Phi
Gunshots rung out as the London bell chimed starting the graveside service. Tucked far away form public view we stood surrounding the casket. The service was for family and friends only and the tears were flowing. Lenny stood motionless as I cuddled her sniffling back her tears I wished with all my heart I could make her open up. "Can we get this stupid things started some of us have better things to do like running a nation full of idiots" Liam had to be held back by Lenny from attacking Cyrus again. I was shocked she stayed as calm as she did but she simply turned to him eyes glaring as she hissed. "Your welcome to leave at anytime if this is inconvenient for you no one wants a slimy bastard like you here" "Always so dramatic Eleanor calm your coked arse down" "Cyrus enough my kids deserve the chance to say goodbye to the man who raised them if you can't find the decency to shut the hell up than get the hell out" "Oh please Helena don't act like you give a damn about my dear late brother you laid down with him every night for years spewing lies all the while you were spreading your legs for another man I believe we call that a whore" In a flash Liam was on Cyrus his fists pounding the kings face as Marcus and my dad were on him pulling him off. Why couldn't he give them a moment of peace? Lenny went over to Liam along with Gemma both hugging him rubbing his fists trying to calm him down. "How dare you assaulting the king of England call the police I want this bastard arrested" "Are you kidding me Cyrus your a foul vile rat you can't have Liam arrested!" "I can and I will as soon as this charade is over he will be going to jail and you Eleanor are no one to call anyone names your a disgrace to this family to the monarchy and most of all the man lying in that coffin I don't know why my brother wasted his time on either one of you bastard children" "Cyrus shut your mouth enough talking about having my son arrested Liam will not be going to jail and you will shut your goddamn mouth stand back and honor Simon if you can't than get out you maybe the king but I am still the goddamn queen of England and Simon's wife" Cyrus rolled his eyes as the queen spoke hissing each word. "Oh yes please spare me from sparing the spare to the spare to the heir we all know she was a mistake you needed a spare encase anything tragic happened to Robert when along comes thing one and oops bastard number two came along for the ride. I'm not surprised she's messed up though I mean she had to catch a disease or two that screwed up her mind being held in your dirty uterus" Liam started to charge again but Marcus was on him holding him back. "Please Eleanor spare us all the act we all know your no where near the decent moral woman you wanted my brother to believe your hopeless pathetic worthless if anyone is to blame for my brother's death it's you" "I didn't put the knife to my dad's back" "No Princess you just put it through his heart everyday for the last six and a half years every time he begged you to quit to do better and you lied that you would put on those fake tears than went out and partied till your drunk ass had to be carried back inside hours later you spit on his wishes on his dreams you made him look like an incompetent fool to the press to the public for years and years I may be a lot of things Eleanor, Cyrus was right up in her face as she balled her fists staring at him. "But at least I am who I am and I make no lies or misconceptions about it you princess are all talk all flare no real balls we all know you prefer pussy over real balls" I couldn't stop her from shoving him so hard he fell with in seconds her fist were covering his face as my dad started yelling pulling out his gun as Marcus once again stepped forward and pulled Lenny up as she kicked and spit. The Queen stepped between them as Cyrus was helped up screaming about having them both thrown in jail. One glance from her and he shut up her eyes were cold and hard. "Enough Cyrus we are tying up these people's time you are making a mockery out of a national tragedy my husband deserves a proper burial so shut up or I swear to god I will shut you up and put you right into this ground next to him" Eleanor stood up as the pastor got the nod from the queen to commence. I could see how scared she was she kept taking deep breaths as she stood next to her father's casket unfolding and folding her hands. Eyes casted down the queen went over to squeeze her hands lifting Lenny's chin with her fingers as Lenny looked up her face trembling swallowing she looked her mum in her eyes.
