Chapter 505: Tree Hill Cemetery
Friday, February 17th, Morning
The service at the church was typical; scripture was read, words were spoken, and hymns were sung. This was followed by a graveside service, more of the same. When the Reverend Caleb "Cale" Howard finished, everyone started to head back to their cars. The Reverend Howard stopped to talk to the husband of the deceased.
Ashlyn stood to the side and looked over the cemetery. To the left of her mom's and, eventually, dad's plot is the plots of her sister Savannah, her late husband, and her stepson. She looked over the small departing crowd. Lucas and Kiera had arranged for someone to watch their classes for them to attend the church service. All the kids, including Brett, went to school.
Cale was the first to come over to her and James. He was still as tall as ever. Ashlyn had a joke flash into her head; when the Reverend Cale Howard told you to repent, all you said was yes and how fast.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Ashlyn," Cale said.
"Thank you, and thank you for doing the services," Ashlyn said.
"You're welcome," Cale said, "How are you holding up? I know your mom was a difficult person to get along with, and she had her ways."
Ashlyn sighed, "I'm doing the best you can expect," she said.
"If there is anything, you know where I am," Cale said.
"Thank you again, Cale," Ashlyn said.
"You're welcome; I'll see you at your dad's," Cale said and moved over to talk to James.
The following person Ashlyn saw was Kiley Howard, Cale's wife. She was the whole image of a minister's wife. Kiley gave Ashlyn a concerned look while Ashlyn looked at her.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Ashlyn; if there is anything you need, let me know," Kiley said.
"Thank you, Kiley," Ashlyn said.
"You're welcome," Kiley said and moved on to talk to James.
Ashlyn sighed as her in-laws came over. Nathan was dressed well, as always, taking a page from the Joe DiMaggio/Derek Jeter book. He moved with a slight limp; Haley was by his side.
"How are you holding up, Ashlyn?" Nathan asked.
"I'm holding," Ashlyn said.
"Haley and I discussed this; we'll do it if you need us to take the kids," Nathan said.
"Thank you, I think we can make do," Ashlyn said.
"You don't have to be a superwoman, Ashlyn," Nathan said.
"I'm not trying to be," Ashlyn said.
Nathan nodded, "As long as you know, the option is always there," he said.
"Thank you, Nathan," Ashlyn said.
"You're welcome," Nathan said, "We'll see you at your dad's place."
"Okay," Ashlyn said and watched Nathan turn to James.
Ashlyn looked at Haley and put on an uneasy smile. "Thank you for coming, Haley," she said.
"Nathan means well, and I got word from New York," Haley said.
"Oh yeah?" Ashlyn asked.
"Yeah, Brooke communicated that her, Trin, Bobbi-Lee, and Ellie wanted to come, but they had an important meeting they couldn't reschedule," Haley said.
"Nothing from Fallon?" Ashlyn asked.
"I talked to her separately; she's had some things she needed to get done and couldn't move them," Haley said.
"Even with all the money in the world, she's still beholden to time," Ashlyn said.
"Isn't that the truth," Haley said.
Ashlyn nodded and watched Haley get drawn into Nathan's conversation with James. Ashlyn shook her head to see a woman with white-blonde hair. They made eye contact.
"I'm Winter Overton, from Representative Isabella Scott's office, she regrets not being able to attend, but the business of government keeps her in Washington," she said.
"Thank you, and let Izzy know thank you, and I understand," Ashlyn said.
"I will relay your message to Representative Scott," Winter said and moved on.
Ashlyn shook her head and looked to see two people she co-parented with. The big hulk of a man, named J.L. "Huck" Burke, and his shorter, but the still tall and slight wife, Chastity "Chase" Burke, stood in front of her. Ashlyn smiled at them.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Ash," Huck said.
"Thank you, Huck; I thought you were working today," Ashlyn said.
"I booked off the first half of my shift; I'm working tonight," Huck said.
"Oh, okay," Ashlyn said.
"I won't be at your dad's," Huck said.
"I understand; you had a difficult relationship with them," Ashlyn said.
"Yeah, well, if you need, I can keep Brett or if she wants to stay. I can give you an extra week if we do," Huck said.
"I'll keep it under advisement, but it's up to Brett," Ashlyn said.
"Okay, it's out there though," Huck said and excused himself to talk with James.
Chase looked at Ashlyn, "What he said, and I'm sorry," she said.
"Thank you. Any wisdom from Nietzsche on death?" Ashlyn asked.
"You're welcome," Chase said, "Yes, but none will be helpful."
Ashlyn nodded, "I thought I'd try," she said.
"I'd say he does help in one way," Chase said.
"Oh, how?" Ashlyn asked.
"One of his most famous quotes," Chase said, "Whatever doesn't kill me makes me stronger."
Ashlyn nodded, "That helps," she said.
"You're welcome," Chase said and went to talk to James.
Ashlyn looked to see one of her oldest friends. Looking at the face of the friend, Ashlyn grimly nodded and knew it wasn't the old friend she wanted to see.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Ash, even though I know you and Mrs. Pierce never got along," Ashton said.
"It's okay, Ash; we've been through too much to mince words," Ashlyn said.
"It was always the three of us against the world," Ashton said.
"Well, we had a leader that was just that hardcore, but she's not here," Ashlyn said.
Ashton chuckled, "She was hardcore and had a chip on her shoulder the size of Tree Hill, but she was always there for us," she said.
"Not always," Ashlyn said.
"You'd be surprised," Ashton said.
"Not anymore," Ashlyn said.
"Just keep an open mind," Ashton said and went to talk to James.
Ashlyn shook her head and closed her eyes. Close your eyes and forget your name; step outside yourself and let your thoughts drain, filled Ashlyn's mind. If she couldn't be here, at least Ashlyn could think like her. No matter what, her best friend always knew how to keep it together. Finally, Ashlyn opened her eyes and saw the woman who was a real mom to her.
"Ashlyn, I'm so sorry for your loss," Karen Roe-Hargrove said.
"Thank you, Karen," Ashlyn said.
"I'll see you at your dad's the person you really want to see is right behind me," Karen said and went to talk to James.
"What?" Ashlyn asked, then turned to see her best friend, her sister from another mister, Angela Scott, "What? Angela?"
"I was in the back of the church," Angela said.
"I didn't expect you," Ashlyn said.
"My best friend needed me; where else will I be," Angela said.
Ashlyn leaned forward and hugged Angela. In a moment, she broke down, and the tears flowed freely. "She's gone, Angela," Ashlyn said.
Angela rubbed Ashlyn's back. "I know," she said as the cold wind blew, and Maddie Pierce was lowered into the ground.
