Only the good die young; Pretty words meant to appease the broken hearts of loved ones who lost a family member too soon. One who would never live up to their full potential or to their elder years. A pain wished on no one, not even the mother who currently sobbed in the front pew of the church mourning the loss of her youngest daughter. Kimberely Hope Hawthorne was a good person who died young or was she? She had no traits that one who described a good person could associate with the young girl. But she was still a child.
With the possibility to turn her life around and become a good person or perhaps not. Perhaps in another lifetime she grew old and became a shadow of her parents. Elitest, snobs who took every turn to remind others that they were superior because of the wealth their family had. Even now during a time of mourning the group had been sure to spare no expense to remind others that while their family was one shorter now, such a tragedy would not weaken them. Although by just watching them it would be hard to tell what, if anything had been going through their minds.
The head of the household Bartholomew had stood alongside his sons, Jacob the father of the deceased, and Bentley his younger brother. As if they were Centrys guarding anyone from lingering at the girl's coffin for too long as they had given their condolences. Kendra, Jubilee's mother, had been seated in the first pew sobbing as she clung on to her middle child, Taylor whose expression remained hidden behind large black-rimmed sunglasses. The only insight to her state was the clutter of tissue to her right as she increasingly added a new makeup-stained sheet to the collection.
To their left Marguerite, Bentley's wife, remained seated silently sobbing between her two sons. To her right Prince's once trickster smile seemed to have been wiped off the face of the earth as a serious expression remained. if one paid attention they would find him ever so often squeezing his mother's hand or simply patting it. It was said that Prince had been babied by his mother and her taking comfort with him rather than his elder brother seemed to add fuel to the fire. Reeves, the elder of the two sons sat to his mother's left, Reeves had been known for being serious and to the point, but a darkness seemed to be added to his eyes as he protectively watched over his family members.
And Last, sitting silently in the second Pew just being her mother was the eldest Hawthorne girl and her young daughter. Jubilee Hawthorne no longer resided in the same state as her family. Seemingly disappearing from high society and only returning during big events or when called home. Her eyes were red and puffy as if she'd been crying but she like the men remained serious and stone-like as they accepted condolences and watched those around them. Her young daughter Serra had been seated to her left, at the tender age of four she had yet to grasp the concept of death. Merely crying because she would no longer get to spend time with Aunt kimmie during her vacations to the city. Jubilee's childhood friend, and rumored lover, sat to the left of both as he patted young Serra's back. A lone seat remained to the right of the group, reserved for her best friend.
Jubilee had not returned to the city since Serra was three but she had known that Chantae would never allow her to experience such a hardship alone.
It made sense from a political point of view to attend the funeral. Despite neither of her parents, Odette and Phillipe, knowing the deceased personally, they were still expected to attend. Odette was friends with Kendra and that was how Chantae was inevitably introduced to the Hawthorne family. Thankfully, Jubilee had become one of the best friends she’d ever had over the years and the friendship was based on something real, rather than just kept up for appearances. Her and Jubilee’s work schedules did not always sync up, especially when they were in completely different time zones. However, it wasn’t even a question as to whether or not she would be attending the funeral. Her last tour had ended a few weeks before Kimberly died and thankfully she heard about it from Jubilee before it hit the news. She’d gotten to know Kimberly over the years and although she wasn’t nearly as close to her as she was with the eldest Hawthorne daughter, it was still a painful loss.
The black town car arrived outside of the church and the driver exited before rounding the car. He opened the door and Phillipe stepped out first, dressed in a black suit before offering his hand to his wife. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant black dress, her hair neatly pinned. Chantae stepped out last and straightened out her dress, her afro hair up in a neat bun. The door was closed behind her as she walked into the church behind her parents. The ushers greeted them at the door before walking them further inside the building. It was mostly silent save from the occasional sound of noses sniffing and weeping. Phillipe and Odette sat down in the pew behind Jubilee and Serra, quietly greeting both girls before sitting down. Chantae noticed the empty seat next to Jubilee and didn’t even have to ask to know it was for her.
She took the seat next to her and immediately put an arm around her, hugging her. It had been quite some time since their last in person visit and she was sorry their current visit had to be under such solemn circumstances. She took her arm back and reached over to gently take one of Serra’s hands, bringing it to her lips to kiss the top of her hand. It was hard to see such a normally happy face filled with tears. Chantae sat back in her seat before tapping the back of Prince’s shoulder, greeting him quietly before placing her hand on Reeves’ backside, patting it before returning it to her lap. It had been even longer since she’d seen either of the Hawthorne brothers. Prince looked full grown though it was strange to not see him smiling. He and Serra seemed to share that trait. Reeves looked more serious than usual and she was sure he was hurting over the loss of his younger cousin. She would check in on them later, but her main concern right now was Jubilee. Chantae turned her attention back to her friend as she remained quietly seated. There were no words that would comfort her right now, but just being present might do more than words ever could.
