New Girl // A.I (completed)

twenty-two

< January 2016 >
< Saturday >

{ Payton }

Funerals are always depressing. I've been to plenty of funerals but I never thought I'd be at my dad's like I am. 

There were a lot of people coming and going- a lot of military and a lot of people my dad grew up with. And of course, all of my family was here.

What sucks is that we don't even get to see my dad one last time. We have to have a closed casket due to the condition of his body. My brothers don't really understand that.

I was standing with my mom talking to a military official while my brothers went to get a snack. As I stood there, my attention turned to the door as Ashton and his mom and brother walked in. I immediately walked that way, hugging my boyfriend tightly, my face lightly buried in his chest,

"I'm so sorry" he whispered, kissing the top of my head.

We pulled away and I looked up at him. He leaned down and pecked my lips before I turned to Anne and Harry,

"I'm so sorry sweetheart" Anne hugged me, "If you need anything at all let me know"

"Thank you" I whispered and hugged Harry,

"Evan and Jude are getting a snack if you want to join them," I told him. He nodded and took off down the small hall at the funeral home.

My mom walked up to us and she and Anne hugged. Ashton held my hand as he stood next to me,

"So what's all going on? Is there a burial service too?" Anne asked. I was guessing they were going to stay for it all,

"So they're just doing a small service here. He's actually going to be buried in Washington DC at Arlington National Cemetery" my mom answered.

"Wow," Anne smiled.

She and my mom continued talking but Ashton and I broke off from them when our friends walked in.

Grace hugged me tighter than anyone has yet. But I needed that. I hugged the rest of my friends before I planted myself at Ashton's side again,

"Why is it closed?" Michael questioned as he looked towards the casket,

"His body had too much damage to it" I spoke softly. They all frowned.

****

When it was time for the small service, I went and sat upfront with my brothers and mom. A preacher got up and they did a prayer before a military officer came and took a knee in front of my mom, handing over the folded American flag. My mom started to cry then three other officers approached my brothers and me. They were each holding three bears that were made out of old army uniform material,

"Your father had these made for you all. He told us that if anything happened to him, give them to you all"

My brothers and I all grabbed a bear. Jude hugged his to his chest, causing a button to press and my fathers voice sound,

"Hey Judey Bug. I love you so much. Take care of Mommy, Payton, and Evan for me. I'll see you soon"

Jude started tearing up and Evan and I pressed our bears, a similar message coming through.

They finished up the small service before they took the casket to go to Washington DC.

****

As my mom loaded the car with all the flowers and gifts people brought, Ashton walked up and hugged me,

"So we're gonna go grab some food if you want to come with us," he told me and motioned back to our friends,

"Uh" I hesitated but my mom stepped,

"Go on and go honey" she nodded. I smiled and took Ashton's hand,

"Yay! Are you coming with us?" Grace asked. I nodded and Ashton opened his Jeep door for me, letting me get in before closing it,

"I'll follow you" Ashton called to Michael who was driving the rest of them.

****

After dinner, Ashton and I went and got milkshakes before he drove us to this spot that overlooked the ocean. It was dark outside so you could barely see the water but you could hear the waves crashing on the rocks and sand below.

We sat in silence for a while. The only thing you could hear besides the waves was the slurping of our shakes.

When we finished our shakes, we both sat our empty cups in the cup holders. Ashton reached across and took one of my hands, interlacing our fingers, making me turn my head to look at him,

"How are you actually?" He asked. Right away my lip quivered. I just shook my head and he got the message. He pulled me over the console and into his lap, letting my head bury in his shoulder. He simply held me until I stopped crying. He knew I had been putting up a front, especially in front of my little brothers, but Ashton also knew I just had to get the emotions out,

"I'm so sorry Pay" he whispered, kissing my head as he continuously rubbed my back. I sniffed and pulled back so I could look at him. He smiled lightly and wiped under my eyes, making me choke out a laugh,

"I know it's hard but you'll be okay. Your dad is watching over you now at every moment. He's always going to be with you" he spoke. I nodded and pressed my lips to his softly,

"Thanks for this Ash" I smiled, "I love you"

"I love you too" he grinned, "Remember, I'm always here when you need me. I'm a call or a text away, then I'll be pulling in your driveway a few minutes after that"