Kentucky Home

Chapter 3

Emma

Last night was full of hugs and mom telling me I need a good home cooked meal because I'm too skinny.

I just shake my head and agree with her because she doesn't need to know that I haven't been eating much due to the stress of starting this new job and getting settled. What she doesn't know doesn't hurt her.

It's nice to be back in the same house with my parents even though we're staying at Aunt Karen's. It's weird being here without her, and even weirder we're getting ready for her funeral.

"Emma? Are you about ready?" Mom yells through the farmhouse which echoes off the thin walls and high ceilings.

It's raining today, so I've decided to go with a low bun to rid myself of frizzy hair.

"Yes, mom! Wait for me in the car." I yell back as I slide the last bobby pin into my hair.

I spray some perfume onto my wrist. I decided to go with my knee high black boots rather than sinking my heels into the mud. My black dress is made of lace that comes right above my knees showing off the little bit of olive colored skin my boots and dress doesn't cover.

I walk out onto the porch and take a deep breath breathing in the smell of fresh rain. "Let's just get this over with." I say to myself, stepping off the porch and meeting my parents in their car.

"Em, you could've done with a little less perfume. You smell like you bathed in it."

I roll my eyes and chuckle. "No, dad. That's the hairspray you're smelling. I had to hold this hair down somehow with all this rain."

As we approach downtown by the funeral home, the roads are packed with cars and even more farm trucks. It's still half an hour before the funeral is due to start. "Dad, are all these people here for Aunt Karen?"

"They sure are," he turns into the parking lot. "My sister was very well known around here. Growing up here and living here her whole life, she made a dent. She was a wonderful school teacher and an even better person. If anybody didn't know her they missed out."

"I know it, daddy! I don't know what it's like having a sibling, but I can't imagine how this must feel losing someone you've known your whole life." I said as I looked outside as the raindrops slid down the window.

"Yeah, baby. It's not easy! It's not easy..." he said trailing off. My dad is not one to show much emotion. He's a hard worker and he loves his family, but he tends to keep his feelings to himself.

I take a deep breath as the car comes to a stop. I rub my lips together making sure my lipstick is even. My parents open their door before I move to open mine. I hate funerals. I haven't been to many, but there was one I went to that pretty much ruined them all. I was too close to being in a casket just like my best friend.

I wipe the thought from my head, open the door, and decide to face this day. I push back a stray hair. My mom lightly touches my shoulder. I know why the sentiment. "Em. Are you okay? You know you don't have to-." I cut her off. "No, mom. I'm fine." I say raising my head and straightening my posture while giving her a full lipped smile. She grabs my hand as we walk toward the door.

People are piled into this small building. There's not much room to breathe. The only people I know are my parents. I don't usually get nervous around lots of people, but I feel like all eyes are on my family when we walk through the door. We are the family. My aunt didn't have any other relations.

I look around trying to spot a familiar face. The thought is far fetched. I haven't been in Olive Hill in ages. I wouldn't remember anybody anyways. That's not to say people don't remember me.