Amor Vincit Omnia

✝Chapter 8 - One Last Goodbye

When I got home, I unlocked my door with the keys and went straight into the living room.

Sarah was sitting down on the couch, hugging one of the cushions tightly to her chest. I dropped to my knees, letting all of my emotions get the better half of me.

''Tell me it's not true.'' I sobbed into my hands.

Sarah knelt down beside me, and wrapped her arms around me. ''I'm so sorry, Phil.''

''How did it happen?'' I whimpered.

''She was hit by a drunk driver, late at night. I got the call this morning.'' She cried next to me.

''I don't believe this.'' I ran a hand through my hair, still in Sarah's embrace.

I turned my head to look at her, her eyes looking at mine, our faces close. I blinked a couple of times and nestled my head in her neck, sobbing out loud.

I laid sprawled on Sarah's chest. We were on the floor of the TV room. I don't know how long we have been in this position, but it was still not enough to fill the void in my heart. Tears were still streaming down my face, as Sarah's fingers made their way to my hair, gently tugging on it. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pressed myself closer to her.

''Do my parents know?'' I mumbled slowly.

''Yes, they were the ones who called me.'' She whispered. ''Do you want me to call Brianna?''

I shook my head. ''No, I don't want to trouble her. She has a lot on her mind right now...when is the funeral?'' I asked, taking a deep breath.

''It's in two days, in Cleveland, Ohio.'' She informed me.

''You'll come with me, won't you?'' I asked, my voice sounding desperate.

''Of course, I'll be there...I'm not leaving you alone.'' She whispered.

* * * *

I just stared out the window awhile. I really didn't want to go. I didn't want to see them lower my sister into the ground in the spot my parents picked out, and I didn't want to see my parents sink to their knees in pain, and I didn't want to cry in front of a bunch of people.

I took a deep breathe and walked into the funeral home. The flowers were frail, drooping their usual morning dew, paying their respects for the dead. The children in the back wailed, and their tears flowed like a never-ending waterfalls of depression. God wept a silent rain among the mournful souls that gathered that day.

''It's going to be okay, Phil.'' Sarah whispered in my ear, as we took our seat next to my parents.

After the priest's beautiful words, it was time for my eulogy. Devastated as I was, I asked Sarah to take my stead.

She tapped the microphone on the podium and took a deep breathe, her chest heaving up and down.

''I don't know what I'm supposed to say in these situations, but I'll give it a try.'' She sighed. ''Julia lived a quite simple life to her family, her friends, and other people around. She always gave much, but never asked for anything in return. The deep love and sincere affection for Julia is undeniable...there is not a single phrase or word that I could day that would express any better feelings and sentiments shared here this afternoon.'' She sniffled some tears and regained her posture.

''A few thoughts about Julia, a very special woman who became my second sister. I have known Julia for the past four years and I know there are family and friends who have known her longer and better than me. However, she had a big impact on my life. Julia had no need for airs and graces, what you saw was what you got, and that would be a big warm smile, genuine and full of love...She had strong principles that she believed in and lived by, but she was never judgmental. Julia didn't have expensive tastes, but she knew what was important to her and that was her family and friends; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, her brother Phil and her students. She liked simple pleasures in life, but life dealt her a cruel blow and her time to go came far too soon...It seems unfair to lose one who was able to bring so much joy to those around her. We all have many memories of Julia and these we must hold dear in our hearts.'' She whispered, wiping away her tears with her thumb.

''Cherish what had with Julia and never forget her. Thank you.'' She nodded her head, and made her way back to her seat.

''That was beautiful.'' My gaze focused on her. Even crying she looked beautiful. ''Thank you.''

''You're welcome.'' She whispered, lacing our fingers together.

It was a tradition for my family, to gather around with friends and family and spend some time reminiscing about the deceased.

The crisp air surrounded me as I gazed at the fiery colors of the setting sun melt into a moonlit, star studded canvas.

''Mind if I join you?'' A hushed voice whispered from behind me, making me turn around.

''Please.'' I smiled at Sarah as she slowly made her way towards me. She took a breath, taking in the beautiful view castrated in front of us.

She took out a cigarette and lit it up, taking a few drags.

''If this had been another scenario, I would have pulled that cigarette from between your lips and throw it away.'' I mumbled.

She playfully rolled her eyes at me, her mouth forming into a thin line. ''Don't ruin a good cigarette...and if this had been a different scenario, I would have taken your glass and flushed the vodka away.''

''Don't ruin a good drink.'' I remarked. ''How did you do it?''

''Do what?'' She replied, taking another drag from her cigarette.

''Move on.''

''What makes you think I have?'' She retorted. ''I still think about my mother every day, it's just, I accepted the fact that she will no longer be with me physically...emotionally, on the other hand? I knew she would never leave me.''

''Aren't you the poet.'' I let out a small fainted laugh.

''Cigarettes make me nostalgic. Deal with it.'' She chuckled, hitting me in the arm playfully. ''Damon sent out his condolences.''

''Did he?'' I whispered.

''Yes...and so did Brianna.''

''You called her?'' I asked.

''Early this morning. I think you should talk to her.'' Sarah suggested.

''I will.'' I replied. ''Is Damon still in Wisconsin?''

''No, he arrived earlier today.''

''I think I'm going to spend some days with my family; I need to look after my parents. Would that be alright for you?''

''I'll be fine, Phil.'' She smiled.