batman & cheerleader

27-graveyard talks

My family and I arrived back home the day after Christmas. My mom didn't give my phone back until we got home. I texted Lacey as soon as I got it back. I told her we needed to talk and she agreed. We also settled on a place to talk. Neither of us wanted to do this at our houses or at Tyson's so we agreed on a place either of us have been since the funeral.

"Are you sure this is the place to talk?" I ask Lacey, my voice sounding unsure.

Lacey lets out a shakey breath, "Totally."

We were standing outside of Kennedy Cemetery, the place where Emily was laid to rest. The only time Lacey and I have been here together was when we buried Emily. It was way to hard for us to be here together so we never came. I would also go by myself same as Lacey.

"Alright. Lets go." I say then open the gate. Lacey follows behind me. We use our flashlight app to guide us through the cemetery.

"This place is creepy enough during the day. Why did we decide to do this at six?" Lacey shivers in fear.

"Because we are idiots." I half joke.

We don't really say much on the journey to Emily's grave. It's hard to talk about casual stuff to your bestie when we are getting ready to talk about our other bestie who is no longer alive. If Lacey and I are going to face our fear then the graveyard was the best place to do it. This is where Emily is. Talking to each other near her will give us sense of comfort that she is here with us.

"We're here." Lacey comments. We shine our lights on the headstone. Her name, the beginning and end dates, that line in between the two dates and the quote Phillip chose.

In the clouds, I'll meet you again. Rest In Peace.

Phillip chose that quote because he and Emily used to spend countless days laying in their backyard looking at the clouds. He and Emily would try to make out the shapes.

"I guess we sit now." I mumble and sit criss cross on the ground after I've laid a blanket down. Lacey follows suit.

Emily Noel Foster Born: May 7th, 2001 - Died: December 24th, 2014

Beloved daughter, sister and bestie.

I can't help but breathe a laugh when I see the word bestie. Mrs.Foster suggested they put that on the headstone. Emily called us her besties, since day one. There is also an infinity symbol carved into the headstone. I remember Lacey and I asking Mr. and Mrs.Foster if we could pay to have one put on there. They loved the idea so they accepted.

I can't help but rub my right wrist where my bracelet used to be.

Lacey notices my action, "When do you get it back?"

"After new years. Dad said he would pick it up on the first." I tell her.

"Good." Lacey mumbles.

"I have no idea how to start. We are besties and at the moment we are acting like one of us slept with the others boyfriend. This is ridiculous." I blurt out.

A laugh bubbles from Lacey, "You are so right, Tay. Here we are in a graveyard at 6pm sitting right next to our other bestie who is no longer here."

I can't help but laugh as well. We knew our idea sounded crazy but we went along with it anyways.

"I miss her." I confess.

"Me too. So much." Lacey says. "Our parents want us to see a greif counselor."

I bite my lip, "I know."

"Should we go?" She asks.

I run a hand through my hair, "I think we should. Separating during this time isn't doing us any good anymore. The past few weeks all I've done is worry about you. There were so many times that I wanted to text or call you but I didn't." I admit.