Kate's POV
We prepared ourselves to say our goodbyes, not knowing who was gonna go up first. Rick stepped aside as he kept his right hand in his pocket, fiddling with something. He didn't want to go first. It was okay. The morning birds chirped, making the situation just a tad but less awkward, but finally Humphrey stepped up to the coffins. He wiped his eye before saying anything.
"I… Angel you were… you were one of the nicest people I've ever met. I remember all the way back in elementary before you met Lilly, we were the bestest of friends. I remember hanging out with you at recess, taking turns on the swing set because mooch would never give up the other one" Humphrey chuckled to himself, but in a way that he was clearly crying. "I always thought once Lilly and you started hanging out that our group would only grow bigger. It was because of our friendship that I met Rick, and then Lilly… our group really did get big didn't it? And then we became a family… that was supposed to last with you… I don't know how we're gonna keep on going without you but I'll tell you this with confidence that we'll miss you… you should be here right now, enjoying time with us but it didn't happen… it can't happen… and before you are really gone forever I just want you to know that I love you… we all do… rest well Angel…" Humphrey finished, taking a step back. I patted his shoulder as he stood next to me. Lilly was up next. She took a walk up there and looked down at the coffin.
"Angel… you were… you were my sister… you were the first to talk to me once me and my sister moved here… you made me feel so welcomed… you helped me out of being shy… you shaped me into… into me… I just cant believe your g-gone…" Lilly choked before breaking down again. Me and the others watched with sadness, before Humphrey walked over to guide her back.
"It's okay Lilly, you don't have to do this" Humphrey said.
"We love you Angel" Lilly sobbed as Humphrey walked her back. I looked around to see Shaky walking up. I hoped he would fare better.
"Angie… you… you were the only girl that I ever truly loved… every other girl I ever tried to talk to never accepted me… but you were different. Angel, you and I had something that I never even knew existed, after my mom it was everything that I needed to get back on track… you healed me believe it or not but now… I don't know why you had to go… I don't understand why it had to be you…" Shaky cried, wiping the tears from his eyes. "This… this is a tragedy that I don't think I'll ever recover from, and honestly… I don't know if I want to recover from it. You are the only one that I want to love, and hopefully… we'll be together again… I love you… and I miss you… and I want you back… but you're gone… your gone" Shaky sobbed, taking a step back and looking away. I went to comfort him but he didn't want to be bothered. Can't say that I blamed him. I looked over at Rick as Shaky walked to the right side of the group. Rick was facing down but looking up at me. He motioned with his head over to the coffins. I didn't even know if I should have done it. But I guess so, she was a sister to me. I took a step forward and looked down at the coffin.
"You know… when I went to church I was told that the nicest, and kind hearted people die first. Because they passed God's test and are worthy of leaving this existence early. I can only hope that your there now, looking down at us… you may have been the jokester of our little family but you were also the most kind hearted… and that's the only reason that I can think of why your here now, because you didn't deserve this, you had your whole life ahead of you and only got sixteen years… you deserved so much better than what you got and i want more than anything for you to be here right now… your family loves you… and your family misses you. And I promise that you'll always be in our hearts… I know that you wouldn't want us to be sad, you'd probably tell us to grow some balls or something… but we just can't shake the idea of you not being with us… it's been hard, hell it's been impossible, but I know that you would want us to keep going, so I promise that we'll try our hardest… we love you" I said, a tear rolling down my cheek finally. I wiped it and stepped back, turning to Rick. all eyes were on him now as we waited. Rick took a shaky deep breath and walked up to the three gravestones.
