A/N: Hey readers :)
DWTS finale tonight! #VoteForAmber
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
The next day, people dressed all in black began entering the 'Church of Holy Christ' in Fairfield Township.
Edna-Ruth expressed her wishes to have the service here, since it was not only the church that she'd been a proud member of for over 60 years, but because her own children had grown up attending Sunday-School at the church practically throughout their entire lives. This is also the church where the funeral service was held for Edna-Ruth's late husband and the father of her children, Leroy Geiger, Sr. She couldn't think of a better place to honor the memories of her family.
She looked at the three coffins arranged in a line just a few feet away and in front of the pulpit.
The Pastor Elwell Atworth made his way over to speak with his longtime friend. The 76-year old, biracial man gave a bright smile to Edna-Ruth before grabbing both of her hands and giving them a sweet kiss. "My dear, don't you look lovely today?" He said. "I'm glad to see you doing well. You know, I've been thinking a lot about you and your family. You've all been in my prayers, Sister Edna-Ruth."
She returned the smile. "Oh thank you. We appreciate it. Things have been getting better, and I'm sure it's because of all the prayers for us. We've been praying, ourselves. It seems like lately that's all any of us can do, but thankfully 'he' is there to listen." Edna-Ruth said.
"Amen to that, Sister. There's no such thing as 'Too Much' prayer. The Lord appreciates our communication with him."
"You're absolutely right." She said as Mercedes made her way over to them, Mr. Schue and the Glee club were with her.
"Hi grandma, I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Mercedes said.
Edna-Ruth kissed her granddaughter's cheek. "No, not at all, baby."
"Pastor Atworth, it's great to see you again." Mercedes said to the elderly man.
He smiled and reached out to give Mercedes a hug. "It's great to see you too, sweetheart." He looked at the face of the young lady he hadn't seen in years prior to her and her family moving to the neighboring community several months ago. "I still can't believe how fast time flies by. I remember when you were only this tall." He said as he bent down to put his hand at his knee. "And now look at you, graduating from high school soon." He said proudly.
Mercedes smiled. "Actually, speaking of high school, I wanted to introduce you both to a few people. This is my teacher and my guidance counselor, and these awesome people are my fellow club members, although we'll be getting some editions on Monday, so I'd recommend learning their names now so that there won't be any mix-ups later."
Edna-Ruth laughed. "Nice to meet you all," she said.
Mr. Schue reached out to shake Edna-Ruth's hand. "Will Schuester. The pleasure's mine."
Ms. Pillsbury smiled. "I'm Emma Pillsbury. We've heard so much about you. Thanks for having us here today."
"Thank you for coming. I hope the drive out here wasn't too much trouble." Edna-Ruth said as she and Emma shook hands as well.
"No, it was fine. You gave great directions. And this is a beautiful church." Emma said as she looked around.
Emma and Will shook the pastor's hand as well before he began speaking. "It's been around for almost a century. Although I'll be admitting my age, my father actually helped build it."
"Wow, now that's what I call fine craftsmanship." Mr. Schue said.
As the minutes passed, everyone got acquainted, including LJ, Marie and Roberta after they finished speaking to a few relatives.
Within the next half-hour, everyone arrived, including some members of the local press and reporters in affiliation with local area news programming.
The funeral was ready to officially begin.
Pastor Atworth walked up to the pulpit. "Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning." Everyone responded.
"I know that today is a very emotional day. You all might be feeling a large range of emotion. But it's important to remember that today is also a day to celebrate the lives of those that live on in our hearts, although they are no longer here physically. Alonzo, Alice and Melvin were extraordinary people." Pastor Atworth said.
"I've known Alice since before she was born, since I'd been friends with her parents for many years. I recited the vows at her parents' wedding, baptized her in addition to her siblings, taught them in Sunday-School, heard her sing in the church choir, and as history sometimes repeats itself, I had the honor of reciting the vows at her wedding to Melvin as well. She was an adorable, energetic, smart child and she grew up to become a sweet, funny, beautiful wife and mother. Much like her own mother, she was blessed with a wonderful family whom she loved with all her heart." He smiled as he looked at Mercedes and Edna-Ruth before continuing.
