5. Funeral

Skye

The days that followed passed in a blur of activity. Eddie and I spent our days preparing for Sid's home going celebration, and getting the house ready for the Cullen's arrival in New Orleans. Our nights we spent wrapped around one another, making love, and reminiscing about the great memories we'd made in New Orleans. It was those nights that got me through the days. Edward's love made me stronger. He was the only reason I hadn't curled into a ball and refused to leave the bed.

Today was the day. I hated funerals. I had been to entirely too many. And if it weren't for Sidney, I'd probably have skipped out on this one. I sat on the chaise and ran my hands through my hair. Would this week ever end? The house was full, the kids were sad, and I was on edge. I felt ready to explode at any moment. I sighed, took a deep breath and tried to block everything out and just clear my head.

There was a knock on the door interrupting my thoughts so I put my game face on.

"Come in." I said sitting a little straighter.

The door opened slowly and Indie stuck her head in; her dark curls falling over her shoulder. She really was a pretty woman. She had striking features like, high sculptured cheekbones, sun kissed, dark copper colored skin, a small pointy nose and light brown eyes. Her lips were full and her chin and jaw small and feminine. She was thick on the bottom, with wide hips, thick toned thighs, and a very generous backside. My brother was an ass man so it didn't matter to him that up top, she was tiny in the waist with just a handful of breasts.

"Sis, how ya goin' gal?" she asked.

I smiled a little. I'm sure it looked faked but it was all I could muster.

"That good, huh?" She hugged me. "Don't cha worry gal, tings gon' be irie."

I loved that Indie was family now. We'd been friends a long time and it just felt right. We'd met freshman year of my very last bout of high school. I was new to the school, she was new to this country, and we just clicked.

She and PJ had messed around a little after he graduated but it was never anything serious. It was an off and on thing until his breakup with Kelly, the nurse I hired for Sid. After that mess he and Indie started hooking up again. They've been together ever since. She was even cool with our little family secret. We told her together about five years ago on one of their trips to Oregon and she took it pretty well saying she'd always thought something was different about us. Shortly after that, PJ realized that it took a special person to deal with what he'd thrown in her lap. He knew then that Indie was the one.

Their wedding was in the garden at my grandparents mansion in Baton Rouge. I was her matron of honor and Eddie was PJ's best man. It was really beautiful.

"I really hate funerals." I told her.

"Who doesn't chile." She stoked my hair. "Come now, Eddie sent me fa ya. The cars are here to take us ova dere."

I stood up slowly and straighten my skirt. It was a black, knee length, pencil skirt that fit like a glove. It accentuated all my curves. I wore a short fitted jacket with a black, French lace bustier underneath that Eddie bought me on his last trip to Paris. Classic black Christian Louboutin pumps, a black wide brimmed hat and my black Gucci sunglasses completed the look.

I picked Etienne up from the bassinet and put him to my shoulder as I rubbed the sleeping baby's back.

"He's a handsome likkle devil. You and Eddie make pretty babies, gal."

"Thanks, Indie." I smiled at her. "It's about that time for you and PJ too, right?"

"You sound like ya brother. These days it's all he talks about ya know."

"We come from a big family, you know that. Don't let him pressure you though. You do it when you're ready."

"I know and I haven't let him." She shook her head and took my free hand. "But I think I'm ready. I stopped taking my birth control a few days ago. Ya canna tell Red. I want to surprise him."

"I won't, but you know he will see it sooner or later, don't you?"

"No him won't. He doesn't read me unless I ask em to." She smiled.

I smiled back.

"You'll need to come stay with Eddie and I when it happens so we can help you."

"I know… I know… Ya grand mama and auntie already told me everyting."

"I'm serious Indie, my pregnancies were a cake walk compared to what yours will be. You're one hundred percent human."

"Sounds like ya tryna talk me out of it."

"No, I just want you to be prepared for all the possible outcomes."

"I am. Red and I have discussed it. All of it. I love Red. I wanna give dis to him. And I want to be with him forever." She rubbed Stevie's back.

I nodded.

"Okay. As long as you're sure."

"I am."

"My brother is so lucky to have you."

"Thank you."

I nodded. "We better go. Everyone's waiting for us."

