LOTTIE GAVE A SOFT SIGH as she pulled into a diagonal space. After grabbing her purse, then phone, she stepped outside and stared ahead. Beside the building was an 'Overture Church' sign in thick white font. A moment more and she looked around, noting the ten vehicles. 

Who knew so many people cared. 

Then she hugged herself, beginning for the entrance. 

The chill air greeted her inside. Upfront, most were near the casket, looking in. The other four, in deep conversation, quieted down and smiled her way. 

Lottie waved a hand, forcing a smile, then took a seat in the back. There were three rows of ten cushioned chairs facing the podium, all of which were empty. She peered over and observed the small set-up beside the door with several snacks and beverages. 

This was more formal than expected. 

She checked her phone, then unzipped her purse, reaching inside. It was 9:30 AM; the service would begin in half an hour. With a stiff hand, she took out the note and read it over. The words were blurry, drafted again and again in pencil. A minute later, she sighed, putting it back. She could mostly make sense of it. 

Everything would be fine. 

Still, she forced breaths, trying to believe herself. 

"Lou?" a familiar voice asked from behind. "Something wrong?"

Lottie waited for the figure to appear. When it did, she smiled and shook their hand. "Hazel, so glad you could make it."

"Gonna give me a hug or what?" Her eyes sparkled, face open. "You know I'm a hugger."

Lottie chuckled softly, then stood and gave a brief squeeze. 

"So," her friend began, "where's your brother?"

"Huh?"

"I haven't seen him yet."

Lottie looked around, observing each person. "Well, it's still early." She turned back to her. "I'm sure he'll pop up eventually."

"Yeah, he better not ruin this! I know he's supposed to speak." Hazel crossed her arm, staring off. "I'm already weary about him and I'd hate to have another reason."

"Hazel, I've forgiven my brother." She set a hand on her shoulder. "He's redeemed himself now, so we can move past that." She undid the gesture. "Besides, he wouldn't miss the service. I know how much he cared about Aunt Rena. He wouldn't miss it for the world."

Her friend nodded, stiff. "I hope you're right." 

"I am."

Her eyes lit up, face leaned in. "How's your speech doing? I know you'll do one, too."

"Oh, yeah, it's gonna be great." Lottie mustered a smile. "It'll turn out just fine."

"Good." Then her friend turned, facing the casket. "I know your aunt would be proud of you."

"Yeah." Lottie matched her, looking over. "I'm... I'm sure she would be."

Hazel pat her on the back, paused, then parted. "I'll see you around."

"What are you gonna do? You don't know anybody." 

Her friend smirked, stepping over to the small back table. "I'm having breakfast. I missed it this morning."

Lottie tilted her head, arms crossed, then dropped the act. "Alright, I'll see you around."

Hazel chuckled. 

That was when Lottie's gaze drifted ahead. The casket was a rich brown, lid drawn wide, with a soft white interior. From her angle, she could only see the tip of her nose. With a huff, she sat down, willing herself not to go over. 

She couldn't see Aunt Rena. Not like this. 

Moments later, though, she stiffened. I have to. If not for Auntie, then for myself. 

Head in hands, she sighed and nodded. It was time. After standing straight, then breathing in deep, she began forward. She slowly came to a stop, looming over, and placed a hand over her aunt's shoulder. 

Only the top half of her was visible. Hair tucked beside her, brushed and neat, she wore a light blue dress. It was jeweled; pure. As for her face, it had on foundation, blush, and eyeliner. Still, she appeared skeletal and plain wrong. 

Besides, Aunt Rena never wore makeup. 

Lottie bowed her head, holding in the tears. If only she had gone sooner. That way, she could have properly said goodbye. Instead, she was somehow meant to do it all at a funeral. 

But how?

She began to stroke her face, sniffling. "I'm sorry, Auntie. I hope you're in a better place." 

In the end, her aunt had redeemed herself. There was a chance, then, that she was in heaven, right? 

Lottie lifted her head, mulling it over. Wasn't Aunt Rena was a good person? She felt her scar, memories flooding back. That fight in the kitchen, tumbling down the stairs, the aftermath - it all flashed before her eyes. 

