Her mother is overcome with grief, and has to sit down. I see who has to be Kelly’s father, tenderly comforting her. Then I spot a nurse pushing a man in a wheelchair, over to where Kelly’s folks are. I’m horrified as I realize its Alan. He’s nearly unrecognizable, with the injuries to his face. There are dark ugly bruises, and stitches covering his face and neck. His left eye is grossly swollen shut, and he has to tilt his head upwards, so he can see out of his other one. His hands are bandaged, and he’s sitting in the chair expressionless; and the epitome of a broken man. My gut wrenches seeing him like this. He slowly looks at the closed casket, and I can see tears streaming down his face. There are beautiful abundant floral arrangements surrounding the altar, and I gasp when I see a small delicate spray next the larger one, on top of the casket. It’s made of miniature pink roses and soft baby’s breath. Attached to it is a light pink ribbon that simply reads, Bless this child.
I can’t stop the tears that are forming in my eyes. My body is shaking, as I openly weep. I look up as Alan spots me, and I’m overwhelmed with emotion. Our eyes meet, and I touch my breast lightly as I see him nod, which makes me cry more. As much as I despised this man, and what he did to me and our family, at this moment, all I can feel is compassion. I get my tissue out and blot the tears away.
Once the funeral begins, the pastor welcomes everyone and tells us that Kelly was a good Christian woman, who was baptized here, and attended faithfully when she was growing up. He tells us that she taught Sunday School and headed up a youth group after college, as well as doing summer mission work. I look at the pamphlet I was given at the door, and there’s a lot written about her life in the church. He then introduces a group of three pretty young women, about Kelly’s age, who are seated on stools with instruments. They’re Kelly’s childhood friends, who are sisters, and now sing professionally as a group called The Irwin Sisters. The program says they’ll be singing three songs. Their beautiful harmonious voices sing a very sad bluegrass song in acapella. They sing about a traveling soul seeking a brighter world, in exchange for the world below. There isn’t a dry eye in the church after they are done.
I look down at my thighs, and watch the tears fall one by one. I’ve nervously fiddled with my Kleenex, which is on its last leg. I sniffle, as I wipe my nose with my hand and close my eyes. Just then I feel a hand on my shoulder. I panic. Oh please - no. Don’t let anyone ask to sit by me. I turn my head to see a familiar face; dark spiked hair and the most beautiful compassionate blue eyes. I put my hand over my mouth to muffle my tears, as he affectionately smiles and motions for me to scoot over. He puts his arm around me, and whispers in my ear, “I couldn’t let you do this alone, amigo.”
I’m overcome, as I reach for his hand. “Thank you, Todd. I…how did you?”
Tenderly, he wipes the tears from my face with his thumbs and quietly says. “Aw babe, don’t cry. It’s okay.” He sees my frayed Kleenex and reaches into his pocket, pulling out a wad of fresh ones, and whispers, “Here, I grabbed these at the door.”
I smile, and still can’t believe he came. “So how did you know?”
“Tommy told me where you were, and no thanks are necessary, kiddo. I owe you a lot more than you know. We’re a team, you and me.”
Reverently we listen to the beautiful songs being sung. I can see Kelly’s mother put her head on her husband’s shoulder. What sadness and grief they must be going through. I can’t even imagine losing a daughter, or an unborn grandchild, much less both at one time. My heart is aching, and I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.
“Is that your ex in the wheelchair?” Todd whispers, and I nod in response.
“He’s pretty fucked up.”
He reads the program and leans into me, talking softly, “She was a fucking Sunday School teacher?”
I nod again.
He rolls his eyes, “Jesus. I wouldn’t want her teaching my kids about the Bible, would you?”
I playfully swat his leg, as he shrugs his shoulders.
The pastor does some spiritual readings and invites people to come up and say a few words. One by one, friends come up to talk briefly about the life of Kelly. As I listen to each touching recollection and tribute, I think about what I would say if I were called up to speak. I’m struggling with my own emotions, as I hear an evil voice inside my head. Kelly was a home wrecker, a whore and an adulteress. She stole your husband and ripped your family apart. She had no consideration for anyone but herself, and she got what she deserved. That’s how you should remember Kelly. May she rot in hell.
