Songs for this chapter: 'It's So Hard To Say Goodbye' by Boys to Men

'Encore' by Cheryl Lynn

Cris' POV

The week flew by fast. And it has been a rough one. Kamea has hardly gotten any rest. I had to force her to eat, not just for her but for our unborn twins.

I invited Noeli, Marco, and Kalani to stay with us for a little bit because we all need that support system.

Cam and Cocoa came back as promised. They stayed with us as well.

Cocoa and Kamea have become close. The day before the funeral, they had a heart-to-heart conversation, along with Alyshea Toscano.

*************

Cocoa's POV

"Cocoa, thank you and Cam for coming back."

"You're welcome, Kamea. That's what friends are for."

"Honey, your husband said you have not been eating or sleeping right."

"Ever since my mom died, it has been really difficult to do anything. I feel like a part of me died when she died. Most of the time, I lie on the bed - just staring at the ceiling or out our bedroom window. The only times I do sleep is when my princess or Cris is in bed with me. But it will only be for like an hour or two. Mrs. Alyshea and Cocoa, I feel so broken. Cris doesn't get mad at me, but deep down, he is."

"Kamea, he is just concerned. While talking to Cam and me, Cris never gave the impression that he was mad. He said he did not want to see you get so bad off that he would have to take you to the hospital."

"And we do not want to see you in the hospital, either. Cris broken too, honey."

"He is? I never thought of it that way. I was so busy worrying about myself and not how he felt."

"Kamea, losing a loved one is never easy. Let your husband be there for you through your grieving process."

"Here he comes. We will give you two some privacy."

Cris looked over, so I motioned for him to come over. My mom and I left.

Kamea's POV

"Can we talk for a minute, handsome? " I moved to where Cris was sitting and snuggled with him on the couch.

"Of course, sweetheart."

"I'm sorry for not realizing you were broken too. And I am sorry for worrying you. I did not think my mom's death affected you too. I should have considered your feelings too. I promise to do better with my eating and sleep better. I hope you are not mad at me." Cris started massaging my arms and then kissed me on my forehead.

"You didn't have to apologize, Kamea. And I am not mad at you. You started worrying about me not wanting to eat anything. That is why I forced you to eat. I want you and our babies to be healthy, understand?"

"Yes, I understand."

"Your mom was one tough cookie. And I see that same trait in you. I hope our twins are just like you and their grandma," Cris said while rubbing my belly after wiping my tears away.

"Thank you, handsome."

"Now, how about you and I go for a drive? I will take you shopping for an outfit for tomorrow. I will grab your keys and be right back. Wait here."

Cris went to get my purse from our bedroom. He came back, and we left to go shopping.

Of course, he told me to get whatever I wanted, and we went to an expensive store. I got an outfit for myself and my kids. Cris got something for himself too. Then, we stopped to get some ice cream from Cold Stone Creamy. I love their ice cream, and they even have sugar-free selections.

We sat down at one of the patio tables outside of the store. Cris was about to eat his, but I stopped him.

"Wait! Hand me your spoon and ice cream. And I will give you mine so that we can feed each other."

He gave it to me, and we fed each other ice cream. He gave me a smirk, then took a spoon full of ice cream and smudged it on my face. "That's for the cake in my face from the reception." We both laughed.

"Okay, that's fair." I was about to wipe it off with a napkin.

Then, he told me, "Wait! Do not wipe it off. Good ice cream can't go to waste." Cris pulled his chair close to me and started sucking the ice cream off my face.

My hormones started raging, which led us to kissing. We began to make out right there at the patio table. "Um, how about we take this home?"

He asked me, "Are you sure?"

I got up, straddled his lap, started kissing him, played in his hair, and did a little dance on him right there in public. "My hormones are all over the place. Besides, it has been almost a week. I am more than ready. And I have to think of your needs just as much as mine. I am sorry for hurting and scaring you."

I could tell he was happy, too, because I could feel him getting happy. People were staring, but I did not care. I am not a shy person. So, I got off Cris, and we left to go home.

By the time we got home, Cris and I got out of the truck. He picked me up and smirked, "I'll come back for the bags later."

As we went into the house, he told everyone, "Kamea felt sick suddenly, so I am carrying her to our room." Jake and Briana knew what was up and started laughing to themselves.

A few hours later.

Marco's POV

"Has anyone seen Cris?"

"Um, Cris is detained at the moment," Jake's girlfriend, Briana, said.

I knew exactly where he was. I hate to interrupt their session, but this is important. So, I knocked on their bedroom. "Cris, I need to talk to you. It's important." Ten minutes later, he opened the door.

"It better be important."

