'It is raining more than usual. Maybe nature knows my mom left me', Cindy thought. The sky was grey and the cemetery was filled with people in black clothes. Cindy just stood there silently beside Mrs.Anderson's coffin, Matthew holding an umbrella on her. She looked at the empty grave and the tombstone.
'Fiona Anderson'
'21st June 1973 - 14th July 2018'
Her favorite quote was inscribed on it, "No matter what, be good to people." Cindy brokedown crying and Matthew held her shoulder tightly.
Alex stood far away from the crowd, his childhood flashed in his mind. How Fiona used to bake Apple pies and gave him the biggest slice, which used to make Cindy angry. She loves him like her own son. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you mom", he whispered to himself. Olivia was standing with Melissa when she saw Alex and walked to him. Olivia: Uncle Alex, are you mom's friend? Why didn't we meet before?
Alex smiled softly and replied, "I was unlucky that I couldn't meet you before." Olivia giggled and Alex passed her juice, "drink it, it's healthy for you."
Olivia: thank you.
Olivia smiled and went back to Melissa.
***
After the burial, most of the people left. Matthew dropped Carla, Melissa, Aunt Eva and kids at Cindy's place and was on his way while Cindy stood there beside her mom's grave and Alex kept watch on her from a far. It was raining heavily and Cindy threw away her umbrella. In few seconds she was completely drenched. She broke down in tears and fell on her knees.
Cindy: How could you leave me mom!
Alex walked to her and sat beside her holding the umbrella on her. Cindy looked at him with teary eyes, his heart ached.
Alex: it's okay...
He threw away umbrella and wrapped his arms around her. Cindy buried her face in his chest and cried hard. Matthew came back but stopped when he saw them together. His heart got heavy 'maybe she feels safe in his arm.'
***
Eva Vivian is Fiona's older sister and is good friend of Carla. She is just 3 years older than Fiona. Her posture and attire was always like she comes from a noble family from old eras.
Eva hugged Carla tightly.
Eva: how are you? We haven't met for a long time.
Carla: I'm fine, we had to give away so much just cause our child were mad at each other.
Eva: Fiona missed Alex a lot but never told Cindy. After 2 years of divorce she gave birth to Olivia and Owen and their family was lively again. But soon Edward died from heart attack and Fiona was devastated. Edward's brothers caused a lot of trouble after his death.
Carla: it must've been very hard on them, no wonder why Cindy has built a wall around her.
She is a very strong girl.
For a moment they were silent.
Carla: I'll take care of her.
Eva looked at her, she knew Carla would say that.
Carla: she is my daughter, I don't care about her history with my son. They can fight but I won't stop myself from taking care of her for that.