Knowing this she was made sure they left a seat clear for the woman despite any objections from others who wished to use this opportunbity to snake their way into her family by sitting close by and colsoling the group. Even her childhood friend had only been seated so closely in order to help her with her daughter and because Serra wished it. Seeing her best friend walk in Jubilee would give the females a polite smile and thank them for coming. She was sure odette would go for her mother, Kendra once the time allowed it.
The two girls hugged and Jubilee found herself squeezing the woman a little tighter than usual before she returned to normal. Grief was not something Jubilee would be allowed to embrace just yet. She had her mother, sister and daughter to tend to for now. However when she met the privacy of a hot shower she was almost certain the wave of emotion would take hold. Serra didn't seem to notice Chantae as she cried into the male but Jubilee was certain that would change later. If there was anyone who could put a smile on her sweet girls face it was her aunty Chantae. Reeves glanced to the side seeing Chantae had appeared and gave her a nod. He was glad to see the seat left open by his cousin was able to be fulled with someone who would care for her. After several minutes of silence Jubilee leaned to see the side and whispered a silent " thank you " to chantae. Their catching up would have to wait for their exit from the church lest they have eyes judging them for things not done.
The funeral seemed to continue without a hitch. There was no doubt it had been meticulously planned down to the last detail. This was a beloved member of the family and it showed. The Hawthornes were not always the most affectionate bunch, but they did care for their own on some level. After the main service ended, the procession was moved to the gravesite where Kimberly was laid to rest. It was a stark reminder of one's own mortality, and a sharp reminder to not waste the time one was given. Chantae remained close to Jubilee through it all, wanting to support her as much as she could. There were no words to take away the pain, but if simply being there offered her any level of comfort, she was happy to do it. After the last few words were said at the gravesite, the procession moved to the wake. The wake was a bit livelier as people shared their favorite Kimberly stories and were able to get a few drinks down into their stomachs. Odette was chatting away with Kendra and a few other women while Phillipe was doing the same with Bartholomew, Jacob, and Bentley. High society always found a way to mingle and indulge, even at a funeral.
Chantae was sitting next to Serra, listening happily to the little girl as she talked about her favorite subjects. She was glad to provide her favorite niece with a much needed distraction. It was nice to see her smile again even if only a little. She kissed the top of the girl's head and hugged her tightly, happy to be with her second family again. A bit later, Chantae stood up from her seat and paid her condolences to Kimberly's parents. Seeing the pain in their eyes made her stomach wrench. She stepped away from them to allow other mourners to speak with them before heading over to the Hawthorne brothers. She spoke to Prince first, smiling and offering him a hug as she greeted him. He seemed to be in a better mood from earlier and it was nice to see such familiar faces again. Her attention turned to the elder brother and she stepped forward to hug Reeves next, pulling him close and letting the embrace linger. "Hello, mon beau. It's been a long time."
The silence was suffocating, and Jubilee was all too eager to escape the church once the priest declared they would move on to the wake portion of the program. Chantae seemed to have read her mind and taken the young girl away before she could even ask as she was soon stuck rallying the staff and being sure every detail was to perfection. And before she could even step away a group of collogues of her uncle had cornered her questioning what would happen to the makeup business her sister had started now that she was no longer with them. She did her best to speak with the group without seeming distracted. Her gaze shifting through the crowd to find her daughter pausing momentarily in shock when she saw the face of someone who should not have been there. Her eye widened before she blinked hoping it to be a sick delusion due to the lack of sleep.
And just like that the figure was gone and she was left focused on finding the figure in the crowd. Reeves seeing this seemed to search the crowd as well before landing on Chantae and Serra believing that it was likely his cousins' motherly instincts that had her searching for a child, completely unaware of the truth. With the woman and the girl seated off to the side Reeves strolled over to the two silently watching the two to not disturb the moment. He held a small plate in the hand for the two prepared to offer a snack when Chantae offered her affections. A single arm seemed to find its way around Chantae's waist as he found himself tightening the girl in a hug doing his best not to drop the snacks he brought for the two. " Too long, the tour has been good to you i see " the male told focusing on happier topics than what was currently occurring.
