Wraith (BEING REWRITTEN)

Chapter Seventeen

I slowly pulled on the black, knee length dress I had laid out last night and a pair of black heels. I curled my hair and did a simple Smokey eye.

I know it's a funeral but all of our close family and friends that loved Kayden will be there. I'm just trying to look well put together for the others that will be there.

Last night Greyson had to leave and go do something so I just stayed with mom until Emma came and got me this morning to get ready. I didn't bring up the fact that he called himself my boyfriend because I know it was just an excuse for him being there.

"Hey, it's time to go," Emma said softly from the doorway. I nodded my head and looked up at her.

We walked outside and got into my car, my dad was already having a hard time holding it together so I drove.

When we made it to the church I was already almost in tears.

"I just need a minute," I muttered when my dad looked at me expecting me to get out with them.

"Just don't be late," he whispered before getting out, Emma rubbed my shoulder and got out as well.

I sat in total silence just staring at the dashboard, my hands still gripping the steering wheel.

Saying goodbye to someone so close to you just seems so wrong. He was my little brother, he deserved a long, happy life that got ripped from him, and I wasn't even here, I didn't get to say goodbye. He was alone.

I swiped away a tear that had slipped down my cheek and quickly turned the car off. I got out and walked inside the church.

People were greeting each other with sad smiles and hugs. Friends of Kayden's and their parents. Aunts and uncles that I haven't seen in years. Cousins that never really knew Kayden.

"I'm so sorry for your loss Vanessa, he was a good kid," my older cousin that I haven't seen since I was like 5 says. I gave him a small smile and kept looking around.

My eyes landed on my dad who was sitting in the front row with his head in his hands. He lost his only son, his baby boy. I think what's hurting him the most right now is that mom isn't here.

I took a deep breath and walked over to him. I need to keep it together, if not for myself then for him.

"Dad," I muttered softly as I took a seat beside him.

He lifted his head from his hands and looked at me. His eyes are red and puffy, his face wet with fresh tears.

"Come here." I held my arms out and he quickly wrapped me in a hug, a sob sounding as he shook in my arms.

I looked up to the ceiling and blinked rapidly so the tears I was holding in wouldn't slip.

"I'm so sorry sweetie, I should be the one comforting you," he cried, his voice broken and quiet.

"Shh, it's ok dad, it's ok," I muttered, rubbing his back. I looked back around the room and someone caught my eye.

Greyson.

He actually came?

He was standing off in a corner just sort of watching everyone. He was wearing full black. A button down shirt, black dress pants, and black dress shoes.

The tattoos on his neck were peeking out from the top of his shirt. The ones on his wrists and hands were also on display.

He was scanning the room and his eyes locked on mine, his face calm and void of any emotion. His eyes took on a softer tone when his eyes found mine.