Chapter 1
The whole family was sitting by Edith Wolfe’s bedside. Her Husband Howard and their 2 children Bernie 27 and Stephen 30.
"She's gone. I'm so sorry." The Doctor said as Bernie broke down in tears.
"Come here sweetheart." Howard said as he hugged Bernie.
"I didn't want her to go, Dad." Bernie sobbed.
"I know you didn't. None of us did. But she's not in pain anymore darling. And she has suffered. Hasn't she?"
"Yes. But it doesn't make it any easier."
"I know sweetheart. Stephen, are you alright son?"
"Yes. I'll go make us a cup of tea." Stephen stood up and went into the kitchen.
"Why do men never show their feelings."
"He will eventually. I better go and ring the funeral directors."
"So soon?"
"It has to be done Bernie. Are you coming?"
"I'm gonna stay with Mum. I don't want her to be on her own."
"Ok." Howard kissed Bernie on the cheek as he left the bedroom. Bernie sat beside her Mum and held her hand.
"I'm gonna miss you so much. You are the best Mum ever. I was so scared when I came out to you and Dad. But do you remember you just said We are your parents Bernie we already know that you're gay. I love you so much." Bernie cried. She kissed her Mum on the head.
"Here you go Dad." Stephen said as Howard sat at the kitchen table.
"Thanks son. The funeral director is on the way."
"Ok. Where's Bernie?"
"Sitting with your Mum. She didn't want to leave her. Are you sure you're alright, son?"
"I'm fine Dad. We all knew it was coming didn't we?"
"Yes. We are going to have to keep an eye on Bernie."
"We will. I'll get that." Stephen said as the doorbell rang. "Can I help you?" Stephen said as he opened the door to a beautiful brunette.
Hello Sir. I'm Serena Campbell from Campbell's funeral directors."
"Of course. Please do come in."
"Thank you very much." Serena smiled as she followed Stephen into the kitchen.
"Dad this is Serena Campbell the funeral director."
"I was expecting your Dad." Howard said.
"Dad has stepped down. He has put me in charge now."
"How is Raymond? I haven't seen him for ages."
"He's good. Thank you. So I understand it's your wife that has passed away?"
"Yes, Edith."
"Has Edith been seen by a Doctor in the last 2 weeks?"
"Yes she has. They were always here. My wife died of cancer."
"I'm so sorry. Do you need a little longer to say goodbye?"
"No, it's fine."
"I'll go and get my colleagues then." Serena said as she left the house.
"I'll go and tell Bernie." Howard said.
"Bernie the funeral director is here." Howard said as he put his arm around Bernie's shoulder.
"I hope they look after her."
"Don't worry we will." Bernie turned around when she heard the sweetest voice she had ever heard.
"Come on love. Let's leave them to do their Job."
"Ok." Bernie kissed her Mum again before her and her Dad left.
"Be careful with her guys." Serena said as she helped Jason and Nathan to put Edith in a body bag. When they had finished, Serena made the bed opened the curtains and a window before putting a flower on the bed.
"You guys ready?"
"Yes." Serena opened the door as the lads brought the body out. Bernie immediately broke down in tears as she saw them. Serena felt so sorry for her that she went over and hugged Bernie tightly.
"We'll take good care of her. I promise." "Serena said as she gently rubbed Bernie's arms.
"Thank you."
"Mr Wolfe I will be in contact with you in a day or two. Then as soon as I have got the death certificate I will come and speak to you about the funeral arrangements."
"Thank you so much."
"I am so very sorry for your loss. If you need anything at all just give us a ring." Bernie ran to the window and watched as the private ambulance took her mother away.