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"We are going back to the funeral home. There are refreshments ready. Apparently, they will bury Dad during that time because it is too hard on the family. I heard someone fainted once when they lowered the casket so they don't do it that way anymore," Samantha rested her hand on Arlana's arm.
Returning to the funeral home, Aunt Samantha asked them to wait a moment. "I have something for Aziel," she held out her father's hammer, giving it to the young boy.
"Thanks," Aziel grinned holding the tool that belonged to the grandfather he barely knew. It was more sentimental to his mother.
Adelaide pulled up to the doors, the kids already in the car.
Samantha turned, "We are going to Roseanne's afterwards - you are more than welcome to join us."
"No, that's fine. I'm going home."
Arlana reached into the open window of the front seat and tenderly stroked her niece, Sarah's cheek, "Goodbye Honey - it was nice to see you."
Sarah looked away, refusing to acknowledge her aunt.
Without a word, Adelaide drove away.
"I'm just going to see Lachlan for a moment, then will join you. I want to ask him again to join us," Arlana called out to Jaira, before heading to the car.
Lachlan looked up as she approached.
"Is it over? I saw you guys going to the cemetery...are you okay?"
Arlana nodded, leaning against his door, window all the way down.
"They are just having refreshments. Will you join us?"
Lachlan shook his head, "I really don't feel comfortable. Don't worry, I'll just continue waiting. I've just been listening to music and trying to get some rest before the drive back, so don't worry about me."
Arlana nodded, turning to walk away.
He reached out for her hand. "You're not alone - you're in my heart."
"Thanks," Arlana's face grew warm. Too much to take in, she hurried back to the funeral home.
****
UNCLE IVAN PULLED UP a chair beside their table as they sipped ice water and nibbled on chocolate brownies.
"I've been thinking a lot about what we talked about last night. You must be really having a hard time processing all that was said. I was thinking you must feel like orphans now that you know who your parents really are." Ivan's brow furrowed, "I want you to know that I am there for you - in fact, all of your relatives are. Now that you know...well, before your dad tried to keep you away from us all these years, now you know why."
Arlana nodded, the chocolate square stuck in her throat. A build-up of unshed tears.
Taking another sip of ice water, she looked up when her cousin Jasmine nudged her shoulder. "I talked with our cousin Maxine. She is willing to talk to you about it when we go back to Roseanne's."
Their eyes met across the room and Maxine nodded. Arlana felt a wave of nausea wash over her minutes before everyone rose to leave.
"So are you going to follow us?" Ivan pushed his chair under the table.
"I have to ask Lachlan to take us...I don't know if he will or not because we have a long drive home."
"Why didn't you invite him to join us?" Ivan hadn't realized anyone was waiting out in the parking lot, "I'll come with you and talk to him."
Lachlan looked up as the grey-haired man approached his window.
"Hello, I'm Lachlan," he introduced himself as his companions settled back into the car.
"Ivan, their uncle," he smiled as the two men shook hands, "We are having a small get-together at the house now and would love for you to join us."
"We were just going to head straight home..."
"Please?" Arlana murmured, her voice low as she looked into Lachlan's eyes, "This would mean so much to me. I need some closure..."
Lachlan raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Of course. We will stay for a little while. Thanks." He turned on the ignition, waiting for the others to get into their vehicles.
"Thank you..." Arlana whispered, entwining her fingers in his. He looked down at their linked hands but chose not to comment, squeezing her hand gently in his strong one.
****
FINALLY PULLING UP on the side of the crowded road, Ivan instructed Lachlan where to park. Lachlan hesitated a moment after he had shut off the car but Ivan had already reached his window again.
"Come in, don't be shy. You are more than welcome here."
Lachlan smiled, stepping out of the car with his companions, holding out his hand for Aziel. They followed Ivan into the house and out to the backyard where other relatives were seated.
The men drank beer while the women drank various soft drinks, finger foods laid out on the table.
"Here, have a seat," Samantha motioned the sisters to two empty seats beside Maxine.
Lachlan pulled up a lawn chair, accepting the cold beer he was offered. He popped the cap, pouring the liquid down his throat as he looked at Arlana over the bottle. She had never seen him drink before - didn't know he even liked alcohol.
Knowing he was watching her was strangely comforting. Flushing, she looked away, making small talk with her relatives, commenting on the pictures they showed her on their cell phones.
Aziel raced around the backyard playing with his second cousin, peels of laughter breaking up the sad occasion for the impromptu family reunion.
"Now that Dad's gone, we won't be getting together every year for his birthday..." Uncle Clarence pointed out. He looked at his youngest brother, Benjamin, seated at the end of the table, "Aren't you glad I made you come every year? You'd have really regretted it now."
Benjamin nodded, "I agree."
Clarence continued, "They know everything..."
Benjamin's eyes widened, then he nodded, "That's good. It's time."
"You see, it was really hard all these years getting together for Dad's birthday cuz your dad always came and he was the favourite. Dad chose to turn a blind eye to what he did to us."
Clarence lowered his voice and whispered in her ear. A tear splashed onto her neck as he whispered a dark secret.
"Oh my gosh, I can't convey how sorry I am! I don't know how to make it up to you," Arlana hugged her uncle close as his shoulders shook, sobbing. "I wish it was me that died...." he repeated what he had said at the cemetery. Now, she truly understood.
Clarence struggled to compose himself, "Maxine, you need to tell your story," he nudged his niece who was older than her other cousins.
She nodded and stood from the table, taking Jaira and Arlana into the screened porch where she sat on a stool.
"I never told you anything before because I thought you were still living with your parents..." She looked directly at Arlana, "And I assumed you'd be on their side..." Uncle Clarence joined them as she told of how he had helped her escape from Arlana's grandfather's commune - how she owed their Uncle Clarence everything.
The second cousins joined them on the porch to play with the basket of toys.
"We can't talk now cus of the kids, but I'll give you my email address. Your father and grandfather are evil men. My mother is a religious fanatic who says I need to forgive," Maxine lowered her voice, "But she has no right to be so high and mighty after what I saw her do."
So much for being a pastor's granddaughter. The esteem she had held for her grandfather and especially her dad shattered like glass around her.
"Email me," Maxine stepped off the stool, returning to the yard.