Disclaimer: Anything familiar belongs to JE. Thank you for letting us play.
Warning: Adult language, adult situations, tissues needed
Lester's POV
Today we say our final farewell to our friend, our brother, our boss, Carlos Manoso. Stephanie gave birth a week ago to a beautiful baby girl she named Rosa Estefania, after Carlos' abuela and herself. I know she was disappointed not to have a son, but I know my cousin would be thrilled. So far, she looks like Stephanie, down to her curly brown hair and blue eyes. We are all helping Beautiful, setting up the nursery and fitting the car seat into the cars. We even are changing diapers and watching Rosa so she can get some sleep, which she hasn't been able to since hearing about Carlos.
I've been staying in her apartment, sleeping on the couch, to make sure she's okay, and I hear her crying herself to sleep. I feel helpless, unable to comfort her. I am in love with Beautiful and have been for years, but now is not the time to make a move. We are both too distraught. My aunt and uncle agreed to bury Carlos in Arlington, and Beautiful gave her blessing. She knows it's an honor, even though she is sad she won't be able to visit him as often as she'd like.
We drove down, not wanting to take Baby Rosa on a plane, and are staying in a hotel in Washington, renting the penthouse suite for the Core Team, Stephanie and Rosa. This morning was difficult for Stephanie, with the reality of Carlos death finally hitting home. She's wearing a beautiful but tasteful black dress with her beloved FMPs, a hat with a veil to hide her swollen, red eyes. She doesn't know that Tia Maria and Tio Ricardo have arranged for her to receive Carlos' flag. In their eyes, she's their daughter-in-law, and they are happy to have their granddaughter so close by in Trenton as opposed to Miami. I'm riding with Stephanie, Rosa, Tank, Bobby, Abuela Rosa, Tia Maria, and Tio Ricardo to Arlington.
I gently knock on Stephanie's bedroom door. "Beautiful, it's time to go. Do you need help with Rosa?" I ask.
She opens the door, looking more frail and fragile than I have ever seen her. "Can you carry Rosa in her car seat? It's too heavy for me. I hope she won't be too hot."
It's May, but a warm day, at 75 degrees. The beautiful day is mocking our moods. I carefully lift the car seat, carrying the precious cargo down to the lobby and out the door to the waiting limo. Tio takes Rosa from me, locking the car seat firmly in place. I help Stephanie in before climbing in after her. She closes her eyes as we drive to the cemetery. Once there, I help her out, then get the stroller open for Rosa. Ella takes the baby, allowing me to escort Stephanie to the gravesite. Stephanie sees us, her Merry Men, in our dress uniforms for the first time. I feel her body tremble, and I place my arm around her waist, afraid she's going to collapse. We make it to the chairs, where I help her to sit. Tia Maria, Abuela Rosa, and Carlos' sisters all sit while then men stand behind them.
There are the three-volley shots from the rifle followed by the playing of taps. Finally, the General comes forward, presenting Stephanie with the folded flag saying, "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."
By this point, Stephanie is sobbing uncontrollably, holding the flag to her body, as if she's afraid to let go. The guests and soldiers there to honor Carlos throw their flowers onto his coffin first, then the Merry Men, finally his family. Stephanie looks to Ella, wanting Rosa. She takes her daughter in her arms and asks me to walk with her so she can say goodbye.
"My darling Carlos, this is your daughter, Rosa Estefania Manoso. She came into this world the day after you left. I promise to love her and support her as you did me. I will help her to fly. I will tell her about you, how wonderful you were and how much I loved you, and you loved me. Most of all, I will tell her how brave you were. I love you, Carlos, always and forever. I miss you and hope to be with you again someday. Goodbye, Batman." She tosses her two roses on the coffin and slowly turns. Ella takes the baby from her. A moment later, after touching the back of her neck with her hand, she collapses in my arms. I gently lift her, kissing her forehead, and carry her to the limo. Once I have her seated, Bobby comes over to assess her.
"She's too stressed. I think it'll be best if I sedate her."
"No, you can't. Steph's nursing. How will Rosa eat?" Tia Maria states.
Bobby sighs. "I guess your right. I hate that I can't help her."
"Things will be better, you'll see." Abuela Rosa replies.
A moment later, she starts stirring, mumbling in her sleep, "Carlos, where are you hiding? I know you're near. Why are you doing this to me?"
Bobby and I exchange dark looks. Carlos and Stephanie have always had a special connection, a sixth sense when it comes to each other. Carlos used to say he felt her, a tingle at the back of his neck, whenever she was near. I often saw her touch the back of her neck when Carlos would be near her. Could it be possible that he isn't dead?