Miss Marva

Kade requested me to give a eulogy. It shocked me. I and Molly were party crashers; we came uninvited to parties for free foods, drinks, and entertainment. I objected when Molly told me the idea of crashing a funeral party, but she was convincing as always. This one, she said, could be the beginning of something new for us. Plus, the mourned family lived in one of the mansions in town. We always had answers when the host asked about our relations to the person celebrating. ‘A friend, former friend from college, elementary seatmate to former lover’ were our favorite options. They usually convinced the hosts.  Kade did not inquire, but he asked me to give a eulogy. We never came unprepared; we anticipated every possibility. This time was the exception; we forgot to prepare for a death speech and do online research about the departed soul. Crashing parties without being caught made us loosen our guard. I learned that how life worked, giving me hope till I got comfortable, then dumped me. I strolled to the podium, glancing back at Molly. She nodded. I gripped the microphone that it let a violent cry. The soundman came and taught me how to hold the mic. My hand trembled. I wanted to be somewhere else, a place where I did not have to embarrass myself. Eyes awaited. Kade nodded. Fine, I would do it. “My name is Joice. Maria and I went to the same elementary. The news shattered my heart.” After reaching for a handkerchief in my pocket, I wiped my eyes. I inhaled. “She was a brave girl. She liked to play football; yes, football. We played with the boys. I remember one day. We were playing when one of the boys pushed me to the side. Maria charged at the boy and pushed him by the chest. The boy fell flat on a pile of mud.” The audience smiled. “Her faith was remarkable.” I glanced at the priest, who shook his head. Well, I just made a mistake then. Skipping the religious aspect would salvage my eulogy. “Maria set an example for all the women. She stood for herself. I heard she refused to rest despite her illness. That’s brave.” The audience clapped. Molly wiped her tears. Did she cry? It made me proud. “Maria loved Kade and her…” I did not see any children around Kade. On his left was an aged man in a wheelchair. A woman in her seventy was on the right, also in a wheelchair. When we googled their family, we did not see any pictures of their children. “I believe she is at peace, looking down from heaven above. I hope Kade and the family are willing to let her go. Thank you.” After giving the mic to the MC, I darted toward the casket and laid my hand on the side. A think pale corpse stared at me. She knew I lied. I covered my face and returned to the corner. Molly pulled me closer. “You did well.” “Thank You I said. Now let’s go home. I don’t want any food.” We tiptoed to the exist. We rushed to our motorcycle. “Wait.” A deep voice stopped our escape. “We’ll have lunch after this.” Kade looked at us. His tall figure intimidated me as he drew closer; I smelled aromatic-woody. Rich people smelled different. That was what Molly told me. His eyes searched deep into mine; the stare stripped me naked. I traced his bushy eyebrows. I almost forgot that the man just lost his wife and we just crashed the funeral ceremony. “We have to go.” I reached for my helmet. He grabbed my hand. My heart raced. Imagine, a man that just lost his wife was holding another woman in the parking area. I glanced around. “You come for food, right?” He released my hand. “Have your lunch before you go.” “We’ll just skip the lunch.” Molly pulled my arm. “Thank you.” My bike key was missing. I searched my pockets and bag. “Maria is my sister. Plus, you are too young to be her elementary mates.” I whispered to Molly’s ear about the missing key; She searched her pockets and bag. I glanced at Kade. He tossed my key onto the air and pocketed it. “Eat first.” Foods were everywhere on the serving table. I had never attended a party with such much food. I served myself a few spoons of pudding, while Molly rammed every kind onto her plate. She had no shame; I meant we had no shame. No more crashing party, I told myself. Maybe, this was the way God reprimanded us. The priest came close with a plate on hand. He laid his eyes on me. I felt like a sinner, lying for food. “Joice, you said Maria was a churchgoer? She never attended any mass since came to this city.” He eyed a chicken which they grilled a whole. After muttering words which I assumed as a prayer, he forked a chicken breast. My chest hurt as if the priest thrust the fork into my chest. “Maria went to another church.” Molly salvaged me. The priest showed discontent on his face. “You two never show up, too.” He left toward the mourning family. They served red wines on the other table. Molly poked me and eyed the wine; I shook. “Come on. Don’t look cheap.” She rose, heading to the table. We were cheap. Nothing cheaper than wanting something for free. I glanced at Kade; he was busy talking to the priest. Molly returned with two cups of wine. She handed one to me; I had never had a glass of wine before. The liquid poisoned my lung. I closed my eyes and waited for the pain to subdue. Aromatic-woody teased my nose as Kade landed a plastic chair next to me. I moved my seat aside. “Kade.” He reached for my hand. I tried to pull, but he tightened his grip. “Joice.” I released my hand as he loosened his grip. He reached for a phone from his pocket and showed me his phone. I recognized my i********: account on the screen. How did he find out? “Joice? Nice." He handed me the key. "I hope you enjoy the food."  I stood, pulled Molly’s hand, and rushed outside. I hoped not to see him again. We have different social statuses, unlikely we crossed paths. We rode away.