KISS OF BETRAYAL

The Stranger at the Funeral “Dad was right. The killer was out there!” I increased my steps towards the man. Bella followed behind, shouting, “Cassie! Wait!” The man seemed to notice, then stood up and ran towards the door. “Please excuse me”, I begged trying to pass between the people blocking me. The figure disappeared before I could reach it . I stood there frozen. Who was that? Why did it feel like I’d seen that silhouette before? We lost him. I sat down at the steps leading into the hospital entrance, staring blankly and panting heavily. We drove home to freshen up. We had been in the hospital all night. It was the first time I had stepped into the house since Mom and Dad’s deaths. The moment I opened the door, their scent hit me Mom’s lavender perfume was all over the place, and a faint trace of Dad’s cologne. Tears trickled down my face; I sniffled to drive it away quickly Everything around me was a memory: every photograph, every piece of furniture. The once lively mansion felt hollow like a vacuum. “Bella,” I said gently, “I’d stay in the living room.” My voice echoed. I heard water rushing out of the dispenser in the kitchen Meanwhile, I sank into the couch, staring at the giant family portrait above the TV. “Happy times,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Cassie,” Bella called softly from the kitchen, “will you take some juice?” “No, thank you,” I answered. Bella(Isabella )had always called me Cassie. We’d grown up side by side, shared childhood secrets, heartbreaks, done multiple sleepovers, and even attended the same colleges. After her mom died about ten years ago, she practically lived at our house. She wasn’t just my best friend; she was my sister. As I looked around the house, I remembered the sketches Mom and I used to make together the first designs that built our academy into what it is today. I was snapped out of my reverie by Bella. She came up behind me, gently handing me the glass of water. “Drink,” she said softly. “Thank you,” I said, taking slow sips. Her presence brought me warmth. “Cassie,” she whispered, “I know it’s hard, but you need to eat something. I’ll make your favorite. Please, for me?” I nodded my head slowly. “Fine… for you,” I smirked. I went upstairs for a quick shower. As I undressed, I noticed something off. My wallet! I checked my bag, my jeans, nothing. It was gone. A chill ran through me. That wallet wasn’t just money and cards; it held my parents’ picture and the small pearl necklace Dad gave me, my most precious possession. I had promised to always carry it with me on my neck or in my wallet. Now it was gone. “Can this day get any better?” I exclaimed with frustration. “Cassie!” Bella called from downstairs. “Dinner’s ready!” I tried to push away the rising panic. Maybe I misplaced it. Maybe… We had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and a margarita cocktail, my favorite meal. I could almost hear Dad’s laughter, Mum’s voice, and the stories they used to tell. I forced myself to eat a few spoons before giving up. I headed upstairs. Bella followed and lay beside me. Whenever we had sleepovers, there was always something to chit-chat about, but that night, I was lost in thoughts and tears. Bella held me in a warm hug until we both fell asleep. _____________________________ Days passed, and the funeral day finally arrived. Bella held my hand tightly as we stepped out into the cold, dull morning. Thick clouds loomed, heavy with rain, as if the heavens themselves mourned. The church was packed with family, friends, and business associates. I wore sunglasses crying beneath them; it had never been the same since that night. The priest’s voice echoed softly: “We gather today to honor the lives of Mrs. Vivienne and Mr. Alexander…” I barely heard the rest of the sentence. My father’s last words resonated in me: “It… wasn’t an accident…it was pla….” Seeing them lying there lifeless, my chest tightened. It felt like I was being torn into tiny pieces. It was time to put them in the ground. I screamed so loud, with tears pouring from my eyes, “Why them?” I exclaimed. Bella was there to hold me, whispering, “It’s okay, Cassie. They’re in a better place.” Her father, Mr. Theodor, gently placed a hand over mine, his eyes filled with water. The burial ceremony was done in no time. Guests offered condolences one after another, their words blurring together. But something caught my eye. Bella was talking to a man I didn’t recognize. He stood a few metres away, tall, wearing black. The cap looked familiar, like I had seen it on someone, but I couldn’t place it at the moment. Carried away by a group of friends that came to express their condolences, I lost Bella and the stranger. I bid all the guests farewell, my heart heavy. The drive home was quiet and sober. That night, I kept my eyes wide open in deep thought. I just lay there, staring into the darkness. Maybe, just maybe, if my parents hadn’t gone out that night, things would have turned out differently. Morning came soon. Mama would usually be the first person to come wake me up, humming softly with her signature question: “How was your night, baby?” I kept staring at the door, waiting for her voice, her scent, her warmth but no shadow of her. I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower, the water running cold against my skin. I had to start digging into this… I couldn’t wait to find the person who took my parents away from me and lock them up! The breakfast table was set with bacon and eggs. I went to the kitchen and gulped a cup of water, then my phone buzzed. It was a message. “You are next.” My blood ran cold. The same number as before. I froze, staring at the screen. My heart was pounding so hard. “Who are you?” I whispered into the empty room. No response. Outside, thunder struck. The lights flickered once… twice… And then, a faint knock echoed through the house.