The arm around her waist made her realize how much she'd missed Reeves. Jubilee was her best friend in the world but Reeves was...Reeves. "It was, thank you. It was so busy and toward the end, I was very much ready to come home and see everyone. I just wish we could have reunited under happier circumstances." She placed a hand on the arm of his suit jacket and let it linger there before bringing her hands together. "I'm sorry for this loss, mon amour. I see you've been keeping yourself busy. I was trying to keep up with the Hawthorne business while I was away. Is there anything new I should be looking forward to?" She smiled, tilting her head in anticipation. She didn't want to dwell on the more obvious subject at hand if he wasn't in the place to talk about it yet. Not to mention she was just happy to see him and wanted to get all caught up. "Have you allowed yourself anytime to relax, or are you still working into the night and not eating?" Her voice became a little more stern but it still retained its playfulness.
Having Chantae around was a great joy in a gloomy time such as this. Although if one were to stare at Reeves facial expression or body language you would never be able to tell as he looked as stoic as ever. Towering over and her his niece who was now focused on her uncle prince and her attempt to cheer him up. His arm remained around her a moment longer than usual before he took a step back and handed the two a plate of refreshments in the event, they found themselves parched or hungry. Jubilee seemed caught in a web somewhere so he found it to be his duty to look after the two while he still had some downtime. " You know i can't share trade secret, even for you chantae. But there is, Business does not stop for the dead...even when it was one of our own " if he could the male would stop the entire world in that second just to give his family sometime to grieve but that was not realistic. Tomorrow Kimberely would still be dead and their competitors would be trying to take over the industry if they didn't stay on their toes so Reeves would do what he always did and run the family business to the best of his abilities. " I will relax when I'm retired " and not a moment sooner. Reeves followed a strict schedule for everything in his life and he rarely deveated from that.
It was amazing how after so long, someone could be so...the same! It was something she actually admired about Reeves. What you saw was what you got. Even when they were children, he could be so stern and serious. Seeing pictures of him from that time was always amusing. She took the plate of refreshments and started to eat, noticing some of the items were ones she would have picked out for herself. He knew her so well even after all this time. Hearing him talk about his family's business made her nod in understanding though his secrecy did make her more curious. Her eyebrows furrowed at the mention of his poor relaxation habits, or a lack thereof. "My Reeves, you will NEVER retire. You will become like your grandfather and continue to work even though you tell people you're retired." She popped another of the refreshments into her mouth, almost as though she were trying to subconsciously communicate that eating could actually be enjoyable. "I bet you're still ordering out from different restaurants and eating them late at night while you work alone in your office, don't you?" He didn't even have to answer. The truth practically radiated off of him. "Well, now that I'm back, you will have to come visit me so I can make something for you. I picked a few new recipes during my travels, or perhaps I can make something I've made for you before that you liked?" It almost sounded as though she was starting to talk to herself. Her words to other people and her outspoken thoughts sometimes just blended together. "I insist you take a day off to come and visit me. We can spend the day together and I can teach you how to actually relax." She wasn't going to take "no" for an answer though she doubted that he would turn her down. Even though she couldn't explain why, she knew Reeves had a special place in his locked down heart for her. They'd always had an interesting relationship, all the way from childhood, into adolescence, and now as adults. "Besides, why would you want to starve such a beautiful face?" Chantae smiled as she spoke, placing her hand gently on the well-shaved stubble on his cheek, allowing herself to giggle again.
It had been far more efficient that way. While others, like his brother, wasted their time going with where the wind took them Reeves had found that careful planning could yield the most optimal results for the things he wished to accomplish in life. Even know in the midst of heartache the male had carefully planned each moment of his schedule, even the conversation the tow had was preplanned for his down time before he would be forced to take charge once more. " If my time line continues I will be able to retire with enough time to train my children to one day take over the company. And then relax as a member of the board " Members of the board were always heavily involved with the company decisions but merely met once every other week to discuss company matters before parting ways once more, the exception being when emergencies took place. " If Jubilee returns my grandfather could retire, perhaps you can convince her to do so now that Kimberley is no longer with us " their grandfather seemed steadfast in his choice not to pass on the company until all cousins were once more working as a family to ensure the future prosperity of the company but Jubilee was stubborn and decided to put her own happiness before the families all because the far of her child had decided to divorce her. A dramatic reaction of epic proportion if one would ask him but he had kept such a thing amongst the family knowing an outside would never understand and make them appear weak if there was fighting amongst themselves.
