In a Town Called Blooming Orchid

Chapter Five: The Best Angel

      Heather's grandmother, Vi Tuyet Nguyen, passed away from breast cancer on the afternoon of December 9th. Vi's daughter, Heather and David's mother, had been arrested and left her children in custody of Vi for the greater parts of their lives. The news was devastating.

     Heather, David, Matty, and Garret all drove down to Missouri for Vi's funeral. Robin and Byron stayed behind to go to Jewel's. Although it was a very dark situation, Robin and Byron used the opportunity to spend more time getting to know one another.

     The morning of December 10th was very cold. It was 8:00 when Robin and Byron woke up. Robin first, then Byron. The lovers went out for breakfast and then went shopping together. They spent the whole morning with just the 2 of them and they loved every second of it.

     The funeral was to start later, at about 4pm. So the boys took their time. They returned home at about 2.

     "This day has been amazing," Byron said when they returned home. Robin smiled and sat down on the couch, getting out his phone. "You know it's not over..."

     "What are you implying?" Robin laughed. Byron went over and sat on the larger man's lap, wrapping his hands around his neck. The two shared a kiss.

     "Hey Robin?" Byron murmured in the larger man's ear.

     "Hm?" Robin responded while placing kisses on Byron's neck.

     "I know we haven't talked about this yet," Byron whispered, "But what are we? What is this?"

     "Well it's been a week. And you said to wait a week. It's up to you, I'll follow whatever you want," Robin answered.

     "I think- I think I want to be your boyfriend," Byron said. He pressed his forehead into Robin's chin.

     "Then it's settled! You're my boyfriend," Robin answered. Byron smiled. The two cuddled for a while, they watched some shows on Netflix as well. Relaxed and safe in each other's arms. Then, all of a sudden:

     "SHIT, ROBIN!" Byron exclaimed, "It's 3:45!" The two jumped up and scrambled to Robin's room, which at this point was both of their rooms, and got dressed in funeral attire. They hopped into Robin's truck and drove off to Laelia. They arrived there late at 4:10, but the service hadn't started, thankfully.

     Laelia was a very quaint funeral home, and it was now incredibly crowded, as almost the entire orchestra had shown up as well as many people. Anthony was at the front of the room. He was wearing an all black suit but he had gloves and a belt on of his signature maroon, as well as a maroon pillbox hat with a veil attached to it. Beside him were his little cousin Suzy and Jewel's sister Jen. People were coming up to them and giving their condolences.

     The orchestra members all crowded around towards the back, (save for Knightley who was up in the front, most likely with Anthony) so Robin and Byron sat back there, next to a viola player they didn't know. The room quieted down and the service began.

     "Hello everyone," Anthony's chirpy voice rang out through a microphone on a stand. "Welcome dear friends and family to the memorial of our dearly departed Jewel McGregor, my mother. You have all heard my words on this. I have said all I have to say. So let me give the floor over to my mother's sister Jennifer McGregor, to give a eulogy," Anthony beamed. There was a light applause as he and Suzy sat down and Jennifer walked up to the microphone. She pulled out a small piece of paper.

     "Hi," Jen said softly. "So- uh- I wrote a poem a long time ago, when Jewel and I were little. I wrote it when our grandma passed away, it helped me a lot, and Jewel loved it too. So uh- this one's for you, Sis:"