Here is the next chapter. I do not own the rights to the song in this chapter. Amber
Chapter 9
Claire was getting ready for Abby's funeral. Her brother had been home a week. The medical examiner's office worked double time to release the body's of the victims of the shootings. She was wearing a black dress with Pink roses on it. Pink was Abby's favorite color. She picked her pink sapphire jewelry. A knock was heard at her door. She knew it was her dad. He opened the door. "Claire honey it's time to go."
"I don't want to go."
Frank stepped into the room. "Why not sweetie?"
"Because if I go, that means she isn't coming back and I don't think I can handle that."
Frank put his arms around her. "I know it's the hardest thing sweetie, but we have to find a way to live our lives. Coming to the funeral will help I promise. You can remember the good times and say goodbye."
"I don't want to say goodbye."
"I know baby, but we have too. She's gone. I'm just grateful that we didn't lose you."
Claire buried her face in his chest. "Why does it hurt so much!"
Frank rocked back and forth. "That's why it's grief darling."
Callie came to the door. She was wearing a black suit and pink shell. She tapped her watch. Frank nodded. "We'll be with you baby, so is Brooke. It will be alright."
He helped Claire downstairs and into his car. Callie and Brooke were driving separately. He wasn't sure if Claire could navigate the stairs. Brooke opened the car door for her and they went to Trinity Church. Claire, Rena, and Ian were given a pew near the front at Abby's mothers insistence. They sat immediately behind the family pews. Callie sat on the end with Claire beside her, followed by Frank then Brooke, Rena was next with her dad, and Ian's mother was next followed by Ian. Jenny, Lydia, and Maggie were sitting in the pew behind them with their parents. The church was packed. People were standing. Claire stared at the white casket with the pink rose spray. How could Abby possibly be in there! She sobbed and cried into her fathers chest. Frank hugged her tightly. Callie held her hand and handed her a handkerchief. Claire took it and wiped her eyes. But the tears still flowed. The family came down the aisle and sat. Abby's parents and brother came last.
Claire sobbed. They looked shattered.
Pastor Bert came out. "Thank you all for coming. We are here to remember the life of Abigail Lane Schnider. But those who knew her best knew her as Abby. These are the times that we often question God because someone so young has left us. But Abby is now with God our father. Her spirit reminds me of the Song of Solomon Chapter 2 versus 10 thru 13. My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."
Claire couldn't listen. She turned into her father and wept into his shoulder. Frank held her as she cried. That was all he could do for her. The words right now were not a comfort to her, but maybe in time they would be. He hoped so. Pastor Bert nodded to Callie. Callie stood up and went to the microphone. She looked to the back. And music started to play and Callie's beautiful voice filled the church.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
It must have been cold there in my shadow
To never have sunlight on your face
You were content to let me shine, that's your way
You always walked a step behind
So I was the one with all the glory
While you were the one with all the strength
A beautiful face without a name for so long
A beautiful smile to hide the pain
Did you ever know that you're my hero
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
It might have appeared to go unnoticed
But I've got it all here in my heart
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it
I would be nothing without you
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be
I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings
Oh, the wind beneath my wings
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings
Fly, fly, fly away, you let me fly so high
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings
Fly, fly, fly high against the sky
So high I almost touch the sky
Thank you, thank you
Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings
Callie finished singing, her eyes filled with tears. She sat back down next to Claire who was openly sobbing. She rubbed her back soothingly. There wasn't a dry eye in the church. Everyone was crying. Pastor Bert said some closing remarks. "The family and invited friends only are going to the cemetery, they invite you to a reception at their house at 2120 Dove Lane. Callie and Brooke were going to the house to help set up. Frank was taking Claire to the cemetery.
Frank was parked behind a family member. They had let the funeral home borrow their limo for Abby's parents and brother. George was driving it. Claire wiped her eyes with the now damp handkerchief. "Daddy I want to go home."
Frank held her hand. "Soon baby. Your mother offered to set up the reception. We have to go for a little while."
Claire nodded. She was numb.
Wind Beneath my Wings is sung by Bette Midler. I don't own it.