I took a deep breath. “I just lost the only father figure I ever wanted,” I said, my voice shaky. “I just wish he’d let me in sooner. Because my uncle was worth fighting for.” I made my way toward my seat between Kennedy and Mrs. Alcaraz. They both hugged me as I sat down.
“Mi amor, that was a beautiful speech,” said Mrs. Alcaraz. “Jim would have been proud.” She kept her arm around my shoulders as the priest began speaking again.
After the priest said his final words, Mrs. Alcaraz and Kennedy stood at the front of the church with me as people paid their respects. Each hug and shake of the hand made me feel empty.
“I know you hate people saying they’re sorry,” Felix said. He leaned forward. “So instead…this really fucking sucks, Brooklyn.”
I smiled at him. “Thanks for putting that so eloquently.”
He smiled back. He gave me a quick hug and I felt a little less empty.
“Hope to see you at school again soon, newb.”
I nodded even though I wasn’t sure that I was allowed to go to Empire High now that my uncle was dead. I wasn’t a scholarship student. And I didn’t have a penny to my name.
When Matt got to the front of the line, I was surprised when he leaned down to hug me.
I put my hand on his chest. “What about Isabella?”
“She’s not here.”
She was probably one of the only students that wasn’t.
“Your speech was beautiful. Just like you.” He kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
I grabbed his hand before he walked away. “I actually need some air.”
“Do you mind if I steal her for a second?” he asked Mrs. Alcaraz. Even though he snuck into my old room every night to see me, he’d already introduced himself to Kennedy’s mom. He’d even been over for dinner. I was pretty sure he liked the empanadas more than my butter-less popcorn.
Mrs. Alcaraz nodded. “Sí, sí.”
Matt smiled and led the way down the altar. We walked outside onto the front steps of the church, hand-in-hand.
I took in a huge gulp of air. One thing I’d learned after my mom’s death was that I was still able to breathe, even on the days it felt like I couldn’t. I took another deep breath. “I miss him,” I said.
Matt squeezed my hand. “I know.”
We stood like that, staring at the busy street for a moment. The cars honking and tires squeaking had somehow become normal. Soothing even.
“You’re shaking,” Matt said. “I left my suit jacket inside. I’ll go grab it for you.”
I reluctantly let go of his hand and sat down on the steps. The cement was cold on my stockinged thighs, sending another shiver down my spine.
“Did you mean what you said in your speech?”
I looked up. A man in a navy suit was standing a few steps down from me, staring at me. He had salt and pepper hair and the distinguished look of all the other students’ parents inside the church. But I had no idea why he was talking to me.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
He pulled off his suit jacket. “You’re shivering.” He draped it over my shoulders. His jacket didn’t feel any warmer than the cold autumn air. I shivered again. “What did you say about my speech?” I asked.
He smiled. But it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “That last bit. About you no longer caring about meeting your father.”
I pressed my lips together. “Yes, I meant it. My uncle was a wonderful person.”
The man nodded. “I’m sure. And you were living with him, is that correct?”
I looked over my shoulder, hoping Matt would return. This had to be the weirdest funeral conversation ever. Other than someone making dead baby jokes. “Um…yes.”
