His

Chapter 3

Brittney walked into The Hideout in need of a drink. Jorge sat at the bar, dark circles under his. Today was Milton's memorial. Her black dress was simple, her face free of make up, and her hair left down. She sat next to Jorge and he passed her his glass of scotch, "Milton's favorite." His voice was hoarse. She took a drink then passed it back to him. Jorge noticed the violin she had placed in her lap. "You plan on playing?" He asked her. "I don't know." She whispered as she looked down at it. It was her first ever violin that he had given her. He had it painted and engraved. It was her most prized possession.

Many more people began to gather, all of them mourning for Milton. Unable to handle so many people, she went to the second floor that over looked the downstairs area. Her violin rested against the railing by her feet. When Ryder walked in The Hideout in his black suit, every one became quiet, watching as he makes his way to the small stage. "We are gathered here today to remember a man filled with loyalty and honor." Ryder began. "Milton joined us, wanting to save his sister from the hardships this city offers. To me, that is one of the most honorable things a man could ever do. He has had our backs from the start and had become an important part of our family. Now our newest family member Brittney, and his fiance Jorge need our support as they mourn for him. Let's take a moment to remember him." He stepped off the stage and the lights dimmed as a projector turned on. Pictures appeared on the screen from when he was young to when he was a man in the gang. There was even a photo of him proposing to Jorge at Christmas last year. Then photos and videos of him with Brittney began to show.

Photos of Milton with Brittney backstage at some of her concerts made a few laugh. Then  a video began to play from when Milton got his first video camera when they were young. Brittney was there in her pink tutu practicing. "What are you doing Milton?" She asked him, her tiny hands on her hips. "I'm documenting your road to fame silly." He told her. She rolled her eyes, "Please. I'm not going to be famous." He flicked her nose, "Don't say negative things like that." She glared rubbing her nose. "You are going to become an amazing dancer and violinist." He told her. "And how would you know?" She asked him. "Because I believe in you." He told her. She smiled a wide smile, showing off her missing front teeth. "I'll do it for you Milton. I'll become famous just for you." Then the video ended and went to one where they were in her dressing room, Brittney holding her camera.

"So when are you going to propose?" She asked him as he shook the present she had given him, trying to figure out what it was. "I haven't figured it out. I don't know how I want to do it." He replied, running a hand through his hair.  "Do it the Milton way." She told him. He raised an eyebrow, "The Milton way?" She giggled, "You know, simple and straight to the point. Well not too straight in your case." That caused him to hit her with a pillow. "All jokes aside Milton, I'm serious. I'm already upset I'm not gonna be there for it, since I'll be on tour." ""I was thinking of doing it on Christmas. You know, offering him myself and a future with me as his gift." Milton told her. "Jorge might like that. I'd rather have a puppy instead of being stuck with you my whole life, but that's just me." He hit her with the pillow again causing her to laugh. "I love you kiddo." He told her. "I love you too Millie." She said giggling. He glared, "What have I told you about calling me that?" "To do it forever and forever. Now open your gift." She told him.

He rolled his eyes and opened the both. Inside was a photo of a house and a key. "What is this?" He asked her. "Your early wedding present. I wanted you guys to have a home to grow in." Tears came to Milton's eyes as he hugged his sister, ending the video.

Brittney's heart hurt as the videos played. After a few more photos the slide show ended and the lights came back on. Jorge sat at the bar, his hands covering his face as he cried. Many gave him their condolences. "Jorge, do you have any requests?" Ryder asked him. Jorge wiped his eyes and looked up to where Brittney was. "Brit, will you play Stars Fall?" Everyone looked to her and she nodded. She took her violin out of it's case. She closed her eyes as she began to play and sing. Everyone could hear the pain and love that was in her voice. The notes from her instrument filled everyone hearts and ears. Beauty and pain mixed and painted a gorgeous masterpiece. When it ended, everyone bowed their head in silence. Milton was gone, but never forgotten.

After the memorial service everyone still stayed, ate, and told stories. Brittney had gone to the downstairs floor and got to know many people who loved her brother. Ryder watched from above where Brittney had been. He watched as she easily fit in with their group of misfits. He could feel this was the calm before the storm. Would they be ready for when shit hits the fan? No they wouldn't and Ryder knew that. It was going to hit at the most inconvenient time possible. Times like this made Ryder wish he could see the future. Prevent hell from unleashing itself upon them all. Unfortunately life wasn't like that. They would just have to face it head on and hope for the best.