A/N----Please review. Like it? Don't like it? Let me know. I'd like to know how I can improve my writing skills, as I'm relatively new to fanfiction.3 reviews is rather discouraging. Thanks.
CHAPTER TEN (THE NEXT DAY, SUNDAY)
Today, we took Marin to Lizzie's grave. On the way to the cemetery, we bought some pink carnations, Lizzie's favourite. I still can't believe it's been seven and a half months since Lizzie died. Today was a perfect day, except for the fact that we took our baby girl to her sister's grave for the first time. The sun was shining and the weather was mild. I carried Marin to the gravesite, and Sam and Matt followed just a bit behind. Sam spread a blanket down on the ground next to Lizzie. The headstone had finally come in and was placed. It seemed so final. Matt took a piece of paper and used a pencil to make a rubbing of the headstone. Elizabeth Brooke McGuire, 1987-2003. There my daughter lay for all eternity, just barely fifteen years old.
We reminisced about the good times we had with Lizzie. "Sam," I began, "remember when we took the kids to Grubby Gulch for the first time? She was so cute when she asked us to play the 'mayer miano,' and she would sing 'Oh Suzanna'." "Yeah, she put a napkin on her head and called it her bonnet." "In about four years, we'll get to take this little one to Grubby Gulch." Sam smiled. I continued, "How about the time when Lizzie thought there were monsters in her closet." "I had so much fun helping her chase them away." Matt joined in, "I remember making that velcro wall for the school carnival. By the way, mom, that was a great idea! When Lizzie tried it out, it tipped over, and she fell on dad." I cracked up. "Hey," Sam retorted, "it's not funny!" "Yes it is, dad!" It felt good to laugh. For the first time, I didn't feel like I was betraying Lizzie. For the first time since Lizzie's death, Matt was smiling. He hasn't been able to mention her name really, and today he was sharing some good times he had with his sister.
I placed a hand on the headstone and traced the engraving with my finger. The headstone is shaped like a heart. We had a picture on both corners of the stone; the one on the left was of when she was a baby, and the one on the right was from her debut at the Colusseum. I think that was one of the happiest times in her life. She looked so grown up on stage. My baby was up on stage singing with a famous Italian pop star. I didn't know she could sing and dance like that. I looked down at Marin, who was sleeping peacefully, and began talking to both of my daughters. "Lizzie, this is your sister, Marin. She looks so much like you did when you were born. I wish you had stayed around so you could have met her. You would have loved her, Lizzie. I miss you so much, sweetheart. Marin, this is your sister, Lizzie. She would have loved you so much. She wanted a sister since I was pregnant with your brother, Matt. In a way, she named you. She wanted a sister named Marin. Even when we told her Matt was going to be a boy, she called him Marin. One of her friends in preschool was named Marin. Sweetie, Lizzie was good and kind, and she really cared about people. I hope you grow up to be just as loving and kind as she was."
All too soon, it was time to go back home. Marin was getting fussy, so I knew she needed to be fed. After I finished feeding her and I put her down for a nap, Sam, Matt, and I watched home movies for the rest of the afternoon. We hadn't done that in a long time. There, on screen, Lizzie was healthy and happy, so alive. There were Christmas and birthday videos where she opened presents and blew out candles. We have lots of video of Lizzie holding Matt when he was a baby. I can't believe that was thirteen years ago. Matt's now in seventh grade at Hillridge, and up to his usual pranks. He, Lanny and Melina are like the three muskateers, not unlike how Lizzie, Gordo and Miranda were. Oh, how time flies!