Another in my series- Just a short excerpt05:17 Feb 10 2013
Times Read: 466
This story deals with my son's death in the first part of it. I put things in about it but names and places and characters are not the same or more than actually were involved in some places. My family is not rich so this family is rich due to the fact I want there to be no hindrance in moving the protaganist around from various places. It is a rough draft and I really haven't written an outline and know where I exactly want it to go totally but I have much of it figured out in my mind but I always revise, revise, revise over time.
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DYNASTY OF DREAMS: Painted Canvas
Book Five
Copyright - January 7, 2012 by Renee Begley
CHAPTER ONE
Elise jumped as she heard a loud noise outside. “Something strange is going on at the other dorm.” She got out of her chair and tried to see out her window but the view was blocked by a tree.
“What Elise? You mean the crashing sound?”
“Yes, let’s check it out Steph.”
“I’m not sure that’s the best idea. I’m scared to go out at this time of night.”
“I’ll protect you Stephanie. Remember, I’ve taken martial arts for ten years.” Elise grinned and grabbed her jacket heading toward the door.
“Yeah, I know that should be comforting but it’s not.”
“Don’t be a woos Stephanie, get your coat.”
The girls got to the stairs and looked around but no one else stirred. The curfew began at 10:00 pm., strictly enforced. No one would be wandering the halls at 2:00 am. Finals had everyone in bed and exhausted in anticipation of graduating in three weeks. Not everyone, of course but Elise was about to graduate with a BA in Cultural Anthropology and a minor in Classical Mythology. Normally she would be one of those asleep if she hadn’t been worrying about her final.
“Something is over by the tree Elise on the ground?”
They walked cautiously toward the lump of something near Dormitory 2 East.
Elise began to run as she realized a man was lying in the grass next to the dorm. Stephanie followed but wanted to go back inside to the safety of her room.
“How odd, he’s holding a strange looking rock in his hand. Wonder what happened to him? Did you bring your cell with you?”
“No Elise, you dragged me out of our room before I had time to take anything along.”
Both girls decided to go inside and call 911 but they wanted to check first for a driver’s license before they called in the paramedics. The university extension only allowed for a night nurse to be called for student emergencies only.
“OK Steph, let’s flip him over and look for identification.”
As they turned back around to search him, he had vanished.
“What is going on Elise?”
Stephanie was mystified by the man’s disappearance. Not only did he hold an unusual rock in his hand, but his dress seemed out of sync and his hair the same shade as Elise’s. This only lent to the confusion she felt. Elise was admired for her unique coloring. She made extra money modeling due to her hair and the fact she was over six-feet tall. Now they found a strange man face down in the grass with the same distinct coloring.
“This is too weird Steph. I’m going back inside and saying nothing. I have a final I can’t blow in a few hours. The last one I’m required to complete this semester to graduate.”
“Don’t you remember, I’ll be taking the same test?”
“No, I wasn’t thinking after that experience we had by the dorm. The best thing we could do is go back to bed and forget the incident for now.”
The girls snuggled down in their covers and Stephanie turned off the light between the beds. It had been one hell of a night. She had plans in the evening with Josh and refused to dwell on a guy disappearing almost before their eyes. Who would believe them?
Stephanie came out of the door to the classroom and walked up to Elise waiting outside.
“How do you think you did Steph?”
“I’m not sure, an A or B grade I think.”
“I aced this one I’m pretty sure. This course has been a breeze for me.”
“Comparative Eastern Religions was only an elective for me but part of your major. You’re one step ahead of me especially with your martial arts background. I know your main interest is with these cultures. The books on your shelf worn with earmarks are a significant clue.”
“True, but let’s forget about tests. Want to go get lunch?”
“Sure, I’m starved. Let’s go to Carlos Rivera’s. I’m craving Mexican food.”
“I had something less spicy in mind but if that’s what you want we’ll go. I’ll get my car. Wait out front and I’ll pick you up in less than ten.”
Rivera’s was almost empty and the girls could quietly talk about their plans without being overheard.
