Alright ya'll, let's do this again.
As usual, hit me with the constructive feedback.
As usual, no editor.
Glad I'm getting a good response so far, was worried how some would take that "twist" but so far so good.
Like I said I am quite attached to these characters so this story will probably be much more emotionally charged than "Your Love".
Enjoy!
** ** ** ** **
Marcus sat at the kitchen table in shock.
No. There's no way...
Lila?
Lila's dead.
Lila is dead.
His Lila.
When?
He just spoke to her. Last night. How could she be dead?!
She was fine. I should have offered to pick her up or something. I knew how bad the weather was!
Oh God, Lila is dead.
Marcus felt his stomach turning, his heart was on the verge of explosion.
Stormy whined at her owner's feet sensing the sudden change in his mood.
Marcus paced his kitchen unsure of what to do or how to feel.
This was a woman that he had no relationship with outside of the bedroom and yet the news of her death was shaking him.
They had no friends in common.
There was no one he could talk to about her.
There was nothing he could do.
** ** ** ** **
"We're sorry for your loss Mrs. Burke. She was a wonderful woman." Another mourner said, greeting Lila's mother.
"Thank you very much dear." Marta replied.
Marta wasn't sure she could do this much longer. She appreciated the kind words and support but at the moment all she wanted was to be alone with her thoughts of her only daughter.
"Momma?" Darren said looking at his mother with worry in his eyes. She looked at him and gave him a small smile.
"Momma why don't you go upstairs and lay down? I can finish seeing everyone and I'll come get you when it's time to head to the cemetery."
Marta nodded and turned to head for the staircase.
Darren's eyes followed his mother upstairs. He was more concerned for the health now more than ever. She had suffered a stroke three months ago and had just barely pulled through, now with the loss of Lila he wasn't sure what would happen. Lila and their mother had always been close, she was her baby girl.
And his little sister.
His little sister was gone.
He still had a hard time believing it.
He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that he'd never see little Lila again.
Never wrestle for the remote.
Never fight her for the last piece of Mom's peach cobbler.
Never watch fireworks on July fourth again.
She was his only sibling and now he'd never share those things with anyone ever again.
His heart felt heavy and empty all at the same time.
Darren felt a hand on his shoulder.
The funeral home driver stood solemnly.
"Sir? We are ready for the procession to the cemetery."
Darren nodded and went went upstairs to retrieve his mother.
** ** ** ** **
"When we lose a loved one too early, it can cause us to have many questions. But the answers we seek are answers we may never find. We must trust that God has a plan."
The reverend continued his message over Lila's ivory casket as mourners looked on.
Darren looked out over the cemetery as the words fell into the background.
It was a cold November day but it was still a nice day. The sun shone down directly on the service and warmed them.
She was here. He could feel it.
Fall was always her favorite season.
The crisp leaves were bright colors, the wind was low, and air was crystal clear.
Yes, she was here with them.
Darren brought his attention back just as the reverend was finishing.
He and his mother approached the casket to say their last goodbyes. He placed the rose he'd been holding onto the casket and moved back.
Once everyone had said their final words the casket began to lower.
It was all hitting him at once.
She really was gone.
I love you little sister. Rest in peace.
** ** ** ** **
**KNOCK KNOCK**
Marcus stood at the door a complete bundle of nerves.
He had actually sat in his car for half an hour trying to build the nerve to walk up to the house.
It seemed like hours before he finally heard the lock turn.
A tall man swung the door open.
He looked just like her.
"Hi." Marcus said, trying not to sound nervous.
"Hello, can I help you?"
"You don't know me, but I knew Lila."
"How did you know my sister?" The man asked with defense in his voice.
"Oh, I was a friend of her. My name is Marcus Dodson."
"Lila never mentioned a Marcus Dodson to me."
The man moved to close the door but something stopped him.
A hand.
Both men looked down to see an older tired looking woman peeking around the edge of the door.
"Marcus?"
Marcus swallowed audibly.
"Yes ma'am."
She looked him up and down with a curious look on her face.
"Come in."
It was all she said before turning and heading back into the house.
