The Habits of My heart

Chapter 9

( 2,738 words)

People gathered around trying to all fit under the large tarp in the graveyard . Rain was pouring down making the gloomy setting even gloomier . The priest finished his eulogy an the casket was being brought down to its 6 ft crypt. Ron pulled me by the waist and brought me into his chest , holding me tightly to where it felt like I couldn't breath . His usual smell of old spice an cigar smoke brought more comfort than usual.

The crowd soon departed after the dropping of flowers, notes, and other miscellaneous memorabilia fell on the casket before its closing . It was just Frank, Reggie, Ron, and I standing watching the hole become filled.

" I'll uh .... Bring the car around", Frank inhaled leaving us down to three.

I pulled away from Ron's chest and he kissed my forehead and whispered, " You're not alone Monica. I'm here now. I won't go anywhere."

We piled into the back of the car and drove slowly by out of respect for the dead and our dear Frances . My Frances.  Even though I wasn't the dead one I still felt like I was. There was no emotion just idelness. My body didn't even feel like it was my own, just numb and useless.

Ron opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a smack on the glass. It was Frances's mother and she looked like hell worn over. She was following alongside the car yelling profanities and smacking the glass while glaring at Reggie. " You did this to her! You killed Frances, my baby. I knew you were no good for her. Her blood is on your hands, Reggie Kray! I hope you fucking rot ." She spits on the glass and Frank pulled out of the yard hauling ass to get away.

" Sorry about mum Reg. She doesn't mean it..." Frank consoled but Reggie ignored him. He just continued to stare out the window watching the rain slide down the glass. I leaned forward to squeeze his hand for reassurance but he pulled away. " Did you know it's possible, right, for a person to become a ghost while they're still alive ?" Ron asked no one in particular. I gave him a bewildered look.

Reggie sighed, " You think so?"

" Yeah. I mean that was Frances wasn't it? "

We all went silent and stayed that way for the rest of the ride back to the club. Friends and family decided to have a repast at the club in honor of Frances. I doubted anyone of us were in the mood to dance, gamble, or even eat but we needed to be there for her.

I couldn't help but wonder if there was any way I could've prevented what happened. Frances seemed better after our heart-to-heart and fell asleep over at my house. Maybe if I had heard her sneak out later that night I could've talked her out of it but then maybe not. She was the type of girl who if she had her mind set on something would do it regardless. But I still felt as if something had to have happened that night to set her off.

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Jazz music played and people danced and passed drinks along with other party favors. You couldn't tell that we'd all been to a funeral earlier. Frances hated parties and she would've hated this more because it wouldn't be a proper way to commemorate anyone, but the Krays along with their goons weren't like everyone.

Ron guided me out to the middle floor and rested his arms around my waist as I looped my arms around his neck. We swayed along with the music and just enjoyed each other's presence, his hands sliding down to grab my ass a few times causing me to laugh some. " I love that sound," he grinned.

" What sound is that"? I looked up at him.

" Your laugh."

He leaned down to the side of my face whispering, " Wanna get out of here"? I nodded and followed him out into the street . The street lamps were shining bright and hit the side of his face just right. Ronnie Kray was beautiful. Beautiful and perfect in his way of course.