Big Red wrote in the dream journal for the next few nights. While the dreams didn't go away, writing them down helped him. He was going to return to school on Monday. For the first time in his life, he was excited about school for another reason than theater. The rest of the theater kids would visit him, but Big Red missed being with them. He debated going to prom since he had the tickets. He would get a ride with Ricky like they originally planned, but he wasn't in the mood for partying.
It was now Friday, funeral day. The funeral started at around one in the afternoon. Most of the senior class planned on going to the funeral since it was their skip day. Big Red sat at his regular booth, doing his homework. "Can we join you?" a voice asked.
Big Red looked up from his schoolwork. Gina and Ricky stood in front of him. Gina wore a short black dress, and Ricky wore a pitch-black suit. "Of course," Big Red said. The couple joined her in the booth.
"I think the others are also planning on coming here, too," Gina said.
"Okay," Big Red said. He was secretly excited about this. I miss everyone, and texting and calling them isn't the same as seeing them. Soon, Kourtney, Seb, and Carlos entered Salt Lake Slices. They sat at tables around the booth.
"Hey, Red," Seb greeted.
"Hi," Big Red responded.
"How are you doing?" Seb asked.
"As fine as I can," Big Red sighed. Kourtney looked around the restaurant. She seemed to be confused.
"Is this everyone?" she asked.
"It's everyone who said they're coming in the group chat," Carlos said. Big Red forgot they all planned on eating here before the funeral. He read the texts since he was in the group chat. However, the last few days have been a blur.
"Oh," Kourtney said. The front door swung open.
"Sorry, I'm late. My plane was late. I thought I wasn't going to make it."
Standing in the doorway was Nini Salazar-Roberts. She wore a short black dress with long sleeves. The first to approach her was Kourtney. The two of them shared a hug. The second person to go up to her was Gina.
"I'm so happy you could make it," Kourtney said. "How's California?"
"It's going great," Nini responded. "Jamie and I have been working hard. Through him, I've booked a few gigs. I'm opening for Billie Ellish in June. This summer, he wants me to record my first album."
"That's wonderful," Kourtney said. "I knew you could do it."
Nini turned around, spotting Big Red. Without a word, she went over and hugged him. Nini didn't need to say anything. He always considered Nini a good friend, and she thought the same thing about him.
Nini pulled away a few inches. "I'm so sorry," Nini whispered. "I know you two loved each other."
After a few seconds, she turned around. "Is E.J here?" she asked.
"I think they're feeding the family at the church before the funeral," Ricky said. Nini grabbed a chair from an empty table and pulled it up. Lily walked over, and everyone seemed to tense up. I guess the word that she works here hasn't traveled far yet.
"Is it all going to be one tab or several?" Lily asked.
"Different," Big Red responded.
"Are you all ready to order?" Lily asked. Everyone ordered their meals, and Lily disappeared into the kitchen.
"Since when did she start working here?" Gina asked.
"She started working here a few weeks ago," Kourtney started. The group bounced from different topics until their food came. Once they finished eating, it was time to leave for the church.
Seb turned to Big Red. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"As ready as I can be," Big Red sighed.