“I’m not looking forward to packing up and leaving. We have to be out of the dorm by Friday and it’s already Tuesday.”
“Don’t sweat it Steph. I told you I’ve arranged for a place to stay until graduation.”
“Thanks but I’m not a charity case.”
“Don’t you think I know this? It’s not about charity but friendship. Maybe someday you will do the same for me and if not who cares. It’s only money Steph and my family has more than they can ever spend. They love you and would do anything for you. That’s why I’m taking you back home with me. Granted I work for extra money but that is just my ego. I like being able to make my own money.”
“What do you mean? You already have your own inheritance and lots of it and I do appreciate all you’re doing for me.”
“I know you do Stephanie and that’s the point. You are like a sister to me as dumb as that may sound, it’s the truth.”
“How long will it take you to get your things ready to be shipped back to San Diego, Elise?”
“A couple of days. We’ll pick your things up on the way back. Then ship it by train so we can have it all hauled down at the same time. I have to be back by the 30th to start my job at the museum.”
“Were you able to get the lease downtown?”
“Yes, I guess I forgot to tell you with finals and everything. We have it for a year and then we can either re-sign or move to wherever we want to go at that time. San Jose has been an experience but I can’t wait to get home. I look forward to stopping off in Sacramento. It’s a detour in the wrong direction but I’ve never been to the state capital. You’ll have some time to visit with your family and finish packing. Don’t forget I booked a place to stay for a day so I can sight-see.”
“You didn’t need to do that Elise.”
“I know but your home is cramped as it is and I make one more mouth to feed. They don’t need the intrusion and that’s what I would be. I’ll come by to visit but I’ll stay at the hotel.”
“Oh all right but my parents won’t like the idea.”
“I hope they won’t be offended Steph. Six kids living at home not even counting you, is enough for any family. Be realistic, there’s no room for me without someone ending up on the couch or the floor when I can comfortably stay close by in a hotel for one night.”
“You can drop me off in the afternoon at the hotel and drive my car home and see if your Mom has everything you requested already packed. I’ll take a taxi in the morning to your house. Then I’ll arrange to ship your things to San Diego except those items you need to take in the car. After that, you can take me sight-seeing around town.”
Elise called Josh to find out where they were to meet. She had met Josh in one of her mythology classes. He was interested in Irish folklore which gave them a lot to talk about. He was far more versed in the subject since her studies dealt more with Eastern mythology. If this was all they had in common, she wanted to find out. He made her feel special and she recognized the beginnings of love.
Elise was waiting at the restaurant when Josh came in and sat down beside her. Flannigan’s was their favorite place to eat and they both loved the Irish band that played there on the weekends. Josh leaned over and gave Elise a kiss. She loved the way he kissed her but was shy in public. Her family wasn’t very affectionate and never in front of strangers.
“Did you order babe?”
“No I was waiting for you.”
“You know what I like better than anyone else.”
“Yeah I know but this is our last night together for awhile.”
“We have our cells, texting, emailing, webcams, and if all else fails, snail mail. Don’t forget you need to give me your home address.”
“I’ll text you.”
“You’d better or you know me, I’ll hunt you down until I find you,” said Josh grinning.
Elise reached over and squeezed Josh’s hand. “I’ll be here awhile longer at the Colonial Inn until the day after graduation. I was going back home first and fly back here the day before graduation. I managed to get the date to start my new job extended to the 10th of next month. I don’t plan on disappearing. Don’t you realize I feel the same?”
“Yeah, I guess I do.”
“You guess you do huh?”
“You’ll find out after dinner.”
“Come on Josh, no secrets.”
Josh remained silent, only smiling at Elise. She wasn’t going to beg him to answer. Her pride precluded her whining to break him down like most females. She would wait. Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of their food.
They didn’t talk much as visions of the elusive man from the evening before flashed into her mind. Where had he gone and why had he been unconscious on the lawn? As much as she loved mysteries this one aggravated her because there was no logical reason for his presence especially the way he was dressed.
