TYLER'S POV:
I made my way out of my bedroom on the morning of Josh's funeral to find Paige stood in the kitchen. Opening the fridge to retrieve a bottle of water, I closed it and leant against it as I turned, her turning to me…
"Hey." she greeted me
"Hey." I mirrored "Are you and Mark…?"
"We're taking it day by day." she replied "After the explosion, I realised life was too short and told him I was still in love with him."
"I'm happy for you." I informed her, smiling at her warmly "And I'm glad he'll be there to support you through one of the hardest days you're ever gonna have to face."
"I am too." she admitted "Will you be there?"
I nodded my head… "Why?"
"Because I know Piper could do with a shoulder to lean on." she informed me "And you're her friend, so please, can you be there for her?"
"Of course." I replied
PIPER'S POV:
Mum, Dad, Imogen, Paige, Ned, Lauren and I made our way out to the cars that had pulled up onto the street. As I was waiting for Mum and Dad to climb in, I looked across the street and my eyes met Tyler's and he smiled at me warmly. Smiling back, I climbed into the car…
TYLER'S POV:
Mark, Aaron and I arrived at the church and took our seats – Terese and Brad having waited outside to follow the coffin in. Taking a seat behind Piper, Imogen, Paige and Lauren who were sat on the front row, I placed my hand on Piper's shoulder, her head turning slightly, her hand coming to rest on mine as she did so…
PIPER'S POV:
Everyone had gathered back at the house after Josh's funeral. After handing out some food like Mum had asked me to, I made my way back into the kitchen and looked out of the window, seeing Tyler stood on the decking in the backyard…
"Hey." I greeted him as I made my way out to him
"Hey." he mirrored
"You okay?" I asked
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he questioned
"Probably." I replied "But I asked you first. So, are you okay?"
He nodded his head… "Funerals always have had a funny effect on me. I can't explain it."
"I know what you mean." I admitted, sighing heavily as I spoke "16 years old and I've just buried my 21 year old brother – it doesn't seem real."
"It probably won't for a while either." he informed me "You've just gotta let it sink in."
"I know. Can you do me a favour?" I inquired
"Sure." he replied "What do you need?"
"To get out of here." I admitted "Can we go over to your place or something?"
"Are you sure?" he asked
I nodded my head… "I'll let Mum know I'm taking a breather. Just for half-an-hour. Please?"
TYLER'S POV:
Piper and I arrived at mine and I unlocked and opened the front door to let her in, her making her way in, me following. Shutting the door behind me, I moved to the fridge and handed her a juice…
"Have you got anything stronger?" she questioned
"Piper…" I sighed
"Kidding." she replied, holding her hands up in defence "Juice is good, thanks."
"Feel better?" I asked
She nodded her head… "Much."
"Good." I replied "I'm glad. Y'know, if I could, I would make all of this go away for you and your family, right?"
"Yeah, I know." she informed me "But unfortunately you can't."
"I know, but if I could, I would." I admitted "Remember that."
"Thank you." she replied
"You okay?" I asked "Sorry, stupid question…"
"It's fine." she assured me "No, not really. I want to run away and get away from everything. Does that make me a bad person?"
"Not at all, it makes you human." I informed her
"Thank you." she sighed
"What for?" I questioned
"I know we weren't exactly on the best of terms before all this happened, so I really appreciate you being there for me." she admitted "You're the best."
I smiled at her warmly… "I know something that'll cheer you up."
"No, we're not watching sneezing pandas!" she proclaimed
"Spoilsport." I sighed "Listen, any time you want to talk, just know I'll be always be here, day or night, okay?"
She swallowed a lump in her throat and nodded her head… "Okay."