I stand up and begin to pace. That helpless feeling is overwhelming me.
“All we can do now is be there for her. Everything’s all planned,” I inform them. “She’s going to have to go home.”
“When? When will she leave?” Audrey asks Jillie’s Aunt Ruthie who’s just stepped into the room.
“In two days. The funeral is next weekend, so this gives her time to settle before…” she trails off.
“Do you think we can go?” Audrey asks. “We won’t miss school.”
“I don’t see why not,” Ruthie answers. “But ultimately it’s up to your parents.”
“What day?” I ask, hoping it’s not Friday.
“Saturday.”
I nod. “Good. Then we’ll all go together.”
“What if she doesn’t want us there?” Elan asks.
“Then we don’t go,” Isla answers. “We respect her wishes. Some people prefer to grieve alone.”
“I’ll be there with her. I’ve already cancelled the next two weeks. I’ll stay until she kicks me out—and she will. Jillie doesn’t like people hovering,” Ruthie informs us.
“She let me hover,” I tell her.
She nods. “It was just so she knew she wasn’t alone. She’s not ready to be alone—yet. But she will want to be.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“So you two…?” Audrey asks.
I nod. “My timing sucks.”
“I disagree. I think your timing is great. Something positive to hold on to,” Audrey replies.
“I guess.”
Elan groans in frustration.I feel you, man. “This fucking sucks.”
“It sure as hell does,” I agree.
Let’s hope we can do something to help her get through this. I have a feeling it isn’t going to be easy.
