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Abbie’s mother continued to smile and talk as if nothing was wrong with the situation. She showed up to a dead man’s funeral as if it was a wedding. She wore a dress that flowed down to her knees and covered her slim shoulders. Abbie sneered in her seat then turned back around. Charlie seemed to catch her discomfort.
“Are you okay?” He whispered.
“No. That’s my mom...” Abbie sighed through gritted teeth.
“Wow... I guess death really does bring people together.”
“I don’t want her here. She left us twenty years ago. She doesn’t deserve to be here.”
“Abbie, she’s your mother. She knew your dad too. Try to calm down. We don’t want to make a scene.”
“I don’t care. That woman is talking about me and my dad as if everything was peaches and cream. She LEFT us!” Abbie cried.
“Baby, stay calm. You are next to speak. It will be okay. It’s just a little longer, then we can leave.” Charlie whispered.
Abbie sighed but kept her composure. She knew Charlie was right, as usual. She gripped his hand for dear life to keep her sane. She wanted to tell the horrible woman off in front of the whole room. She deserved a good slap across the face for abandoning Abbie and leaving her father. Abbie knew an outburst would draw attention, but she didn’t care. Her mother was dead to her, just like her father who laid in a casket before her.
Abbie wondered what her father would think or say to her mother after showing up for the first time in twenty years. Abbie remained calm for her father and Charlie’s sake. She knew her father would be kind because he still loved her even though he was hurt. Abbie kept the peace because it wasn’t her place to kick out the woman who rejected and abandoned her in her youth.
Finally, her mother stopped talking about good old times with Vinny. There was a last call for memories before proceeding with the remainder of the service. No one dared to top the woman Vincent loved. Abbie remained silent in her seat. She was nervous about getting up in front of people to talk about her father. She hoped good words came out of her mouth instead of bad.
The funeral director introduced her then called her to the front. Abbie stood without Charlie’s help then walked to the front on shaky legs. She looked out at all the faces she had seen throughout the funeral. Abigail kept her facial reaction light to combat emotion and deep gazes on her weak body. She took a deep breath to gain courage before launching into her speech.
“I want to thank all of you for coming today. My father would typically handle this part of my life. He always knew what to say to people around us. I didn’t inherit that gift from him, sadly.” Abbie paused to gain more oxygen into her lungs. “My father and I had an interesting relationship until he got sober seven years ago. Our lives weren’t easy, but he taught me a lot. He taught me how to stand up for myself and box. I had a great career because my father taught me all he knew. The last moment I had with my father I thanked him for everything. He did so much for me as a person. He was my only friend in life. He defended me and protected me even when I didn’t see it. I don’t know how...” Abbie cleared her throat to choke back her budding emotions. “I don’t know how I will continue life without him, especially since I probably won’t be able to fight again. All I had in my life was my father and fighting. Now I have Charlie and a couch. It will be tough to go on without my father, but I know he would want me to live my life. Thank you for your stories about my father. I got to see a new side of my father today. I see I didn’t really know much about him. Thank you all once again for coming. Please enjoy this time together with my father before we go over to the cemetery.” Abbie finished.
She stumbled back to her seat with tears in her eyes. She finally let them drop down her face. She wiped them away with the back of her hand. The funeral director finished the service then released everyone to move about the room. Abbie stayed seated in the front. She couldn’t handle walking around at the moment. She needed to rest after standing and walking all day. She didn’t want another reason for her mom to approach her either.
Charlie stayed by her side while more people visited the casket and expressed their condolences. Abbie remained quiet and huddled against Charlie’s side while he rubbed her back. She smelled his cologne and listened to his heartbeat to steady her own. She wanted to run away as fast as she could without another person saying how sorry they were or how much her father impacted their life. Abigail didn’t know that side of her father, and everyone’s words made her feel guilty.
Abbie closed her eyes and tried to focus on staying calm. Charlie held her close to ease her tension. Abbie took a shallow breath to ease the tension within her muscles. She felt her body slowly start to ease until she heard her mother start talking again.
“Uh... Abbie, may I speak with you... Alone. Please?” She asked.
Abbie opened her eyes wide to look at Charlie then her mother standing nearby. The lean woman wearing a bright yellow sun dress standing before her looked great. Her skin looked clean and healthy compared to the thick leather her father had. Her mom looked happy and content with her life. It seemed like she wasn’t even ashamed of abandoning her family. Abbie was disgruntled.
“What about?”
“It’s been twenty years... I figured you would want to talk.”
“Well, you are mistaken. As far as I am concerned, my parents are both dead. Abbie retorted.
“You certainly inherited your father’s personality.”
“That’s normal considering he was the only parent raising me. I didn’t really have more than one input in my life.”
Abbie felt Charlie squeeze her arm gently. Abigail noticed people around them starting to watch the situation playing out before them. Abbie didn’t want to take away from her father’s funeral because of her discomfort and hatred toward her mother. Abbie and Charlie quickly stood to get space without prying eyes.
