Page 111 of Beauty Beneath the Sorrow
I give her a quick hug. “Thank you.”
The service was beautiful and exactly how my grandmother would have wanted it. I stand at the bottom of the hill where she was laid to rest just fifteen minutes ago and say my final goodbyes to everyone who came to pay their respects.
I see Lina’s sister Zoe standing with Mason, Bailey, Avery, Brian, and Bristol, chatting at the top of the hill. The sun is shining, but a light wind moves through us. My eyebrows pinch together, and my eyes bounce around, looking for Lina across the bright green lawn and through the large oak trees.
“I’m right here.” I hear a sweet voice behind me.
Smiling, I fight the urge to touch her. “How did you know I was looking for you?”
She lowers her glasses, squinting in the bright afternoon sunlight. “Because I know you.”
My body warms, but my heart aches. “You do, don’t you?”
“Do you want me to stay the night tonight, or would you prefer to be alone?” she whispers, even though the group is more than an earshot away.
“I will always want you to stay with me, baby,” I reply, reaching out to lightly run my knuckles over the smooth skin of her cheek.
Lina’s eyes fall closed. “I was hoping you’d say that because I was going to come over anyway.”
I smile, appreciating her cheeky comment. But my thoughtsare elsewhere. “Thank you for being here today.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me. There is no place I’d rather be than here supporting you,” she says.
From the corner of my eye, I see movement—immediately, I drop my hand and turn my head to the side. The group, all in sunglasses and black formalwear, has started to walk down the grassy hill toward Lina and me. They’re all talking amongst themselves, oblivious to what’s going on.
“What are you doing after this?” I rush out, sensing our time growing short.
She subtly takes a step away. “I’m doing whatever you’re doing.”
I’m falling so hard, sofuckinghard.
“After I finish everything up here, I’m going to head home.” I’m exhausted and would like to get away from everyone except for her. This week has been emotionally draining, and today was the peak of it all. It was overwhelming seeing the love and support from people in the community come out today. I’ve been away for so many years I had forgotten how involved she was in local clubs and with her friends.
While writing her eulogy this past week, I reached out to people from the organizations she was a part of, the boards she sat on, as well as some of the doctors who were part of her care team to learn more about the impact she had on them. A nurse from her memory care facility live-streamed the services for her friends who were unable to attend, including Betty and Warren.
“How are you holding up, Jag?” Brian asks, patting my shoulder.
“I’m okay. Glad it’s done, and she can finally rest.”
“It was a beautiful service. Thank you for allowing us to come,” Bailey says.
“Yeah, man. Seeing all the people here today, she was a well-loved woman,” Mason adds.
I shove my hands into the pockets of my slacks. “Thank you all. I appreciate the support.”
“Well, we’re going to head out,” Brian announces to the group, hooking his arm around his girlfriend.
I sense Lina’s body stiffen.
I nod. “Okay, thanks again for coming.”
“Bye, Dad.” Lina hugs him before he turns to walk toward the parking lot. Then she turns to Zoe. “You can come home with me. I need to stop by and pick up a few things.”
“Are you going to Carter’s again tonight?” Zoe taunts in a clipped voice.
“Seriously? Why are you like this?” Lina snaps.
Zoe opens her arms, gesturing inside the group. “This is the circle of trust, my lovely sister. We all know your dirty laundry.”
