Balotelli-Bale Series Book #4: THE OTHER MAN PART 1

Chapter 59: The Dust Settles

"...healing takes time,
doing it one day at a time
is the best remedy for emotional pain..."

Keira's POV
Theo has really pulled through for me. It's more than just what is financial. The emotional support he continues to give helps me believe everything is going to be all right even if the future seems bleak.

The funeral has concluded. We have laid all three to rest. We are just about to leave the funeral grounds. So many people came. It was difficult to give the eulogy. Instead of three I only gave one that includes all of them. I kept breaking down but Theo was right beside me whispering that it's going to be all right.

"Thank you is not enough." I squeezed his hand. "What you have done for me is nothing short of incredible. How can I ever repay you?"

He settled his hand on my waist, the other flattening on my stomach. I'm a little self conscious because there are so many people around, some Nick's friends and family but Theo doesn't seem to care.

"Let me continue taking care of the two of you."

"Oh Theo no!" I rested my hand on his; the one pressed up against my stomach. "I can't do that to you. It's not fair."

"Then let me propose something-"

"I'm sorry to interrupt. We are sorry to interrupt rather." Theo and I separated almost like two children caught stealing and had to run their separate ways. "We just wanted to pass out condolences for your loss." Bruce explained. "You know the guys."

He's with Ferrer, Cole and Marc Anthony. I don't see Nick. I looked past them, searching around but I can't see him. I sent him the eulogies hoping he would come. I really wanted to share my grief with him.

"Thank you." I hugged Bruce first.

Cole held me a little longer. "You're going to heal. Give yourself time." He whispered and kissed my cheek.

"I'm so sorry Kei." Ferrer hugged me tightly. "But you're going to be okay."

It became a little awkward with Marc Anthony because he is looking at be like I kicked a puppy. I extended my hand as a sign of peace but instead of shaking my hand he hugged me. I was caught a little off guard and before I could reciprocate he let go and walked away. He seems upset. Why is he upset with me? Nick dumped me.

"This is Theo Sinclair." I made an introduction. "Theo, this is Cole Michael Harrington, Ferrer Cavaleiro and Bruce St Patrick."

"I know Bruce. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the rest."

"Well now you have."

The weird standoff persisted for a few awkward seconds before the guys excused themselves. Only Ferrer remained. He got close to me. "Can I speak to you privately?" He asked me.

I looked at Theo. "One moment."

We stepped aside, away from Theo. He is watching us. "I uh... first things first, I'm so sorry about the misfortunes that have befallen you over the last days. So uh... we saw something." He rubbed the back of his head. "Let me start over. I feel I need to explain the awkwardness between us and Sinclair. Uh... when friends date and they break up, mutual friends tend to take sides and naturally since we knew Nick before you, it's natural that we stick with him. We don't like Sinclair."

"Thank you for coming to the funeral even if you guys are pro Nick. I understand. You have known him for years. You have barely known me for a year. So it's all right. You don't have to explain why things may be awkward from now on. But Theo has been with me through this. He never once left my side but he fought for me to this moment. I don't judge people based on other people's biased opinions. I judge them from my person experience with them. So far, Theo has been good to me."