My Understandings. (Of Mice and Men love story.)

Roman Holiday

Austin P.O.V

January 21st, 2015

Almost one whole semester since I saw them.

They found Shayley's body floating face down in his parent's pool. They said they found a needle in his arm, and knife punctures to his lower abdomen.

No ones heard from Abby.

January 23rd.

His mom asked me to speak at his funeral.

January 25th.

The funeral was held at the church by his house.

The suit I was wearing was the same suit I wore to my moms funeral and, it felt just as terrible wearing it. Christine and I moved into a small, cozy apartment together. It was eerie. The vibe in the apartment wasn't the usual loving home we claimed as ours. It was hollow, and empty. Christine smoothed the shoulders of my suit. I stared at the corner of the mirror, clenching my fists every few seconds. I had bags under my eyes from the long, sleepless nights. She slithered her arms around my abdomen and i thought about how no one would be doing that to Shay anymore.

The tears burned the corners of my eyes as I thought about his light smile that could literally bring anyone joy.

I finally made eye contact with the person staring back at me in the mirror. My own tired eyes were strained, and my now grown out brown hair was messy. Christine laid her head in the crook of my neck. "We need to go." her words were soft like a pillow, and sweet like vanilla icing. Her soft blonde locks fell in front of her chest as she bent down to pick up her purse.

~

During the whole funeral my fingers wouldn't leave my hair. I knew I was going to speak on behalf of him. I held the crinkled paper in my sweaty palms. When they called my name it felt like the fear before you presented project in high school. I slowly walked up the steep stairs to the stage. The open casket was padded with white. I couldn't look into the casket.

I looked out into the audience. I scanned for Abby.

I desperately searched for a friendly face. When I didn't see her I stopped searching.

I choked. "Shayley was not only my best friend, he was the best damn kid ever." I said, the tears welting around my eyes. I looked up at the wooden church ceiling, taking a deep breath. "I wish I could've prevented this. I know I could've," I said trying so hard not to lose it. My lips stretched across my face. "His laugh was contagious. You couldn't help but laugh when he laughed."

I saw his mom in the crowd. She seemed empty.

The church was quiet.

I cleared my throat. "He just was such a light person. He brought so much positivity into people's lives." I saw a crack open in the two wide church doors. Someone in a hoodie and sunglasses slipped in, and sat down in the very back row.

I cut the eulogy short because at this point I just couldn't control my emotions.

"I just hope now he's at rest. I love you Shay." I turned around and felt my stomach drop.

His skin was pale, and his left eye was black and blue. His face was thinner than the last time I saw him. He looked sunken. I put his eulogy I wrote, in the pocket of his off black suit. I laid my hand over the pocket and saw the wet drip mark of my tears on the off black material.

I covered my mouth, and walked off the stage, and out of the room.

I felt my chest pulsating up and down with each breath. The doors opened a bit and there was Christine. "Baby, breathe." she said, as I leaned over. Her hand ran up and down my spine continuously until i broke down in tears.

With a whimper I was taken into her caring arms and she whispered in my ear about how much she loves me and how Shay's at peace now.

I heard the door open again but didn't look up. Christine's whispers stopped, and i could feel her heart beating.

I looked up and there she was.

Red hair, tanned skin.

"Austin." her hoodie hung off her body, and looked like it was Shay's. She had a huge scar going from the bottom of her nose to the top of her lip that went at an angle. Her blue eyes were dim and gray. "Abby?" I walked over to her slowly, and then hugged her as tightly as I could.

Sorry its a bit short!!