Chapter 6
Bernie didn't see Serena anymore till the day of her Mum's funeral. She had wanted to text Serena or call her but she bottled out. When Bernie was ready she went downstairs and found that the lounge and kitchen was full of people that had arrived for the funeral.
"Dad the Hearse is here." Stephen said as he looked out of the window.
"Ok son." Bernie looked out of the window and saw Serena getting out the Hearse. My God she looks fit in that outfit. Oh shit she has a hat on too Bernie thought to herself as she watched Serena open the back of the Hearse and then walk up to the front door.
"Come on darling, let's go say goodbye to Mum." Bernie put her arm in her Dad's as they walked to the door.
"Hello. Are you all ready?"
"As ready as we'll ever be Serena."
"Have you got any more flowers that you want to put on the coffin?"
"Just these please. They are off Maise." Stephen said as he handed Serena a bouquet of yellow Roses.
“Bless her. They are beautiful.” Just like you Bernie thought. Serena passed them to her colleague who put them on top of the coffin.
"Let's get you all in the car." Howard, Stephen. Bernie and Louise followed Serena to the waiting car. Bernie put her hand on the door as she got in, Serena gently stroked the back of Bernie's hand before shutting the car door softly. Bernie watched as Serena bowed before the coffin before shutting the door and walking in front of the Hearse down the road. Bernie couldn't take her eyes off Serena as she walked in front of the Hearse. A few minutes later Serena got inside the Hearse as they all made their way to the crematorium.
When they got to the crematorium Bernie started to cry as 6 men gently lifted the coffin and walked inside.
"Follow me please." Serena showed the family where to sit. As soon as everyone was inside Serena and her colleagues bowed in front of the coffin. Serena looked at Bernie as she walked down to the main doors. I wished I could just go over and hold her, Serena thought to herself as she went outside and sat on a bench.
"Are you alright Auntie Serena?"
"Yes Jason. I'm just a bit tired, that's all."
"I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?"
"Mum says I'm not supposed to call you Auntie Serena at work."
"I won't tell you if you don't." Serena smiled as she kissed Jason on the cheek.
"You like her don't you?"
"What are you talking about Jason?"
"That blonde lady. Who's Mum's funeral we are doing. You like her."
"You'd better go and get ready for the next funeral."
"Ok. See you later."
"See you, love." Serena sighed as she stood up and went to listen at the door. As soon as they had finished saying the Lord's Prayer Serena opened the side door to let the congregation out. Serena saw Bernie was still crying as Howard held her hand as they walked to the door.
"Thank you very much Patricia. It was a lovely service." Howard said as he shook hands with Patricia.
"Thank you Serena."
"Take care." Serena smiled as they left the crematorium.
"You have done a lovely job, darling." Raymond said as he kissed Serena on the cheek.
"Thanks Dad."
"See you later."
"Bye."
When everyone had left Serena walked up to Howard.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, thanks." Howard said as they all followed Serena to the car.
"Are you driving us back Serena?"
"I am. Is it The Roman Pub you are going to?"
"Yes."
"Do you mind if I sit in the front?" Bernie asked.
"Not at all." Serena smiled as she opened the door for Bernie to get in.
"Are you going to join us for a drink, Serena?" Howard asked.
"I'd love to but I have 3 more funerals to do today. But thank you for the offer anyway." All the way to the pub Bernie had to restrain herself from reaching out and putting her hand on Serena's leg. When they got to the pub Serena got out of the car and opened the doors so they could all get out.
“Thank you very much for everything Serena. You've been amazing” Howard said.
“Thanks, that's very kind of you.”
“Bernie you coming in?”
“I’ll see you in there.”
“Ok.” Howard smiled as he went inside the pub.
“So erm. I guess this is goodbye.” Bernie said sadly.
“It doesn’t have to be.”
“Doesn’t it?”
“No. I mean You have my number. If you ever need to talk.” Serena said nervously.
“Right. Well I guess I better get inside and let you get back to work.”
“Ok.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Serena Wendy Campbell.”
“You too.” Serena said as she got into the car and opened the window. Don’t forget if you ever need to talk, you know where i am.”
”I certainly do.”
“Goodbye Bernie.”
“Goodbye Serena.” Bernie watched the car drive away before going inside the pub.