The next morning, rain poured outside, as the sky remained a silver, gray color. It was dark, damp, and very cloudy. Soon, the sky would turn pink. Bev woke up beside Ed, feeling a bit of churning in her stomach. Her baby bump was forming. "Mmm, I never expected to feel this tight". Bev said, stretching a bit. "There comes the little one". Ed said, putting a hand on Bev's stomach. "Yes, I'm sure the little one will make quite the journey". Bev said, stretching out under the sheets. Their sheets were silver, and silk. "We'll make quite the family". Ed smiled a dirty smile. "We would". Bev smiled a nasty, cunning, seductive smile. They gazed for a second before kissing under the sheets. Ed curled his tongue around Bev's, pushing her tongue back a bit, releasing some saliva. Bev felt a tingly feeling in her vagina, as Ed pressed his penis against her. "Mmm". they continued kissing.
Emily waited outside their door, sitting down. Her blanket was around her, as she sat, playing with her fingers. There were bags underneath Emily's eyes, as a bit of red was seen as well. She hadn't gotten any sleep that night, due to nightmares. She also encountered flashbacks and pain throughout the night. Emily saw that her parents' door was closed. "Mommy". She said, opening the door. Ed, and Bev stopped kissing, looking at Emily. "Good morning, love". Bev said, gently. "Hi". Emily said, quietly. She came in, sniffling. She sat near Bev. "Love, are you ok?". Bev asked, kindly, with sympathy. "I am ok". Emily said, sitting on a pillow. Bev took a closer look at Emily, noticing the exhaustion, and sadness in Emily's eyes.
"Hey, sweetie". Ed said, gently. He got up from his side of the bed. "Hi, daddy". Emily said, quietly. "Why don't you come over here next to mommy". Ed said, kindly. "Ok". Emily said. Her head was down, as she looked up, waking herself. Emily got up, getting in bed. "Sweetie, you look tired". Bev said, gently. "I can't sleep". Emily said. "Mmm, did you have bad dreams?". Bev asked, gently in a whisper. A "trss", was heard as she brushed the sheets with her hand.
"Yes". Emily said, sniffling. "I don't know what to do". "Mmm, honey, I know today will be difficult". Bev said in a whisper. "But, I'll be right beside you". "We'll get through it". Bev kissed Emily's cheek, as she whispered. Emily laid down, feeling too anxious to fall asleep. She felt exhausted however. "What are you feeling?". Bev asked, gently. Emily looked up at Bev. "I am tired". Emily said. "I had to watch out". "A plane was going to crash into my house".
"Mmm, did you see this in your dream?". Bev whispered, gently. "Yes". Emily said. "Mmm, what else did you see?". Bev asked, kindly. "I heard a roar". "I heard screaming". "I was afraid". Emily said. "Mmm, you had a flashback". Bev said, gently, although with concern. "I...I...I". Emily started to say. "Sweetie, it's ok". Bev said, gently. "I know sometimes it can be difficult, but, if you ever feel scared, or sad, you can always sleep in here with us". Bev kissed Emily's cheek. "We'll talk to Paula, and see if there's a medicine you can take for flashbacks". Bev said, gently. Her hand brushed the sheets, flopping back on the pillow. "Something to help you sleep, and relax". Emily felt too tired to respond. She laid down, sniffling, as she was about to cry. "Mmm, I love you my sweet girl". Bev kissed Emily's cheek. "You are my sunshine". She massaged Emily's cheeks. Emily felt relaxed, although, she still couldn't bring herself to sleep.
The clock now read 7:55. It was time for Bev to get up. "Let's wake up, sweetie". Bev said, gently. "We'll get some yogurt, we'll have some almond milk". "You can wear your cute princess dress". Bev smiled a gentle smile, kissing Emily's cheek. "Ok". Emily said, quietly. They got up, Emily hobbled a little bit over to her room, picking out a pink princess dress, as she put it on. Bev came out wearing a skimpy black dress with fishnet stockings. "Love, you look so magnificent". Bev said, gently, kissing Emily's forehead. "We're going to pick up our friend, Ivanov, soon". "Ivanov is coming?". Emily asked. "He is". Bev said, gently. "Ok". Emily said. Bev opened a yogurt for Emily, as Emily sat, trying to eat it. She tried, although she gagged a little bit as she ate it. Yogurt dribbled down her chin.
