Destiny (Zayn Malik FanFic)

chapter 49

chapter 49

It was raining.

Grey clouds had replaced the colour in the sky casting a gloomy shadow over the streets of Bradford. I walked alone, my frigid fingers wrapped around the umbrella I was holding. The path leading to the grand church was desolate and empty–something I was both happy and sad for. Melting snow sat on either side of the curved path as I walked slowly and frailly. Tall trees towered above me and I couldn’t help but smile at the familiarity of this place.

Once I reached the door to the old church, I crossed myself.

It felt weird stepping inside. I hadn’t been here for a very long time; perhaps it had been a few years–I felt my heart plunge into the depths of dejection as the realization became apparent. My grandfather had always been the one who had encouraged us to pursue the road to God. Ironically enough, his death had delivered me here.

The door closed behind me and I looked around, gazing up at the beautiful ceiling. A fleet of memories from my childhood sailed through my mind, making me smile despite myself. I walked into the atrium and smiled sadly at a few people I didn’t recognize. Glancing at the old fashioned clock that hung above the entrance to the main sanctuary, I realized that I was quite early.

Feeling like a stranger in the empty church, I walked up to a pair of great, brass doors that read “reception” and pushed them open.

I was surprised to see Adrianna of all people setting up the tables and arranging the food for all the family and friends who would stay after the funeral. I cleared my throat, making her tiny body jump up in surprise as she turned to face me. I gave her a half smile before walking up to her.

“I–um, is Jose here–”

She smiled and then to my utmost astonishment, she flung her arms around me and pulled me into a hug. This was the first–and probably last–time I’d ever received anything genuine from her. My eyes widened as I felt her sorrow in the strength of her hold, my arms returning the hug.

When I pulled away, I saw care and compassion in her smile as she awkwardly patted me on the shoulder.

“He’s in the sanctuary.”

“Oh, um, yeah.” I was about to turn around and walk away from her when I smiled. “Thanks, Adrianna.”

She nodded her head before glancing down at Annie who was clanking a silver spoon against the table. Ruffling her hair, Adrianna turned away from me and I took that as cue to walk away. Very swiftly, I felt my bun loosen as I almost ran to the sanctuary. I opened the door and smiled at the priest who nearly bumped into me.

“I’m sorry, my dear.” He said, before holding the door open for me. I smiled, thanking him. The clunk of the wooden door startled me as I realized I stood alone at the entrance of this sanctuary. I looked up and my heart fell.

A long, broad wooden coffin was placed just under the stage, ahead of the rows of pews, a single rose placed on top. I began walking towards it, feeling almost feeble like a zombie. It was calling my name but when I approached it, someone’s sniffling caught my eye.

It was Jose.

I turned to look at him as he sat in the first pew. His eyes looked as though he hadn’t slept for a while.

“Jose…” My voice echoed in the sanctuary, startling him.

“Eliza, you’re here?” I nodded, walking upto where he sat and sitting down beside him. I looked at him and shook my head, motioning for him to stop crying.