Polish It Off and Smooth It Over

The Funeral

The day of Calli's funeral it was raining. Super dramatic right. I was only worried about the fact that one of the doctors said that "an extreme event" could set me off and counteract my medication. I was hoping Calli's body wasn't an "extreme event". Everyone donned black clothes and I wore a dress that Calli had given me last year for our twin day. I wonder what her parents did with her stuff? I might want some of it. I hope they didn't throw it away. I was feeling like I could handle this pretty well. I had a plan and everything. My mom and dad insisted on driving to the bridge even though it was only a five minute drive and about a ten minute walk from our house. Probably because it was pouring but I didn't care. Once we got there, there weren't a lot of people. Only Calli's mom, dad, brother and some of the extended family. Then I looked over and saw James. Of course he was here. I just hope he doesn't talk to me. That's all I can hope for. A few minutes later the funeral director started talking about how great Calli was, blah blah blah, he didn't even know her! I kind of tuned him out until he said "our next speaker will be Miss Cassandra" um what. No one told me I was going to talk about Calli! I didn't write a speech or anything! I smiled awkwardly as I got up with my umbrella and walked towards the podium.
"Heh-hem" I cleared my throat "uh so..." Everyone was staring at me and I didn't know what to do. So I thought, you know what I'll just reminisce. "So Calli was a really great girl. We were best friends since uh...first grade...I think. And uh she was always there for me to help me out. And I..I really regret not being able to help her too. I don't know uh..exactly why she did...what she did...but I think we can all learn from her. Learn that you can always get through what you're going through. No matter what." Tears started streaming down my face. I smiled despite this. "I just think that we should all remember her strengths as well as her faults because...failings are what make us human, but they don't define us. Uh..thanks" I rushed away back to my seat. And then people actually started clapping. I don't know why. All I said was that she was great. My speech wasn't all that. Some other people and her parents gave a speech. They didn't say anything important. I was just itching for people to leave so I could be with Calli. Her casket was sitting, closed, on the bridge in front of the rows of chairs and the podium. People trickled away for a good twenty minutes until my parents were alone and they wanted to leave.  The rain has stopped to a misty fog by now.
"Hey Cass come on let's go" my dad called
"Uh dad can I stay for a bit and then walk home? I kinda want to be alone for s little bit..." I suggested hesitantly.
My parents exchanged a glance and my dad said
"Sure I guess. But you better be home in less than an hour."
"Bye honey. See you in a  bit then." My mom called over her shoulder as they walked away to the car. I turned around and heard the engine start and then the noise fade away. I looked around, as far as I could tell there was no one here. Good. I walked over to Calli.