0~~~~~~~~~0

I watched the people filing into the cemetery, or what we down here in N'awlins call the 'city of the dead', for what most would call the burial. You see, because we're below sea level and have a high water table, we put most of our dead above ground in crypts or tombs. You dig too deep here and your loved one will be floating in a watery grave.

I put on my sunglasses to block out the glare that all the white tombs cast off in the bright sunlight. Once my eyes were shielded, I took in the constantly growing crowd. It seemed that everyone who ever came to Sid's Bar was here today. We hadn't expected so many people to show up, so the five rows of wooden folding chairs filled quickly. Edward and the other men in my family had gladly given up their chairs for the women and elderly folk coming in.

I sat and listen to the preacher's words but I was beyond hearing him. I was lost in my own memories and thoughts of Sid. I was holding it together fairly well until he called me up to sing. I took a deep breath and Eddie helped me up. After releasing Stevie's tiny hand from my hair I handed to him Edward.

He kissed me softly while cupping my chin.

"You can do this. He would've loved to hear you one last time," he whispered.

I nodded and the tears got heavier. He wiped a few that escaped and kissed me again before handing me his handkerchief.

"Go on…" he encouraged.

I walked to the front and stood by Sid's coffin. I took in the crowd quickly, and then looked to my family. Jazz had both twins pressed into his sides. He was soothing them by running his hands through their wild curls. My dad had Lisette in his arms. He was patting her bottom as she wept in his neck. Eddie was rocking Stevie who had fallen asleep while I'd held him. Everyone else was stoic.

I ran my hand over the smooth, shiny, black lacquer. He would be so pissed if he knew how much we paid for it.

I could hear him now…

"Just burn me and feed me to the gators, cher. Don't make a fuss."

I smiled and shook my head. There was no way in hell I was feeding him to the damn gators.

"That sounds like him." Eddie interrupted my thoughts.

I looked up at him and he winked. He was still holding me together. I smiled sadly at him then cleared my throat.

"Umm… First, I just wanna thank y'all for coming out today. My words will be brief. Those of you who knew Sidney understand why."

The crowd laughed quietly.

"So, in not trying to make a fuss. I just wanted to say that I loved Sidney LeBeau. He was one of the most kind, and gentle men that I've ever known. And seeing all y'all here today proves this. He was…is loved, and he will truly be missed. Je t'aime, et adieu mon ami." (I love you, and farewell my friend.)

"Adieu!" (Farewell!) the crowd said in unison.

"This is for you, Sid," I murmured and began to sing Mahalia Jackson's, 'Trouble of the World'.

I watched the crowd breakdown as I sang. Even my Grandpere's head hung low. I was watching Eddie as I sang, drawing my strength from him, when he suddenly went stiff. Jazz's head turned toward him and he touched Eddie's shoulder.

"Relax," he said to him silently.

Eddie nodded stiffly then smiled at me, letting me know everything was fine.

As I neared the end of the song, I noticed the crowd shifting and it gained my attention. Stepping to the front was Chevalier. I hadn't seen him since I kicked him out my cottage seven years ago.

I finished the song closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. I blew Sid a kiss then walked to Eddie. I felt Chevy's eyes burning a hole in me the entire way. Eddie wrapped his arm around me and kissed me softly.

"That was beautiful, mon amour. Sidney would be proud."

"Merci (Thanks)." I kissed him back.

My brother walked to the front and announced that food would be served at Sid's Bar for those interested. Deena's had catered for us and the band would be there playing. We prepared a proper send off for Sidney. Drinks, food, music and fun. He would've wanted it that way.

I watched as Chevy went to Sid's coffin to pay his respects. Eddie took my hand and started to lead me toward the limo's.

"Angelique…" he called for me after clearing his throat.

Eddie's hand tightened on mine. I gave his a squeeze then stopped and turned to face Chevy.

"Chevalier," I addressed him.

"Damn girl, you still got it. You sounded great." He smiled.

I smiled back. "Thanks."

He nodded.

"You're welcome. But come on. You know you bad. Nobody round these parts sings like you."

I nodded and blushed.

There was a small silence before he spoke again.

"I'm...I'm really sorry about Sid. I know how much you loved him and I'm truly sorry for your loss."

"I'm sorry for yours too, Chev." I knew he loved Sid just as much as I did.

