The wooden doors of the church were propped open. An extremely somber Paulina stood at the entrance, thankful that nobody was seated yet. She had arrived several hours early for two different reasons: (1) to ensure that everything was arranged in what she classified "perfect" and (2) to share a final good-bye with Joe in private.
Paulina instantly felt tears prick at the corner of her eyes when she noticed the white calla lily's that were hanging from the end of the pews. She had always viewed them as "peaceful" and "tranquil", which was exactly what she wanted Joe to feel now. He had spent the last of his days with too much suffering. Now he could rest in peace.
Paulina felt the breath catch in her throat when her eyes trailed up to the altar. A 16X20 glossy portrait of Joe sat on an easel surrounded by a gold frame. It showed a picture of him seated in his office wearing his cop uniform and a gleaming smile on his face. One thing was for sure... He was always proud of his position on the force.
Only five feet away from the portrait sat the cherry wood casket. Because of the damage that had been done to Joe's body, Paulina had requested that the service be closed casket. It was surrounded by an abundance of floral arrangements, all with cards expressing deep love and sympathy. Those same emotions were sure to be felt once the guests arrived and the service began.
Taking a deep breath, Paulina slowly made her way down the aisle towards the altar. She paused only long enough to lay her coat and purse down on the first pew. Standing in front of the casket, she clenched her teeth tightly and laid a shaking hand on the center of the lid.
"Oh Joe..."
Paulina sank down onto the carpet. Resting her head against the casket, she wrapped her arms tightly around her chest and scrunched her eyes closed. She was unsure exactly how much time passed. To her, it seemed like time stood still at that moment.
It was not until Paulina felt a comforting hand grip her shoulder that she slowly lifted her head. Her eyes instantly grew wide with shock at who stood before her.
"Ja... Jake?!"
Jake McKinnon glanced down at Paulina with sympathy. "Hey cupcake. I am so sorry."
Paulina shook her head with disagreement. "You hated Joe. Why are you really here?"
Jake shrugged his shoulders with uncertainty. "I thought that you could use a friend."
Surprisingly, Jake's presence brought an unexpected calming to Paulina. "Vicky too?" Her ex-husband was one thing, but having her best friend might be just what she needed.
Unfortunately, Jake was interrupted before he could respond. Although something in his eyes, which was unnoticed by Paulina, seemed to show that he would not have told the truth.
"Paulina?" Paulina looked down the aisle to find Rachel Cory, her step-mother, standing at the entrance. "The guests are starting to arrive. I wanted to check that you were ready."
Paulina wiped the tears from her eyes, figuring that her eye make-up was ruined, and nodded her head as she stood up.
Rachel glanced over at Jake with a mixture of hesitation and concern. "Jake."
Jake was cautious with his response, knowing full well that it was not the time or the place for a spectacle. "Rachel." He was surprised when that was all it took for Rachel to walk away and proceed to follow her, until he felt Paulina grab his hand.
Paulina glanced over at Jake with pleading eyes. "Sit with me. You were right. I could use a friend."
A sincere smile spread across Jake's face and he wrapped a supportive arm around Paulina's shoulder. Together they stood at the altar glancing at Joe's casket.
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"I used to think that I loved you, then I couldn't stand you, and now... Now I'm remembering all the parts I loved about you." ~ Paulina to Jake |