“Let’s go talk in the back.” Charlie said quickly.
“Good idea.” Her mother smiled.
Abbie clung to Charlie as they walked to the back of the funeral home. Everyone acknowledged Abbie and her father’s passing as she walked past. Abbie didn’t like the growing tension in the room. She was overwhelmed. I don’t understand why the evil hag is even here. What does she want? Dad’s gone and I’m grown now. It’s not like she needs to step up for once. If she offers me a place to live, I swear I will knock her out. After twenty years, you would think she would just stay away. This is ridiculous. I already have enough on my plate to deal with. I don’t need another dramatic misfortune on my hands. Abbie thought to herself.
They sat in a secluded room with several chairs. Charlie started to walk away but Abbie gripped his hand quickly. She gave him a look to say, “You aren’t going anywhere.” He smiled gently then sat next to her. Abbie held his hand while trying to endure her mother’s scrutiny and cheery attitude.
“So, how’ve you been?” Her mom asked.
“Just fine. You probably saw everything on the news.”
“Yes, I did. I’m sorry to hear about your boxing career...”
“No, you aren’t. You didn’t want dad to fight. Why would it be any different for me?” Abbie retorted smugly.
“Abigail, I left because your father was an alcoholic. I never said I wanted him to give up fighting. I wanted him to give up the lifestyle of fighting. He came home drunk all the time and constantly cheated on me. I was home alone with you every single day. I had no freedom or breaks to do what I wanted. I couldn’t get a job because we couldn’t afford childcare. My life was over. He wouldn’t listen or play a part in our relationship. I was relied on to cook, clean, and take care of you. I had no life while he had everything. He made the money and often used that against me.”
“Why didn’t you take me with you then? Was I really too much of a burden for you? I mean come on! It’s been twenty years. You could have come back for me if you really wanted to.”
“Abigail, I wanted a life for myself... I made a choice to leave you with your father because he could afford to pay for everything. With me gone he could step up and learn his lesson.”
“You put my life in jeopardy because of your selfish stupidity. I can’t tell you how many times I prayed you would come back to save me. He didn’t quit drinking because you left, he got worse. He started hitting me and taking all his aggression out on me. I’m a broken human being because of your decision.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what he would do... I just didn’t know how to live that life anymore. We were happy together until he started winning more and more fights. He gained fame and lost responsibility. He didn’t want to live a life with me anymore. He just cared about his fans and freedom instead of his family.”
“Well, it’s all over now. So why did you even come today? I hardly expected to see you again, considering your appeal to abandonment.”
“You have your father’s tongue. Good lord, it’s like looking at his shadow. I came here because I did love your father. I heard he died in a shootout. I figured you needed a place to stay since he is gone now, and I wanted to say goodbye to him properly.”
“Right because leaving in the middle of the night isn’t good enough. I don’t need you nor whatever slime hole you crawled out of. You moved on and so did we. Just leave me alone.”
“Abbie, you just lost everything. You said so yourself. I encourage you to think about this. In case you wake up and make the right decision, here is my business card. I live in Manhattan with my family. You have a stepfather and three siblings... We would be happy to take you in for the time being.”
“Yeah, until I’m not enough for you again. I’m good with Charlie, thanks. He takes care of me better than you ever could.”
“Wonderful. Who wants an ungrateful daughter anyways? You did turn out just like your father. I hope your life turns around. Keep the card and call if you ever want to talk without disrespecting me or my family.” Her mother replied, coolly.
“I will remind myself to burn the card when I get home.” Abbie smiled ruefully. “As I said, my mother is dead. She has been for twenty years. Thank you for coming. Have a great life.”
Abbie stood abruptly and walked away from her mother. The woman stared at her with an open mouth. Charlie followed behind Abbie after kindly thanking her for coming. He also said it was nice to meet her. Abbie wanted to barf from the whole altercation. Charlie’s kindness made the situation worse. Abbie returned to the main funeral area quickly. People started to swarm her once again. She felt extremely uncomfortable and flighty.
Abbie squeezed Charlie’s hand quickly for comfort. She started gasping for air to calm her nerves. She was angry, confused, sad, and agitated about her mother showing her face out of the blue. The woman had horrible timing for every occasion.
Abbie looked up to Charlie to signal her escape. She turned quickly toward the doors and walked outside. She needed fresh air and space from the scene inside the building. Charlie caught up to her in good time because she almost fell over twice. Abbie got to the car just in time before tears started rushing down her face.
“You were so brave, Baby. Today you overcame so much. I’m really proud of you. You handled today like a champ.” Charlie cooed, rubbing circles into her back.
“I can’t believe she showed up here to gloat about her fabulous life and new family. What a sick human being?!” Abbie cried. “And she had the audacity to offer me a place to stay!”
“Yeah... You seemed to handle that well.”