"Thanks."

"So how'd you find out? Did your mom call you?" I asked.

"Yeah, but PJ had already called me. I make sure he always has current contact numbers for me. Just in case."

In case of what I wondered but didn't ask. I just nodded.

"So, you coming to Sid's?"

He shrugged and looked at Eddie and Etienne.

"I don't think that's such a good idea," he said finally.

I looked at Eddie, who in turn, looked down at me.

"Be nice, he loved Sid too."

He nodded and I reached up to kiss him. He kissed me back but his gaze drifted toward Chevy.

"I love you." I told him.

He grunted his response like a caveman.

I turned back to Chevy.

"It's okay. At least come grab a plate. Deena cooked everything," I said.

I knew it was hard for Chevy to turn down a good meal.

"Alright." He agreed.

0~~~~~~~~~~0

Things were a little awkward at Sid's. Chevy kept looking at me and Eddie wouldn't let me out of his sight. It was a little annoying but I couldn't find it in myself to care. I left the crowd and moved to a booth in the very back of the bar to watch people, and to feed and change Stevie.

Chevy finally worked up the nerve to approach me after I put Stevie to sleep. He walked slow like he was giving me the opportunity to run away if I wanted to. He sat across from me and I saw out the corner of my eye Em placing a hand on Eddie's chest and shaking his head. He whispered something to him and Eddie nodded his head.

"So, are all those kids yours?" he asked pulling my attention from Em and Eddie.

I laughed.

"Yes."

"You've been busy," he said raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I guess I have." I smiled.

"They're really cute kids, Angel. And very well behaved."

"Thank you, but don't let them fool you. They're nothing like this at home…trust me."

He laughed.

"Are they...you know...like him and your dad?"

I nodded. "They are their father's children."

"Hum." Was all he said.

"What about you? You have any kids yet?" I changed the subject.

He looked away then shook his head.

"Nope, I would need a wife first. Or at the very least a woman that's mother material. I can't seem to find another woman who measures up to my standards."

"I see." Was all I said. I wasn't going to go there with him.

"So, how have you been? You ever finish med school?" he asked.

"I've been well, and yes, I'm a doctor now."

"That's great, Angel. I knew you would do it. You're a triple threat. Smart, beautiful and talented."

"Awww... thanks." I laughed.

He laughed then looked toward the bar and became silent. I took the opportunity to really look at him. He looked the same except for a few laugh lines around his eyes. He didn't look thirty at all. He just looked more…distinguished. And he acted that way as well. His whole demeanor was different.

"It feels weird in here without him," he said softly.

I looked over at the bar and sighed.

"Tell me about. I keep waiting for him to call me over and order me to go sing for him."

"He was a bossy, stubborn, son of a bitch wasn't he?"

"Yes…yes he was." I chuckled.

"I'm gonna miss the ole coot."

"Me too, Chev. Me too."

"But hey, we had some good times here with him, right?"

"We definitely did." I smiled.

"I miss those days. We didn't have a care in the world, did we? If only we could go back. There are so many things I'd like to do differently," he sighed and I looked away.

Silence.

"So, how long you in town for?" He asked taking a sip of his bourbon.

"I don't really know. I got a letter from Sid's lawyer about the reading of his will. It's tomorrow, so I'll probably leave after that."

"I got one too. It came to my mom's place. Who knew Sid even had a lawyer." He sipped again.

"I did, but I always assumed it was just for show and protecting himself from getting sued if one of the patrons busted their ass after having one too many."

"Hmm… Seems that Sid was just full of surprises. You are to actually." He watched me.

"Me, why do you say that?"

"I don't know. I guess because I'm here."

"It's what Sid would've wanted."

"You think so?"

"I do." I looked down at Stevie, who was asleep in his carrier.

"And what about you? Did you want me here?"

I looked at him.

"What does it matter what I want?"

"It matters to me. I just feel sometimes that I've ruined everything with you. I mean you haven't spoken to me in years and you were really upset with me the last time I saw you. I want to make sure that I haven't completely ruined things with us."

I sighed not knowing how to answer him.

"I'm glad you're here, Chevy. You belong here with PJ and I. The three of us shut this bar down many a nights. It wouldn't have been the same without you. And no you haven't completely ruined things with us. We'll always be friends."

