When we pulled into the large parking lot, there were already a few cars there. One of them was Derek's. I reached over to grab Owen's hand, and he squeezed mine back in understanding. I only hoped that everything would go smoothly today. If Derek was any type of man he would keep to himself, and let Owen mourn his father in peace.
My arm was looped in his as we walked into the funeral home. We were greeted immediately by the housekeeper who let us in the house on our last visit. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her cheeks were tear stained. It was clear that she and Mister Foster were close. She pulled Owen in for a hug and whispered something into his ear, before giving me a warm smile.
I was curious, but I let it go for now. After hanging our jackets, we made our way into the viewing room. Thankfully, it was empty so Owen and I were able to approach the casket on our own. Mister Foster looked like he was sleeping. He wore a navy suit, with a matching patterned tie, and his white hair was styled perfectly.
Owen placed his hand over his dad's, and sniffled. I rubbed my own hand up and down his back in a show of support.
“I'm sorry, dad.” Owen whispered. “I'm sorry that I was never the son you wanted me to be.”
“Owen.” I said softly, but he shook his head.
“I shouldn't have left.” He sighed, as he lifted his hand away. “I could have worked for him during the day, and wrote music at night. It didn't have to be so black and white.”
“You can't go back now.” I reasoned. “All we can do now is move forward.”
“Well if it isn't my brother slash baby's step father.” Derek said, as he came to stand beside Owen. “Glad you could make it. It's only been what? Five years since you've seen the old man?”
“What do you know?” Owen seethed, still facing the coffin. “You've only just met him.”
“I met him last year.” He said, reaching in to put his hand on Mister Edwards'.
“Bullshit. He told us that you knew nothing.”
If anyone were watching from behind, they'd see three people having a conversation by the coffin. But if they could see the faces of the men who were having it, they'd soon realize just how bad things were about to become.
“Owen. This isn't the place.” I silently pleaded, praying that he would walk away with me.
He laid his hand on the small of my back, and led me towards the front row of chairs without a backwards glance. I let out a breath that I wasn't even aware I was holding as the two of us took our seats. My hand was in his, resting in his lap and the housekeeper came to sit on the other side of him.
Owen leaned over to kiss her leathery cheek, and I smiled. Maybe he'd tell me more about her when we were alone again. I watched as Derek shook hands, and introduced himself as Mister Foster's long lost son. Of course, he left out the part about being illegitimate. Also the part about Mister Foster wanting nothing to do with him until recently.
People were eating it up. Falling for his sob story about how he only wished he had more time with his father. Thank God my prescription was working, because between the bullshit coming out of Derek's mouth, and my morning sickness I don't think I'd make it five minutes into the service.
After twenty minutes or so, Mister Foster's lawyer came into the room. He shook Owen's hand, before making his way up to the podium. In loo of a pastor, Mister Foster asked that his lawyer conducted the service. They were long time friends, and he was one of the only people that Mister Foster had actually trusted.
“Thank you all for being here today.” He started, addressing the room. “Edward was a man of dignity, and honor. He valued his family, and business above all else. His dream was for his business to live on through the next generation. Everything Edward did was calculated. He had a reason for everything. Including asking me to speak today. He wouldn't want us to mourn him. Instead, he'd want us to honor him. We can do that by being there for each other, and doing our best to put our families first every day.”
Owen scoffed, and I squeezed his hand. I knew he was getting angry, and it was only making Derek happier. It was like he was feeding off of Owen's discomfort and heartbreak, and I hated him for it. Thirty minutes later, the lawyer had finally finished his long winded eulogy. We watched as row after row, people came up to say goodbye. Soon it was only Derek, Owen, and I left in the room.
I stood with Owen, but turned to face Derek.
“Please. Can you just give him a minute? If I ever meant anything to you just... one minute.”
“Sure baby girl.” He said, taking his pointer finger and swiping it under my chin. “I'll see you both at the luncheon.”
Thankfully, Owen was too distracted by his father to notice the gesture. So when Derek walked away, I let him. I didn't make a scene, or slap him like I wanted to. I just sat back down, and waited. I knew that saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy, but it was especially hard for Owen. I think he was starting to blame himself for the lack of communication between the two of them. The truth is it takes two people to maintain a healthy relationship of any kind, but I knew he wasn't ready to hear that.
I tried not to listen as Owen