"It's ok, love". Bev said, gently. She came over with a napkin, wiping Emily's chin. She sat in front of Emily, feeding her each bite of yogurt. "There, Emily, honey". Bev said, kindly. "Let's eat our breakfast". Emily ate each bite, although for some, she had a hard time swallowing. She would gag up her yogurt, as it came out. A wet spot was seen near the corner of Emily's eye, as she was becoming upset. "It's ok, sweetie". "It's ok". Bev said, gently, softly. "You're doing such a great job, honey". "I'm so proud of you". She stroked Emily's cheek, as Emily tried to swallow. "I am sorry". Emily said, there was sadness in Emily's voice, although Emily did not cry, yet. "Sweetie, you are doing so well". Bev said, gently. "I love how nice you're eating". "Don't be sad". Bev kissed Emily's cheek. "You can do it, Emily". Bev said, kindly. Emily tried with some struggle, although she swallowed her yogurt. "You were so good". Bev smiled, gently. "I'm so happy for you".
Emily was able to swallow more bites of yogurt, although she didn't feel that hungry. Bev cleaned Emily's face with a napkin. "Love you". Bev winked, blowing Emily a kiss. Emily sat, not able to comprehend or process what was happening. Ed came out, wearing his tie, with a black suit jacket. "Sweetie, did you eat breakfast?". Ed asked Emily gently. "Yes". Emily said, quietly. "Here, hon, how about we take Tigger to play with". Ed said, kindly. Today, for some eerie reason, his voice did not sound harsh, or strict. It had a smoothness, a gentle, softness Bev's voice usually had.
Ed tucked Tigger in Emily's arms, as Emily sat with her head down. Ed gave Emily a kiss on the cheek. Bev was on the phone with Ivanov's mom, informing her, they were on the way. She hung up the phone, putting it back on the hanger. "Are we ready?". Ed asked, with a kindness to his voice. "Indeed we are". Bev said, softly. Bev took her black purse, putting on her heels. They walked out to the car, Emily hobbling as she walked. Bev buckled Emily into her seat. "There you are, my love". Bev said, softly, with a motherly gentle to her voice. "I love you". She kissed Emily's cheek, two times. "Eskimo kisses". Bev smiled, nuzzling Emily. Emily just sat, silently. A sniffle was heard here and there from Emily, although Emily remained quiet.
Bev got in on the passenger's side, buckling her seat belt. Ed pulled the car out of the driveway. The sky held a dark red, pink hue to it now, as the rain fell, covering everything in thick. It seemed dark outside, depressing, and gross. Bev looked back at Emily, as Emily sat with her head down. Bev smiled at Emily, mouthing the words, "Love you". Bev then winked at Emily. It was a cunning, and seductive wink. Emily looked up at Bev, nodding along with Bev, her crazy uninhibited mother, as Bev smiled. Bev puckered her lips, making kissy faces at Emily, in an attempt to make her feel better.
Bev rested her head on the seatrest, looking at, and admiring her daughter. "I love you". Bev said, in a whisper to Emily, as Emily sat, silent. Emily didn't cry, Emily wasn't loud, she just played with her Tigger toy, just trying to forget the trauma that occurred. The morning seemed to stretch out, tainting the dark and gloomy, as there was no sun to be seen anywhere. The darkness almost bordered on night. Emily sat, quietly, holding her Tigger toy. Ed, and Bev engaged in couples' whisper, as Ed held Bev's hand. Bev giggled, as Ed talked about various things, finances, the weather, Mr. Dupette. The darkness almost made them turn their front headlights on to guide them through the rain.
