Heartstrings

Chapter Thirty Eight

MAVERICK

—

"Are you ready?"

"We are." Briar responded as she and Ryan walking into the living room hand in hand. I nodded and opened the house's door, the car was parked right outside the house which was better than going to the garage in these clothes.

I got into the driver's seat while Briar put Ryan on his chair in the backseat, he spoke to his aunt asking her where we were going and if we could go to the park instead.

He didn't know we were going to the mass in honor of his parent's death anniversary. Not something that happens often but William and Annabeth were so loved in town that some ex-alums that went to high schools with us organized the whole thing.

People that really didn't know them yet my brother and his wife had left a mark on them. A positive one that not even death could make those people forget about them.

It must be nice to have a legacy of love. At least that's what everyone else would think, you are just dead, how would you feel or know anything?

The church was filled, almost if not every seat was taken as the father started the mass. My mom was a few rows behind of us while I had to sit with both Ryan and Briar at the very front.

I was never very religious, sure I respected it and knew my prayers... but to say I was a devoted catholic? Not a chance, though my dad was and so was Annabeth. She didn't the church but she was a good catholic I suppose, she once told me she found some sense of comfort in the religion.

Briar kept glancing at me all through the mass while I had to pretend I didn't notice the obvious looks. We still haven't talked about anything other than Ryan.

The mass ended and I was dreading this moment most as people came our way to greet us and despite being a year since they died they still gave us their condolences. It was Briar that dealt with most of them, I don't think she minded it since she had missed the funeral last year. I think because she wasn't invited, but it's not like Anne's dad showed up to it anyway.

"Emilia." I said once I saw the woman and her son approaching us—which made Ryan try to free himself of my hold and go to his friend.

I let Ryan go say hi to his friend while we talked. The least I can do for him, I don't think he understands what this mass was even about.

"Maverick, Briar hi." She greeted the both of us. "Sorry to appear unannounced it's just that someone at Toby and Ryan's school mentioned it yesterday and I thought I should come by."

Of course this would be the talk of the town.

"Don't worry Emilia, I think it was nice of you to come by. Maverick should've told you about it." Briar gave me a glance as she spoke to the English woman.

"It slipped my mind." At least by watching us talk to Emilia no one else was approaching us to —once again— tell us how terribly sorry they are for our loss.

I am sick of hearing that.

"Of course." Briar said sarcastically. "We are going to the cemetery now but afterwards we were thinking about going to grab lunch, if you are up for it you and Toby can join us."