Upon A Dream (Sequel to A Beauty and the Tragedy)

Chapter Nineteen: It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

Hey guys! I have been SWAMPED at school but I am back. I'm having an AWFUL evening...maybe some fanfic will cheer me up!

"Oh simple thing, where have you gone? I'm getting old and I need something to rely on. So tell me when you're gonna let me in. I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin." Somewhere Only We Know (Cover) by  Max Schneider and Elizabeth Gillies

Chris

"This isn't happening." I reminded myself as Devin passed another car. The car was silent as we maneuvered the interstate. I gripped the chicken bar, my knuckles almost white. 

"You okay dude?" Josh asked quietly, placing his hand on my shoulder. I tensed and he recoiled. The day was overcast a bit chilly for late July. 

We eventually made it to Granby cemetery. Norfolk, Virginia was too crowded and loud. It seemed even more so as I opened the car door and stepped out. 

I hadn't wanted to change out of my clothes, but I respected Irina. The only way I could do that now was at least not dress like a homeless person at her funeral. I slammed the car door and shoved my hands so violently into my pockets that if I didn't have the belt, they would've fallen. 

The guys all slammed the doors and walked over. Ricky pulled out a cigarette and offered me one. I didn't smoke...but today the one thing that always comforted me and clamed me was lying in a pine box fifty yards away...or at least what was left of her. 

I glanced over at the green tent, my heart dropping. A man stood talking to Penelope and Violet. They both were dressed in all black, Penelope's legs shook in her high heels as she nodded. A few cars pulled up near us. 

Another held Ash who had heard about Irina and insisted she come. Nikki, Jeremy and blonde Nicki followed. Alex appeared with another guy with orange hair and gauges I recognized him from somewhere but could not place him. 

The other car was one I recognized instantly. My stomach jumped into my legs once again as the blonde emerged from his car. His eyes were red and puffy, his jacket wrinkled. 

The asshole didn't even dress up. I tapped the cigarette and glared at him. The guys all caught my gaze and traced it to Lance. The air turned dark as he put his hands in his dark jeans and started towards Penelope. 

"What is he doing here?" I growled, stomping on the cigarette. I felt a hand on my chest and looked to the place to see a hand, dainty and female. Her hand. I blinked and Devin's hand appeared. 

"Don't do it." he said solemnly. I took a deep breath and sighed. A few other people appeared as we all started over to the tent. 

"Oh shit." I glanced to see what Ryan was referring to and anger boiled in me. Lizzy was walking between headstones, her hair pulled into a bun and her body covered in a black dress. I shook my head and joined Penelope under the tent. 

"Friends and family, we are here to celebrate the life of Irina Lucille Davenshire. Irina touched the lives of so many people and those people would like to speak about her today." The man glanced at Penelope and she stood. 

"Oh God this isn't happening." I whispered, putting my face in my hands. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked to see Ricky. His hands were in his lap. Ryan was biting his nail. 

I glanced behind me to see Lizzy. Her eyes were...sad. I turned back as Penelope began to speak. 

"Irina, I don't think there is a word in the English language that could thoroughly describe our Irina. Beautiful doesn't even come close. Caring is an understatement. Kindness maybe...but even then she could put Mother Teresa to shame. Growing up with her was like having a little sister. Someone I could dress up, boss around, and even occasionally blame for stuff I did."