Never Too Late

Chapter 7.3: Resolution

The next day came, and it was Mrs. Johnson's funeral. Alex drove us to the church without saying a word. I didn't even know what to say. Sure, Laura and Harvey found this behavior alarming, but they chose to not say anything about it. I just sat there, hoping Alex would change his mind because nothing I said to him actually worked. The burden he feels around his family was a lot heavier than I thought.

Anyway, we were at the church, and there were dozens of people around in suits. We were all dressed up pretty good too. Alex was looking really handsome, but I didn't have the time to admire that. There was a sad piano song being played inside, and there were food and everything. There were flowers and picture frames of Alex's mom. We never really got the chance to talk to Alex since there were a lot of people coming to him, grieving and everything. I saw Alex's dad talking to someone, but I walked to him as soon as he got free.

"Mr. Johnson." I called to him as he was about to walk, and he stopped. "Can I have a word with you?"

"Liyah Lovewoth." He reacted. "What is it?"

"Look, sir. I just want to apologize for yesterday." I started. "I know it was very disrespectful and rude, but please don't blame Alex for this. He cared about your wife so much, sir."

"I'm not blaming Xander for my wife's death." He crossed his arms. "He just wasn't there for her when she needed him the most, like the way he was never there for anyone."

"You're wrong sir." I shook my head. "Alex cares about both of you so, so much. He stayed and worked endlessly for you. He sometimes called me, and he was just exhausted, all just to meet your expectations, just to prove that he wasn't the disappointment you think he is. Please, sir, Alex is trying so hard just to regain your trust."

"That still doesn't change the fact that he drove away from us."

"You drove him away, sir." I said. His eyes sharpened, like he didn't like what I had just said.

"What?" He sounded a bit offended. "I gave him my company, and he turned it away because you broke up with him. Who drove him away there?"

"Every time I talk to Alex, he always says how he doesn't want to go back to Seattle." I shook my head. "He says he's sick of all the fighting, and I don't blame you. I know it was hard when you lost your son, Josh, but all you ever did after that was leave Alex in the cold. You always looked at him like he ruined your family. He lived without his parents in Neptune for his whole High School life, not even for his graduation. He was just tired of feeling like the biggest mistake in your family. It's also my fault that I failed to see the value he was placing to your work. You can blame me for that and for everything, but please don't drive your son away. He's gone through enough already."

"Are you sure you two are broken up?" he chuckled in relief. Somehow, I think my speech got to him, and plus, he didn't walk away. "I can't believe an ex would go this far as to convince his father."

"I care about him, sir." I said. "This my fault. Please don't blame him."

"Fine." He sighed, still sounding like the strict father he was. "Maybe I was a little too hard on my son. I put my wife's death on his shoulders."

"Thank you, sir." I almost teared up.

"I'm glad my son has you." He nodded and smirked. I smiled back as he started to walk out.

About fifteen minutes later, the funeral started, and all the ceremonies and activities and prayers were all sent out. Everyone who came was seated, and it was indeed a very touching sight. I was sitting next to Laura and Harvey, yet I couldn't see Alex. His seat was empty. I wondered where he was. I kept looking around, but he wasn't anywhere inside. I know it was rude to leave while the pastor was still talking, but I did. I walked out the hall and looked for Alex. I pretended to go to the bathroom, but I scouted the place. Later, I saw him on the entrance door, just sitting there and thinking, so I walked to him.