“Elise?” Josh had notice her distraction and wondered what was on her mind. Something was bothering her but he knew she wouldn’t tell him until she was ready. Stubborn was her hallmark.
“Huh, what did you say?”
“Nothing, never mind. If you’re done I’ll pay for dinner and I’d like to take you for a short drive. I have something to show you.”
Elise remained silent wondering what he was planning. Josh took her hand and guided her to his car. He drove to the lake and parked in a moonlit spot. The park was still open and he took her to a nearby gazebo. It had been a favorite spot of theirs and she was touched he had brought her there. They both sat down and Josh took something out of his pocket. Elise held her breath.
“Even though we have only been dating six months, I want to give this to you as a promise.” Josh opened the small box and took out the ring inside. He placed it on her right hand ring finger.”
“This is beautiful Josh. I’ve never seen anything like it, except in photographs. What does it mean?”
“It means I love you Elise. It is a promise of a future together. Some consider it a pre-engagement ring. It’s an Irish Claddaugh. Bluntly it means you are in a relationship and taken,” he said smiling.
Tears ran down Elise’s face.
“Don’t cry honey. I didn’t mean to scare you or push the relationship.”
“Elise leaned over and kissed him. I’m happy Josh. I love your gift and you knew I would.”
Josh pulled her close and kissed her again but this time passionately. They lingered there for awhile holding hands. It was an old-fashioned moment that they wanted to remember.
“I’d better get back Josh. I have a long trip to plan and a lot of packing.”
“I know and I hate to let you go but I’m working on getting a job in San Diego and hopefully I will be joining you soon. Besides we’ll be together for graduation.”
Josh drove her back to where she had parked and they both drove off in their cars toward their respective destinations. She knew she would miss Josh but she had to save those thoughts for another time.
Graduation came quickly and it was all she had thought; parties, fancy dresses and exchange of addresses. Tomorrow Elise would be leaving and she was dreading the time she would be separated from Josh.
CHAPTER TWO
Stephanie dropped off Elise at her hotel after an afternoon of chauffeuring her around town. It was all old news but from the look on Elise’s face, captivating to her.
The phone rang in Elise’s room. “Hello, what’s wrong Mom? What? Say that again.” Elise dropped the phone screaming. Picking up the phone, Elise listened to what her mother said in disbelief. “Ok mom, I love you. I have to call Stephanie.”
“Hello. Elise what’s wrong, what happened?”
“My brother, Tad died.”
“Oh no Elise, I’m so sorry for your loss. Are you all right Elise?”
“No, but when we get to San Diego I have to meet my mom and my sister, Heidi, and pack to go to the memorial service. We would like you to come along.”
“Where did he live? You didn’t talk about him much Elise.”
“Neither did my Mom but he was never out of her mind. He got married and had a son. He was living in Kansas. It seems his wife got involved with a man from her past on the internet, some guy in the military coming back from Iraq.”
“My Mom was brought into a disagreement between his wife and my sister Heidi. She texted her saying unspeakable things about her and the family. Heidi was angry and Mom phoned Janie and told her to stop.”
“What happened, Elise?”
“She texted her in the morning and told Mom never to contact her and she wasn’t going to let her see her grandson. She didn’t want the family around him. It’s a mess and she tried to vindicate herself by calling my two older sisters and pitting them against Heidi. She didn’t say the same things to them initially that she did to Heidi. They didn’t believe Heidi and took Janie’s side. The foul language she used was offensive and if it starts up again, I’ll step into the picture.”
“You’re right, what a mess. I’d be happy to go with you Elise if you want me there. How did your brother die?
“Janie wanted a divorce so she could be with this man. She was going to move out. She said she wanted to explore the relationship and even had the nerve to ask him if it didn’t work out would he take her back. They had been fighting off and on but this time something really set him off. He told her he was going to take a walk. He walked out the front door, closed it and shot himself.”
“Oh my god, I can’t believe what you’re saying. What a tragedy for your family.”
