What Are Friends For

Leo stared at the paper in front of him in shock. Ever since he died and became a whitelighter, twenty-three years ago, he had been reading the papers praying not to see familiar names. All the while knowing that the more likely recognizing one would become. It didn't soften the blow, however, when he came across his parents' names. He knew of course that his parents would be in their sixties, but it still seemed so sudden. Not knowing where else to turn Leo orbed to his friends Alan and Penny's house. "Leo what a surprise." Penny greeted when he entered the kitchen.

"Patty let me in." Leo explained.

"What brings you by?"

"I needed to talk to someone. My parents died."

"I'm so sorry Honey." Penny consoled giving Leo a hug.

"How'd you find out? I thought whitelighters stopped contact with their old lives." Alan asked confused.

"We do, I read it in the paper. I just don't know if it should hurt as much as it does."
"What do you mean?"

"I died twenty-three years ago. Do I really have the right to be upset after twenty years?"

"They're still your parents. You still love them and have a right to be upset that they're gone." Penny consoled. "Is there going to be a funeral?"

"In a couple days but should I go?"

"Why wouldn't you?"

"Because my family would freak out if I showed up after two decades."

"I see your point."

"What about a glamour?" Alan suggested. "Whitelighters have the ability to look like someone else right?"

"Yes, we do."

"So, glamour into someone else. If anyone asks say that you went to school with you. Did that make any sense?"

"Yes, it did. That's a great idea thanks."

"I'll come with you if you want so you don't have to go alone." Penny offered.

"Thanks Penny I appreciate that. I should go I've taken enough of your morning. Thank you." Leo said before orbing out.

A couple days later Leo arrived at the Manor to pick Penny up for the funeral. "Hey Leo come on in." Penny greeted answering the door. "How are you feeling?"

"Right now, I'm fine. I don't think it'll really hit me until we're at the church."

"Understandable, um, do you not have a suit to wear?"

"No, the only other thing I have is my army uniform."

"And that would ID you." Penny realized. "I think I have something that will fit you come with me." Penny said before leading him upstairs. "You can't show up to a funeral in plaid." Penny insisted pulling out a suit from her closet. "Alan won't mind now go and change." she added sternly pointing him in the direction of the bathroom. A couple minutes later Leo came back out in Alan's black suit. "Much better, you look really handsome."

"Thank you, Penny, for coming with me. I don't think I could handle it alone."

"That's what friends are for." with that the two headed to the church. Watching the coffins being lowered into the ground was the hardest thing he ever experienced, and Leo was thankful to have such a caring friend with him.