Matters Of The Heart novel Chapter 5

"I think it's for the best, it's only for a few days anyway", Abigail answered as she turned to see Emily sleeping in the backseat

"Thank you for coming with us Steph", Abigail said and Steph smiled as she looked at her for a mere second before turning to focus on the road again

"Of course"

She stood outside the gate of the house she once considered as her home. She could still see herself, sobbing as she packed her scattered clothes in a trash bag her father threw at her to gather her clothes in.

She took a deep breath as she stretched out her hand to unlock the hook of the gate and opened it. Stephanie and Emily walked behind her until they reached the door. She hesitated before pressing on the buzzer. "I can't do this", she breathed out as anxiety took over her body.

"Okay", Steph shrugged as she pressed the buzzer herself and avoided Abigail's gaze as she looked forward, waiting for the door to be pulled open

"Coming", they heard a voice shout behind the door and within seconds, it pulled open

"Abbie", Calvin's lips spread into a smile as he engulfed his sister in a tight bone crushing bear hug. "I missed you so much", he breathed out as Abigail hugged him back, finding comfort in his arms.

"I missed you too", she whispered as they broke away from the hug, and he invited them in

"Cal, this is Stephanie", Abigail introduced, and they shook hands. "Steph, this is my baby brother, Calvin"

"Pleasure to meet you", they both said in union before they broke their contact. "I've heard so much about you Steph. I don't know how to thank you for all you've done for my sister", Calvin said and Stephanie smiled warmly at him.

"No need to thank me really. I'm glad I was able to help her. I earned more than a friend with her, I also earned a sister", Steph said as she side hugged Abbie.

"Well, thank you", Calvin said before he noticed a tiny figure hiding behind Stephanie, peeking a little. "Who do we have here?", he said as he knelt down to Emily's height, he opened his arms wide for her, gesturing a hug.

A beloved husband and loving father

After everyone scatted to different directions to their cars at the graveyard, Abigail stayed behind as she sat beside her father's grave and rearranged the flowers to keep herself occupied

"I forgive your father", she found herself to whisper as she stood up to her feet, although she wasn't entirely convinced she had forgiven him. She may have said those words with her own lips, but it didn't mean she would forget. "I hope you're at a better place now. "And even after everything, "I'll always love you", she said stood there, taking the sight of her fathers grave one last time. She brushed some soil and grass off her dress and walked to the car where Stephanie and Emily were waiting for her.

Abigail stood outside, thanking the guests for coming after they got served some refreshments at her home after the service

After they were gone, she sat on the outside swing and took her heels off and breathed out exaggeratedly. She undid her bun and let her red hair hang loose on her shoulders. Calvin strode towards her to sit beside her. "Emily just fell asleep", he said as he leaned on the swing. "It was a long day for all of us. I didn't think there would be so many people at the funeral".

"Yeah, I was also surprised. Father hasn't always been a saint, you know?"