“Yes and she is the harbinger of our grief. I dread going to the memorial because it’s so final but he is my brother and I have to be there. Mom is beside herself because he was so busy with work and the wife and baby that he didn’t have much time to even call us. She didn’t like the family and didn’t want our help or any of us around them.”
“All I can think to say is how sorry I am Elise. I know that isn’t enough. Words cannot express how I feel for you.”
“Don’t worry about it Steph. We’re taking the train there because my Mom doesn’t like to fly but she did consent to fly back. Heidi has twin sons and has to be back as soon as she can. I have my job and Heidi wants a family memorial held at her apartment building soon after we get back.”
“Why there when your family can afford so much more?”
“The family wants to keep things to a minimum and not make it about how much money we can spend. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Elise hung up the phone and began to sob. She had no idea there was anything wrong with her brother’s marriage. She wasn’t as close as he was with her sisters but they did talk once in awhile. They were both extremely busy. She was overwhelmed with her studies and he with his job and family. When he had free time he was hunting or fishing with his friends. She hadn’t really acknowledged her nephew’s birth as well as she should have but she knew her mother was interacting with him on her webcam. These types of things didn’t happen to her family, they only happened in movies.
Tad was her half-brother but she never thought of him as anything less. She hadn’t known his father very well. They told her when he died, which was expected for years. He was an alcoholic with many problems including diabetes. When he was hospitalized near death, Heidi went to visit. There were rumors that Tad and his wife didn’t get along with her. She went there to see her Dad but she had wanted to sight-see a bit as well. The conflict started when they talked of pulling the plug on their dad. They hadn’t consulted Heidi and she was mad. Tad had been strapped for money and his wife had been rude about it. Heidi didn’t really know why they got so upset with her other than the gossip that followed. They told all the other family members but not her. She felt they hadn’t been welcoming and were rude to her. They felt she took advantage of them coming without any money. Tad had paid all her expenses. The family had money but Heidi was too proud to ask for help. As for Mom, she remained neutral since she hadn’t been there. But mainly because she didn’t like them fighting or Tad’s wife spreading rumors about her daughter. Everything had been rather sordid and now they would be going to the memorial because of something that happened driving her brother to take his own life. No one wanted to point a finger and blame anyone but it was hard given the emotional impact behind what had happened, namely divorce.
Elise took a sleeping pill and crashed. Tomorrow she’d deal with everything; her family, her brother’s death and the move back to San Diego.
Elise woke up to pounding on her door. Dragging herself out of bed she went to see who it was. As she opened the door Stephanie rushed inside.
“Are you alright Elise? I’ve been calling your cell, texting and no answer. Finally I came to the hotel. We have to leave Elise and go to the shipping company. I have everything else I’m taking packed and ready to go.”
Elise looked stricken and Stephanie impulsively hugged her. She caved into a barrage of tears.
“It’ll be all right Elise. Come on get ready and we’ll get busy and everything will be kept out of your mind until the proper time. Have you called Josh yet?”
“No, when I hung up from calling you all I could manage was sleeping.”
“Is his number in your cell?”
“Yes it’s in there under McCall.”
“OK, you get ready and I’ll call him for you.”
“Thanks Steph. I can’t tell that ugly story again, not now at least.”
Stephanie watched while Elise headed for the shower. She couldn’t imagine the grief Elise was going through and how alone she must feel. Stephanie found Josh’s number but he wasn’t answering so she left a text message saying to call her and that it was an emergency concerning Elise.
The phone rang about three minutes later and Stephanie answered. “Hello.”
“Is this Elise Chambers?”
“No, but you have reached her cell phone.”
“This is the San Jose Police Department. Ask Miss Chambers to call us as soon as possible.”
“Why officer?”
“I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to divulge that information to anyone but Miss Chambers. Tell her to ask for Officer Evans.”
“I see, well she’s in the shower at the moment. I’ll have her call you as soon as she’s able.”
“Thank you and your name is?”
