Kristina desperately didn't want this day to arrive, and yet, she couldn't stop herself from getting out of bed, draping herself in black, and making the dreaded drive to the chapel.
The radio remains silent when she pulls into the parking lot, sitting alone in her silver car. She adjusts the long silk sleeve of her black blouse, touching up her tight, high bun in the rearview mirror. She stares ahead at the small groups gathered in front of the chapel, looking for any recognizable face. Eventually, Alexis, Molly, and TJ approach from the left, the sun beating down on their faces. Sam and Dante walk with Rocco and Danny from the right, all of them converging in front of the doors. Her heart skips a beat when she sees Dex not too far behind, propping Ciara with one hand while holding Scout's with the other, and it prompts her to finally exit her vehicle.
"Kristina," Michael grabs her shoulders, abruptly spinning her around. Josslyn stands next to him, "hey."
"Hi," she chokes out as he pulls her into a tight hug. He looks up at Dex, matching the young man's apparent glare, "I'm glad you came."
"I'm glad too. Feud or not, we're still family."
"Right," Kristina turns to the short blonde, "Joss."
"Kristina," the blonde cocks her head to the side.
"Here to pay your respects?"
"Something like that."
"Hope so," the young woman turns her back to the duo, wiping her face free of the tears beginning to form as she follows her family in from a distance.
People file into the pews one by one, taking any available seats they could. The world moves in slow motion as she exchanges eye contact with them, nodding to greet them and noting each and every face she thinks she recognizes, anyone lucky enough to have her father grace their presence.
"Krissy!" Donna and Avery both call out, running towards her. She tightly holds them both against, one arm for each little girl. She strokes their hair, trying to keep all of their composure intact.
"Hi, guys," she kisses their cheeks, "I'm so sorry…"
"Daddy's gone," Donna pulls back first. Avery joins her a second later, "It's not fair."
"It's not, not at all."
"I miss him," Avery frowns, "It's been so hard."
"Yeah…yeah it has. Have Mama Carly and Mama Ava been good to you guys?"
Both girls nod.
"I'm glad," Kristina holds their hands, "and whatever you guys need, you let me know. I love you."
"Love you too," they hug the young woman once more before rushing to their respective mothers, prompting Kristina to re-enter the daze she had before. Strangers turn into friends, and friends turn into family and a few empty spots in the front row, and she takes the lone seat on the left aisle. Dex sits to her left, holding Ciara down in his lap. Scout, Danny, and Rocco go beyond him, with Sam and Dante completing the first row. Alexis, Molly, and TJ sit directly behind the couple in the aisle, and Kristina does her best to keep it together while her mother strokes her hair. Dex keeps one arm around the baby as he grabs hold of Kristina's hand.
"Welcome, friends and family," the priest raises his arms above the lectern, scanning the full rows, "Today we come together in remembrance of Michael Corinthos the second, better known by everyone as Sonny. To all who knew him, Sonny was a man of many hats. He was an entrepreneur, a successful business owner, and a coffee sommelier. But to those closest to him, he was a fierce family man, devoted to his children and always working to be the best father he could be. I don't doubt that if Sonny were to be remembered for one thing, it would be the passionate, unconditional love for his five children."
Dex shoots a look over at Michael, who sits at the end of the other front aisle. The brothers' eyes meet, a coldness between them as the priest continues, "Sonny, like most, if not all of you, was a child of God, and it's God he has gone with when he crossed into the afterlife. The method in which he passed on was nothing short of horrific, and we can only hope and pray the authorities catch the criminal responsible for his murder. As we physically lay him to rest today, we look forward to the protection of his assassin putting his soul to rest as well."
Kristina sniffs, tears welling in her eyes and her nose priming itself to run. Ciara softly coos next to her, reaching a hand out to grip the long silk sleeve of her mother's black blouse.
"At this time, I'd like to invite Sonny's children to say a few words in his honor and memory, starting with his eldest son, Dante Falconeri," the priest steps away just as Dante gets to his feet. The man adjusts his navy tie, clearing his throat as he takes hold of the lectern's undersides.
"I…" he chokes up almost immediately, "I really never thought this day would come. When it came to Dad's death, and how it could even happen, I would've hoped it came from old age, surrounded by the family and friends he's carried with him his whole life. My…My worst nightmare was having to report to a scene and seeing him as the victim, and that…that came true."
