Brother's and Enemies

*Sandra* 

I woke up alone. I laid in bed, unwilling to get up and face the day. Something wasn’t right last night and he didn't want to tell me. I know he was protecting me. I know he wants me to feel safe. I feel safe with or without the problems this world offers. I told him, and I know, He and my brothers would die to protect me. We are spreading the ashes of one this morning who did just that. He sacrificed his life for me, yes, but really, he did it for all of us. He deserves to be remembered as a hero. I felt the burn of tears forming in my eyes. The thought of Jackson being ash in the garden in a couple of hours was unbelievable to me. He was so strong and well trained. What would I do if that were Jay or Zeus, or Henry, or God forbid Joseph. I don't think I could survive such a loss. Like when I lost my father, I would be destroyed. I wiped my eyes and against my better judgement, grabbed a comm to hear what was going on downstairs. I decided to wait till I was ready to turn it one as I pulled on the sundress and sandals, I assumed Ms. Jones had left out for me on the dresser. Such a sweet little yellow dress that held me in the right places. Good choice Ms. Jones, I thought, as I went to brush my teeth. I needed a nice long shower but I had slept in too long. I didn’t have time. The smell of sex would probably be too much while we sat for the ash services, so I cleaned up the best of my ability with quick in and out. I pulled my hair down, brushing it out, and threw on a bit of shimmer and some gloss. Spraying myself with a margarita cupcakes body spray, and willed for good news and luck for the day. Saying a little prayer for the service today, I headed out of the room.  

“Hello, Ms. Sunshine.” The guard, Seven, stood outside of my door. “Hello Seven, how are you this morning?” He smiled and told me he has had worse jobs, and after a giggle, I headed down the stairs. “Sunshine, you are awake, I have breakfast for you.” Henry said before I could hear anyone else talk. Next was Jay, asking how I am. After I told them all I was okay, and headed to the chef for my breakfast, Joseph said he would meet me there. I didn't want to think about anything but my wedding planning, but I knew that was selfish. I had to know where the change in mood came from in my king last night. If I am going to be his wife, I have to be there to support him. He is tired, even if he doesn't say it. I sat down at a small table off by itself in the room they had set up for breakfast. The other men, the ones I didn’t really know were in a line, getting food from a buffet. I watched as they shook hands, laughed, hugged, and talked to each other. They were like family, truly. Sophia smiled and waved at me from across the room and I smiled back. My hands firmly placed on the table waiting for my food. I found myself hoping Henry would remember my coffee. I saw the bright smile of little brother coming from across the room, and I had to smile back. “Hello, Chef. How are you today?” I said, standing to kiss his cheek. He shook his head, “I'm good, Sister. Tired, and sad. I miss my lady.” I nodded thinking of how I miss my girls too. "How is Takara?” He smiled at me, “She seems better. I spoke with her last night. She wasn't drunk.” He shrugged, “Ms. Jones has really been helping her.” I smiled and squeezed his arm as he sat a plate down with my favorite crepes and a large coffee made perfectly to my liking.  

“Thank you, Chef.” I heard his deep dark voice behind me and as always, my body reacted. He nodded and walked back towards the kitchen. I started to stand to hug him and he told me to stay seated. “Eat darlin.” He kissed the top of my head. When he sat down beside me, I noticed him watching the men the same way I was. “A big family.” I smiled shoving a piece of crepe in my mouth. He nodded. When one of the men walked up to him, he spoke sternly but calm. I listened as the man asked him of Jackson’s last moments and he explained carefully that Jackson was a man of honor who died protecting his family. The brother, I think they called him Stevie, was younger, but handsome. I was sure that was a guideline for being in this crew. Handsome and well built. Stevie smiled at me as he walked by and I laughed a little to myself. Joseph looked at me, raising his eyebrow. I winked at him, knowing he was curious of what I found amusing, but this wasn't the time or the place. He looked up at the others who were headed towards him. It couldn’t be easy, having to answer their questions like this. He is the one they hold responsible, Tommasso held the gun, but Joseph will forever feel the guilt. I sat there thinking about when Ryan took his lifetime best friend from him. How hard it must have been to sit here, like this, answering these questions. I reached for his hand on the table. I didn't know if it was okay to show affection like that. I just wanted him to know I was there with him. He put his hand over mind, and squeezed, but did not look away from the members heading to his chair. He sat there holding my hand and talking for almost an hour. When it was almost time to spread the ashes, Jay stepped out and told the men that Smoke was going to be heading to the garden for the service. “Head to your seats in no later than twenty-five minutes.” Jay’s voice boomed throughout the room. Joseph stood up and without letting go of my hand headed out the door. “Thank you, Sunshine.” He said softly as we walked to the garden.  

Once everyone was seated, Jospeh let go of my hand and stood up with a black urn of ashes. “Jackson was a strong soldier. He was a hero to many in this room. A trainer, a soldier, a brother, and a friend. He meant a lot to the brotherhood and his sacrifice meant more than any of you can imagine to me.” as he spoke someone in the back was mumbling. I couldn't make out what the man was saying but he was clearly speaking under his breath. Making comments about what Joseph was saying. Joseph kept his composure but I looked around at the circle surrounding me and they weren’t as calm. “Jackson was originally a member here, in the city, and chose to just recently join the likes of the inner circle. As a trial run, he was helping with a situation we had been dealing with in the past weeks. My own second, Zeus, referred him to me. He told me he was a good soldier and I could trust him, and he was correct.” This time the man laughed out loud. Obnoxiously standing at his seat and pointing his finger.

“You sure you didn't kill him because he wanted to hit that.” The man was pointing at me.