"Well, the limo company called last minute and said they only had one available. Kalani said he and his brothers would ride in the limo. But so is Kam's grandmother. Noeli already said she is not getting in the limo with her grandmother."

Kam heard that and proclaimed, "Me neither. She is not going to get me upset."

"Well, we will have to drive both trucks. You can drive mine. I'll get my keys." Cris went to grab his keys. "Here are my keys. I'll drive Kamea's truck with the kids."

I could see the look on Kamea's face turning sad.

"Kam, everything will be okay. Cris and I will be there for you and Noeli. If you both even want to leave, just let us know."

"It's still hard to believe she is gone. And tomorrow, she will be buried forever. I do not know if I can take it. Noeli and I had a close relationship with both our mother and father. They were not strict or overprotective. They just made sure we knew how to take care of ourselves and made sure we had everything we needed to succeed in life. It just hurts so much that my mom is not here to meet her grandchildren."

Cris' POV

"Kamea, I want you to give me a sign if you want to leave the funeral service. Tug on my hand, jacket, scream my name. Just let me know, understand?"

"Okay."

"Why don't you go and take a nice, warm bath and relax?"

"Um, I would if I could get up and walk."

"I'll see you guys in the morning." Marco left our room.

"I'll run it for you."

I walked to our bathroom and ran a nice bubble bath for Kamea. After I saw there was plenty of water, I went back to the bedroom and carried Kamea to the bathroom.

"When you are done, I'll have something to eat ready for you. And how about we watch a movie? What do you want to watch?"

"Something funny."

"Okay. I'll pick something funny and something to eat."

I then left her to relax and went to pick a movie and something to eat. But first, I went to check on Rocco and Día. They were downstairs watching TV with Cam and Cocoa.

"Día and Rocco, when the movie is over, I want you both to get ready for bed."

"Do we have to, daddy?" They looked at me with sad faces.

"Yes, you do. We have to get up early tomorrow to support mommy."

"Okay, daddy."

"What time is the family leaving the house in the morning?" Cam asked.

"The limo is leaving here at 10 am."

"Okay. We will be ready and leave at the same time."

Then, I went into the kitchen and fixed Kamea and myself something to eat. After fixing our food, I grabbed both plates and the movie and headed upstairs.

I gave Kamea her food and sat mine down to pop in the Blu-ray. We cuddled and watched "Madea Goes To Jail."

"Handsome, can you get me some water, please? Sorry, I forgot to ask you before the movie started."

"It's okay, sweetheart. I'll pause the movie and get you some water." I got up off the bed and went to get Kamea some water.

While grabbing the water, I noticed that the kids had finished watching the movie. So, on my way back upstairs, I peeked into their rooms to make sure they were in bed. And they were. Going back to my room, I gave Kamea her water, and we resumed watching the movie.

After watching the movie, she looked at me and said, "Encore." I gave her a puzzled look.

"Sweetheart, what do you mean by that?"

Kamea then said, "Close the door. Everybody is asleep, right? It is time for an 'encore' performance. I told you my hormones were raging."

I did not even have to get up off the bed to turn off the movie. I grabbed the remote off the nightstand and flicked that TV off fast. Then, I looked at Kamea and said, "Now, shall we continue where we left off?"

*****************************

Saturday morning

Today is the day we put Mama Jayde to rest. I could tell Kamea was awake because I heard her sniffling. I went to the bathroom to run a nice, warm bath for her so that she could relax.

Once there was enough water, I went to carry her to the bathroom. "Sit back and relax, sweetheart. I am going to get Día and Rocco ready."

So, I went to check up on Día and Rocco. "Good morning, baby girl. Time to get up." Each of them has its own bathroom, so I went to run a bath for her. "Do you need help getting in the tub, princess?"

"No, daddy. I got it."

"Good. I'm going to check on your brother, and I'll be right back." I went to check on my baby boy. He was still sleeping, so I had to wake him up.

"Rocco, time to get up and start getting ready." I went to run his bathwater too. He came into the bathroom. "Do you need help?"

"I got it, daddy." I watched him as he got in.

I went to check back on Dia. She was out of the tub and started putting on the outfit we got her. "Good girl. When you are done, go downstairs and get something to eat."

"Okay, daddy." I then checked back on Rocco. "I'm finished, daddy."

"Good boy. Now, put on your outfit mommy picked for you." And then, I went back to my room.

Kamea was out of the tub and sitting on the bed in her lacy underwear. I sat next to her, put my arms around her waist, and scooted her close to me.

She laid her head on my shoulder. "I am not going to leave your side. And remember, let me know if you feel the need to leave. You are not alone, sweetheart." I went to her closet and grabbed the outfit she had bought.

"Thanks." And then she started getting dressed.

