Dracosapiens: The Birth of Half Breeds, Chapter 18 part 1

Chapter 18: Live and Let Die1

Maskel Graveyard, Sarah's Funeral, Sheridan 9.21am October 10th Friday EST2

Roxy truly was a fantastic girl. She had outdone herself in more ways than one today, not that anybody else would care to notice. But the trees in Maskel Graveyard, despite the early morning frost, were more vibrant and green than those that flourished in the summer. Lilies grew large and fragrant from the grounds in formations that were so unnatural for the decaying life around us. Dewdrops shone like pearls amongst the delicate flora and the grass appeared lush and new. Small things like this, well, it was the least we could do for Sarah, and lilies always were her favourite.3

Taking a long, deep and calming breath, I opened the ceremony and begun the plans that Ella had set into motion. “What is it we remember most about Sarah Abigail Moore?” I sighed. “I think those that really knew her would agree with me on this. It was her sense of humour.” The solemn faces smiled at me in acknowledgement. I never thought I would be standing here, in front of a foreboding box, surrounded by tombstones and people in black. Sarah's parents had asked me two days after their daughter's death, if I would honour her memory with a eulogy, Yasmine as well. And as I stood here, the words seem to fall flat in comparison to the one we had lost. 4

Yasmine and Kyle were crying silently beside her coffin, Sarah's mother weeping into the shoulder of her husband. I couldn't imagine how those two must be feeling right now, children were supposed to bury their own parents, not the other way around. Looking at all of the siblings from my family, standing there, paying their respects, I was grateful for not being an only child. 5

Alexis and Peter stood dutifully next to my girlfriend, keeping an eye on her just to be sure; I didn't know how much pain her heart could contend with before it snapped. 6

There had to be at least twenty, maybe thirty faces staring miserably back at me, eyes bleak, watery and cold. Everyone here, the way they dressed, it could only be described as the typical funeral attire. Girls wore long black dresses, plain and simple, with a white or red rose held firmly within their grasp. The males wore neat, black suits and often put their arms around females or small children for support. Seeing all of their drab and lifeless clothing, made me think of Sarah's own reaction. “So who died already?” she would laugh, waving her hands carelessly through the air. “Cheer up. It's not that bad, right?”7

Smiling to myself, I found the nerve to continue. “Sarah Moore was just the kind of person that made everyone laugh so hard, that all of their worries seemed to disappear. That, is what I will truly miss about our friend. She could make me happy when I was down on my luck and always cheered me up when I'd had a rough day. In my opinion, that was her trademark, well...that and playful teasing.” The crowds chuckled softly. “So no matter what happens between now and then, I will never forget the girl who touched all of our hearts...and probably all of our last nerves as well.”8

Sarah's father smiled at me proudly. He was the only one I'd felt comfortable sharing my eulogy with before the funeral. I didn't have any experience with these sorts of things and was unsure if they were supposed to be touching, funny, bible quotes or whatever. After I had read it to him though, he appeared satisfied. “Yes, it's very you,” he had sniffled, wiping his eyes. “Don't change a thing about it. I know that if Sarah could...could hear that...she would be happy that it came from the heart.”9

Stepping down so that Yasmine could take my place, I vaguely noticed Kyle, Alexis and Ella having a hushed conversation in the back row. Ducking her head, Ella quickly made her escape through the trees, ready to fulfill her promise. Telling the world about Sarah, was in my eyes, the stupidest idea any of my friends had ever considered. I understood where they were coming from, but this entire plan could put every single one of us in jeopardy. We had secret identities and aliases for a reason – so people wouldn't interfere with our lives. If this turned out badly, my privacy and relaxation time would be up in smoke.10

But I thought you liked all the attention? Greg noted, somewhat surprised.11

Oh I do, I answered, pleased to hear his voice again. But, I like having a normal life as well. Imagine what all the prying and spying would do to my family. It'd tear us apart.12