"Eleanor you have always had a beautiful voice your dad use to love to sit and listen to you sing. I know if he could he would love to hear you today and I know he would be proud so sweetheart listen to me take a deep breath don't worry about anything or anyone else focus on what today is all about honoring the man who raised you who loved you both" She looked towards Liam who had come over to wrap his arms around his sister. "I'm proud of you Eleanor just like Simon would be I bet he's watching you from the stars right now smiling down at how beautiful you look today how strong you are so baby sing with all your heart sing so he can hear you up in heaven among all the stars"
Lenny took a deep breath as the queen sat down next to Liam I wanted nothing more than to run over and wrap her in my arms but she had to do this alone so I reluctantly followed my dad taking seats behind the queen, Liam, Cyrus and the twin spawns. Slowly Lenny's voice filled the air she started out shaky but the words hung in the air winding it's way to my heart. I could see Lenny and her dad when she was a kid. The vision filled my eyes with tears.
Back when I was a child
Before Life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
I saw the queen smile as she was to caught up in her memories her eyes watered as she watched Lenny up there next to the casket singing her heart out.
Spin me around till I fell asleep If I could get another chance
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure
I was loved
Another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love to dance with my father again
Ooh, ooh When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me, yeah, yeah
Then finally make me do just what my mama said
I think I actually heard the queen chuckle a bit as she heard those words, I know I saw my dad smile the memories he must have of this family made me wonder about how life use to be when the twins were kids. Was the queen always so harsh on them or did time make her bitter?
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he
Would be gone from me
Lenny's voice cracked a little but her eyes which watered never left her mum's face. I felt my own checks wet with tears.
The guns sounded again saluting the flags were removed from the casket folded while the shots went off presented in military style to both the queen and Liam.
If I could steal one final glance
One final step, one final dance with him
They took off the crown and gave it to Lenny who curtsied. Tears flowing as she looked up to the sky her voice gaining strength and passion.
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
'Cause I'd love, love, love to dance with my father
Again
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how momma would cry for him
The casket was lowered slowly as Gemma, Marcus, Lorde, Penelope, Maribel stepped forward throwing down their roses.
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
There was a break as she rested her voice while the pianist Sir. Elton had a solo while he was playing the pastor read a verse.
"Earth to earth ashes to ashes dust to dust
From ashes we came to earth we are returned
Our spirits shall return to god who gave us life
The lord bless him keep him, the lord make his face to shine upon him"
We bowed our heads as the casket was slowly lowered inch by inch. The queen and Liam took hands as they went over to Lenny taking her hand as the three of them went to the edge Liam muttered a prayer as he crossed himself and threw his rose down. The queen than tossed hers as she spoke softly. "God Speed my king gods speed long may you dwell in the house of thy lord" Both of them went to Lenny wrapped their arms around her as she broke down a little together they helped her throw in her rose.
I was amazed how she went from breaking down to being able to sing again moments later.
I know I'm prayin' for much too much
But could You send back the only man she loved
I know You don't do it usually
But dear Lord, she's dyin' to dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep
Dirt was thrown on the casket as the queen took the crown from Lenny's shaky hands so she could blow a kiss to her dad's casket.
And this is all I ever dream
"Dad I love you
I know one day I'll see you again till than I promise I'll do better I'll make you proud"
I hated seeing her like this but it wasn't my place to be next to her right now she needed time to grieve.
"Oh for god sakes you want to be with him so bad here
I'll make it happen"
In a flash Cyrus ran past me knocking me down I looked up just in time to see Cyrus's hands connect with Lenny's shoulders. I heard her scream I heard the queen scream as Liam and Gemma tried to catch her but Lenny's body disappeared down the hole. I heard my dad and Marcus yelling for her but there was no answer. Than Liam's voice called out "Lenny I'm here I promise" Gemma called out "Liam no!"
He was gone diving into the hole where his sister was as Cyrus grinned. "Two bastards down win win" Like lighting the queen's fist connected with his jawline. I wish I could of cheered but my heart was beating so hard with fear and worry where was Lenny?
Lyrics to Dance with my father again belong to Luther Vandross.
