Chapter Four
754 Words
Jen and I stood next to our parents, greeting the guests arriving at the funeral. I was dressed in my nicest suit, completely overwhelmed by the people pouring into the church. It seemed that every person in town was here.
When Butch walked in, my heart skipped a beat. He was wearing a nice navy suit, with a pair of shiny black cowboy boots. I smiled warmly at him and he smiled back at me, staring a hole into me, only redirecting his eyes temporarily to greet my parents.
Mr. Madsen, the realtor arrived at the tail end. He shook Dad's hand and slapped his arm.
"What's his story?" Dad quietly asked Madsen, nodding his head towards Butch.
"Butch? He's the town queer."
My blood began to boil.
"He's a nice enough fella," Madsen continued. "Keeps to himself, but I still wouldn't turn my back to him, if you catch my drift."
I scoffed. 'As if Butch would want you, you dried up old prune,' I thought.
At the funeral, I was touched at the number of people that stood and had something kind to say about Grandma.
Then Butch stood. He met my eyes and smiled. His blue eyes glistened with unshed tears. He took a deep breath, then spoke. "Ms Penny meant so much to me. Her shop was across the street from my store. I sometimes still look across to her shop, forgetting that she's gone. After Dad passed, she was always there for me. She always seemed to know when I needed someone to talk to, or when I needed a hug. She had a capacity to love unconditionally. She was an inspiration to me, to the town, and I'll never forget her."
A tear fell down Butch's cheek and he quickly wiped it away and sat down. The minister then looked to Dad, who stared ahead stoically. He shook his head and dismissed the minister with his hand.
I looked at Jen, who was crying hard from what Butch had said, just as I was. I stood up and she stood with me and held my hand.
"I didn't have the chance to know Grandma very well since we lived so far apart," I said. "But knowing that she was loved so much by all of you... well, that means a lot to me. To us."
Jen spoke. "I just wanted to add that we thank all of you for being there for her."
Jen and I sat down, wiping the tears from our eyes. After the minister finished, we followed the casket out of the church. Butch was one of the pall bearers. We rode in the procession to the cemetery for the burial, then returned to grandma's house. So many people came by, and a lot of them brought food. Butch found me standing alone, looking out the window at the back yard.
"Hey, PJ," he said quietly. "How are you doing?"
"I'm okay," I replied. "My dog would love this backyard."
"What kind of dog do you have?"
"A miniature schnauzer. Rocky is his name."
"Ah. I have a yellow lab. Duke."
"Rocky's boarded in a kennel right now. I miss him. He's my only friend."
"He's not your only friend."
I looked up at Butch. He put his arm around my shoulders and squeezed me to him in a sideways hug.
"Thank you for what you said about my grandma. It was very nice."
"I meant every word."
"You look really nice, by the way. I mean, not that you don't normally. I--"
Dad walked up to us and stepped between Butch and myself.
"Philip. Can I speak to you for a moment?"
"Sure, Dad."
I flashed Butch a warm smile, then followed Dad into the kitchen.
"I don't think it's appropriate for you to be seen with that man."
"Why not?"
"He's gay. I wouldn't want these people to get the wrong idea."
"I'm gay, too, Dad. And I frankly don't care what you or anyone else thinks."
I turned to walk away and Dad grabbed my arm. "Don't you walk away from me. You will not embarrass this family."
"Don't worry, Dad. I wouldn't dream of tarnishing your reputation."
I returned to Butch, who said he needed to head out.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked quietly.
"Yes. We have to meet the lawyer in the morning. When I can get away, I'll come down to your store."
"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow."
Butch ran his hand down my back, then left.
- Writer