He looked down. I don't think that's what he wanted to hear.

"Well I'm really glad I got to see and hear you again." He stood and my eyes followed him up.

"It was good seeing you too. I'm glad all is well for you."

"Well thanks, but it's not as good as it would have been, should have been."

He looked down at me and our eyes met.

"Don't..." I warned.

"Are you happy? Truly happy with him? I have to know." He interrupted.

I didn't turn away from his gaze.

"Yes, I love him." I smiled.

"More than you love..."

"Let's go," Eddie said grabbing Stevie's carrier. I didn't even see him walking over here.

"Edward?"

"I'm ready to go home," he said again.

"We were talki..."

"Yes I heard. We're leaving...now!" He growled low.

I stood up and he grabbed the diaper bag. He looked at Chevy and I could tell he was three seconds from ripping his head off.

"Tomorrow then," Chevy said looking from Eddie to me.

When would he learn? Did he have a death wish?

Edward's eyes turned pitch black and he started to step toward Chevy.

I quickly jumped in front of him placing my hand on his chest.

"You are holding our son and there is a room full of people watching us." I reminded him.

He stopped, took a deep breath and looked down at me. His eyes changing back right before my eyes.

"I'm coming. We're leaving, okay?"

He nodded slightly and headed toward the door.

I was turning to say goodbye when he called, "Angelique!"

I rolled my eyes and followed behind him retrieving Lisette and the boys from my dad on my way toward the door as everyone in the bar watched and whispered.

0~~~~~~~~~~0

The ride home was a quiet one. The quiet before the storm I thought. The kids had all fallen asleep in the car so I waited in our bedroom patiently for Eddie to put them to bed. I was standing naked in the mirror brushing my hair out when he entered the room. His eyes ghosted over my body and he murmured something about not fighting fair. He steeled himself and I waited for what I knew was coming.

"You will stay away from him," he said calmly.

I rolled my eyes. "Was that an order?"

"I'm not fucking kidding, Angelique."

"Careful, your green eyed little friend is resurfacing." I warned.

"You heard what I said." He growled.

"What is your problem with Chevy?"

"You mean besides the fact that he's a cocky motherfucker and he wants you?"

"God Edward, that's ancient history. He's ancient history."

"It's not!" He shouted quietly.

"It is for me!"

"But it's not for him. He's still in love with you, Skye!" he shouted louder, looking at me in the mirror.

I turned to face him.

"I know that..." I said quietly.

He threw his hands up. "You know. That's it? You know!"

"What do you want me to do, Edward? Tell him not to love me. How do you make someone fall out of love with you? Tell me damn it and I'll do it!"

"I told you what I want you to do. Stay. Away. From. Him."

"Because that'll make him stop loving me." I said sarcastically. "Hell, he hasn't seen me in seven years and it hasn't changed. You know our history. You have to be more understanding..."

"You're shitting me, right?"

"No, he hasn't found our kind of love yet and the only woman that he's ever truly loved was me. Unfortunately it took a lot of other women before he finally figured that out."

"Exactly, and he lost his chance so why should I be..."

I put my finger to his lips to stop him.

"Because it's the right thing to do. He's had a rough go at it these last seven years."

"He's done it to himself. He wants something he can't have. He's holding on to a married woman! My woman. That's very dangerous for him."

"It doesn't matter what he wants." I stepped to him and pressed my nakedness against him.

He looked down at me. His eyes taking in all of me.

"Really…and why's that?"

"Because I love you, that's why. I only want you, and there's no way Chevy can change my mind about that." I stroked his face.

"Is that right?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes, so please behave."

"I'll try. But you have to show me just how much I mean to you. Make me a believer," he said as he ran his thumb over my lips.

I smiled then slipped off his suit jacket and unbuckled his belt and pants. They fell to the floor and he stepped out of them. I dropped to my knees and pulled his boxers down slowly. His cock literally sprang forward when I freed it from the elastic band of the boxers. I admired it for a second then looked up at Edward. His eyes were black and he was watching my every move. I slowly licked up the protrusion on the underside and kissed the tip as we stared each other down, our gaze never breaking. His breathing increased as he tangled his hand in my hair. I loved it when he pulled my hair. His grip tightening as I took him into my mouth fully and proceed to show him that he was the only man in my world.

