"That's a strange way to look at it, I had both my parents and it actually sucks, now we are on the same level.  How do you manage on your own?"  Linette asked with a surprised look on her face.

"It's a long story, I might tell you someday how we met, but I have the support of a dear friend, Father John, let's get some lunch then I can introduce  you."  Gregory invited and helped her up from the bench.  "I'll show you the bathroom, then you can refresh yourself while I make us some sandwiches, you're welcome to use my brush for your hair. 

He showed her the kitchen, "you will find me here when you are done."  Then he led her gently to the bathroom.  He made peanut butter with apricot jam and tomato with cheese sandwiches.

When she entered the kitchen he stared at her in surprise:  "You look stunning," he said with a warm smile that grew only bigger when her cheeks turned red.

"Thanks," she said.  "I didn't realize I was such a mess."

"Tuck in, would you like some tea or coffee with it or maybe some juice?  I like mine with coffee and Father John has his with tea."

"Coffee will be nice, thank you so much, I didn't realize that I was hungry, it tastes really nice."  She said, chewing a peanut butter and apricot jam sandwich.

"My goodness, I thought I smelled coffee, I didn't realize it was lunchtime already."  Father John said as he entered the kitchen.

"Here he is, Linette this is my dear friend Father John, he helped me through the most traumatic time of my life and I owe him so much."  Gregory introduced them.

"I'm pleased to meet you."  Father John said in a kind voice with an outstretched hand to Linette.  She took it and he gave her a firm handshake.  "You are always welcome to visit us, remember we are always here for you."

It seemed as if Linette remembered something as she asked:  "Are you doing funerals?"

"I do."  Father John said.   "Did somebody in your family die?"  He asked concerned as he saw the tears welling up in her eyes and she nodded.

"My mom," she said in a voice thick with tears.  "we're still waiting for the police to release the body after the post-mortem, only then we can make the funeral arrangements.  Will you help us with it?  My aunt and I know nothing about it, we haven't buried anybody before." Tears were streaming from her cheeks and she excused herself to go to the bathroom.

"Was her mom murdered?"  Father John asked Gregory, who nodded.

"She was gunned down by her dad."

"Oh no," father John said, "poor kid, no wonder she's in such a state.  I'll go and get a list of everything that they will need for the funeral, then she and her aunt can look through it in their own time."  He left the room to go to his office. 

"Will you be here for the service tomorrow?"  Gregory asked when Linette entered the room.  "I would like you to meet my little sister, Jessica.  We always meet up with each other after the service for ice cream.  Speaking of her I need to get her something for her birthday next week."

"What do you want to get her?" she asked him.

"Maybe a little pony, do you know where we can get one?"

"Yes, we can go there now, I suppose I should go home before my aunt starts to worry about me."  She said and as she turned father John gave her the list for the preparation of the funeral.

"Here." He said, "the best place to start, is to check for policies and funeral insurances.  We will be here for you, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to give me a call, this is my number.  God take care of you."

"Thank you, Father, " she said.

Gregory took her hand and told father John that he was going to walk her home.