Second Heartbeat [Avenged Sevenfold]

Chapter 11

I ran my hands against the smooth fabric of my dress and stared out the car window.

I could faintly hear Brian and Laura mumbling arguments between each other in the front of the car and Jimmy sat next to me with his arm draped over my shoulder.

"Can you guys please stop arguing for one day? Today isn't about you. It's about Scarlett. This is part of her healing process! Please, shut up!"

Jimmy snapped at them both.

Neither of them spoke for the rest of the drive to the funeral home.

As we arrived there was a steady stream of people making their way into the building, all with a solemn look on their faces.

I hadn't realised the car had stopped until Jimmy opened my door, grabbed my hand and helped me out of the car.

As we walked toward the building I squeezed Jimmy's hand tighter and played with the rings around my neck.

This cannot be happening.

I stopped walking as my throat started to constrict, making Jimmy stop with me. Brian put a concerned hand on my shoulder and Laura kept her distance unsure of what to do.

"You two go inside. We'll meet you in there."

Jimmy directed at Brian and Laura.

Brian hesitated and opened his mouth to protest.

"Go, Brian."

He got the hint that Jimmy was serious and led Laura inside.

He turned to me and took my other hands in his and looked into my eyes.

"You've got this, alright? He's up there right now looking down on you. He's so proud of you. He's so proud of how strong you've been and how well you're doing."

He leaned down and kissed the top of my head and guided me inside.

There were people piled into the pews and standing at the back and sides of the room. I could see all the avenged guys and their girls, Daniels work friends, friends, parents and anyone who he had had an impact on.

Jimmy led me to Daniels parents and I took in their appearance. They had aged considerably.

"Greg, Heather, it's been so long."

I embraced them both.

"Scarlett we've missed you so much! How are you holding up?"

Heather spoke as she held onto my arms, searching my eyes with hers.

Daniel had his mums eyes.

"I'm so sorry."

I whispered.

She shook her head and pulled me in for a hug.

"If you could all be seated."

She pulled away and grabbed my hand pulling me down next to her with Jimmy on my other side.

I stared at the casket that stood adorned in flowers at the front of the room.

My husbands body is laying in that.

I continued to stare at it in disbelief as people made their way up to speak kind words about Daniel and pay their final respects.

I hadn't even realised I had zoned out until I heard my name being mentioned.

"And we would now like to welcome Daniel's widow, Scarlett who would like to say a few words."

I snapped out of my trance and slowly stood up. I made my way over to the podium, stopping for a moment to stroke Daniels casket.