I’m ashamed of myself for thinking such vile thoughts and I begin to cry harder, when I realize that this tragedy has killed a mother and her unborn child. It’s taken a child from a mother and a father. It’s taken a friend and a wife to be. I’m a horrible person. How could I even think such bad thoughts?
I take a deep breath and thank God Todd came. I wonder if Ash played a part in this, or if Todd just did this of his own volition. I suspect he did it on his own, because we have that type of friendship.
After an uplifting and inspiring sermon, some more readings and a profound moment of silence, with bells tolling for Anabelle, the unborn child, Kelly’s friends get up for a final song. One beautiful blonde girl plays a banjo and the other a fiddle, as they sing a song called Glory Bound. The words rip at my heart, and I can tell that Todd is touched as well. The chorus is simply Hallelujah, and with each chorus one of the girls holds her arms up for the congregation to sing along.
Todd whispers in my ear, “Damn they’re awesome. They’ve got phenomenal voices, stellar harmony. I’ve never heard this type of music. It’s actually pretty good.” He has no reservations about singing along with the congregation, with his beautiful high pitched voice. I guess it just comes natural to him.
I look over at him and smile, as I notice that he’s dressed up. He has on a nice black button down shirt, with a pair of black jeans and dress boots. I’m still in awe that he came.
***
In conclusion, the pastor tells us all to go in peace, remembering that Kelly and Anabelle are with their maker, and that we should all let our faith sustain us in times of sorrow. We all hold hands and recite The Lord’s Prayer. At this very moment, everyone in the church is unified by the touching and promising words of this prayer. In procession, the pipe organ begins to play, as everyone filters up to the family to pay respects.
From my seat, I stare at Kelly’s folks standing by the altar, and I watch as they hear words of condolences from the guests. The pastor is there to console her mother, as her father offers a handkerchief to Alan. I turn to step out of our pew and move towards the door, when Todd takes my hand and stops me.
He has a questioning look on his face, “Olivia, don’t you think you should go up and say something to them?”
Without even thinking, I shake my head as I turn towards the door, “Oh no, I can’t do that.”
He looks shocked, “Why not? Of course you can. At least go speak to your ex. You’ve got to. Go on, I’ll wait right here.”
He nudges me out towards the aisle, and I reluctantly begin the long walk to the front of the church. I look back at him, and he reassuringly nods his approval.
When I reach Alan, he cries. I bend down to hug him in his wheel chair, not knowing if I’ll hurt him by my touch.
With hurt in his eyes, he cries out. “Olivia, why did this happen? What am I going to do now?”
I’m taken aback by his remark and don’t know what to say. My first instinct is to tell him I don’t give a damn what he’s going to do now, and my emotions are running rampant. Before I respond, I have a vision of Todd in my head saying ‘What the fuck do I care what you’re gonna do now, mother fucker’. I smile as I put my hand on Alan’s leg, and decide not to respond to his question. “I’m so sorry, Alan. I truly am. I’m sorry the kids couldn’t come.”
“I know. I didn’t expect any of you to come, but I’m so glad you did. I do love you, Olivia; I always will.”
My throat clenches, as I fight to hold back tears.
Kelly’s mother walks over to us, and Alan introduces me as his ex-wife. I’m a bit uncomfortable at the introduction, and I wonder if this woman knows the story of her daughter’s fairytale romance. Her name is Annette, and she’s a striking black haired woman, wearing a beautiful pink knit suit with a beautiful matching silk scarf. I’m not sure what type of a reaction I’ll get, but she hugs me and her tears are falling.
She looks at me with pain in her eyes, “You never know when God has other plans for your children. I’ll never understand the whys, but I’ve got my faith and I just hope it sustains me.” Her husband comes to stand beside her, and introduces himself as Jack. He’s very tall and heavy set, with grey hair and massive hands. He firmly shakes my hand and looks away with tears in his eyes. “They were on their way here to meet with our pastor and plan their wedding, you know.”
