Chapter 52: chapter 52

We stood before Ian's tombstone, holding our hands. Chris spoke disturbing the silence, "Ian, I hope you are in a happy place right now with your unborn child. After years of struggle, we finally won our battle. I'm done with our parents and that Peter Collins is in Jail".A chill breezed gently rushed through us. He continued, "And as you said, I'm happy with my girl" he looked at me proudly, "Thanks for making me better".I smiled, "I need to thank you for supporting me in the worst".He opened his mouth to say something, but his phone rang and interrupted. He answered it, excusing me."Chris, here"."...""What?" He got tensed, "When...when...?""...""We'll be there in five minutes" he hung up immediately and looked at me with a sweating face, "Ana...Ana...Mom...she...she is in the hospital".We reached the Good hope hospital. His father, Kevin was already standing outside the emergency room anxiously. We stopped near him, "Dad...Dad...what happened?""I was outside for a shoot and...and...she was in the house. When I came this afternoon, she...she...was on the bed eyes closed and cold" his voice trembled there and he closed his eyes.Chris held his hands, "She is gonna be okay".A few minutes later, Doctor came out removing his surgery mask. Seeing his facial reaction I can guess it's not gonna be good news.He sighed, "I'm so sorry" he shook his head, "If you were here an hour before, we would have saved her".I didn't expect this. I went near Chris and held his hand, "What do...do...you mean, Doc?" Chris asked nervously."Do you guys know that she had a heart condition?"They looked at each other, "What...No...no...what type of condition?" They both asked in chorus."Coronary artery disease. Her artery walls are blocked and she had surgery for it"."She...she...never told me this" Kevin looked stunned, "Wait a minute! Are you saying that surgery didn't work out and she...she...is..." He paused.The doctor shook his head, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Rovan. Looks like she got that a month before but it didn't go well. We tried everything we can do, once again I'm sorry" he left the place. Kevin stood still, unbelieving his words.Chris looked at me, "Ana, he is lying right? I mean how can she leave the world? Just two days ago she called me and I hung up arguing with her. She...she can't leave me alone like that".I hugged him. He hugged me back tightly, "So, she left us?""I'm so sorry. But yes, she left us, Chris".After a day of finishing all the formalities, Kevin and Chris conducted a funeral for her in a chapel. Lots of people from the industry came to pay their respect for her. I occupied the front row and my friends occupied the middle row.The funeral celebrant requested us to start the Sermon. First Chris went to the stage and occupied the mic. Even though she treated him badly, he still couldn't believe that she left the world and he couldn't digest the fact that their last conversation ended in an argument. He is genuinely sad about losing his Mother."Dear Mom" he started in a clogged voice, "I know that we never had a usual mother-son relationship" he let out a breath, "But, to be frank, I would never accomplished this place if you weren't there. So thanks for that and I'll try to ignore the bad memories we shared".He came down and sat near me. I interlocked my fingers with him assuring. A drop of tear fell out of his eyes, he wiped it away immediately. Kevin came next, he looked like he lost half a weight in these two days. His strong masculinity was on the air and he looked weak and bedridden, "Crystal" he choked without an air, after a second he steadied himself, ", You guys know how workaholic I and Crystal. We never missed our chances in anything and we overachieved everything. She is a soulmate of mine and understood me more than anyone in the world. But, now" he paused for a second, "I think I am the horrible partner. Of course, we have our achievements and name. But now, when I look back we never shared a good relaxed quality time together and I insanely regret it. So, I cannot lose anymore" he closed his eyes, "I'm gonna take a break from everything I am doing and gonna relive the moments in our house. After that, let's see what fate is written. Last but not least, you are my life Crystal and I don't know how I am gonna live without you" he wiped his eyes with handkey.I never thought that Kevin loved her this much. He is ready to throw away everything for her, it equally amazed me and Chris.After the Sermon, we finally buried her near Ian. Gradually everyone started to leave. Me, Chris, and Kevin stood there staring at the place she is buried.A few minutes later, Kevin spoke, "You know, she asked me to stay".We looked at him, he continued, "She said that she is feeling something wrong and she wanted me to cancel the shoot. But, I waved it off and went to work. If I've been there, I would have saved her"."Don't try to blame it on you, Dad. Her life on the earth is over".He inhaled his nose, "You are right. This is all temporary, losing my loved ones I can feel that" he touched his shoulders, "Do whatever you need son and I won't disturb you anymore. Because of my selfishness, I lost my wife and a son. I don't wanna lose you too. So, do anything that comes to your mind. I don't wanna carry anymore the family name" he sounded defeated and genuine.Chris replied, "Thanks, Dad. Really, thank you again".Mike, Kevin's brother came to us, "Umm...Kevin if you don't mind I can spend some time with you until you come over this shock".Kevin looked at him thankfully, "Thanks, Mike and I'm sorry. I've always been a crappy brother"."Ssh...this is not the time to talk, come here" he hugged him, "Let's go home. I'll be always there for you and Christopher".After they left, we came back to our apartment. Chris sat on the couch loosening his tie, "You ok?" I asked him.He placed his head on my shoulders, "Can we stay like this?"I wrapped my arms around him, "Sure".After few minutes, he fell asleep. I slowly moved away from him and made to lay him down on the couch. I brought the blanket and wrapped it around him. He didn't have proper sleep for two days. I kissed his forehead and let him sleep caressing his face.My phone rang, it's Jason. I went to the balcony not to disturb him. I answered it, "Yes, Jason?""How is he?" He asked in a worried tone."Not bad, but he couldn't wrap his mind about the fact that she is not any more"."I'm so sorry that I couldn't make it. Today evening, I'll definitely stop by"."It's okay, I can understand"."I heard Kevin is taking a break"."Yeah, he finally understood what he is doing and he wanted to patch up everything. Right now, he is with his brother"."I know this is wrong to say, but I think Crystal's death opened his eyes"."Yeah"."Listen, umm...I've called you to say about a thing"."What Jason?""I want you to be the head of Collins Magazine".