This Life

Chapter 21

Ten days after the shootings was probably the hardest day for Meredith. Today was the day of both Gina and Melanie's funeral. Both families had organised for a joint funeral service and for Meredith it was relief to do it all on the same day rather than have to go through pain another day.

The church was packed with family, friends, and both staff and parents from the crèche. Adele made a lovely speech about the two women and shared some stories of them at the crèche to the mourners. The tears of sadness were mixed with the tears of laughter.

For Meredith she just wanted this day to be over. She still did not understand what had made Gary Harper do this, but she knew it was best not to dwell. He was dead, and no matter how much everyone asked they would never know the reason why.

Derek stood by her side all through the service and at the graveyard. He had stayed with her throughout the wake and sympathised with her and the rest of the nursery at just how much Marcie could whine for the country.

"We are at a funeral, two of her friends have died but oh no she's the only one who's had it bad," Derek said as he stood with Meredith, Adele and Mel.

"Welcome to our world," Mel dryly answered as Meredith patted Derek's shoulder.

"There were a few times when I thought Gina was going to kill her," Meredith laughed

"Yes, the morning of the shootings being one of them – I thought Gina was going to throw something at her," Mel laughed.

"I'll never forget the morning after her first scan," Adele said "she was complaining because she was kept waiting for twenty minutes before the doctor saw her. She accused the poor doctor of giving her high blood pressure and asked me to forward her complaint for Richard to investigate. The doctor was late because she was in surgery – trying to save the life of woman pregnant with twins who had been in a car crash."

Meredith looked at Derek who looked as if he were about to punch someone "Relax. It's just Marcie. She always has to complain about something. You just learn very quickly never to get her started on something," she said.

Meredith had just finished talking when Marcie walked into the kitchen of Gina's parent's house where the wake was being held and where they were all currently hiding.

"God you would think they would have ordered better chairs – my back is killing me in that thing. I mean they knew they would have a house full of guests – the least they could have is comfortable chairs. And don't get me started on the food," Marcie said complaining to her husband who was trotting silently behind her. She noticed her colleagues standing in the corner.

"Ahh there you are are! Adele, Meredith I just wanted to make sure that you got the letter from my Doctor?" Marcie said

"Yes, I did thank you, Marcie," Adele answered

"My Doctor thought it would be best," Marcie explained "my blood pressure has been so high since the shootings. I can't settle, every time I close my eyes I keep seeing that mad man with the gun pointing at me", Marcie said "I have to think of my baby, I'm sorry... if I'm not giving you much notice."

"No, it's fine, I completely understand," Meredith replied.

"You take it easy and relax Marcie," Adele said.

A few minutes later and after hugs and best wishes Marcie left the wake. She was barely out the door when Mel turned around and looked at everyone with a puzzled face.

"Did I miss something?" Mel said

"I know I wasn't there," Adele said "but correct me if I'm wrong Meredith but Gary Harper never pointed the gun at Marcie"