At this point I feel the need to leave. I know these people have just lost their daughter and granddaughter, but that daughter slept with my husband and wrecked my family. They owe me nothing, and I’ve done what I came to do. I say my goodbyes and as I turn towards the door, Jack takes my arm and says. “I’ll walk with you.” I don’t know how to react, but he pats my hand and we walk.
With a fatherly smile on his face, he turns his head and whispers, “Don’t think for a minute that we condone what Kelly did. She was an adult and made her own decisions, but I want you to know she wasn’t raised like that. I just wanted you to know.” Once we reach the door, he releases my arm and looks into my eyes. “Thanks so much for coming, Olivia.”
Todd is waiting for me by the door, with a confused look on his face. He whispers in my ear, “Okay, ya wanna tell me what the fuck that was about?” I shake my head with tears in my eyes, and throw my head back. “I’ll tell you later. Let’s get the hell out of here. Did you bring a car?”
He shrugs his shoulders. “Nope. I took a cab from the airport. My bag’s over there by the door. I’ll just get a room close by. I got the same flight back as you tomorrow, by the way.”
“Don’t get a room, Todd. Ash booked me a huge suite at The Hermitage. I’ve got a car, so please, stay with me. There’s plenty of room.”
“You sure? I snore, ya know.” He curls up his lip. “Just kidding. Seriously is it ok if I crash with you?”
“A hundred percent sure. We’ll go out for dinner, and maybe we can walk around downtown and see some of the city. Right now, I just need to get out of here.”
He walks around the car and smiles, as he opens my door, gesturing me to get in. “Well then let’s make like a tree and leave. I’ll drive, and we’ll drop my things off at your hotel. Then, if you want, we can change and go do some sightseeing. Never been to Nashville, have you?”
My eyes light up, “Never. I’m down for doing something happy. This has been an extremely emotional day.”
Ash calls when we’re on our way back to the hotel, “Liv? Is the funeral over?”
The sound of his voice makes me smile, “Yes. We’re on our way back to the hotel now. It was a really nice service; very sad but nice.”
“We?” Ash asks, sounding confused.
I smile and put him on speakerphone, “Todd showed up at the funeral and surprised me.” Todd looks over at me, and flashes a proud smile.
“I thought you’d asked him to come.”
Ash laughs, “I had no idea, but I’m happy he did that for you. Am I on speaker?
Todd takes my phone, “Yes you are Mr. H, so watch what you say. We’re headed to the hotel. Oh and I’m on the same flight back with your better half.”
“Sounds like you’re in good hands, Sunshine. You guys should have a little fun. Go out and do the town. And Todd, watch out for my gal.”
Once in our room, we both quickly unpack. Todd’s phone starts to ring, as he’s changing. He stumbles to answer his phone, and trips while getting out of his jeans, which makes me chuckle.
“Fuck. Shit.” He grumbles rubbing his toe, “Ow! Oh, Hey babe, what’s up? Yeah, I tried calling you before I left. I remember you told me you’d be in the library, so I figured you wouldn’t answer anyway. I left you a message, though. Yeah, I decided to come at the last minute. The flight cost me a friggin fortune, but I just had to be here for her. She’s my best friend Ky, it was pretty sad. Her ex’s fiancé and their unborn kid were killed. Olivia? Yeah she’s fine. I think her ex old man was pretty glad she came. I copped a cab and went to the funeral, straight from the airport.” Something she says makes him roll his eyes, as he goes into the bathroom. He kicks the door, to where it’s slightly ajar, and I can tell he’s set his phone on the tank of the commode. I change into my jeans and laugh, amused, hearing just one side of this endearing conversation. “Yes, of course I dressed appropriately. Jesus babe, cut me some slack.” Kyra must have heard what he’s doing “I’m fucking peeing. Can’t you hear it? Of course I closed the door Ky. Geez!” He flushes and comes back into the room, zipping his pants and adjusting himself, nonchalantly. He rolls his eyes, and shakes his head, “Shit hold on a sec, Ky.” He drops the phone on the bed and quickly goes back into the bathroom. I giggle, as I watch him come out drying his hands on his jeans, and pick the phone up. “Okay, I’m back.” With his hands, he’s gesturing like she can actually see him. “You should see this fucking hotel, babe. You’d love it. It’s called The Hermitage. Mr. H booked her a fucking huge suite! Yeah, I’m crashing on the couch tonight, and we’re flying home together tomorrow.” From on top of the dresser he grabs a bag of peanuts, that he must have gotten on the plane, opens the package with his teeth and shakes a few into his mouth. He walks to the window and looks outside. He mouths the words ‘nice view’ to me, as he continues his conversation. “Yeah I’m here. She wants to go do some touristy shit, so I think we’re headed to some museum called The Hermitage or something like that. Yeah, same name as the hotel.” He looks surprised, “You’ve heard of it? The guy at the front desk says it’s pretty cool. Not really my scene, but hell I’m game.” He nods and smiles at me, as I get my jacket. Holding up a finger, he wraps up his call. “Hey look babe, we’re bout to head out. I’ll call you later. I will babe. Yeah, I’m real glad I came too. I’ll tell her you said hi.”
