Certain Things || L.C.

Chapter Five

March 20th, 2006

Charlie had reacted as expected when hearing of his daughter's departure. He was furious to put it bluntly, because even if the girl was eighteen, she was still in high school. She was still his little girl, and he was fed up. Fed up with the girl's obsession with Edward. Someone who had abandoned her, broken, leaving him to pick up the pieces. Most of all, he was overwhelmed. He had just lost one of his closest friends, having to plan his funeral, and now he had Bella to worry and stress about on top of it all.

At least Conner was there though. The son had offered to help with the planning of the funeral, hoping to help relieve some of his father's stress. He had received a message from Alice, how she got his number he wasn't sure, informing him of the trios flight schedule. They would be returning late that night, but would miss Harry's funeral.

Conner stood, looking into the small bathroom mirror, straightening the collar of his black dress shirt. It was early in the morning, and he had a long day ahead of himself. He wasn't quite sure how he was feeling, the last funeral he had been to being Mia's. He supposed he would find out as the day drew on. He took in a deep breath, shaking his thoughts from his mind. Stepping from the bathroom, he reached to fasten the buttons of his shirt cuffs.

He retreated down the stairs, slightly dragging his feet. Turning the corner, his father came into view. Charlie stood, leaning against the counter sipping his coffee, a far off expression grazing his features. The sound of Conner's footsteps entering the kitchen caught his attention. He sighed, thankful to have the man there to lean on during this whole ordeal.

Conner stepped up to counter, grabbing a mug from the cupboard, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Taking a big gulp, in turn scalding the roof of his mouth, he spoke. "I have to run by the florist to pick up the arrangements on my way to the venue, but you can go ahead and head over to the Clearwater's to pick up Sue and her kids." He said.

Charlie grunted in acknowledgment, nodding towards his son. "After the service, I'll run to the diner to pick up the catering, before we head back to the house." Conner added.

Charlie stared at his son's profile, taking the man in. "Thank you, Con. I don't know what I would do without you." He said graciously.

Conner turned, fully facing the man, taking another drink from the mug. "Probably crash and burn." He joked lightheartedly, sending the man a smirk.

Charlie scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Smartass." He muttered, raising his cup to his lips.

Conner laughed lightly, taking his coffee, and quickly chugging the rest of the cup. Setting the empty mug in the sink, he walked to the front door, grabbing his truck keys form the hook on the wall. Once seated in his truck, he sighed heavily, letting his shoulders drop. Today was going to be difficult, he knew this, and he tried to prepare himself for the inevitable nightmares that would follow.

He ran his fingers thorough his tousled hair, gathering the courage to start the ignition. Twisting the key, he pulled the truck in reverse, backing it out of the driveway slowly.

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The tires of his truck gradually rolled to a stop as the funeral venue came into view. The parking lot was empty, minus the familiar police cruiser. Conner sucked in a breath, stepping out from the cab of the truck towards the bed. He lowered the tailgate, grabbing an arm full of flower arrangements. He made his way to the doors of the venue, his father meeting him at the entrance. "Thanks again, Con. You've been such a great help already." Charlie said, patting a hand on the man's back.

Conner sent his father a sympathetic smile. "Of course, Dad. Just want to be there for you." He said lightly. He continued walking through the large metal doorway, taking in the view of the room. Pews lined both sides of the narrow isle, leading to the front of the large room. At the end of the isle sat the casket, a small wooden podium directly in front. He gulped, taking in the sight, his heart plummeting into his stomach. He blinked, telling himself to pull his shit together.