Jesus of Suburbia

Chapter 9 - Famous Last Words

I dragged my hand across my forehead, drops of sweat falling to the dirt.

We couldn't bury Ethan, even though Violet and I had both wanted to bury his body. According to Mike, it was safer to burn his body. Any minions of the alien overlords would be able to pick up the scent of the decaying body. Burning it was safer and quicker, he said.

So we dug a hole. Seven feet long by three feet wide. Ten feet deep. Violet and I gently lowered Ethan's limp, heavy body into the massive ditch. It hit the bottom softly.

I wiped my eyes carefully so as not to get dirt in them but tears out. I still couldn't believe that my big brother was gone. I drew a matchbox from my pocket. Don't ask how it got there. I'm quite fond of fire.

Before striking the match, I glanced at Violet. She was wrapped tightly in Gerard's arms. This was hard on her too. As long as I still had her. But the light behind her eyes had left. It was replaced with sadness. A sadness that would be hard to replace.

It had left mine as well. But we had surrounded ourselves with all these good people. They were our family now. Ethan had sworn to protect our family. Since he's gone, it's my responsibility now. Violet is my family. Caiden is my family. Lily-Rose is my family. Ronnie is my family. I'm sworn to protect them at all costs.

"Anyone have any last words to say before we light this match?" Billie said quietly. A few of us nodded. "Kellin, why don't go first babe?" He smiled at me gently and squeezed my hand.

I stepped forward. "Ethan. I miss you. You'll always be in my heart. You're my big brother and I'm your baby sister. It'll always be that way. Even beyond the grave. Say hi to Mom for us. I love you." I felt relieved. I stepped back.

Violet went next. "Bye Ethan. You're the best big brother a sister could ever ever ask for. We fought a lot but please know that I wanted to be like you when I grew up. I'll miss you. I love you, Ethan."

Lily-Rose scooched forwards, Frank gripping her hand. "Ethan, we weren't related by blood but you still treated me as though we were family. You were a leader to us all and I'm going to miss you so much. Also, tell The Rev I said hi" Giggles escaped closed lips.

Caiden dropped some small flowers in the hole. "I know you liked flowers more than most boys did, Ethan. So I found some of your favorite. They're pansies. I hope they smell nice in the afterlife, because they stink here. I miss you Ethan."

Ronnie sat down on the edge of the ditch. "I'm not very good at good-byes Ethan. So I won't let this be one. I'll see you someday later Ethan. But until then, I miss you. Stomp with Mitch Lucker for me."

Ray covered Ethan's body with gasoline. I struck the match and watched it go ablaze with bright red and yellow colors. I let it fall into the hole. Ethan's body was slowly consumed by the flames. I let the tears fall freely from my eyes now. Billie wrapped his arms around me and I buried my face into his chest.

I miss you Ethan. Bye big brother.