Pavane for a Lost Boy (Or Rather, How to Survive Loss after Rejection)

Chapter Sixty-Three

Demario's POV

One week later...

"For as much as it pleased the Father to take out of this world the soul of our dearly departed sister, we therefore commit her body to the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, and dust to dust..."

"You okay, Demario?" Oliver asks me gently as he and I watched the coffin that held the remains of Jillian Kendricks being lowered into the grounds of Sanford Memorial Park while her family tossed their roses onto her cream-colored casket before other mourners did the same.

I nodded. "This has been a hard day for the family," I replied sotto voce. "Jillian and I may have had our rocky starts, but at least she and I made up before Ryan and Theo ended her and Artem's life. They're not going to get away with this, not if her family or my foster dads can allow it."

My boyfriend nodded before we turned our attention to the minister as he performed the last rites, a sob or two breaking out in between the silence.

Lord, please watch over Jillian, I silently prayed, keeping my head bowed low as everyone was instructed to pray silently. Forgive her of her sins as she and I made peace with each other- both of us betrayed and scorn by those who were the main players. Grant her safe passage into the afterlife and grant her eternal rest. May my prayer be her clemency. And may her family find comfort knowing that her killers will soon be brought to justice. Amen.

"This ends the graveside service for Jillian Kendricks," the funeral director said. "At this time, the family will receive guests at their residence where a repast will be held for those who knew Jillian best. You may return to your vehicles at this time."

Oliver motioned me to follow him to meet with the Kendricks, a still-weeping Mark and a grim-faced Mother Endora granting me a hug. "Thank you so much for coming, you two," Mr. Kendricks said. "Especially you, Demario, even after your release from the hospital. I'm glad that you only suffered minimal damage."

"It's been daunting for me, but my heart goes out to you two," I commented, handing Mark a tissue to dry his eyes. "Jillian may have been abrasive and all, but she was as much as a victim as everyone else was. She's no saint, but even everyone has their skeletons in the closet. Anyway, I couldn't forgive myself for not paying my respects if I didn't show up for today. I wasn't able to attend Artem's service since I was in the hospital, but I did respect him and talked to his parents."

"And I'm sure that they appreciated it," Endora commented. "Won't you two come to the house for the reception?"

"Are you sure?" Oliver asked uncertainly. "I mean, Demario and I don't want to intrude and all. And I think it might be best for only family."

"It's no trouble," Mrs. Kendricks commented. "You two are welcome since Jillian made peace with you both."

"True," I agreed, nodding. "I'd never forgive myself if I abandoned you. I'll even play the piano for the other guests."

"Thanks," Mark breathed, his tears now stopped. "Thanks for everything. And despite everything, Demario, I'm sure of one thing when it came to my sister."

"What's that?"

"She saw something in you that made you into a fighter despite your past. And she knew that you would come out of the ashes like a phoenix."

Oliver and I nodded and joined the family in the limousine.

***************

Two hours later, I was back at home and surprised yet again by the appearance of the well-dressed and cosmopolitan-themed sisters known as Yvonne, Candace, and Amelia Bader- all of them still single and free of me. "What are you three doing here?" I asked, my voice slightly sharp.