I aM tHe WaLrUs

[KERFUFFLE]

Ah, right xD

The sun's gone in ):

Bill said, "It is what he would have wanted. I know that much. And, well, things wouldn't be right if we never knew the girl he was smitten over."

Sarah was already beginning to get emotional in the car, and Bill squeezed her hand and smiled at her reassuringly. Today was a day for celebrating their son's life, more than being sad.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Aw! Fail! D:

When they reached the funeral home, Lucy couldn't help what she did. She jumped to her feet and ran inside, glad that nobody was really there at that point. Eric took the key out of the car, then got up and followed her, frowning slightly.

Lucy's heart beat a mile a minute as she walked into the main room, looking around at the pictures that were placed on a small board next to the coffin. She viewed them lovingly, reaching out and touching them delicately, trying her best not to get too emotional. Then, she walked over to the coffin, holding her breath, terrified of what she was going to see. She assumed he wouldn't be recognizable, but she didn't care. In her heart of hearts, she knew if she didn't look, she would regret for the rest of her life. Taking one deep breath, she peered over into the casket.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

I know. But I've put on some Paul Gilbert, and his amazingly cheesy lyrics have cheered me up no end =D

Inside the coffin.. Well, it seemed surprising that they would actually show what was in it. A body that had been mercilessly shot at, hit by shrapnel and bombs, one could see. They did, however, cover up the face-- apparently, that was too a grotesque sight to show, which, I can tell you, it would have been. But you could see the hairline above the small cloth. Jet black, still a little messy, but shorter than Asher's had been before he left. But in the photos of him in Vietnam did show that they had cut his hair a little, as they always did. So it was no wonder that this man had been mistaken to be Asher, when even his parents cried at the sight, thinking it was their son. The resemblance was too striking to tell the difference.

By the way, Asher's going to turn up in a few days, so can Lucy still believe he's dead?

 

[Bunny_grl07]

My cheer up music is Simon and Garfunkel xD

OR, any happy Disney song!

lol, it's going to be awkward when Asher gets back. "Oh... well... I guess we'd better replace the tombstone!"

Lucy covered her mouth, holding back her sobs of grief and anger. He shouldn't have had to go at all, he'd never wanted to leave in the first place. This kind of fate didn't belong to anyone, especially not the innocent. "Asher, I'm sorry!" She wept, falling to her knees in front of the coffin, unable to breathe properly, her emotions getting the best of her. "I love you, I love you! Why did you have to die? Why did you have to be taken from me?" If she was making a fool of herself, she didn't care at all. Not anymore. To her, everything was pointless. Her dreams were nothing without Asher. Her life had no purpose.

Eric knelt by her side, pulling her into his arms. "Shh... shh... He's not in pain anymore, he doesn't have to fight anymore," he whispered, trying to be comforting.

Once she had pulled herself together, the procession began. It seemed to take ages to reach the graveyard, which was so peaceful, but so sad at the same time. And looking at the gravestone was especially painful, because it brought a sense of finality. Of heartbreak.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Check out "Three Times Rana" by Paul Gilbert. The words are so cute <3

Well, especially if the guy doesn't live in New York, they'll have to take him out... xD

But it's got to be a romantic turning up on her doorstep and if she knows he's alive then it'll suck xD

Sarah had cried before. But even Bill was crying now at the sight of his son. He almost wished he hadn't looked-- he must have been in so much pain when he died. Death would almost have been a relief, he thought, after going through that. He entwined his fingers with his wife as the procession began. It was only today, a month after his death, that everything seemed to sink in now. Seeing him again in this state, his gravestone, his coffin being lowered into the ground, where he would finally find rest.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Well, even if Lucy said it wasn't him, everyone would think she's nuts! xD

Oh, you need to listen to the song "Skullcrusher Mountain" by Jonathan Coulton. It's adorable in a kind of goofy way!

Lucy got up to speak, right before they lowered the coffin into the ground. She cleared her throat, then began to talk, her voice wavering slightly as she announced her love for him in front of everyone.

"Rupert Asher Scott. Well, he hated being called Rupert, so he was Asher to everyone who knew him. Asher was an amazing person, both inside and out. Like his parents, he was gorgeous, with eyes that could... could make you love him or fear him in a second. I got the first treatment. He always smiled, even when it was hardest for him to do it. He genuinely loved life, and was so passionate in everything he did. As I got to know him more and more, I could see that in the way he moved, the way he held himself. When it came to the people he loved, he was fearless, putting them before himself. He was talented beyond compare, and could easily give any famous artist in the Metropolitan Museum of Art a run for their money. But most of all, he loved deeply, with all he had. He never spoke a harsh word about anyone, he'd give a stranger the shirt right off his back. Asher was the best son, the best friend, the best man anyone could ever ask... for. And I just want him to know... we love him. I love him. And we... we... miss him!" She sat down, unable to go on any further.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

True, true xD They'd just say, "You're just in denial.."

