episode 3
810 Words
It was Monday. The day of Lena's mother's funeral. She had picked up her black beaded gown from the dry cleaners. It was one of her most expensive, high end dress. She went through her closet to find an heel. Her outfit was finally complete. Her reflection in the mirror was pleasing even to her usual fashion nonchalant self. The door bell rang.
She opened the door. It was Maine dressed in all black.
"Lena" he just said.
He had a sad look on his face.
"You look dapper. " Lena replied.
She smiled. She thought he looked quite handsome.
"Are you alright? " he asked concerned.
" Of course I am. We are running late. Let's go "
Maine ushered her to the black jeep. She got in. Maine brought a driver. From the window, she saw the prying eye of a neighbor. The car zoomed off.
" You can rely on me Lithium" he said.
"You're the only one that still calls me that now. "Lena laughed.
" You don't seem shocked by your mother's death. "
" You know my story. Why would I care about a leech? You should be glad that the soul sucking creature is no more. "
" But I think you need closure. "Maine sighed.
" You always worry about me. Let's forget about this. Don't ruin my good mood. " Lena replied.
The church service had started. Family members and curious church members had dropped by. Lena's sister was crying. Lena thought that her wide brimmed hat looked ridiculous. She always loved starting drama.
" Tacky" Lena whispered to Maine
She called out.
"'Thena, dear sister." Lena cooed.
" Lena, like I'm literally in so much shock, like i can't believe what happened. Like is this a dream? " she bawled
" Hi Athena. " Maine greeted.
"I'm not doing ok Maine. I'm in pieces."
"My condolences. " Maine replied somber
"Poor thing. " a church member whispered.
"I have to greet some guest. Stay strong sister. " Lena said.
She moved away. Her eyed rolled automatically. She knew that Athena was enjoying her drama.
"That girl just cannot stop being a narcissist. Like mother, like daughter " Lena whispered.
Lena passed the coffin. It was an open casket funeral. She got closer like some other people were doing to pay their last respects. Inside was a familiar figure with all the life drained out. Lena thought that she was some kind of dead looking even when she was alive. She moved away. A lump formed in her throat. For a minute, she could not tell if she was about to burst into tears or if she was about to shout for joy.
After Lena had some chatter with some church members and some random distant relatives. The service started. People gave testimonials on Lena's mother, Mrs Duro. Family, friends, acquaintances with so much emotions and time. It was to be expected in the quaint town. Everybody had too much time on their hands and gossip and events flew with the same velocity. It was going to be weird because people would expect her to speak and she wouldn't. Definitely, that was a new gossip headline there, she thought. Her sister got up to speak.
Her husband patted her shoulders for moral support, before she got to the stage. She dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
"I just wanted to say that my mother was a great person. She loved life - I'm sorry. "
Athena blubbered. Lena rolled her eyes.
She went on to give a speech about different facts on her mother. Lena was thoroughly bored. Luckily for her the priest wanted to keep on with the schedule, so he did not pester her to make a speech.
Mrs Duro was buried in the town's cemetery.
When Lena got home she was tired. She decided to take a stroll. She checked her bank account as she started her walk, she was broke. She sighed. A part of the funeral was covered with her funds.
"I should have had a fundraiser or something." she thought
As she was lost in thought, she bumped into Plades.
" Ugh. Sorry didn't see you there " she said
" No problem. You must be going through a lot. I heard about your mom's funeral. I was just bringing you a cake "
She observed his outfit. A singlet and a tracksuit bottom. He looked quite good even dressed so simple, she thought.
"Thanks. You guys in this neighborhood are great. Some neighbors have also brought me food and well wishes too. "
His eyebrows furrowed a bit. She wondered what he thought about.
She took the cake from him.
"What are you looking at so intensely on your phone. " he asked.
"My account. I'm broke from the funeral " she replied bluntly
- Writer
