Cherry Skies

Chapter 8 - Bye Ma

By the time Lucinda and Elizabeth arrive, they're the last ones of the family to walk into the parlor. Their father stands by the casket with a scowl that tightens even more, when he gets a glimpse of Elizabeth's attire.

He motions for her to join him by the casket. She dips her head with a stern glare in her eyes as she marches over.

"Don't say a word. I wasn't prepared for this, and you're not going to make a scene in here, old man. Do I make myself clear!" She says in a low tone.

Mr. Reed points back at Kaitlin, who's nearly the same height as her aunt and shares quite a few features with their long hair and athletic figures.

"Even that hussy of a daughter of yours even dressed up for your mother. Show some goddamn respect; you spoiled brat." Mr. Reed scolds her in a hateful and bitter tone, not holding back his feelings.

With her lips curled and an angry demeanor in her eyes, Elizabeth pulls back from slapping her father and instead turns to the casket.

"Hi momma, I miss you more now than ever." She says with her father huffing at the statement.

"I'm trying to be polite, momma, but this stubborn old mule isn't making it easy. I promise I'll make you proud." Elizabeth continues lightly brushing her mother's hands.

Behind her, someone approaches and lays his hand gently on her shoulder before he comes into peripheral view.

"Been a long time Ellie, how are you?" Matthew asks, startling his former high school sweetheart.

"Uh, hi Matt, yeah, it's been ages. Wow, you look amazing!" Elizabeth stutters, seeing him stand there with his other hand clutching his cowboy hat.

"Can we go talk?" Matthew requests.

"Yes, but first, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, Kaitlin."

Before they walk together to talk, Matthew stands there and pays his respect silently. Once he's done, he offers Elizabeth his arm as they make their way over to Kaitlin and Logan near the rear of the parlor.

"Katie, this is my old friend Matthew Daniels and Matt; I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, my youngest child, Kaitlin Phillips."

"Pleasure to meet you little lady, and may I say you can tell your part, Reed. Nearly a spitting image of your momma and your aunt at their age." Matthew comments as Kaitlin slightly blushes.

Matthew politely extends his arm, allowing Elizabeth to make her way outside first. He holds the door open for her, and they meet at the bottom of the steps.

"You look fantastic Ellie, that California glow suits you," He compliments.

"Look at you, still pretending to be a cowboy. All gussied up in your tight-ass Wrangler jeans and that tight dress shirt. Oh my, wow, even after all these years, how are you still this good-looking?" Elizabeth babbles on like a teenager all over again. She stares at Matthew's six-foot-two-inch body of solid muscle from working all of his life.

Matthew chuckles and grabs Elizabeth by the waist pulling her in tight.

"Does this feel familiar?" He whispers, being centimeters from her lips as they stare into each other's eyes.

"All too familiar..."

"It should. This is how we were last involved when you came back from UCLA and told me that you had a fiancé." He reminds her as there's a sudden change in his attitude and lets Elizabeth go.

He steps back with Elizabeth in a bit of shock. She stands there battling her feelings for her husband and her old flame. She's left confused by what she wants. On the one hand, she would never cheat on her husband, but on the other, Elizabeth sees the man she wants and still feels deep down inside she shouldn't have dismissed.