The Winter Clock

CHAPTER 7 - WAKE

Mr. A’s soul almost jumped out of his body when his office door banged open, revealing Reina’s sulking face.

“For earth’s sake, it’s still five in the morning. What’s with your negative aura?” Mr. A grumbled and calmed his shocked heart.

“Give me the copy of the flash drive.” She demanded firmly. Mr. A frowned.

“What? That’s the only copy I have, Silver Rose. For earth’s sake, did you lose it?” He exclaimed and put his pen down. Reina shook her head.

“I didn’t. But losing it unknowingly is more acceptable for me than losing it to a thief that you trusted.” Reina replied with a hint of anger present in her voice.

“Who are you calling ‘thief,’ loser?” The two’s attention transferred from each other to Ryther, who spoke behind them. Seeing his face, Reina sulk even more. “Stop that. You’re making yourself uglier.” He retorted. “Sir, let me handle this mission.” He said firmly.

“What on earth? I asked for the mission first, Mr. A. So tell him to give me back that freaking flash drive!” Reina fumes, losing her temper.

“Who are you two to order me around?” Mr. A riposted. Anger veins popped up at the side of his forehead. “You two are partners here. So one’s mission is the other’s mission, understood?!” He seethed, totally losing his composure. Ryther frowned. Why is everyone so hot today? No one is to be blamed, though, because of that bad news.

“Natalie’s wake was now being held at the Nitro’s Funeral Homes. If you want, you can go there. If Vander’s in his right state of mind, ask him to join as well. It was near the hospital, so you are still on call.” Mr. A said, quickly shifting the topic. He then searched for something on his desk and fished for the white envelope, handing it to Reina.

“Give it to her mother. I already sent many flowers there, so you don’t have to buy one.” He said and sat on his chair again. “Leave now before I make you.” He said with a warning tone. Reina sighed and nodded.

“We’ll take our leave then.” She said and turned her back at Mr. A, who started reading the piled documents on his desk again. She hissed upon meeting Ryther’s eyes.

“Tsk. Young one’s these days.” Mr. A grumbled.

It was not a long ride at all. Natalie’s casket was not too far as well. But again, it took Reina almost an hour before she reached the room. Just like what Mr. A said, the room was indeed filled with Natalie’s favorite big white roses. Half of the room was covered with it, making some butterflies appear. Beside the casket was a frail-looking woman. She was so thin that one blew of the wind might cause her to fly away. It was Natalie’s mother.

Seeing Reina, she quickly stood up and swiftly walked towards her. Reina stopped and tightly closed her eyes, expecting a hard slap on her face. But to her surprise, the woman hugged her tightly, causing her tears to start forming again.

“M-Mrs. Everleigh…” Reina whispered, but Mrs. Everleigh patted her back like a little kid.

“Shhh… I know you’re blaming yourself, but it is not your fault, my dear.” She said softly, making Reina’s tear betray her. She quickly wiped her tears and hugged Mrs. Everleigh tightly.

“I’m sorry. I’m really, really sorry….” She cried out, and Mrs. Everleigh nodded. She wiped her tears as well and pulled away from the hug.

“Let’s go.” Mrs. Everleigh said with a smile and pulled Reina beside the casket. “Oh, you are my daughter’s co-workers, am I right?” She smiled at Ryther and Vander, who walked behind Reina.

“My deepest sympathy, ma’am. I am Vander.” He said and reached his hand for a handshake. Ryther did the same.

“I’m sorry for your loss. I am Ryther.” He said. Mrs. Everleigh nodded.

“ Ryther? Woah, you’re so big now . Aside from Reina, Natalie often tells a story about the two of you. Thank you so much for everything.” She said as a tear escaped her eyes. “Though it was only Natalies’ clothes and….” She bit her lower lip. “And her f-finger in her casket… Thank you so much for coming.”

Reina walked closely at the closed casket, took the most beautiful white rose, and placed it on top. She then gently brushed her hand on the casket and grinned her teeth.

“Natalie…” She whispered. “I promise, I will find that bastard, and he will be punished with the punishment worthy of his actions for the past ten years.” She said with a dead-serious tone. Tears of anger and regret fell on her cheeks even though she was not blinking. But she flinched when she felt a cold hand hold her hand.

“Reina, please don’t.” Mrs. Everleigh pleaded, and Reina’s eyes transferred to her.

“What do you mean?”

“Reina, you grew up with Natalie.” She started and cupped Reina’s cheeks with her cold hands. “You were always with her and with me as well. You’re like a daughter to me. And I promised your mother that I will look after you, therefore….” Her tear fell again, but she smiled sadly. “Please don’t involve yourself with this. I don’t want to lose another daughter.”

Reina’s eyes widened, and she felt her knees turn to jelly, but she managed to hold herself. She opened her mouth, but no words came out, only soft sobs as Mrs. Everleigh hugged her tightly.

***

Reaching her condominium, Reina quickly prepared her bath and soaked herself in the warm water. As soon as she did that, her body melted. It was only six in the evening, but the night felt so long. Reina closed her eyes and slid down her bathtub. Natalie’s face flashed through her mind again. Their kindergarten days, elementary graduation, high school field trip, college life, and journey on the operating room.

“Rein! Come here, let’s take a picture!” Natalie shouted happily as the butterflies flew around her fresh flower crown.

“Rein, com’on! We will be late!” Natalie said, full of panic as the train’s door motioned to close.

“Rein? Carter and I fought. Let me sleep beside you tonight.” Natalie said between her sobs.

“Rein, Rein, Rein.” Natalies voice echoed.

“Rein!”

Reina flinched, and her eyes widened upon feeling her lungs run out of oxygen. She quickly got up and breathed some air, then calmed her racing heart. She flinched again when her phone rang.

“W-What?” She answered, still panting.

“Are you running? What’s with the heavy breaths?” Ryther said anxiously, but Reina shook her head though Ryther could not see it.

“No, I’m not. Why did you call?” She asked and slowly got out of the tub.

“I’m outside your door. Mr. A called us for another mission, but he can’t seem to reach you.” He said.

“I’m currently taking a bath. You know the password, so just come in and wait for me to finish.” She said and hung up. She then looked at her reflection in the mirror.

Natalie, just wait for your justice.

~ Justice is hard to get. But it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. ~