Chapter 67

Leah's overwhelmingly choked up. Sure, Nadine told her that she'd forgiven her for all of her past maltreatment towards her and Adele; but at that time, those were just words…much appreciated words…but only words just the same. But now here she is. This is a definitive act; a gesture of genuine forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Nadine Martin, the girl whom it's apparent to anyone who looks upon is suffering and rapidly dying herself, has come today to be with and comfort her during her time of loss and sorrow. Leah's now certain that Nadine truly meant it when she gave her forgiveness to her; for Nadine and the others accompanying her were the only ones from outside of Leah's family who came for Elizabeth's funeral today. She meets them halfway down the aisle. Leah stands in front of Nadine for a moment, staring into her jaundiced, slightly sunken in eyes. Suddenly, Leah bursts into tears and falls to her knees; grasping onto Nadine's walker and resting her forehead on the front bar. As Leah cries, Nadine tenderly caresses the top of her head. Frequently having difficulty talking these days, Nadine speaks very softly, "I'm so sorry, Leah. Is there anything we can do for you or your family?" Leah looks up to Nadine displaying a look of total gratitude, then takes hold of Nadine's hands and kisses them. "No…no…" She lets go of Nadine's hands, then wipes her face dry as she stands back up. "You just being here is enough, Nadine. I'm glad you came…" she looks to the others, "All of you." Leah carefully takes the walker from Nadine and gives it to Corrine; taking her place on Nadine's right. Nadine places her arms over Adele and Leah's shoulders for support, and then they help her to the front pew. They remain reverently quiet, each holding onto the hand of the person sitting next to them, looking upon Elizabeth's casket. Several minutes pass by like this until Adele finally speaks up… "Don't be too sad, Leah…Preacher Redmond says that when babies die, they go right up to Heaven to be with God Himself. He has a special place for them by His side. So, Elizabeth will be taken care of." The others immediately look to Leah, who remains staring at the tiny coffin; then they look at Adele. Adele immediately notices them looking at her, then looks down to the floor and starts biting down on her lower lip. After a brief moment, she apologizes… "I'm sorry, Leah. I didn't mean to…" Without looking away from the casket, Leah reaches over Nadine's lap and takes Adele's hand; giving it a gentle squeeze. "That's okay, Adele;" she looks at Adele and gives her a small smile, "you're right…she is." A relieved Adele returns a small smile back at Leah. Once the service begins, Nadine keeps looking over at Adele to see how she's doing. She can't tell though, because for the first time since knowing her, Adele seems to have gone totally numb; not showing any kind of emotion whatsoever. Nadine's starting to worry. About halfway through, Adele suddenly jumps up and runs out of the church. Nadine looks to Corrine to go after Adele; but Sarah unexpectedly intervenes. "That's okay, Corrine…you stay here with Nadine. I'll go check on her." Nadine asks, "You sure?" Sarah stands and briefly takes hold of Nadine's hand in passing. "Yeah; I'm sure. I got it." "Thanks." When Sarah exits the church, she sees Adele leaning against a tree across the street. Her arms are tightly folded across her chest, and her lips are violently quivering as tears stream down her cheeks. Sarah slowly walks over to her. "Are you okay, Adele?" She shakes her head, but doesn't answer. Sarah takes Adele consolingly in her arms and holds her. "It's okay, Adele." "No…" While still remaining in Sarah's hold, Adele leans back a little to look her in the face. "No…it's not okay, Sarah. Nadine's gonna be next." There's silence as they look at each other; then Sarah places her hand behind Adele's head and gently pulls it down to her chest while tightening her hold on Adele. She whispers in her ear… "I know." Adele sobs, "It's not fair. She's my best friend."