Mafia Princess

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Twilight...not mine (sigh).

Chapter Twenty-Nine

I took my time getting ready for Billy's wake. I wanted to be respectful for the man who gave his life for my father. My hair was blown straight and my makeup was sedate. I dressed in a black pencil skirt and a gray blouse. I also put on my mother's cross, fingering the diamonds gingerly. "I miss you, Momma. Love you," I whispered before kissing the cross. I finished by putting on a pair of black patent leather heels and grabbing my black clutch with my gun inside.

In the living room, I saw my father, Emmett and Edward. They all looked dashing in their suits. Emmett and Edward were both in charcoal gray. Emmett had on a deep plum tie while Edward chose a black tie. Daddy was in a black suit with his arm strapped to his chest. Emmett was trying to tie my father's tie but failing miserably. "Let me," I said as I swiped my father's blue tie from my cousin.

"I can get it to the last point but when I put it over his head it all falls too hell," Emmett grumbled. Deftly, I fixed my father's tie and slipped it over his head. Gingerly, I tightened it before smoothing it under his wounded arm. "How can you do that?"

"I'm the shit," I smirked. "You okay, Daddy?"

"I'm fine, baby girl," he replied, kissing my forehead. "You look beautiful...so much like your mother."

"That's what Uncle Cenzo said yesterday," I said, cuddling into his embrace.

"Better you look like her than me," he chuckled. "The limo's here. Is everyone armed?"

Edward and Emmett unbuttoned their suit jackets and revealed their guns. I patted my bag. My skirt was too tight to wear my thigh holster. "You armed, Charlie?" Edward asked, arching a brow. Daddy reached behind his back and took out his small pistol. Edward pursed his lips but nodded. I picked up a gray pashmina, wrapping it around my shoulders. We all got into the limo, which was being driven by Seth. Stoically, we sat in silence until we reached the funeral home. I held my father's hand the entire way. He gave me a warm, watery smile before he kissed my knuckles.

At the funeral home, we got out and went inside. The wake had just started and it was already standing room only. Most of the people in the visitation hall were a part of my father's crew, their families and children. When they saw us walk in, the line cleared and we had a clear path to Billy's casket. Daddy squeezed my hand as we got closer to the casket.

Billy, who was usually larger than life, looked broken, small and gray. His tanned skin had taken a leathery texture after embalming. His shiny black hair was dull and plastered to his head, unlike its usual unkempt style. It was Billy in the casket but it sure as hell didn't look like him. I missed his booming voice, beaming smile and constant teasing. He used to call me 'Stumblina' since I was so clumsy growing up. I'll never hear him say that again.

I knelt on the stiff leather kneeler with my father. We quickly crossed ourselves. I sent a prayer to Billy. I also said a prayer for Jacob and his sisters. I hated that they had lost their father. They lost their dad because he was saving mine. Tears fell onto my cheeks as the brevity of the situation hit me. Charlie kissed my temple and helped me up. I wiped my cheeks, stumbling towards Jacob, Rebecca and Rachel, who were standing off to the side of the casket.

Jacob was physically being held up by his sisters. His skin was ashen and his face was covered in stubble. What shocked me was his glazed over expression and bloodshot eyes. Jacob was high at his father's funeral. Charlie noticed this, too. "Son, I know you're struggling, but..."

"I'm not your son," Jacob snarled at my father. "It's because of you that he's gone!" Jacob reared back and hit my dad in the face. Edward caught him easily. Charlie looked shocked but resigned. Emmett took Jacob's arm and led him out of the room.

"We're so sorry, Mr. del Cigno," Rachel, Jacob's oldest sister, muttered. "He's taking this really hard, obviously. Having him die in his arms was torture for Jacob. He doesn't really blame you."

"No, he has every right to blame me," Charlie said wearily. "So do you, Rachel. I am sorry for the loss of your father. He was a wonderful man and I'll miss him greatly. He was more than a bodyguard. He was my friend. Probably my best friend."

"He thought very highly of you, too, Mr. del Cigno," Rebecca said, rubbing my father's good arm.

"If there's anything that you or your family needs, don't hesitate to ask for it," Charlie said as he hugged and kissed both sisters. They nodded. I hugged them, apologizing for their loss. However, the mere thought that Billy's death was supposed to be my father's was lingering too close to the forefront of my mind.

I had to get out of here. I needed a good cry and I did not want to fall apart in front of my father. Edward helped my father to a couch located in the back of the room. "I'm going to go to the bathroom," I said, barely keeping the waver out of my voice.

"Go with her, Edward," Charlie insisted.

"Daddy, it's the ladies room," I said. "Besides, you need protection. Emmett's taking care of Jacob."

"Seth is here. I'll be fine," he said. Seth sat down next to my father, nodding. I sighed and turned on my heel, walking to the rear of the funeral parlor. Tears were brimming in my eyes and my heart was stammering. I couldn't breathe and I leaned against the wall.

"Bella, you've got to breathe," Edward said as he crouched in front of me. I couldn't. I just couldn't. The fear was crippling. The sadness washed over me and the last thing I remembered before blacking out was Edward's worried eyes.

A/N: Kind of cliffie...Pictures of the limo and flowers for Billy's service are on my blog. Link on my profile. Bella's outfits are on my polyvore: tufano79. You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or on twitter: tufano79. Leave me some!

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