Thursday - 9/23
ST. LUKE’S
A crowd made up of Bradys, Hortons, Kiriakises and other denizens of Salem had gathered at St. Luke’s. Most of them were milling around in the narthex, but a few had already taken their seats. Theresa stood by the entrance to the sanctuary. Andrew walked over to her and hugged her.
ANDREW: Hi.
THERESA: Hi. When did you get in?
ANDREW: Just a little bit ago. I would’ve been here sooner, but-
THERESA: I get it. You were on a mission.
She sighed.
THERESA: At least you’re here now.
ANDREW: I’m so sorry, J...Theresa.
THERESA: Thanks. I just can’t believe all this is really happening.
ANDREW: I know.
He held her a moment longer.
ANDREW: So, where’s my nephew?
THERESA: Mom and Dad are watching him. He’s gonna be sitting with us during the service, so you’ll see him soon.
Andrew nodded. Steve crutched over to John and shook hands with him.
JOHN: You’re looking pretty good there, partner.
STEVE: Feelin’ better than I look.
Steve put a hand on John’s shoulder.
STEVE: Dude, I am so sorry. This whole situation is…
JOHN: Yeah, it’s pretty messed up.
STEVE: How’re you doin’?
JOHN: As best as I can.
Steve nodded. Maggie walked over to Theresa and put a hand on her shoulder.
MAGGIE: It’s time.
Theresa nodded. Andrew offered his arm, which she took, and they walked into the sanctuary together. They sat in the front pew by Tate, Shane and Kimberly. Sami, Lucas and their family sat in the row behind. On the other side of the aisle were John, Marlena, Belle, Shawn-D, Maggie and Victor. Melanie, Philip, Justin and Adrienne, Alexander and the twins sat behind them. The rest of the pews were filled with various citizens of Salem. Eric sat on one side of the altar, with Father Louis on the other. After the entrance music finished, Father Louis stood up and turned to face the congregation.
LOUIS: Good morning. Thank you for being here today, as we say goodbye to and celebrate the life of Carter Bates, or as most of us have known him, Brady Black. Beloved son, brother and father. Please rise.
The congregation stood and after
singing a hymn, sat back down. Father Louis also returned to his seat. Eric stood and walked to the pulpit.
ERIC: A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the third chapter. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” The Word of the Lord.
Eric stepped down from the altar and sat down by Sami and her family. Father Louis stood up.
LOUIS: Thank you, Eric. At this time, anyone who wishes to say a few words is welcome to.
Father Louis sat back down. One by one, people came up to the pulpit. These are highlights of what some of them said.
MELANIE: ...I’ve lost one of my best friends. Someone I knew I could talk to about anything. We supported each other when we needed it, and called each other out when we knew the other was being stupid…
PHILIP: ...We never really got along all that well. It was like we were always in a competition, trying to outdo each other. But, then I took some time away, and so did he, and while I can’t say we were close, we began to form a mutual respect for each other, especially in the last few months. I’m sad that we’ll never get to develop that further now…
VICTOR: ...After he cleaned up his act and came back to Salem, he did his best to be the man that I knew he could be. I only wish that I told him more that I was proud of him, because I was…
JOHN: ...When I first heard the news, I reacted poorly, especially considering that I had gone through the same thing that he was now going through. But after the reality of what was going on sank in, I made a promise to myself and to him, that no matter what, he would still be my son. That was the last thing I told him, that he was still my son, if he wanted to be. I hoped he would…
ERIC: ...Things weren’t always the easiest for us. There were many nights that I prayed that God would soften not only my heart, but his as well, to all of the hurt we had caused each other. Thankfully, that prayer was answered, and we were in the process of repairing our relationship…
BELLE: ...He was my brother. We were like any other brother and sister. We loved each other, even though we sometimes fought. But if there was anything I needed, I knew I could turn to him, and I hope he knew the same about me…
CHLOE: ...Our relationship was, to say the least, intense. Even though things didn’t work out, a part of me will always love him. A lot of time has passed since then, and we’ve been able to clear the air, and even become friends again. I’m going to miss that a lot...
THERESA: ...We truly loved each other. I mean, we have a son together. So many people tried to tell us that we weren’t right for each other, but we didn’t care. We knew what we had. And there is nothing that will ever change that fact, no matter what anyone says.
Theresa looked over at the picture of Brady.
THERESA: I will always love you. Always.
Several other people, in addition to these, came up to speak. Just as it looked like everyone had finished and Father Louis was about to stand up, an older couple that nobody recognized in one of the back pews stood up.
WOMAN: I have something I’d like to say.
