The Dopamine Rush

Chapter Thirty | "Meet Me"

Nikolai's POV

"You're squeezing my hand very tight you know?" Wendy whispered as I quickly loosened my grip.

Completely overwhelmed with emotions, the harsh reality settled as we quietly walked in.

Soft sniffs and muffled cries echoed through the church as my eyes focused on the closed white casket, covered with yellow flowers cascading from the top.

After taking our seats, the service began with a song from the choir and not too long after, my tears flowed silently.

"Beautiful selection." The preacher smiled before recognizing Marie's family, and introducing the speakers who would go up and say a few words.

"He's speaking." Wendy leaned over and spoke into my ear.

"What?"

"Yes, up next." She replied as her finger traced below his symbol, printed inside of the program.

"I'll love you always." A former classmate of Marie's ended her poem before taking her seat.

"Mr. Nelson." The preacher smiled as he eased up, while my eyes met Jennifer's.

Softly sighing, he began to speak.

"My heart is aching today. And I'm sure it will be for quite awhile. There's so much I am feeling in the moment, but words can only express so much. Please, bear with me."

"Take your time!" An older lady shouted out, giving O(+> a nod of encouragement.

"Marie, a very kind and gentle soul. So talented, I'm beyond grateful to have had her craft the best of my outfits, but I am more thankful to be able to call her my friend. For many years she's been there, more than just an employee, definitely family. As gentle as she was, she was never afraid to call me out on my wrong doings, or whip me into shape."

The audience laughed and I even caught myself admiring a glimpse of his smile.

"The absence of Marie has taught me many things, but one important thing stands out. Now, this may sound cliche but it's true. In life you'll meet tons of people, but some individuals only come around once in a lifetime and they're special."

My eyes quickly closed as my head turned, ending the stare between the two of us.

"Cherish, love, and take care of everyone, but especially those that are so kind and dear to your heart. A lot of us, including myself has had to learn that the hard way, and you'll never know how or when a person will exit your life."

Clutching the microphone, his eyes closed and I could tell he was weeping. Just then I could feel more tears sliding down my own cheeks too.

Jennifer took my hand sniffing and Wendy laid her head on my shoulder, crying as well.

"Marie, I'll always love you. I miss you, dear friend."

After handing the microphone back to the preacher, O(+> made his way back over, and quietly took his seat.

*

The service was done and everyone headed over to the burial site.

"I take it that we're not going to the burial site nor the repast?" Wendy asked as we walked outside.

"No. I'd rather not. Honestly I'd like to go back to the hotel. The day is draining and it's no where near over."

"Yo what's this I hear about you going back to the hotel?" Tony M. came up quickly with his arms out. "You're not leaving us just yet!"