Author Notes: Sorry it's taken me so long to update this story.
Thanks to Ms. S. E. Hammond for reminding me about this story, don't worry, I wouldn't let anyone stop me from writing it, I was just being lazy! But I hope to continue and complete this story soon. Sorry it's not the longest chapter, others should be longer, I hope.

I hope you enjoy...

Disclaimer: I do not own the Sisterhood, Christmas present anyone?

Chapter Three - The Funeral

"Why are you going to the funeral again?" Tibby asked, as Carmen, Lena and I sat opposite her around the kitchen table. Jane had gone to bed early, having had a rough day, full of grief.

"She's my friend. You know, like you guys." I muttered.

"She's not like us, you've not known her your whole life." Tibby defended. I tried to smile at her obvious jealousy, but instead I stood up quickly, letting the chair fall to the floor behind me.

"I have other friends Tibby, I might not have known them as long as you three, but they are still important to me." I knew I should have stopped, but I was too mad. "Jane's dad has died, I'm there for her, just like I was there for you when your brother and sister were born, or Carmen when her dad left, or Lena when Kostos got that girl pregnant. If you have a problem with her, that's your business, but I will not justify myself to you. Any of you."

"We're not here to judge Bee." Carmen assured me. I smiled, calming slightly.

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Tibs, have you got anything to say?" Carmen asked, hoping for a reconciliation.

"I'm sorry too." she mumbled, somewhat sarcastically.

I ignored her mood and picked up the chair, before saying goodnight.

-

"I'm here if you need me." I told Jane as we sat in the taxi from the airport. Jane's family originated from Salem, Massachusetts. We got a flight there the morning before the funeral, then got some lunch and headed to her parents home. Jane smiled, allowing me to squeeze her hand in comfort.

"Thank you."

"I can hold you when you cry, right?" I asked, knowing her mom knew about our relationship.

"Sure. But no kisses. My mom and brother are fine with the gay thing, but my grandparents are traditional Catholics, I would tell them, but they're both so fragile."

"Kisses are for private only. Got it." I smiled, kissing her cheek.

The car pulled up outside the house and we climbed out, I held onto Jane's hand as we waited for the door to open. A tall, beautiful woman, almost identical to Jane opened the door and before I knew what was happening, I was being pulled into her arms and welcomed into her home. I knew the situation wasn't easy, but Jane's family were so kind and warm.

-

"Rough day, eh?" I whispered, my arms wrapped around Jane's shoulders. She simply nodded. I kissed the top of her head and gave her an additional squeeze. Eventually I could feel Jane's body shaking as the tears started to fall.

"I was wondering when this would start, since you barely cried at the funeral."

It took a while, but she finally answered me. "I guess I just needed to be somewhere where I could be myself to let myself cry."