"Alonzo and Melvin were so much alike that most of the time I simply referred to them as 'the first' and 'the second.' They had a great 'father-son' bond. They were very strong and intelligent, but also very loving men, especially when it came to their family, a trait that must be hereditary." The pastor said, earning a chuckle from everyone.
"In my opinion, it's obvious that they wouldn't want us to grieve so much that we forget about the great times we shared, because there are many great times to be remembered, and those memories are what will get us through this tough time." The pastor said as the crowd clapped and shouted "Amen."
"Before we hear some wonderful musical selections, I'd like to take this time to lead a prayer. Could everyone please bow their heads?" He asked.
Everyone lowered their heads and the pastor began the prayer. "Dear Lord, we thank you for the blessings with which you've provided us, and pray that you continue guiding us throughout our journeys in life. We know that our friends, our family, our loved ones and your newest angels Alonzo, Alice and Melvin are safe with you. Lord, we also ask you to continue providing the Geiger/Jones family with the wisdom, strength and faith to get through this time of difficulty. We thank you for blessing us with Mercedes' presence and ask that you continue helping her heal both physically and emotionally. In your name, we pray. Amen."
"Amen," everyone else responded.
After a brief moment of silence, the pastor introduced the choir and they began standing as the choir director took her spot in front of them. She nodded to the organ player and he began playing the song's intro before the soloist began singing:
Soloist:
"I will lift my voice
and I will sing,
I will sing-"
Choir:
"-holy, holy."
Soloist:
"To my Lord and Savior,
my God and King,
I will sing-"
Choir:
"-holy."
Soloist:
"I will sing-"
Choir:
"-holy."
Everyone:
"I will praise the lamb of God
who sits upon the throne.
I will worship Him
and give the praise to Him alone."
Soloist:
"Yes."
Choir:
"He who was and is and is to come,
I will sing before his throne
forever, forever."
Soloist:
"All the angels sing and they bow down,
and they sing-"
Choir:
"-holy."
Soloist:
"Hallelujah."
Choir:
"Holy."
Soloist:
"We, your sons and daughters,
we praise you now
and we cry-"
Choir:
"-holy."
Soloist:
"Yes we cry-"
Choir:
"-holy."
Everyone:
"I will praise the lamb of God
who sits upon the throne.
I will worship Him-"
Choir:
"-and give the praise to Him alone.
He who was and is and is to come
I will sing before His throne-"
Everyone:
"-forever, forever."
Soloist:
"Holy, I say holy
holy, yes holy.
Everybody raise your voice and say-"
Choir:
"-holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy."
Soloist:
"You're holy, holy
holy Lord God, holy.
Somebody join and sing-"
Choir:
"-holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy
holy, holy."
The choir finished the song and the crowd applauded.
The singers took their seats as the pastor came back to the pulpit. He smiled and addressed the group. "Excellent. You all did a great job," he said before addressing everyone else. "We have some special guests with us today. As most of you know by now, Mercedes is a member of McKinley High School's glee club. They're called the 'New Directions' and they're here to sing a song for us. Come on up here guys and gals."
Mr. Schue and the kids got up from their seats and stood in front of the pulpit. Mr. Schue went over to speak to the organ player.
After they finished talking, Mr. Schue came back to stand with the others before he spoke. "Hi, everyone. Before we get started, we'd like to take a moment to dedicate this performance to Mercedes and her family. I'm Mercedes' teacher, and as an educator who's had the pleasure to teach hundreds of children, I can honestly say that Mercedes is a rare treat. We like to consider ourselves to be a family of our own as a glee club group, and she's made our 'New Directions' family even better. We wanted to sing a song that expresses just how we feel during this time."
Mercedes smiled as the organ player began again.
Mr. Schuester:
"Sometimes in our lives
we all have pain,
we all have sorrow."
Mr. Schuester sang directly to Mercedes and her family as he came to stand in front of them.
"But if we are wise,
we know that there's
always tomorrow."
Kurt:
"Lean on me, when you're not strong,
and I'll be your friend.
I'll help you carry on."
Kurt walked over to stand in front of Mercedes. He grabbed her hand and continued.
