It took Mrs. Anderson a few seconds to process what I had just said. Aiden had taken a seat on the couch, and pulled me into another hug. Mrs. Anderson got up from her seat and walked over to me taking both of my hands in hers.
"Christina honey I am so sorry for your loss," she said trying to contain her emotions.
"Your mother was one of the kindest people I have ever met. She helped me get through my many stressful nights, she was always there for Jason, and she was like a mother to some of the house staff. Your mother was an incredible strong woman and she will never be forgotten, I just wanted you to know that."
Mrs. Anderson pulled me in for a hug, and I broke down. She rubbed soothing circles in my back as she waited for me to calm down. After fifteen minutes of water works, I finally calmed down. I pulled away and she brushed the last of my tears off my face.
"Don't worry honey we will get through this together. You're not alone. You have Jason, April, Aiden and me who will be by you every step of the way okay." I nodded my head and gave her one last hug before standing up.
"Before I leave Mrs. Anderson could you please keep this information to yourself? I would like to make a formal announcement tonight to the rest of the house staff."
"Sure, I'll see you later."
I grab Aiden's hand and walk him to the front door.
"You sure you're alright? Are you sure you don't need me to stay with you a little while?"
"Yes Aiden I'll be alright. You were a big help, thanks for everything."
"No problem. If you ever need to talk just remember I'm only a button away.
"Thanks," I say before standing on my toes to give him a kiss on the cheek.
"You're welcome, I'll see you later okay." I nod my head and he gives me one last hug before leaving out the door. I close the front door and April comes screaming full of excitement over the scene she had just witnessed.
"Oh my god, you guys are so cute together."
"Yeah thanks."
"Christina what's wrong, it seems Aiden really likes you."
"April please come with me."
I led April upstairs to my bedroom and closed the door.
"Christina what's going on, you're making me nervous."
"April I was going to tell everyone later on tonight, but I'm closer to you than anyone else in this house so I figured I should let you know first."
"What happened?"
"The main reason I didn't come home last night, was because my mother passed away." April froze and began to tear up.
"Christina I'm so sorry," she said as she gave me a hug. "Your mother was one of the kindest people I have ever met, and I will never forget her."
"Thanks," I say hugging her back.
"So where did you stay last night?"
"At Aiden's condo. He figured I wouldn't be in the right frame of mind to speak with anybody so he let me calm down for a bit."
"It seems like he was the perfect person to be around last night."
"Yeah he was very understanding, and he actually made me feel safe and comfortable."
"Well why don't you take a shower and relax up here. I'll send up your lunch and dinner later on."
"Thanks April."
"No problem."
April left my room, and I sat on my bed thinking about how I was going to tell everyone the news tonight. It then occurred to me that I haven't called Stacy. I knew that this wasn't going to be easy since Stacy also saw my mother as her second mom, but I had to tell her. I picked up my laptop, and called her through Skype. I figured this was not a conversation I should have on the phone. I need to show her that I'm fine, and that even though I am hurting I am remaining strong.
"Hey Christina, how are you?"
"I could be better Stace."
"What happened?"
I fought the urge to let tears stream down my face, but I couldn't help it.
"Stace she's gone." Stacy's face dropped, and I could see the sadness take over her face.
"Christina I'm so sorry, how are you holding up?"
"I'm not so good, but I have an amazing support group here so I should be fine."
"Do you need me to come up there?"
"Stacy you're busy, and I already told you that I'll be fine. I can't let you drop everything you're working on to be with me. I'll let you know when the funeral is once I make all the necessary preparations."
"Okay, I'm here for you so don't hesitate to call."
"Thanks, I'll talk to you later." I shut my laptop and take another deep breath.
For the remainder of the day, I decide to make the funeral arrangements with Mrs. Anderson. April brought me lunch in my bedroom so that I didn't have to face anyone else. When we were done, we decided that my mom's funeral would be in two days. Mrs. Anderson even offered to help pay for the funeral.
I hadn't run into Jason all day, which I was thankful for, but now I have to tell everyone the news. Mrs. Anderson was downstairs already, and had assembled the whole house together for the meeting. I came downstairs, and walked into the second living room where they all waited for me.
"Good evening everyone. Now I know most of you are probably wondering why Mrs. Anderson has called you here, seeing as we don't usually have house meetings." I took a deep breath and looked at the floor. Mrs. Anderson had come to stand by my side for support. I looked up again and made eye contact with Jason. The tears beginning to form in my eyes, made him have a worried expression on his face.
