Abducted

CHAPTER 18.

Marina took her seat near to her in laws, in the first pew, with little Sally at her side.
Her mother and Sara sat directly behind her.
Looking at Mrs. Hartland senior, Marina saw eyes which were swollen with saturated grief.
The tear stained face of Gerronimo, added to the bereaved, bitter, cheerless atmosphere, which accompanied all memorial services.
Isabella smiled briefly, but made no effort to retrieve little Sally from Marina.
The choir began to sing the opening hymn.
( My brother, my friend) by Brandi Sue Ryland.
The arranging of the programme, was left in the capable hands of her mom, Sara and the housekeeper, Tara.
Their choices of hymns were relevant and lent solace to the grief stricken wife and family of the deceased.
(Keep me in your heart) was sung after.
(I'll be missing you)by Faith Evans and Puff Daddy, rounded off the singing.
(The show must go on) was carded to be sung to close off the service.
Then came the euology.
Gerronimo faltered in his step as he walked to the podium.
Isabella, his loving attentive wife, when in public, rushed to his aid and guided him to the podium.

With tears flowing down his cheeks, Gerronimo began.
"We are gathered here today, in the memory of my twin brother, Geraldo Hartland.
Pausing and inhaling deeply, he continued...
"My brother was a.   ........."
His crestfallen tone seemed to fade in and out of Marina's consciousness.
Memories of her married life, filtered through her thougts.
Geraldo was the most caring and loving person, Marina had ever known. Always punctual. She remembered their first date.
Marina had arrived to their dinner date, forty five minutes late.
His scowl of disapproval had spoiled the entire evening.
Marina's dolorous mind, returned to the podium.
Gerronimo spoke on......
"At the time of his tragic car wreck, that took his life......"
Marina shuddered and blocked out the words.
"He cherished his wife Marina and daughter, Serena. To my brother, they were his greatest  achievements."
That last statement proved to be Marina's undoing. A loud wail echoed through the church.
Her mother in law rushed to hug her, the same time as her mom and Sara.
They all began to sob, followed by the mourners.
Isabella had maintained her stance at her husband's side all through the euology. Her mind drifted to a place far away, as she stared wistfully at Little Sally and Marina.

Soon the service was over.
The sadness and gossip, were at it's best. Marina, through her depression, caught on to some of the attempted whispers.
"But, I heard that Marina cheated on him!" was one of the hushed statements.
"She probably got all his money."
blew from another group.
Ignoring all, Marina held on to Sally's hand as she walked out the church.
Grief stricken, she angled towards the section which was cordoned off for the deceased as Mother Earth, waited to swallow him.