The Life and Lies of The How-To Manual

My funeral was okay. Too much crying. I hate when people cry, especially over me.

I sat there, watching him. I hated to see him sad. He looks so miserable. I nearly went up to kiss his nose and make him smile again, but that would ruin it, wouldn’t it? I had to wait, to let them mourn before giving them hope again.

The funeral was short. I liked that. I’m sure Autumn planned it that way. The cake wasn’t too bad either.

After the service, I went up to the casket for the viewing right before I was lowered into the earth. I pushed through the people ghosting my way to my own body, my feet stepping on the damp earth. I reached in, plucking my shoes (or at least the stupid ethereal shoes) off my body and lacing them up on my feet. Oh, and the necklace. I couldn’t forget that.

My body was lowered into the earth and I watched it go. Dang, I would miss that little body. At least I wasn’t in pain anymore. I felt as fit as a fiddle, as tuned as Jaime’s bass guitar!

I trailed the people to the tents. Oh! Cake! And it was chocolate! I like chocolate cake! Quietly, I thanked my blue haired seasonal best friend for the wonderful treat and grabbed a slice.

The people chatted, well, whispered about me and my memories and blah blah blah. Whatever. The past is the past. Move on, people!

Jaime moved over to stare at my grave like a moping puppy. I sighed, knowing I would have to talk to him eventually…just after another few slices of cake!

“Hey, uh, Vic? Are you stealing all the cake?” Rian asked. I looked over at my cake consumption. Whoops.

I’ve been a little too obvious.

“No! I’m not eating it all! It’s Zack!” Vic pointed fingers. Soon enough, everyone was arguing who was eating all of my memorial cake.

Well the jokes on you, suckers! I’m eating my own damn cake so get your own!

“Um, did another piece just randomly disappear?” Jack pointed out. Everyone (including my mother now) was just staring at the cake.

Well, hell yeah it disappeared! It just went into my digestive tract! Come on people, it’s basic anatomy!

I walked off before they could ask any more questions. I noticed that Chase and Cameron had arrived while I was too busy eating my cake. Skipping over to them, I grinned and smiled before going to sit on top of my tombstone.

I got there just as they left, leaving Jaime standing in front of my little patch of earth with the how-to manual in his hands. He was in shock as I watched patiently. Without warning, he sprang into action and flipped to the very last page. I saw the tears stream down his face as he read through all the words, mouthing my note and sobbing with it.

I sighed. I don’t like Jaime sad.

Getting off my tombstone, I wrapped my ghostly arms around his neck, leaning into his side. I could still see the engagement ring on my finger, shining just like the day I was given it by Jaime.

“Stop crying, butt-queef. I love you.” I whispered, kissing his cheek. He closed his eyes, head tilted up to the sky. I felt him smile as I kissed his jaw again, letting go.

“It’s Willow! I tell you!” Alex argued back under the tent. Oh, the cake thing.

“Yeah it’s me!” I yelled. Alex grumbled on, not listening.

“Are you sure?” Jack asked softly.

“I’m sure as the sky is blue!” Autumn backed up the other singer. They bumped fists as I chuckled.

I had a feeling they would be okay, even though I can’t be with them physically. Let them wait for the next meteor shower. They can sit on their roofs, waiting for trails to fade from the night sky.

I’ll be one of the angels falling

And then, the Mighty Ding shall rise again.

Notes

It's been a wonderful adventure, but this is the last chapter of the story! I'm so happy that I got to spend all the wonderful moments in Ding's story with you guys. It's been a blast!

As to if I will write another story in MD's series: I don't know. I have ideas and I really want to, I just don't know if I'll get to it soon. If anything, it would be posted later.

But thank you all for the memories and the comments! I love you all so much, and please don't forget to check out my other stories! :)

From Ding to you, thanks for reading!