Girl Almighty

Part 21

Niall knew hehad to listen to the voicemail, so as they approached the lobby he excused himself to use the bathroom.

Tears immediately tracked down his cheeks as he listened to Liz struggle, trying to find the words she wanted to say. He was overwhelmed by the love she was trying to convey.

He splashed cold water on his face, grimacing at the overhead speakers as they called Code Blue. Taking a deep breath, he walked back out to Liz.

He looked up and down the hall, and not seeing her thought she must be in the washroom. He messaged Liam to say they would be right out, and absently drummed on his legs. After  few minutes Liam messaged him, asking what was happening.  Niall frowned in concern and approached an older woman at the volunteer desk.

When he explained the situation she offered to check the Ladies Room. She quickly emerged shaking her head, reporting that the room was empty.

"What was your friend's name. I can page her if you'd like?" she offered. Niall agreed and waited for Liz to come to the main reception doors. He watched people hurryng past him. Doctors and nurses with coffee, visitors bringing flowers, everyone stopping at the volunteer desk.

Niall was surprised to see Barry walk up to the volunteer desk. When the woman pointed towards him, a feeling of dread began to creep up Niall's spine. 

"Come now" Niall quickly texted Liam. Barry placed a hand on Nialls arm as Harry, Louis and Liam rushed through the front doors. They followed Barry into a small room, emotions running wild.

"What's happened?" Niall asked. Barry gently answered.

"I am so sorry" he said. "She just had been through so much..."

"She was waiting for me in the hall....." Niall explained. "I was just splashing some water on my face...."

Louis put his arm around Niall. "Niall...." he whispered

Harry  sat heavily into the chair behind him.

"If there is anything I can do.." Barry said.  Liam walked Niall to a chair and gently pressed on Niall's shoulders so he would sit down.

"Does someone need to.. I mean what happens..?" he asked quietly.

"She left instructions." Barry said quietly.

"Of course she did." Harry choked out.

One week later, Niall received a call from Liz's brother.

"Services are going to be this Wednesday. Can you guys make it?"

"Definately" Niall said without hesitation.

"Okay. Service will be at the church at 7 pm."

He hung up. and Nial messaged the boys

Wednesday turned out to be a beautiful summer evening. The boys travelled in two cars in case they had to split up for security reasons. When they arrived at the church, people were milling about on the front lawn, and some people were even working in the garden. 

" No respect" Liam muttered under his breath. Liz's brother appeared at a side door and motioned them in. They shook hands and he informed them that they would be sitting with him at the front. They started to protest, but he cut them off.

"You were her family. Family sits at the front." The church bells sounded and he  opened the door to the front of the nave. The evening sun was streaming through the stained glass windows, and the heat of the day filled the church witht he aroma of warm wood. It was beautiful.

"The gloaming" Harry whispered. Liz's brother looked at him and nodded.

 Every pew was full. Louis looked up to the balcony and saw it too was full. The minister stepped to the front and asked them all to sit.

"Thank you all for coming to celebrate our love for our dear friend. " In an exaggerated fashion, he then picked up a large cue card and tuned it over

"As you know Liz liked to be in control..." people laughed and nodded in agreement."And as you can see this evening will be nodifferent" he said. holding up a pile of large cue cards.

"Going off the script for a moment" he spoke " I would like to acknowledge a few special guests this evening." Harry's eyes widened in panic, and he minutely shook his head. "If you would please stand."

The minster gestured to the front pew. " We are joined by Liz's right kidney." he said, and a man  to the far right stood up.

A woman stood up holding a small child. "Bone marrow" she announced

"Heart Valve" called a child from the balcony.

Niall wept, both with sadness and pride. 

A woman with an English accent came forward carrying a small bouquet.

"Liz loved our community garden, and she left strict instructions that we were to plant Peonies and Russian Sage this weekend, even if she wasn't here to help"

Placing her bouquet at the front, she said gently " Rosemary for remembering, Pansies for for thought"

The minister stood again.

"We know Liz didn't want to a big service, so I invite you to join us in a final song"

The beginning chords filled the church, and Liam gasped as 200 voices began to sing

"If I could fly , I'd be coming right back home to you

I think I might give up everything, just ask me to."

And they sang like they had never sung before.