Hearing her words the male smirked. So she had been keeping track of him and his habits in their younger years it seemed. "Different? I carefully vetted each restaurant before choosing the best for my daily meals " Reeves was a man of habit although occasionally he would add another to his list if it seemed to prove up to his standards. The careful rotations ensuring he was always well nourished while also aware of trending sites that could prove valuable to the Hathorne family. " I will try to pencil you " An easy enough task if he truly cared to do so as he managed his own schedule instead of having his secretary create it. " Careful Chantae, if the others heard they would think you were flirting with me " the male joked before giving her a wink knowing it was far from the truth. In his eyes he was just familiar to the woman and she treated him the same as she did to prince or even Jubilee.
Hearing her words the male smirked. So she had been keeping track of him and his habits in their younger years it seemed. "Different? I carefully vetted each restaurant before choosing the best for my daily meals " Reeves was a man of habit although occasionally he would add another to his list if it seemed to prove up to his standards. The careful rotations ensuring he was always well nourished while also aware of trending sites that could prove valuable to the Hathorne family. " I will try to pencil you " An easy enough task if he truly cared to do so as he managed his own schedule instead of having his secretary create it. " Careful Chantae, if the others heard they would think you were flirting with me " the male joked before giving her a wink knowing it was far from the truth. In his eyes he was just familiar to the woman and she treated him the same as she did to prince or even Jubilee.
Hearing talk about the company made Chantae roll her eyes slightly as she groaned faintly. Despite her outward reaction, she did understand his perspective. Reeves had been groomed from childhood to eventually move into a position of authority within his family's company and the Hawthorne's wanted to keep their business within the family as much as possible. That was what made the situation with Jubilee all the more complicated. Her best friend did not seem as ambitious to take a role in the company as some of her other relatives. She had her daughter to think about more especially, and she was positive that probably hadn't changed much in recent years. However, with Kimberley now gone, she wondered if that would potentially force Jubilee into an uncomfortable position. Even if she didn't want the position herself, would she really want a stranger entering into her family's world? Training his future children? The thought made her laugh to herself. Even now he preparing himself to further his family's line and add more Hawthorne children to the business. Heaven forbid the poor things might want to pursue other options. She didn't think Reeves would force them, though she was positive he would try his darndest to get them to participate in the family business. "Mmm, I don't really like getting involved in the business side of your family. I also don't want my dear friend to think I was sent by her cousin to try to convince her to do something she doesn't want to do." This was her first time seeing Jubilee in a long time, Reeves too! She just wanted to enjoy her time with them after returning home and Reeves was already trying to send her on a mission.
His comment made her laugh. "Pencil me in? You're hilarious." Despite how organized he was, Chantae had a confident feeling she could show up on a random day at a random time to his office and he would manage to make even a few minutes of extra time for her. When they were younger and in school, his schedule would be packed with homework, sports practices, apprenticing with his father and grandfather, and whatever else his family clogged his schedule with. Nevertheless, Reeves would still find time to spend with her or send her little gifts or messages or both. He would claim it was just because she was a friend of the family or because it was a special occasion like a birthday or holiday or school event but...She smiled to him, sticking the tip of her tongue out between her front teeth. "Oh I wouldn't want that. Your grandfather might misunderstand and get the wrong idea." It was an unspoken truth that the Hawthorne patriarch had...old-fashioned ideas about people of a particular skin color. The older gentleman wasn't so extreme that he wore a white hood but everyone knew. Her family seemed to be more accepted because they were wealthy and with her fame, it helped bring exposure to the company secondhand. Despite how he thought, that never stopped her from spending time with any of the Hawthorne children, especially Jubilee.
Despite their upbringing it appeared the woman was still not a fan of business talk. One could not blame her as it appeared they spent much of their young lives learning to run businesses and be pioneers of their empires but at the very least he expected her to entertain such speak if only for a short while. " We all have to grow up sometime Chantae. It is better for her to come to that realization through a friend than through force " Her dream of being a school teacher was sweet and commendable to want to give back but it was time for his baby cousin to grow up. With Kimberely gone they would need her now more than ever and how long would her job give her reprieve before they ultimately let her go for her absence. Sooner or later she'd be forced to make the choice between her family or her job and he simply wished Chantae to help her see it before it was too late to make one. There had been truth in Chantae's words although Reeves would never reveal such a thing out loud. He would be sure to clear sometime for the woman if it was absolutely necessary although that often left him with more work in the end. " How bold you've become these last few years " the male told his gaze traveling over here before returning to her eyes.
Anthony contemplated rather heavily showing up at the church, he had almost been talked out of it by his family but here was standing outside of the church in his Sunday best. He had hoped that nothing would come of making an appearance, all he had desired after all was to offer his condolences and leave. After taking a deep breath he made his way into the building, nobody near the door paid any attention to him and he'd quickly join the line of people who had come to do the same as him.
