Jordan's older brother had been in charge of notifying everyone of the funeral arrangements, but since Jenna and Claire had been two of her closest friends, they received a call from Mrs Theresa Bailey, personally. She had also extended an invitation to come over for tea to the both of them, adding that she wanted to speak with them.
Jenna and Claire had accepted her invitation, and thus went to Jordan's house - the previous day. They took with them some home-made roast beef, made lovingly by Claire's kind mother, Olivia Thompson - which Mrs Bailey gladly accepted. Mrs Bailey had embraced both of the girls in tight hugs, thanking them for coming. They had reminisced about all the sleep-overs Jenna and Claire had had with Jordan, all the memorable birthdays and even school plays and recitals. Mrs Bailey thanked them for being an integral part of Jordan's youth. It was also in this moment that she asked the girls if they would mind to be pallbearers at the funeral - an honour which Jenna and Claire would never refuse.
As they said their goodbyes, Mrs Bailey asked them to wait 'just a second' as she retrieved 'something' she wanted each of the girls to have - which almost remained forgotten. Jenna and Claire had tidied up their cups while they waited for Mrs Bailey to return - and when she did, her eyes were flooded with suppressed mournful tears.
She handed each of them a jewellery box then - from Tiffany's - and when the girls had enquired about these generous gifts, she explained in a teary voice: "These were the items Jordan wore - I sent them in to be cleaned... I wouldn't be able to keep them, but I know you girls will treasure these as much as Jordan had. I thought that these would be the best way to thank you - by giving each of you a piece of... Of my baby girl..." and with that she burst into tears once more.
Jenna and Claire had joined her crying then - and in that moment they understood why tears were said to cleanse the soul - truly appreciative of the thoughtful gift she had given them. They waited until they were home before opening these truly sentimental gifts.
Jenna stood staring at her pale reflection in the floor-to-ceiling length mirror in the room she shared with Claire. Her eyes were red and puffy from the buckets of tears that had passed through them since the news broadcast that informed everyone of Jordan's death - and Cassidy's disappearance, who hasn't been found as of yet. Yesterday's visit to the Bailey house had also played a huge role in her tearful state.
She had decided against make-up save for a little water proof mascara which Claire had insisted on. Jenna wore mainly black - a black dress with lacy sleeves (it was the only 'formal' dress she had brought with to college, though was meant for graduation. Certainly not a funeral...); barely opaque black stockings; and black stiletto pumps. Even her coat was black. The only contrast was her mane of red hair, which made her face look even paler.
The only jewellery she wore (besides the studex earrings she only took off to clean) was the gift from Mrs Bailey - Jordan's golden locket, in the shape of a compass which contained a photo of the five friends: Jordan; Jenna herself; Claire; and Cassidy; Ethan stood behind the girls, leaning his arms on Jenna and Claire's shoulders. As she was about to put the locket on, Jenna noticed an inscription on the back, and suddenly she was overcome with sadness and mourning at the loss of her friend.
* * *
Claire found Jenna on the bedroom floor - weeping - with her head on her knees. She sat down next to her and held Jenna in a tight embrace. "Shhhh, Jen... Shhhh." she comforted as Jenna leaned her head into the nook of Claire's neck. After being comforted for a while, she handed Claire the locket and said: "The inscription... read it." in a sad voice, tight from crying.
Claire had gingerly taken the locket from Jenna, inspecting it. When she turned it over, she read the inscription engraved into the gold surface: "Our fates may be written in the stars, but our paths will be decided by the heart. With guidance from close friends, every journey we start - always together - never apart." and then Claire herself started crying.
She took the charm bracelet - which matched Jenna's locket - from her bedside table and inspected this as well... She found a compass charm - which contained the same picture as Jenna's locket, and had the exact same inscription on the back. She hugged Jenna as the tears flowed freely down her face...
* * *
Jenna clasped the bracelet on Claire's wrist before sliding the locket over her hair. The cold weight of it pressed down on her chest, but oddly enough - this comforted her. And with this, Jenna and Claire headed towards the beautiful old church where Jordan's memorial service would be held on this dreary, rainy Thursday.
* * *
Jenna and Claire embraced Mrs Bailey as they stood outside the church - waiting for guests to enter before the service. There would be no open casket, since Jordan's beautiful body was severely mutilated - and, of course, bore the cuts from the autopsy - Mrs Bailey had explained.
As Jordan's casket was about to be carried in, Claire looked over to Jenna from the left and smiled a sad, encouraging smile. The other pallbearers were Jordan's mother, her father - Mr Charles Bailey, her older brother - Shane, and Ethan.