Yes, Lottie concluded, she was a good person... in the end. 

So, with a tight nod, she turned and-

"Hey, are you Lottie?"

"Uh, yes."

The woman smiled tightly, arms over her thin frame. "There's something you should know." There was a look in her eyes; a wisdom. "You need to hear it now before you come to your own conclusion."

"What is it?" Lottie asked. 

She tucked her greying hair behind but kept contact. 

"Well?"

"Aunt Rena really cared about you. Whenever you were brought up, she only had nice things to say."

Lottie nodded, shallow, then shifted. "Yeah, I know that now..."

"Then what's the matter?"

"Who are you exactly?"

"My name's Helen," she said. "I was a friend of hers."

"I wasn't around much near the end. That's why I didn't recognize you."

"I've heard that much." Helen paused a moment. "Well, I was a good buddy of hers. We met two years ago. She was certainly an intriguing woman. An even better friend."

"I'm sure she was."

"Rena said a lot about you, but mostly that she had regrets. Still, despite your upbringing and its challenges, you pulled through. She was proud of you, Lottie."

"Of me?" she cried, then quickly composed. "Thank you, uh, Helen. Thank you for telling me."

Helen placed a hand over her. "She wanted you to visit, yes, but she understood. You can't beat yourself up over that." Another tight smile. "I'll let you go but don't you forget."

"I-I won't."

When she stepped back, Helen paused, looking her over. "I hope to see you again, Lottie." Then she parted with a small wave. 

All the while, Lottie stayed put, hands at sides. It's okay, just have a seat. You don't need to excuse yourself.

A minute more, though, and she scurried through the double doors. The fresh air hit her face and she paused, head to the sky. In, out. In, out. When she was steady, she went beside the doors, then slid down. 

Everything would be fine. It had to be. 

Lottie hugged her knees. After the funeral, she'd just chill and eat ice cream and-

She shivered. Her brother's car - it was still missing. 

She snatched her phone. It read 9:42 AM. "Oh, Eliott... don't you do this. You better be here."

He still had a chance, though. It wasn't too late. 

After dialing his number, then waiting, it rang out. She tried again and then one more time. 

He must be ignoring her, but why?

"I shouldn't have forgiven you, Eliott. You just make everything worse. I-"

A door swung open. "Lottie?"

That voice sounded familiar. "Hazel?" She turned, meeting her face. "What is it?"

"I should be asking you the same thing. What are you doing out here?"

"I'm just wallowing in my self-pity. How's your Saturday?"

"Let's just get inside, okay?" She extended a hand when she huffed, leveling up. "You're not coming inside yet, are you? You've got that speech soon, y'know."

"Yeah, I know." Then she stared off. "And Eliott does, too."

Hazel skimmed over the lot. "What does his car look like?"

"He has a grey Coupe."

"Well," she said meekly, "surely he won't miss the service. Now, come on."

"You're great at these pep talks," Lottie said, rolling her eyes. "I feel so much better."

"Oh, come on, you." Hazel offered a hand again, brow lifted. "You gonna take it this time?"

Lottie searched her a moment, then huffed, meeting it halfway. 

-

The pastor rounded the seated persons, acknowledging each with a nod. Then, clearing his throat, he stepped behind the podium and opened his Bible. "I think we should start off with a prayer. After I say my words, any who want to add something can go right ahead." A pause. "Okay, let's begin."

Lottie folded her hands, looking down. 

"Our Father Who Art in Heaven, thank you for allowing us this special time to be with You. And, in this case, thank you for dear Rena Whitley who has passed on. We can only pray that she is now with you in heaven. Thank you for all her blessings in life, including her niece and nephew, her friends and loved ones." Another pause. "Now's the time to speak. Don't be shy."

There was silence. 

Someone up front began their prayer: "Rena was like a sister to me, always there in my time of need. I'm so glad we met at the park that day. I will never forget." The man went quiet, giving a dismissive hand. "Someone else can go."

Another voice began, giving a short dialogue, expressing both gratitude and sorrow. 

A few more would follow. 

In the end, the pastor said 'amen' and flipped through his Bible. 

