For the last week, Irish had honored every request Jovanis’ had made in life. After reading his mother’s text for her to have his ashes, Irish obliged. This was her way of actually letting him go by sending him back to the woman who had shepherded him into the world.
“I do but… I hate to say this but I gotta be real. I’m so fucking mad at Jovanis.” Irish shook her head as her voice cracked. “Why would he expose Tuck and put himself in danger like that? I can’t believe he was so fucking reckless.”
The tears dripped from her eyes but these weren’t tears of sadness. They were tears of rage. Did Jovanis not think about her when he exposed Tuck? Did he not think how his death would affect his entire family? Not only was he selfish in life but death as well.
“I know, friend.”
“No, it’s not right.” Irish swiped away her tears with the pads of her fingers. “This shit ain't fair.”
“Life isn’t fair, Irish. Everyone has to deal with grief at some point. Unfortunately, this is your turn.”
“Ugh, I go from crying to being mad and then depressed. I can’t keep living like this.”
Cali expelled a breath. “You can’t skip the process, Irish. Van was a big part of your life. It’s a given for you to mourn him.”
Irish exhaled and reached for her water bottle. Taking huge sips, she hoped this phase would pass soon.
“Am I making a big mistake by giving his ashes to his mother? Tell me I’m trippin’ because my decision doesn’t even feel right.”
“I mean, why are you giving them to her instead of what he asked you to do?”
She shrugged. “I don't know. I feel bad for her. She said they had made amends and were making plans to spend more time together. She feels like she was robbed and, in a way, I was too. Me and Van had come to an agreement. We were going to divorce but still be friends. I would’ve loved to see how we navigated that.”
And how he would’ve reacted to me being a mother…
“Yeah, me too.” Cali smirked. “His jealous ass probably would’ve went back on his word.”
Irish laughed. “I know right. He was never good at controlling his emotions.”
“Well, I’m here until further notice.”
Irish stood and pulled Cali in for a hug. “Thank you for staying a while. I can’t deny how much your presence has helped me cope.”
Cali hugged her tighter. “You know I got you.”
Irish gave a faint smile. “I need to go to the funeral home. You think you can come with me?”
“Of course. Let’s go.”
The loud chords of music quietly resounded through the funeral home. Irish stood in the entry way, feeling her senses heighten. This was the final place after death. There were dead bodies being prepared for a homegoing service, which would leave their loved ones in shambles. Irish was lowkey thankful Jovanis had restricted her from planning a funeral. Knowing it would’ve been hard to see him lowered to the ground, she was thankful she was saved from that visual.
“Hello?” a woman with a blonde bob greeted them. “How can I help you?”
She was an older lady but looked regal in a black dress and heels so high, Irish wondered how she was able to walk in them.
“I’m Irish. I came here to sign papers for my husband’s cremation.”
“Oh.” She pointed at her. “We spoke earlier, right?”
“Yes.
She extended her hand to shake Irish and Cali’s hand. “I’m Henrietta, the funeral director. Follow me to my office so we can get your signature.”
They walked down a long hallway as Irish took a peek in each room. She silently gasped when she spotted a man laying in a casket. Shaking the visual from her mind, they entered a cozy office that had large, oak wood furniture.
“Firstly, I want to extend my condolences. I know losing a spouse is one of the worst occurrences that can happen. We here at The Redmon Funeral Home are here to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible.”
“Thank you,” Irish muttered.
