𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈

𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

      

   The stand stood still as I approached, and I adjusted the mic slightly as I looked out at the crowd gathered for Gemini's funeral. It was an open invite, and people from all over had come to show their support. His family was here too, and I could feel their pain.

"I met Gemini when I was just four years old" I began, my voice cracking. "At that age, we didn't know much, but I knew even then that he would be my best friend. This doesn't feel real. If someone had told me I'd be standing here saying goodbye to the person who was always by my side, I would have thought they were crazy."

"Growing up, I had my dad, but no mom. But I had Gemini. He was my protector. Now, I can't help but wonder who will protect me now?" My voice choked up at that part, and I saw Mama Rose nodding in the crowd, a handkerchief pressed to her nose.

I clear my throat and continue, "I know he's gone, but his spirit will forever live through me, through the ones he loved and cared about the most. I'll miss you, Gemini." I say, looking over at his casket as I step down from the stand.

I return to my seat, and the choir begins singing "Spirit" by Beyoncé. The lead singer's voice echoes through the room, "Spirit, watch the heavens open, Spirit, can you hear it calling?"

Some people fan themselves. Gemini's family has their hands up in the air, tears streaming down their faces, especially Mama Rose's. My daddy pulls me close, lifting my shoulders into a hug, and kisses my forehead, doing the same to Isis.

The choir continues to sing with emotion, "So go into that far-off land, and be one with the Great I Am, I Am, A boy becomes a man."

They close the song with long, harmonious runs, singing "Whoa, spirit, Watch the heavens open, Yeah, Spirit, Can you hear it calling?"

   It was over. I had already said my final goodbyes to Gemini. The hardest thing to do. I watched as they carried his casket out, and I held my hand onto it one last time, placing a kiss on it as they placed it into the waiting car. A tear slowly slipped down my cheek. This hurt so much; he was truly going to be gone forever.

As I stood there, Mama Rose walked up to me, she saw the tears in my eyes, and came closer. I don't know what happened, but I broke down in tears.

My dad tried to hold me up as Mama Rose spoke softly, "Oh, baby, it's okay, it's okay, let it out." She rubbed my back repeatedly as my dad held my shoulder.

"All of this wouldn't be happening without you" Mama Rose told me, still rubbing my back. "Because of you, Solem, Gemini can rest in peace. Because of you, the officer is locked up, and because of you, I thank you. He is so proud of you; I know he's looking down on you, smiling right now. That boy loved you; I hope you know it too." She held my hands tightly as I nodded, trying to take in her words.

"Oh, baby, I'm so sorry" she said, pulling me into a hug. I could see tears forming in my dad's and Isis' eyes too.

I knew my dad didn't like seeing me like this; he wasn't a crier, but he felt for me, for all of us. As Mama Rose pulled out of the hug, she held my hand tight again and grabbed Isis's hand too. "You two promise me one thing: please keep in touch, no matter where you are in your lives" she said.

We nodded our heads, and she looked over at my dad, mouthing the words, "Mike, thank you for these beautiful girls." He cracked a small smile, and she then said her goodbyes, leaving us there.

We made our way to my dad's car, got in, and pulled out of the parking lot. "I know I tell you guys this a lot, but it never hurts to say it again" my dad said, looking at us in the rearview mirror.
"I love you both"

Me and Isis both replied, "I love you too" as the car pulled around, heading off into the streets. As I watched the streets pass by, I couldn't help but think about what my life would be like from now on without Gemini.

long live gemini ♊️
excuse any mistakes next chapter is the last chapter!