Eventually, Ed pulled up to Ivanov's house, as Emily sat, not saying a word, not feeling a thing. It was almost as if she was numb at this point. She couldn't laugh, she couldn't cry, she couldn't lift her head. She was lifeless. She couldn't do anything. Fear took her over, as she sat, shivering. The hurt seemed to make her colder, and colder. "I'll get him". Bev whispered to Ed, getting out. Emily sat, staring, gazing absently. Bev walked up the walkway to Ivanov's front door. She knocked on the door, softly. Amy came to the door, answering. "Hello". Amy said, gently. "Hello, dear". Bev said. Bev's voice was raspy, deep, from the cigarettes she had smoked. "Wow, it's quite a gloomy day, huh?". Amy said, gently. "It is". Bev said. "At least it's warm, however". Bev kissed Amy on both cheeks, as they hugged.
"He's ready, we just put on his car pajamas". Amy said, gently. "I figured he can just relax, and do as he needs, he can just feel comfortable". "True". "I let Emily wear her princess dress, just to feel a bit comfortable". Bev said, gently. "She feels happiest, and most secure when she wears her favorite thing". "It'll help her along with the process".
"How is she doing?". Amy whispered. "She's very troubled by it all". Bev whispered, pursing her lips. "She's beginning to regress". "We feel this loss could affect her emotional health, and growth". "Ivanov just lost his best friend he helped heal, to violence". Amy whispered. "He's begun to regress a bit, he's depressed, he has nocturnal awakenings, and his PTSD symptoms have gotten worse". "We're thinking of getting him intensive in school therapies, and grief support". "We're thinking about that for Emily". Bev whispered. "I'm a trauma, and grief specialist for neglected, and internationally adopted children, but there's only so much I'm licensed to do". "I do not have that much clinical knowledge to my advantage, I don't do behavioral studies, I'm just a therapist". "I've referred Ivanov to one of the best grief supports in the school, but, he needs everyday support, unlimited therapies, a therapist to have with him all day". Amy said. "Marie is the best one". "Hugh is another great one that works specifically with severely emotionally disturbed children".
"I would volunteer, and do part time with the school, but, with this pregnancy, I'd need time off". Bev said, softly. "How far along are you?". Amy asked, kindly. "I'm halfway through this first trimester". Bev said, with an equal amount of kindness. "That's lovely". Amy said. "I have the ultrasound tomorrow, then Ed's taking me for a romantic evening at the Chateau". Bev said. "Scott and I have a blossoming love life, although, when they told me I couldn't have children, biologically, I thanked god for Ivanov". Amy whispered happily. "He is the greatest gift to both of us". "He's our hero". "Emily is our hero as well". Bev said, gently. "I'm not one to play favorites, but she's our favorite, out of all of our kids". "The one that's coming might have to do some learning from her". "Mm, she's the greatest blessing I could've ever received".
Ivanov came downstairs, wearing his car pajamas. He was playing with his fingers. "Hello, my handsome prince". Bev said, gently. Ivanov smiled when he saw Bev. "Be". "Be". he said, trying to pronounce Bev's name. "Bev". Amy guided him along, gently. "Bev". Ivanov said. "Good job, buddy, you got it". Amy smiled. "I love you, my prince". Bev said, smiling a cunning smile. Bev kissed Ivanov's cheek. There was a cherry lipstick smear on Ivanov's cheek. "He's my prince, charming". Bev said, gently, chuckling. Amy laughed, as she hugged Ivanov. "I'll see you later, ok?". "I love you". Amy said, gently. "Love you". Ivanov said. "Mmm, are you ready, my best friend?". Bev asked, gently. "Yes". Ivanov said. "Mm k, let's go see Emily". Bev helped Ivanov walk out the front door to the driveway.
"See you later". "Thank you so much". Amy said, kindly. "Of course". Bev said, as she and Ivanov approached the car. Bev helped Ivanov get buckled in next to Emily. "Hi, Ivanov". Emily said, quietly. "Hey, bud". Ed said, kindly. Ivanov waved. "Hi". he said, quietly. "Mmm, mommy has a kiss". Bev said, gently. Ivanov smiled, reaching his hand up. Bev kissed Ivanov's cheek. "I love you so much". Bev winked. "Da da da". Ivanov babbled. Bev got back in the passenger's side, buckling in. Ivanov sat, playing with his fingers, making sucking noises, at intervals, while Emily just sat, quietly.
