Standing By

Avi

Kirstie adjusts my black tie. She stands on her tiptoes to kiss my nose. I place my hands on her waist and pull her close. I kiss her lips softly, and I realize how much I've missed them. She wriggles out of my grasp and goes to get dressed. I watch her apply her makeup, do her hair. She closed the door, and I know she's getting dressed now. She comes out, looking elegant as ever, wearing long, black pants that flow and almost look like a skirt, and a black shirt. She slips on some flats and takes my hand. We get to the funeral home and see my father waiting out front. His eyes begin to fill with tears, and I know I won't be able to keep it in much longer.
"She's really gone," he choked out. I pull him into a hug. She's really gone. My father goes into the home, and I follow behind him, but I feel Kirstie's delicate fingers wrap around my wrist, pulling me to the side. She kisses my mouth, and I slither my tongue in. They dance passionately, before Kirstie pulls away.
"We can't make out before a funeral."
"I'm sorry," I look down. She places her finger under my chin and guides my face to hers.
"Don't be."
"I love you," she whispers, and I press my lips to her forehead.
"I love you too," I smile, and she takes my hand to go inside. It was chilly outside, but it feels like the A/C has never been turned off. I wrap my arms around Kirstie's shoulders and she leaned into me. Those who's mourning will never be near mine shuffle in, saying the "Sorry for your loss,"-s, hugging us mindlessly. I choke on my salty tears, not daring let them loose. The Atlantic of my tear ducts threaten to spill down river like formations on my cheeks. Kirstie guides me to a secluded hallway where her lips meet mine. I kiss her softly and move my hand to cup her cheek. My other rested on her waist. Her hands glided horizontally over my collar bone. She pulls away and looks me directly in the eye.
"You can cry if you need to. I'll help you through it, and then we'll get you cleaned up. Please don't hold it all in, though. I don't want you to hurt yourself. I love you so much," she whispers the last sentence. I can stay strong. I shake my head lightly, but she places a gentle hand on the back of my neck and strokes it. Her other rests on my shoulder. My hands grip her hips softly, and keep her close. I kiss her forehead softly.
"I-" I stutter, "we, were really hoping for a miracle."
"Babe," he motions on the back of my neck became longer and more relaxing, "we all were. She died for a reason, and maybe we'll never know. The important part is that she's no longer in pain."
I couldn't take it anymore. My tears spilt down my cheeks. Kirstie places my head carefully on her shoulder and strokes my hair. I sob, and she whispers in my ear.
"Aren't I supposed to be the strong one?"
"You're still strong. Your mom would be proud."
I trudge through the rest of the night, and hit the sack early.

A/N
I'm so sorry it's short. This was really hard to read. Summer in 4 days!!! I'll update more often.

Rachel