Half Blessings & Whole Curses

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It'd been a week and a half since DJ died from an overdose and every day seemed to get harder. His funeral was in a few hours and I was ready to get it over with in hopes of gaining some closure. Roman was hit in his right shoulder blade and the bullet smashed on impact, so he was okay a week after his surgery. I felt guilty being happy that Roman was okay when my nephew lost his life. I felt like I was betraying Dave, like I was betraying DJ.

"Hey," Roman said as he rounded the corner into our bedroom. "It's about time to head to Dave's. He called and said the limousine is going to be there in about an hour."

"Okay," I said quietly.

I stood up from my vanity and stepped into my black YSL stilettos, then grabbed Roman's hand as we headed for the car. I grabbed my purse from the kitchen counter and a couple Body Armor's to keep us hydrated with all the crying we were going to be doing.

"Hello?" Roman said as he answered his phone. "Let me ask her."

"Wassup?" I asked.

"Caterer said they've run out of pork ribs, is a double order of beef ribs okay?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah, that's fine. Thank you. Alright. See you then. Bye."

When we pulled up to Dave's house, the limousine car was there already and Dave was walking outside with Frankie behind him. I hopped out and ran to Dave, hugging him as tight as I could. He broke down in my arms and I was struggling to hold him up, so we both fell into the grass and consoled each other. After a few minutes, Frankie and Roman came to help us back to our feet and into the limo.

As we neared the funeral home, my emotions became heavier and heavier and when we finally arrived, my feet felt cemented to the floor. We were told to remain in the car until everyone was inside and seated. I looked over at Dave and he was scratching behind his ear. It was a childhood habit he'd developed after our nanny died when he was like seven. Anytime his emotions or anxiety was high, he'd get to scratching until he bled.

"Dave, stop scratching," I said softly. "Don't start that. It's been years."

"What am I supposed to do? My anx--, my emo--, Riley, I--"

"Did you bring one of his shirts like I told you to?"

He nodded.

"Throw it on your shoulder, and rub that same spot your scratching with it."

He did as I told him as the door were opened and we began to file out. We lined up two by two at the door and were escorted in by one of the ushers. When the door to the hall opened, Dave and I grabbed each others hands. We were used to the spectacle, but this one felt different. This one we'd never been looked at under. There were tear-stained faces and pity-filled eyes staring at us the entire way to our seats.

"Good morning all," the master of speech started. "We are gathered here today to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of David DeLeon, Jr. A life gone way too soon. The family thanks you all for your kind words, your support, your determination to protect the truth online and--"

The doors of the hall we were in swung back open and Draia was being escorted inside by the police. She was sporting her orange jumpsuit, county blues and more than anything, a face full of guilt. I could feel Dave's body giving off heat the closer she got to DJ's casket and I looked behind us at Frankie so he knew to be ready to catch Dave if he jumped at her.

"Why is she here?" Roman whispered to me.

"I have zero idea."

"Um, where were we?" The master of speech chuckled. "Ah, yes. The family's gratefulness for your support."

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⏰ Last updated: Aug 11, 2020 ⏰

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