Chapter 96: Two Losses and A Funeral
Chapter 96: Two Losses and A Funeral
Santiago’s P.O.V.
I woke this morning and headed to the dining room, sitting there is Santos, Holly, Maros and Kara with their kids Nicholas and Sebastian. “Good morning.” “Good morning.” They greeted back. “Santi, you and Analina are staying for the funeral?” “Of course, do you really think she would leave without attending, with one of them being her husband.” “No, I just don’t know where her head is right now, furthermore I also know that they wee having problems before this.” “She thinks that Andros was cheating on her.” “WHAT?!!!”Holly screams across the table. “But he never would do that.” “They became distant she told me, and he would also stay at work late and to make matters worst he had no meetings. All there meetings were done together.” “I can see why she would think that. He was having meetings he wasn’t cheating on her at all.”
“How do you know?” “Because he was having those meetings with me, Liliana and Mariann. He wanted to surprise her with a crib that the designed himself, even if she was naming their son after another man. Just so you know I understand Analina’s reasoning, if I was I her shoes I would do the same thing.” We were all quiet after this until Analina made her way into the room. “Good morning.” We all greeted her. She took a seat beside e instead of her normal seat. Probably because it would hurt her too much to sit where she usually does. “Analina, this is Marco, his wife Kara and their kids Nicholas 5 and Sebastian 3.” “It’s nice to meet you.” “Marco will be taking my place so that I can go with you to Arizona.” “Thank you and to you too Santos, this really means a lot to me.”
“No problem, I know you Analina you don’t cope well with trauma.” She looks down at her hands which are folded in her lap, I place my hand on top of hers to try and take away some of the pain that she is feeling. “Thank you.” She whispers to me. “You’re welcome.” I whispered back. “None of this is your fault Analina, I am not mad at you at all. In fact, if you gave me the exact same wish before you die I would accept it. Sorry Holly.” “I understand Santos, it’s only a kiss. But I heard that it wasn’t his first one. If you don’t mind me asking, what was?” she said as I shook my head trying to get her to stop. “He wanted to make love to me one last time.’ She said in a low voice as I held her hand underneath the table. “And Andros, did he give you his last dying wish?” “I’m sorry. I will be in the lavender garden.” She apologized to Holly before turning to me letting me know where she would be.
After she left I voiced out my disagreement with what Holly asked. “I tried hinting to you not to bring the subjects up, he did asked for a last dying wish, it was the same as Andre’s first.” “Did she……..?” “Yes, and with every thrust he spoke a word, the last three words that Andros ever said to her.” “What did my brother say to hurt her so bad?” “His last three words to her was you cheating bitch.” “God!” Was the only thing Santos could breath out the rest of us were silent. “I am going to go check on her.” I said to them excusing myself from the table. As I stand I say. “What I am worried the most about is Rocky, if he looks anything like your brother she will remember those three words for the rest of her life.” “Santiago? Grab her plate, she has to eat.” I nodded as I grabbed both of our unfinished plates of food and left the dining room to make my way to her.
I found her sitting in the grass surrounded by the lavender flowers that Andros planted for her when he was 12. “Hi, may I?” I asked gesturing to the spot next to her. She nodded her okay with her head and I sat down next to her. “Here, you have to eat no matter how upset you are.” She looks at me and then reluctantly takes her plate out of my hand. We silently began to eat until she asked. “What did you tell them?” “Exactly what happened, now they should pry anymore, at least not to you directly.” “Thanks, I don’t deserve you or your kindness. I basically killed my own husband, how do you know I won’t do the same to you?” “Because Analina I know you, you don’t have an unfaithful, heartless bone in your body. I never really knew how much I needed you until you chose Andros as your final choice three years ago. What’s that?” I asked as she pulls something out of the pocket of her black sundress. She handed it to me. “A letter?” “Andros’, the doctor gave it to me when I went to fill out the paperwork and for the death certificate.” “Did you rad it yet?” “I don’t have the courage to.”
“Would it help if I held you?” “Yes.” So, I took her into my arms and as we got comfortable she began to pen the envelope pulling out the letter.
Dear Analina, my goddess,
I am sorry for my behavior nut you know how deep my insecurities run and still you kissed my father on his death bed and came into my hospital room with no other than the man that you pushed me away for. Sitting here on my death bed I came to the conclusion that maybe we should have never been together in the first place, for you to choose him to help with your coping instead of me, there has to be more there than you ever knew. I am writing this my cheating wife to give you my blessing. I hope you two will be happy together now that I am gone. I also know that they would be the perfect father to our son.
Love you always,
Andros Ricardo Chavez
“So, what do you think?” I asked her. “I think that there is definitely some truth to it, why would I run to you when I need someone to help me take the pain away. Has it always been you?” “Only you can answer that question?” we sit there as she looks over the letter repeatedly.
A Few Days Later
The morning air was heavy with mist, as if the sky itself grieved alongside those who gathered. The funeral services for Andre and Andros were held on consecutive days, a somber rite that drew the family and close friends deep into the heart of their shared sorrow. Lavender blooms lined the paths to the chapel, their gentle fragrance lingering—a memory of Andros, who had planted them so many years before. Andre’s funeral was marked by quiet dignity. The chapel, adorned simply, echoed with the muted footsteps of mourners and the low hum of whispered prayers. Analina sat near the front, her hands clasped tight, the weight of regret and loss etched into every line of her posture.