Chapter 52
After the funeral service the attendees gathered outside the church having quiet conversations. Emily and Nicholas were obviously annoyed at Luke's ill-mannered comments during the service but decided that they would not say anything today. It was not the time, they were here to mourn their friend and brother and did not want to fight.
Bobbie was standing with Carly when Luke finally exited the church and approached them. "Luke are you ok?" Bobbie asked worriedly.
"I'm fine Barbara Jean, I just can't believe she showed her face here… after everything she did to him."
Bobbie reached for his arm, "Luke, you are being hard on her. I am not sticking up for her but we are not in the position to judge, not with the mistakes we have made, all of us."
He glared at her for a minute and went to walk away before Carly opened her mouth, "I agree with you."
"Thank you Carly." Bobbie said.
Carly chuckled, "Not you mom, I agree with what he said."
Luke nodded in acknowledgement and headed toward Lulu.
"Carly, you cannot be serious. He had everyone looking at her…" she trailed off and stood in silence for a minute. "I just… a funeral is not the place to air your dirty laundry or anyone else's. Nor is it a place to take cheap shots, especially when you yourself has made mistakes in the past as well."
Carly stared at her mother stunned that she was on Elizabeth's side. "You are taking Elizabeth's side?"
Bobbie shook her head, "Carly, there are no sides anymore. Lucky is dead… Sam is dead… all because of anger, revenge…" she paused "…mistakes."
---------
Elizabeth spent the rest of the day cleaning her house in an attempt to keep her mind off the events of the morning, although she kept telling herself it was nesting due to the pregnancy. When the laundry was done she moved on to dusting then she scrubbed the bathrooms. Once that was done she moved on to the kitchen. She even got down on the floor and scrubbed it. That is where Jason found her when he arrived home with the boys.
Jason observed Elizabeth. She was wearing sweatpants and one of his t-shirts. Her hair was falling out of her ponytail and little curls formed around the edges or her hair line. Her eyes were slightly red as were her cheeks. He could see the emotion and exhaustion in her eyes.
"Whoa, looks like mommy had a busy day." Jason mumbled to the boys as they stood in the doorway to the kitchen.
Cameron instantly ran up to Elizabeth and gave her a hug. "Did you have fun with Grams today?" she asked in a tired voice.
Cameron nodded.
Jason walked over to Elizabeth holding Jake in his arm and extended his other to help her off the floor. He pulled her to him and kissed her lightly. He felt that her body was tense and tired. "I missed you."
She sleepily looked into his eyes, "I missed you too."
Jason looked down at Cameron, "Hey Cam, I have an idea buddy. How about we order a pizza and watch Charlie and the Chocolate factory tonight?"
Cameron jumped up and down yelling "Yeah!"
Jason turned to Elizabeth, "How about mommy goes upstairs and takes a nice bath and relaxes."
She smiled and nodded her head. They all walked into the Livingroom and Jason placed Jake on the play mat on the floor. "Cam, why don't you play with your brother for a minute."
Cameron nodded, picked up a squeaky stuffed duck and began squeezing it to gain Jake's attention. Jason and Elizabeth watched as Jake intently stared, following Cameron's movements with the small toy.
"You are a good big brother." Elizabeth said as she walked over to the stairs. Jason quickly went to her side and scooped her up in his arms. "Jason, I'm ok. I can make it up the steps"
"Elizabeth, you are pregnant with my child and you have had a tiring and emotional day." He started up the steps. "Please let me help you, I want to take care of you."
She did not contest anymore, just wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered how much she loved him. Once he reached the bedroom, he kicked the door open and carried her to the bathroom, gently setting her down on the cold tile floor. He reached for the tub and started the water, holding his hand under it till the temperature was perfect. He turned back to her and cupped her face in his palms. "Now, relax, don't worry about the boys, I'll take care of them." He kissed her tenderly and turned toward the door. "I'll order pizza, take your time."
---------
A while later Elizabeth finally made her way downstairs. She had rested in the bathtub for a bit then dressed herself and laid down on the bed. She stared at the ceiling, crying… sad tears then happy tears followed by tears of exhaustion.
She found Jason slouched on the couch holding Jake in his arms. Cameron was snuggled into Jason's side and both young boys were sleeping. Even though she was behind them she could tell that Jason was staring at the TV but not watching it, just staring absently. She walked up beside Jason and peeked into the kitchen catching a glimpse of the pizza box on the counter.
Elizabeth ran her fingers through his hair and tapped on his chin to nudge him to look at her. When he did his eyes showed exhaustion as hers did. "Thank you." She whispered. He managed a slight smile and took her hand in his, turned it, kissed her palm then nuzzled it against his cheek.
"There is pizza in the kitchen if you are hungry."
She shook her head and reached down for Jason to hand her Jake. He kissed the baby on his temple then passed him to Elizabeth. She turned with him and made her way to the steps, he followed close behind with Cameron. Once the boys were in their beds Jason went downstairs, locked the door and turned out the lights. He returned to their bedroom and found Elizabeth laying in the bed.
"Are-are you ok?" he asked.
She nodded. Jason kicked off his shoes, jeans and t-shirt then climbed into bed next to Elizabeth, laying on his side facing her. "It has been a long few days." She nodded again. "I am here if you want to talk about it. I know you probably don't want to talk to me about it and I understand but…" he sighed, "I'm here."
She reached her hand and trailed her fingers along his shoulder and down his arm. "You are wonderful, have I told you that today? Have I told you that I love you today?" she whispered.
He flashed her a half smile, "Yes to both."
"I'm ok Jason, it was just draining. I am glad I went though." She sucked in a deep breath. "Although I cannot say the same for Luke, he was not too happy to see me there."
He nodded, "Emily called me and told me."
"I couldn't stay, partially because of what he said did hurt but the other part… I didn't want to be a distraction."
Jason had a confused look, "Distraction?"
"Maybe that's the wrong word but… I mean… I didn't want people to focus on Luke's anger or what happened between me and Lucky or any of that… know what I mean?" He nodded. "So I left, I said my goodbye my own way."
He did not ask her to elaborate, he had talked to Max as well and he had filled him in on the stop at Lucky's house.
He reached and brushed a damp curl from her face that had escaped her ponytail. "I love you Elizabeth."
"I love you too." She took his hand in her and linked her fingers between his. "You look so tired too… bad day?"
"It was… till I made it home to you."
She smiled. The laid together, staring into each others eyes, simply enjoying each others presence, reading each others emotions through their eyes then both drifted off to sleep.
