Mafia by Blood (wlw)

24 - Funeral

A few weeks had passed since Jackson's tragic dead, and today was his funeral. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the scent of freshly turned earth and blooming flowers. Mac's eyes were red and puffy from crying. She wore a simple black dress, her blonde hair tied up in a bun.

Mac, Marley, Massimo, and the managers at Olivia were all present.

The guests formed a semi-circle around the grave. The air was thick with mourning as the pastor stepped forward to begin the service.

"We gather here today to honor the life of Jackson Adler, a beloved friend, son and brother. Though his time with us was cut tragically short, his impact on our lives was profound. We will remember his kindness, his laughter, and his loyalty."

As the pastor spoke, Mac's mind drifted to memories of Jackson. His smile, his jokes, the way he always had her back, especially at work. She remembered how proud he had been when his team won their last game. The guilt gnawed at her, the knowledge that she had invited him to the auction that led to his death.

The pastor continued, "Jackson's spirit will live on in our hearts and in our memories. Though we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the joy he brought to those who knew him."

The pastor nodded and gestured for everyone to come forward. One by one, they approached the grave, each placing a single white rose on the casket as a final farewell. When it was Mac's turn, she hesitated, clutching the rose tightly. She knelt by the grave, whispering, "I'm so sorry, Jackson. I should've protected you."

Tears streamed down her face as she placed the rose gently on the casket. Noelle was there to help her up, holding her close as they stepped back. She hadn't been Jackson's biggest fan, but seeing Mac like this broke her.

After the service was over, his family and closest friends went to a rented venue where they would celebrate his life. When they were the only ones left, Mac buried her face in Noelle's neck, and allowing a few tears to roll down her cheeks. Marley stood close to Massimo, who had an arm wrapped around her shoulders. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, while Massimo held her close.

"How was the body found?" Madison asked Derek and William, who stood far enough away from the rest, so that they couldn't hear them.

"He was found floating in a river..." William replied the blonde, casting a quick gaze at the two mourning girls. He was hurt too, but didn't feel like he could show it. He had known the football player for a couple of years from work.

"I swear, if the police found some of my blood on him..." Madison started with a deep breath. "Then we would've heard it by now," Derek reassured her. She nodded to herself in agreement.

The next day, Mac had felt the intensity of Christina's glare following her around school. Every time she glanced over her shoulder, she was met with the cheerleader's hostile eyes, filled with blame and anger.

"She blames me," Mac sighed to Marley during a brief break in their last period.

"I kind of get it," Marley responded reluctantly. "We were the last ones seen with him."

"Speaking of that, I got a call from the police this morning. They want me to come in for some questions," Mac remembered.

"Me too. Let's go together, and find out what we should say," Marley suggested as their English teacher returned from the break.

After school, Mac and Marley stepped outside to find Noelle's familiar black SUV waiting by the entrance. A grin spread across Mac's face. She loved this new routine of Noelle picking her up from school every day. Somehow, she always knew when her classes ended.