RESTLESS | JACE'S FUNERAL |

[char]

Jacinta Landers
= = = = = = = = =

Born February 5th, 1993. Died July 15th 2012.

[Everette Jason Evans]

The sun shone bright above, through the trees on the warm Summer day. Jace would have wanted that. The bright sun, the wisping winds. Her favorite movie was '51st Date' just for the scenery. Today would have done her proud, and with shades on covering his red-cried out eyes, he glanced up at the sky. Was she up there? Maybe she was in the heavens, looking down at them and chillen with Ev's parents. Hopefully they would look after her, and not her father. Jace never had anything to do with her dad, but from what Ev knew he was dead. They send those kind of people to hell though, when Jace would have front row seats with the Lord because she was an amazing person. The funeral wasn't long, but it seemed like it went forever. He didn't mind, and as he looked down at that brown coffin it didn't make a difference. With Claire beside him, they were powerful but Jace was gone. And Ev did not know what to do anymore, not without her. The priest said his prayer as Ev stared down at the box, and thought intensely.

They better not come. Ev looked at the crowd that was there, and around. If Kyra and Wes were there, then they would be hiding out and watching from afar. Using his magics, Ev secretly scanned the area with his mind to find them, but he couldn't sense them right now. Either they had cloaked themselves or they at least had the courtesy to not come. They killed Jace, and they were going to pay. Personally, Ev was going to enjoy kicking the living shit out of Wes until he bleeds. Wiping a stray tear falling down his cheek, he didn't know what to think now. He cast his arm around Claire's waste, holding her close. It was just up to them now, they were the ones to stand up against these two. For Jace they would do it, and they would use what Jace trusted them with to protect themselves and others from the wrath of them.

"Now if anyone would like to say a few words in Jacinta's honor, please do so". Stepping back, the priest allowed people tp pay their respects. Ev was first, and unattaching from Claire, he walked in his black suit around the coffin and to the podium. He unfolded a piece of paper from his pocket and set it on their, not removing his glasses but removing a tear as he got their, and cleared his thought. There was so much he wanted to say, but even Jace wouldn't want him rambling. "We all know her as Jace. Jace Landers; the brave blonde that we have only known for a while. When I first met Jace, it was when we were hanging out with friends. Jace wasn't like other girls, though. She had a light, a light inside her that shone so bright. And even though that has been taken from her - - she will always allow it to shine through us. Jace touched us all, and I hope our loved ones look after her. Thankyou". Wiping a tear, he left the podium and walked his way back to where he was, still looking around a bit to see if he could see the two. But not yet..

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Mari had come early, not out of some morbid facination with death, heavens knows she dealt with that on a daily basis but so that she could deal with the ghosts that filled the funeral hall. See when you're dead the idea of privacy isn't as much an issue so the dead mingle. Old souls and new come together in celebration and many have a hard time accepting that they need to pass on. She had helped six so far. The light they stepped into gave her hope that they would find the peace they sought and she kept her head down for those less friendly types. They needed a shove more often than not and it took more out of her than your average good spirit.

When you add to that the fact that emotions know no boundaries either, well you have one very depressed empath walking up to the podium. She hadn't broken down yet but there were dark circles under her eyes and she looked as pale as death itself. She hadn't seen Jace herself yet and she might not. Jace may have crossed over, she really wouldn't know unless she got close enough. Still, she'd been ask to say a few words although what she did not know. She knew some folks here and knew they would be in pain. With that in mind she stepped up to the podium, her black dress and silver jewelry gleaming in the light:

"Hi, my name is Marina. I didn't know Jace as well as I'd like. I met her in passing at an accident at the hospital she'd been staying at. I don't even think she'd realized I was there. You see there was someone that was trying to hurt her and I, not knowing what was going on, stupidly rushed in like I always do. Because..." she felt herself choke up, "That's kind of what I do...ummm so anyway...I kinda stood in front of the door till the cavalry arrived because even though I didn't know her...she needed help. You see I was raised by my mom to believe that you fight the good fight. Its not always about winning its about doing the right thing even if it costs you everything. Now I didn't know Jace, but she struck me as a lady that never backed down from a fight. And I know that on days like this its really hard to get back up and continue on but...its what we need to do. Not just for ourselves but for her....I suppose I should have some fancy saying ready and all but the only thing I have is the poem I read at my mom's funeral. She wanted me to understand that even though she was gone physically she was here in my heart and I think Jace would want us to realize that too..." tears dripped down her face but she managed to not cry as she read the poem with shaky hands.

Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood
(Exerpt)
by William Wordsworth

What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.
And O ye Fountains, Meadows Hills and Groves
Forbode not any severing of our loves!
Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might;
I only have relinquished one delight
To live beneath your more habitual sway.
I love the brooks which down their channels fret,
Even more than when I tripped lightly as they;
The innocent brightness of a new-born Day
is lovely yet;
The clouds that do gather round the setting sun
Do take a sober coloring from an eye
that have kept watch o'er man's mortality;
Another race hath been and other palms are won
Thanks to the human heart by which we live
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears.
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
thoughts that do often lead too deep for tears.

[/i]

Her voice went silent and she blinked her tears away, "Thank you, Jace. For touching all of us with your light. Help us to remember the good times. The happy times and know that we'll keep fighting the good fight." she shook and stepped down, a hand helped her to catch her balance a bit and she couldn't even see who had helped her to her seat for her veil of tears. She dabbed at her eyes, and waited quietly.

[jayla]

When Jayla had heard that Jace was dead, it felt like someone had knocked the air out of her and she had broken down, crying and unable to see anything else. She was just so grief-stricken, because Jace had been her best friend and because she hadn’t even known something was wrong with Jace. And she really wished she had. If there had been anything at all that she could have done to save her, she would have. On the day of the funeral, she still felt numb and she had gotten dressed in a black dress, which was right about the only black dress she had and had gotten earlier then she thought she had. So, when she was standing at the funeral, she had blinked for a moment, before fresh tears came into her eyes.

She saw Everette and Claire and as she listened to Everette’s words, she felt her legs tremble and sobbed again. When she heard Marina’s words, she sobered up and walked forwards by how amazing those words were and she looked at the people. ”Hi, my name is Jayla Pearson and I’d like to think that Jace was my best friend in the whole world. I grew up with her and I’ve shared so many happy memories with her. She has always been an amazing friend and nothing short of that, I think everyone here would think of her as that; amazing. She was sweet and strong and I will miss her so much more than I could possibly imagine right now.” She went quiet and looked around. ”I just can’t believe she is really gone. It hasn’t settled in for me, because she has always been there when I, or anyone she cared about, needed her. She was always right here.” She got quiet and choked up, for a moment. ”I’m going to miss you, Jacinta Landers.. I love you.” She then went back to her seat and fell down, as she started crying.

[Axel Hayden Evans]

He felt terrible. Why did he feel this way? Simply because he wasn't there for Jacinta when she needed him the most. Well quite frankly, he wasn't really there for her at all, he had been a bad friend. False promises of hanging out all the time due to him having so much on his plate, he just felt guilty for everything which had happened. Jacinta was one of those friends that are so rare to meet in life because of how big her heart is, and her courage. She was such a warm-hearted person, she was always there for Axel, no matter what, during their time in Miami. He remembered staying up late with her and cramming homework and assignments in with Jayla; he remembered them getting told off for talking in class; he remembered seeing how happy she was with Zachary...Until it went sour. There were so many great memories with her that he would hold with him for life, he would vow never to forget them or the girl that was Jacinta Landers.

He got the call from a distraught Jayla, who informed him of her departure. He consoled Jayla, before they hung up the phone and he burst into tears, all of the memories of Jacinta passing through his mind, and the questions on how this could have happened. He knew it was by supernatural means from what he got from Jayla on the phone, but any further than that and he was at a loss. He did hear that Everette was the last person to see her alive, so he definantly needed to see him.