Now, it is my turn. I went to the bathroom to take my shower. After showering, brushing my teeth, and washing my face, I got dressed. Then, I made my way downstairs, where everyone was eating breakfast.

While eating breakfast, the catering company I hired arrived to start preparing the food. I thanked them very much for accommodating us within a week's notice.

Kalani called and said the limo would be there promptly at 10 am.

Marco had both Escalades in position. Cam, Jake, Andre, Mr. Toscano, and Mr. Calabro did the same thing.

"Cris, do you mind if Cocoa and I sit with Kamea at the service?"

Kamea shook her head yes.

"Absolutely. And, thank you."

Kamea added, "I would like everyone to sit with the family because you all are my family. I am forever grateful for all that you have done."

Fifteen minutes later, it was time to load the trucks. It was me, Kamea, Día, and Rocco. Next, it was Marco, Noeli, and my parents. Jake and Briana. Marissa and Andre. Tamia rode with Salvatore. Alessandra, Tony, and the kids. Cam and his family rode together. Val and Mrs.  Alyshea eode together. And bringing up the rear was Dominic and and Mrs. Eli.

The limo arrived and pulled in front of me. Once they saw the vehicles lined up, we pulled away from the house to the service.

It was about a half-hour drive, so I put in a SpongeBob DVD for Día and Rocco to watch. I kept stealing glances over at Kamea. She just stared out the window and watched the California scenery. It was a quiet ride to the funeral home.

A short while later, we had arrived. The limo stopped, so each vehicle parked behind it. Kamea's grandmother, along with her aunt and another uncle, came out first. Then, it was Kalani and his brothers. Kalani looked pissed. I am sure we will find out later why.

I helped the twins out first. Then, I helped Kamea out of the truck. Mrs. Alyshea and Cocoa got out of their vehicles and walked to Kamea. They motioned for Noeli to come too.

"Girls, I want you to take a look behind us." They turned around. "You see that support system that you have? Please focus on them. They all love you very much. Cocoa and I love you both too. Be strong for them, your father and uncles. We will be right here walking with you. And, if anyone bothers you, we got you both. Understand?" Alyshea Toscano told them.

"Yes."

It was time for us to walk in. Mama Jayde was loved by many because the place was packed. I saw Kamea and Noeli crying as they saw the casket. Her grandmother was first.

Then, Kalani and her uncles.

Then, Kamea, Noeli, Alyshea Toscano, and Cocoa. Kamea hesitated for a minute. Then Cocoa whispered something in her ear. Then, all four went up.

Myself, Marco, and the twins went next. They did not understand what had happened. I will have a chat with them later on.

Andre and Marissa followed, then Jake and Briana. Tamia and Salvatore were last. The rest had sat down.

The programs were beautiful. They were in her favorite color, blue. There was a picture of her on the front. Inside, there were pictures of everyone. There was even a picture of me, Kamea, Día, and Rocco at the party when I proposed to her.

The service lasted for about 30 minutes. Then, the director asked if anyone would like to say anything about Mama Jayde. Her mother went up and spoke. When she talked about Noeli, she was positive. But, when it came to Kamea, she was downright negative - talking about how only Noeli was respectful and nice. She even started complaining about how she was asked to leave our wedding. But she did not mention the reason.

"What is this lady's problem with Kamea because she is lighter than Noeli?"

Talk about pissed - Kalani, Kamea's uncles, me, and just about everybody else was not pleased.

Kalani spoke next. Noeli spoke, and Marco went with her.

I looked over to Kamea. I whispered to her, "I'll go with you, love." So, I got up, grabbed her hand, and led her to the podium. "Take your time, sweetheart." I put my arm around her waist, and she took a deep breath.

"My mom was the best mom a daughter could ask for. Both my mom and dad made sure that their kids - me, Noeli, and Kekoa when he was alive - had everything we needed to succeed in life. I treasured every moment we spent together."

Her grandmother started clearing her throat. Kamea gave her grandmother a dirty look. "Grandma, just once, please have some class."

"When I got married, she was happy for me. And when I told her I was pregnant with my twins, she was ecstatic. My heart shattered when I watched her die at my reception. This past week has been hard. But, with the help of my husband and family, I have been coping. I am going to miss my mom so much. Thank you to each and every one of you for supporting my family at this time of grief."

"I remember the first time I met Mama Jayde when Kamea was in the hospital. She always came off as a loving mother to her kids. Mama Jayde was my second mom, and I will miss her too."

We both walked off, hand in hand, the stage and went to our seats.