Edward

I was going to pluck his damn eyes out if he looked at Skye's legs or tits one more time. I told her not to wear that damn dress. It was too short and revealed way too much. I shook my head and looked over at her. She looked back at me, smiled, then took my hand. I watched from the corner of my eye as Chevy shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Either I made him nervous or he wasn't too happy with the affection Skye was giving me. Either one was good for me.

"Was everything okay after you left last night? He seemed a little ticked." He asked her in his head.

She nodded.

"You sure? If he hurt you Angel…"

I stood and he jumped up as well. Skye stood between us quickly.

"Edward, you promised!" She placed her hand on my chest quickly.

"Quit talking to my wife!" I growled.

"I didn't say anything to her." He responded.

"Maybe not out loud you didn't."

Chevy looked at me then at Skye.

"He can hear me?" he asked.

"Yes. Eddie's like me."

"Why the hell didn't you tell me that before?" He yelled.

"I didn't think it was important. You guard your thoughts so well around me."

He shook his head and held up his hand as he realized his mistake.

He hadn't been guarding his thoughts last night because he knew Skye wouldn't be listening at the funeral or at Sid's. She hated crowds, and he knew that. But I was listening, and from the moment he drove up to the cemetery he was focused on her. He'd come, hoping to find her there without me. There wasn't a second that he wasn't aware of her. His mind and thoughts were always focused on her.

He could tell she was hurting and plenty of times he wished that he could be the one holding her, comforting her, but I never let her out of my sight. It upset me that even after all these years, he knew her moods, body language and nervous habits.

As soon as I saw him sit down with her I was headed over to tell him to move the fuck on, but Em told me to chill out and not cause a scene. I did, but I started to simmer when he began asking her all those questions about our children. I'd given her what he couldn't and it was burning him up on the inside. The last straw was when he decided in his head that he wanted her, kids and all. I was already headed their way when he asked her if she was truly happy with me. He didn't believe that she could be. That really pissed me off.

"Angelique, if I'd known… Oh hell, never mind." He rolled his eyes and sat down.

Of course now he knew, that I knew, he was only at the funeral for her.

"Where's the damn lawyer?" He huffed.

And just as if he spoken him up, the lawyer walked into the office.

"Hello everyone, I'm Shane McIntyre, Mr. LeBeau's attorney." He stood before Skye and admired her. I wondered if I'd every meet a male of any species who wasn't taken by her beauty. "You must be Angelique Masen-Cullen. Sidney spoke of you often. He was very fond of you. I'm sorry we had to meet this way." He kissed her hand.

"I am too, Mr. McIntyre. This is my husband, Edward."

I shook his hand.

"Please, just call me Shane."

We both nodded.

"And you are Mr. Chevalier Lightfoot?" He looked at Chevy.

Chevalier nodded.

"That's an interesting name."

"Yes it is, but I have an interesting pedigree." He shrugged.

Mr. McIntyre smiled.

"Don't we all now days. Please, have a seat," he said sitting behind the large wood desk. "We are missing someone…"

And just like that PJ stepped through the door.

"Mr. Pierre Moreau, I assume?"

"Oui, Monsieur. Sorry I'm late." He kissed Skye quickly. "Hey, sis."

Then he shook my and Chevy's hands.

"No worries. Everyone that needs to be here, is now." He gestured to the chairs again.

Skye and I sat down in the plush leather chairs.

"So, I'll get right to it then." He opened the file. "Sidney lived his life simply. He had very few things and he basically split them between the three of you."

Skye and Chevy looked at each other.

"He left his house on the bayou to you, Mr. Moreau. He says you'd enjoy it the most because you liked fishing from his deck with him and your nephews."

PJ smiled and nodded.

"He left all his money to you, Mr. Lightfoot. A sum of three hundred thousand dollars."

"What? Seriously?" Chevy sat up.

"Yes, it was his life savings," the attorney said.

"Oh god, Sid…" he shook his head in disbelief.

"Now for his most prized possession…Sid's Bar. It's worth at least a half a million, believe it or not, maybe more now. Location is everything here. And it's prime real-estate." He smiled. "That he left to both of you with an eighty, twenty split, Mrs. Masen being the majority share holder. He says you both love the place and that you would both care for it and not let it be run into the ground. Because of that he couldn't decide who'd be better suited to run it. But since you got the money, he gave her controlling interest."

They looked at each other again.

"Wait a minute. Are you saying that we're partners?" Skye asked.

"Well technically, you're the boss. But Mr. Lightfoot is a partner since he is the only other share holder. One of you could always buy out the other if that's going to be a problem." He shrugged.

"Great…" they both said and looked at each other.

Of course Skye wanted to keep the bar. It meant a lot to her. And Chevy wouldn't sell because it meant that he would now have consistent contact with Skye.

"Chevy, Eddie and I will buy you out." Skye started.

"Oh, I'm not selling." He stated.

"We'll give you more than it's worth." She looked at me and I nodded.

If she wanted the place, she would have it.

"That's impossible. It means more to me than money." He looked at me and I caught the double meaning in his words and sneered. "Let me buy you out." He looked at Skye again smirking.

"You can't afford it," she said. "And even if you could you know that I won't sell. Sid's means a lot to me. I met Eddie there and…"

"Is that why you want it? For some stupid nostalgia?" That pissed him off.

"Isn't that why you want it? Because of the memories there. I practically grew up in that bar."

"I know that, Angel! I was there with you, remember. I have just as many memories tied up in Sid's as you do."

All at once his memories flooded his head, and all of them were about my wife. The first time she sang on stage. Their first kiss. Them dancing together. Him…fucking her in the bathroom against the door and her screaming his name.

I growled and sat forward looking at him. He smirked.

"Stay the fuck outta my head if you can't handle what you'll find cause there's plenty more where that came from. That thing that she does with her tongue. I taught her that."

I jumped up and grabbed for his neck. He jumped up, knocked my hand away and stood his ground. Skye tried to jump in between us but was too slow so PJ grabbed me from behind before I could go after him again. It had all happen so fast that Shane only caught the tail end of it.

"Whoa, is everything alright?" He asked standing slowly and looking between Chevy and I.

"Everything's fine." Skye assured him.

She looked at me.

"Damn it! Stop it Edward!" She yelled at me in her head.

I shook PJ off and nodded at her.

"How much do you want?" I asked with a growl. "Name your price."

"I told you. I'm not selling." He smiled. "Looks like you and I are stuck together." He smiled at Skye and she sighed.

"Chevy, please. It would never work. You and Edward are idiots. Besides, you don't even live here anymore," she said shaking her head.

"Neither do you. You can't run the place from Oregon, or wherever the hell you live now. I don't have anyone besides my mom and she's here. I'll just move back and take over for Sid."

"You want to run the place?"

"Yeah, no one knows that place better than the three of us. No one's going to run it like one of us either. Wouldn't you agree, partner?"

She looked at me.

"No, he has to go. I'll get him to sell."

"How? You can't kill him, Edward."

"I won't." I smiled.

"Or hurt him," she added.

"You're really tying my hands, love."

Then I remembered how resilient and strong Chevy was and figured he could take a good ass whooping before I'd truly hurt him.

"Edward!"

"Don't worry, everyone has a price," I said.

She looked at Chevy. "Let me think about it."

He shrugged and backed away without taking his eyes off of me.

"Fine, let me know what you want to do. I'll be at Mom's."

She nodded and locked our hands together. I brought them to my lips and kissed her hand. I apologized to Shane then we said our goodbyes to PJ and confirmed plans for dinner later.

Once in the car Skye slapped my shoulder.

"What the hell is your problem?"

"I'm sorry, but the shit he was thinking and saying..."

"We have history. You know that. And I'm sure he's got all kinds of shit in his head that is going to piss you off so stay out of it, Edward."

"I couldn't."

"Then you get what you get. Deal with it."

"I really don't like him."

"I know, but that's not important right now. How are we gonna get him to sell?"

"I'll handle it."

"You're not going to hurt him?" she asked again and narrowed her eyes.

I smiled.

"Of course not."

She looked at me.

"Don't worry, mon amour. I'm just going to make him an offer he can't refuse."

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

AN: So Chevy's in N.O. Interesting... How many of you thought it was him? Can you see the plot thickening? Just wait...I have so much in store for you. *rubs hands together* ~SMOOCHES~ RC.