I shall, when I get back from guitar So I have to go for a lesson, anyway. I'll be back later

Asher's parents smiled and let themselves cry again at Lucy's words. Sarah then stood up after enough time.

"Our family, I can honestly say, have never been too good with words, so to try and follow that up is difficult. But it is important that I speak for my husband, a man of even fewer words than I, and myself, when we say that we miss our son, Rupert Asher Scott, known to all as Asher, and that he'll always be a part of us. We could never know him the way his girlfriend Lucy ever did. We regret that, that we've only truly come to realise what we've lost now that he is no longer with us. We see now what an unbelievable man he was, hugely talented, not just at his art, but in living his life to the full, chasing his dreams no matter what anybody else ever told him, and loving and caring for everybody he met. Despite being called unsociable, and, undoubtedly, he was always a man of fewer words than any of us can imagine, he deeply cared for anybody, was willing to help anybody who needed a hand. We all love him, and life will be so hard without him." She looked at Bill, who gave her an approving, reassuring nod, and then she sat down.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Okay, I'll talk to you later, then! =)

Tell me how it goes when you get back!

Eric got up to say a few final words. He knew Asher well, that was true, because he was very protective of Lucy. He didn't know him the same way Lucy and Asher's parents knew him, but he was very grieved to see his friend go. "In life, we face many partings. Sometimes they are short, sometimes they are long. We will never forget Asher, or this parting between us. I can only hope that, somewhere, he's looking down on us, smiling, trying to let us know that he will always be with us in spirit. Asher, thank you for all you've shown us with your life." He sat down, then wrapped an arm around Lucy as the trumpet player played "Taps". After that came "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, and the coffin was lowered into the ground, slowly.

Lucy let her eyes follow the coffin's descent, grief consuming her completely. It was really goodbye. For good.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

I love guitar lessons <3

Asher's parents smiled as Eric said his words as well. Asher had never had any friends, but he had found love in Lucy, and a friend in Eric. And that, along with his family and his art, was all he'd ever needed. Some people relied on having a ton of friends, they were dependent on everybody. But Asher had been very self sufficient, a part of his mature demeanour. Sarah squeezed Bill's hand as the coffin was lowered, resting her head on his shoulder. He was gone, physically. But, as Eric had said, they hoped he would always be there, in mind and spirit.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Was it awesome? Do you get certain songs to play, or do you just work on whatever you want?

When I took lessons, I was in a group, and we just worked on certain parts of guitar playing.

After the funeral, Eric led the family back to the car. "Mister and Mrs. Scott, you're free to stay another night, so you can organize how you're going to get home." He whispered, "I don't think Lucy's stable enough for another long trip..." He looked back at her, straggling behind, her gaze staring right through everything, bags under her eyes, her stance looking exhausted and clumsy. "It was a beautiful ceremony," Eric said softly, with a sad smile on his face. "Asher would probably think it was a bit too much. And he'd probably get annoyed with us for crying so much over him. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, especially people he cared about."

When they got back to the apartment, Lucy went straight to her room, not saying anything to anyone. Still in her black heels, her makeup still on, she laid on top of the blankets on her bed, and stared at the ceiling.

Eric started making lunch for everyone, although he wasn't sure if anyone would be up to eating, seeing as today had been a terrible day so far.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

We just do whatever, today we went back to working on "Highly Strung" by Steve Vai and Orianthi.

I don't think I'd like to do it in a group, unless the people I was with shared similar music tastes in guitar music, which isn't too often.

"I agree," Bill replied in a whisper, "We weren't going to ask her for a ride back, anyway. But we would appreciate the extra night, thank you." They all shared a sad smile. "He would," Bill continued, "But it would have been wrong to have done it any other way. He deserved it."

They all went to their rooms when they got back, Asher's parents sorting out a trip home. Flying.. Too expensive. The best option was to take a series of buses until they got back to Montana. It would be a long trip, but they simply couldn't ask for a ride home, and that was fine by them. Lucy had done enough for them, and now she needed time to herself.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

I was the only girl in my group xD It was hilarious!

I might leave randomly, but that's to go home from work.

The next day, Lucy was up bright and early to see Asher's parents off. She was sad to see them leave, but she knew they had to get home to Montana. "I promise I'll keep in touch," she said to them, smiling slightly as she led them downstairs. She then handed them a wad of cash and said, "This should pay for your cab fare to the bus station, and possibly enough for a meal somewhere. if I find anything of yours still in the apartment, I'll call you and let you know, then send it in the mail. Oh, and call me when you get home, so I'll know you got there safely." She hailed a cab, then put their luggage in the trunk. "Thank you so much for coming and staying with me. It would have meant a lot to Asher, for us to meet and get along as well as we have." She gave them each a hug and a kiss on the cheek, doing her best not to cry. "Until we meet again."

