Timing Is Everything

Chapter 10

"I was supposed to have some words prepared for this situation, but I-.. I didn't.." then Al continued after clearing his throat "I'm thankful for everyone who's come here today, I know how much she meant to you and you all should know how much you meant to her" said Al.
At these occasions there's always long speeches, but I could see that Al wasn't ready for this now, so he said these words and sat down.

The casket was then carried to the cemetery and me and joe stood next to Al while it was being put to the ground, the reverend said a few words, but truth to be told I wasn't listening to him, in fact I wasn't listening to anyone or anything, all I could hear was those three words echoing inside my head (Timing Is Everything).
It kept ringing inside my head.
I've always known that fact, but everyday I understand it even more.
You see.. it could've been me in that casket, it could've been my father standing there crying not Mr. Williams.
It could've been any one actually. However, it was Al's mom's time and there's no changing for that.
People should understand the fact that death comes for us all and each one of us has a specific time which will come one day.
I don't want to sound like a grim reaper or anything, but that's the truth. And yes the truth can be ugly and hurtful, but that's how it is and I think Al knows that by now.

"Thank you guys for being with me" said Al while we were leaving the cemetery
"When I told you that we're always here for you those were not empty words, Al" I said
"I know, Nick. that's why I thank you both" said Al.
"We'll see you later, okay?" Said Joe
"Aren't you coming?" Asked Al
"No, we'd like to take a walk" I said
"Okay, I'll see you later" said Al

Then he got in the car and rode off

I looked to Joe and smiled "Joe you little bastard you still can understand me without me saying a single word"
"It was obvious Nick that you needed some air" said joe smiling.
"You know what?! I'm gonna face a real trouble trying to find anyone who's capable of understanding me like you do" I said
"I know" said Joe laughing.
"I feel sorry for Al's mom, you know?" Said Joe
"Why is that?" I asked
"It's just.. she wasn't that old, and she didn't get to see her son grow up" said Joe
"You know what joe? I'll not answer you, I'll let Dumbledore answer you" I said
"What?" Asked Joe
"Dumbledore, from Harry Potter" I said
"Oh crap, this shit is gonna drive you crazy! You watched that thing like a million times!" Said Joe
"And I'll watch another million times" I said proudly.
"Fine, tell what he said" said Joe rolling his eyes.
*Do not pity the dead, Harry.
Pity the living. And above all, all those who live without love.*
"Oh.. that's quite good actually" said Joe raising both his eyebrows.
"I know" I said
"So.. what are your plans for prom?" Asked Joe
"Absolutely nothing" I said
"What?! You're not gonna ask Emma?" Said Joe.
"I dunno man, I don't even know if I'm gonna go to the prom in the first place" I said
"What?!" Said Joe
"What am I supposed to do?" I asked
"Man up! And ask the girl you love to prom" said Joe
"Woah! Easy there shorty, who said I love her?" I said raising an eyebrow
"I think you do, if you don't, I'm sure you feel something for her" said Joe
"Well.. you got a point there. I dunno man, I don't wanna rush into things right now and screw everything up" I said
"But if you keep holding back like this, you'll lose your chance and eventually screw up either way" said Joe
"Okay I'll speak to Sophie and see what I'm gonna do" I said
"Ohh Sophie, I have no idea how you would've survived without that girl" said Joe laughing
"Neither do I" I said laughing "What about you?" I asked
"What about me?" Repeated Joe
"Don't go dumb on me! What about you and your mystery girl?" I said
"Oh that girl! That's gonna take a long time, at least till after prom" said Joe
"So.. who are you going to prom with?" I asked
"I dunno, any girl I can find. or even alone and hook up with someone there" said Joe
"So we're pretty much the same you and I, huh?" I said laughing
"Yeah I guess. so what about Chris?" Said Joe
"He was just talking to me earlier today, but I told him I'll talk you later, you know because of the funeral and all" I said

Then my phone buzzed.

"Speak of the devil, here he is" I said
"No shit! Answer him, put him on speaker" said Joe laughing

"Hello" I said trying not to laugh
"Hey Nick, are you done with the funeral and all that?" Said Chris
"Yes" I said
"So.. I wanted to talk to you about something" said Chris
"I'm listening" I said
"You know.. the whole Nora and prom thing" said Chris
"Okay. what about it?" I said
"She called me and asked me about prom and what I'm gonna be wearing and all that shit" said Chris
"So she doesn't understand that it's over" I said
"It seems that way" said Chris
"You know why it seems that way?" I asked
"No" said Chris
"Because you didn't put an end to this thing properly" I said
"Leave that aside right now. should I go with her or not?" Said Chris
"Do what you think is right, cause whatever my judgment is it won't suit you. You love her, I don't, so I don't mind dumping her." I said
"Okay" said Chris
"But she cheated on you. didn't she?" I said
"No, she said she didn't" said Chris
"I have only one piece of advice for you Chris, just follow your heart, but not blindly, follow your heart with a little sense" I said
"Okay, Nick" said Chris
"So you're set with Nora?" I said
"No, she asked me but I didn't answer. I wanted to ask you first" said Chris
"If she said she didn't cheat on you then we're cool, but make her promise not to talk or hang out with that dude" I said
"But I already asked her that, and she said she won't lose her friends for me" said Chris
"You deal with it, I can't live your life completely. I'm sure you'll do what's right for you" I said
"Okay I'll see you later" said Chris
"Later" I said

"Well, that wasn't the comedy I expected" said Joe
"It's always serious with Chris, Joe. you know that" I said
"So it's probable that our trio will go singles" said Joe
"So it seems" I said

We continued walking till we reached my house.

"Wanna hang out a little bit at my place?" I asked
"No man, I'm exhausted" said Joe yawning
"Okay, I'll catch you later" I said

I entered the house, marched straightly to the fridge to find something to eat.

"Won't you even change first?" Asked mom
"No mom, I'm starving, I'll have a snack and lay down a little till dinner is ready" I said with my mouth stuffed with anything that I could find.
"Okay honey, just go change. I don't want to see that beautiful suit of yours with food stains on it" said mom
"Okay" I said

I came up to my room, changed to my pajamas and laid down on my bed with my eyes staring to the ceiling.
I do that a lot, you know.

Then it suddenly hit me how Chris can figure out everything about Nora.

There was this school trip about 2 months ago that Chris, Nora and others went on including Nora's best friend Amanda.

Let me tell you how ironic life can be, in one hand we have bitch-Nora whom you already know all her unforgettable qualities.
On the other hand we have her best friend Amanda who was kind, caring, decent, smart and above all she truly wanted the best for Chris. These girls were like black and white, completely the contrary to each other. I never understood how on Earth they became best friends.

On this trip as Chris grew closer to Nora, he also grew closer to Amanda. And it was just a matter of time before they became best buddies.
And I consider that the only merit from all this Nora thing.

So I excitedly picked my phone and called Chris.

"CHRIIIS! I know how you can tell if Nora is lying or not!!" I yelled