October 17, 2008
12:45 PM
Middle Village, Queens, NY
St. John’s Cemetery
It’s a breezy autumn afternoon here in Middle Village, New York. The sun is out, and it has brightened up the sky, making the day a very beautiful one. Today is just a regular Friday in New York. Crowded, busy, and everyone rushing to get where they need to go. No one really paying attention to one another. While everyone is out in the city, working and getting ready for the weekend, there is only man who is in Queens away from all of the commotion....
You are being taken to a quiet, and very dreary Cemetery, that is set place in the middle of Middle Village. No one is around, and nothing can be seen. Nothing except tombstones, grass, and narrow roads. It seems as if no one wants to be in a Cemetery on a day like this, but there are quite a few people though. The Cemetery itself is very far and wide. So there’s a very slim chance for anyone to bump into someone else, who’s paying their respects to the dead.
Maximus can now be seen, as well as another person who is standing right next to him. Both Maximus, and this mysterious person, are standing side by side, looking down at a particular tombstone. Both men with the look of sadness on their faces. We get closer to see that this person standing next to Maximus is a young male, and has very similar features to Maximus. The man that’s standing next to Maximus is slightly taller than Maximus, and has more handsome features. The man that’s standing next to Maximus has a rose in his hand, and stoops down, and places it on the grave that lies before him and Maximus.
The Man, stays down on one knee, and begins to cry silently. While Maximus can now be seen shedding a few tears himself, but is trying to hold it in. The man that kneeled down to place the rose on the grave get’s back up tot his feet, and goes back to standing next to Maximus. Now we look over to see the words that is on the tombstone itself. The tombstone itself reads...“Richard ‘Richie’ Collins; Born: July 2, 1979; Died: August 23, 2008.” Both the Man, and Maximus begin to wipe the tears off of their faces.
Then Maximus begins to speak to man that’s standing right next to him.
Maximus: Thanks for coming out here with me today. I really appreciate it.
The man then responds to Maximus in a deep, and low voice. Very similar to Max’s.
???: No problem bro. Richie really meant a lot to me. He was like the big brother I never had.
Maximus then smirks a little bit, and continues speaking
Maximus: If I knew that I was a crappy big brother, then I would really take offense t that statement.
Then Maximus looks over to his younger brother. Then his younger brother looks over at him.
???: If you were a good brother, then I wouldn’t have to say it.
Maximus: I know Shane...I know.
Maximus then turns his head and looks back at the tombstone, and Shane does the same.
Maximus: From the first time I met Richie, I always knew that he was a tough person. If you would’ve told me that a bullet was going to end his life 16 years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it.
Shane: That’s the kind of impression that he put off on you huh?
Maximus: He sure did...
Shane: He put that same impression me too. I was actually scared of him, when you use to bring him over to the house, when you guys first met each other. Even at his size...
Maximus: Yea, even though he was short, he could whoop any kids ass, any time he felt like it. Which is why everyone was so afraid of him.
Shane begins to snicker a little bit
Shane: Fucking pussies...Richie was far from intimidated, once you got to know him. And no one knew as well as I did. Even though he showed others that he was a cold hearted bastard, he was very warm and receptive to those he cared about.
Maximus: To who?
Shane:...To me. It’s weird because, I didn’t expect it from him. He was worse than you, when it came to dealing with people. Yet, he was patient and calm with me. He made me feel as if he cared about me. Then he would show it every time.
Maximus: The things that Andre, Marcus, Anthony, and I, have never done for you?
Shane: Basically...No offense.
Maximus: None taken. Like I said before, I knew that I was crappy big brother. I was more interested in myself, and I took care of myself. Neglecting all of those around me, who might have needed me.
Shane: Which was something that Richie was able to pick up. He saw that I had no one to guide me, no one around who cared about me, even though I had all of you living with me. He was really and truly a great friend to me. He was there for me when I needed and wanted him around. Not everyone get’s to have that blessing...
Maximus: I know Shane...but I know a few people who have had that blessing to meet someone who cared about them ,and loved them. And they have given back their love and respect for that man in return.
Shane then looks over at Maximus with eagerness
Shane: Was he like Richie?
Maximus continue looking at the tombstone, but still responds to his brothers question
Maximus: Well, he wasn’t a cold blooded killer, I’ll tell you that much. I know I can say that there weren’t any gangsters who wanted to kill him. But from what I’ve heard from the men who knew him, they say that he was a great man, and that he was caring by always lending a helping hand to others when it was needed and wanted. The same thing can be said about Richie, who extended his hand to help you in your time of need.
Shane then turns his head back to the tombstone
Shane: Well, anyone who was caring of others, deserves to be honored and respected for what they have done for others. No matter who they were, and where they came from. As long as they had touched the heart of others, and made their lives better, then they deserved to be honored in death. They will be loved for the rest of eternity.
Maximus then grins a little bit, and then turns his head over to his brother.
Maximus: Don’t worry bro, this particular person, is most definitely being commemorated. No one will ever forget this man, as he has touched the hearts of many.
Shane: Just like how Richie has touched mine...
Maximus: Yea...just like Richie. Even though Richie has only touched you, this particular person, AJ, has touched many more.
Shane: Well, then let AJ’s soul Rest in Peace.
Maximus: I’m pretty sure that AJ’s soul already is...
Maximus then pauses for a second. He then looks up into the sky, and smiles. Maximus brings his head back down, and looks over at his brother.
Maximus: Let’s get out of here, I have a flight to catch.
With that said, Shane doesn’t say another word. Both Maximus and Shane, turn around and begin to walk towards the narrow roads that are cemented in the highway. Both men continue to walk towards Maximus’s all black BMW 650i. Then both men get in the car, and then slowly drive off into the bright sunny afternoon.