All the while, Lottie was growing pale and fidgety. The service made it all the more real. She had known for a while, but the reality was like a brick to her face. As the pastor went on, she would tone him out, willing herself to stay put; to not scurry through the back doors. 

"Eliott? Which one of you is Eliott?"

Her breath hitched. Was it time already?

"It's his chance to speak."

There was a low murmur as people began to look around. 

"I'm afraid he isn't here," a woman up front said. "I... I haven't seen him around."

"Hey."

Lottie twitched at the voice beside her. "What is it, Hazel?"

"If he isn't here, we'll make it work. Don't worry about it."

"Easy for you to-"

"Lottie, would you like to speak?" the pastor asked. "You're here, aren't you?"

"Oh, uh, yes." Her words were trembled and dry. I should have had water earlier. 

"Then come on up." He gestured her over, stepping aside. "Don't be nervous. Just say what you feel is right. No more; no less." 

Lottie set her purse and phone aside, note in hand, then emerged from the back. When she reached the front, she faced the podium and skimmed through her speech. "I, uh..."

The pastor was seated in the front, giving a kind smile. "Just speak your mind."

Lottie nodded, stiff, then looked through the onlookers. "Aunt Rena was a great woman, from the beginning to end. She had her occasional bad day but, no matter what, she always made sure my brother and I felt loved. She showed us what it meant to truly care for somebody. Now, all these years later, I still hold onto that lesson. Whenever I am at a loss or feel miserable, I remember her and try to be half the woman she was. Thank you."

For several moments, the people clapped. Some were teary-eyed; others were graced with a sad smile. 

After folding her note in two, she stepped from the podium, back to her seat. 

"What was that?" The voice was raspy; cold. "You know you just lied up there, but for what?"

Lottie remained silent. 

Her friend nudged her. "Did you hear me?"

This time, she huffed, head in hand. "Be quiet, will you? I just said what needed to be said. This doesn't concern you."

"Eliott still isn't here?" the pastor asked. "He seemed pretty adamant earlier about speaking."

There was more murmuring. 

"No? Well, we'll just move on."

And, just like that, the double doors flew open. "I'm here and I'm ready for my speech."

"Come on up, then." As before, the pastor took a seat in the front. "Our attention is yours."

Slow but steady, Eliott rounded the cushioned chairs, then stepped behind the podium. He held his speech out, face tilted, breath heavy. Then, in an intense stare, he looked ahead and mumbled. 

"Don't mess this up, brother..." Lottie muttered. 

A moment more and he crinkled his paper, saying, "I'm going to speak the truth and not everyone will want to hear it. Funerals always make the person seem like this perfect person... but that's not always true."

People began looking around in a panic. 

"Aunt Rena was never afraid to speak the truth, so that's exactly what I'm gonna do. If I don't, I'm not sure how I could live with myself. Now, where to begin." Eliott stared off, gripping the podium base. "She was a lovely woman to some; a friend. To the rest of us, she was a cruel bully." A pause. "It was only one person, in fact." He held up a finger. "One."

Her insides shivered. No, don't say it, Eliott. Don't say it-

"It was to my big sister."

Lottie sunk low in her chair. Maybe she wouldn't be seen. Maybe, somehow, she wouldn't be noticed.

"I'm her son, me, as it would turn out," he said, hand to chest. "My sister, on the other hand, isn't."

Her face was flushed, tears welling in her eyes. The service was going just fine until he came along. Her aunt could have had a proper, traditional funeral... Instead, her reputation, friendships - everything - was being destroyed. 

"My sister and I share fathers; not mothers. When I was born, and for some time beforehand, Rena was in a relationship. This means that she cheated on him." Eliott paused, dropping his gaze. "That means our father wasn't that great a man either."

The pastor rose a hand, ready to stand. 

"Wait," Eliott said, "I'm just about finished."

"Okay, alright..." he huffed. "Just make it quick."

"Her life was full of deceit, always appearing as a respectable person. I just didn't see it back then. I was too young. Now, all these years later, I got to witness for myself her remarkable transformation. I got to see what it was really like to have a loving parent; a true mother." Then he turned his attention to his sister. "Lottie, I know you weren't treated the best, but she was a good person... in the end. Thank you."