They drove past a small town where there was limited things to eat, limited things to drink, nothing much really to do. It was just, well it just was. "Mmm, Dr. Minton should be able to do my ultrasound tomorrow". Bev whispered to Ed. "hmm, did Paula recommend him?". Ed asked. "She did, although he's not under her clinic". Bev whispered. "It's at 3". "Where will Emily be?". Ed asked. "We'll pick her up at 2:30 from school, she won't have any therapies at the end of the day, anyhow". Bev whispered. "She can just stay overnight at Paula's". "That'd be good". Ed whispered. "For us". He said, suggestively. Bev giggled, as they shared a kiss. It was somewhat comforting for Emily to see how much her parents loved each other. She knew they loved one another. She felt calm now, seeing them share a kiss, and a laugh. She felt some sadness go away. She watched them, feeling a bit better. Although, as quickly as that peace came, it left again within the same time frame. Emily felt an emotional sting come over her, as she sat, quietly. She sat, feeling horrified, and fearful, as another shiver came over her.
Ivanov noticed a tear coming down her cheek. He put a hand over Emily's. Emily looked up at him. "Thank you". She said. For some reason, this feeling, Ivanov's hand felt comforting. It felt reassuring that someone was looking out for her. It was as if god was speaking through Ivanov, healing. Emily felt a bit better than she did. "Thank you, Ivanov". She said, pronouncing his name with struggle. Ivanov kept his hand there. If Ivanov had the power to do anything, it was to heal.
The funeral home was nearby, on an unnamed lonely street. It was off to the side. Ed parked the car in the small parking lot where there were some cars. Bev and Ed unbuckled their belts, coming around on the other side to unbuckle Ivanov, and Emily. "Da da da". Ivanov babbled. "Ok, is everyone ready?". Bev asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said, quietly. She came around to unbuckle Emily and Ivanov. "You are getting so big, my handsome boy". Bev said, gently, as she nuzzled Ivanov. Ivanov laughed. "Are you feeling happy today?". Bev asked, gently. "Happy". She signed. "Yes". Ivanov said. "Such a special love". Bev kissed Ivanov's cheek. She unbuckled Ivanov's car seat. Ivanov got out, standing over by the dirt, and gravel. Ed unbuckled Emily. "Here you go, sweet pea". He said, softly, with a gentleness to his voice. Emily was still silent. "It's ok, sweetheart". Ed said, gently. "I love you". Ed kissed Emily's cheek. Emily didn't react.
They walked into the funeral home, coming over to the space where Del was laid out. Some old men, and women stood talking amongst themselves, some were praying. Emily went over to see Del's friend, Mr. Jan. "hello, Emily". Mr. Jan said, gently. "Hi". Emily said, quietly. "It's so nice you could come today". "I am very happy, sweetie". Mr. Jan and Emily sat, and talked for a bit.
Bev and Ed whispered to one another, as they looked at some photos, and talked with some people. "Sweetie, because you are our honorary guest, and the granddaughter, we'd like you to give the blessing at the service". Jan said, gently. "I am?". Emily asked. "Yes, sweetie, we could really use your help". Jan said. "Ok". Emily said, quietly. She didn't want to talk today. Bev and Ed came over, seeing Emily talking with Mr. Jan. "Sweetie, is this the Mr. Jan you were mentioning?". Bev asked, gently. "Very pleased to meet you". Bev said, kindly, shaking hands with Mr. Jan. "Beverly Bighead". "Jan Sotheby". Mr. Jan said, shaking hands. "I was good friends with Del, he and I fought in the Korean War together, and went to school back in our days". "When Del was alive, I would visit he, and his wife, Rita every Sunday". "That's where I met our sweet Emily".
"She is a great person, inside and out". Jan said. "She and Del were very close, she learned quite a bit from him". "She is wonderful". Bev said, gently. "We adopted her shortly after Del's son, and daughter in law were killed". "She is very giving".
