Warzone

Warzone Part 15

Part 15

Rebecca’s POV

Today’s the day. The day, I say goodbye to my parents for the final time. Tom, Anne and I are currently standing outside the church; I have lost count of the amount of times friends, family and strangers have told me and Tom how sorry they are for our loss, and I just want to get this day over and done with. Everyone starts to enter the church now and suddenly all goes quiet. The three of us make our way to the front pews and take our seats. As we are waiting for the Vicar I turn to look at the masses of people behind me. I am glad that so many people have turned up today; I just wish none of us had too.

Tom’s POV

I take Rebecca’s hand and hold it tightly, all I can think about is how I could be sitting here now just with Anne morning her death too, and I know if that had happened there would be no way I could stay in my seat till the end. The Vicar starts to talk to us all, but I am paying him no attention. I keep going over my speech in my mind, knowing full well in a few moments I am about to do the hardest thing of my life.

“And now, Thomas Parker has something to say.” I stand up and slowly walk to the front, I take a few breaths to steady myself; then I begin.

“Firstly I would like to thank you all for making it her today. I know that mum and dad would have appreciated it.” I pause slightly before continuing. “My earliest memories of my parents are them telling me as a small child to be quite as the whole street doesn’t want to hear me sing.” Everyone laughs slightly, but a laugh without joy is never comforting. “Evidently I never listened, and as I got older they realised how much singing meant to me. They supported me and always stood besides me. Knock back after knock back they helped to pick me back up, and they kept my dream alive. I never realised” The words get caught in my throat as the tears begin to fall. “I never realised, just how much my parents did for me. I always thought...” I have to stop again, and I swallow but the lump in my throat remains. “I always thought... I...”

Anne’s POV

I can’t bare to watch Tom struggling like this anymore. I walk up to him and take his hand; I smile at him reassuringly before turning to look at the people before me.

“What Tom is trying to say, is that, he always thought that he had all the time in the world to tell his parents how he felt, and to repay them for everything they did for him. Just like we all do. But sadly now his moment has passed. But I got to know his parents well in the few months before that tragic day, and I know for a fact that,” I turn to look at Tom again now. “they loved every minuet of helping Tom to live his dream. They loved watching their son going far in life, and they never doubted how much he appreciated that. But they weren’t just doing it for you Tom. They were doing it because parents love to watch their children grow, and make something of their selves. You made them so proud Tomtom, and don’t you ever forget that.” We are both crying now, but for me the words are still flowing. “And Rebecca,” I say while turning to look at her, tears are also falling down her cheeks. “You parents were also so proud of you, and they way you always try your hardest at everything, and you would never let anything get you down. They were proud of both of you, just as we are proud of them. They were amazing people and they would hate to see any of us sad today. So lets remember the good times, and remember that they are still with us in here.” Still holding Tom’s hand I place his palm onto his heart. I am only just aware of clapping as I look into Tom’s eyes, and he bends down to whisper thank you, before kissing me. We both take our seats again, and the funeral service continues, but the hardest part is behind us now.