"Mom… dad… Angel… I never thought that there would be a day where… where I would… where I would stand here looking at your graves… I never even began to think about burying any of you… and I Don't want to live without any of you. Mom, you always called me a mama's boy, but I was and that's why you and I were so close. I loved you so much, when I was little I never left your side. I remember when you would drop me off at daycare and I would cry… I would cry and cry and cry until you came and got me… I just wanted my mother. Others looked at me as if I was some spoiled brat, but I didn't want any material things… I just wanted you, and even as I got older that never changed. It may not have seemed like it, but I loved you just as much, if not more than back then…
Dad… you gave me my humor, showed me how to get things done, and help myself out. But it was never without your wackiness. Even in the most serious of times you made us laugh, it was your person… the way you carried yourself, and I know how much you loved us… how much you loved mom… me… Angel… I picked it all up from you, and I promise that I'll follow in your footsteps… you showed me how to do that… and I thank you… I just wish that you guys didn't have to go… during my first few years I was so happy with the two of you. We were like a perfect family, always happy and spending time together. I think that's why I was the way I was when I was away from you… constantly crying to the point where even the teacher at the daycare had had enough. I remember you came and got me once. At first you were annoyed but once you saw that I was calmed down because all I wanted was you, you changed… instantly you were glad to have come and got me, and I was more than happy to see you too. I didn't think I could love anyone more than you two… but then one day you guys gave me the greatest gift of all…
Angel… from the very moment you were born I protected you… I loved you, and that's why we were so close. I took what relationship me and our parents had before and expanded it to you. Remember when we were really little? We would constantly get into mischief but mom and dad could never get mad at us… it was only bonding between us two… we only got more and more attached to each other as we got older, and you started taking after dad more than anyone. I loved you so much, I loved you all so much… and standing here right now… when I saw the wreck that night I didn't think it was real, like some sort of bad dream but… it was… I had to let you go that night, and realize that as a brother I failed, I failed to protect you, and I failed to… to… I hate myself for it… I should have got you that night, I don't really know what to do now… I lay there, waiting for any of you guys to come home and you don't… I just find myself realizing again and again that it won't happen. When I dream I dream of a world where you do come home, and we laugh about how that accident did everything in its power to kill you, but you were fine… and then when I wake up… reality sets in all over again and I relive that night every day. Single. Day. I… I want you guys back… I can't even begin to describe how much… life will be impossible now… but I have to keep going… for the ones who remain… for the family I have left… it's just hard… I love you guys… more than anything I do, and I don't know what this is but it isn't goodbye… it can't be goodbye… but it's something… I want to say it again I love you… I love you, I love you so much" Rick finished, sobbing as he covered his face with his right hand. I walked over and pulled him into a hug. I wanted to say something, but found nothing… It was only when we broke the hug that Rick pulled the locket from his pocket and tossed it down on top of the casket.
Afterwards when we had all split up to head out, none of us said anything, we didn't say goodbye to each other, nothing. It was an extremely heavy atmosphere as everyone I cared about left without saying a word to each other. I felt bad as I watched the scene until I heard my mom call to me.
"Hey" she said, causing me to turn around.
"Oh… hey" I replied.
"Listen… I know you said that Rick didn't want to leave, but he should really at least come over. After what you told me yesterday I… I at least want to talk with him" mom explained. I didn't like the idea of mom trying to get Rick to come over, but I trusted her. She did nothing but help so far, and she had just lost friends as well so…
"He's in the truck" I said. Mom nodded and walked over to the truck as I followed. Rick was sitting in the driver's seat with his head on the steering wheel as he sobbed. His arm covered his face as it too sat on the steering wheel.
"Rick… sweetie…" mom started. Rick lifted his head to face her, wiping tears from his eyes as he looked at her. "Kate told me that you didn't want to leave your house, but please… I'm begging you to come over at least for a few days. It's not good for you to stay there right now. And with what just happened… I really think you should come over and let us take care of you" mom explained. Rick's eyes darted over to me, and then back to my mom.
"I… I just want to be left alone right now Eve" Rick said sadly.
"Rick, I remember when your grandmother died and your mom told me that you shut yourself in your room for days. You can't do that again, your mom wouldn't want you to be sad, but I know that's impossible. I'll give you your space, but I'm just asking you to let me and Winston take care of you. We can't imagine what you're going through right now. Being so young and having all this on you, it clearly is taking its toll on you, just please… let me take care of you" mom pleaded. I would ask myself why she wanted to take care of him so much but I already knew the answer. It was because she knew him since he was young, and he was basically a member of the family, not because we were in a relationship, but because he was the son of someone that she thought of as a sister.
"Okay…" Rick said sadly, looking at her.
"Thank you" mom said, before turning to get back to her car where dad and Lilly were waiting. I turned back to Rick who was getting ready to leave.
"You know you don't have to go," I said.
"I know… but I just… I feel bad saying no" Rick said. Of course, he was still thinking of others even now.
"Rick… you don't have to go" I repeated. Rick sighed.
"You coming?" he asked. It was my turn to sigh as I walked around the truck to the passenger side.
"You sure you don't want me to drive?" I asked.
"It's fine, your place is only five minutes from here," Rick said as he put the car in drive. He said it was five but it actually took seven minutes to get to my place, and when we did I could already see mom, dad, and Lilly walking inside. I was nervous about how this would go. Rick parked his truck and then got out, walking alongside me as we made our way to the front. Once we were inside dad shut the door and went to hang his jacket up, giving Rick a pat on the shoulder as he passed.
