EPISODE EIGHTY SIX
THEME: A Graveside Funeral
MOON STONE FORTRESS
“Jayden is that you baby?” Mrs Swift called out the moment Jayden stepped foot in the garden looking surprised at how it has been transformed.
“Wow! Grandma!” Jayden responded as he moved towards his family members.
He exchanged pleasantries with everyone of them as they all patted him, commenting on how more handsome and elegant he had become. Jayden smiled a bit shyly at the attention. It had been long since he last saw any of them.
“When Claire told me you guys were here I didn’t want to believe her.” Jaylen had a wide smile on his face when he came in few minutes after Jayden already settled in. “Aunt!” He called out to his favorite of them all-Penelope. He kissed, embraced and bear hugged them all before they settled down for their buffet.
Meagan had really gone out of her way to ensure there was total comfort and the food was top notch.
“You should run a restaurant mom.” Jaylen commented amidst a full mouth.
“I second that.” Jasmine added.
Benjamin guffawed. “I am also in full support of it.”
“You are right.” Carl noted. “Every time Meagan takes control of the kitchen the food comes out really tasty. They cook up a storm without trying too hard. My baby is the best.” Carl praised as he squeezed her hands gently on the table.
“Thanks honey.” Meagan kissed him.
Everyone fell in another conversation, each person preoccupied with the other. Carl looked around and felt proud of the decision he made. Glancing over at Meagan, his heart soared at how happy and relaxed she appears. Her laughter came out genuinely and also how her face lit up at every word she said.
Carl felt guilty for not thinking of inviting her family over on time when it was obvious she needed it so much. He felt like he had caved her in too much in a bid to hold her back for himself alone. Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, Carl groaned inwardly as the pain in his body hit differently this time.
The pain was becoming really worse and he needed to do one last thing before death finally takes him. It had been a hard decision to make but now that Meagan has a whole lot of people to fall back to now, Carl has decided it’s high time he calls it a night.
Glancing over at his children a small smile played on his lips as he took note of the interaction between them. Seem like Jayden was throwing a diss at Claire and Jaylen appears to be the peacemaker. The scene reminded him of when they were quite younger, it has always been so for those years before the separation ensued.
“What’s the matter baby?” Meagan said, holding on to his hands that gripped the chair handle.
Staring at her, Carl managed to lift himself to kiss her. “I am just good baby. I am really happy at how excited everyone is to be in each other’s presence.”
Meagan kissed his hand. “Thanks so much for this Carl. You really don’t know how happy I am.”
“I know we try to avoid this discussion a whole lot, but you know how it would be baby. And I am sure you would have your family to lean on to. Please stay strong for us all.” Carl had a small smile plastered on his face. A tear streamed down Meagan’s face at his words. “Don’t cry baby, you don’t have anything to worry about.”
“There is a whole lot to worry about, especially now that you won’t be here.” Meagan sniffed.
Carl let out a chortle. “How about we think of this like I went on a vacation. That way you won’t miss me too much and when you feel the need to talk to me just yell into the air or say something to an empty room, you will feel my presence.”
“Why does it sound like you can’t wait to play ghost?”
“Sounds fun don’t you think.” He teased.
Letting the tears fall, Meagan leaned into Carl. “Thanks for the beautiful moments, Carl, I might never get the chance to tell you what I feel exactly. Thanks so much baby.”
Carl blinked, trying to keep his emotions together. “Look around baby. The Moon Goddess has finally bestowed upon the Fortress and our family moments of peace and I believe it would be so till the very end.”
Meagan had a light smile on her face as she glanced over at her children and the rest of the family. They all seem so happy being with each other, her parents and Gabriella have found themselves being entertained by the children and grandchildren all together.
Sighing, Meagan rubbed at Carl’s hands. She tried hard not to think of what the aftermath of his death might be knowing she might never be able to recover from it, however, she knows her family could definitely be counted on.
“Have you heard anything from the seer as of late?” Meagan asked.
Carl winced as a string of pain shot through him again. Trying to hide his discomfort, he let out a tight smile. “Julius didn’t tell me anything, moreover she moves so discreetly you can’t tell when or how she would show up.”
“She still scares me.” Meagan mumbled.
Carl chuckled. “It took you time to adjust to our traditions here baby. I am not surprised you still don’t feel comfortable around the seer. Can I make one request baby?”
“What would that be?” She asked.
“I want a graveside funeral.” Carl said.
“Can you not be so specific.” She mused, slapping his chest lightly.
Carl laughed. “I mean it baby, I want everyone of the pack members to be right there and also the new Alpha should be announced right on the day I.” He whispered.
“Carl!” Meagan released a shaky tone.
“Please baby, we are here to serve the pack members. No matter how much we grieve it’s the Damien’s duty to ensure we do right by the Fortress. You can mourn later.”
Meagan sniffed while Carl gripped her hands. “Please baby, this is just as important as helping to save our son’s future.”
Meagan nodded her head. “It’s alright baby.” Meagan kept sniffling as she couldn’t help the tears from falling.
“Are you okay mom?” Jaylen asked when he came up next to her with a worried look on his face.
Cleaning up her face in a hurry, Meagan held up a bright smile. “I am fine baby. I was just overwhelmed by everyone’s presence.”
“Ok mom.” He kissed her. “Dad.” Jaylen mused, patting his father on his shoulder.
“How are you son?” Carl mumbled.
“Thanks for this mom and dad. I just wanted to say hi to you. Uncle Benjamin and Jayden have a game coming up. We’ll talk later.” He said in a rush.
Watching him jog away, Carl smiled as he squeezed Meagan’s hands. “It’s not so bad is it?”
“Yeah, maybe.” Meagan muttered, resting her head against him. They watched as the night fades away with their laughter lingering in the air.