"Del and I always used to say Emily was our savior". Mr. Jan said. "She would always help us, she always listened to our stories, she and Del were very religious". "Yes, she still attends church every week". Bev said, gently. "She is our savior as well". "We need more people like her, and Del". Mr. Jan said. "Mmm, that's for sure". Bev said. Bev already had a glass of wine in her hand. "Mommy, can I talk to Mr. Jan?". Emily asked. "Of course, honey". Bev said, gently. "Daddy and I are going out to have a cigarette". "We'll be back, soon, love". Bev kissed Emily's cheek.
Bev's "sex woman" heels clicked as she walked out with Ed. Mr. Jan was wrinkly, old, and often had the speech pattern, and cadence of someone who was older. "Your new mother seems very nice". Mr. Jan said. "My mommy is nice". Emily said, quietly. "When I was your age, my parents weren't as nice as yours". Mr. Jan said. "My father passed on when I was your age, although, he and I never saw eye to eye". "My mother was the sweetest, although she was always out drinking the beer, or the alcohol, whatnot, and I was always left to my own devices". "I remember when my old man passed, Del helped me get through it, although". "Del was a nice man".
Mr. Jan and Emily sat, telling stories, having conversations, while other friends joined in. Emily and Ivanov sat, listening, only contributing when needed. They were quiet for most of the time. The adults talked about finances, what Del meant to them, and what their kids, who were Bev and Ed's age, were doing.
In another old, musty room, Ed, and Bev sat, smoking their cigarettes. Bev set her glass of wine by the nearby ash tray. "She seems to be handling it pretty well". Ed said, as his cigarette sat between his fingers. "She's very pensive". Bev said, softly, blowing out smoke. "She's regressing a bit, due to the trauma". "Mm, how so?". Ed asked. "She had trouble swallowing this morning, she's had trouble lifting her head". Bev said, softly. "I'm worried she could be at risk for illness when she's older". "We could get her a therapist to work with her on a daily basis". Ed said, blowing out smoke. "We could". Bev said. A cloud of gray smoke surrounded them, as they blew. Bev took a sip of wine, as she put her cigarette down in the ashtray.
"You liked my performance this morning, didn't you?". Ed said, whispered scandalously. "I must say, it was lavish". Bev whispered back. "Mmm, it's the first time I've had an erection, in months". Ed whispered, blowing some smoke. "You've had some before, but, they were forced". Bev whispered, sipping some wine. "Perhaps". Ed whispered. They talked for some time, as Bev downed her glass of wine. They sat there for some time, smoking. After a bit of time, they got up, going to check on Emily and Ivanov.
Emily sat, talking to Mr. Jan, as Ivanov sat nearby. It was time for Emily to get up, and see her adoptive grandpa, Del. Emily went toward the coffin, seeing her grandfather, the person she laughed with, the person she spent time with, the person she looked up to the most. She saw him lying there, with no life left. There was nothing left of Del. She felt a shiver come down her spine. It all made sense now. It all came to her. She wasn't smart, she was rejected, and ostracized, she was disabled because of death. She wasn't born with the disability, she experienced hardship, which crippled her.
Emily's body shook with fear, as tears welled up in her eyes. She felt lightheaded, as she heard a low hum. She covered her ears. The wet spot near her eyes turned into a tear that streamed down her cheek. She sat, feeling the sadness sweeping over her, covering her. Emily sobbed, although she didn't cry, or be loud. She stood, as tears streamed down her cheek. "Sweetheart". A kind, yet deep raspy voice said. Emily responded to Bev's voice. Emily looked behind her. Bev rubbed Emily's back. "Love, are you ok?". Bev asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said. "Are you sure?". Bev asked, kindly. She rubbed Emily's back. Tears streamed down Emily's cheek. "Shh, it's ok". Bev said, gently.
Emily sobbed, as tears ran down her cheek. She cried a loud cry. Her body shook, as her face became red. Her tears became disorganized, and drool dripped from her chin. "It's ok, sweetie". Bev said, softly. "I'm here". Emily cried.
