Fusion

37: Burial

AELIA POV

Todays the day. Today I put one of my dads down. I mean, I know he's not really my dad but he's been my guardian for years now. There was a time I was being sold, used... abused and when I got out, he found me and there was just this trust I had in him automatically. Kai too... and Rose but they're really the only ones. I already miss him. I wish I could talk to him one more time and knowing I'll probably never get the chance really hurts me. 

I have so many questions about what happened that I haven't asked because I don't know when or if I should ask them. How did it happen? Who was there? Did they try to bring him back? When did it happen? There's so many things going on in my head right now that I can't focus. We all gathered downstairs, everyone was quiet and eye contact didn't last long. The tension in the air was real as no one knows what to say and definitely no one wants to say the wrong thing, atleast that's how I feel. 

"Okay so Rowan wanted to be cremated," Kai stepped forward, he was the first to speak up. I'd rather it be him, it should be him. I could tell her was upset, his posture. His shoulders were slightly slouched over, his eyes were watery and red from crying. His veins were popping out and dark circles covered the underneath of his eyes. He probably hasn't slept too much either. His nose was red and raw from wiping it so many times. "So I thought that's what we should do. Ashes will be split, me, Kira, Esme and-" he looked at me, a sad but hopeful smile on his face, "and you, Aelia." I nodded my head, looking at the my hands that were in front of me, I was picking my fingernails. I can't help it when I'm anxious. 

"We can do that here," Kira nodded, "Jace and Justin? Would you mind?" They were going to setup the circle for the four of us. We'll stand equally apart from each other around the circle and we chant. Once done the ashes will be separated equally between us. It's easier this way, cleaner. I left and went outside so I could gather some some leaves, twigs and a glass bottle. Together I made a custom urn. The glass had an etch all throughout it so it wasn't completely see through, you won't know it's ashes unless told. The glass sets on the roots of a weeping willow that climbs it's way to the top of the glass, covering it with it's beautiful leaves. I smiled while looking at it, delicate, mine. 

I walked back into the house where everyone still sat quietly. Fen and Caitlyn sat on the couch, Anna and Cyprus in the chairs. Me and Cade were standing, me in the hall and him by the back door. Kira and Esme were in the kitchen talking about who knows what so that's where I decided to go. I set my masterpiece down on the counter in front of them and both of them started to smile. 

"That's beautiful," Kira smiled, "gorgeous job honey, so creative. You know, he always loved those trees." 

"I know," I smirked looking down at it, "everything almost ready?" 

"I think so," she nodded, "how are you doing?" 

"I don't know," I shook my head, "I mean I haven't talked to Kai about it yet but... Rose was killed not too long ago. She uhm- vampires killed her-" before I could finish my sentence I looked up to see Kai standing there staring at me. 

"She- she passed away?" he walked closer. A look of concern spread over his face, "when did this happen? Why didn't you call or-or write? Are you oaky?" 

"I'm okay,' I chuckled, "I'm fine, now anyways. I don't know, I still have bad days but I don't have as many." I went on to explain what happened with Aelia, every detail and then we all headed downstairs. Each of us went up to say our goodbyes. 

"Rowan, where to begin," Kira smiled as she stood, "he was a good man, stood by always, and was always positive. He was a fighter, a survivor, a friend, a brother, an amazing husband. He'll be missed, there's a lot to say when it comes to him. I could stand here for a long time but his main trait, the one that stood out the most what his kindness, he saw good in everybody." She finished up, leaving the center. Jace went up, Esme afterwards and then Justin. None of the others wanted to talk. Now it was just me and Kai. I was going first, he's to go last.