To Die For (Sequel To Lost It All) {5} [COMPLETED]

Chapter 148: Brandon's Funeral

Chapter 148: Brandon's Funeral

Andy's POV

"Oh my god, we're so sorry." Jessica's kids said as they hugged me.

"It's okay." I said, hugging them back. It was so sweet of them to come even though no one here is technically their biological family.

The ceremony started and I couldn't even listen to it for a full minute before I started crying. I hate, hate, hate this shit.

***

"I now open it up for anybody to step up and speak about Brandon."

Alex stood up and stood behind the podium, taking a deep, shaky breath.

"Brandon was the love of my life. We've been together since I was in fifth grade and I don't regret any part of our lives together. He was an amazing husband and an even better father to our four children. I'm going to miss him so much but I'm not going to dwell on his loss. I'm going to focus on the family I still have here because I know that is what he would want me to do. I'm just so grateful that the last words I said to him were "I love you." At least I have that to hold on to." She turned around and took one final look at him in his casket before going back to her seat. I stood up next, looking out at everybody who came. I bit down on my lip and took a deep breath, needing a moment to gain the courage to simply just speak.

"Brandon was my first born, my first son. We have always been super close as people always called him my mini-me. I almost lost him multiple times throughout his life and now it's impossible for me to believe that he really is gone. I was with him when he died and I wish I could've done more, but I couldn't. There's only so much I can do to treat a gunshot wound on the street. He left behind a beautiful wife, four amazing children and his grandchildren now have grandchildren. I know he's having a beautiful reunion with his mom and getting to know his little brother. I also know that they are happy. You're not supposed to outlive your kids but sometimes it happens, and it fucking sucks. Brandon, I love you and I love each and every one of you who came out today because family is an important part in the healing process." I went back to my seat, surprised I didn't have a mental breakdown. Blade got up next, wiping her eyes.

"Brandon was very close to me. We were closer than siblings usually are. Sure, we fought, but we always hung out together and were there for each other no matter what. We're only about a year apart so we almost always went to the same school together and it was great knowing that if I was having a bad day, I could just go find him and my day would instantly be better. I love you big brother." She finished and sat back down. A few more people went up before Camryn walked up.

"My dad was the best dad ever. I was a really shitty child and mom, I'm sorry for all I put you guys through. No matter how bad I was or what I did, they were both there and they still loved me and that's really what I needed to get through that rebellious phase of my life. I would do anything if I could get my dad back. You're never ready to lose someone close to you and I definitely wasn't ready. I will miss my dad every day of my life but I can't wait to see him again someday."

The talking portion went on for a long time as a lot of people had stuff to say. It was really uplifting and I was able to muster a small smile at how many people Brandon had impacted and it made me really happy. The final person that got up was Hunter.

"While Brandon was not my dad, he was like a dad to me. I had a bad relationship with my dad as a teenager and Brandon filled that gap in my life and put me on the path to success. Brandon was my therapist for a while, and when my mom could no longer afford it, he offered his services for free to us because he knew that I needed it. He was there for me when I needed it most and I met my lovely wife through him and my daughter eventually married his son, connecting us on an even deeper level. I'm going to miss Brandon a lot but am grateful for even getting to know a great man like that in the first place.

After the service, we got a police escort to the cemetery where Brandon had a graveside funeral as well. At the end, the guy in charge of the funeral handed a bag  to Alex that had Brandon's wedding ring in it.

"Thank you." She said, clutching the bag close to her chest.

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