* - jalbert (COMPLETED)

61 part two

(authors note: new font-ish type of style; i had to re-do this multiple of times)

as i stepped into the service center, jake's family members, and even some people of the military greeted me. i said hello back, not wanting to be rude. russo trailed behind, saying hello as well. as i reached the main hall, everyone was in their seats. as i bet jake told his parents about me, i trailed up to the front. it was early, so barely anyone was there. i sat in the front row with russo next to me. i considered looking at his casket, but the thought of it brung tears to my eyes. but, i gathered up the courage and stood up; telling russo that i'll be looking at jakes casket. he nodded, and looked back down to his phone.

when i walked up to the casket, i almost sobbed outloud. but so many people were already crying, i didn't want to be one of those people. jake looked so at peace, a red rose, my favourite colour, on his chest, his hands clasped it. turning around quickly, i went back to my seat, and covered my face with my hands,  quietly crying. russo had his hand on my back, reassuring me everything will be alright; when it actually won't be alright. then, the piano music played. the funeral started.

his family and parents came up to speak, and then, they motioned me up. i shakily sat up, not prepared at all, and went to the microphone. "uh so, i really didn't prepare a speech, so. here we go," i breathed in and begun, "i met jake on my first day of high school. we were friends at first, then i got together with lana, who jake hated. as i left her, i realized, im developing feelings for him. at the dance, he asked me out. i felt so giddy and happy. of course, i said yes, i mean who wouldn't?" some laughs came from the crowd, "since then, i kissed him and cuddled him every moment i could. i loved being in his arms, him picking me up when we saw each other in school." i felt tears coming up into my eyes, but i held them in, "and then, jake signed up for the military. but, i still loved him. from the moment he left the airport, we would skype every night." here come the water works, "and, i just miss him, so goddamn much, now he's dead," i looked over to the casket, tears rolling down my cheeks, "i love him so much and i wish he was here, with us." i quickly got off, and sat back down in my seat. i was crying so hard. jake, the love of my life, was gone.

it was almost the end of the funeral, and they had to carry the casket, into the ground. i stayed after, with his family and close friends. as they lowered it gently down, i couldn't stop crying. crying because i should've been the one in that casket. i would trade places with him, so that he can be happy. when it was lowered down, i walked back into the car. emotion all devoid of me, all emotion that i felt was sadness, pure sadness and melancholy.