Disclaimer: I don't own Lizzie McGuire, people, places, etc…don't sue me.
Thank you to everyone again who reviewed!
I'm not entirely sure what I think of this chapter. It was hard to write, cause I don't know what goes on in people's heads at a funeral, I can only base it off what goes on in my head. So if you like it, great; if you don't, that's fine too…just let me know what you think so I can make the story better and hopefully, a little more true to life. And sorry it's so short…maybe more next time.
Lizzie didn't remember much of the funeral. She sat Ethan's father move to the center of the crowd to speak, followed by one of Ethan's close friends from high school, but she couldn't hear what they were saying. She didn't want to hear what they were saying. She still couldn't believe Ethan was dead. I wonder how many times in the last week I've thought that, Lizzie wondered, almost smiling in spite of everything.
She returned her gaze to Ethan's mother and brother. Ethan's brother's face mirrored that of his father's, both wearing the same somber expression. His arms were still wrapped around his mother in support, but appeared as if he might breakdown at any moment. Lizzie expected Ethan's mother to be in tears like his stepmother, but although her face showed so much emotion, she shed no tears.
Lizzie watched Ethan's father continue to talk about his son, but she still heard no words. It was as if she was separated from the group, in her own bubble of silence, untouched by words, untouched be the emotions of others. She observed the tears clouding Miranda's eyes, the grim expression on Gordo's face. She found herself watching her family, wondering, as Gordo had predicted, what she would do if one of them were gone? A weight settled itself in her chest as she considered the idea. Lizzie imagined herself like Ethan's mother, devastated but too shocked to react.
Movement from across the group caught Lizzie's eye as Kate shifted her weight on her feet. Lizzie watched the tears falling down Kate's face and her thoughts turned to her friends. What would she do if Gordo or Miranda were gone? The weight got considerably heavier; her friends were like family to her. Miranda was Lizzie's confidant; everything Lizzie felt like she could tell no one else, Miranda listened and cared and showed support. Lizzie knew both she and Miranda held secrets that would be taken to the grave and she shuddered at the thought. She quickly turned her thought to her other friend. Gordo was…She wasn't quite sure what to call Gordo. Confidant wasn't the right word; although she and Gordo talked so often, there were a few things she hadn't shared with him. Despite those few things, she and Gordo frequently found themselves talking for hours on end about almost everything and anything. Lizzie tried to rack her brain for a term for her friend, but was stopped by the growing weight in her chest as she thought of not having Gordo around to talk to. She almost couldn't bear the thought as she felt tears coming to her eyes and fought to hold them back.
Lizzie was suddenly aware of a loud sob. Her eyes went immediately to Mrs. Craft. Ethan's coffin was being lowered into the ground and his mother's resolve had broken. She buried her head in her son's shoulder and her sobs moved the entire crowd. Lizzie felt warm tears streaming down her face and beside her Miranda was shaking from crying. Gordo moved to Lizzie's other side and both girls laid their heads on his shoulders and cried.
R/R! Please…?