"The reason why Mrs. Anderson and I have called you here tonight is to let you all know that yesterday my mother, Maria Munoz, had passed away. I was right beside her when it happened, and her last words to me were, I love you. Earlier today Mrs. Anderson and I had decided that her funeral will be in two days. I know that many of you had a close relationship with my mother, and if you would like to say anything at the funeral please let me know. That's all I wanted to say. I turn around and wipe the stray tears that had fallen from my face before turning around and heading back up to my room. I could hear some of the other house staff crying and sharing memories of my mother they had with one another.
April and Mrs. Anderson came upstairs five minutes later to check on me. "Christina are you okay?"
I wiped a few more tears off my face, and opened my door. "Yeah I'm fine, so how is everyone taking the news?"
"Not that well," said April. "Everyone here looked at your mother as a second mother, she will be dearly missed."
"I'm just glad I have you guys especially at a time like this," I say giving them both a hug.
"We could say the same for you Christina," said Mrs. Anderson.
"We'll leave you to yourself now, see you tomorrow."
"Bye."
I crawl into my bed and get myself comfortable, only to hear a knock on the door. I slowly get up and open the door to reveal Jason staring at me.
"Jason."
"Christina I'm so sorry, I had no idea what you were going through this whole time."
"It's okay Jason; it's not your fault. I knew my mother didn't have a lot of time left, so I was mentally preparing myself for this day, but when it came I didn't know what to do, how to act, or what to say." He pursed his lips into a tight line nodding his head as he looked at me.
"I just want to let you know that I'm here for you if you need to talk."
"Thanks." Jason brought me in for a hug, and I couldn't help but smile. When we pulled away from each other he looked into my eyes with a pained expression before clearing his throat.
"Well I better leave you alone, I'll see you tomorrow okay."
"Sure, and thanks for the hug."
"Anytime, he said throwing me a wink."
Once more I climbed into my bed, and my phone went off. I looked to see that I got a text from Aiden.
"Hey how are you doing? How did the meeting go tonight?"
"I'm okay thanks for asking, and everyone was heartbroken. Mrs. Anderson and I have decided that my mother's funeral will be in two days. I'll text you the address."
"Thanks."
"No problem, and thanks for checking on me."
I put my phone down and let my mind drift off into slumber.
********
In the morning Mrs. Anderson and I went to the funeral home to pick out the casket my mother would be buried in. The car ride was very quiet. I guess Mrs. Anderson understood that I wasn't in any mood to talk. As we arrived at the Bradley Funeral Home, attendants were waiting to show us in. I guess the owner made sure everything was in place for Gloria and me.
We walked inside and walked to the receptionist's desk.
"Hi were here to see Mrs. Bradley," Mrs. Anderson said with a smile.
"Yes Mrs. Anderson we have been waiting for you, let me just call her and let her know you've arrived."
"Thank you."
A minute later Mrs. Bradley emerged from her office.
"Gloria Anderson it's a pleasure to meet you," she said as she shook Mrs. Anderson's hand.
"Thank you; I'd like you to meet Christina Munoz. Her mother just recently passed away, and we were hoping your funeral home could take care of all the preparations.
"Yes of course,"
"We had discussed that the ceremony will be tomorrow evening is that alright?"
"For you we can make it work."
"Thank you."
Once we had gone over all the details for the service with Mrs. Bradley we decided to leave. Mrs. Bradley turned to face me and place a hand on my shoulder, "I'm so sorry for your loss dear."
"Thank you."
"So I will see you ladies tomorrow okay."
Mrs. Anderson and I waved off Mrs. Bradley and she turned to me. "Christina are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine it's just the realization that tomorrow will be the last day I will ever see my mother has started to sink in. It's just a little overwhelming."
"I understand honey," she said pulling me into a hug.
"Now come on we have an appointment with Father Emery to discuss the service tomorrow."
"Father Emery?"
"He's a pastor from the church your mother belonged to."
"Oh."
Now that I think about it there are some aspects of my mother's life that I didn't even know since we were separated a lot while I was growing up.
"Okay."
After Mrs. Anderson and I had the meeting with Father Emery, we returned back to the house.
I was welcomed into the open arms of April, who in turn gave me a smile.
"Why are you so happy?"
