A bonus chapter told in Orland's POV
Winter 12
I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes started watering. I didn't deserve to go today. I am a horrible person, I should have been a better friend to him! I should have seen him more at the clinic! Not just once! I should have talked to him more at school! I should have hung out with him more! I should have.
I walked down the stairs of the inn, my mom was knitting something while waiting for me. Dad said he was going with Tanya and Roy, so he's meeting with them at the blacksmith's. He's probably already there.
"Hey, mom?" I asked as she looked up from her knitting.
"Yes, honey?" Mom asked as I felt my vision blur from my tears.
"Can we…cancel my birthday party? I don't think I can celebrate this year." I started to sob. I was trying so hard to stay strong! And it was so hard right now to stay strong!
"Oh! Oh, honey!" mom exclaimed, laying her work on the end table, standing up to embrace me.
"Leonel was my friend. I feel guilty about my behavior towards him. I just wish I could have talked to him more, not only while he was in the clinic. But at school too! I…didn't…I didn't think he would leave. I…" I began to sob heavier into my mother's shoulder.
"I don't deserve to go to the funeral."
"Orland…" Mom began sympathetically.
"A-and Leann is so worried about Clara, and I hate seeing her this worried. What will happen to the baby if something happens to Clara? She's already lost her father."
"Orland, even though you and Leonel never hung out much, you still cared about him. You saw him once while he was at the clinic, but at least you saw him! You were an amazing friend to him, but in a different way. And if something happens to Clara…well…we'll just have to let that little girl know how amazing her parents were! And how much she was loved by them and is loved by the community!" Mom lectured as she kissed my forehead.
"And I can tell how much you love Leann too." She said, causing me to blush. She broke the embrace.
"Come on, Orland. You deserve to go to the funeral. You deserve to say goodbye to your friend."
The church was melancholic, and there were only two people missing from the funeral.
Rosalind and Clara.
Clara was probably still in a coma; and Rosalind was definitely staying with her daughter, keeping an eye on her.
Barrett and Dorothy were hovered over their son's casket, I couldn't even imagine what they were going through.
My eyes darted towards the sound of the crying baby in Jack's arms. I couldn't see her very well, considering she was swaddled up. In fact, I don't think anyone has seen her, minus the mayor's household, Jack, Rosalind, and the clinic. At least, this was the first time I have seen her.
Dorothy took the bundle out of Jack's arms, trying to hush the baby.
"Lovie?" I jumped slightly, turning my attention toward Leann. I wiped my eyes.
"I-I'll be fine." I said as Leann understandingly smiled at me.
"It's okay to feel the way that you're feeling. There's nothing to be ashamed of, Orland." Leann said as my tears flowed out faster. I looked down at my hands, the water droplets from my eyes falling onto my palms.
"I just wish I was a better friend…I wish I could make it up to him." I admitted, it was silent for a moment, Leann stood up, offering me her hands.
"Do you want to meet the baby? She's really cute."
"I-I…" But before I could have a say, Leann was dragging me to Dorothy.
"Hello, Dorothy." Leann began, Dorothy looked up from the bundle towards us, she seemed flustered.
"Hello again, Leann. And…thank you for coming, Orland." She said, as the bundle's cries became louder.
"Do you need a break, Dorothy?" Leann asked in concern as I noticed Dorothy's cheeks were becoming wet.
"I do…but I don't want to trouble anyone." Dorothy said.
"You wouldn't be troubling anyone, Dorothy." I looked behind at Mana, who had walked in on our conversation. "As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. And we're all willing to help with the baby. Just like we all did with these kids." Mana said, motioning to Leann and myself.
"I can take her for a moment." Leann said as Dorothy nodded, handing Leann the bundle.
Leann took a seat at the pew, using her head to motion for me to come sit next to her. I took a seat next to her. It was silent between us for a moment.
"Do you want to hold her?" Leann asked as I blushed.
"I-I don't think I…" However, before I could object, Leann had forced the bundle into my arms.
"You said you wished to make it up to Leonel? You can make it up to him by…"
"By being there for his child." I finished, Leann smiled.
"That's my Lovie. And you're doing very well too! Her cries are slowing down." I looked down at her face, as I smiled. Her eyes were becoming heavy as I noticed her appearance was similar to her father.
Leonel…I'll always be there for her. So don't fret.