Marissa and Andre spoke as well. "I am going to miss my auntie. My auntie and uncle were also a mom and dad to me. They always invited me over to have sleepovers with Kam and Noeli. She even joined us, played games with us, and gave us advice about boys. Gosh, Aunt Jayde was special. She will be dearly missed."

After they left the platform, the director made an announcement.

"That will conclude the service here for Mrs. Jayde Palu. For those going to the burial, on your way out, please grab one of the bumper stickers to place on your cars, and please line up behind the family. And, for those attending the repast, please grab the directions sheet to Cris and Kamea Fiore's home. That is where the repast will be held."

As they closed the casket, I grabbed Kamea and Marco grabbed Noeli. It hurt seeing them brokenhearted. They wheeled the casket outside to the hearst.

As we were coming out of the funeral home, you would never believe who we saw. "Kamea, get behind me now!"

Chase's POV

"I didn't come to start any trouble." Well, at least not today.

"I just wanted to express my sympathy and offer condolences to your wife and her family. That was a lovely service."

"First of all, how in the hello did you find out about the funeral?" Cris asked me.

They do not have to know that I was at their wedding. I saw the whole thing. "Well, I saw in the newspaper that the funeral was today, so I wanted to pay my respects."

"Well, now that you have, get the hello away from my wife and family! She has been through enough without you starting trouble."

Then, they walked toward their trucks.

"Oh, dear Cris, she hasn't been through anything yet."

Cris' POV

We all got in our vehicles and waited for the hearst to pull off. Twenty minutes later, we pulled off towards the gravesite.

"Sweetheart, despite your grandmother, you did a wonderful job. I am proud of you."

"Thank you, handsome."

"I can't believe she said those things about you."

"Cris, after today, I vow never to see my grandmother again. She can say whatever she wants. I have been nothing but respectful to her, and all she does is treat me like crap because I am lighter than Noeli and my cousins. Well, I am done putting up with her crap. And, she better not disrespect me in my house, either. I will not have a problem kicking her out. I have my family to think of. That is all that matters to me."

"Cris, I just thought of something too. If Chase was at the service, he now has directions to our house. What are we going to do?"

"You are pregnant and aren't going to do anything. Let me, Jake, Marco, Kalani, and my father worry about Chase."

We arrived at the cemetery. The director asked for six pallbearers. I volunteered, along with Andre, Kalani, her uncles, and Marco. I asked Jake and Briana to walk with Kamea.

Kam's POV

"Thanks, Jake and Bri."

"You're welcome, Kam." My kids held my hands as we walked behind my mom's casket. My grandmother kept trying to get my attention, but I knew she was trying to start trouble. So, I ignored her. My Hawaiian grandma noticed and came over to walk with me, also.

We finally reached my mom's burial plot, which is right next to Kekoa. Cris came back over to me after setting the casket down. They had chairs set up, so I sat down with Noeli and my grandmother. The director said a few words and then concluded the burial part. He gave each of us a rose to place on the casket so that we could say a final goodbye.

Cris walked over to the casket with me. "It's so hard, mom, to say goodbye. This has been the hardest week ever. I miss you so much and wish you were here."

I placed the rose on the casket, then buried my face in Cris's chest and cried. He wrapped me in the most loving hug ever. But my grandmother just had to ruin it.

"Well, she would be here. But, thanks to you, she is gone."

Cris and my dad heard that and went ballistic. My grandmother was about to slap me, but my father stepped in front of her.

"This is the last straw! Kamea had nothing to do with Jayde dying! If it were not Jayde, it would have been Kamea! Do you wish that my daughter was dead?! I am sick and tired of you and your hate for my child! Whether you like it or not, Kamea is your freaking granddaughter!"

"It's unfortunate she is. How dare 'your daughter' say that my son could not come to his sister's funeral!"

It was now Cris' turn. "Do you hear yourself talking?! Your son tries to assault his nieces sexually, and you are okay with that?!!!! Lady, you are crazy!!!! And Kamea did not say that!!! I am the one who said for him not to be here!!!! If he were, he would be dead!!! Lady, it is taking all the strength in the world not to hit you! My parents raised me to respect my elders and NEVER hit a woman!"

But that did not stop Isabela. She came over and smacked my grandmother. "Kamea is your grandchild, your flesh and blood! Respect is earned, not automatically handed out! You lost it, lady!"

"Stay away from Kamea and my family!!!" Isabela told my grandmother.

"Cris, wait! Before we leave, I have something to say. Grandma, I always looked up to you and respected you. Knowing how you really are and feel, I no longer feel the same way. After today, do not call me, email me, text me, or whatever else! We are done! I do not ever want to see you or my uncle again! I am done with your hate and foolishness!!!! Goodbye! Forever!"

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Thank you all for taking the time to read chapter 34.

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