Better Than Words (Book 2)

Chapter 7

Emma's POV

Its been a few days since we visited Christina and the kids. We had a great time and already are good friends. Lately I have been in my room curled up in my blanket and had flashbacks of me and Jackson as a kid but I managed to come out of the room and spend time with the family.

However, today is Jackson's funeral and I'm digging in the closet trying to find something.

"Ugh! I can not find anything!" I threw my hands up in frustration.

"Emma you don't need to really dress up in black and all fancy. Well at least you have to dress decent and it's up to you if you want to dress in black," Zayn pointed out fixing up his shirt.

I shrugged and continued to dig for an outfit. I can't find an outfit at all. "Zayn I seriously can not find anything,"

Zayn looked up at me and sighed, "I don't know what to do, just find a pair of black or skinny jeans and maybe black or white shirt? Know matter what you wear you still would look beautiful in it," he sat own next to me and gave me a kiss.

"Awe thanks babe, could you get the girls ready? I already set out their clothes on the couch," I asked with a smile.

"Of course I will, I'll be back in a bit." He coughed walking out the door.

Now what to wear? Honestly it's a bit difficult to decided what to wear and it's cold in California. I finally found an outfit! I took out a pair of blue skinny jeans and a tan/white long sleeve cotton shirt along with a red scarf. Once I hit dressed I went into the bathroom to do my hair and make it wavy. Next I took out my makeup and put on some foundation and black eyeliner as well as mascara.

"Emma?" Zayn asked from the entrance of the room.

"I'm in here," I said tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

I turned around when I saw Zayn looking at me from head to toe. "Wow. You look absolutely stunning," He smiled.

"Thanks, should I put on hoop earrings or regular diamond earrings?" I asked holding up the pairs.

Zayn studied it and scratched his chin, "Um...I'm not sure maybe the diamond ones?"

I nodded and put them on. I set the make up back in the drawer and turned off the bathroom light.

We all went into the van and drove of to the funeral home. I grabbed a small package of tissues from the glove compartment and shared my memories I had of Jackson.

I looked back at the girls and saw Carly crying. "Awe honey you miss uncle Jackson?" I asked It hurt inside every time I mention his name or when someone else says his name.

"Yeah, I want to see him mommy," she cried.

"I know honey so do I but sadly we can't. But I'll tell you what, I bet he's looking down at us and smiling."

She cried a bit more but stopped. Zayn soon pulled into the parking lot of the funeral home. Once I stepped out I felt my stomach starting to turn. I wanted to break down and cry in the middle of the parking lot but I fought back the tears and helped Carly out with Zayn grabbed Brit with the seat.
I went back to the van and grabbed some flowers that we picked up on the way along with pictures I dug up from one if the picture boxes.

I walked to the door and stepped in surrounded by friends and family members. I quickly set up the pictures and flowers where the others were. The minute I stepped into the area where chairs and a stand with a mic were my eyes started to water. Right by the chairs a guy looking at me. Its was my dad. I know what he did was messed up but I missed him so much.

"Ems?" My dad asked shock walking towards me.

"Daddy?" I began to cry. I walked over and gave him a big hug.

"I missed you daddy," I cried.

"I missed you to sweetheart," He teared up giving me a kiss on the head. "Listen, I'm sorry for what I did a few years ago,"

"Your forgiven daddy," I accepted the apology and breaking the hug.

I spotted Zayn over looking at the pictures with Carly and Brit.

I smiled. "I want you too meet someone," I took my dad's hand and walked over to Zayn.

"Zayn," I tapped his shoulder and he turned around and looked at my dad.

"Who's this?" He asked.

"This is my dad, and don't worry he Said he's sorry and I accepted his apology," I intoduced them to one another and they shook hands.

I put my hand over my dad's and looked at him. "Dad, this is Carly we adopted her when her parents abandoned her at a hospital," I said grabbing Carly's hand. "Carly this is your grandpa,"

She went behind my back and peeked out.

"Hi Carly, don't worry I won't hurt you," My dad whispered.

I bent down and moving out of my way. "Its alright Carly." I told her. It took her for a minute until she went over to give him a hug.

"And," I began bending down to grab Brit. "This is Brit, she was born 2 weeks ago,"

"Yes, Your mother told me about her," He smiled as I gently gave her to my dad.

Zayn and I told him about our engagement and I told him he was welcome to walk me down the aisle and He accepted the offer.

Soon the funeral. Everyone walked up to the stand with the Mic and shared the memories they had of Jackson. And then it was my turn I opened the pack of tissues and walked up. Everyone clapped and then I took a deep breath and began.

"So as you guys know we're gathered around to celebrate the life of my brother Jackson Johnson. Hmm, well Jackson was the greatest brother anyone could've asked for. He'd be there for me 24/7 and protect me. I remember when I was about four years old and he was seven. We had a babysitter and I forced him to play dress up," I laughed with tears building up in my eyes. "I made him wear my mom's dress and I did his makeup which looked awful. I don't really remember about that part but all I remember is that he was not happy. When I had my very first boyfriend when I was maybe 14 years old he was really protective and asked him tons of questions. The day that my first boyfriend broke up with me, Jax was mad. He stormed over to his house and punched him and screamed at him," Everyone cried and laughed. I told them other memories until I began to sing a song.

"This song is See You Again by Charlie Puth. This one isn't with Wiz Kahifa." The music began and I began to sing.

After the my little performance the crowd cheered and clapped. I put the mic back up and walked to the back row where my lovely family waited.

Zayn planted a soft kiss on my lips and smiled. "You did amazing,"

"Thanks babe."

We soon headed out for a lunch with everyone that attended the funeral at a park so the kids won't have to get bored. Once we got settled I took out Brit who couldn't stop crying. I slowly rocked her in my arms and fed her.

"Mind if you watch Brit while I go check on Carly?" I asked my dad since Zayn had to go etc the food.

"Of course," my dad smiled as I handed Brit to him.

Me and my father really connected in the beginning and the ending of the funeral. I gotta say I think our bond got stronger then it did when I was a teenager. Kids were running around chasing each other in their sweatshirts or jackets, wild kids I gotta say. I went over to Carly who was playing with Samantha.

"You doing okay?" I asked sitting down on the step of the playground set.

"Yeah I am," She said.

I smiled and left her be with her cousin.