"Why don't you just… make yourself at home" mom suggested. Rick nodded sadly and then took his shoes off before going upstairs. I went to follow him, but mom pulled me closer to her so she could whisper to me. "Has he eaten?" she asked. I shook my head.
"Not since the day of the accident" I admitted.
"Oh God… I'll make him something, why don't you go comfort him while I do. Please?" mom asked.
"Okay" I said, going up the stairs after him as mom went into the kitchen. I walked up and over to my room where Rick was already laying on my bed, not actually under the covers. I sighed and then turned to Lilly's room where she was crying to herself. It may have been the wrong thing to do, but I went over to Lilly simply because it had been awhile since I last spoke to her. I walked in her room and sat on the edge of the bed as her back faced me.
"Hey… you holding up alright?" I asked, not knowing how else to start a conversation to check up on her.
"No… A-Angel was my… b-best f-friend, and I c-couldn't even s-say goodbye to her… I h-hate myself" Lilly sobbed.
"Hey… Angel knows how much you love her, she doesn't need to hear it to know it. She'll always know how much you love her" I explained. Lilly kept on sobbing.
"I'm r-really gonna m-miss her" she cried. I patted her shoulder.
"I know… we all are," I said.
"R-Rick needs you r-right now… just please… leave me alone" Lilly begged.
"Okay… I love you Lilly" I said. Lilly didn't respond, she just kept sobbing. I stood up and went to leave, shutting the door behind me. Just then I ran into dad. He looked sad but didn't show it much, honestly I didn't really expect him too.
"How is she?" he asked.
"Not well, I just wanted to talk with her for a minute because it's been awhile" I explained.
"I'll uh… I'll talk to her" dad said, walking past me and over to Lilly's room. "Just… go be with Rick. poor kid's been through a lot" he added before walking in. I turned back to my room and walked inside. Rick was still laying down, looking out the window. I walked over and took a moment to take my shoes and jacket off, before crawling on the bed and laying down behind him to wrap my arms around him and hold him close. We laid there for a few minutes before Rick finally said something.
"I… I can't believe I buried my sister today" he said. I gave him a kiss and began to run my fingers through his hair to calm him. His tail wagged slowly as it seemed to just be minding its own business, but still I felt it as it brushed against my leg.
"Mom's making you something, she can't believe that you've gone this long without eating anything" I told him as I placed my muzzle on his neck.
"You haven't eaten anything either," Rick said.
"Don't worry about me. All I care about right now is you… you have to eat something Rick" I explained. Rick whimpered as he buried his face in my pillow.
"But you have to eat too," he said. I went to respond to Rick but felt my phone vibrate. I turned over and sat up to pull it out and see what it was. It was a message from Humphrey.
H. Hey. I just wanted you to know that Shaky is gonna spend some time over at my place, so if you need to get ahold of him and he doesn't respond don't worry, he's over here. I didn't want him to be by himself right now.
K. alright. Thank you, I was really worried about him but I couldn't leave Rick alone.
H. How's Lilly?
K. My parents are taking care of her, she's okay.
H. alright, let me know if you or Rick need anything.
K. right back at ya. We'll get through this Humphrey. Eventually.
H. I know, it's just the waiting that hurts. I'll talk to you later alright?
K. sounds good, stay safe.
H. you too
Rick turned around to face me, making me look at him and put my phone away. I laid back down next to him, laying face to face now. Rick came closer and wrapped his hand around my shoulder, bringing me into a cuddle. I accepted and brought my hand behind his ear again. Our noses were pressed together, making our muzzles scrunch as we stared into each other's eyes.
"I love you Kate" Rick said, making me remember what he said at the funeral. His dad taught him how to love and take care of his family, and he would follow in his footsteps. He was going to take care of me. but I already knew that. I just found it sweet that he still thought of this even now.
"I love you too Rick" I said. Rick puckered his lips to kiss me, given that our noses were already touching, it didn't take much of a pucker to reach my lips. I kissed him back for a quick and soft peck as Rick held me.
"Please Kate… don't leave me" Rick said with a tear in his eye. "Don't ever leave me"
"I promise… I'll never leave you" I said, lifting my head to give him a peck on the forehead. He closed his eyes and relaxed and he felt my love wash over him. I think he would have fallen asleep, but he and myself heard my mom call us from downstairs. Rick whimpered again as he dug his face in the pillow again. "Rick… please eat" I begged.
