The saddest part was behind us. Sarah's mom, Martha, had come down for the memorial service. Her minister had brought her and he conducted the service. Paige still wasn't talking to me and Beth gave me the cold shoulder. At least Martha was sweet.
We all went back to the house for dinner, Paige, Beth, Martha, most of the dearly beloved and me. Gradually the mourners all filtered out. After we had eaten and Martha had gone it was time to discuss some serious matters. Paige didn't want to participate and went to her room.
Since Beth would be leaving the day, she and I discussed all the dreadful things that to be dealt with and we made some serious decisions. That is that Beth informed me of the decisions that she had already made. Basically it came down to Paige flying out to California to live with Beth and her family, right after graduation, which was just a couple weeks away. Then they could help her get into a "good" college. They, meaning Beth, could deal with selling the house and all the legal details in due time.
I knew Paige wouldn't go along, but I couldn't argue. Paige was an adult, after all, even though, Beth treated like a child, besides, Beth, " knew what was best for Paige." I didn't have an alternative to offer. I had no choice but to agree. That being settled, Beth went up to tell Paige the good news.
The screaming went on for what seemed like hours. I stepped out on the back porch and cracked a fresh bottle of whiskey
Paige was right when she told me I was sick. I can see it clearly now. I'm glad Sarah didn't see my behavior in those days, or Carl. Some would say they could. I know that I was beginning to despise myself.
I drank until the shouting calmed down and stumbled to Paige's couch and passed out. I woke up on that couch, where I had cuddled with Beth, the night before. My head was throbbing and my mouth tasted like someone had used it as a doormat. I needed a drink of water and some aspirin. I got up and went to the kitchen in just my boxers. To my surprise, there in the dark, at the table, sat Beth; eating ice cream from a tub. Neither of us spoke. I watched her from the corner of my eye as I walked to the cabinet. Beth never raised her head.