.”

I gave him a half hearted smile. “Did Callie send you? Are you some sort of angel she knew I needed?”

One side of his beautiful lips turned up. “I’m far from an angel, but I tend to think you are the angel sent to me.” He pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my head. “Take your time. We will go in when you’re ready.”

As my body was held in his strong arms I took in his scent and absorbed his strength. I could still hear the creaking floors, the cries, and the whispers. I didn’t think there would ever be a time where I was prepared to see my favorite person on the planet laying in a casket. No matter how much strength he gave me, my heart wasn’t able to face what was waiting for me. I had to get it over with and put that day behind me. “I think we should go in now.”

He let go of me, but hooked his arm in mine before it was our feet making the creaking noise. Weak floors must have been a staple for funeral homes. It was that way when we saidgoodbye to my great grandma, and to several of my great, great aunts and uncles.

Slowly, we entered as my eyes tried to avoid the cherry finished box in the front of the room. I must have stopped at every flower arrangement and read the cards.

With our deepest sympathy, from all of us at the BBC.

We are deeply sorry for your loss, Sincerely Walt Disney Studios.

In sympathy, Paramount Pictures.

In memory of your loved one, from everyone at Universal Studios.

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