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Well, that's cool, since I might leave randomly too for a few moments, getting caught up in deep conversation with my parents xD

Asher's parents hugged and returned Lucy's kisses, smiling reassuringly at her. "We'll see you again soon, and speak to you when we get back, okay? You're a part of this family now, always will be, so we'll definitely keep in touch," Sarah said, "Thank you for everything you've done for us, and everything you did for him. We'll always be grateful for all of it."

They couldn't accept the money she offered them, though. Bill said, "Please, keep it. We've got money saved for anything we might need. We're gettin' old now, we don't have much use for money. But you've got your whole life ahead of you. Thank you for the offer, but we'd like you to keep it."

They got into the cab, said their last goodbyes, and waved as the taxi pulled away.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Okiday!

Lucy waved as long as she could see the cab. Once it was out of view, she sighed and went back inside, Eric following along slowly. "Eric... thank you so much for being here with me. really, I don't know what I would do without you. I'd probably have jumped off of a bridge by this point."

Eric sighed and gave her a hug, holding her tight until Lucy went back to her own room. Eric sat down on the couch and held his face in his hands, sighing. I just want to see her smile because she's happy... just once.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Asher's parents talked about the past events in New York. They were glad to have met Lucy, after only hearing about her for so long. They arrived in Montana in the early evening of the next day.

Asher continued to protest in hospital, begging to go home, or at least begging to know when he could. Lucy's birthday was just under a week away, from what he could remember. He had to be back before then. He'd heard that the burial was today. The idea that he had a gravestone, and somebody else buried under it made him feel physically sick.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Well, I'm back, and I will be for a long time xD

Lucy woke up during the early morning hours two days after Asher's parents had left, and peered out the window. It was raining, Lucy's favorite kind of New york weather. Lucy peered at the clock. 5 a.m. ... I might as well get up now She pulled herself out of bed, then got dressed in a pair of old jeans and a t shirt. She walked into the living room, as quiet as a mouse, and slipped into her old high tops, the ones that she'd worn when her and Asher first met. She was surprised they still fit, but it was a good kind of surprise. She then went outside, and walked to Central Park, no umbrella or coat protecting her from the rain. She found the bench where she had been sitting when she saw Asher for the first time, and she just sat down, tilting her face towards the sky.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Woop! Me, too, I think.

At long last, the doctors told Asher he would be able to go home in a few days time. He could finish recovering fully there, but he would be okay to make the journey then. He was allowed back to camp-- taken there in a wheelchair by one of his comrades-- to pack his things. It wasn't as sweet as it could have been. He was constantly worrying about what was going on back home. Still, in a couple or so days, he would be on the plane. He only hoped it was soon enough.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Happy days are here again!!!!!! =D

And I don't have to work until Monday! YAAAAAYYYY! life is beautiful.

Every day, Lucy would wake up early in the morning, leave for the day, then return to the apartment at the wee hours of the night, a blank expression on her face. Eric tried to follow her once, but it was no use, she managed to lose him down a back alley, or crossing at a cross walk. How could one young woman be so elusive?

Well, Lucy wasn't going to the same place every day. She would take the box of pictures of her and Asher, draw out a few random photographs, and walk to each location in the photo, just so she could try to feel what she had felt before, when Asher was there with her. Of course, Lucy made sure Eric got lost on purpose. This was a sensitive subject for her, and she didn't want him to interfere. It was something she had to do on her own. It mattered so much to her, just to be at those places. She didn't know what she would do when she ran out of pictures. At the time, she didn't want to think about it.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Woot! Highfive, sister! -smack-

Asher was packed up, in his smart, annoyingly heavy demonstration uniform as opposed to his fatigues. It was the evening before Lucy's birthday. He'd be there by late afternoon tomorrow. He felt terrible, not being there to wake her up, breakfast in bed, having made her a birthday cake, telling her how much he loved her. But he wasn't missing the whole day. Oh no, nothing in the world could stop him from being there at least for a part of it. He said his goodbyes to his comrades and at last to Vietnam. Never again, thank God.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

I love being off work. It means I can sleep in a little bit! =D

You don't understand how much joy that brings me *JOYYYYYYYY*

On Lucy's birthday, she woke up and sighed. Today was her big eighteenth, the one lots of people got excited for. Not as much as a sweet sixteen, of course, but still. Groggy and moody, she got out of bed and changed clothes, then walked into the living room. She had visited every place in every picture, except for one. The last picture was of them at the spot they had first met, and even though she had already been there, she wanted to go full circle, and end where she had started from.

"Happy birthday!" Eric said cheerfully, giving her a large hug.

Lucy shrugged him off and said, "There's no need to celebrate. I'm just one year closer to dying." She then walked out the door, slamming it behind her.