As Emily felt like she was dying inside, she felt her world crumbling around her. She felt convulsions come on, as she shivered yet again. She cried loudly. It was like she had a pain she couldn't control. Tears streamed down her cheek. Ivanov came over, touching her hand, rubbing her back. For one second, the pain felt unbearable. But now, with Ivanov's supportive hand, Emily felt the pain alleviate. As Ivanov held her hand, Emily felt less pained, she felt less anxious. Emily wanted to scream, she wanted to yell, she wanted to cry, as her body shook. She felt the weakness melt away. She felt a newfound strength come about as she felt calmer. Her tears were still there, although she no longer cried, or felt anger. She felt slow to anger, and rich in kindness.
Emily saw a light come around her, surrounding her, shining through the darkness. Emily felt Ivanov's presence calming her. God was speaking through Ivanov. It was as if Ivanov was god's child. Ivanov was healing Emily. Ivanov was a miracle worker. Emily felt her sadness disappear, feeling a newfound happiness come over her. She felt calmer, as if there was a guardian angel there for her. She felt the love of friendship, and calm break through. "Ok". Ivanov said, touching his head against Emily's. Emily touched her head against Ivanov's, as they faced the darkness together. They knew god was with them, healing them. They felt the presence of a guardian angel, maybe it was grandpa Del, maybe it was Emily's birth mother, there was an angel with them. Together they connected with this angel, they connected with god. For one second, they connected their love, their friendship, their souls to find heaven together.
"You are my children". They heard a heavenly voice say. "You are the protectors of this world". "Go forth, my children, I will protect you, in your home". Ivanov looked up, seeing this light, hearing this voice. They knew it was god. Ivanov was healing Emily with the power god had enlightened him with. Ivanov truly was a saint. He had the power of love, the power of friendship, and protectorship instilled within him, and he was helping Emily. He was working miracles. He could see god. Now, so could Emily. Together, Emily and Ivanov felt true comfort, as they sat with god. They sat with a guardian angel. Ivanov held Emily's hand as they bowed their heads in prayer, connecting with one another, healing one another. They were god's children. They were protected by their loved ones in heaven, protected by angels, and protected by god himself. Slow to anger, rich in kindness, god was gentle, and understanding.
Bev and Ed felt this positive, and gentle energy, as they stood, enjoying themselves. "They are so sweet". Ed said, gently. "They're helping each other through it". Bev said, kindly. "They are so supportive of one another". Ed said, with a kindness in his voice. "They're being heavenly". Bev said, smiling a kind smile. "Ivanov's being a miracle worker". Bev understood what they were doing, as she sighed, dreamily. She was admiring Emily and Ivanov's friendship. She felt an orgasm come over her. It was in admiration over them, how truly heroic they were, how mature, and righteous they were. "Ohh, ohh". Bev felt a bit tipsy, as this was her third glass of wine. She was proud of the kids, though.
"Hello, everyone, thank you for coming". The pastor said, coming to the front. Everyone began to situate, and pay attention to the pastor. "Emily". Ed said, gently. Emily turned her head, responding to her name. "Let's stay over here, so we can see what our friend has to say". Ed said, kindly. Emily went over toward her dad. Some tears came down Emily's cheek. "Are you ok?". Ed asked, gently. "No". Emily said, sniffling. The clicking of heels was heard as Bev came back. "Love". Bev said, gently. She sipped her glass of wine. Emily looked up at Bev. Emily looked to Bev for comfort. "I understand it's difficult". Bev said, gently. "You've been so strong". "I'm always here if you need to talk". Emily sniffled. "He went to heaven". Emily said, as tears streamed down her cheek. "He's always with you, love". Bev said, kindly. Emily began rocking back and forth, as she cried a loud cry. "It's ok". "It's ok". Bev assured, softly. She opened her arms. Emily toddled toward Bev, crying.
"Shh, it's ok". Bev said, softly with a kindness. "I love you". Emily still cried, sobbing. "It'll be ok". Bev comforted. Emily sobbed. "Would you like to talk about it?". Bev said, gently. Emily nodded. Bev went into the other room with Emily. They sat down on chairs. "Mmm, I know it's been difficult". Bev said, lighting a cigarette. "This process has been arduous". Emily sniffled. "Having so many memories of your grandfather, experiencing death, losing your family members". Bev blew out smoke. "Then having nightmares". "I'm sure you're scared". Bev said, gently. Emily looked up at Bev. "How do you feel?". Bev asked, kindly. Bev took Emily's hands in hers. Emily didn't respond. Her head hung downward. "Emily". Bev said, gently, prompting. Emily looked up at Bev. "sweetie, how does this loss make you feel?". Bev asked, gently.
