CHAPTER 83

CHAPTER 83
I opened my eyes to the soft gray light filtering through the bedroom curtains, the fabric brushing cool against my cheek as I turned my head on the pillow. 

I listened before making the decision of my next move. The house sat quiet around me, no creak of floorboards from other rooms, no distant clatter of dishes.

I pushed myself up, the mattress dipping under my weight, and swung my legs over the side. Bare feet met the chilled wooden floor, sending a faint shiver up through my legs.

I stood, stretching my arms overhead until my shoulders pulled tight, then walked to the window and drew the curtains wider. 

Sigurd was seating on his cot, quietly playing with his toys. I approached him and crouched over picking him up he squinted smiling his little green cute eyes shining in mischief.

“Hey baby, how are you today?” He gurgled adorabley in his baby langauge. 

I placed him on the bed and made the bed before anything. My hands moved methodically, smoothing the blanket back into place, tucking corners. 

I moved to the dresser, wiping its surface with a cloth from the drawer. The scent of lemon polish rose sharp and clean as I worked.

“Do you want something to eat? Yes you do.” We made our way to the kitchen where I found two housekeepers working.

“Good morning, please take the rest of the day off.” I said placing Sigurd on the floor and he crawled loudly speak his gibberish language on the flaw.

“But Miss...”

“Please do as I say, tell the rest of workers.” They quickly scurried away.

Lila was nowhere in sight not that the fact that she’s not here bothered me. I don’t need her anymore, I never did anyways.

I started to swept the kitchen floor. I gathered crumbs into a pile, moving furniture for a deep clean while Sigurd played around minding his own business.

Countertops next my rag circled in steady rhythms, water from the faucet running cold over my wrists as I rinsed it.

Dan entered later, his boots thudding heavy on the porch.

He carried papers in one hand, the edges crinkling as he set them down. “The arrangements are set,” he said, voice low and even. “The funeral service is tomorrow. Just family and a few close ones at the clearing.”

I nodded, wiping my hands on a towel. “I’ll prepare the space. Flowers from the garden, the white ones that grow near the fence.”

“Okay, where’s Sigurd?” He asked looking around him, I motioned to the sleeping cot tucked in the living room corner with Sigurd breathing sound asleep in it.

“Babe, why are you the one cleaning? We have like ten housekeepers.” Dan said raising his hands in the air.

“I sent them all home.” I answered moving on to the next thing that needs dusting. “What? Why?”

“I just wanted to be alone at my own house, Dan. I wanted to clean my house since they never clean it properly. Now leave, i’m busy.” I said.

“Woah, okay. Tell me if you need anything.” He said walking upstairs probably to take a shower and leave again, like he’s been doing.

Victoria arrived soon after. She carried a basket, filled with linens and candles that smelled of beeswax. 

We worked side by side in the yard. My hands dug into soil, pulling weeds that came free with a soft tearing sound. 

Victoria arranged benches, the wood scraping against the ground as she positioned them.

“These will do for seating,” she murmured, brushing dirt from her fingers. I carried armfuls of flowers, their sweet scent clinging to my sleeves. 

We draped cloths over tables. My back ached faintly from bending, a dull pull in my muscles as I straightened. 

“You haven’t said a word since I arrived today.” She said looking at me with her eyebrows furrowed. 

“What do you expect me to say?” I asked her while busy working.

“Well, nothing specific maybe you can start off by telling me if you need anything or someone to talk to.” I scoffed.

“You are the last person I would crash out on, Victoria.” She looked at me but didn’t say anything in return.

“Let me be the adult here. Do you think Luca will make for the funeral?”

“Of course. He just needs sometime to be alone and think about his life and how it’s going from here without Tyson. But he will definitely make it.” She nodded leaving me in deep thoughts. I really haven’t seen Luca in two days now.

The day of the funeral arrived with mist hanging low over the trees. I woke up early, the air cool and damp against my face as I stepped outside.

I got up refreshed, wore a long black dress. Got Sigurd dress in jeans and a black tshirt, when I got out of the shower finished everything Luca was seating on my bed staring out the window.

“The heavens are lucky, I didn’t get to have him for a long time in my life.” He said looking at me with red eyes, unshed tears.

“I’m sorry, Tyson. I can’t imagine what you are going through.” I said rushing to his side to give him a hug. 

“Thats okay. How are you? I mean you have a child with the man?” 

“Please don’t ever say that again, Sigurd is Dan’s baby. Whatever he told you was his mind playing tricks on him. Let’s go bury the bastard.” I said picking Sigurd up and walking downstairs.

Dan stood by the door, adjusting his coat, the buttons clicking under his fingers. We walked together to the clearing, leaves crunching underfoot. 

The small group gathered shadowed figures nodding silently as we approached. 

A priest was in charge of the service a quick words of motivation from the bible and the real work, burying him.

I stood with hands clasped in front of me, fingers interlaced tight, the pressure grounding as I watched the only man who has ever treated me with respect get buried six feet under. 

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”