“Oh mom we’re sorry it’s just Alice has this amazing effect on me so have you decided what day the funeral will be?” Janet looks at the two of them still surprised by the kiss.

”Saturday, yeah, Saturday that’s the day everybody has expressed an interest in coming.” Janet had heard from former service people who served with and for Mr. Williams. They were all very kind in their remembrance of him and wanted to honor him. Some of the men would act as pall bearers, with family (such as his brothers) being given the ”honorary” distinction. While Mr. Williams was on good terms with his family, the military ”family” was his life. He had joined the service at 17, lying about his age to become illegible. He had spent most of his adult life in the service and with the family he made (Janet, Tasha and Chris) he was able to work his way up to major status.

”And Slim,” Janet continued, ”I’m still counting on you to speak.” Tasha looked at her mother with an ”I will but rather not” look on her face. She knew it would be hard but she loved her mom and would do anything to help her through her pain right now.

”Ok Mommy, “Tasha says breaking free of Alice and went over to hug her Mom. Janet gave herself to Tasha’s embrace and began to cry.

”I miss your dad so much,” she said softly.

“So do I mommy so do I.”

Later that night Tasha couldn’t sleep. She kept thinking about the funeral Saturday was only a few days away. Her Aunt Vera had finally got in and she couldn’t believe her eyes seeing Tasha and Alice together. She almost choked on her tea when Dee came over for Christina. While Tasha thought her aunt would pull her mom to the side to speak about her and Christina she decided to do her bidding over dinner.

”So Tasha does the military know about your lifestyle?”

”Yes they do.” Tasha felt her blood pressure boil to help relieve the pressure with her left hand she squeezing Alices knee under the table. Alice placed her hand on top of herss and Tasha grabbed it.

”So Alice what do you do? I mean my niece here is talking about spending the rest of her life with you can you even take care of her?”