Walking into the cemetery in black jeans and a white shirt, he eyed everyone who was there, and then turned to listen to the comments made by Everette, Marina and Jayla so far. He smiled softly as he got closer, he didn't want to say anything though. It wasn't that he was scared, but everything that had been said summed up what he could possibly say about her. If the dead could hear our thoughts, then his thoughts about her would be enough for her. He moved foward, placing a rose on her coffin and smiling softly, trying to be strong. "You taught me to be strong, I will never forget that. I love you Jace," he spoke softly, talking to Jacinta and not those around. He touched the coffin for a second, before walking away and standing next to Everette quietly. He didn't know what to say, he hadn't seen Everette for a while, and the two of them meeting here of all places just wasn't that thrilling; especially under the circumstances.

[char]

What was that light? The grass felt like it wasn't their, and Jace stood. A black dress covered her, and she didn't know what to do. She just looked at them. It had happened, and it worked. Even as a ghost, she could feel the power from Ev and Claire, and felt proud. Kyra and Wes may have done this, but they wouldn't get away with it. But as she stood their, looking around at everyone she cared about, she felt ready. She felt loved, and she felt amazing. When Ev stood up, she felt tears falling down her face as she looked at him. It was sincere, and 100% Ev and it meant so much. But the light near her coffin was bright, and elluminating. She didn't know what it was, but looking up she saw the rest of her friends have their say. Mari stood up and had her say. She didn't know Mari really, but the fact that she stood and said something really beautiful showed that she really wished she had gotten to know the girl more. She wanted to go, she didn't want to cry but she couldn't. It was like she had to be there to see this, even though what she had to do next was a puzzle.

When Jayla stood up their, Jace couldn't help herself. Her hands went to her cheeks as she wiped off tears, and heard what Jayla had to say. She wanted to run up and hug her boo-boo, but she couldn't. She was - dead. She didn't want to be dead, but if magic had taught her anything it was that everything happened for a reason. Tears streaked down her face, and she hoped Jayla knew that she loved her completely. Next was Axel; the one guy that stood by her no matter what for all of her life. He didn't say much, but it was enough. "I love you too". She sobbed and turned away. No one could see her, but it was the most painful experience she had ever encountered. "I love you all - I can't believe this is happening". She cried to herself. Dear Kyra and Wes - burn in hell!

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Mari looked up from her tears and blinked it was Jacinta! Mari's eyes grew wide and she slipped over to where Jace was, mentally, she prayed that Jace could hear her, "Jace, I see you. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you. Is there anything, anything at all you want me to pass on or know?" she asked her as she looked straight at her. Her gaze never wavering as she stared at the ghost. She prayed to the heavens that had given her this power that she could sort things out and help Jace cross over and let her know that it really was better where she was going. That all the pettiness of life was gone and it didn't really matter what happened at the end of the day when heaven was waiting for you.

Of course she probably looked a bit odd staring into one point like she did so she dabbed at her eyes and hiccuped a bit. She didn't need to be labeled crazy or locked away by her dad for embarrassing the family name. She had to comport herself with grace and dignity as best she could. She had to make folks proud and if she could make sense of this waste and tragic situation. It felt like she had a rock on her chest and she pulled out her inhaler as she continued to breathe and inhaled the gross tasting medicine. She hated this crap more than anything but it helped her, especially with all the crying she'd been doing. She just wanted to go home and curl up with her pets and sleep honestly. Her eyes were sore from allergies and tears. She hugged herself and wished that someone had come with her. This was gonna send her into a migraine for sure. She was going to be flat unconscious for at least a day afterwards. It sucked but her dad wasn't likely to object. Anything that wore her out made her less of a handful in his eyes. She'd have to let Trent know she'd be out and if he wanted to come by he could.