"You have a visitor."
"I do," I say looking at her in disbelief.
"Yes, how about you turn around," she said before spinning me around to reveal Aiden sitting in the living room. Now I understand why she was so happy.
"April come with me for a second." I pulled her into the second living room as I watched Mrs. Anderson go and greet Aiden in the other room.
"When did he get here?"
"Like thirty minutes ago. Weren't you expecting him?"
"No I wasn't."
"I'm sorry Christina are you upset he showed up?"
"Not really, it's just I'm beginning to get..." I begin to move my hands in a flustered manner, while April stares at me with curious eyes.
"You're beginning to get..." She starts moving her hands gesturing me to go on.
"I don't know April, Aiden has stuck by me through this tough time more than he really should have and he's not even my boyfriend."
"So does this mean your beginning to develop feelings for him?"
"I don't know I'm sort of confused, and I don't need to be getting into a relationship especially at a time like this."
"Just go with the flow if you and Aiden turn into something more I'll be here to support you one hundred percent."
"Thanks," I say before giving her a hug.
I take a deep breath before entering the room. Mrs. Anderson sees me and decides to excuse herself.
"It was nice seeing you again Aiden." Aiden nods his head and she walks down the hall to her office.
"Hey Aiden, why didn't you tell me you were stopping by," I say before taking a seat.
"I debated whether or not I should stop by. In all honesty I just wanted to see you."
I was caught off guard by his statement, and I could feel my cheeks getting hotter. Great now I was blushing. I didn't know how to respond, and I could feel the atmosphere becoming awkward. Just as Aiden was about to speak again, Jason entered the room.
"Oh hey Jason, it's great your here actually come sit." Jason gives Aiden an awkward hand shake before taking a seat next to him." When he finally takes his seat, I swear I could feel the tension in the air.
"Well tomorrow as you both know is my mother's funeral service." They both nodded their heads waiting for me to go on.
"Mrs. Anderson and I went the Bradley Funeral home today to set up for tomorrow. The church service will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, and from there my mother will be buried at Hollywood Cemetery."
"Okay thanks for letting me know," Jason said before standing up.
"Now if you'll excuse me I'll leave you two back to your conversation," he said throwing me a wink before he walked up the stairs.
"Actually I have to get going as well," Aiden said standing up.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah I have a meeting with my dad in two hours so I have to get back to New York."
"Okay let me walk you out." Walking with Aiden felt awkward. I still can't understand what he meant when he said he wanted to see me.
I open the door for him, and he gives me a quick hug.
"Bye I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye," I say waving him off.
April comes rushing out of the kitchen.
"Well why did he come?"
"He said he just wanted to see me."
"Aww that is so cute. So what did you say?"
"I said nothing. Rather I didn't know what to say, and Jason showed up at the right time so I had him sit with us so that it wouldn't be awkward."
"It was still awkward wasn't it?"
"Yes, and he left immediately after Jason left. I guess he thinks he made me uncomfortable."
"Well at least you know somewhat how he feels about you right."
"I don't know."
"Anyway you should take it easy and go rest up for tomorrow; you've had a long day."
"Yeah I guess you're right." I leave April and head up the stairs to my room to take a bath and unwind. Before my bath I call Stacy to let her know tomorrow's schedule.
"Hey Stace."
"Hey Christina how are you?"
"Better today actually."
"So what's up?"
"I'm calling to let you know the schedule for tomorrow. The ceremony will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church at 4:00 PM. Then we will be heading to Hollywood cemetery for the burial."
"Thanks for letting me know, but I figured I'd come out there in the morning so that I could go with you."
"That actually works out perfectly."
"I should arrive at the train station around noon."
"Okay I'll have one of Mrs. Anderson's drivers pick you up."
"Perfect see you tomorrow."
"Okay bye."
I placed my phone on my desk, and went to get ready for my shower. After my shower I hopped into bed, but I couldn't sleep. Then it hit me I haven't seen how Jason is doing with his project.
I left my bedroom and walked over to Jason's room. The door was cracked, so I was able to enter. I figured he'd be in his design studio so I walked over and opened the door.
"Christina," Jason said a bit surprised.
"Hey."
'I'm happy to see you and all, but what are you doing here?"
"I haven't seen what you've done with your designs in a few days so I wanted to check up on you."
"That's nice of you Christina but you have had a rough week so it's not necessary for you to be here."