"For it won't be long
'til I'm going to need
somebody to lean on."
Tina:
"Please swallow your pride
if I have things
you need to borrow."
Tina stood next to Kurt. She smiled and affectionately rubbed Mercedes' cheek with her thumb.
"For no one can fill
those of your needs,
that you won't let show."
Artie rolled over to be in front of LJ.
Artie:
"You just call on me brother
when you need a hand.
We all need somebody to lean on."
LJ smiled. He gave Artie a high-five as the boy continued.
"I just might have a problem
that you'll understand.
We all need somebody to lean on."
Rachel:
"Lean on me, when you're not strong,
and I'll be your friend.
I'll help you carry on."
Rachel stood in front of Edna-Ruth as she continued. She and the older woman exchanged smiles.
"For it won't be long
'til I'm going to need
somebody to lean on."
Blaine stood between Artie and Rachel as he directed his portion of the song back to LJ.
Blaine:
"You just call on me brother
when you need a hand.
We all need somebody to lean on."
"I just might have a problem
that you'll understand.
We all need somebody to lean on."
LJ started to clap in time with the music as some of the other members of the church sang along with the group.
Everyone:
"If there is a load
you have to bear,
that you can't carry,
I'm right up the road.
I'll share your load
if you just call me."
Everyone:
"Call me."
Mr. Schuester:
"If you need a friend-"
Everyone:
"-call me,
call me,
call me."
Mr. Schuester:
"If you need a friend-"
Everyone:
"-call me."
Mr. Schuester:
"If you ever need a friend-"
Everyone:
"-call me,
call me,
call me,
call me."
"Call me,
call me,
call me,
call me."
Mr. Schuester:
"If you need a friend-"
Everyone:
"-call me."
"Call me,
call me,
call me,
call me."
"Call me,
call me,
call me,
call me."
The song ended and the church crowd cheered.
Mr. Schue and the group smiled and took a bow before they gave Mercedes and her relatives hugs, and then they sat down.
Pastor Atworth stood behind the pulpit. "Wasn't that great, everyone? Wow, they're certainly a very talented group of kids, with a very talented coach."
The pastor looked at Mercedes with a hopeful expression. "Before we move on, I was hoping we'd finish with a musical selection from Mercedes."
Mercedes did not expect the request. Her eyes widened and she was momentarily speechless, scrambling to think of something to say.
"Come on now, girl. It's been a while since we've heard that lovely voice of yours," the pastor said.
Edna-Ruth smiled and rubbed Mercedes' arm as others began clapping in encouragement.
Mercedes took a deep breath and stood up before walking up the few, small stairs and towards the pulpit.
Pastor Atworth adjusted the microphone so Mercedes was able to reach it, then he sat down.
Mercedes smiled out towards the crowd. "Hello, everyone. I don't have anything prepared because I wasn't expecting to sing today, but as most of you know, Pastor Atworth is full of surprises." She said as she looked at the elderly man as he chuckled. She continued. "Well, I guess I'll just sing a song that's not only a classic, but the song that my mom, my dad, my brother and I loved to sing together." She chuckled. "It's actually the first song I ever learned to sing. My mom taught it to me when I was really young." She smiled as she remembered that day. "As you can imagine, this song takes on even greater meaning for me now."
Edna-Ruth and the rest of the family smiled. They knew exactly what song Mercedes was talking about.
Mercedes detached the microphone and came from behind the pulpit to stand directly in the center of the raised, stage area. She began singing.
Mercedes:
"Amazing grace.
How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found.
Was blind, but now I see."
Mercedes looked out at the crowd.
"'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed."
She saw the pastor's smiling face.
"Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come,
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home."
Mercedes saw her grandmother nodding her head in time to the beat of the song, a look of pride on her face as Mercedes continued.
"The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures."
Memories of her family began resurfacing in her mind.
