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“Let’s try to get some sleep, okay?” I suggest, turning out the light.
Alden and I crawl back into bed, and he cuddles me close. A few minutes of silence passes, and I think maybe he’s fallen asleep.
“Ella?” he whispers.
“Yeah?”
“Your mom hugged me in my underwear.”
A giggle spills out of me. “Did it turn you on?”
“Of course not, but it moved a little and she might’ve felt it. I can never look her in the face again.”
“Oh my god. Shut up.” My body shakes with silent laughter.
Another quiet moment ticks by before he speaks up again. “El?”
“Hmm?”
“The last two days have been the worst of my life.” The crack in his voice is mirrored in my heart. He holds me tighter, pulling my back against his chest. “You make things better. Thanks for coming back.”
“Wherever I am, my window is always unlocked, Den.”
* * *
Mrs. Stokes had looked out for her boys in one final way. Her funeral arrangements and burial were already planned and paid for. She didn’t want a showing or a big funeral. Instead, everyone who knew or loved her has gathered graveside in the cemetery. Once a short prayer is read, the casket begins to be lowered.
Oliver bows his head, his shoulders shaking with sobs and Alden steps up beside him. He puts his hand on his shoulder while they watch their mother put into her final resting place.
Almost everyone is in tears watching them.
After the crowd has dispersed and those remaining stand around the vehicles, talking, I pull Oliver aside. I saw him briefly this morning but not long enough to pay my respects and see how he’s doing.
“Hey,” he says, with a reluctant smile.
“Hi.” He leans down and lets me hug him. “Your mom was always so kind to me. I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. She always liked you.” He fidgets with his hands. “Alden told me you moved back.”
“I’m going to be staying with Tori. If you or Alden need anything, please call me.”
Oliver nods and glances over to where his brother is talking to Tori’s dad. “Just keep an eye on him, okay? He’s under a lot of pressure. And now this…”
“I will.”
Oliver’s girlfriend, Breanna, joins us, taking his hand. “Are you ready?”
They excuse themselves and start toward his car. At least Oliver has plenty of support to get through this. I’m not sure what Alden has going on, but I meant what I said. I’ll keep an eye on him.
It’s starting to snow and almost everyone has left. Alden is walking toward his car alone when I catch up to him. I haven’t really spoken to him since the night I got back. He was gone when I woke up and only responded to my text to tell me he’d see me at the funeral. If he wants to be alone, it’s understandable, but I want to make sure he knows he doesn’t have to be.
“Where are you headed?” I ask.
“Home.”
“Do you want some company?”
His smile is soft, but he shakes his head. “The guys from work are coming over to drink. We’re closing up the shop early. Are you moving today?”
