A beautiful storm *COMPLETE*

Funeral

DAMIEN POV

Today’s the day. I see my dad for the first time in ten years. It’s definitely not how I expected I would see him again. I thought one day, he’d get over himself and call. Or one day I would pull my head out of my a*s and come home. Before he was dead. I pulled myself out of bed, heading to the closet to grab my tux. I was wearing black head to toe except for the first tie my dad ever bought me. It will probably look a little funny, because I got it from him when I was sixteen. He’d got it for my first job interview. It was blue with little black palm trees all over it. I thought that it was stupid at the time, but now that I’m looking in the mirror, I fuc*ing loved the tie. I needed to head over to my mother’s and pick her up before heading to the funeral home. They wanted to go over a song list and make sure everything was up to her expectations before starting. I took a deep breath, willing myself to move. I needed to say goodbye. I needed closure. I needed to apologize. I grabbed my keys and headed out.

My mom hasn’t stopped crying since we entered the funeral home. They sit us down in the office, she reviewed everything, and agreed that it was all perfect. We thanked them for everything, and walked out. It was getting really stuffy in there. I excused myself for some fresh air, my mother saying that she needed to go talk to my dad. I walked outside. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I squatted down, running my hands through my hair. I needed to go in there. I needed to be strong for my mom. I needed to see my dad. I just didn’t know how I was going to do it. I covered my face with my hands. I don’t want to cry, but god damnit I miss him. I missed so much and now I’m too late. I fell back onto the sidewalk, sitting with my head in my hands. I’m not sure how long I was sitting there before I felt someone sit down next to me. I rubbed my eyes and slowly turned to my left. I was shocked to see Madeline sitting next to me. I blinked a few times, unsure if I was just imagining it. She tilted her head and gave me a sad smile. “I thought you could use a friend” she said. I couldn’t form words, so I just nodded. We sat there in silence for a little while. I looked at my watch and realized that if I wanted to speak to my father privately, it was now or never. I stood up, reaching my hand out to help Madeline up. She looked breathtaking in an all black sundress and black sandals. She put her elbow out, just as I had on her birthday, and I couldn’t help but to smile. I looped my arm in hers and walked inside the funeral home.

I hesitated outside of the main door. I could see the opened casket and my mother sitting in the front row, just staring at it silently. I took a step inside and stopped. I felt all the air leave my lungs. I don’t know if can see him. Madeline must have sensed my hesitation and turned towards me. “I’m going to go grab a drink from the concession area. Would you like me to grab you anything?” she asked. “A water would be great, thank you.” She let go of my arm and left me standing in the doorway. I willed my feet to move forward and up to his casket. I looked down at him lying there peacefully. He looked the same as the day I left. I felt a tear fall slowly down my cheek. I reached out, hovering my hand above his body before slowly laying it on his lifeless body. “I’m sorry dad. I was a stubborn as*hole. I guess I probably got that from you.” I chuckled, as another tear fell. “I should have come home sooner. I didn’t realize that you wouldn’t have more time. I just want you to know that I made it. I’m doing well. All I ever wanted was for you to be proud of my accomplishments. I really miss you. Love you, dad.” I took a deep breath, as my mother started sobbing uncontrollably behind me. I turned around and sat next to her, pulling her head to me, and letting her cry on my shoulder. I turned around to see Madeline with tears in her eyes. I nodded at her to come up. She walked towards us, turning towards my mother. “I’m so sorry for your loss Mrs. Jones.” she said sincerely. My mom looked up at her, wiping her eyes. “Is it already that time? Oh, thank you dear. I’m sorry, I don’t recognize you. Did you know William?” Madeline shook her head “You wouldn’t. And no, I’m sorry. I’m Damiens new boss.” “Oh, thank you for coming dear. That was very kind of you. I need a moment, if you’ll excuse me. Thank you again.” and she quickly hurried away. “You didn’t have to come here, you know. Funerals are no fun.” She shook her head “What kind of friend would I be if I wasn’t here for you?” I wanted to tell her that I needed a friend more than anything right now, but was interrupted as people slowly started filing in. I heard I’m sorry for your loss about three hundred times. Enough for a lifetime. It wasn’t long before it was time to start. I sat down in the front row, asking Madeline to sit next to me. The priest began speaking. I couldn’t focus. My mind was going a million miles an hour. My dad was gone. He was really gone. It was one thing to walk away, knowing that some day, we would reunite. But like this. This wasn’t how I thought that it would be. My leg was bouncing furiously. I felt warmth around my hand, as Madeline laced her fingers with mine, bringing me back to reality. She squeezed my hand. I didn’t realize how much I needed someone until she just brought me back down. I took a deep breath, squeezing her hand back and giving her a small smile. “Would anyone like to say anything to honor the life of William Jones?” the priest asked. I took a deep breath, unlacing my hand from Madeline's, and stood from my seat. I walked slowly up to the podium. The walk felt like it took a lifetime, but only took a few seconds. I wasn’t sure what I was going to say. I just knew that I needed to say something. “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all for being here today. I know that my father would have loved to have everyone he cared about in the same room. I came up here today with no idea what I’m going to say. My dad and I didn’t see eye to eye. In all honesty, I haven‘t spoken to him in 10 years.” I heard gasps throughout the room. I suddenly felt very small. I looked to the front row where Madeline was sitting. She gave me a sad smile. I turned towards my dad. “Dad, I know you wanted a different life for me. I know you wished that I would find security. I didn't understand where you were coming from. I understand now that you only wanted what was best for me. You were a great father and a good man. I hope wherever you are, you can hear me. I’m sorry, I miss you, and I love you.” My cheeks were wet with fresh tears. I hopped down from the podium, returning to my seat. I quickly grabbed Madeline's hand, needing the support. She leaned her head on my shoulder. “That was a beautiful speech.” she whispered. The rest of the service went over smoothly. I gave my mom a hug, telling her that I was going to head to the banquet hall to set up for the celebration. Madeline followed me outside. “Would you like any help?“ she asked. “You don’t have to. You’ve done more than enough today. I don’t want you to be late for work anyways. Thank you for coming. It’s been really helpful having someone here.” She waved her hand at me dismissively. “Gemma closed for the evening. She had some things she wanted to take care of. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to help if you’ll have me.” “Actually, that would be great. Thanks.”

