Chapter 21

A few days later

I have gained full custody over Ella.He wouldn't go into care since we are gonna be together.

John has been so helpful and I meant in everything.

Today was the funeral.

We listened to the pastor's sermon before he called me up to talk about my mom. I stood up with my eyes filled with tears but I couldn't hold it anymore.

"Our mother was a rare Gem entirely. She was a friend,a confident,a treasure to everyone that met her. Even through the pain she faced when our father died,she was still strong fighting and cared for everyone around her.When she left,she took a piece of something from everyone that won't never be replaced forever. She has always wanted us to be happy every single day. Mom has always been my support, strength and comfort when times were hard and difficult for me to cope. It leaves a big hole in my heart. But I will draw strength from the things she told me and Ella,I promise to make you proud mom. We will miss you so much mom".

I went and sat down back and listen to all eulogies. Ashley and Dave did beautiful ones that made me cry so much.

As they lowered the coffin into the ground,Ella broke down and started crying.

I held her with me and told her all is gonna be fine. Noah also held my hands and encouraged me too be strong.

FEW DAYS LATER

Today Ella and I spent the time thinking about mom on the couch. Going through videos and photo albums.

I couldn't stand it after watching one of mom's videos. Ella choose to continue,she was much stronger than me.

I got into my car and drove off.

I had no idea where I was driving to, but I ended up in a place of peace.

I came down, started walking on the shore remember all the jokes I made with mom.

With tears in my eyes I screamed

"Why mom,why did you leave your precious children. I don't know if I can cope without you Mom,I miss you so much and Ella too does" I fell down and started crying so bad.

I decided to return back to the house,it was so quiet when I got home.

"Where is everyone?" I said.

I walked through the kitchen and heard Ella's and John's voices.

Going close to them, Ella and John were busy baking cookies in the kitchen,it was so messed up. Mrs Trenton will surely kill both of them.

"Uncle John, that's not how to mix the batter you will miss it anticlockwise not clockwise unless it won't bring out the perfect taste of home made cookies",Ella said.

I couldn't help but lean beside the wall and watched. It was such a scene to see. That was short-lived when my bag fell on the floor.

They both looked up and saw me with a surprised look on their face. I felt so embarrassed and bent down to get my bag.

"Ella,are you sure your sister was spying on us?" John asked.

"Yeah I think she was, Uncle John" she said.

"What can we do for her".

"I know,she hates been tickled....."

"Perfect"

I sprinted upstairs to my room. Those little bastards!!!

I ran like my life was depended on it and close the room of my door. There was no more footsteps and everywhere was silent.

I risked walking towards the door to check if they were still there. Turning the handle,they grabbed me and started tickling me until I couldn't stop laughing with tears in my house.

After the tickling fight,we all went down to eat dinner. I told Mrs Trenton what they both did to me and she laughed so hard.

It had been a week since Mom's funeral and today I was meeting with the lawyer. Ella has gone back to school and John went to work.i haven't resumed back to work yet because John asked me to rest throughout this week.

The lawyer Mr Noah arrived just after 12pm. We decided to meet in a cafe to discuss about Mom's will.

We sat down and he started going through everything. Mom kept away a college fund for Ella so she could have options at where she wanna study.

She also left the house for me to sell or live in.

" Your mother asked me to give you these",he handed over some letters to me.

After he left,I read the one that was addressed to me.

To my sweetheart,

I know you have a lots of questions to ask me which I won't be able to answer but I hope this letter answers some of it.

When you are reading this, just know that I am dead and I gave this to my lawyer to give you.

Recently it came to my realization that am been followed lately. I didn't get to know who it was but they were always in the dark. I didn't want to tell you about it because I know you will be seriously Disturbed about it.

And I also don't want you to know about it because you are the only one that can take care of your baby sister Ella perfectly. You have been a good sister to her and I have seen how you take care of her and cherish her.

I know you will be a fantastic mother figure to her when she grows up. I left the house under your name,which you can decide to sell or live in.I also kept some slush fund for Ella which you can access until she is 18.

Live your life to the fullest baby girl. You have always taken care of everyone but you need someone to take care of you,take a risk,fall in love with someone and be happy with him. I know you will always make me and your dad happy always. Be strong and courageous.

Fighting.

All my love, Mom.

I read the letter over and over again until I lost track of time. I stood up and drove back home.

Ella came home and I took her stuff to her room. I went up with her.

"Hey,how was your first day back to school". I asked her.

"Same day, boring as ever".

Teenagers!

" I have a letter for you,it's from mom". I went over and kept it on her reading table. Make sure you read it and if you need anything,I will be downstairs.

Walking downstairs,I thought about the letter.We can't go back there.

I will sell it as soon as possible and we will have somewhere where we can call home soon. I don't want to inconvenient John,he has done a lot for us.

I felt out of place after everything they happened today,so I decided to ease my stress by cooking. I walked into the kitchen to make dinner.

It was the only thing that helps me release stress after today's event. Mom taught me this and that is the only way I can connect to my mom.