Lottie looked him in the eye, ready to curse him out. 

"That will be all. I said what I said." After noting each person, then nodding, he stepped away, rounding the chairs. Then he left the building, nonchalant, leaving the room quiet. 

Lottie turned to her friend, hand to heart. 

"Can you believe him?" Hazel scoffed. 

She swallowed hard, peering back. "Actually, yes... I can."

"Huh?"

"I'll, uh, I'll be right back."

"Wait!"

With a tight smile, Lottie shuffled from her row, then reached the doors. Once more, the fresh air blew in her face, indifferent. "Eliott?"

"Yeah?" Head to knees, her brother was sitting against the church. "Whatever you're thinking, just say it now. I need to know how badly I messed up."

Lottie bowed her head, then sighed and sat down beside him. 

"It was a rash decision and I'm sorry."

She held her face, looking out into the lot. "You were late. Why were you late?"

"I didn't how what I was supposed to say. I didn't know whether to lie or be the good son I always was." He began picking grass and muttering. "When I barged in, I was prepared to say nice things and lie. Then, after skimming through, I realized I couldn't say a word of it. It just felt wrong."

"Eliott-"

"I couldn't do that. Not to you." Then he turned, face open, mouth wide. "I needed to do what was right. But, it was right, wasn't it?" A pause. "Wasn't it, Lottie?"

Suddenly, she draped an arm over him. "I think so." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Some might disagree, but just know that I'm glad you did it. To me, it seemed right."

"Thank you, El."

"I'm glad you ended on a high note. I was worried for a while."

He chuckled lowly. "Yeah, I just said the truth. If I didn't notice a transformation, an improvement... I would have said so."

"Aunt Rena will be buried soon." Lottie closed her eyes, holding in the tears. "We need to collect ourselves soon. We need to be present for the funeral. It would only be right."

"Okay."

"Oh, and Eliott?"

"Yeah?"

"I'll be sure to visit this week. It'd be good to hang out."

-

"Before I go, I wanna give you something." Hazel took out her car keys, then held them up. "It's in the trunk."

Lottie peered at the gravesite, now empty and eerie. 

"It's a goodbye present." When the trunk opened, she rounded her vehicle and pulled something out. Something large. "It's something my mom made. I think you'll like it."

"Thank you, Hazel, but-" She covered her mouth, face pale. "Wow, I don't even..."

"Do you like it?" Hazel held it up with both hands: a painting. It was the width of her arms; the height of half her body. "I hope you like it. Mom worked hard on it."

"I don't know how I could never repay you."

"Don't," she said, giving a sad smile. "I'll be leaving soon and I want you to remember us."

The painting was a portrait of Lottie herself. In black and white, the details were specific, from her shirt of that day to the scar under her eye. It was her upper half, an easy smile on her face, eyes kind. 

"She's got a great memory. We only met once!"

"Yeah, she's always been that way."

"Thank you, Hazel, really." Lottie nodded down the road, a few feet behind her car. "Mine's down there. I'm sure it'll fit in the trunk."

"Here, it's all yours." After handing it over, Hazel hugged herself and smiled. "I hope to see you soon, Lobster."

"It's Lou. Nice try. I'm not about to take on that nickname."

Her friend laughed, kicking at the dirt. "Well, Lou, that was a pretty intense service. Are you sure you're good?"

"Better now that it's over."

"Funerals are always hard. I just didn't realize it'd be quite so emotional." 

"He caught us both by surprise." Then her hold loosened and it began to slip. 

Her friend patted her shoulder, gesturing ahead. "You should probably go on and store it. It's pretty heavy!"

After a nod, then a smile, Lottie began for her vehicle. "Bye, Hazel!"

"Bye, Lou! Remember I'm just a phone call away."

Well, that's a wrap! We have one more part left and that's the epilogue. After that, I just need to finish 'His Last Smile' and I can start writing new stories. *sigh* So close yet so far! Either way, I'm glad that I stuck with this one. I've learned a lot since I started and I regret nothing. <3

With this said, I hope that this chapter was enjoyable. If you've got questions or criticism, feel free to let me know. 

And, lastly, I hope you're well and God bless. : )