"I know," I say while twiddling my thumbs.
"Let me guess you couldn't sleep."
"That obvious huh?"
"Look I'm not really good with expressing my emotions, so I don't know what to say or do to cheer you up."
"You don't have to do anything; I just need someone to talk to. That and a distraction, so let me continue to admire your designs."
Jason laughed and went back to work. I missed the time we spend at night working and the calm atmosphere. I don't know how many hours passed, but I woke up in Jason's bed covered. His bed was soft and had his scent. I would be lying if I didn't inhale his scent once more before getting up. I could hear the water running so figured he must be taking a bath. I took this opportunity to leave his room before he comes out in a towel and I get into an awkward situation.
When I get back to my room I shower and get ready for the day. I look at the time and see that it's almost eleven thirty.
"Time to get Stacy," I say to myself. I decide to go with Mrs. Anderson's driver to pick her up. Within fifteen minutes we arrived at the train station and I got out of the car to wait for Stacy. I spotted her coming out of the station and she ran up to me giving me a hug.
"I missed you."
"Me too, but what matters is that you're here."
"Yeah,"
We enter the car and head back to the Anderson residence.
"You seem quite happy today," Stacy asks eyeing me suspiciously.
"I guess you could say I had one of the best nights of sleep in a while last night."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"You're not going to tell me are you?"
"No let's just leave it at that."
"Okay."
When we arrive back home, Mrs. Anderson comes to greet Stacy.
"So you're the girl who was almost like a second daughter to Maria?"
"Yes, it's nice to finally meet you Mrs. Anderson. Thank you for taking care of my better half."
"It's not a problem dear, I consider Christina to be a part of my family, and I'm sure Maria would have wanted you two here together."
Mrs. Anderson lets me know that she is going to the funeral home to make some last minute preparations, so I take Stacy to meet April.
"April this is my sister Stacy." She looks back and forth between us before narrowing her eyes on us.
"You two aren't really sisters are you?"
"No but we are so close that you could say that we are."
"Well it's nice to meet you."
"April I think we should all get ready for the service."
"Yeah I'll see you guys later."
"Okay bye."
I lead Stacy up to my bedroom.
"Nice room," she say's taking in the decor.
"Thanks it was like this when I got here. I didn't really change anything."
"Stacy hangs up her black dress, before sitting on the bed."
"So where is Jason?"
"What?"
"You know Mrs. Anderson's son, aren't you going to introduce me to him.
"I haven't seen him all morning so I don't know where he is. I'm sure you'll see him at the funeral."
"Oh."
Stacy and I sat around looking through photos albums my mother had and reminiscing about the past. Before we knew it was time to go.
We dressed up and Mrs. Anderson had cars waiting outside along with a hearse where my mother's casket lined with white and red roses was. I was actually glad that I didn't run into Jason in the car. I still haven't seen him since I woke up in his bed earlier this morning.
We arrived at the Immaculate Conception Church twenty minutes later. The rest of the house staff went to take their seats while Mrs. Anderson, Stacy Jason, and I lined up outside.
I introduced Stacy to Jason briefly before the procession started. My mother's casket was carried in by eight pall-bearer's and placed in front of the alter followed by Mrs. Anderson and I. We sat in the front row. As the mass went on, it was time for me to deliver my eulogy.
I walked up to the alter and bowed before heading to the podium.
"Thank you all for coming. My mother Maria Munoz was the light of my life. She always made sure I was cared for. She always wanted me to have the best in life, and to follow my dreams. Yes she was a maid, but she didn't let what she did for a living define her."
I continued sharing stories of my mother, which made the crowd laugh, but I couldn't help but cry. After fifteen minutes of crying, and sharing my mother's greatest achievements, I ended my speech. Mrs. Anderson came up to the alter and helped guide me down. I saw Aiden and April siting together with red eyes, which made me happy to know that my stories of my mother touched them.
Once the church service was over, we drove to the burial site, where my mother would be laid to rest.
At the grave plot, I opened the casket one last time to place a bracelet I had bought for her.
"Mama I will be with you now and forever," I said before placing a kiss on her forehead. The casket was closed and lowered into the ground as Father Emery said a prayer. As they started to bury her Mrs. Anderson took me towards the car as I began to break down. I wept on her in the car as everyone shuffled back into their respective cars to go back home.
It's over and this is my reality. My mother is gone but she will never be forgotten.