“Stephanie Davidson, sir.”
Stephanie clicked end and wondered why the police wanted to talk to Elise. She dreaded telling her so soon after her brother’s death.
Elise walked out of the bedroom dressed but she still needed to dry her hair. “Did you talk to Josh yet, Stephanie?”
“No, he didn’t answer his cell but I left a text message for him to call. I thought that was him a minute ago but it was the San Jose Police. They told me to have you call their office and ask for Officer Evans.”
“I’ll try again. Elise looked up at Stephanie and said, “It’s ringing but he’s not answering. I don’t understand why. His test for his new job was hours ago and he should be in his motel room packing to leave.”
“Call the police station Elise.”
“Elise found the number in her cell and called back. “San Jose Police Station, Sergeant Evans speaking.”
“Officer Evans, this is Elise Chambers. I understand you wanted to speak to me?”
“Yes, Miss Chambers. I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. There’s been an accident. We believe Joshua McCall was crossing the street last night and for some reason was in a hurry. He obviously didn’t see the car come careening out onto the street near where he was crossing. We believe it was a drunk driver hit and run. He was struck and died instantly. We would like you to come into the station and identify the body.”
“Stephanie watched as tears rolled down Elise’s cheeks. The color drained from her face and she fell to the floor with her phone flying across the room. She had fainted. Stephanie could hear a voice calling out Elise’s name and ran to pick it up.”
“Hello,” said Stephanie.
“Who is this?”
“Stephanie Davidson, sir. What did you say to my friend? She’s out cold on the floor. She’s only unconscious but I have never seen her react to anything like this.”
“I told her that her friend Joshua McCall had been killed late last night when he was struck by what we believe to be a DUI hit and run driver. We want her to come into the station and identify the body.”
“Oh my god,” said Stephanie. “We’ll call you back within the hour.”
“OK, but be sure you do. We need someone to take responsibility for his remains.”
“Doesn’t he have relatives?”
“I’m afraid not many. He is an only child and his mother passed a few years ago. His father can’t be reached. He is in England on a business trip. That’s all we were able to find out from those he knew living locally.”
“Why did you wait this long to call Elise.”
“We didn’t know he had a girlfriend until we did further questioning this morning. I’m terribly sorry. Let us know when she can come into the office. The sooner the better, goodbye.”
Stephanie went into the bathroom to get a wet wash cloth and see if she could revive Elise. She knew she was only in shock and didn’t want to call for the paramedics. When she came back Elise was coming out of it on her own. Stephanie put the cloth on her forehead and waited as Elise woke up. She was disoriented and confused at first.
“What happened Stephanie? I thought someone told me Josh was dead?”
“I’m sorry Elise but they did.”
“I remember now,” she said and began to cry again.
“I can’t believe this is happening. It’s worse than a nightmare because I’m living it and I don’t know why.”
“You may never know Elise but I need to know your plans.”
Elise picked up her cell phone and went into the bedroom shutting the door. Stephanie could tell she was quietly crying but said nothing. When she came back out she said she had everything figured out.
“Call your mom, Stephanie and tell her what happened and that we are going back to San Jose in the morning. See if she would coordinate the pick up of your trunks from your house. Tell her they will be coming for them at 9:00 am and they won’t wait. I’m having movers take your things to be shipped. If she is fine with it then say nothing more. I have too much on my mind to process anything else. I’m on the edge of complete surrender to hysteria so please let me lead the conversation and no questions. I’m sorry this hadn’t already been arranged but I overslept and it is good I didn’t since my whole world just went up in smoke.”
“I’m going to bed Stephanie. If you’d rather go home and tell her and come back later that’s fine. You have a key and can let yourself in. The couch makes into a bed and there are blankets already on it. Pillows are in the alcove over there on the shelf. I want to leave by 8:00 am so we get there by ten. I have a flight booked for us at 3:00 so we’ll have to hurry. We can pick up anything else we need before we go to the airport. Make sure you only bring two bags and an extra carry-on is OK, everything else needs to go with the shippers. Mom and my sisters will already be in Kansas. We are staying in a different room that is already booked and waiting. The memorial service will be at 6:00 pm Tuesday evening.”
