Epilogue

The church was packed full of people on the day of the funeral. Derek preferred to sit by himself as he sat in one of the church pews. Adjusting his uncomfortable black suit, he looked around. Casey and Emily sat with each other in the pew to his right.

They cried as they talked together, obviously reminiscing about their time spent with Anna. He found Nora and George by the doors of the church with Anna's parents who accepted hugs and condolences from the people who came in. Edwin, Lizzie and Marti sat in the seat behind him, silently watching the people move about. Sam had just came in and he hugged both Casey and Emily, then striding over offering one to Derek, which he accepted. He sensed Derek's need to be alone and went back over to Casey and Emily and talked with them.

During the mass, people were asked to speak on behalf of Anna. Her parents talked about her early years, about her many accomplishments and joyful baby stories, up to the unfortunate time Anna was discovered to have been a victim of rape, then aids.

Midway through the speech, Mrs. Scott began crying hysterically and had to be escorted back to her seat as Mr. Scott finished up. It was then Casey's turn to speak and she approached the front shakily holding a piece of paper in front of her.

"Good afternoon." She spoke into the mic and her voice wavering.

"Anna was one of my best friends. She was understanding, kind and was always there for me and vice versa. But when she told me she had aids, I realized this time I couldn't help her. And I felt like a horrible friend. But she helped me realize that all I needed to do was be there, and be a good friend by helping her smile through the hard times. She was so wonderful and strong and she will always be my best friend no matter where she is, and she taught me that."

She finished speaking and moved back to her seat dabbing stray tears from her eyes. It was now Derek's turn and he walked to the front without a speech prepared as he intended to speak from the heart. He cleared his throat and began.

"Anna was my friend, my confidant, my girlfriend, and my everything. I loved her very much and I had the honor of having her love me back. I fell in love with her the night we kissed in the play. And that moment will always stay with me forever. That's when she told me she had aids. And for the first time, I had absolutely no idea what to do. But in that time I witnessed the greatest strength I had ever seen in everyone. She gave me back my faith, in others and in myself. Before she died, I promised I would always love her, and I intend to hold true to that promise. And I will never say goodbye to her because I believe she is always here watching over everyone and me. And just like in the play, she will always be the beautiful angel watching over us."

Anna was buried in the sunniest part of the cemetery under one of the biggest trees, to lay peacefully in the sun forever. The funeral was over and everyone was saying their goodbyes as Derek headed back to his car. He was about to open the door when Mrs. Scott approached him carrying a small box in her hands.

"What you said was lovely Derek, thank you, I'm so happy Anna found someone to love during her time."

Derek smiled cordially. "In more ways than one, I believe I was the lucky one, lucky to have loved and gotten to know Anna."

Mrs. Scott looked down at the small silver box then back at Derek.

"I found this in Anna's jewelry box and it was addressed to you." She handed him the box and Derek accepted.

"Take care Derek."

"You too."

She patted his shoulder and headed back into the crowd. Derek got into his car and placed the small box into his pocket. He was home before anyone else. He went upstairs to his room and shut his door in privacy. Sitting on his bed and propping himself up against the headboard, he took out the box reading the front for a moment.

Derek,

As long as the sun rises and sets by the dock, I will always love you and have faith in you.

Forever yours, Anna

He opened the box and found a silver chained necklace and at the very end was a tiny golden angel. He smiled to himself as he took the necklace in his hand, laid down and fell asleep, allowing his mind to play back the memories of Anna, his angel, forever.

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Thanks to all who have read the story! It was to much fun for me to write and soon, look out for more stories of mine! PEACE!