The next day

Angelica cried herself to sleep. We decided to let her take the day off. Bette stayed home with her. Tomorrow is the funeral. God this is so hard. My babys heart is breaking and I cant do a thing to heal it. I called home to see how she was doing.

Hi baby.

How is she doing?

Im trying to get her to eat something. She hasnt eaten all day. And shes locked herself in her room. T I dont know what to do.

I wish I could make it all go away.

I know. I hear her sigh.

***Bette***

Yesterday was the worst day of my life. Angelica didnt come out of her room at all. I know she was there though, because I heard her crying off and on. I assume the off times were when she cried herself to sleep. Today we have to get her to come with us to Melissas funeral. Melanie was still in the hospital. She is critical but stable. Unfortunately she wont be at the funeral.

Annie? Please? You cant stay locked in there forever I yell through her door. Dont you even wanna say goodbye to her? Nothing. Angelica. Im not going without you. Ok that didnt work. Angelica Porter-Kennard you open this door this instant! I hear the lock turn and the saddest pair of bloodshot eyes greet me. Can I come in? She opened the door enough for me to pass through.

I cant go mom. I cant say goodbye to her.

Come here. I held her for a few moments. If you dont it would be harder on you. And besides, Melissa would want you there.

Why is death so much harder on the living?

At the church

After much coercion I got Angelica to go. We got there just as other well-wishers were entering the church. The coffin was so small. I saw Marilyn to the front. My first instinct was to stay to the back, I mean what do you tell someone who has lost their young child with another in the hospital seriously injured. So I did the next best thing. I went up to her and held her, for as long as she needed to let go again. After spending some time with her and John we found a seat close by. They left a seat for us at the front. You are family. Angelica is like a daughter to us were her exact words.

Her uncle did the eulogy and one of Marilyns sisters sang a song. It was the soon Gone too soon by Michael Jackson. She sang it beautifully. When she started, I looked over at Angelica. Her eyes were glazed, filling with tears.

The she stood up and walked to the coffin on the altar. She stared for a while and then she took her hand and caressed Melissas face. Everyone looked on at the tenderness displayed. What happened after ripped my heart to pieces.

She was crying uncontrollably at this point. Then she began to talk to her. Why? Why did you have to leave me? How am I going to get through high school without? How am I supposed to live without you? You said we would be friends forever. You promised. You promised. You promised.

I couldnt take it anymore. I was going to her when Marilyn went to her. She held her and rocked her as they cried. Shhh

Shes gone, shes gone and I didnt even get to say goodbye. I miss her so much. It hurts so bad.

I know baby. I know baby.”

Gone Too Soon – Michael Jackson

Like A Comet

Blazing ‘Cross The Evening Sky

Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow

Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye

Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly

And Splendidly Bright

Here One Day

Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight

On A Cloudy Afternoon

Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle

Built Upon A Sandy Beach

Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower

That Is Just Beyond Your Reach

Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight

Here One Day

Gone One Night

Like A Sunset

Dying With The Rising Of The Moon

Gone Too Soon