New York, New York - Mike Faist

EIGHT

*jocelyn*

I was sat on the floor of Mike and Tommy's apartment talking to the two when my phone started ringing. I picked it up and walked out of the living room for more privacy.

"Hello? Mom?"

I heard soft cries from the other end of the line which made me more worried. Finally, my mother started talking through her sobs.

"Oh Jocelyn!"

She broke down I'm sobs again.

"Mom please tell me what's going on!" I urged

"It's your father. He- He died." Her sobs only grew more violent

"No." I dropped my phone onto the floor beneath me

I always had a close relationship with my father. He taught me everything I knew. What would I do without him? Violent sobs erupted from my chest as I slid down the wall. I needed Mike. I pulled myself off the floor and back into the living room and tears fell quickly down my cheeks.

"Holy shit. Jocelyn, hey, come here baby." He opened his arms to me

I walked over and fell into his arms. My sobs only got louder as placed his hand on the back of my head. My heart hurt so much. He waved Tommy out of the room and tried comforting me to the best of his ability.

"Jocelyn, what happened?" He asked me

"My dad. Mikey, my dad!" I buried my head into the crook of his neck

"Let it out. It's okay."

. . .

It had been an hour and my cries had slowed but not ceased. Mother had called me again and informed me the funeral was in a week. Too soon. I would have to fly out to D.C. He's getting buried at Arlington the military cemetery. Should I ask Mike to come with me? No. I shouldn't. But I can't do it without him.

. . .

I had been stuck inside Mikes apartment for the last two days. I couldn't bring myself to leave. I called my director and told him my situation. Mike and Tommy would go to shows and I would stay here.

. . .

I was packing my bag for D.C. when Mike walked in and grabbed an extra suitcase.

"I don't need another." I turned toward him

"I know, it's for me."

"No. You can't come. You have shows."

"You need me there."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

. . .

I was sat next to my mother and Mike was stood next to me. I leaned my head on his arm. Tears rolled down my cheeks as the ceremony went on. I was just glad I had Mikes support the entire way. As the soldier handed my mother the flag and saluted her, she grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I reciprocated with a sad smile.

. . .

The ceremony was finally over and we were flying home immediately. I bid goodbye to everybody and took their sorrows. Luckily, we caught our plane just in time. I fell asleep on Mikes shoulder during the flight and felt at peace for the first time in a week.