The tear-stained faces in the crowd prompt the detective to pivot, "We shouldn't be here to talk about what happened to him, about how he died. We should talk about how he lived, how he touched all of our lives in more ways than one, and I'm no exception. I, uh, wasn't lucky enough to be around him when I was a kid, and our first meeting…let's just say it caused a lot of chaos and grief for him and I. And my mom," he gestures to Olivia, who sits in the second row of the right aisle. Her face is red with sadness, her waterproof mascara barely budging, "but, uh, we managed to work past it all."
Dante then scans the front left row, nodding at the family members sitting there, "My dad and I led different lives, but we always had an understanding. He could come to me with his…business issues, and I could go to him for advice. Without him, I'm not sure how I'd have the life I do. I wouldn't have had my son, Rocco, I wouldn't have met Sam and her amazing kids, I wouldn't be part of a big, crazy, wonderful family with siblings and cousins I wouldn't trade for the world."
The man turns around, gazing at the clean, mahogany coffin beneath him. A wreath of pink roses and white chrysanthemums rest on the surface, bountiful and clean. He rests a hand just under the leaves, "I'm going to carry you with me every day, in my job, in how I raise Rocco, every single thing. Rest in peace, Dad. I love you."
Placing three fingers against his lips, he transfers a kiss from there to the smooth surface. He proceeds to march off, rejoining Sam in the row. Kristina wipes her face just as Dex wraps an arm around her, kissing the top of her head as she cuddles against him. Michael buttons his blazer as he stands up, going to face the grieving crowd.
"Hi, everyone," he sighs, running a hand through his coiffed hair, "I'm sure a lot of you are confused as to why I'm up here, especially since Dad and I weren't getting along after he and Mom divorced. And while he and I still didn't see eye to eye up until he died…he's still my dad. It's still worth it to remember him."
Michael scans the front row, nodding to Carly, who hugs Donna against her left side, then Willow, holding Amelia steady in her lap while Wiley sits to her left, then Josslyn, "I'm lucky to have the family that I do, with my mom and my younger sisters. I'm proud to be Dante and Kristina's brother, and I'm proud to be Rocco and Ciara's uncle. I'm also lucky to have the family that I created, with my wife and our two kids."
The man forces a smile just as a few people chuckle, "Enough about that, though, we're here to talk about my dad. And…there's really a lot I could say about my dad, both good and bad, but…I…I just don't know what to say. I look at all the people here, all the family and friends and colleagues who knew my dad, and it…it hits me just how deep it all goes. He's had a profound effect on my life in more ways than one: as a father, as a businessman, and all the things that fall in between. We'd fight and fall apart as father and son, but we'd always find our way back to each other. And standing here, right now, I just wish I was able to sit with him and fix what was broken, and I hate that I don't have that chance now. I love my dad, I'm going to miss my dad, and a part of my dad is going to be in everything I am and everything I do. It's the least that could happen after all he's done for me and for all of us," Michael turns to the coffin, "Rest easy, Dad. I'm sorry."
"That was actually kind of touching," Dex mutters against Kristina's hair, prompting her to poorly stifle a giggle, "Who knew he had it in him?"
"Yeah…" Kristina pulls herself away, standing up just as Michael sits back down. She squeezes Dex's hand and places a kiss on Ciara's cheek before she walks up to the lectern, her blood running cold when she takes in all the eyes resting on her. The words she wants to say end up stuck in her throat, tears clouding her vision as she musters up the power to speak.
"I loved my dad."
Nods from the audience push her to continue.
"That's…probably the most obvious thing about me. My dad and I were birds of a feather, and we took a lot of pride in it. We understood each other, we supported each other, and we're better people because of each other. We had our ups and downs and I was no stranger to his worst impulses, and I definitely let him know that, but when you love each other, you work it out and grow stronger together. I don't know where I'd be today without his unconditional love and support, and to know that…that it's all gone, it breaks my heart."
She takes a deep, heavy breath before pressing onwards, "Dad has touched so many lives in so many ways. He won't see Corinthos Coffee expand and grow, he won't see Avery and Donna grow up, he won't see me or Dante get married, and he won't see all the milestones that his grandkids will hit. All these things he absolutely should be here for, it was just ripped away."
