Page 53 of One of Six

"Calm down," David snaps. "Get today over with and everyone can move on."

"Don't lay a hand on me again, son. You will regret it," Judge tells David in a voice that means business.

The tension in the room is thick and heavy, and Richard breaks it. "The car is here." He looks at me. "I thought we'd get there early so you can spend time with your mom?"

Why is he so thoughtful all of a sudden?

Standing, I run a hand over my tightly pinned hair, which is tied in a bun at the nape of my neck. My makeup is very light, with just a hint of pale pink lipstick.

Judge opens the front door, and we follow him out. I stop when I see Jason talking to Judge. David runs into me and catches me before I fall forward. "Judge's doing," he says under his breath as he walks past.

The car is the traditional three-row funeral car. Judge slides in the back and Richard in the middle. Jason waits for me to slide in the middle, but as soon as David slides in next to Judge, I push him over and slide in next to him. Jason gives me a surprised look before sitting next to Richard.

David smiles and moves over a bit to give me more room. Richard turns and stares at me, but I pretend not to notice. Judge and David mutter quietly as we drive the short distance through town. The large funeral home sits on a large corner lot with plenty of parking. There will be a sixty-minute viewing followed by a small service at Mama's church.

The front of the funeral home looks like a large plantation house, with columns and a large front porch. As we pull up, I feel a wave of sadness wash over me, knowing that this is the final goodbye to Mama. I take a deep breath and gather my strength before getting out of the car. Jason takes my arm and holds on tight. "Be quiet, Beatrice. I'm trying to support you!"

"I don't want your support," I snap.

"For God's sake!" David hisses. "Jason, get your hands off her." To Judge. "Dad, I told you this was a bad idea. Beatrice has enough shit to deal with today without that asshole manhandling her."

Shocked, I stare at David and allow him to accompany me into the funeral home. "I'll hold them off for ten minutes while you pay your respects to your mom in private."

I don't know what's going on with David today, but I hope it continues. It would be nice to have a family member in my corner for once.

I don't want to see Mom all laid out, but at the same time I don't want to regret not doing it. Grateful for David's unexpected support, I quickly make my way to the Magnolia Room. The scent of lilies and soft music fill the room as I approach Mom's coffin and I feel a wave of sadness wash over me. I take a deep breath and prepare to say my final goodbye. Nerves get the better of me and I tremble as I look down at my mom. Her peaceful face, forever frozen in time. My shoulders shake as I burst into tears. "I'm so sorry I didn't help you," I sob through the words.

A door opens and closes, but I ignore it. I feel someone standing next to me and then an arm comes around me. His scent. I gasp and look into a pair of beautiful green eyes. I cry out and throw myself into Essex's arms. He holds me tight as I sob against him. I never want to let go, knowing that he is there for me.

I finally calm down and ask, "How did you get here?"

He kisses my forehead as I wipe my face. "We're all here. Mom and my brothers. Daisy and her husband Scott. Evelyn, of course. A few others from Den Hollows. We're here for you, Bea."

Sniffing into a handkerchief, I say, "Thank you. Will you make sure everyone knows how much this means to me?"

"I will. I must sneak out before anyone sees me. That's the last thing you need today."

"How did you get in anyway?"

"I went to school with Gordy. His dad owns this place."

I nod and enjoy another hug. I take Essex's hand and turn to the coffin. "Mom, I want you to meet the man I love."

Essex gasps and squeezes my hand tightly, a tear running down his cheek. "Hello, Mrs. Lincoln. I promise to take good care of your daughter." To me he says, "I love you too, Mermaid Girl." He kisses me on the lips and leaves me to sneak out the exit at the back of the room.

I turn back to my mother and say, "I'm going to marry that man one day.” Afraid to touch her, I blow her a kiss instead. "I'll always love you, Mom."

Just before I reach the door, David enters. He pauses, then gently takes my arm, and leads me back to Mama.

"No matter what you think, I loved your mama, Beatrice.”

I look at the man.

"Open your purse," he says.

"Why?"

"Quickly, before others enter."

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