The days that followed was Marina was constantly busy with planning her Nana's funeral, packing her stuff up, and doing things to keep herself distracted.

Our sex was hotter than ever as she left me drenched with sweat and I filled her with immaculate pleasure almost every night. She wanted to feel whole. I made sure she felt loved, but we never really truly discussed what our relationship was.

But today was about her and honoring her Nana.

I look at her as she fixes the tie on my shirt. She was wearing a short sleeve dress with beige-colored heels. Her hair was in a sophisticated yet neat bun. When she was finished, I lean over and kissed her forehead. She smiles softly as she kisses my cheek.

"Are you doing okay?"

Her mahogany eyes looked into mine, "Yeah, I'm going to be fine, okay? I just want to say goodbye to her and honor her."  I nod as she grabs my hand and walks downstairs to the limo that was parked outside. The driver opened the door for us as we got in and he drove us to the church that Marina's Nana goes to every Sunday. I take a deep breath before opening the limo's door and Marina got out with me.

We both was wearing Ray Bans as the media approached us, asking a series of questions. Me, being overprotective, had security who pushed them away from us as we walk into the church. Our hands were interlocked together as we found a pew to sit at and my hand was on her thigh, squeezing it reassuringly as the choir was singing a plethora of gospel songs. Some were ones I've heard from this small church while walking to the candy store in Gary as a child.

Eventually, the choir stopped as a woman walked up to the podium and began to speak.

I never thought that my mother Louise would be gone so soon. She was an amazing woman. Talented, funny, goofy, and knew the right things to say...

Marina's eyes widen in utter disbelief at the woman as I whisper, "Something's wrong?"

"That's...my mother."

—

I just wanted to stand up and scream in anger at her for leaving me. For abandoning me. That Nana wouldn't be dead if she was here for her. But I didn't. I stayed calm as Michael sets his hand on top of mine. Eventually, my mother walked down from the podium and sees me. She was stunned and surprised to see me here. There was a moment of silence between us as she walks over to the other side of the church, sitting in her pew.

My heart thumped hard in my chest as I slowly stand up and walk up to the podium with the paper that I've written. I took my sunglasses off, looking at the many people sitting in the pew, including the media and cameramen in the back, recording this. I took a deep breath before reading what I wrote,

"When my mother left me, I always thought that a part of me would never be filled with the love a mother was suppose to give to their child. Nana was someone special to me. She was a friend, a grandmother, and a mother to me. When I didn't think I was going to make it through college and medical school , she reminded me that success was in my grasp. That I needed to reach out and work for it to achieve it. And that's what I did. I worked. Hard. And through every moment of my life, she was right beside me. Now, she's gone and I remember once she told me, 'If I wasn't prepared for this moment, in my life, then she didn't raise me to be a strong woman.' I didn't think the day would come so soon, but it has, and I've gotten stronger. Thank you, Nana. For everything. I will never forget you. You're my guardian angel. Rest well and continue to protect me like you always had."

I step down from the podium while breathing slowly as I walk down and sat back at my seat. Michael's arm wrapped around my shoulder as he whispers, "I'm so proud of you." My head rested against his shoulder as I enjoyed the beautiful sermon, filled with people speaking highly of my grandmother.

Eventually the ceremony was over and I walk over to view my grandmother's body as she rest comfortably in the white suit I chose for her. Michael stood beside me with his hand on my shoulder. I turn to him as I smile at her as I wrap my arms around his waist, "She's so beautiful." He nods in agreement, "She is, she's resting so peacefully."

I lean in and pecks his lips, "Let's go." He reaches over, grabbing my hand as we walk together out the church.

"Marina!!"

I turn around to see my mother running over to me as I slide my shades back on. Michael turns as well as his hand gently squeezes mine. She looks at me as I said coldly,

"Hello, blast from the past. How was the 9 years without me like?"

She looks at me and sighs, "You're beautiful, um, your reflection was amazing, I know you made Nana proud."

I clear my throat, "I know. Unlike you, I was in Nana's life." Michael whispers, "Marina..." She chuckles lightly, "Yeah, I really do deserve that." Her eyes moved to Michael, "You must be Michael." He grins, "In the flesh."
I scowl, "What do you want from me?" She folds her arms, "I was wondering, would the two of yo-"

I responded back, "No."

Michael shot me a nasty look as my mother sighs, continuing, "Go out to the restaurant Nana loved." Michael interjects, "We would be honored to." She smiles, "Meet us there @ 8." When she walked away, I elbowed Michael in his gut.

"Ow! Marina!"

That's why you get for butting in with MY family business. He groans in pain, "W-Well i was trying to be nice! And I think you should give her a chance!" I shake my head, "Like you and Joseph? I'm good. I'm only doing this for you." He gives me a small smile as I rub his tummy, "I get you really hard, huh?"

He chuckles as I rub his stomach until he felt better. I bite my lip nervously as his arm wrapped around my waist, walking out the church. I look at him, "I see you really liked that gospel music?"

He laughs, "Well, I love all types of music, you know? It was..groovy." I laugh at his description, "Maybe you should try making something with a gospel flair." He scrunches his face as we got into the limo, "Eventually you're going to ask me to be a pastor."

—
Yawn. 🥱
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-R 🪐