We rode over to the banquet hall together. I left my car at the funeral home with promise to come back and get it later. I unlocked the doors and walked inside. We were greeted by an older woman. She explained where everything was located and told us that my mother had a few boxes delivered that were in the back room. We got right to work, pulling tables out, covering them with tablecloths, and placing the bouquets of flowers in the centers. Madeline set up the entryway table with a little guestbook for my mom and a sign asking everyone to sign in so that she knew who was there to celebrate my father’s life. We filled coolers with sodas, bottles of water, and one full of my dad’s favorite beer. The caterer’s arrived setting up the kitchen full of food. Madeline assisted them with anything that they needed. I was in awe at how helpful she was. She didn’t hesitate with anything. Helping the caterers set the food on the bar, as well as setting up the plates, napkins, and silverware. I walked over to her “You are amazing, you know.” She blushed, shaking her head “It’s really nothing.” “You have no idea how much this all means to me.” I motioned around the room. He cheeks grew a darker shade of red “I’m glad that I was able to be here. I hope you didn’t mind me showing up unannounced.” She looked down at the ground. I grabbed her hand and she looked up at me. I’d really like to show her how much all of this means. But now is not the time. “I really needed someone today. More than I’d like to admit. You made today bearable.” I smiled at her. We had a little while before everyone started to arrive, so I walked us to a table to sit down and have a drink. “What was your dad like?” she questioned. How do I explain my dad without sounding like an as*hole. “He was a typical dad. Stern, but loved me.” She looked down at her hands. “What about your dad?” She looked back up at me surprised. “I’m not sure. I’ve never met him.” Not the best question on my part. “You said you hadn’t spoken to your dad in ten years. If you don’t mind my asking, why?” I took a deep breath “Well, I had an idea of how I wanted my life to go. At eighteen, I was doing drugs, I barely graduated high school, and then I didn’t want to go to college. My dad and I got into a fight one night about it, and I left. I was an adult. I didn’t want to hear what he had to say. So I followed my heart and left him behind.” She looked surprised by my response. I quickly added “I know. Shi*ty of me, right?” She shook her head “No, you followed your heart. I mean, I can only hope that your father eventually realized that you did what was best for you. Even if it was hard for him.” I nodded “How did you get so wise?” She laughed a whole hearted laugh, grabbing her chest like she was offended. I really loved hearing her laugh. “What about your mom?” She audibly gulped “Well, that’s a long story. My mom is an addict. I left on my eighteenth birthday with the clothes on my back and never looked back. I don’t know what she’s doing or if she’s even alive.” That was not the answer I was expecting. I reached across, grasping her hand “I’m really sorry. That sounds really rough.” She chuckled humorlessly, whispering under her breath “You have no idea.” I don’t think I was meant to hear it.