STRANIERA

Part 16

Daniels ceremonie:

It's been four horrible days since his death and today we say goodbye for the last time.We are already at the white chapel and everyone is getting seated.My brother's best friend,Luke,my father and a few close family members brought in the coffin. I'm wearing a black dress with purls ,no makeup and my hair is in a pony tail that a curled.I stare at the door as the violin and piano starts to play.It's a bitter sweet melody.Somehow I find it in my heart wishing that Daniel walks trough that door saying 'you just got pranked' or maybe just the ghost of him.I watch as the coffin is being walked to the front.I just stared blankly at the coffin the whole time while the pastor preached and during the songs I stayed seated not singing a word.
"Mister Van Schoor has a few words he'd like to share." I watch as my father walk up to the microphone, he takes it ,nod at the pastor and takes a hard swallow before he speaks.
"Before I begin I just want to say thank you for all being here ,being apart of his life.My boy ,thank you for being in my life,our life.I remember the time you took your first step ,I was so happy I dropped the ice cream in my hand on your head because I stood in awe and than you sat down and started to cry.You took a week before you chose to walk again and every now and then you will look up.May your sweet soul rest my son,one day will meet again." My father takes out his handkerchief and wipes of his nose as he gets off the stage.Father hands over the microphone to mother and she walks up to the stage.
"Thank you all for coming.That drive stole my son's life,I have so much grief and hatred in my heart at this moment,and I don't know if I'll ever get rid of it.My soul is calm knowing that the man who has taken his life is behind bars." Mom's voice got angrier , by each sentence it grew. "My little boy,I hope heaven knows they have gained an angel ,my little angel." The tears starts and Luke walks up to the stage ,collect the microphone and walks mother to her seat next to mine.I braid my fingers between her and place a soft kiss on her hand.
"Hey guys." Luck greeted. "Today I am force to say goodbye to my brother from another mother.Being force to do something has never been my strong point,I always chose to do the opposite.Today I chose to still do the opposite.If I say goodbye it means I will never see him again and hear-by ,today I oath that I will see him again.Not today,but I'm sure he will come haunt me,I mean it's Daniel." A little,soft laugh enter the chapel. "Never said this to you dude,but I love you brother."
Luke looks up for a second and then hands the microphone to Bekka. Bekka's eyes are puffed.She stumbles a little as she walks to the front ,but keeps her posture composed,but sniffs before she talks. "Hi,my name is Bekka.I was with Daniel is the car accident,and sometimes I blame myself for being alive and Daniel not.He saved my life.I wish I could tell him how grateful I am,but I can't so I'll rather live my life in honoring him with a second chance in life he gave me.I promise Daniel I won't disappoint you.I will live like Danny,my hero.I will always look up to you." She looks at me , questioning if I want to say something,I nod and she stretches the microphone towards me.I leave mothers hand ,feeling empty,but as I take the microphone the emptiness is filled again. I look at my feet for a pause moment. "Daniel was my best friend,my partner in crime, my favorite human being." I look up. "I have so much to say,but I'll never have enough time to express it,so I'll cut it short.See you on the other side bro. Looks like the mythe might be true ,the old people always dies first.I salute you Daniel Van Schoor." I press my index finger and middle finger together ,kiss them and solute him. I put the microphone down and take my seat again.When they carried his coffin out the door,thats when I lost it.

***
I didn't drove back home with my parents,I stayed longer behind ,just staring at the empty chapel trying to gather my strength.When I felt stable enough ,I walked hom slowly admiring every little movement around me,appreciating it. When I got home I searched for mother and found her in her closet crying,I went to get father to come check on her ,but when I found him,he was laying on the back porch leaning against the beam ,drunk ,singing lullabies.I felt defeated.I went ups stairs to Danny's room ,falling asleep on his mattress.