The Burial
1412 Words
Riley's Pov
It has taken my mind three whole days to accept that my mother may not be coming back. I finally got the guts to take a look at the police autopsy and it appears that she was even tortured before the evil person stabbed her heart. I can only imagine the pain and misery she must have been through before she left this earth.
Aunt Katniss and her daughter insists that it must have been the city's powerful mafia even if the police are yet to find a lead. It puzzles me why any mafia organization in this city would killl my mother. Do they just kill anyone they find for no reason? She has never been involved in anything morally wrong.
"Your mother is not eligible to be buried within the church grounds. But I have asked father Fellon Knighthood to oversee her burial in the cemetery. I thought you would appreciate his presence," aunt Katniss informs.
Father Fellon Knightwood, the man that preached about justice, sounds like a great option. He looked quite young to be carrying the 'father' title though.
His beautiful face may be a source of comfort during the sorrowful ceremony.
"I know that it's a bit early but I also called your mother's lawyer and he will be arriving here soon after the burial to let us know the details of her will," my aunt says.
Her will? What could even be in it? We lived in a rented apartment and she had no priceless possessions. She had some money that my father had left but she used to say that it wasn't much. "My mother only had a single bank account where her salary went. Bringing her lawyer here to read her will is a waste of time and resources," I say.
Aunt Katniss chuckles. "Dear . . . you do not assume the wealth of an adult. You might be greatly surprised," she answers.
I am not in the mood to argue with her. My thoughts are already killing me. I am nauseous all the time and headaches have become a part of my daily life.
"Do you think the police will find the monsters that killed her?" I ask aunt Katniss.
Freya went out in search of a good outfit to wear during the burial. Her mother must have told her that Father Fellon Knighthood would be present. There is no doubt that whatever she will buy will be seductive and inappropriate for a burial ceremony.
"Dear I wish I can assure you that there will be justice for your mother. But I would rather tell you the truth. The police in this city do not investigate the powerful Mafia. They are afraid that their family members might get murdered as well," she answers.
So there will be no justice for my dead mother. The Mafia kills whoever they want without consequence. It's utterly appalling.
* * * * * *
THE BURIAL
Riley's Pov
I quickly wipe away the single tear that escapes my left eye as I watch Father Fallon Knightwood lead my mother's funeral service. I bet he would have made an enchanting model if only he had chosen to make better use of his beauty. What exactly did he find exciting about priestwood?
Those are definitely not the right questions to be thinking of right now. But I am choosing to focus on anything that doesn't ruin me emotionally. And right now his face is the only pleasant thing within this sorrowful ceremony.
I refuse to look totally devastated in presence of the big crowd. My mother would have wanted me to look stronger, and I will do that for her. Besides I have finally ran out of tears from all the crying I have done throughout the last few days. Aunt Katniss on the other hand seems to have been saving her's for today. She had enough to shed throughout the ceremony.
"Why cry this much and she didn't even like you?" Freya asks as we watch the coffin with my mother's body get lowered into the six foot hole. It feels like they are taking her a trillion miles away, far deep where she would not hear a word from this world.
Our gorgeous priest leads the final prayer after each of us throws in a fistful of soil. Every word of his prayer sounds wise and genuine. If every priests was this impressive I bet the church would have more believers.
"I loved my sister and she loved me back. So whatever evil has gotten into you, keep it quiet at least until the guests leave," aunt Katniss responds to her daughter as the crowd disperses and several of the attendees come to comfort her.
Since I am new in this city most obviously have no idea who I am. And neither she nor her daughter bothers to introduce me as they shower in the kind words of their sympathisers. Now and then someone shakes my hand before focusing their attention to the only two ladies acting most devastated by my mother's death. I never thought I could feel out of place in my mother's funeral.
Suddenly I feel a hand touch my shoulder. I spin around and come face to face with father Fellon Knightwood. I am so astounded that my mind malfunctions.
"I uh . . . sir . . .Father Fellon . . .sorry . . . Father Knightwood . . .good afternoon," I stutter.
It's actually evening but I would rather act unaware than correct myself again.
"You must be Riley," he says, extending a hand. I shake it rather tightly and immediately feel embarrassed. He doesn't seem offended though.
"I am sure your mother was a kind woman, but you cannot bring her back. Think of what she would have wanted you to do if she were here," he advises.
Of all the attendees he is the only one that has found it necessary to comfort me. I wonder if it's out of genuine concern or he is just doing his job.
"You're right about my mother having been a kind person. But she did not envision getting murdered in this city. It's hard to imagine what she would have wanted me to do when all we thought and spoke about is life," I say.
Father Fellon nods in a manner that shows understanding but not agreement. "I obviously did not think that she left a manual of how you should proceed with life after her death. But s**t happens. You may feel like your lives were intertwined and you were not ready to let go yet. Your life is however in God's hands. So is justice for your mother," he answers.
His choice of words is a bit strange for a priest. 's**t happens'? Not exactly a phrase for a devoted servant of God to be using. Does he even believe in forgiveness? From his words it sounds like he prefers Devine vengeance.
I am about to inquire more when aunt Katniss and her daughter finally notices his presence and hastily turns.
"Father Knightwood, I cannot thank you enough for being here today," aunt Katniss says, putting both hands on his muscular arms. "Please stay for dinner. I make the best rotini pasta."
Not a hint of interest registers on the priest's attractive face. "Thank you for the offer, but I am in a bit of hurry. God be with you," he says before turning and walking away.
"How did he even know who you are? I never told him that you were my sister's daughter," aunt Katniss questions.
I shrug my shoulders. She seems to have been avoiding telling people who I am. I wonder why? To make herself the centre of attention during my mother's burial?
"I have been told that Father Knightwood will be hearing confessions tomorrow. I think it is time I get some things out of my chest," Freya says.
Her mother nods. "Riley should come with you now that father Knightwood already knows who she is. A proper confession will help her mind heal from the loss of her mother a lot faster," she suggests.
I am scared of what the priest would even think of the dark thoughts I have had since learning of my mother's death. And above all, what would he say if I confessed my feelings for him? I bet it is even a sin to confess such.
- Writer
