Rita was particularly distraught and nothing Taylor did seemed to make any difference.
With the help that the triplets gave, the Four Amigos wrote a song called ‘Duane’s Song’ all about Duane and the things they liked, and didn’t like, about him, and that he’d be missed. It wasn’t finished by the time of the funeral but the boys decided that it was okay because once they recorded it (and they would) they could come down to the cemetery with a portable CD player especially.
The days passed and it soon came time for the Four Amigos quick Christmas tour. They were organised for a few Christmas concerts and they were also promoting their Christmas album.
“I’m worried about leaving Rita,” Taylor confessed to Isaac. “She hasn’t taken it well, at all. I mean, okay, I don’t expect her – or anyone – to take the death of their kid well but... she keeps moping around and stuff. And I know she’s been crying herself to sleep. I don’t know what to do!”
“And I don’t know what to say,” Isaac replied. “I’ll keep an eye on her, certainly. But losing a kid, I mean, I’ve been looking at my kids and if I ever lost one of them, well, I... I don’t know how I’d take it. I’d hate to lose even one. I mean, okay, we lost Angel, but I suppose, a baby that’s only a few hours old and a son that only had his twelfth birthday a couple of weeks ago...”
“I get what you’re saying, man,” Taylor smiled. “Man! Why’d this had to happen?”
Isaac sighed.
“I don’t know, Tay. It’s... it’s life, I guess.”
“Life huh?”
“Well, you know what I mean. It’s sounds harsh, I know, but people die.”
“Parents shouldn’t out live their kids. It’s just wrong somehow.”
“Yeah,” Isaac nodded. “I know what you mean. Look, I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”
“Thanks man. I appreciate it. I’ve even been considering not going with the boys, but if I don’t, who will? I know you would, if not for all the other kids.”
“We all have an excuse,” Isaac replied with a rueful grin.
Taylor smiled back.
“So umm, I guess I’ll see you when we get back. Is Xavier ready?”
“I was about to go chase him.”
“Well, I’ll let you go get him then.”
“Okay. See you later man. Have a nice trip!”
“Thanks. See ya.”
Isaac headed into the house.
“Xavier!” he called.
“I’m here, I’m here,” Xavier replied, stepping into view. “I was just saying good bye to Mum.”
Isaac smiled and reached out to give him a hug.
“Hey, have a good trip, okay?”
“You betcha. Hey Dad?”
“Yeah?”
“Would you be mad if I did what Uncle Zac did?”
“He’s done a few things that I’d be mad about if you did. What exactly are you referring to?”
“The forty-girlfriends-at-the-same-time thing,” Xavier answered, giving a huge grin.
“No Xavier, I wouldn’t be mad,” Isaac replied with a grin just as cheeky. “I’d personally tell every single girl I saw you with about your little game and hope it got out on the internet as well.”
“Aww Dad.”
“Don’t do that sort of thing, Xavier. First of all, it’s not fair on the girls. Second of all, it’s not fair on you. It backfired on Zac and there’s no reason why it wouldn’t backfire on you.”
“Mmm, okay. See you when we get back!”
“Bye Xavier.”