“I’m just happy you stayed by my side. I couldn’t handle her alone. I already have so much on my plate. Thank you.”
“Of course.” Charlie replied. “Do you want to go back in now?”
“No... I can’t keep hearing good stories about him. I don’t know that side of my father. I missed out on so much. This funeral is making me sadder and more ashamed for my behavior.”
“Abbie, it’s not all your fault. You need to stop taking on responsibility for things that aren’t yours to carry.”
“Thank you but it’s going to take time to overcome this.”
“That’s normal. Grief is a process. It’s different for everyone.”
Abbie sat silently in Charlie’s mustang. She didn’t want to deal with more people than she had to. Charlie continued to circle her back while looking out the window. His mom had texted a couple times, but he seemed to be ignoring her. Abbie thought about going back to Charlie’s house after the burial. She didn’t want to deal with Beatrice again. The woman was a harsh pill Abbie didn’t want to swallow. Abbie knew she had one more day to endure the woman before she fled back to Africa, hopefully for another two years so she could enjoy time alone with Charlie once more.
Abbie worked up the courage to go back into the funeral home. She and Charlie sat near the exit for people to say a few words before leaving. Abbie pushed her emotions down the best she could. Charlie supported her the entire time and shared kind words with every person he met. Abbie was grateful for him.
Finally, after the funeral ended everyone left to go to the cemetery for her father’s burial. Abbie was solemn and numb after talking to thousands of people. She watched her father sink into the ground slowly, taking the last piece of her life with him. She released several tears while everyone cried silently around her.
Abbie noticed a lot of pro fighters gathering around the cemetery. Some faces she recognized, others she didn’t. She found it interesting how fighters connected and stayed intertwined for life. Although Abbie didn’t connect with any fighters in her league. Seeing the pro fighters surround her father’s grave brought up jealousy and regret within her. She wanted to fight again and make connections like her father urged her to do. She craved the feeling of sweat dripping down her face while her fist connected with someone’s face.
Everyone said their condolences then left without another word. Abbie was happy for the new quiet after hours of noise and chatter. She stayed for a last moment of silence with her father. Sadly, Charlie stirred her from her silence claiming the burial team had to finish their job. Abbie nodded then stood to leave. She let one last tear fall down her cheek before turning to walk to the car. She looked back as they started covering her father’s casket with dirt. Abbie stared ahead in a daydream while Charlie drove.
“Are you ready to go home?” Charlie asked.
“No...” Abbie whispered.
“Do you want to get dinner and a movie?”
“We can’t just abandon your mother.”
“I don’t mind spending an extra hour or two away from her. How about just dinner? We could grab a pizza or something.”
“Okay.” Abbie replied weakly. In truth she wasn’t hungry.
Charlie drove to a local pizza place so they could enjoy a large pizza. Abbie was happy for the distraction of food from the long day. Her legs were shaking from the intense level of movement. She wanted to stay in bed all the next day if she could. She knew Beatrice would have a fit about Abbie staying away but she didn’t care. She didn’t want another person to deal with.
After the pizza break, they stopped for ice cream. Abbie noticed the time. Their one-hour break had turned into two. She knew Charlie would get an ear full as soon as they got home. Abbie braced herself for the worst since she had to deal with another mother who didn’t think she was good enough.
Her mother’s words burned against the back of her skull. She hated her mother’s flamboyance and resilience to bounce back. The woman didn’t even seem heartbroken. She left her family to start a new family while establishing a career as a real estate agent.
Abbie felt neglected and rejected more than ever. Both her parents were officially gone. She thought she was an orphan before, now the word orphan had a brand-new meaning to her. Reality gave her a new perspective on life and the future. She didn’t want Charlie to handle everything and run away like her mother. She couldn’t stand seeing him upset or displeased with her. Abbie wanted to have a serious conversation with Charlie as soon as his mother was gone, and the ashes were clear. She needed to talk about the future and what his earlier admission meant for their relationship.
They arrived back at the house in no time. Charlie handled his mother while Abbie walked to the bedroom. She didn’t want to even open her mouth. Beatrice brought another level of intensity to the already supercharged dystopia surrounding Abbie. She wanted nothing more than to move on with her life and work once again. Unfortunately, Abbie had a feeling she wouldn’t be able to fight again. Her muscles were shot, and she didn’t think she had anything left in her to keep going.
Abbie turned on cartoons then drifted off to sleep. She felt Charlie enter the bed next to her, causing her to wake up. He kissed her head then held her close. They didn’t talk or laugh, like they had in the morning. The air was stale and uncomfortable for once.
Charlie fell asleep while Abbie remained wide awake. She was too busy thinking about life and the future. Finally, exhaustion gripped her and caused her to pass out. She had another nightmare about the gang and Charlie getting killed. Abbie awoke in a pile of sweat throwing her hands around. Charlie caught her arms and steadied her. He soothed her before they fell back asleep.
