Smile Again, Babe.

OLIVIA P.O.V

Olivia Walker P.O.V
I wiped the sweat off of my forehead with the back of my hand. I walked over to the podium, clutching my left hand over my waist. The breeze outside had caused a screeching sound from the microphone, causing many people to flinch. Not me, though. I felt nothing. I was numb.

As I walked past all of these people, I couldn't recognize any of them.

They all looked so sad. Like, they had experienced some type of loss.

Please. I thought. These people didn't know her. They didn't love her like we did. They didn't care for her like we did.

They were all...strangers. I took a deep breath as I stood in front of them all.

In the front row sat Lianne, Taeli's mom. She was wearing a sad black dress, with a huge black hat to cover her sorrow. Lianne was alone in the world now. Taeli was her only daughter and now she had to survive this cruel, harsh world without the everlasting light that Lee brought. We all did.

Next to her was a sobbing Miyah. She, who was normally so put together, was an absolute mess. She hadnt a drop of makeup on. Her dress was wrinkled and she wasn't wearing shoes. Just some black stockings to cover her long legs. She was holding Lianne's hand, but she was leaned up against her fiance, Tobi. He held her tightly, wrapping his muscular arms around her. Miyah and Tobi belonged in a movie. They both had perfect bodies, great careers and a damn good relationship. Part of me was envious of them. They were everything you'd want in a relationship.

Two seats down, sat Connor.
It was like his soul had been sucked out of his body and all that was left was his empty shell. He was wearing a black suit, but not very put together. The white shirt hung untucked from his body. His brown hair was slicked to the side. His eyes were closed. His hands were clenched into fists. I was a good feet away and I could still see his body trembling. Tears were streaming down his face.

"Taeli.." as soon as I said her name, it was like someone had shot Connor. His eyes shot open. He got up, stumbling a bit to get past all the people. He then walked away from everyone, and headed to the parking lot.

Hot tears began to pour down my face.

"We all love her." I choked.

"She was...a sister...a friend...a lover...a daughter...a shoulder to cry on.." The tears were now pouring uncontrollably. I slammed my eyes shut, so I wouldn't have to look at their sad faces for one second longer.

I couldn't go on. After, what felt like an eternity, I felt someone's hand on my back. It was Lianne. She looked even worse up close. Her whole body was trembling. She pulled me in for a hug, and gently pushed me away so she could take over.

Keeping my head down, I began to walk to my car. The walk felt like the longest walk of my life. I could hear people whispering, gasping, crying. I know they were staring at me, but I didn't care. I just kept walking.

About a second later, someone grabs my hand. I turn to see Miyah. We look at each other, not knowing what to say. She then pulls me in for a hug. Then she falls to the ground sobbing. I was still standing. I felt paralyzed. Like I couldn't move.

I had never lost anyone close to me. I was raised in foster care, so losing parents wasn't really a problem. And I didn't have any blood siblings. But Taeli was definitely my sister. She had taught me so much. She was always optimistic. No matter what problem I had, she always had a solution. She was so amazing at everything she did. She was one of my best friends.
She was my sister.
To say goodbye to her was impossible. It was something I don't think I will ever be ready to do.

Bringing myself back into the present moment, I realized I was still standing there, dead like. Tobi had ran over to comfort Miyah. I immediately felt bad for not helping her. I knelt down beside them, resting my hand on her shoulder.

"We're going to get through this, Miyah." I said.

Neither of us believed my words. But we had to try. We had to.