CHAPTER THREE
Elise opened her eyes. She could hear the ringing of her alarm clock but she didn’t want to get up. All she wanted to do is lie down and never wake up. She didn’t know how much more grief she could handle. Everything seemed hazy and unreal to her. The inevitability of the situation came flooding into her thoughts and tears began to glide down her cheeks.
The shower ran but it looked like water dropping in slow motion. It reminded her of the 10 cent silent movies she saw in her History of Drama class, one of the only electives she had taken outside of her major. She knew that her mother wouldn’t want to see her fall apart. Her mom would be barely coping with the realization that her only son had died. There was no need for her to be worrying about her youngest daughter’s problems now.
Elise knew she wasn’t ready to talk about what had happened to Josh with her family. She would save that for a later time when she could keep her hysteria down. Now was the time for her to mourn her brother along with her family. No other tragedy needed to intrude.
Stephanie drove and Elise slept almost all the way back to San Jose. Her dreams were long forgotten when she awoke. She thought she was lucky she wasn’t bombarded with nightmares but that wasn’t the case. Stephanie noticed how pale Elise looked, which wasn’t a surprise, given the circumstances. Who would believe not only had her brother died but her boyfriend, one step short of a fiancé? This was the stuff of cheesy romance novels but in this case it was really happening.
The two girls entered the San Jose Police station and walked up to the front desk. There was a female officer at the counter who was engrossed in paperwork. Stephanie cleared her throat to get her attention.
“Can I help you girls?”
“Yes, my name is Elise Chambers. Sergeant Evans called me and asked me to come in to identify the body of Joshua McCall.”
“Just a moment miss, I’ll be right back.”
Stephanie and Elise looked at each other quizzically.
“Wonder what is going on Steph, why the delay? This seems a very simple thing. I don’t want to do this but I have to hurry and get out of here.”
They saw the door where the officer had gone open again. She came out with a man they didn’t recognize following her.
“This is Mr. McCall, Miss Chambers. We managed to find him as he was returning to California via LAX. I’m sorry no one contacted you that he would be arriving to identify his son and make funeral arrangements.”
“I probably had already left Sacramento.”
“It’s very nice to finally meet you Elise, if you don’t mind me calling you by your first name. Josh had told me a lot about you.”
As there hands touched, Elise began to cave to the floor. Mr. McCall broke her fall and lifted her up and put her on a nearby chair.
“Are you all right Elise?” He knew it was an inane question but he didn’t know what else to say.
“No, not really.”
“Why don’t you sit on this chair for awhile? I’ve already identified Josh’s body. Elise, you don’t need to go through all of that now. I’ll get some water.”
“I’ll help,” said Stephanie and they both walked around the hall to the cooler.
“Mr. McCall, Elise is at the point of a breakdown. It wasn’t only Josh that died, her brother died as well. We were getting ready to pack for the funeral trip when we got the call about Josh.”
“I’m so sorry, he said clearly shocked. “I don’t know what to say.”
“There’s nothing anyone can say except condolences and leave it at that. Her brother didn’t die by accident.”
“You mean he was murdered?”
“No, sir, he committed suicide. I’m not going into the details because I don’t think it is my right. Needless to say, it is a very sordid story.”
When they came back with the water, Elise was standing by the door. “Come on Stephanie, I would like to leave now.”
“It was nice to meet you Mr. McCall but I would have liked it to be for another reason. Please call me on my cell and let me know when you’re planning to have Josh’s funeral and where. If I can make it I will or rather we will come.”
“I’ll let you know.” Mr. McCall noticed the ring on Elise’s right hand and realized much to his surprise that the relationship had gone farther than he had guessed.
