Loving Ms. Winters

42: Alice's POV

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~The Next Day~

We were the first to arrive at the funeral home, I had yet to make my way up to the front yet. My mom has decided to cremate him due to how he died and not wanting anyone to see him like that. I agreed with her and was thankful for it because I do not want to remember him like that, I want to remember my brother who I loved when we were younger.

~10 Years Ago~

"Braiden slow down!" I yelled after him trying to pedal my bike fast enough to keep up with him

He turned looking back at me and laughed "Come on slowpoke we're almost there."

We had rode our bikes across town to go swimming at the local spot we had found a year or so ago. When we finally got to the bank of the creek we threw our bikes down and ran into the cold water laughing.

"See I told you it'd be worth it." He grinned splashing me

I laughed and splashed him back "You were right, it's so hot out and this is just what I needed."

We played and splashed in the water for quite some time before sitting on the bank. Our clothes were completely drenched and I was hoping we'd dry off before too long so I wouldn't have to ride home like this.

"You know, one day I really want to travel the whole world. It's cool and all riding our bikes around and going on trips with mom and dad sometimes but I really want to see the whole world." Braiden said as he laid down on the grass

I smiled down at him "That would be awesome, you could see the pyramids and even the Great Wall of China!"

"Yeah but mom thinks it's dumb," he said pausing and looking up at me "I feel like she hates me. She is constantly telling me what to do and how to act like myself isn't good enough for her. I just wish she would listen to me like you do."

"Well just remember that I've always got your back." I said, giving him a reassuring smile "You and me against the world."

~Present~

I fought back the tears that stung my eyes as I looked down at the small black urn. His name was engraved along with a small quote, "When you feel lost or confused, keep me in your heart and I'll never leave you". I gently ran my finger over the words feeling a tear slide down my cheek, he deserved so much better than this. It was supposed to be me and him against the world and when the world was against him I turned my back on him too. I felt a hand gently rest on my shoulder and I turned back meeting her ocean eyes. Without a word she pulled me into a hug and I let myself fall apart in her arms. After a few minutes she helped me sit in the front row and held my hand while we waited. My mom has been arguing with one of the guys who helped plan the funeral since we got here and I was annoyed that even now she was being a controlling bitch. I'd hoped that everything with Braiden would have eventually taught her something but unfortunately it didn't seem that way.

"Well now that I've got that taken care of, would you girls like to join me out front to greet everyone." Cassidy's authoritative tone sounded as she entered the room

We followed her out front and after a while a few people started coming. I introduced her to Uncle Jim and Aunt Reyna first and they seemed pretty nice. They went inside after a few moments leaving us to continue greeting everyone else. When we went inside there were only about thirty people in total and their eyes were on us as we made our way to the front. The ceremony began and we listened to different people talk for a while until I went up. I was extremely nervous as I looked down at the paper I had written last night.

My eyes landed on hers as I spoke "My brother was my best friend when I was a kid. He was smart, driven, funny, and he had a dream to travel the world. He never got to fulfill that dream, and he made many mistakes when he was older but he was still my brother." I could feel the tears threatening to spill over at this point as I took a deep breath "He was a wonderful person at heart, and I loved him more than anything. I wish I could turn back the clock and have known how to help him but I can't. He would've been a brilliant and successful man right now if he had been able to follow his dreams and I only wish he had. Braiden even though you are now gone and it's no longer you and me against the world, I hope you are happy and at peace now. I hope you get to see everything from up there, the whole world just like you dreamed of. Thank you."

As I looked up I saw him standing in the back, he must have slipped in when I wasn't looking. Without even thinking I went straight to the back and stood in front of him, tears running down my cheeks.

"That was beautiful sweetie." He said lowly, his vibrant green eyes watery

I pulled him into a tight hug never wanting to let him go again, never wanting him to leave me again.

When we parted I looked up at him "Thank you."

Without another word I went back to the front and took my seat next to Blair. She seemed confused but my mom had already started speaking before she could ask anything.

"My son was a bright child, he was the most kind soul I've evermet. I made many mistakes and I pushed him into something he did not want and Iwill regret that forever." Her gaze settled on me "He was an amazingbrother to Alice, they hardly ever fought and he would've done anything forher. I miss him everyday, I miss his smile, I miss his laugh, but I miss hisloud footsteps running down the steps every morning most. I miss packing hislunch and driving him to his friends on weekends. I miss everything about himand I wish I had realized how much I took for granted sooner. Braiden I justwant you to know I'm sorry," tears were now running down her face,something I had never seen "I love you so much son and I hope you aregoing on a million adventures wherever you are."

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