It had been almost a week since Tanya left this world. Her parents were staying with Sean and the kids whilst Lana was driving almost every day to his house to help or just to be there for Sean. Since everyone knew by now about the accident, a lot of friends were showing up, telling them their prayers and blessings. Sean had sat down with the kids one by one, talking to them individually and explaining that their mother will not return. It took him all his courage and energy to answer the questions they had, because talking about Tanya was hard for him. Leo didn't understand at first, asked many times where his mommy was and why she cannot come back, which broke Sean and Lana's heart into pieces every time he was thinking about her. Flynn on the other hand got angry pretty much every time her name was mentioned and started to behave differently, especially in front of Lana. He wouldn't accept anything she was saying, arguing that she has no right to speak to him, which hurt her more than she would ever admit. He skipped school for two days since he was too overwhelmed with his feelings to go anywhere, trying to comprehend the information.
Today, on the 19th of June, was the funeral, an event most people don't like to attend. I mean why would you?
Sean was standing with Flynn and Leo in front of a big crowd, looking down in the hole that was placed to be Tanya's final resting spot. It was right underneath a beautiful tree, which long branches were hanging down, letting the surroundings look magical. A lot of acquaintances attended the funeral, which overwhelmed Sean a little. Seeing the amount of family, friends, and people that wanted to honor his former wife sent shivers down his spine. What a beautiful and at the same time mournful view.
Even Ginnifer and Josh, cast members from Once upon a time, made it in time. Since Sean brought Tanya to almost all the Set partys, she was well known and loved by the crew.
Lana was standing next to Bex and her husband, holding Amélie in her arms. The little girl insisted on staying with Sean, wanting her 'Nana'. It didn't bother Lana at all and like this Sean had his hands free for the boys, who tried to understand what was going on. They all listened to the words Sean had to say before he took the first flower and threw it into Tanya's grave. Leo was copying him but didn't understand the meaning of throwing the flower, whilst Flynn started crying next to Sean.
"I don't wanna throw the flower. I don't want Mama to be in the dirt! She doesn't like the dirt, Daddy!", he said, trying to stop crying in front of everybody.
Sean couldn't hold back the tears that were searching their way to the surface. He knelt down, to be on one height with Flynn before answering.
"She is not in the dirt. I promise. All the flowers we put in will keep her safe and loved. You can make a wish for her when you put your flower.", he said, stroking his soft hair and kissing him on his head.
Flynn needed a couple of seconds before he turned back to the grave to throw in the yellow flower in his hand. Sean took him beside the resting place, making space for all the other people that had decided to come.
When it was Lana's turn, she gave one flower to Amélie, kneeling down to show her what she had to do. With Lana's help, the flower finally landed in the grave after a few attempts, making Lana smile before she walked beside Ginnifer, who was completely in love with Amélie.
"I can remember when our boys were that tiny. They are growing up all too fast.", Ginny complained which made Josh chuckle.
"Can I hold her for a second?", she asked with big eyes before Lana gave her the little girl. Amé was normally the happiest baby in town, but for the last couple of days, she didn't appreciate being in other people's arms except for Lana and Sean's obviously. The actress couldn't deny that the atmosphere at her friend's house has changed immensely since Tanya's death.
"Nana.", Amélie explained to Ginny whilst holding her hands in Lana's direction, ready to be taken back by her.
"Gosh, that kid is getting obsessed.", Lana joked, kissing the girl on her cheek. "It's just Ginny. You never met her before but that's no reason to not like her.", Lana chuckled which made Amélie smile. "That's the smile I wanna see.", the woman said whilst looking for Sean, who was coming straight in her direction. His body language told her immediately that he would rather be alone, somewhere to hide from all the responsibilities that he was faced with. His eyes had dark circles around them, making him look like he hadn't slept in days. Since Lana was not staying overnight at his house anymore he had hands full with Amé during the night whilst getting help from Tanya's parents and Lana during the day.
"Hey. Thanks for taking Amé.", he said, putting a fake smile on his face whilst placing Leo on his shoulders before turning to Ginnifer and Josh. "Thank you for being here.", he said with a sad smile, resting his hand on Flynn's shoulders. "It means a lot."
"Of course. We loved Tanya and we are incredibly sorry for your loss…if you ever need help, just call us. We can't guarantee that we will be in town but we want you to know that you can reach out anytime", she said with her caring voice, handling Amélie back to Lana.
"Thank you, Ginny.", Sean smiled honestly.
"Ehm… a few people are heading to my house. Just a little like… party in honor of Tanya. Maybe you would like to come? Bex and Lana will be there as well.", Sean invited, getting a nod from both of them.
After the ceremony settled down, people left the cemetery, until Sean was the last one standing at Tanya's grave and blowing a gentle kiss before turning on his heels to get to his car. Lana had already placed Leo and Amélie in their car seats, waiting now for Flynn to strap himself before going to the passenger side. They all drove off, back to Sean's house, and went straight into the backyard.
