BENEATH HER PAINS

FUNERAL OF A TITAN

A great hero received a collective mourning from the skies. A soft rain from the grey clouds gently knocked against the windows of the black car which stood outside the church. The precipitation did not develop into a full storm. "The rain dropped with deep sadness in each drop.”

The music produced by the instruments sounded like tears falling from above.

Inside the car, Aria sat down quietly.

Her black short dress had lace sleeves and she wore a silk scarf which she used to protect herself from people's gazes."

Underneath her scarf, her face remained partially hidden behind her large sunglasses but the fresh burns on her face continued to sting and itch. Since that night she has refused to check her reflection in the mirror. The pain she felt was so intense

Her hands rested on her lap as she nervously played with the edges of her gown. That was the only thing that kept her busy. The world outside seemed like a movie was being played because of the blurry faces of people mourning, black umbrellas and the murmured prayers. But none of it got to her.

She felt numb.

Evelyn Richmond was covered with a black veiled which extended to her hands, she raised it up to touch Aria's cheek gently. Her eyes were swollen from the continuous tears she shed throughout the night.

The fire remained a vivid memory that stayed fresh in her mind. Her father’s screams and her attempts to save him and the flames that consumed everything they owned. The place she called home and their status was gone, and the little place her mother got was not in any way comparable to what she was used to.

As the thought of her father came to her mind, she screamed loudly….

The women whispered quietly to themselves while her mother sat beside her consoling her.

From the car, they could hear the gossip from people, someone mentioned that the fire outbreak was from an opposite business partner Aria's father had. Others suggested that it could be he was involved in a shady business, so they targeted the family so they will experience suffering and pay. Lots of people had different opinions on what could have really caused the fire.

Aria shifted her gaze towards them, she could see them clearly because of the tinted glass. She felt bad with all that she heard.

A slow sorrowful hymn emerged from the choir in the church. The sound of their voices passed through the open doors to her chest, hurting her the more.

FLASHBACK

When she was five years old, Aria remembered sitting on her father's lap. He would laugh while holding her up in his arms. He will kiss her on her forehead and say "One day, you'll rule the world, my little princess." "You have a burning fire and zeal in your eyes."

Her father's words rang all through her ears. The fire inside Aria had consumed her completely. She let out a shuddering, while trying to stay strong.

Her words emerged as a quiet whisper. "I should have been the one to take his place, maybe he might have stayed alive.”

Evelyn tightened her grip on Aria's hand. "Please don't speak that way."

The truth remained bitter to her, her voice broke as she continued. "He shouldn't have. I should've saved him.

The driver opened the door on Evelyn’s side. “Ma’am… the service is about to start.”

Evelyn nodded and stepped out, fixing her veil and dress. Aria didn’t make a move of stepping down.

“Come on darling,” her mother urged. “You don’t have to walk in front for everyone to see you, for your sake, we’ll sit at the back.”

“I can’t. I don’t want people to see me.”

Evelyn’s lips trembled as she fought back the tears. “They’ve already seen you,you are such a beautiful lady. And you can’t hide forever.”

Still, Aria refused to step down from the car. She looked down at her gloved hands. She was used to always wearing diamond rings, wristwatches and bright nail polish. Her hands trembled as she tried keeping them still. She didn’t recognize who she was anymore.

Her mum left her, shutting the door on her, she was all alone in the car.

Minutes passed.

She could see through the window all the activities, she could see the way her dad's casket was being carried into the church. It was a golden casket, with diamond stones attached to them. It was a good fit for a man who had built a lot of empires. Her father had always loved a simple life, that was why he was given a simple and grand funeral.

He had been a great father and mentor to her in many ways, he was strict, controlling, powerful, generous but he had also loved her so much.

The church doors remained open as people came in and out. Politicians, business partners, old friends, family members. Everyone came around to sympathize with the family.

“Aria?”

A voice calls out from the rear view of the window.

She looked out and saw Zayne Carrington standing outside the car, his black coat soaked from the rain. He leaned down and opened the door gently.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly.

Aria shook her head, not trusting her voice and emotions.

“You don’t have to speak,” he said. “But you should try and come in. Your father deserves your presence even in his death.”

“I’m scared,” she said in whispers.

He leaned beside her. “You’re the strongest girl and don't let this get at you.

“You alway say, “Never you cry in front of your enemies.’”

She stepped down from the car, looking around, she asked him for her friend's Tina and Bella, he ignored her.

“Come on,” he held out his hand towards her. She held a deep breath, a moment of silence stretched between them, as they walked into the church.

Aria revealed her eyes by lowering her sunglasses very slowly. People gasped when they recognized her. Their stares pierced through her like she was being stabbed.

Despite the stares, Aria maintained her composure and walked forward with raised chin.

Her damaged skin showed both an unnatural color and an unbalanced texture. Aria showed her original beauty on one side of her face but the other side revealed the permanent marks of her nightmare.

Zayne walked close to her in a protective manner.

The church went into total silence when she stepped in through the entrance. Every person in attendance turned their gaze towards her. The priest paused when she entered. Evelyn also faced her with a sober mood.

Aria moved forward until she reached the front row where she sat beside her mother. Her trembling hands remained visible to everyone.

The sight of her father lying in state, made her more sober and what matters most to her was being able to see him for the last time.The funeral casket was still open. She stood up gradually and went towards the casket.

He appeared so calm and peaceful in his final moment. His eyes rested peacefully while his lids were shut , his lips stayed motionless while his hands lay flat on his chest.

Tears filled her eyes, a soft apology slipped through her lips. She asked for forgiveness. She expressed remorse for her behavior. She blamed herself for not adhering to his instructions, she gently placed a red rose on his chest and kissed him on his forehead whispering a goodbye wish to him.

“I will strive to be greater than you.” she said

She made her way back to where she sat down initially with her mum.

The priest continued the ceremony.

The attendees shared their memories. The sound of laughter mingled with the sound of weeping. The people who knew Mr Richmond talked about his powerful nature, his accomplishments and the impact he had on others.

While she strolls out with Zayne, she looks around for her friend's Bella and Tina and doesn't see any of them. None of them came to visit her in the hospital. She comes across Jayden, Hope, and Marcus.

Jayden glanced at Aria, he walked up to her wearing a black suit that made him look tall and dignified. Aria felt her heart race when she saw him walk in. She felt affection and hatred towards him . She had not encountered him since their last encounter at the game night that led to the fire.

A closer look revealed Hope, she was dressed in a black dress and simple shoes.

“Hi,” Hope said quietly. “I… I just wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss.”

Aria looked at her, stunned.

“You came?” Hope nodded. “He was your father. I know we didn’t get along, but no one deserves to lose someone that way.”

For the first time, Aria didn’t feel rage toward her. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Hope turned to leave, but paused. “By the way… your scarf is very beautiful.

Aria looked up to her in shock at the nice compliment. After all the humiliation that she caused to her, she still graced her father's funeral, she felt loved…