Shaking herself out of her musings she hugged herself and waited for Jace to speak. This was her day as much as her birth had been.

[Claire Diastone]

Claire had come to the funeral together with Ev, standing next to him as the only real ally she fully trusted at the moment, everything was so uncertain right now, her head was a complete and utter chaos, but she had to be here, she wanted to be here, for Jace. The first time she actually looked up was when Ev left her side and walked up to the podium to say his words, Claire had plans to say some things too, to say what Jace had said, but she needed time, she was sure that if she was going to stand there now, she wouldn't get out a word and/or just simply breakdown, lose her balance and just crush down on the ground crying again, more than she had already started doing again when they arrived.

Claire knew she couldn't let Ev do this alone, so there wasn't any thought that she would do it, as even in this trance state of hers, trying to keep herself together, restore order in the chaos in her mind, she used the new power Jace had given them in her last breath to scan around too, trying to sense Kyra out, or Wes... She still didn't know what to do then anyway, she'd rather just find Kyra alone again, and this time not screw up and not letting her slip away again. She suddenly realized that Jayla was speaking and she raised her head a little to look at her, instantly remembering exactly what Jace had said about her, and she had to bite her lip to just focus on listening to her words, because even with all the sadness, it felt good to hear the people Jace had cared so much about, telling the same thing about themselves toward Jace.

Claire just kept quiet until Jayla was done too, and quickly enough Mari followed and she tried her best to listen to that as well, but at the same time she was focusing on keeping scanning around, and at the same time trying to strengthen herself to be able to speak once she got the chance, not wanting to just interrupt anyone else, they had to do their words too after all. And eventually she got the chance, she did see someone she didn't recognize, especially now, going to the coffin, but she still walked to the podium and stood there, looking over at the coffin herself and then at the people that were there. 'I...' She started and then closed her eyes for a second to regain her voice mostly at least.

'I want to say some things too, I can't really say that I was awfully close to Jace but she was still one of the people I really trusted, that I knew that if I did something stupid, I could at least tell her if I didn't to anyone else... I don't know... I don't know what else to say...' She said before looking at Ev and wiping away some tears, trying to keep strong at least for now before she continued anyway. 'But the best thing I think I can do for her is telling all of you here, what she wanted you to know, what her last words were... So here goes, her last words toward Axel: "tell Axel that he was a true friend, and to never stop caring." Her last words for Jayla: "Tell Jayla that she is my best friend forever, and I hope her mom get's better." After that one she took a short break to take a deep breath and look toward Jayla for a moment before looking down back, because to be sure she had written it down, even though it was singed in her brain and memory, and even though she changed some things because of how much difficulty Jace had with telling them with the pain she was in, she was sure it had come down to this. 'Jace's last words for Zach: "Tell Zach, that I love him." And then...' She fell quiet as she just now noticed that she had automatically written down her words for her and Ev too and closed her eyes when she saw that. 'T-That was it... I... I'm just sorry Jace, I'm so sorry... I love you and I'll miss you...' Claire said softly as again she started to sob pretty clearly again, and with slightly trembling hands put the piece of paper away. She looked around for a second and then as steadily as possible with how her body was trembling again too, stepping off the podium and slowly making her way back to where she was earlier.

[zach]

Zach stood back a bit behind most of the funeral goers his hands digging into the pockets of his black slacks. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be close to the many people that also loved the love of his life, it was just hard for him to face her. Jayla was the one who had called him the night before last about the accident. She didn’t know the details but knew it was supernaturally related. He’d been through a lot of stuff lately, but Jace’s death was the thing that sent him completely over the edge. Who would have thought that coming to LA for college would turn into what it had thus far. He was changing drastically, and one of the biggest changes was his view on things that were different from him. It had only been a week since his first transformation as the wolf, and he was still alive to tell the tale, but he never did confront Jace about it. Was it fear of what she would think of him? No, because he knew what she thought of the supernatural. Was it fear of the confrontation he’d have to endure with her? No, because it was Jace. Been there done that. It was a bit of both and everything else combined. It was shame. Shame that he had to wait until she was dead to come forward and tell her that he had made a horrible mistake when he broke up with her a year and a half ago. Shame that he had made the decision to leave her because of something so completely and utterly stupid. Shame that he had to become a supernatural being himself to realize that he lost someone he loved just because he couldn’t accept who she was. He spent so much time hating her for being different that he lost touch of the reasons why he dated her in the first place. And none of that was something he could share with her anymore.