"Sad". Emily said, quietly. Emily felt another round of tears come along, as she sniffled. She cried a loud cry. "It's ok, love". "I'm here". Bev said, gently. "I'm here". She stroked Emily's cheeks, brushing her face. "I'll always be here". Bev said, kindly. She kissed Emily's face. Tears streamed down Emily's cheeks. "Shh, shh, it's ok". Bev soothed. Bev put out her cigarette in the ashtray. "Let's go say goodbye to grandpa". Bev said, softly. Emily nodded, as she stood up, toddling with Bev to the other room. They went back to where the funeral was being held, sitting in their seats. Ivanov sat, staring at his fingers. The Pastor spoke.
"Hello everyone". "I'm very glad everyone came today for this celebration". The Pastor said. The pastor looked old, withered, and emaciated. He looked as if he'd had enough in his long life. The pastor was gentle, however. "This is a celebration of a very special life". The pastor said. "This life has had an impact on many people, and has changed the world in his own way". "With that, I ask that we bow our heads and pray". The pastor said. Everyone bowed their heads. "Dear god, we ask that you keep us safe on our journey, and our limited time on this Earth". "Please bless Del as he makes his journey home". "He will continue to have a bond with us that will stay for years". "We ask this in Christ's name, Amen". The pastor said. "Amen". Everyone said. "Please join us as we make our passage to St. Jude's for the organized afternoon service". "Do keep in mind it is a procession, so our cars will follow one another".
Everyone got ready to follow each other's car to St. Jude's. "Emily, sweetheart". Mr. Jan said, coming over to Emily. "Because you are the honorary guest, would you like to ride with us in the limousine?". "Is it alright with your mother?". "Ok". Emily said. "Can I, mommy?". "Of course, love". Bev said, gently. "Be sure to stay with Ivanov, ok?". She stroked Emily's cheek. "Ok". Emily said. Ivanov came over, holding Emily's hand. Ivanov played with his fingers. Bev wiped Emily and Ivanov's cheeks, kissing them. "I'll see you later, ok, my best friends?". Bev said, gently. "Ok". Emily said. "Love you". Bev said, kissing. Bev went over finding Ed, getting another glass of wine.
Emily, and Ivanov got in the limo, beside Mr. Jan, and Mrs. Petty. "It's been a hard day, hasn't it?". Mr. Jan said, gently. "Yes". Emily said. "It'll be ok I hope". Mr. Jan said, blowing his nose with a tissue. "You've been the strongest, most selfless, righteous person I've ever met". "God will reward you". Mr. Jan assured. "I know". Emily said. "My mom tells me that". She was quiet the rest of the way there.
The limo parked in the parking lot at St. Jude's. There were some cars there, mainly people that were at the funeral home. There was silence as everyone walked in the church. Emily held Ivanov's hand to assure he wouldn't get lost. They walked into the church, as everyone took their seats. Emily sat with Ivanov beside Bev, and Ed. There was little music that played, although the service continued. They said some prayers, sang some hymns, and now, in between the readings, it was time for Emily to speak.
Emily went up to the podium, ready. "Del was my grandpa". Emily said. She didn't feel nervous at all. "Del was a good grandpa". "Me and my grandpa sit on the porch". Emily said. "Grandpa tell me he loves me". "He hold me". "He tell me stories, and sing". "I 'member my grandpa told me I was smart, and that I can do anything". "I can do anything". "I know he's gone, but, I still see him, I still talk to him". "He's here with me". "I just...I...I...I don't know what to do". "But he was great". Emily said. Emily continued talking, sharing some memories, leading everyone in prayer. After a bit, she went back to her seat.