She tries to smile at her family to the right, seeing their tear-stained, reddened faces. Dex raises Ciara's arm, shaking it up and down, "Seeing how my dad died…things haven't been the same for me. Getting through the day is a struggle, and knowing that the bastard who shot him is at large…" she takes another deep breath, "I'm very lucky that my family, the one I have and the one I created, has been there for me when I've needed them. I don't know where I would be without you guys; thank you."
Kristina turns slightly, resting a hand on the coffin, "You…You have no idea how much I'm going to miss you. You were my biggest cheerleader, you stood up for me, you accepted me, and you made me feel so, so loved. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without you, and I won't ever let your memory be erased. I know you'll watch us and protect us from wherever you are, and I'll make sure that my kids, my family, know the exact kind of person you were. I love you so, so much, Dad, and I always will."
Kristina rushes back to her seat, tears and whines leaving her body, curling into Dex once he wraps an arm around her. Ciara turns to face her mother, grabbing her blouse and cooing in concern. Alexis strokes her hair, and those nearby feel themselves sobbing along with the young woman.
The priest stands at the lectern once more, overseeing the somber crowd, "On behalf of the Corinthos family, I'd like to thank all who have paid their respects, be it here or in spirit. We will proceed with the formal burial in a moment, if you'd join us in the graveyard."
Most of the crowd departs the church, heading to the aforementioned destination. Dex passes Ciara to Kristina before staying behind, standing with Frank, Tony, Dante, and Michael. The brothers shoot daggers at one another, prompting Dante and the bodyguards to exchange confused looks, before they all take hold of the object. They slowly exit the chapel, their arms straining due to the coffin's weight, turning left around a few corners before joining the rest of the attendees, all surrounding an open pit isolated from other headstones. At the direction of the priest and funeral home employees, the men lower the casket down into the pit, making sure it snugly fits in the spot before they rejoin their families.
As everyone stands by, the employees pick up a few shovels and dump dirt on the top. They pat down the mound, smoothing the surface while the priest hands out white roses. One by one, random attendees leave their roses on the dirt until Sonny's family remains. Carly and Ava help Donna and Avery drop theirs. Michael and Willow, who cradles Amelia, stand by while Wiley drops the rose on his father's behalf. Rocco and Olivia flank Dante on either side when he steps up, and Dex steadies Kristina with a hand on the small of her back when she drops to her knees, her face red as she gently places their roses on the ground.
"I love you," she chokes out softly, tears staining her cheeks "I miss you."
Dex gently sets Ciara down, and the baby hugs her mother as best she can.
"No sad, Mama," she says gently, "No cry."
"I'm okay, baby girl," Kristina hugs her daughter back, "I'll be okay."
Dex helps pull the woman onto her feet, guiding her back to the crowd, Ciara sitting on her hip. The priest takes over, placing the palms of his hands together and bowing his head. The audience at large mostly mirrors his posture, "Dear Heavenly Father, please watch over Mr. Corinthos as he enters your kingdom. Grant his family the strength and protection they need as they carry on throughout life. Bless his loved ones with your kindness and compassion as we depart from today's events. Thank you."
As most of the funeral goers exit, retreating to their vehicles, Sonny's loved ones stay in place. Alexis swiftly approaches Kristina, pulling her into a tight side hug. TJ goes to Dex, doing the same.
"I'm so sorry, cookie," Alexis kisses her daughter's forehead, "Truly."
"Losing Sonny like that…" Molly begins to speak, "and you being there…I can't imagine how tough things have been for you."
"It's definitely been hard," Kristina stiffens her spine, "Thanks for coming."
"Sonny's my uncle: of course I'd come."
"Uncle Ric couldn't make it?"
"He's stuck in trial."
"Uh huh," Kristina nods slowly, "okay."
"It's the truth-" Molly takes a sudden breath, "Your dad just died, you watched it happen, I'm not going to fight with you."
"I wasn't picking a fight-"
"Mom," Molly turns around, "why don't we give Dad a call, let him know how the funeral went?"
"...Okay," Alexis nods, walking away. Kristina lets out a heavy sigh, staying put with Dex and TJ.