You know what? I'm surprised at you Tyson, Greg answered. For once you are making a rational decision. You're actually talking sense!13

“Thanks,” I whispered, grinning to myself. Then I heard the rest of his words. 14

Hang on a tick, I grumbled silently. What do you mean FOR ONCE?15

Oh...erm...never mind. It's nothing of consequence.16

I was scowling heavily by the time Yasmine started her own speech. “Sarah Moore,” she began shakily, rubbing her eyes, “lived an amazing life. And although it was tragically cut short, I will never forget the time we spent together.” She coughed violently, tears spilling over once again. I desired nothing more than to be right up there with her, but Yasmine had to say goodbye on her own terms. This was something I really shouldn't interfere with. Kicking sadly at the grass, I utterly gave up on trying to be her emotional support. I could barely hold my own as it was.17

“Sarah was a great friend,” she hiccuped. “The kind that stands by you no matter what the odds. You know, I haven't told many people this story before but...Sarah saved my life once. It was how we became friends. We were both pretty young at the time and anything but close. I was walking across the school yard, not realizing where I was going. I ran straight into an out of bounds area where a bunch of men were cutting down trees that were dangerously too close to our buildings. If Sarah hadn't seen me take that wrong turn, I would have died right then and there. She pushed me out of the way as a huge branch came crashing to the ground, just inches away from where I had been standing. And that's how we became best friends, inseparable ever since. But more than that, I liked to think of her as the sister I never had. We did everything together...but as of late, we started to drift apart. I began seeing less and less of her...you have no idea how much I regret that now.” My whole face crumpled in grief and I hung my head in shame. Although it hadn't been said in as many words, the reason the two of them had stopped seeing each other, was because me - the boyfriend - kept getting in the way. How could I have been so stupid? What gave me the right to destroy a friendship? Listening to Yasmine's eulogy also riddled me with guilt. True, I had spent hours trying to find the right things to say, but it was so short and...words failed to describe how pathetic mine was in comparison to Yasmine's. She didn't have any stupid jokes in there, trying to lighten the mood. She shared some of her most precious memories with us instead. Why hadn't I thought of that?18

A hand clamped firmly on my shoulder, jerking me away from my thoughts. It was Mr. Moore, staring down at me with all-too-knowing eyes. “You did fine son,” he said, completely out of the blue. “You and Yasmine are two very different people. You share separate views and ideas, so it's only natural that your eulogies wouldn't be the same. Trust me, wherever Sarah is right now, I'm sure she's there smiling at you.”19

I didn't know what to say. I was so shocked that Sarah's father was the one comforting me. He and his wife were the ones who had suffered the greatest loss. Kyle had other friends to lean on, Yasmine had me, but them...their child had been ripped violently out of their family. Who else did they really have?20

“Th – thanks, Mr. Moore,” I whispered, trying my best to smile. I gave up after a few seconds, it hurt just trying to fake one. Glancing up, I realized that Yasmine's speech had finished and the crowds were ready to depart. The roses had been placed gently onto Sarah's coffin, that was carefully being lowered further into the giant hole that awaited her. It seemed cruel for her to be buried now. The final act that stole her away from us forever. I couldn't even watch.21

“That...wasn't so bad,” Mr. Moore replied. “I'm...sure glad it's over though. Linda was barely holding it together.” He indicated to a small group of people in front of us. I guessed he was talking about his wife. In the whole time I had known them, not once had I cared to ask for their real names.22

“Well, it's not quite over,” said a husky voice. We both turned slowly to our left, watching Kyle idly playing around with his mobile. “There's still one more person that has yet to speak,” he added.23

Mr. Moore's eyes widened in surprise. “Really? My wife and I only asked Yasmine and Tyson here to do it.” His expression grew puzzled. “Who else is there?”24

Kyle looked bored as he answered in his typical, commentator drawl. “Why, Violette, of course.”25