Chapter 2-The Funeral
866 Words
Chapter 2- The funeral
The funeral was held on a Thursday. It was more fitting than I expected. Someone somewhere wanted my father to have a proper burial, but I wasn't aware who that person was. Whoever it was, they knew my father to a great extent.
As I walked through the funeral room, I saw photos of my father, old ones, new ones, recent ones.
The contents of the letter kept replaying in my mind. I had made friends here once before I left. But that message didn't sound like someone from my past. It sounded like someone who was waiting.
"Hello." I heard a familiar voice behind me.
I turned around, shocked.
"Annabelle." I wasn't expecting my childhood friend to be here. We stared at each other for a moment.
When I left New York, I left it all behind, including my friends, my relationships, everything I had built over the years. The silence between us was much louder than the sounds coming from the organs.
"My condolences," Annabelle said, and she hugged me tightly. I couldn't express a word. I couldn't say anything. I just rested my head on her shoulder and savored the moment.
Annabelle pulled away and held my hand as people came to express their condolences.
Every eye was on me, some sympathizing, some judging, others just neutral. I shook hands I didn't want to shake, accepted condolences I wasn't sure I deserved to receive. I spoke to people I'd never met in my life.
Just then, a handful of men walked into the room. They all looked the same, black suits, in earphones, same shoes, walking in an arranged manner. All except one.
He looked different. Navy blue suit, dark sunglasses. Somehow his arrival shifted the atmosphere of the entire room.
Annabelle drew closer to me.
"Elara, just be careful today," she said quietly, then walked away.
I stood watching from afar as Mrs. Carter rushed over to him. Another man joined them as they stood talking for some time.
“My condolences,” he said, stretching a black rose so it's me.
“Thank you” I took the rose, looking straight into his face, but couldn't pass the sunglasses.
“Your father was a good man. He always honored his commitment. I'm sure you will too,” he said and walked away.
This word sounded heavier than my loss. I looked away, not quite sure what he meant.
Service continued, the priest gave the last benediction to the dead. People came from all corners of the room to give him last respect. But he wasn't there. He seems to have disappeared. I searched across the room with my eyes, but he was nowhere.
My father's coffin was carried out for burial. I stood there alone watching as he was laid on the ground. I wished, I really wished we had a perfect life and I hope, whatever he was, he'd be remorseful for how he lived his life.
I walked back into the funeral and found Mrs Carter waving at people who were already leaving. The hall was almost empty.
“Elara,” I turned immediately. It was Annabelle
“Where did you disappear from? I've been looking for you” He walked into the hall.
“Have any idea who he is?”
“ That's Dante Russo,” she said and set aside, almost like she didn't want to be where he is.
I've never heard of him, I was connected to my father, and what did he mean by those words he said earlier?
Just then a man walked up to me, interrupting my thoughts. It looks familiar though. He gave me some keys.
“Your father wanted you to have them,” he handed a blue card. “Call me if you need anything,” he walked away.
Mrs Carter was concluding, the sky was already getting dark. I was ready to leave and see my last goodbyes to Annabelle, but she was nowhere to be found.
“Leaving so soon?” A smooth, soft, terrifying voice beyond me. I turned, it was Dante Russo without the glasses, he looked more casual without the glasses.
“Yes, it's getting dark, and the event is done”
“Hmm.. Done but not over, i will see you around,” he gave me a smirk and walked away.
“What's his deal?” I whispered to myself
“When are you leaving?” I jolted. It was Annabelle
“By Saturday,” I looked at her.
Annabelle stared at me for a while, and she was about to leave.
“Do you mind if we exchanged contacts?” I'm not entirely sure how she'd react.
“Most definitely. “ She took my number and promised to drop a text
My ride was there, I said my goodbyes and entered the taxi, then my phone beeped.
“Thank God, she texted." I took out my phone, it was a hidden number with a message.
The message came with an attachment, a document and my father's name was on it.
My fingers went cold, i didn't know what it entailed, but i had a feeling it wasn't good.
- Writer