"I'm really sorry," TJ pulls her in for a side hug. She opts to stay quiet, hugging him back before pulling away and meandering around with Ciara on her hip.
"I'm worried about her," the young man turns to Dex.
"Me too," he sighs.
"I know it's only been a week or two, but, uh, how has she been?"
"She swings between breaking down and clamming up. It's been hard, but grief itself is hard. All I can do is make sure she knows she's supported and loved."
"How have you been?"
"Losing Sonny hurts a lot, but I'm hanging in there," Dex takes a deep breath, "What about you? I mean, you technically lost an uncle-"
"He's your family too."
"I know, but, uh, he's been my boss longer. He was a really good boss too; I learned a lot from him and I'm grateful for his mentorship."
"Any idea who's taking over the coffee business?"
"No. I assume Sonny named a successor in his will, whenever that gets read."
"Do you think it'll be you?"
"I'd be shocked if I even show up in the document," Dex chuckles as both he and TJ begin to walk off, sharing a side hug before splitting off towards their respective partners. Michael and Josslyn watch from a distance as Dex hugs Kristina tightly, pulling Ciara into his arms.
"So they're back together?" Josslyn crosses her arms.
"Who knows," Michael stuffs his hands in his pockets, "and who cares?"
"He dumped her for lying to him, which is rich considering how he's lying to her back, and now that Sonny's gone he's suddenly a dutiful boyfriend again?"
"Dex has always been compassionate, you know that. And maybe he's just doing it for Ciara's sake."
"Dutiful boyfriend and dutiful father," Josslyn scoffs, her speaking volume dropping, "Of all the people to have a baby with…"
"What does that mean?"
"Just…" she shakes her head, trying to play off her comment, "of all the people to have a baby with…Kristina had to pick him."
"Yeah, and of all the families Dex had to be part of, it had to be mine."
"Being Ciara's dad doesn't make him family."
"That's not what I meant," Michael turns to face his sister, letting out a long, heavy sigh, "Dex and I…we're brothers."
"...What?" Josslyn's eyes pop out of her head, "How?!"
"We share a dad: AJ."
"Oh my God, I slept with your brother?!"
"...That's not what's important!" Michael responds, flustered.
"How long has he known?"
"Apparently, he just found out. After the guy he thought was his father died, his mom came clean. She then thought it was ideal to come clean to the rest of the Quartermaines."
"Dex had to know. I mean, all he does is lie. How the hell wouldn't he have known that AJ was his dad? And what if they're both lying about this, that they're just looking for money?"
"I've thought about all of that too, but I'm just not sure."
"Do a DNA test! Make them prove it!"
"We'll see if that happens," Michael shakes his head, "I'm not opposed to it-"
"And Dex is, of course," Josslyn cuts him off, shaking her head, "All he's done since he got here is lie and cheat and hurt people. He needs to be held accountable for all of it."
"Holding him accountable means bringing up the fact that I hired Dex to put Sonny behind bars and you're complicit in it."
"Well-" the young woman stops herself, thinking of a response, "Dex quit on you for Sonny, didn't he? What would it matter?"
"Joss, trust me, we don't need that backlash, at least not right now."
"Something has to be done! Yeah, he's your brother, but he still ditched you and left you out to dry, and he cheated on me and broke my heart! He can't just get away with all of that!"
"Trust me, brotherly love is not why I'm shooting you down," Michael begins to step away, "There will be a time and place, okay? It'll come."
"But…" Josslyn turns back to Dex as her brother walks away, her heart aching as she watches Ciara kiss his cheek as best he can, with him returning one in return. His fingers then intertwine with Kristina's before they head towards the cemetery exit. She sticks her lips out as she follows them with her eyes, a sharp glare aimed at them. Thoughts run through her head just as she feels a sudden, tight weight around her legs.
"Joss!" Donna cries from one side, Avery on the other. The elder sister bends down to hug her as Carly approaches them.
"Hi, guys," she pulls Avery in, "I'm sorry."
"Daddy is gone," Avery whines, "I want him back."
"I know," Josslyn turns to see Dex's back as he's the last to exit the cemetery, Ciara briefly making eye contact with her before disappearing with him, "and if I could trade with God to get him back for you, I would…" her voice then drops to a mutter under her breath, "I will."