Chapter 3
"Gan Gan." Maise squealed as Howard opened the door.
"Hello gorgeous." Maise held out her arms for Howard to take her. "I've missed you. Hi Louise."
"How are you doing?" Louise Stephens' wife asked as she hugged Howard.
"Not too bad."
"Nan nan." Maise babbled as she pointed to the room where Edith was.
"Shall we go and see what Auntie Bernie is doing?" Maise nodded as she rested her head on her Grandad's shoulder. "Look who's here Auntie Bernie."
"Hello baby girl." Maise reached out as Bernie took the little girl from her father. And bounced her on her knee.
"Are you alright sweetheart?" Louise asked as she kissed Bernie on the cheek.
"I feel better than I did yesterday."
"Good. If you ever need to talk you know where I am."
"I know. Thank you."
"Excuse me a minute." Howard picked up his phone as it rang. And went into the hall. "Hello."
"Hi Howard. How are you all this Morning?"
"Baring up Duncan."
"I have signed the death certificate so you can go and register the death."
"Thank you. I'll do that today. Can we go ahead with the funeral then?"
"Yes you can."
"Thank you Duncan. For everything that you have done."
"You're welcome. Bye."
"Bye. That was the Dr. We can go and register the death today."
"Does the certificate need to be taken to the funeral directors?"
"Yes."
"I'll go and do it Dad."
"Are you sure, love?"
"Yeah. Have you brought Maises buggy?"
"Yes it's in the boot. Why."
"I'll take her with me. Get her some fresh air. Shall we go and feed the ducks?"
"Let her take her." Howard mouthed to Stephen.
"Ok I'll go and get the buggy out of the car." Stephen smiled as he rubbed Bernie's shoulder as he left the house.
Bernie took Maise to the lake first. Taking the little girl out of the buggy. Maise squealed with joy as the duck's came up to her as she chucked the bread at them. I hope you can still see her Mum. Bernie thought to herself as she looked up to the sky. After walking round the lake for a bit while holding Bernie's hand. Maise stopped and sat herself down in the buggy.
"Are your legs getting tired?" Bernie said as she fastened Maise in and wrapped her up in a blanket. A few minutes later and Maise was fast asleep in her buggy. So Bernie laid the back of the buggy down and walked to the Registry Offices.
After going to the Registry Office Maisie woke up so Bernie took her to the park for a bit.
"Oh shit." Bernie said as she looked at her watch. "Maise come on we have to go. The funeral directors will be shutting soon." Bernie picked Maise up and put her back in her buggy.
As Bernie walked through the gates of the funeral directors she saw 3 people in overalls and caps cleaning the hearsts and the cars.
"Excuse me, am I too late? Are you closed?"
"No for another 30 minutes." Serena smiled as she turned around. Bloody hell she looks cute in them overalls and cap. "Hello again. Are you alright?" Serena smiled as she quickly took off the cap and ruffled her fingers through her hair.
"Yes, fine, thanks. I erm. I have brought a copy of the death certificate for you."
"Brilliant. Do you want to come inside?"
"Sure."
"I won't be long, guy's." Serena said to the 2 men.
"Ok boss." Bernie followed Serena inside.
"Come through, take a seat."
"Cheers."
"Is this your daughter?"
"I wished. No, she's my niece. I have to find a nice girl and settle down before I have kids."
"Sorry I thought she was yours. She's so cute. How old is she."
"She's 18 months. Aren't you Maise."
"Hi Maise." Serena kneeled in front of the little girl. Making the little girl smile.
"She likes you. Have you got kids?"
"No. I'm in the same boat as you I'm afraid. I have to find the right girl first. And that's not easy these days." Serena said as she sat down at her desk. Yes she's gay Bernie thought to herself. "So you said you had fetched me Edith's death certificate."
"Yes, sorry." Bernie pulled it out of her handbag.
"Thank you." Serena smiled as their fingers brushed against each other as she took it from Bernie. "We can get Edith ready now. Is there something specific that your family would like her to be dressed in?"
"Me and Dad will have a look tonight and I'll bring it in tomorrow."
"There's no need. I will pick it up when I come and visit your family."
"When will that be?"
"I can't get tomorrow, I am busy all day." Serena said as she looked at her computer. "I can make it the day after. Will 11.00 be OK?"
"That'll be fine. Right, I'd better go and let you get home."
"Ok."
"I'll see you soon."
"You certainly will." Serena smiled. "Bye Maise."
"Maise, say bye."
"Bye. Bye." The little girl smiled.
"Bye sweetheart." Serena waved as they left.
"You liked her didn't you Maise." Bernie asked as they got outside and she wrapped Maise up. "You're not the only one baby." Bernie smiled as she started to walk home.