Zach’s family was always very religious, but he himself never believed in a higher power until he realized that there were beings more powerful than humans around him. Now he believed that there had to be something out there that controlled the balance of everything and everyone. There just had to be. He wondered if that was where Jace would go. With that thing or being that did control the balance. Would he accept her for who she was? Let her live on peacefully in a life after death? He hoped that thing or being was more accepting than he had been in the past. Jace deserved nothing less.

Zach watched as the many friends of Jace stepped up to read and say their goodbyes to her. First Everette Evans, then Marina, then Jayla, then Axel, and then Claire Diastone who he’d never met before. Claire went on to share the words that Jace wanted her friends to hear when she died. ”tell Zach that I love him” those words played over and over again in his head. Did she really say that, or was it just what a very close friend of Jace’s thought that Jace would say? He was pretty sure she didn’t love him anymore. How could she? He made it perfectly clear that he didn’t accept who she was. Hell, she even did a spell just so she could feel accepted by him specifically. Zach immediately wished he wasn’t there. There with all of the people that loved her, cared for her, believed in her, accepted her. He didn’t deserve to be there with her. He didn’t deserve to say his goodbyes. She didn’t deserve to die.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

Mari picked up on Zach's turbulent emotions as she sat in the area just on the outskirts of the funeral. Pausing a moment she held up a hand to let Jace know she would be back and she made her way over to Zach. She made sure Zach could hear her coming. And then gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Zach, honey?" she said softly, her face showing her concern for him, she hoped he wouldn't turn away or tell her off, today was a time for comfort not being alone. "Its okay to grieve. No one here will judge you for it." she whispered softly.

She exhaled softly and bit her lip as she looked up at him, "You knew her better than I did." she said softly, "I know she's listening to your heart now. Its okay to let it out." she murmured softly, "I know you've been through a lot and its hard." she exhaled and leaned against the tree he was near. "You know the ones we love are always with us. They hear our hearts for what they truly mean. They don't get tripped up by language or fear they just know and can feel it."

She looked down, "When my mom died I blamed myself. I thought that if I had been good enough she would still be alive and she'd be happy. I spoke to her every day. I still do honestly but I know she wouldn't want me blaming myself for what happened to her because it was just her time. I know Jace wouldn't want you blaming yourself for what happened in the past. Just let her know what you feel right now. She'll hear you. I know it." She rubbed his back lightly to try and calm him down a bit.

[zach]

Zach could hear the footsteps of someone coming towards him. Zach wasn’t at all looking for someone to cry with or be sad with. It was bad enough he cried in front of Jayla the other day. But of course, he should have known someone would come up to him. I mean he was pretty sure all of Jace’s friends knew about he and Jace’s relationship, so he wasn’t surprised, but people just needed to leave him alone. And when the hand of the person rested on his shoulder, and her voice could be heard, he immediately wanted to roll his eyes and shake his head….but he didn’t. He had come to know Marina as the really annoying girl that was into Trenton that liked to always help out and show up when Zach didn’t want anything to do with anyone. He was becoming accustomed to this, although it was still very annoying. And then she said honey. Was she really that much older than him? He hated when people called him honey. He wasn’t a honey. He was a freakin’ mess, that was what he was, and her trying to console him was not helping at all. But it wasn’t the time or place to freak out on Marina yet again. Even though it was fun to do, he knew that they were both here for the same exact reason. So, why bicker right now? She was trying to be nice, caring, and understanding of his feelings towards Jace. He wanted to respect that….or at least ignore the comments that wanted to burst their way through his mouth towards her that would start stuff. But as Marina went on, Zach was wondering if she could actually see into him because of how close she was to understanding his true feelings about this whole situation. Zach decided not to ask or acknowledge it at this moment.

