Falling Apart, Together✓

Chapter Ten

After the grave side service, which was just for family, we went over to Harlan's home for the wake. He insisted on hosting and my mom couldn't find it in her to fight him. Not that I think she would've won. Harlan was exactly like Ransom, or maybe it's the other way around. Regardless, they're both incredibly stubborn and amazing at getting their own way.

I'm standing off to the side in the living room, thanking people for coming as they come up to me. I saw Harlan walking over to me and I smiled. "Hi Gramps." I say, something that he's insisted I call him since I was little. Along with my mom and Linda being friends since childhood, my grandfather and Harlan had been close as well.

"How are you holding up little one?"

"I don't think I've quite processed it yet. Logically I know he's gone but I don't think my heart has quite caught up with my head yet."

"It's going to take some time. This type of hurt doesn't heal overnight. But I'm glad that all of this seems to have something good come from it." He says giving me a knowing smile.

"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about." I reply, trying to play coy.

"That innocent look doesn't fool me. I know my grandson has been hanging around your mother's house lately."

"That's weird. I didn't notice Jacob hanging about." I joke.

"You really are your father's daughter. You and I both know that I mean Ransom. I've seen a real change in him since you've come home. I have to say I'm glad. I was worried for a long time that he would never be happy again."

"I think you give me too much credit."

"I don't think you give yourself nearly enough." He replies. We're then joined by a young woman in a long black dress, her eyes shifting between us, looking slightly out of place.

"Harlan, I need to give you your medication." She tells him.

I give him a weird look. "Oh Bentley, this is Marta. I've recently brought her on as my nurse." I shake her hand. She seems really nice.

"It's very nice to meet you Marta. Good luck with this one. He's stubborn."

She laughs. "Oh he's not that bad."

"You're right. He's the best. I should wish you luck with the rest. They can be..." I struggle to find a word that would be appropriate but not vulgar.

Harlan chuckles at my struggle. "They can be assholes." He says.

"Gramps!" I say, laughing.

"It's true. I wish it wasn't. But it is." I look up and see Ransom enter the library. He was looking a little emotional.

"If you'll both excuse me." I say. They both nod and I walk to the library. Ransom was indeed in there, along with Richard. Things looked pretty intense.

"What's wrong?" I ask Ransom, completely ignoring Richard's presence.

"He's being his normal asshole self." Richard says.

"Funny, I wasn't asking you." I say harshly. I keep my eyes on Ransom. "What happened?"

"He chose today of all days to ask why I've been keeping you away from him and mom." Uh oh.

"Ransom what did you say?"

"I said that maybe it was his actions that were to blame for why you don't come around to see Mom."

"And I repeat, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Richard yells.

"I suggest you lower your voice and drop the subject. This is my dad's funeral. Do not make a scene." I say before turning to leave. He grabs my arm and I immediately panic, fear setting in as I'm brought back to that night.