The 22-Year Friendship

Chapter 58: No words.

There was a long moment of silence before I could come to terms with what my brother just told me. A part of me wanted to break down and cry, and the other part told me to stay strong. I didn't want to believe him. I snapped out of my emotional misery in my head and back into reality.

I asked, "How are the kids? Where is Lisa?! Did anyone contact Priscilla yet?! Don't tell me you contacted her before me."

"Lilly, calm down."

The tears began to roll down my cheeks. "How can I calm down? I don't know what my children witnessed at Graceland, my best friend unexpectedly passed away today, and his daughter is somewhat clueless about what is going on."

"I guarantee you that the children are being taken care of. William did an exceptional job of protecting the girls and keeping them secluded in Lisa's bedroom while we assessed the situation in Elvis's bathroom. Priscilla was contacted a little bit after you were. She will be flying from California on the Lisa Marie along with other family members and friends. The news will be announced shortly to the media and it will be heartbreaking. It will truly cause chaos, and you and the children have to be careful."

We finally arrived at Graceland. The magical feeling of driving through the gates was lost today. I couldn't stop gazing at the home where beautiful memories were created. The car came to a stop, and my brother opened the car door for me. I forced myself out of the car, and stared blankly at the home. I didn't moved until my brother began to lightly nudge me towards the front door.

The house was practically silent, with the exception of quiet whispers that were coming from the kitchen. I quickly went upstairs and into Lisa Marie's bedroom. I didn't know what to expect when I walked into her room, but the sight certainly surprised me. The girls were playing, while Will was quietly watching. The girls ran up and hugged me, and asked if everything's was alright.

Lisa kept looking at me and Will. She finally spoke.

"My daddy's gone, isn't he?"

I said, "Well, he was taken to the hospital. I think it's best that your mom tells you what is going on when she arrives, OK?"

Lisa nodded her head, and continued playing with my daughter.

I decided to bring the girls to visit the horse stables at Graceland. That was where I would go to clear my mind while in Memphis when I was younger, and I was hoping it would help Lisa to stay occupied.

The girls fed the horses, while William and I quietly talked several feet away from them.

"We tried to save him, Mom. We did."

"I know. The truth is, no one could of saved him except himself. He wasn't suppose to die so soon. We loved him, and his daughter loved him the most. It pains me to know she'll continue her life without her father."

"Priscilla will be here in about two hours. What shall we do with the girls?"

"Keep them occupied. Just make sure that they don't go to the front of the house."

Ginger was torn up about the whole situation. However, I found it very odd that she had her makeup done as if she was getting ready for an appearance. She decided to vent her feelings to me.

"My fiancé is dead. And it's all my fault."

"No Ginger, it wasn't your fault. Why are you blaming yourself? Elvis decided to continue the dark path he was on."

"It is my fault. I shouldn't have fallen asleep while he went to the bathroom."

"Look, it wasn't the best choice to sleep while he was in the bathroom. We all knew he would doze off once in a while. But here's how I think of it. If Elvis didn't do drugs and had a healthy mind and body, this wouldn't of happened. Please don't blame yourself. All you could do was love and care for this broken man."

Ginger wiped a tear and nodded her head. She went to sit on the couch and sulk.

Priscilla finally arrived in Memphis and drove through the gates of Graceland. Priscilla. Lisa ran into her arms and they shared a warm embrace. Then, she hugged my son and I. We headed to the living room to talk.

"I boarded the plane as soon as Joe Esposito called me. I was very worried about Lisa's well-being. Then I remembered that Will and Sam were here as well."

"I was worried about them too. Will kept the girls in Lisa room while everyone else tried to help Elvis."

"I'm so glad Will was there. You raised a fantastic young man. He's destined for a great future. I told Lisa about her father and she didn't cry. She knows what has happened, but it isn't affecting her."

"Her father's death will affect her. It takes time. Remember, she's only nine. Throughout her life, she will learn and understand what happened to her father, and who her father was to the world. If you and Lisa ever need anything, just let me know. My whole family will be here for you."

"Thank you, Lilly. I needed to hear that. I don't know where Lisa and I will stay tonight."

"You and Lisa can stay at my Aunt's house with us. I think it's best for you guys to stay there and away from everything that is happening."

"Thanks again, Lilly."

News station all around the world announced the death of Elvis. More Fans began to show up in front of the gates of Graceland. Everyone comforted and cried together. Vernon was torn up about his only living son's death.

I felt that no one would be getting any rest tonight... not after what had happened to Elvis. We lost a dear friend, father, son, and entertainer.