We leave for the museum, and I’m amused that Todd would humor me and go. The place is breathtakingly beautiful. As we enter the gates, we see a prominent white monument sign proudly displaying in black letters, ‘The Hermitage. Home of President Andrew Jackson.’
We tour the house and grounds, and Todd’s like a little kid in a candy store. He stops to look and read about everything. “This shit’s pretty cool.” He shakes his head in wonder, “I never thought I’d be caught dead in a fucking museum, but I actually kinda like it.”
In the gift shop, he looks at every little souvenir and knick knack he can find. He picks out a book about The Hermitage, along with another book about houses of the different U.S. Presidents. He walks aimlessly around, looking for something to buy Kyra. His eyes light up when he sees a beautiful boxwood necklace, adorned with pearls. He proudly holds it up, “Do you think she’ll like this?” He smiles anxiously, and asks.
“I think she’ll absolutely love it. It’s as gorgeous as she is.” In addition to the other things he’s got picked out, he grabs a Hermitage coffee mug for himself and several other small things, including postcards and a candle. He laughs, as he puts his wallet in his back pocket. We head back to the hotel and have a drink in the lounge, before going to dinner. Bags in tow, we find a quiet little table at the bar of the hotel. It’s richly paneled, and a quaint cozy place. Todd orders our drinks and reaches into his bag. With a sheepish grin on his face, he hands me a little box. “Here, I got you one too. Let me put it on you.” It’s the same beautiful necklace he bought Kyra.
I put my hand across my chest and smile, “Todd, you totally didn’t have to do that. This is an expensive necklace. I saw the price tag.”
He takes a sip of his drink,
and leans across the table, “I don’t care. I can afford it. Anyways you do like it, don’t you?”
I look down and admire it. “Of course. I love it. I just meant that your friendship is gift enough for me.”
“Well you and Kyra are my 2 favorite ladies in the whole world now, so I gotta keep you both happy. And your friendship means a lot to me too. I wouldn’t go to a fucking museum for just anyone, ya know.”
I clap my hands, “Yay...so you liked it?” I coyly ask.
“It was fucking awesome. Yeah I liked it. I’m gonna read that book about the homes of US Presidents. How cool would it be to take road trips, and go see them? Hell maybe I’ll even take Kyra with me. Anyways, she’s gonna be glad I did some cultural shit.”
We head back out and have a nice time on the town, and when we get back to the hotel, I find I’m anything but tired. I throw my purse on the bed, and hear my phone ring. I see on the caller ID that it’s Alan. I contemplate letting it just go to voicemail, but decide to answer. “Hello?”
“Olivia? Are you still in town?” He asks apprehensively.
“Yes. Why what’s up? Are you okay?”
His voice cracks, “No I’m not. I’m a goddamn wreck. Look can just I see you before you leave?”
Exasperated, I throw my head back, angry that I even answered his call. Why the hell is he calling me? I take a deep breath and slowly exhale. “No Alan. That’s not possible.”
Out of The Box Regifted Page 14
