Saving Ant and Sarha

The Funeral

Three days later, Tuesday morning, Sarha stood in front of the bathroom mirror in a blue bathrobe. Her hair was wet and wavy from her shower and dripped every second or so onto the plush material that covered her small body. She left the bathroom and walked down to the kitchen where Anne was preparing breakfast.

"I can't go to the funeral." she announced. "I don't have anything to wear." Anne, still cooking, gestured to the shopping bag at her feet. Sarha peered into it and much to her disappointment, in it was a black sleeveless dress with a round neckline that was decorated in flower patches. Further investigation revealed a new pair of black opaque tights and black ballet flats.

Sarha scowled and grabbed the bag, stomping up the stairs. Alph flattened himself against the wall as she stormed through. He entered the kitchen and kissed Anne on the cheek.

"She doesn' sound like a happy camper." he said, stating the obvious. Anne snorted.

"No, really?"

"You know, I actually talked to her this morning." Alph informed her. "Like an actual conversation." Anne cocked an eyebrow.

"Really? When?"

"Early, she wanted to talk about the funeral." Anne placed the plates full of food on the table.

"Do you think we're making the right decision by making her go?"

"Yes." Alph replied. "She may not want to, but it's for the best."

In Ant and Dec's room, Ant was helping Dec tie his tie. They were sitting in Indian position. They were both ready and dressed in a black suit with a white collared button up and matching ties.

"How did you learn how to tie a tie?" asked a curious Dec.

"I learned from watching a video." mumbled Ant.

"Well you're gonna have to show me this video so I can learn myself." said Dec. "Come on, let's go eat breakfast."

"I'm not hungry." Ant mumbled again. Dec looked at him in concern.

"What's wrong?" Ant sighed.

"I don't want to go." he whispered. "I don't think I can handle it."

"Come on, Anth. I hate to sound mean but you're going whether you like it or not. There's no getting out of it." he sighed. "Look, I'll be there with you. Mom and dad will there with you. Sarha will be there with you. You won't be alone." Ant chuckled.

"You know, I said that to Sarha yesterday."

"Really? Then believe it."

********

About an hour later, the Donnellys plus two McPartlins were in the car on their way to the church. Ant and Sarha ignored all conversation, isolating themselves into the deep abyss of their thoughts.

As they pulled up to the church, Ant noticed some men transferring the coffin from the hearse onto a gurney-like cart. It made him shudder to know that their mother's body lay inside of it.

Alph exited the car, as did Sarha. Father and daughter walked towards the entrance of the church. Alph followed behind her and noticed she wasn't wearing the ballet flats Anne had gotten her, but her boots. He figured it was her form of rebellion.

Anne got out as well, but noticed Ant was still buckled into his seat. Anne opened the door and peered into the car.

"Are you planning on staying in there the whole time?" she asked, her eyes squinting from the light of the sun.