She thought about Alonzo, how goofy yet serious he was. He had the power to make anyone laugh, especially Mercedes which he'd been able to do since he was little and she was a baby, whether he was making silly faces at her or kissing sloppily all over her face. However, he was also a 'no-nonsense' kind of guy when it came to his sister. Alonzo moved away from home for college around the same time that Mercedes first began entering the typical, pre-teen, 'new crush every week, all I can think about is boys'-phase. When their parents told her that she wasn't allowed to go out on a date with a boy she'd met just a few days earlier, Mercedes swore they were being unfair and called Alonzo to ask him about it. He'd told her that although it might seem extreme, he thought that they made the right decision since they didn't even know the boy. Looking back, Mercedes realized how her brother was always able to explain things to her in a way that allowed her to see things from a different perspective.
Mercedes:
"Yeah, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace."
She thought about her parents. Her father was one of the greatest men she knew. He was hard-working and a great provider, but above all else he was a loving husband and father. His family helped him discover a different side of himself. Melvin didn't have much family around as a child, being raised by a single mother and moving from place to place. He had to grow up fast, and as a result he developed a bit of a 'tough exterior.' It wasn't until he met Alice that he finally developed a more sensitive side, which only increased after they were married and had the kids. His family captured a part of his heart that he didn't know existed. Obviously, Alice acquired her loving nature as a result of her own upbringing. Getting married and having children were always part of her plan, and she couldn't have been happier. Her family was her world.
A few tears fell from Mercedes' eyes as she finished the song.
"When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we first begun."
Several hours later, Sam was in his room trying to complete his homework. He didn't want to stress, since the assignments were due on Monday and he still had Sunday to get things done, but he knew that he needed to manage his time wisely. He was finished with his English assignment, and now he was focused on Math.
He sighed and put down his calculator before getting out of his desk chair. He was hungry since he'd been too busy working on the assignments to have lunch, and immediately after he stood up and stretched, his stomach began growling. Sam decided to take a break a get something to eat.
He opened his bedroom door, walked through the hallway and down the stairs.
Paul was watching TV in the living room, while Nancy was vacuuming in the dining room and Stevie and Stacey were playing video games in the family room. Sam went into the kitchen and got out everything he'd need to make a turkey sandwich.
As he began preparing his food, Paul spoke to him from the living room. "How's your homework coming along, son? Are you having any trouble with your assignments?" Paul asked.
Sam shook his head. "No, things are going pretty well so far. I don't have too much left to do, but I want to get most of it done today."
As Sam poured some chips onto his plate, Stevie and Stacey came running into the living room as she chased him.
"Hey, slow down, you two." Nancy called out to the children. She turned her attention to Sam. "It's great that things are going well for you, honey. But make sure to ask for help if you do have any problems."
"Yeah, I will." Sam said as he sat down at the table.
He heard the TV from the dining room. He assumed his father must have turned to the news because he heard the end of a segment about the Memorial Service for Mercedes' relatives.
Sam rushed into the living room.
"Hey Sam, you know her right? This girl 'Mercedes'?" Stevie asked from the floor as he sat between the coffee table and the couch.
Sam nodded. "Yeah, I do."
Stacey was seated in her father's lap. "Did her mommy and daddy really go to heaven?" She asked sadly.
Sam looked at her. "Yeah, Stace. They passed away." He said as he rubbed her hair.
"Her brother too," Stevie said. "They've been saying on the news that their whole van like rolled down a hill or something. I bet there was blood everywhere with an accident like that."
"Steven, that's enough." Paul said before addressing Stacey. "But the good thing is she's alright. Okay, sweetie?"
Stacey nodded and Paul smiled.
"Yeah Stacey, she's alright. I even saw her in school yesterday." Sam said.
"Really?" Stacey asked hopefully.
"Yeah, I think she's coming back soon. So don't be sad, okay?" Sam asked.
Stacey nodded.
Nancy sat down next to her husband and Stacey crawled into her lap.
"Mommy, can you help me make a card? I want to make a card for Sam to take to his friend."
Stevie nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea. I want to make a card for her too."
Nancy smiled. "Sure, we'll make them tonight, okay?"
The children nodded their heads.
Sam smiled as well before returning to the dining room to finish eating.
A/N: Songs used in this chapter:
"Holy" by Donnie McClurkin
"Lean On Me" by Bill Withers
"Amazing Grace" (written by John Newton)
The next update is coming soon. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving!