A Week Later – Saying Goodbye

"Aaron. You better be ready. The car is going to be here soon."

"You're wasting your breath. He isn't here."

Jackson appeared from his bedroom suited and booted, fiddling with his tie.

"Why? Where is he? Let me do that."

Chaz fussed over his tie and collar in a motherly fashion, as tears welled in her eyes.

"I don't know. He went out at seven and his suite's gone."

"And you didn't think to say something?"

"N…no. Jackson chocked as Chaz tightened his tie a little more than necessary. He'll be here. He just needed some space."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

"That will be them now."

Chaz attempted to put on her shoes whilst running to the door.

"I'll get it."

Jackson offered.

"You're alright I've got it."

"Aaron's outside anyway."

Looking through the window, Jackson could see him sat on the doorstep, staring at the Hurst as it pulled up outside Smithy Cottage.

"Is everyone ready?"

Marlon's presence barely registered with him, in fact everything he said went in one ear and out the other. He felt completely numb. He hadn't even realized he was crying until Jackson knelt before him and gently wiped his tears away with his thumb.

"We're ready. Let me just get Chaz."

Everyone formed a procession in the street behind Aaron, Jackson, Marlon and Zac who were the coffin bearers. Many of the neighbours came out of their houses to show their support.

"I don't think I can do this."

Crying silently and shaking like a leaf, Aaron attempted to make a run for freedom as the Church came into view.

"Yes you can. I'm here. Your mam's here. Jackson whispered as he rubbed his lower back soothingly. Today is about Paddy. You can do it."

"I can't."

"Look at me. Just at me. You trust me don't you?"

"You know I do."

"Good, because I know you can do this. Today is all about doing your best to get through and we can do that together."

Jackson held out his hand and to his surprise and everyone else's, breathing deeply Aaron accepted it and they walked the final street hand-in-hand, ignoring the stares and mutterings from several areas of the crowd now following in their wake.

"I believe both Marlon and Aaron have a few words they would like to say. Ashley started the service. So please be seated."

"Aaron are you okay?"

Jackson whispered as he seemed to have frozen in his seat.

"Yes I am fine."

Regaining his composure and ignoring the fact his legs were wobbling Aaron shot Jackson his most confident smile before making his way unsteadily to the front.

"Take your time."

Ashley smiled reassuringly.

Aaron took a deep cleansing breath and focusing solely on Jackson started his speech.

"Okay, so many of you will be looking up here and instantly seeing trouble. To most of you I am just a violent, angry, loud mouthed thug. Who can blame you? I tend to think with my fists rather than my brain. But Paddy was different. He gave me a second, third well more like one hundred chances. He gave me somewhere to live when my mam left and he has never given up on me. He was more like a dad than my real one and I loved him so much more. So what I really wanted to say was thank you to him for changing my life. I love him and I will miss him so much. Plus I am going to make a real effort to change, so I hope wherever he is looking down on us all he will be proud of me."

"He will be. He always was."

Marlon put a comforting arm round his shoulder and guided him back to his seat, where literally pale as a ghost he collapsed into Jackson's waiting arms, tears that had been threatening to fall were now flowing freely, as he buried his head deep in his chest.

"He'll be okay."

Crying himself, Jackson signaled to Ashley to continue with the service.

"Now it is time to say our final goodbyes to our loving friend and neighbour Patrick Kirk. Jackson heard Aaron attempt to stifle his sobs. As the curtain is closed we say our farewells, committing his soul to heaven and his ashes to the earth. Remembered with love, may he rest in peace. Goodbye Paddy."