Saints & Sinners

Chapter 4

4.

Xurhi.

"Are you almost here?" I asked Dream. "I'll be there in like 5 minutes. I know you're not ready yet." She complained, and I sighed. "Bitch your 5 minutes is like 15. I can't be late. The funeral starts in almost 45." I reminded her.

"You know you shouldn't even really be going since they filed a lawsuit against the office." She said, and I rolled my eyes. "That's between them, and UCLA. I'm getting paid for this." "Mhmm, you sure you're not just going to be Saint's shoulder to cry on?" She teased.

"Whatever, the door is unlocked when you get here." I said, before hanging up. I went back to finishing up my make up, preparing for the singing job I had at Saint's grandmother's funeral.

I hadn't heard from him in the two weeks, since she died, but last week his mom called me, and asked me to sing. She told me Saint had recommended me, and I felt like I couldn't refuse.

Earlier in this week when Dream and I were at work, we were there when his attorney served Dr. Gupta, and the office manager with a civil suit for negligence and wrongful death. We were told not to engage with any of the Brown's however, the suit didn't include Dream or myself. I wasn't broadcasting this performance, so I was sure they wouldn't find out, and the coins they were offering were undeniable.

I would have done it for free, but Ms. Tanya wouldn't have it any other way. It worked out in a Devine way, the amount was exactly what I needed to get my car fixed. We had come up with a few songs for me to sing, and I thought the songs were beautiful. I was just hoping not to get choked up on tears during the service feeling all the emotion in the room.

I finished my make up, and untied my hair letting my curls bounce out. I fingered them out spreading them so they were fluffy, and not matted down. Once I was done, I heard the door open, and I turned seeing Dream.

"Bitch, you're not even dressed." She said looking at me in my underwear. "All I have to do is put my dress on." I said, going over to the bed. I placed my scarf over my face, and slid my dress over my head.

I went over to the mirror, and made sure it wasn't too tight anywhere, opting for a looser fit. "Do I look okay?" I asked, and she nodded. "Yeah, you look really nice." She complimented me.

"Thanks, so do you." I said, adjusting my sandals. "Ready now?" She asked, and I nodded. We left out, and made the drive towards the church the funeral was being held out. The closer we got the more traffic seemed to back up. I realized it was all traffic for the funeral, and tried to calm my nerves.

Before most performances I'd get a case of the jitters, but with the butterflies, I knew I'd do well. "I'm going to let you out, and find a park." Dream said, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Okay, text me to let me know you're inside." I said, seeing we were in front of the church. I got out, and navigated through the sea of people. I knew it wasn't time for people to enter yet, and looked at the time seeing there was about 20 minutes left.

I went inside the church, and it was empty for the most part, since they were waiting on the family. I went to the podium, where I saw the pastor, and went to introduce myself.

"Dr. Allen?" I asked, making him look up at me. "That's me." He said, and I smiled. "I'm Xurhi, I'll be singing today." I told him, and a look of recognition washed over him. "Great! I thought you'd be late. It was getting close." He replied.

"Where do you want me?" I asked, and he pointed to a mic stand to the right of the podium, near the casket. "Do you need anything before we start?" He asked. "Warm water?" I questioned, and he nodded.