TRIPLE THREAT: THE INEVITABLE

25. PLAN IN MOTION

Three days later...

At Tony's funeral, I sit beside Diana, Tony's long time girlfriend. I'm rubbing her arm to get her to calm down. It saddens me at how little I can do for her right now. I feel her pain. The whole scenery reminds me of my mother's funeral. Salia's was yesterday. I was able to manage but this funeral is too much.

The church is packed from top to bottom with people to give their condolences to Tony's friends and family.

I wipe away a tear that managed to escape. I don't want to break down right now but it's so hard. It's an enormous change to see a person the day before but then the next, you're sitting in a church where their funeral is being held.

A huge lump forms in my throat and I start to choke back tears. Tony was a friend. Not only was he a business partner, he was considered as family and that's where my loyalty sticks.

I know it's killing King that he's unable to attend his best friend's funeral. It breaks my heart that he can't. I want to be there for him, I really do but not if it's not appreciated and I will not allow him to disrespect me or my family any time he feels like it. It doesn't work like that.

They announce for me to head up the stage. My legs feel wobbly as I walk, I worry that my legs will give out on me.

Once on stage, I put the microphone to my lips and take a deep, shallow breath.

"Lawrence Anthony Wright was a brother, a son, an uncle, and a friend to us all. Tony was a hardworking man who cared for everyone he loved and cherished. Although he's not physically here, but he's here spiritually. His soul is still alive and thriving. His family is our family and the only thing left is to take care of one another. Death is inevitable and we can't stop God's plans. All we can do is sit back and watch. It's up to us to make our lives worth living and eventful and that's exactly what Tony did. Tony will always be in our hearts and could never be forgotten," My face is hot and wet from tears. My voice get caught in my throat.

"We're not saying Rest in Peace Tony. We're saying 'see you later, Tony'."

I clear my throat again and open my mouth to let the sweet and soothing harmonies flow from my mouth and into the church and the ears of the people. Also, in the ears of Tony. If God has blessed me with a gift, it was the gift of voice.

I fought for you...the hardest, it made me the strongest

So tell me your secrets I just can't stand to see you leaving But heaven couldn't wait for you. No heaven couldn't wait for you

Heaven couldn't wait for you. No heaven couldn't wait for you

So go on, go home. We laughed at the darkness. So scared that we lost it. We stood on the ceilings.

You showed me love was all you needed. Heaven couldn't wait for you.

Heaven couldn't wait for you. So go on, go home....

Loud, horrifying and piercing cries fill the room. My chest tightens and soon, my cries match theirs.

*******

After the funeral, Chaz, Chris and I are standing over the table with photos and maps spread out.