Oh my beautiful friend…
Her makeup is done, and her hair is braided just like she loved. She’d look good to anyone who didn’t know her inside and out.
I wish I could have been there for you, Camila.
I wish she had let me.
My gaze catches Rosa staring at me. She looks better than expected, better than I look standing here by myself, tears streaming down my face.
She smiles sadly, and when I step toward her, she shakes her head, then glances toward the end of her pew.
I follow her gaze, and my heart stops.
Nate’s sitting alone at the end, his head dropped in his hands.
She wants me to go to him, and without one ounce of hesitation, I move on instinct and head in his direction.
My heart sinks, and more tears well in my eyes, when I stand in front of him; he doesn’t even register that someone is there.
He’s devastated, as we all are, but Nate is sensitive, and his heart is larger than anyone’s I know.
I can’t stand the thought of him feeling like he’s all alone, so I sit beside him. Even when his body freezes from my presence, I reach over and take his hand in mine, squeezing it to signify I’m here for him.
Despite our relationship failing, I will always care for Nate. He means more to me than hard feelings from our past.
I left him the last time he needed me, when Camila was diagnosed, and it’s eaten away at me for the last two and a halfyears. That’s not who I am, and I’m not going to let him down again.
The service starts, and I let my eyes wander the room.
Where is Sebastian?
Mason said he fell into a deep depression, but he wouldn’t have missed this, would he?
I see a shadow from the corner of my eyes, and I realize now that he’s been here all along…alone.
He’s in dark clothing, with a hood up, hiding away from the rest of the world, but I don’t miss the haunted expression on his face.
He catches me staring, and I know he’s in the dark to be alone, but I don’t give him the courtesy of staying there.
I keep my eyes locked on his, then nod to the empty seat beside me.
He shakes his head and turns his attention back to the altar.
Now he knows I’m here for him too, that he isn’t alone if he doesn’t want to be.
Nate’s grip tightens in mine as Harrison steps up to say some words, Claudina secure in his arms. Besides letting me hold her, he hasn’t let her down once.
Nate’s body begins to vibrate from silent sobs, and I can’t take it any longer; he needs me just as much as I need him. I unlock our fingers and place my arm around him to pull him closer. He slouches and leans his head on my shoulder, and I follow, placing my cheek against his forehead.
The embrace is comforting, familiar in a way it shouldn’t feel right now.
When it’s time to carry the coffin out, all the men in the family rise and walk to the front. But my attention is in the corner of the room, silently begging Sebastian to join them.
He will regret this if he doesn’t.
It’s not until they are halfway down the aisle that he appears.
There are some gasps, probably at his appearance or attendance.
