chapter 32:
I woke up the next morning hearing the phone ringing.
It was non-stop all day.
There were people calling about flowers,
and limos,
and everything else people want to make money off of a wake and funeral,
which I found sad.
I layed in bed for what felt like hours, until my mom walked in.
"Are you getting ready?" She asked.
"When do we have to leave?"
"20 minutes max, we need to get there first to set up
flowers, and all the pictures,
and the slide show." My mom responded.
I sighed. I just wanted my brother back,
and not have to deal with all of this nonsense.
"Ugh. Fine."
I got up, and started to make my bed.
My mom walked out without saying another word.
Once I threw on my only black skirt, and tank top,
I slowly made my way into the bathroom.
I grabbed my toothbrush, 
and some tooth paste,
and squeezed the bottle.
I put the toothpaste perfectly onto the brush.
I lifted my eyes, facing the mirror.
I stood in shock when I saw myself.
I looked like a monster.
My hair was like a frizzy afro, and my cheeks
were black from makeup, and stained from tears.
I looked down quickly, ignoring the unkown person in the mirror.
After 20 minutes,
I tamed the beast and walked downstairs to join my parents.
Every room was empty, and I realized they were already waiting in the car,
pulled out of the driveway.
I rolled my eyes, threw on some heeled sandals,
and met them in the car.
"You guys ready for this?" My dad said sadly.
------
The funeral home was cold from the air conditioning.
We had set up flowers around the half-opened casket my 
still brother laid in.
I just waiting for his eyes to open, and to talk to him again,
but I knew I wouldn't get that wish.
I was kneeling by the casket, praying, as if my brother were still alive.
I placed my hand onto the cold, shined wood
and slid my fingers across it.
My mom joined me.
"You ok?" She tried to smile.
I nodded in pain.
She helped me up off the ground by my brother,
and led me to the first row of chairs.
There were so many people.
There was my family.
Emily's family.
Noah's friend.
It seemed as if the whole high school and 
adult population was attending my brothers wake.
"May everyone please take a seat." A deep voice spoke.
I turned my head to see a priest holding a bible
at the front of the room.
I took a seat next to my parents and Emily.
I didn't like being in the front.
All I could see was the priest,
and the seemingly frozen statue of Noah.
There were whispers, and you heard the sound of people
moving around, and taking their seats.
I looked back once the priest looked satisfied.
There was a sea of people behind me holding tissues, or small
cups of water. Some were already crying.
Somehow, I stayed strong.
"Thank you." The priest started.
"Today, we are gathered to remember a beloved son, brother and friend.
Noah Anderson."
I looked over at my mother who was wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, already.
I noticed her and my father were tightly holding hands.
I put my attention back on the priest.
He wasn't talking.
He just looked up, towards the entrence.
I heard the sound of wooden chairs squeaking and creaking
as people turned their bodies towards the door as well.
I looked back, seeing a figure in the entrence,
and back towards the priest.
Quickly, my heart stopped.
I slowly turned my head over my shoulder.
Adam was standing in the doorway,
already looking at me, with a cute smile on his face.