Familiar faces of those whom he considered once to be his family filled his vision, despite the way how they all treated him before his marriage crumbled, he wouldn't wish the loss of a child or a sibling on anyone. Anthony truly did feel remorse, and he couldn't imagine what any of them were going through. His eyes did travel towards Jubilee for only a moment, and while every fiber of his being wanted to rush to her side he remained in line. He looked away and continued to follow those who were there to pay their respects.
Once he reached Kimberley's coffin he lowered his head, offering up a small prayer before going to the head of the family, Bartholomew - at this point, Anthony's heart was practically pounding inside his chest. He was sure at this point that some had taken notice of him, and while nobody had said anything yet to him the looks, he was receiving were very far from welcoming. "I am...very sorry for your loss." He had offered up his hand to shake as he spoke.
Jubilee She was nearly certain she was going delirious as she excused herself from the conversation. Perhaps the grief of losing her sister was all too much and she was simply seeing people that were not there. She found herself shuffling through th crowd appearing as if she was simply checking funeral matters to be sure it was truly a momentary thing that she was the male there and not fate playing some twisted game with her. After all her husband was said to be serving a 30 year jail time and that was simply with good behavior. Even if by some miracle from the heavens he had found a way to get out early or have his conviction overturn why would he show up at her sister's funeral. The two hadn't had the best relationship in fact her family was often hostile to the male.
Would security even allow him to enter? It had to be in her head and yet the female had a sinking feeling within her the more she thought of it. " Reeves, Can you keep an eye on Serra? Don't let her leave your side " the female told calmly as she gave her daughter a smile in order not to alarm the others. Reeves turned his attention to cousin puzzled by what she was talking about. Had they not been keeping a keen eye on Serra this entire time. And it wasn't as if someone would dare offended or upset the girl at their own family event unless they wished to be social outcast. " Do you remember that time there was an Ant on the picnic table " She said knowing it wouldn't take long for her cousin to pick it up.
The males face hardened at her words before nodding his head. " Thankfully all the Ants were exterminated. There wouldn't be any here " Reeves told annoyed at even the idea that the male would show his face after all he had put his family through. He raised his hand to call security over, but Jubilee quickly stopped him knowing it would draw too much attention. " It's probably nothing but I'll find out for myself " she told him before going through the crowd once more. It appeared as if she was sim0ply seeing things. A breath of relief released from her lips before she turned the corner and witness Anthony walking straight up to her grandfather.
Bartholomew's eyes slanted as he raised his head slightly as he looked down on the male. His hand extended gripping the males being sure to use enough of his strength to get the point across that he was not welcomed here. " Kimberley was a shining star, her ability to see others for what they were will be missed " the elder male responded as Jubilee made her way up to the group of males knowing her father and uncle was prepared to pounce the moment her grandfather gave the signal. "Jubilee, Why don't you escort our guest for us after he's said his farewell's " the male told causing her to move closer to the group or in Hawthorne language take the male through the back door and kick him out of the funeral and their lives for good. " This way Mr. De Luca. " Jubilee told not sparing the male a second glance. She could feel her heart wanting to jump out its skin as she walked Infront of the male. She could feel the eyes of others landing on her as they made their way through the crowd but all she could do was pray that Serra stood far away. " Let's not pretend
Reeves
If other perceived that as flirting well it would only fall on the female in a negative light as he was hardly known for such a thing. Unlike Prince he was seen taking a different woman out each night Reeves was far more lowkey. If a woman was chosen as a date to an event it typically meant she was collaborating with the project at hand or in the works of a collaboration as he preferred to be sure their partners were taken care of rather than leaving it to chance. " Very well, i suppose I'll have to live as my grandfather does if Jubilee doesn't come back home to help " the male told simply shrugging it off knowing it was a long shot to begin with. Chantae had always been too kind for the lives they lived and surprisingly enough had simply been friends with his cousin because she enjoyed her company so he knew there was no way the woman would actually go through with the task. When his cousin came past Reeves quickly understood what she meant. When Jubilee came to the family and revealed she was pregnant the family had taken many steps into planning that the male and his family would not be welcomed into his cousin and the child's life. Something they excelled at was planning for even the impossible although the sheer boldness of comign to Kimberely's funeral was not anticipated he imagined it would be simple to get the male to leave without causing a scene. " He very well might " the male joked simply returning to his conversation with Chantae as he sent out an alert from his phone to call security personal to be prepared to escort the male unwanted male out if Jubilee had indeed saw him and could not handle the situation. " It seems Auntie Chantae is on baby sitting while we go figure out if there is a pest in the mix " the male informed as he was unsure if Chantae was able to understnd the code words the two cousins had been using up until that pouint.