It was the morning of Hilary's funeral Mariah was getting ready when Sharon walked in her room
"How are you doing?" she asked
Mariah looked at her mother threw the mirror"I'm ok"she turned around to face her"I need to thank you"
"For what Sweetheart"
"I know you called Tessa"Mariah said
"I was trying to help my daughter.I could help you take the pain away so I thought maybe she could, but Honey I had no idea she was leaving until after you told me"Sharon told her
"I know but because of you she came back,but she is still leaving but instead of staying where she is going she coming back ....for me"
"I'm glad"Sharon smiled at her"Is she coming with you today?"Sharon asked
"Ya,then she leaving after"Mariah frowned
There was a knock on the door
"That is probably Tessa"Mariah said
"I'll get it"Sharon said as she went to get the door
Mariah look at herself in the mirror "I can do this"she said as she walked downstairs
Once Mariah's eyes met Tessa's she felt a little better.She walked over to Tessa
Tessa kissed her cheek "Hey you look nice"
"Thanks"she smiled at her"Today should be interesting"Mariah said
A funeral really?"Sharon said
"It"s Hilary shew probably has a few surprises in store
"Alright lets go"Tessa said as she grab Mariah's hand
***************
Mariah walked in the penthouse with Tessa behind her
"It's nice to see some of the GC Buzz staff here."Mariah said
"It would be wrong if they didn't show up though right?"
"Right but to come back to the house its nice of them"
"Well I guess they followed in your lead"Tessa told her
"No, I'm no leader"
Tessa leaned in"You are now"she whispered
Mariah walked over to Devon"Hey"she said as she rubbed his shoulder
"Hey thank you for coming"he told her as he hugged her
"Of course"she said
"I'm so sorry"Tessa said
"I'm glad you are here for this one"Devon said looking at Mariah
"Me too"Tessa said as she put her arm around Mariah
Later on Devon thanked everyone for coming
"With Everyone in this room it shows how much my wife was love.Ya was she a pain but she loved completely and when she was passionate about something she never gave up. She wanted to be star but I guess she never realized she was a star to me"Devon wiped his tears away Some people don't get a second chance but we were lucky even if it was a short time.I'm also happy she died knowing how much I loved her""So if anyone of you has a story they would like to share feel free"
There was a lot of laughter and some tears shed with every story told then Mariah raised her hand
"I would like to share next"she stepped forward"Most of you know me and Hilary had a love hate relationship"everyone chucked"But most recently our bond got closer. We we had some good moments mostly because of the show."she looked over at Tessa"I just found how special her heart was.She said something to me the other day she said putting my heart out there scared me and she was right"she laughed " I just recently opened my heart up,Hilary also said if you love someone the journey is worth it.I had no idea that was going to be the last time I would see her I'll cherish for the rest of my life"Mariah started crying Tessa was rubbing her back
Phyllis step up next "Now it's my turn,Hilary and I we got each other.Were we drama queens hell ya"everyone laughed"We both taking on the world together.In the hospital after Hilary found out she didn't have much time left she talked about how much she was leaving so much unsaid"she took out a piece of paper"So in Hilary fashion she gave me the greatest task.She has some finale words for all of you the people she cared about"Phyllis looked at Devon"I'm guessing you knew nothing about this"she said
"No"Devon shook his head"But I can't wait to hear it"he told her
"Okay you all ready"" "Welcome to my funeral reception. Thanks for coming. I'm imagining there's a full house, because an empty one would be downright embarrassing, and bad for ratings."everyone laughed "I'm happy you all hopefully laugh a little in remembrance of me.If a few tears hadn't been shed I will be insulted .All I ask is if there is tears shed please let it only be a few because come on ladies our makeup can't be ruined""Here is a news flash"Phyllis said
"Uh oh"Mariah said
Tessa nudged her arm
"I cared about everyone here, even if i didn't always show it. So I will leave you with some final pieces of wisdom, confident that, this time, I will definitely get the last word."she smiled
Phyllis gave Neil Shauna and Lily and Cane their messages
"Mariah"Phyllis said
"Oh here it comes"Mariah said
"I've got one thing to say to you, co-host -- you better start believing in yourself. And no eye-rolling! And, please, please, in the name of all that's Hilary, upgrade your wardrobe." everyone laughed"Then take everything I taught you and bring the show to new heights. And as far as your love life..."
"Can we skip that part please?"
"And, no, I'm not skipping that part.I'm happy you found someone"
Mariah and Tessa smiled at each other
Phyllis continued
Mariah started crying
"Come on"Tessa said she led her out to the hallway
"I'm sorry"Mariah said
"It's alright what is it"Tessa asked
"Hilary she knew about us before we did and I feared she would be snarky but she wasn't. She was happy for me for us"
"There is something else to why you are crying isn't there"
"She doesn't know you are leaving.I mean I know you aren't gone for good but Hilary is gone and now I your are leaving me and I just feel lost"
"Come on lets get out of here"Tessa kissed her and wiped her tears away
"Okay"she smiled at her
*****************
They went to the roof deck.Tessa was holding Mariah in her arms
"When do you leave"Mariah finally asked
"Later tonight""But I want you to know"Tessa brushed her hair away"I'm coming back,I know I told you that"
" I know you did"Mariah said as she rubbed her arm
"And when I do come back we can start our love story"
Mariah looked up at Tessa and kissed her"Funny I thought our story already began"Mariah smiled
"I guess you are right"she laughed
"Just come back safe to me"Mariah caressed Tessa's cheek
"I promise"
