Unintentional

Salutations

Jacey

I fought back my tears as I carried my friend' casket, loading his body into the back of the hearse. I couldn't believe this shit. He's dead; my boy Max was long gone. I didn't wanna believe Mrs J when she called and told me. I just came from there, he looked perfectly fine.

I got in the car with 'Ree and the kids. It wasn't my idea to let her come. I didn't want her crying so much to a point where she might not stop. I wanted her to rest at home, but I knew she wanted to pay her respects. Most of my family, and some of Courtney's all followed in single file with their hazards on all the way to the burial site.

As we pulled in, we all solemnly walked over to the gaping hole in the ground. We sat down in the first row, and I made sure to save a seat for Mrs Juanita. She was first in line to follow behind the hearse; she should've been here by now.

Looking over at Jr, I realized now how much I fucked up. Was I the reason Max was gone? No, but seeing the lost look in his eyes had me wish I at least waited a little while longer on the call for Chassidy. I didn't mean to inflict so much pain on him. I pulled him closer to me and draped my arm over his shoulder.

Nyree was emotionless as she sat staring at the hole covered by green felt; I never understood why they did that. Lacey was just as clueless as ever, looking around at everything, not entirely sure what was goin on. We silently sat through the eulogy, hearing a few words from Courtney's mom.
She asked me beforehand to come up to say somethin about my boy, but I couldn't bear to bring myself to. I was just waiting for this shit to be over with.

  I chanced another look around at all the people that attended; there was no sight of Mya or Lexie. Part of me understands why, but at the same time I don't. 

"Don't leave just yet." I heard Mrs J say to me as everyone head to their cars to get ready to eat. "We still have to read his will." I nod my head to her as I walked across the lot, looking for 'Ree. I didn't know she was still standing there, watching as they lowered Courtney's body into the ground.

"Baby." I whispered from behind her. She didn't speak. She just grabbed my hand and squeezed. I know she was hurting, and I hated to see it. I just wanted to take her home; make all of the pain disappear. "Mommy, why you cryin'?" Lacey asked.

I picked her up when 'Ree didn't respond to her. "I got this. Just meet me at my house." Juanita whispered from out of nowhere. Against my better judgment, I grabbed Jr and Lacey and walked towards the car while Mrs J stayed back to console her.

...

I dropped the kids off at my mom's house. I pulled up behind Mrs J's tan Malibu and was met with her, 'Ree, and the guy who had to be here for the will and testament. I sat next to Nyree as the man who introduced himself as Donnie began to pull pieces of paper from the box he brought with him.

"The last will and testament of Courtney Patrick Maxton." Donnie began clearing his throat. "To my mother, Juanita Dorsey; I leave behind my house in Los Colinas. It's already paid off; I trust that you will keep up with the maintenance until Alexis can rightfully claim it as hers."

Juanita nod her head as a tear began to graze her cheek. "To my best friend, and business partner, I'm relinquishing all of my accounts over to you in hopes that you continue to work and provide for your family like you helped with mine." I nod my head and gave a sad smile.