This is the last chapter. It's bitter-sweet, (a little more sweet than bitter) and you'll see why I named this story what I did.
RandallXSpinelli: I watched that movie and I will never watch it again because it is so sad! They didn't deserve that! I think this pales in comparison though, just my opinion. Um, to answer your question in the review for Fit for a King ('cause I'm taking a break from writing for a few weeks to freshen up) I was going to write a one shot with Gordie, but that's something different. For you, I'll do something with Menlo 'cause he seems like someone I can work with. Also, am I the only one who thinks he has OCD?
Donna Nnov: If you think THAT'S a good ending, wait until you read this!
Read on!
TJ's funeral was planned four days after they were found. After they were found and his death reported, Third Street cancelled school for the following week. The police found Bruce and his men when they tried to cross state lines. There was a stand-off, ending with Bruce being fatally shot.
Now it was Thursday morning and a light rain fell from the sky as people arrived at the church for his funeral. Spinelli, Gus, Vince, Mikey, and Gretchen stood in the corner waiting to walk in, dressed in the proper black attire. Five days ago they wouldn't have imagined that they would be where they are now. They've been helping each other cope and comprehend what they've been through, and it was working, however slowly the recovery was.
Their parents came over to them and said it was time to go in. Everyone lined up in twos, Spinelli next to TJ's sister Becky, Gus next to Mikey, and Gretchen next to Vince. Walking in they could see that the church was packed, including the entire fifth grade. On their way they could see the open coffin that held their friends resting body. When they reached the end, they found it extremely difficult to look at him, even though he simply looked as if he were sleeping. They did find a bit of happiness in seeing that he was still wearing his hat. Tears that had dried were flowing again as they made their way to the seats. After a few more minutes the line ended and the service began.
As they listened, the gang couldn't help but feel somewhat offended; up there was some guy who didn't know TJ from any other kid off the street talking about how unfortunate his death was. He had no idea. But he was right in saying how they all should remember how he lived instead of focusing on how he died.
Following the closing of his coffin, it was carried to the hearse waiting outside.
*~*LATER*~*
With umbrellas over their heads, the gang watched as the coffin was lowered into the cold earth below. A few minutes before they had taken a flower from the casket sprays and now they each held a rose in their hands.
After his parents, they were allow a moment alone.
"He shouldn't be down there," Spinelli said breaking the silence. "He should be up here with us and we all should be in school playing kickball!" They all nodded, thinking the same thing.
"At least he's not in pain anymore," Mikey said. "He's resting now."
"It's gonna be weird without him," Gus said. "Isn't his birthday next week?" They all nodded. For a few more minutes they said their goodbyes. Their parents called for them and they slowly walked away from the grave, completely unaware that they were being watched. Standing on a hill, not far away stood two figures.
One was tall, and draped in a white cloak that didn't allow for anyone to see his face. He held the hand of a much younger boy who only wore a white t-shirt, boxers, socks, and backwards white cap. A golden halo gently floated above his head. Although they were there, if anyone were to look their way, they wouldn't be seen. The boy looked on sadly at the children walking away. As they were saying their goodbyes to him, he was doing the same for them.
"You know," Said the cloaked figure. "They still need you."
"They'll be fine without me," Said the boy. "They'll be okay…"
"You can look over them," Said the man. "Be their guardian angel…"
"Me?"
"I can't think of anyone more fitted for the job," He said. "Would you like that?"
"Yeah," Said the boy as he turned to face the figure. "I'd like that."
"Good. Now let's go get your wings." Together the two of them walked away then floated into the clouds, leaving the world below behind.
