Hemmings

Nine

   My mom was dead. That was all I could think of for the past days, and who could blame me? It hit me that I was abandoned from everyone that loved me from the start, except for Luke. Today was the day of her funeral, and I could not bare to look back at her body ever again. I'm not sure who would be showing up to the funeral, but with someone like Luke on my side, he arranged everything for me. His parents offered everything, mainly because I was overwhelmed with everything. I had no money, and that made me more than needy. I was more needy for love, instead for money.

"How you feelin, beautiful?" Luke asks, sitting next to me. We were sitting in the front row of the chairs in the church, and her coffin was sitting a few feet away from us. This was where my parents were married. I sigh.

"Like shit." I dully say, resting my head on his shoulder. He sighs too, and rubs his thumb over my hand.

"It might not help. But, she's in a better place now. She loved you, and don't even dare to think that all of this was your fault because it wasn't at all." Luke comforts. I started to sob all over again, and I couldn't do anything but whimper into his arms again. The boys enter the church, and I've noticed by Michael's voice. I sat up, and wiped my tears. Even though my eyes were red and bulgy, I made an effort to half-smile at them, to show appreciation that they have arrived.

"We love you, Riley." Calum sighs. I could hear it in his voice that he was about to loose it. "Yes, we do. A lot. We have just met but you're like a sister to us. Stay strong, love." Ashton trails off, shedding a couple of tears. "We're truly sorry that you're going through this." Michael speaks dully. It was the first time that he was serious about something. Their words comforted me, mainly because we were all strangers at some point. Luke began to cry at that point too. "I'd take away your pain if I could," he admits. 

"I can handle it. I'm trying. Babe, don't cry. It will be fine, just like how you said." I reassure. I could feel my strong side sliding through. The time of crying and getting furious with everyone was over. It was the time to start doing. Something inside of me just turned on, encouraging me to fight this situation. I do not know what it was.

"You're so strong, baby." He says, leaving a kiss on my lips. I stand up, and clutch my fingers with his. I walk up to the casket, bringing Luke with me, and there she was. My mother was glowing, her lipstick color was her favorite. Blood red. She wore a white dress, not that big of a deal. Her hair was curled, and her eyelashes trailed off with mascara. Her eyes has eyeliner marks, and the wings of it were a tad perfect. She wore black heels, her favorite ones that dad bought for her on her thirty six'ed birthday last year. She looked radiant and refined. I take take my right hand, and lay it on her head, near her hair. She still felt a little warm. A part of me hoped that she was still there with us. "She looks stunning." Luke smiles, a tear escaping his eye. I nod in agreement, and smile too. I leaned in, and kissed her on her forehead. "I love you. So much. I'm sorry for everything." I whisper, leaving the casket, and sitting back down at the place we sat at before. Many people then entered the church, and I recognized most of them. Most of them were my relatives, and they didn't do anything but shed tears after tears. I wipe away mines, and before I started to cry more, I caught a sight of my older brother that moved out two years ago. I never expected any of this, considering he's been in the navy and was unable to keep contact with me. He ran down the hall to me, and hugged me as tight as he could. We stayed in the position for approximately five minutes. I never wanted him to let go of me. He, my brother, was still there. And I didn't intend to know that at all.

"Cameron..." I blubber. He cries to the point he cannot breathe, and his eyes became puffy as fast as they could.

"Riley. I love you so fucking much, okay? Please know that. I'm here. Please hear me out. You are not alone. I'm staying for good. I've already rented an apartment for us. You'll be safe." He says shakily, hugging me again. I fall to my knees at that point. We made a pretty big show in front of everyone, but who the fuck cares? There was hope roaming in the air for the both of us. "Where's Jemvi?" I question desperately, hoping she was there with him. "She was in Indiana finishing her modeling pages. She tried coming here as soon as possible, but her flight was delayed. She's coming tonight." He explains. More and more people fill the church up minute after minute, and that was the cue for me when it was time to say my speech. I nod at Cameron to confirm that I understood, then I signaled him to the place where he could sit. I stood up, and walked up to the microphone on the far left of the casket. I started to get emotional again, and even though I knew it was going to be difficult to talk while I cry, I attempt to anyway. I start.

"Hi. My name is Riley, and you all should know that I'm Rose and Andrew's youngest daughter. I was the child that lived with my mother throughout all of the changes we had been through for the past years, such as Jemvi leaving for her job, and Cameron leaving for the navy, and most of all, my dad leaving the Earth permanently. Honestly, I never expected any of you to come. I felt so alone to the point that nobody loved me, but as soon as my boyfriend Luke helped me with this funeral, I knew I was loved, especially when all of you walked into the church at the same time. Speaking about love, let's talk about my mother, Rose Thompson. I know most of you knew her, considering that is why you showed up. To the people that barely knew or have not met her, thank you for coming out of generosity and comfort, Cameron and I appreciate it. I'm sure that Jemvi does too. My mother was my best friend throughout my childhood, until I grew up. I admit, I was a handful, and I stressed her out at the maximum. She loved me no matter what though, and I loved her too, even at times I shown that I haven't. My mother was a loving, sweet, generous, stubborn, and a beautiful person. We all knew this day would come eventually, and although I haven't seen any of this coming, it hit like a bullet to the heart. I remember how she would tickle me until I wake up to get to school, and I always would compare her to a ball of happiness. She'd offer all of the food she bought for herself to me, making sure I have had already eaten after school everyday. She'd tie the ribbons in my hair and remind me that I was beautiful before school started, and kissed me a goodbye before I went off into the bus. Those are the moments I will always cherish until the day I die, and that is a promise I am not planning to break. Mom, if you're listening to me right now, I love you, and I'm truly sorry for everything." I say, tearing up. Everyone quietly claps for me then. Cameron sits there devastated, and Luke sits next to him, trying his best to comfort him, by patting Cameron on the back. 

(Cameron's POV)

I can't believe the fact that my mother was dead. The person that gave birth to me, the person I endlessly loved and kept inside of my heart. The comfort of Riley and her boyfriend made me feel a tad better, but I still sat there depressed. I didn't know what to do even though I attempted to plan everything out. Both of my parents. Dead. The thought was dreading, but the thought that my parents are together again in the new world, comforts me even more. I hope Riley is okay though, she's been going through this by herself for the past days. Of course she's not "okay", what the fuck Cam? I thought.

(Riley's POV)

Cameron was here. Jemvi was on her way. It was all because of Luke. I loved him even more now. I had a feeling he was the love of my life. What would I do without him?

"It was because of you. All of it. I love you so much. Thank you." I kiss him, kiss after kiss. He smirks.

"I know that now isn't the time, but you need a break from everything. Come to my place tonight." He says. I nod, "Okay."

I was loved.