"Kate… I don't want to" Rick said.
"Rick…" I replied simply, giving him a certain pleading stare. Rick's eyes looked up at me and then he sighed. Finally rolling off the bed and getting up. I stood up myself and followed him down the stairs where I saw a bowl on the dining room table just for Rick.
"Kate, when was the last time you ate?" mom asked. I didn't answer. I just stared. Mom sighed and got another bowl from the cabinet. As me and Rick sat down I noticed that mom had made some simple chicken noodle soup. She walked over with the bowl and placed it in front of me. She then brought the pot over and gave Rick and I a full bowl. It smelled and looked great, with carrots and chicken bits in there, and the steam coming off was just the cherry on top. "Want anything to drink you two?" mom asked.
"Coke?" Suggested. Mom nodded and put the pot back down on the stove, taking two cans of coke from the fridge and then placing them next to our bowls before taking a seat to the left of Rick. I say to the left of because he sat at the end of the table. I was to his right.
"I know it's not much, but you need at least something in you… now eat… your sister wouldn't want you to starve" She then turned to me. "Both of you," she added. Rick looked over at me and just stared. I made direct eye contact with him as I took a spoonful of soup and blew on it before slurping it up. "Rick" mom said, grabbing his attention. He looked over at the soup again and then finally, after all this time, ate something. It was a slow process, he took slow spoonful's but eventually did finish, never opening his can of coke. I ended up finishing my bowl as well as half of my can. Mom asked if we wanted more but Rick shook his head.
"Thanks" he said, before grabbing his bowl.
"I'll take it" mom said, grabbing it. Rick left the bowl there and went back upstairs, leaving me behind. "I'm glad he finally ate something," mom said, walking over into the kitchen. I followed her, grabbing another bowl full of the soup before heading back to the table where me and mom sat down again.
"I'm glad he ate something too. It was hard watching him not eat. And with all the alcohol and crying… he's been having really bad headaches" I explained.
"What about you? How's your head?" mom asked.
"It's been hurting, but probably nowhere near as bad as his" I answered, taking more spoonful's of soup.
"Yeah, I know you get the same way. You don't eat when you're really upset. So I'm glad that you both finally ate something. But how long were you going to go if you didn't come here?" mom asked. I shrugged.
"I don't know mom… I tried my best" I said.
"I know you did, but you're still so young, you shouldn't have to do your best with something like this. It just… it shouldn't happen, what matters is that you're here now" mom explained.
"We're gonna have to go back, get him some clothes… oh man, what are we gonna do with all the stuff in that house?" I asked. I took more spoonful's as mom gave her suggestions.
"Why don't you sell it? Or put it in storage?" mom said.
"I'll talk with him about it when it's time, right now he just… he needs time" I replied.
"Oh yeah, I wasn't saying to worry about it now. Lord knows it's still gonna be hard until everything settles down…" mom said. I went for another spoonful, realizing that I had finished half of the bowl before continuing. "I'll leave the soup on the stove in case you guys want more. Let me know if Rick wants to go get clothes or something. You and me can do it if he doesn't want to go back, but…" mom began.
"But what?" I asked.
"The house… what's he gonna do with the house?" mom asked. I froze. I hadn't thought about what would happen to that house.
"We'll discuss it when he starts to feel a bit like himself again" I said. Mom nodded and stood up.
"You're doing well by him, don't let one slip up pull you down. I love you okay?" mom said. I dropped the spoon to get up myself and hug her.
"I love you too mom" I said. Mom hugged me back and sighed.
"Excuse me please I just… I need a moment to myself" she said, walking away. I heard from down the hall the back door slid open and shut, leaving me by myself. I picked up my bowl and poured the rest in my mouth as I walked into the kitchen. I placed the bowl in the sink and then walked back through the dining room to get back up the stairs, grabbing the coke can on my way by. When I reached my bedroom I saw Rick laying down again, this time on his side of the bed. I walked over and sat down. It had been awhile since he slept in a bed.
"Why don't you get under the blankets?" I asked. Rick didn't say anything, he just did as I suggested and laid down facing me this time. I took off my jeans and got in the bed with him, cuddling him again. This time though he buried his face in my chest as I felt tears roll down his face and onto me, soaking in my fur as I scratched his ear again. He wasn't sobbing or full on crying, but tears were rolling down his face as he cuddled into me and eventually the two of us fell asleep.
