Chapter Twenty Three
Laid to rest
Lauren
I had my head held down as I walked down the aisle of the church. Anthony and I walked arm in arm. I took my shades off to get a clear look at gran. Her caramel skin was now pale. Her long, gray hair was styled in curls. She had on a white dress, with pearl bracelets and necklaces. She looked pretty. I kissed her cheek for the last time and walked away. Anthony and my dad sat on each side of me. I held my dad's hand while I rested my head on Anthony's shoulder, trying my best not to shed a tear. I had to be strong for gran.
Pastor Turner said a few things before handing the mic to the first solo singer. She sung so beautifully. She sung "it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday" by Boyz 2 men. I almost lost it, but I controlled my tears. A few other people sung solo's. Some lifted my spirits, some didn't.
"Expressions may be said now. Two minutes, please." The first person to get up was Rashad. "Ms Mary treated me like a son. She was like another mother to me. I called her gran, if I called her anything else she would pinch my ear." Most of the people in the church laughed. "I can still hear her saying 'boy you better come in here and get this chicken'." He mocked her. They laughed again. Rashad wiped the tears from his face. "She was one of the reasons these past three months have been great." He looked at her now closed casket. "I love you gran." He put the mic down and walked away. A few other people got up and expressed. My mom tried, but she couldn't stop crying. My dad went up and got her, walking her outside. That's when the tears started to fall. Anthony put his arm around me.
Pastor Turner got up and preached for at least an hour. Our family walked out behind the casket being slowly rolled down the aisle. I watched the men lift the cakset up into the hearse. I shook my head and walked away. I went to the car and waited for Anthony to get in. I heard a knock on the window. I looked up to see Rashad. I opened the door. "You okay?" He looked me directly in the eyes. "No." I started to cry. He hugged me tight and I hugged him back. He was so warm, I needed that hug.
Anthony got into the car. Rashad pulled from the hug. "I'll meet up with y'all at gran's." I nodded my head and he closed the door. The family lined up and followed the hearse to the graveyard. Close family sat around in the chairs. I stared at the casket. I couldn't believe my gran was in there. After Pastor Turner prayed, we threw our white roses on the casket as it was lowered into the ground. She was gone. Surprisingly, I didn't cry. Like gran said, it was time for her to be with her king. I sure was going to miss her.
Family and friends linked up at gran's house. Aunt Martha and members of the church had prepared a meal. I changed into jeans and a black shirt with gran's picture on it. I sat out in the backyard with a few other people. Most people were inside, but I didn't feel like being around all those people. I looked up at the sky, knowing gran was smiling down at us. It would've been better if she was actually there though.
Sarah and KaTrece came and sat down beside me. "You okay boo?" KaTrece rubbed my arm. "Yes, I'm okay." I smiled slightly. "I'm glad you're feeling better." Sarah kissed my cheek. We group hugged. I was glad to have such great and caring friends. They were my everything.
Rashad walked out through the slide door. "And that's our que." KaTrece said as she got up. They both kissed me on the cheeks before walking away. Rashad sat down beside me. "Feeling better?" I smiled at him. "Much better." He scooted his chair closer to mine. "That's good. You know, gran treated me like one of her own. Remember, she'll always be in your heart. She wants you to be happy, and I think you should be. She's looking down on you." Rashad hugged me and I kissed his cheek. "Thank you so much Rashad. Thanks for being here for me. Thanks for everything." I wanted to tell Rashad what was on my mind and how I was feeling, but I didn't have the guts to. So, I just left it alone.
He pulled away from the hug. "You're welcome." Rashad looked at me. I cleared my throat and looked away. "Can you tell my mom I need to talk to her?" He kissed my hand before getting up. "Sure."
Moments later, my mom came out the door. "You good mama?" I hugged her. "Yeah, I'm getting better baby." I knew my mom was taking it very hard. She just tried not to show it. "That's good. I was thinking we could...move away. Like, out of state. I was thinking Oakland, California." I was serious. It had been on my mind the past days. My mom grabbed my hands. "Well, I was thinking of it too. But do you really want to leave your friends behind?" I thought for a moment. "I'm not leaving them behind. I'll still visit, or they can visit us. I already talked to Tiara." She nodded her head. "Okay. I think it's a good idea. I'll see what your dad says." I hugged my mom again. "I love you so much." I knew she was smiling. "I love you too my baby."
I really didn't want to leave my friends behind, especially Anthony, but I wanted to get away. I wanted a new start, and to maybe follow my dreams like gran said. I just wanted a new beginning. To start fresh.
Yes , another update! Twice in one day. Short chapter, I know! But, there's only one more chapter. BUT ....there's gonna be a part two. Yayy, I know. Anyway, please comment and vote.
