Imaginary Boyfriend

Chapter 18: Funeral

Craig leaned his against on his father's shoulder and stared into empty space with glassy eyes. He looked like he was under a spell; I had never seen him so... quiet. 

                There were tears shining in his eyes, but you could tell how hard he was trying not to cry. 

                His face mirrored his dad's.

                Craig's mum -- Rhys's ex-wife -- had been an alcoholic and due to that Rhys had been granted full custody instead of her. I had always wondered about her, but never had the guts to ask. From Craig's reaction, I could tell they had a strong relationship and that, maybe, his mum knew the real him.

                I think she had been the one Craig would confide in, and that she loved him just as much as Rhys. I would've thought, being an alcoholic, she would've been a rubbish mother, but this wasn't the case.

                I felt out of place at the funeral. Surrounding me were mourning friends and family, some crying openly and some holding it in like Craig and Rhys, and I was just sitting there, not knowing anyone.

                "Mum! MUM!"

                Craig bolted forward, tears now flowing freely down his cheeks, as the casket was taken out of view to be cremated. Rhys wrapped his arms securely around his son to stop him from going any further. We all watched in grim silence as Rhys dragged his son back to their places, whispering something along the lines of 'it'll be okay' -- I doubted either of them believed that.

                I thought back to my own mother and imagined myself in Craig's situation.

                I couldn't relate to him -- but I could understand. If it were my mother's body in that casket, I would've acted so much worse. I probably would've forced my way through those curtains and try to drag the casket away.

                Rhys's eyes caught mine and for one fleeting moment, I thought he was going to cry too.

                He didn't.

**

                "She's really gone."

                "I'm sorry."

                It was all I could think to say.

                "Oh what do you care?" spat Craig with venom. "I bet you're glad she's out of the picture, aren't you? So you can get with my dad instead."

                "Stop it Craig," Rhys said quietly.

                The funeral was over and we were back in their living room. I had intended to go home, but Rhys had insisted I come back with them. Craig wasn't so keen.

                "It's true though," he continued angrily. "Why else would she be here?"

                "Maybe because I'm a good friend," I told him evenly. Glaring at me, he stood up and left the room.

                "Wait-" I started, the door slamming shut interrupted me. I sighed. "I didn't mean to say it like that."

                "He'll be fine," Rhys croaked.

                "What about you?" I asked softly. "How are you feeling?"

                He looked at me.

                "Yeah, you're right," I said. "Stupid question."

                "No," he shook his head, "I was just thinking about what Craig said."

                "Craig said a lot of things," I responded.

                "Why are you here?"

                My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "I'm being a good friend. Why..? Do you need me to leave?"

                "No, no," he said quickly. He gave me another strange look and then turned away.

                "What?" I asked curiously.

                "Nothing."

                Curiosity was getting the better of me. I stared at him for a long time, but just let the matter drop. If he wanted to tell me something, he'd do it in his own time. And I wasn't going to force it out of him, today of all days.

                "Hey Rhys?"

                "Yeah?"

                "I have to go," I said, my eyes drifting towards their clock and then back to him. His eyes were still red from the tears and when he smiled, it looked forced.

                "Oh okay. I'll, uh... see you around some time."

                "Yeah. Take care, Rhys."

                "I will, Katrina."

                I smiled.

                I walked over to the door, waved, and left the room. Just as I was about to shut it, I heard sobbing.

                It was heart-breaking.

                I entered the room again, held out my arms, and gave him my shoulder to cry on.

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It's late! I know! Sooorry!

I had exams ALL this week and it was so stressing, so yeah... didn't really get time to write. But hey! I've updated! And I'm off on Monday so I can update again real soon :)

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