All of them enjoyed getting together in honor of Tanya, even Sean was talking about memorable memories he had, smiling whilst thinking about them. Tanya's parents were the first ones who left the party, because of business they had to take care of back in the UK. Lana dropped them off at the airport, so they didn't have to take a cab. She got the suitcases out and followed Tanya's parents to find the right way around the big building until she wasn't allowed anymore.
"We need to thank you so much, Lana, you really have a big heart.", Tanyas Mom said, pulling her into a hug. "And thank you for taking care of my daughter's family. She would appreciate it very much.", the older woman smiled at her, giving her another hug. Lana had to smile at the gesture because to be fair she knew Tanya's parents only for a few days. They just got along very well and Lana enjoyed their company a lot since they were treating her like a part of this family.
Softly she said her goodbyes before returning to Sean's house, which was empty by now since all the guests left a while ago.
Lana took off her shoes at the entrance, listening to the sounds in the house to know where everyone was. Turned out that the boys were watching a show on the sofa whilst Sean was preparing dinner. Since it has been a busy day both of the boys were soundly asleep, leaving Amélie be the only awake one. Lana picked her up from the playpen, went to the kitchen, and sat down with her on one of the chairs.
"Hey, I am back.", she said softly and got a thankful smile in return.
"Do you need any help?", Lana asked, trying to figure out what Sean was actually making.
"No-no. That's fine. I am just gonna serve some hotdogs. Just cutting some veggies as well for some vitamins.", he smiled, which didn't reach his eyes at all. It looked more like a mask on him, which it probably was after this kind of week.
"I am gonna stay tonight", Lana said determinedly, whilst looking him in the eyes. She didn't even give him a chance to say anything against it. "You look awful, Sean. Like you haven't slept in days. I am gonna take care of Amélie and you have to finally sleep a whole night. At least till we have to get the boys ready for school.", she explained, waiting for a response. She wasn't sure if he is liking the way she is bossing him around right now in his own home, but on the other hand, she knew that it was the truth. He needed rest and Sean knew himself that every denial wouldn't be the truth. So all he did was nod before answering.
"Thank you, Lana.", Sean said sincerely, giving her a small smile of his. "I don't know how often I am going to say that but… you really saved me. Not just taking care of the kids and giving me a rest… I mean as well the fact that you always tried to make me talk. Even if I was being slightly annoyed over the last few days. It helped me a lot, I was just too stubborn to tell you, because… I thought if I wouldn't talk about it, I would forget it quicker. But I was wrong. It is important to talk, especially with the kids, even though it is hard and painful. But when I saw the number of people today that Tanya knew enough to let them attempt her funeral, I couldn't help but smile. It was like a reward, seeing all the hearts that she touched, all the people that loved her. I felt like the pressure was off me for a moment. I wanted to shake that feeling off at first because I thought it would be inappropriate for me to smile at a funeral, but then I saw a feather flying right in front of my feet, which made me think about you. I took it as a sign like you do, a sign that I am where I need to be and that it is okay to honor Tanya with a smile on my face.", Sean finished, wiping away the few tears in his eyes.
Lana couldn't help but have some tears in her eyes as well before hugging Sean, trying not to squeeze Amélie between them.
"I am glad that I can help. At least as long as I am free. Unfortunately, I have some meetings coming up that require traveling next week.", she said sadly because she enjoyed being with the kids a lot.
"But you'll be back for Flynn's birthday party, right? He wants you to be there.", Sean asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Unfortunately, I don't know yet. It depends on how far we will get in the previous days. I cannot really tell you what I am up to. The contract says I am not allowed to talk about it right now.", she sighed before adding: "I am not even truly sure if Flynn wants me to come anymore. I feel like he tries to push me away. I thought giving him more space and leaving him would help him to open up again to me, but I guess right now the only thing he wants is his father. It's understandable. The whole situation is hard and probably painful for him as well."
"I know that he hasn't been the nicest to you lately… but that doesn't change the fact that he loves you. I am pretty sure he does. He is just confused about everything right now.", Sean explained, petting Lanas shoulder to comfort her. She gave him a small smile, knowing that he was right. It must have to do with the grief Flynn is going through.
Sean managed to finish up making dinner whilst Lana was setting up the table for everybody and waking up the boys, who were not happy about that part. Despite their tiredness, they still were hungry and followed her to the table after a few minutes. They ate together in silence, which wasn't the way it usually went. Even the kids didn't seem to joke around. Maybe in the end they understood more than enough what had happened today.
After dinner, Sean started to get Amélie ready for bed, whilst Lana did the same with Leo. The little boy was exhausted, even after their little nap earlier, the reason why taking him to bed only took a couple of minutes. Since Sean was still struggling with Amélie who was, unfortunately, teething, Lana decided to go to Flynn's room. The boy was sitting on his bed, looking sad into nothingness. His sight was blurry, but he knew straight away that it was Lana who entered. Without a word he turned, to face the wall and not her, which made her sigh.
"Go away. I don't want to talk to you", Flynn clearly said, crossing his arms in front of his body.
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A/N: I know the chapters right now are sad and dramatic but I want to be quite realistic and grief is nothing that passes over night.
We will have more happy moments between Lana and Sean but we will also see the struggles he is facing right now.
I promise that it's getting happier in the future 😌