Saving Us

Chapter 13

Norma Bates woke up Thursday morning and instantly felt her heart sink in her chest. Today was Bradley Martin's funeral. She got out of bed to wake up Norman.

She went in to his room and saw that he was already wearing his suit. Norman stared at the ground. "What is it mother?"

"Oh I was coming to get you up but since you are up I'm just gonna-" She walked back to her room.

"Is it wrong that I'm going to a funeral for a girl I murdered?" He called out simply.

"I have to get ready Norman."

Norma slipped on a black dress and nylons. She threw a shrug over top and put her hair up. Lastly she pulled on a pair of black heels and went downstairs.

She turned into the kitchen to see Dylan sitting at the table in a loose suit. "Hey mom."

She didn't want to make a big deal. "Hi honey."

He stood up. "I'm sorry I lost it the other day and for what I said-" He looked around. "about you not being with the one you want to be with."

She walked up to him and fixed his tie. "It's okay Dylan. What me and Alex have is complicated. We'll never be together. It's just how it is."

Norma heard Norman coming down the stairs. "It shouldn't have to be the way it is." Dylan whispered before walking to fridge.

Norman came in. "He's back?"

"Yes Norman, your brother is home. Now come on we have a funeral to go to."

***

"Bradley Martin was an innocent." The preacher started solemnly. "She was a young girl who was wrongly taken from us but rest assured God will welcome her into his kingdom with open arms."

He continued but Norma couldn't concentrate she was too focused on the coffin. She kept wanting to move away from Norman but she stayed frozen. Norma was shaking slightly and breathing heavily.

She felt someone grasp her arm. "Hey, you okay?" Alex whispered in her ear.

She shook her head. She was definitely not okay. Bradley's mother had just started sobbing.

"Okay here's what you're gonna do. Take a deep breath." She did. "Good now close your eyes; don't worry about them- they'll think you're praying. Just keep your head bowed and it will be over in no time." She noted how experienced he sounded and complied.

Alex slipped past her and she heard the preacher say: "Bradley Martin's passing is not without notice. The White Pine Bay police department is working hard to get the ones responsible. Isn't that right sheriff?"

"Yes sir. We'll catch whoever did this." Alex replied officially.

"God will give Bradley the justice she so heavily deserves."

The preacher spoke more and then music played and it was over. Norma opened her eyes. The crowd had started to fade and Norman was staring at her.

"Are you alright mother?"

"Fine." Annoyed that he had only just noticed.

She caught a glimpse of Alex heading deeper into the cemetery. She mumbled that she'd catch up with them and followed him. He stopped at a grave with a small tombstone. She knew who it was before she saw the name. 'Theresa Reyas (Romero) Loving Wife and Mother' was engraved on the stone.

Norma didn't want to intrude but she did want to be there for him. She moved up beside him and intertwined her fingers with his. He tensed up at first but then relaxed and squeezed her hand lightly.

They were quiet for a long time before Norma asked: "What was she like?"

He took a deep breath. "Uh she was great. Wonderful. My mom was literally my best friend. She was constantly there for me and always protecting me from everything. She was a good mother except I got the feeling that she was sad even when she was smiling. I didn't really understand it until she- yeah."

Norma looked at him sympathetically. He looked away from her shaking his head smiling.

"You know it's stupid because I should have seen the signs. The late night fights, the sleeping pills, the way she used to look like she had been crying, all of it. I should have gotten her away from him."

Alex clutched her hand harder. She ignored the pain. "You were too young Alex. You can't blame yourself."

He exhaled sadly. "Well I'm tired of blaming my dad. He feels nothing. It's crazy because I put him in prison and I still don't feel any better. He's in jail and she's just gone. I'm alone."

"You're not alone Alex." Norma said leaning her head on his shoulder.

Alex looked down at her with the expression she still didn't understand. He laughed once. "She would have like you."

"What makes you think that? I'm not exactly likeable."

"She would have liked your personality- even the crazy side." She rolled her eyes at him. "She would have respected you for being such an amazing mother. Most of all she would have loved that you turned my world upside down."

Norma was blown away by his statement but smiled. "Aw Alex."

He glanced at her and she swore she saw him blush. He let go of her hand and pushed her gently. "Shut up Norma, they're just the facts. Simple observations."

"I'm sure."

"Good." He shook his shoulders. "Wow that was a really depressing conversation."

"Well we are in a cemetery and really how often do we actually have happy conversations?"

"True enough. Let's get out of here."

"Alright." She started walking.

Norma heard him say his goodbye and her heart melted. Alex was so much more than what she had originally thought. She felt his hand on her back leading her out of the cemetery. She smiled at his touch. Norma realized that despite their negative conversations she was always happiest when they were together.