Page 135 of Fumble Into the End Zone
“Thank you, Ed. Food would be great. No one has any allergies. And I will pass along the funeral arrangements to you.”
“Give me an hour,” Ed said.
Marcus gave me the side-eye, and I patted his knee. “They are your village, and they are showing up for you. Let them, Marcus.”
Chapter 18
Acceptance
Marcus
Mia and I held Harley’s hand as we walked inside the church. Behind me was Corner, Bebe, Ms. Renee, and the entire Armadillos football team. Somehow, Mia convinced Corner to put on a suit. He showed all his remaining teeth when she smiled at him. I didn’t understand a word he said outside of she is pretty.
The Jordans escorted my granny’s body back to Arkansas in their family jet with a police escort. The team insisted on coming to the funeral and I didn’t have the energy to fight with them on it. Bryce sat on the family bench next to me because he wouldn’t allow anyone else to do it. He was my rock when I needed to give Mia a break.
Harley laid her head on Mia’s lap before the preacher stood. It’s surreal seeing a pure white casket in front of the church with gold detailing. White roses rested on top, surrounded by several bouquets of flowers. The sight of the brown and purple pews sent my mind back to my grandpa Earl’s funeral. Holding my granny as they closed the casket still haunted me. Here I amagain, performing the same act for another parent. Although the room crawled with people, everything was a blur.
“Mrs. Edith Allen, but Eddy for short, you were loved . . . ”
I cried at the mention of her name, and Bryce wrapped his arm around me. Several people stood and gave remarks, but I couldn’t hear half of them. But when Mia and Harley walked to the podium, I straightened in my seat.
“During the short time I’ve gotten to know Mrs. Eddy, she was a light and I’m forever grateful. She accepted me into her family, leaving me responsible for two of her most precious gifts: my fiancé, Marcus, and our daughter, Harley. I will miss our talks, your recipes, and your instruction on how to take care of Marcus,” Mia said, and a few people chuckled. “Now we will honor you with how we live and we will continue to carry your light,” Mia continued and then she passed the mic to Harley.
“We will miss you, Granny, but Mom said we will honor you and I will keep saying my prayers,” Harley said.
Sobs sounded from behind me, but I couldn’t turn around. I opened my arms for my daughter and lifted her into my arms. The ushers blocked us as people viewed the body for the last time and exited. Family and friends remained in the church with Granny.
Corner sniffled hard. “Old Eddy left me. I ain’t got nobody to argue with now,” he said.
Harley sat beside him and tapped his hand. “You still got us.”
“I guess you right. What we gon’ argue about?” he asked and Harley shrugged.
I touched the casket one last time and nodded for them to shut it. With us not having much family, I didn’t have five other people to help me carry the casket. At least, that's what I thought.
Bryce, Keyshawn, Ed, Roundtree, and two linemen lifted her casket and walked it out of the church. I followed behind it,holding Mia and Harley’s hand. My team surrounded me after they put the casket in the hearse.
“We are family, Marcus. Let us carry you,” Ed said, and I nodded.
Finding Mia, I secured her hand and headed to the family car until an image paused my movement. My mother was coming full force across the street in my direction. Not much about her had changed outside the shorter length of her hair. Mariah Allen maintained her petite frame and wasn’t any taller than Granny. Our skin tones matched, both being darker in hue.
“Marcus, why didn’t you tell me momma died? You hate me, don’t you?” she said in a hard, harsh tone.
I licked my lips to keep from calling her a bitch. Adult Marcus and the ten-year-old version of us were fighting for control.
“I want to see my mother,” she screamed with tears streaming down her face.
“Who is this lady?” Harley asked.
Mariah’s position softened as she peered down at Harley. “I’m your grandmother.”
“Granny is in heaven, and you are not my grandma,” Harley yelled and broke her hands with me.
My eyes followed as she ran over to the Robinsons. Clarence scooped her into his arms and Trendy caressed her back.
“She is not my grandma,” Harley cried out.
“You coached her to hate me, too. I want to see my mother turn the hearse around right damn now. If you would have answered, I could...” Mariah’s voice elevated.
