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Jackson’s eyes still hadn’t left my face, as if he was relivin’ that time with me.
“I had a meltdown, blabberin’ all sorts of things about monsters and Freddy Krueger, and the dude that lives under the bed who’s always tryin’ to get me.”
Everyone laughed, and I smiled rememberin’ the night like it happened yesterday and not years ago.
“Aunt Bailey didn’t make me feel like I was a sissy or a scaredy cat. She told me she was afraid of the dark too. We walked back to my room together, and she stayed with me the whole night, rubbin’ my back and my hair. When I woke up the next mornin’, not only was she still with me, Jackson and Jagger were in the bed as well.”
I think I saw Jackson’s eyes water, but as quickly as the tears appeared, he blinked them away. Makin’ me think I imagined it.
“That was the power of Aunt Bailey’s love,” I went on. “It brought people together, naturally gravitatin’ to her. Even if they hated each other.”
Everyone was cryin’, while I was strugglin’ to hold back the tears, bowin’ my head to keep them from comin’ out.
“That’s just the kind of woman she was. And I’m gonna miss her very much. She will forever live in my heart, and I know she would be happy we’re celebratin’ her life today and not mournin’ her death.” I steadied my composure before I looked back up.
Lockin’ eyes with Jackson again.
His stare never left my face as I made my way over to his father. I wrapped my arms around him, wantin’ him to feel my sadness for them.
Uncle Aiden kissed the top of my head, whisperin’, “Bailey always said she wanted a baby girl just like you. Journey has big shoes to fill, Harley.”
I hugged him tighter, and Jagger joined in. Jackson didn’t move from the place he was sittin’.
Mouthin’, “I still hate you.”
I paid him no mind, goin’ back to my seat instead. Daddy pulled me into his strong embrace, kissin’ the top of my head too.
He drawled, “Proud of you, baby.”
I smiled up at him, and then we continued listenin’ as several people shared a lovin’ memory of Aunt Bailey. Uncle Aiden, Uncle Noah, Aunt Skyler, Jagger…
While Jackson still didn’t say a word.
For the rest of the memorial, he just sat there, no expression on his face, no sentiment in his eyes, no emotion whatsoever. Almost like he wasn’t even there.
“Is Jackson going to be okay?” I asked, walkin’ into the Pierces’ kitchen later that evenin’.
We’d spent the rest of the day at their home, surrounded by family. Tryin’ to be there for them anyway we could.
Although, from the second Jackson stepped foot in his house, he went straight to his bedroom and didn’t come out. Even when Uncle Noah went in there to check on him. He was also havin’ a hard time with Bailey’s death, seein’ as she was like a second mother to him.
This wasn’t easy on anyone.
She was a pivotal person to so many people.
The expression on Momma’s face didn’t reassure me in the least.
“He will be, baby, with time.”
“The funeral was beautiful today. I think Aunt Bailey would have loved it. Especially all the sunflowers we laid her to rest with at the cemetery.”
Aunt Skyler agreed, “I think so too, Harley.” She gleamed at me. “You did a great job on your eulogy, honey. Uncle Noah was very proud of you.”
“I tried to say what I was feelin’.”
“Those always make for the best speeches.”
Out of nowhere, I saw somethin’ fall from the roof.
