The Goodbye Scene (Criminal Minds Fan Fic)

Chapter Twenty

It was the day I had been dreading for two weeks. It was the day of Eve's funeral.

This was the day I was going to bury my would-be wife. I sat on my couch, crying until the early morning. I felt sick every time I thought about how scared she must have been. There was a knock at the door and I eventually answered it.

It was the team, they all walked in; wearing all black. It made me feel worse.

''How're you holding up?'' Prentiss asked, rubbing my arm

I nodded and didn't say anything. I still hadn't changed into my suit, so Morgan urged me to do so. JJ was there too, but we didn't talk; even though she tried a few times. Pacing around once I got changed, I remembered the book I had bought Eve.

It had on top of the wardrobe, I had been meaning to give it to her for weeks. I grabbed it and put it under my arm as I joined the rest of the team in my living room.

''Reid, are you ready?'' Rossi asked

I nodded again and Rossi smiled faintly and we started walking out towards the cars. I climbed in with Prentiss and Morgan. There wasn't much to say on the ride there, I was dreading every corner Morgan took, knowing it would bring us closer to the funeral.

Inside, I stood at the front, watching people fall in. It was getting crowded, but it only made me realise how much Eve was loved. Jordan came up to me, hugging me and beginning to cry. He took his seat on the row behind me.

Evelyn sat next to me, squeezing my hand as it began.

We were then outside, I carried her coffin with Morgan, Hotch and Jordan. I held back tears the whole time, not looking directly at the coffin as it was settled down in front of us. We were in a circle and I heard Hotch whisper to Rossi and Morgan.

''Keep an eye out'' He whispered to them

I ignored it and stepped forward, swallowing hard as I placed the book on top of the coffin. JJ placed a single red rose on it. I refrained from eye contact with her as she returned to her standing spot. 

Garcia shakily approached the coffin and pressed her fingers to her lips and then to the coffin. She smiled, whispered something and stood back down. This went on for a further few minutes as I watched people come and go.

I stepped forward again, not wanting to let go. I hadn't said anything inside, not knowing if words could do Eve justice.

I cleared my throat, trembling.

''I would like to thank everyone for joining me in celebrating the life of Eve. An important member of our team and an important person in our lives. When we first met I knew I'd fall in love with her. I don't know what to say to explain to you what an amazing person she was'' I croaked

Morgan patted me on the shoulder as I walked back to where I was standing.

The coffin was lowered, I closed my eyes as the priest said his words. I didn't want it to happen, it would mean she was really gone.

Morgan stepped forward, looking at something. He then looked over at Hotch, who was staring at the same thing. They both started running, pushing guests out the way. I moved forward, noticing they were chasing someone.

Prentiss followed after them, as did Rossi. Garcia pulled me back as I realised they were chasing after Ashton. I tried running, but Garcia urged me not to. She was crying now and kept her arm on my coat to stop me from following.

''Reid, don't'' She urged

I looked down at Eve's coffin as it was finally finished being lowered. The team returned, with Morgan looking angry.