He gave Marina a nod and lifted his head to look at her through his sunglasses. He sighed which came out wheezy showing that he had actually been crying. ”Thank you. I really….appreciate it.” He managed to give her a small smile. He had every intention of talking to Jace, but with everyone around he really didn’t want to share his emotions with everyone. He would wait until they were gone. Hell, he would stay all night if he had to just to talk to her alone. He had to.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

She could tell he was irritated at her for bothering him, not in words but just in the emotions rolling off of him right now. She took a step back, bracing to get her ass chewed by him. He always yelled at her and enjoyed it. There was no doubt about it they had a very messed up interaction. If his love life wasn't such a clusterfuck of badness she'd have probably written his angst riddled ass off. But that was the key. She was supposed to help him. It didn't matter if he tore her to shreds while she did it she had to help him get his head screwed on straight even if it drove her nuts doing it. As she waited she was surprised by his self restraint. It was probably that this just wasn't the place for a blow up but it was good he was trying not to insult her for once. She'd take what she could get. Putting her hands behind her back she regarded him from under her black hat and pushed her glasses up on her nose.

"You're welcome." she murmured softly, "You and Claire are the only two people I know here. Sorry if I'm kinda gravitating towards you. I'm not trying to get underfoot...I just don't like to be alone during these things. Been to too many as it is." she looked down at her flats a bit before looking back at him, "Do you have a ride to the memorial?" she asked him softly, "I've got plenty of room in my car and I promise not to talk your ear off." she watched people gather in clumps as they tend to do in large gatherings. It reminded her how few people she actually knew were here. She wished Trent was here, or Rodney. She honestly was only here for Zach and to see if Jace needed anything. Funerals were for the living. Generally the dead didn't care in her experience. Right now she just wanted to kick her shoes off and curl up with someone for reassurance.

[zach]

Zach stared out at the people holding each other and listening intently as people said their goodbyes. Marina was right. This was the worst time to be alone. But sometimes people wanted to be alone during times like this. Zach was never one to be public about any emotions he had. The only person he had really opened up like that to was Jayla. For some reason, he had felt connected to her probably now more than ever since they were the only two who had known Jace for their whole lives. He quickly found her with his eyes. She seemed so upset which was very understandable. He wanted tell her that things were going to be okay much like Marina was trying to do with him. But things were not going to be okay. Things were just going to get worse for everyone. And as much as he wanted to be there for Jayla, he couldn’t be there for someone when he was falling apart inside himself.

Zach watched as they slowly lowered Jace’s body into the ground. He could hear the weeping from the funeral goers. This was such a sad day. Zach didn’t turn to look at Marina when she asked him if he wanted to join her in her ride to the memorial. Zach inhaled slowly and let it out trying to calm himself from this whole situation. ”I’m actually going to stick around a bit. I want….I need to stay after to talk to her. But I’ll catch up with you there. I promise.” Zach said softly not even raising his voice a notch.

[Marina Anne Sinclaire]

She sensed his need to be alone and nodded gently, "Alright." she stepped back to give him space. He seemed to need it. Looking back at him one last time to offer solidarity she walked back to where she had seen Jace and curled back up in her chair. To listen, to just be there. If Jace didn't want to talk to her that was fine. Mari would leave in that case and let Zach have his moment. She knew Jace would hear it.

Softly she sighed and looked up at the heavens. She didn't know how going somewhere so beautiful could be so tragic but it was the way of it. No matter what you believed in the living mourned the dead and felt sadness that their relatives, friends, lovers and family were gone. She bowed her head and prayed for the words to help the people here. To heal their hearts if she could and to ease the pain they felt.