"Sweetie, that was beautiful". Bev said, gently. "Thank you, mommy". Emily said. The service went on for a bit, there was prayer, there were readings, and there were hymns. When it was over, everyone got up, without a word, and went to their cars. It was now time for the burial. The cemetery was nearby, and everyone stood, silently, as the coffin was brought out of the car, and lowered into the Earth into his gravesite. Emily looked on, as tears streamed down her cheek. She sobbed. Bev rubbed her back. The rain fell as thick as black oil, and as everyone left the cemetery for the luncheon, everyone was silent. Even Mr. Jan looked as if he was ready to cry. It wasn't easy, the afternoon. It wasn't easy when the sky was flesh pink, and rain fell in a copious amount. Lightning shot across the sky as thunder boomed. It roared, booming ominously, as it sounded as if it was yelling, or thrashing violently.
There was silence as Emily and Ivanov got in the limousine. One step, two step, boom! Three step, boom! Silence, and then boom! There was thunder roaring, booming, threatening much like a demon with blood dripping from its chowles. Boom! Boom! The thunder crashed, and banged, as lightning flashed. Emily began rocking back and forth, trying to self soothe. "Eeee". Ivanov noised, a bit uncomfortable. Tears streamed down his cheek. The rest of the afternoon was quiet, as the luncheon continued. It was eerily quiet, and gentle as the afternoon surmised. It just did in, and everyone went about their business, feeling sad.
The rain poured outside, as Paula and Filburt kissed. "Mmm, it's pretty bad, isn't it?". Paula said, as Filburt curled his tongue around hers. "It is". Filburt said, kissing. "Mmm, how is she?". He put a hand on Paula's stomach. "She's good". Paula said, putting her hand on her stomach. Her baby bump was getting bigger. It looked a bit more round. "Mmm, it's fine". Paula said, stretching out. "I figure we're starting a family, it's worth the tradeoffs". "You look lavish". Filburt said, kissing Paula's cheek. "Mmm, thanks babe". Paula said, as they shared another kiss. "It may be raining, but it is still warm". Paula winked. "We could do our thing, outside". "Enjoy". "The rain has to do something". Filburt said, concerned. "Why don't we stay in?". "Mmm, it's not that bad". Paula said, stretching out. "Come on, try it". "And you're sure nothing will happen?". Filburt asked. "Nothing will". Paula assured. "Oh, if you insist". Filburt said, kissing Paula. Filburt picked Paula up, taking her out to the lounger outside. At this point, the rain was sprinkling.
Paula laid, naked, on the lounger, tickling Filburt with her toe. "Mmm, Filly". Paula said, stretching out. Filburt seemed focused on something, as he passed her by. Paula felt as if she was the luckiest woman there. She had just done morning things with Filburt, and was building a family. She felt sexually attracted to Filburt, felt her vagina tingle, and wanted to do some things with Filburt. "Mmm". she felt her thoughts come to, feeling the love come through, strengthening her relationship with Filburt. Her thoughts came through as a song.
La da da da da da"
I want to be close to you
The way you look in the morning
I can see your face, and your taste.
Your silence awaits so much to say, to say.
With you my king is where I belong
Our castle is beautiful and strong
I want to be close to you.
I want to be close to you
How you own this body, smoke your cigarette, sing to me in bed.
You hold me like you're protecting your throne.
I'll be your queen we can fit so well
You near me darlin is where you dwell.
I want to be close to you.
I want to be close to you.
"Mmm". Paula blew Filburt a kiss. "Filly". She said, coyly. Filburt looked down at Paula. She tickled his chest with her toe. "Babe". She said, smiling. "I shall". Filburt said, suggestively. He leaned down, kissing Paula. He pulled down his pajama pants, leaning in closer, and closer to Paula. He kissed Paula, inching in closer, and closer to her. He eventually went in, going on top of Paula. Soon, they were kissing, joining reproductive organs, as Paula gasped for air. They felt the love, the amazement amongst one another, as they made love.
Paula felt a tingly feeling, a fuzzy feeling when Filburt joined his reproductive organ with hers. "Mmm'. she giggled, as they continued. The rain may've fallen, although their love shone through. It shone through well into the night.