mad hatter // r.s.l.

22 : over

We didn't remain outside for very long, just enough time for me to finish smoking.

There was a change when we got inside, however. A new character was in the room. My eyes darted to the coffin at the very front, a man dressed in black standing before it.

"Hey!" I shouted, standing up. "This is a family thing, you don't just walk into funerals."

He turned around, to reveal a fairly old man; 50 years old, at least. "But I am family?"

"Who are you?" My siblings began to gather as I proposed the question. His expression changed into a slight smile.

"It's me, Ross." He said. "I'm your father."

I froze. Rydel however, moved, ushering out Bradley with an excuse of  'toilet break'. Other guests took the hint, and left the room too. I inhaled briefly, holding my gaze with him.

I exhaled, then drew a large breath before jumping him. My brothers, however, caught me before I could do anything. "Get out of here! You aren't wanted here by anybody."

"I don't see anybody protesting, only you."

"Because they're all shocked their son of a bitch Dad decided to show up 27 years later!" I shouted. "Just go away, please!"

"Why are you reacting like this?" He asked, playing the victim card.

"The others may not know but I know what it feels like to grow up without a dad, without a male parental figure to look up to, teach you soccer and football or tell about your first ever crush. Ryland had Mom's ex, and the others had you before you left." I ran a hand through my hair. "You left me."

"Ross, I-"

"You left me for another woman, that's what you did." I said, shaking off my brother's grip. "I'm going home."

"Not yet, dude, we still have Mom's burial." Rocky said. "You can stay for that."

I looked between my brothers. "Fine. Then get a move on it."

+++

The burial drew less tears from the guests; it was now our turn to cry. That was probably the last time I will ever cry like that. I just don't think I will ever endure such sadness again.

And my Mother's passing just reinforced the fact that I was basically heartless, but had no issues with showing affection towards my family and my girlfriend.

Despite its nature, cemeteries are very pretty to walk around during the afternoon whilst the sun shines. It removes the fact that we are walking potentially on those who perished. Rather morbid, but I could live with that.

And apparently so could Bradley. She took it more as a remembrance walk, taking care for details around her. I wasn't sure of what was in her mind at all, but she was quiet.

"You alright?"

"Huh. Oh yeah, just looking around and thinking how somewhere so 'gloomy' can be so pretty." She said. "I guess that applies to many aspects in life."

"Me." I commented, which made her laugh. "But I catch your drift, and may I surf on it?"

"You sure can." She winked.

"Hold on, was that a green light I saw?" My eyebrow shot up and wiggled.

Brady laughed again. "Amber."

"But anyway, I suppose that majority of the world is like that. Darkness has a certain beauty to it, such as the night. Sure, it's dark, but there is the moon and the stars." I placed my arm. "And the prime time to raise hell."

small chapter and a bit of philosophy for you ☺️