Elise turned and went out the door with Stephanie following behind. Stephanie wanted to drive again but Elise insisted on driving to the airport. Elise returned their rental car and went to check in for their flight. Her car was being shipped to San Diego with everything else. Luckily they had gotten a direct flight so it wasn’t long before they got into a taxi to go to their hotel. Topeka was a large city but the drive was short. They checked in and went to their room.
There was a knock on the door and Elise got up to answer. It was her Mom and three sisters. Heidi paced and started to rant about the evils of Tad’s wife. No one seemed to be in the mood for her ravings but they didn’t want to make their trip anymore difficult than what they would be experiencing the following evening. Dana changed the subject and asked Heidi if she had anywhere in mind they could go eat since she had visited prior.
The consensus was the pancake house which she recommended. No one was that hungry but ate out of nervousness. They hoped Heidi wouldn’t start a fight at the memorial service. Since they had been informed a day late, Tad had been cremated. From what they understood, his wife was not bringing his ashes to the memorial. They hoped there would be at least flowers and a photo.
Another early morning was in store for them as they took the seventy-two mile drive to Hiawatha where her brother had been living. It wasn’t a large town but he had loved it there up until his death.
They were all seated in the second row. It was stark with a couple of plants and the flowers they had ordered in the center. There was no picture of Tad and no program, only a podium. Friends of Tad introduced themselves and gave them his obituary which they had laminated and T-shirts they had made, some of them with Tad’s own designs. He had started a T-shirt business and had hoped it would be successful with his best friend Jason. Everything seemed unreal until the minister stepped up to the podium. They had been going to a Pentecostal church and the man spoke of the negative side of the religion and how what Tad had done was wrong. He prefaced it all with Tad nodding in church as if agreeing with his sermons or they had in some way affected him. Elise was mad at the things he said about her brother but resisted the urge to stand up and tell him to stop.
The service ended uneventfully other than watching their nephew move around the front pew occasionally calling for his “daddy.” He was so young and Elise knew he wouldn’t remember her brother other than from photos. She was sure that the new man in the picture would be the one he thought of as his father and that saddened her. They would never be allowed to see him. She knew this before anything was said and with the way she texted her mother and sister she didn’t want to see this woman again. She had caused problems between her sisters and mother and she was angry. They would take it up with the court at a later time.
Outside people had gathered in small circles of friends while Elise’s family stood alone just outside the door. Tad’s best friend came out carrying T-shirts and handed them to each person stating these were designs created solely by Tad. Her mother burst into tears and Jason put his arms around her for comfort. When she calmed down there was a look of surprise on her mother’s face. She must have thought it was one of us and not Jason thought Elise.
The parents of his wife came out to extend their condolences stressing how close they were to her son. Elise could see her mother was hiding her annoyance as if they were implying she wasn’t close to her own son. Jason walked over as Tad’s wife walked by and tried to get her to allow his mother to hold the baby but she said a few unkind expletives and walked away. They all looked at each other but said nothing. It was not the time or place, they were grieving.
They drove away wondering why they had gone to the memorial at all since it was stark and they were literally treated as outsiders even though they were his relatives. Elise didn’t like the feeling she got there and she definitely did not like his widow. It was the first time in her life she was moved to violence but restrained herself. She didn’t like the way she had insulted her mother but decided it wasn’t worth the effort. It was a dismal experience that was best left behind until they could actually have their own memorial with the friends he had known all his life.
The morning seemed to come quickly as they packed up the rental car to leave. They went back to the rental place and waited for a train to take them back to Chicago. They would all fly together to San Jose to attend Josh’s funeral.
Elise was thankful it was a closed casket. It was hard enough for her to deal with her brother’s death and now her boyfriend. Life was definitely throwing her a lot of curves she didn’t know if she could handle anymore.
“Are you all right Sis?” said Heidi.
“All right, I don’t know what that is anymore. I feel numb now and after Tad’s memorial I don’t know if I have any tears left.”
The sermon was over and everyone was about to get up to leave when a lady in the back screamed.
Elise stood up and turned around to see what was happening. There in the doorway to the chapel stood Josh.
COMMENTS
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