Cruel Summer

Chapter 8

Friday, September 7, 2018

*Tucker's Funeral Home*

11:08 A.M.

~Derrick~

"He looks so peaceful." I said as I stared at my baby boy.

He looked like he was in a deep sleep. A very peaceful sleep.

"Baby, we're gonna miss him so much." My mom said as tears fell out of her eyes as she tried to comfort me.

"Mama, it's gonna be okay." Aimee said as she rubbed my back and hugged our mom.

"Daddy loves you so much. I swear I do." I said as tears came out of my eyes as I fixed his tie.

"I can't take it! I can't!" My mom said as she walked out quickly.

"Mama!" Aimee said crying.

"I'll get her. You stay with Derrick. Mama!" Mary said as she quickly walked out.

"Why did you leave me? I'm sorry I didn't protect you. I'm sorry, Son. I'm sorry." I said as I laid my head on his chest.

"I know it hurts, Brother. I know. It isn't your fault. I promise." Aimee said crying as she hugged me.

The funeral home staff came up to me and held me.

I couldn't talk or say anything. I started to feel a little dizzy, but one of the funeral workers caught me and sat me down.

"I'm right here, big brother. I'm right here." Aimee said as she wiped my face through her tears.

All I could do was shake my head.

"Is this for real?" I heard Ryan asked as she walked in.

Although I was upset, I didn't want Ryan and Marcus to view the body by themselves. We've all taken it hard about Chance, but I know they both took it the hardest.

"We don't have to go in if you aren't ready, baby girl." Marcus said as he hugged Ryan.

"I'm not ready yet. I'm gonna stay out here for a few more minutes." I heard her say as she walked out.

Ten or fifteen minutes passed before I could even speak.

"Where the kids? They might be ready." I asked as I sniffed and started drinking the water that one of the funeral home workers gave me.

"They are still in the hallway sitting down. Hey, have you heard from Dina yet?"

"It will be two weeks on Monday since I seen that woman. I don't know where she is. I had to plan and pay for everything myself." I said as I wiped my eyes.

"I tried calling her phone, but it keeps saying disconnected. Have you tried calling her parents?"

"She's not with them. Her brother called and told me him and their parents were coming. I doubt if she even comes. I never seen her act like this." I said sighing as I rubbed my eyes.

"Don't worry. Hopefully, she shows up by tomorrow. I'm going to go check on Mama. I'll be back." Aimee said as she hugged me and left out of the room.

The funeral home allowed the immediate family to come an hour early before other family members and friends started to arrive.

I got up to check on the kids.

"You okay, Unc?" Marcus asked as he sighed.

"Not really, but I'm here. How y'all doing?"