Reunite

Chapter 9

The last two days were hell. I had spent most of the time with Rory, he hadn't been abusive in any form. I felt better, my head felt clearer in a way because I wasn't juggling Rory and Christian at the same time.

Yes, Rory had been abusive many times but I'm scared to leave. What would he do if he knew about me and Christian? I dread to think about it.

I jumped as Kate rubbed my shoulder and sat next to me, it was the day of Grace's funeral. I half smiled as she kissed my cheek roughly and shut down my laptop.

"Ana, you've been so quiet.", She took a deep breath and continued. "You can tell me anything.", I heavily sighed.

"I'm ok.", Kate shook her head and folded her arms.

"Your not. My best friend isn't fine. Is it Christian?", She questioned.

"Keep your voice down. It's complicated at the moment.", I felt her eyes burning into me once more, she enclosed my left hand with both of hers.

"You do what's best for you.", I nodded as she got up and scuttled off to the kitchen.

We had arrived at the small church, I was surprised at how small the occasion was considering their wealth and how much she meant to people.

I followed just behind Kate and Elliot into the service, the church was beautiful. The sunlight peaked through the shutters making orange lines appear on hard stone.

We sat down in the aisle, I placed my small bag between my legs and cleared my voice.

"Why isn't Elliot helping the other guys?", I whispered.

"He said he doesn't feel mentally strong enough.", I nodded and glanced over to Elliot who looked distraught. He had a tight grip on Kate's hand, his knuckles were almost white.

The church began filling with more and more family members, it was filled with low buzzed voices as people were locked into small talk as they awaited for the service to begin. Several people came over to offer their condolences to Elliot and made small conversation which looked like it helped.

"I'll be back.", I stated, I stood up and made my way to the back of the church, there he was head down and dressed smartly as always.

"Hey", His head snapped up and revealed his dark circles. "Move over.", I asked, he slowly moved over and I sat beside him.

"Thank god your here.", He whispered in a hoarse voice, he cleared his throat and glanced at me.

"Today's not about us. This is Grace's day, here.", I offered him my hand and he quickly intertwined his fingers with mine.

"I need you, today of all days.", I felt him tighten his grip, I nodded as the service was just about to start.

"I'm here.", He kept our hands laced until he was called to make his speech, he gripped my hand one last time before doing his suit jacket up and making his way to the front.

"Before I begin I'd like to thank everyone for being so supportive and showing up today. Grace, my mother. She was so easy to take too, she was an outstanding human being who not only gave you hope and love but a kick up the backside when needed.

It's a hard time for everyone who knew her. I know one thing she would have wanted, only remember her well and the things that made you love her.

Grace, Mum. Thank you for raising me, believing in me and always being there. You'll forever be missed.", I watched his slightly touch the casket before keeping his head down and sitting back down.

I grabbed his thigh and moved closer, he placed his hand on top of mine and sighed.

"I had so much more I wanted to say but-", I interrupted him.