Just entering the doors, Jenna noticed a man with the most beautiful, saddest sky-blue eyes, placed in the most perfectly chiselled face. She was staring - and when his gaze met hers, obviously 'feeling' her eyes on him - she looked away, guiltily. They headed towards the front of the church, placed the casket on a stand, and headed towards the front row of seats. Heading there Jenna's gaze wandered over to the intriguing man - the epitome of perfection. He wore a perfectly tailored black coat, unbuttoned, - the same shade as his tousled hair - matched with black jeans. The only note of 'colour' was the dove-grey buttoned shirt which he wore underneath his coat.
The rest of the memorial service flowed smoothly - except that Jenna had to constantly push the image of Mr tall-dark-and-handsome from her mind - at the end of the service, Amazing Grace was played on piano, accompanied by one of Jordan's music classmates who had exceptional talent, playing the violin. Many teary and hoarse voices could be heard sadly singing along, but when the chorus started playing, many remained quiet, except for Mrs Bailey who had started weeping uncontrollably, consoled by a teary-eyed Mr Bailey.
After the prayer, Jordan's casket was carried out once again. Everyone then got into their cars, and the procession - lead by the hearse - headed towards the graveyard, where Jordan would be laid to rest underneath the great big willow tree.
* * *
Sheets of rain fell from the sky, soaking everything as people from all over came to pay their respects - say their last goodbyes. As Jordan's casket was lowered to its final resting place - below the earth's surface - Jenna thought that it couldn't have been more fitting. Even the heavens shed their tears in memory of Jordan Theresa Bailey...
* * *
Luke stood watching from afar as the funeral proceeded back at the church. Usually he didn't attend funerals, but because there still were no leads regarding the murder of Jordan Theresa Bailey, he decided that there might be something - hopefully - that he could work with, at the funeral. But the day proved uneventful - until he saw HER, in all of her redheaded glory... It struck in his heart and soul, and if he wasn't already leaning against the back wall of the church, he would've fallen over.
And that was why he wanted to - No. NEEDED to meet her, in person, even if it was just to hear her voice once... In a single moment - the brief glimpse in which their eyes met - he felt more emotion, more ALIVE than in all the months - or years, he could no longer remember - with April James. As if this redheaded goddess deemed all time spent with April insignificant...
So he followed her, to the graveyard. Staying just out of sight - watching her intently...
* * *
Jenna felt someone's gaze on her, like electricity coursing through her veins and raising the hairs on the back of her neck... She looked around... And after a while she finally found the source - Mr tall,-dark-and-handsome stood just at the edge of the trees, hidden. Well, mostly hidden...
When the burial concluded, Jenna greeted the Bailey's and strutted off towards this intriguing stranger while wiping at her teary face with a handkerchief. She cast a glance backwards to ensure that Claire stayed put and wasn't following her - but with Ethan there to console her - Claire hadn't even noticed Jenna leave... And thus she headed over to Mr Handsome.
* * *
Luke watched as she crossed the grounds on steady footing. Her face showed no sign of the tears he noticed earlier, but he knew the face of grief, and this woman carried it very sophisticatedly. He wondered what her connection to the Baileys were? Probably close friend or family, seeing as she was one of the pallbearers, and sat in the front row seat with them.
Luke convinced himself that this was the exact reason why he wanted to - no, NEEDED to speak with her.
* * *
When Jenna reached Mr Handsome, the questions burst from her mouth before she could stop herself...
"Who are you? And why are you here intruding at one of my best friend's funerals??? Have you no ingrained respect for the dead?!?"
* * *
Luke knew that suppressed grief caused her to lash out, and calmly replied to her lashes with "Sorry miss..." She didn't say her name at his que so he continued after a brief silence, noting that her arms were folded protectively over her chest as her eyebrow raised. She had the most beautiful hazel-green eyes... Enough! He reprimanded himself before continuing.
"I'm Detective Luke Ceronio, Homicide. I'm investigating Jordan's murder..." He handed her his business card then. Jenna blushed a vivid shade of red as this information seeped into her brain, processing. Obviously sorry for her outburst she stated: "I'm so sorry Detective - I guess this day has taken its toll on my usually rational mind..."
"Luke - please - and don't stress it. I've seen and had a lot worse in my field of work. Can I maybe buy you a cup of coffee to discuss a few things???" Luke asked, keeping his ulterior motives to himself. That a girl like HER, Aphrodite, would grant him the time of day any other day - without adding his work to the equation - seemed unthinkable...
* * *
Jenna wished that the earth would swallow her whole in that moment - she would never show disrespect to any person in a position of authority. She remembered that she still had to answer his question, and finally did, when he put his hand out to shake hers "Uhm, hi... Uh... Luke?" She stuttered. "I'm Jenna... Jennifer Carlysle. No, actually I wouldn't mind some coffee. I've had quite enough sadness for one day... Mind if I just text my roommate? She... She would've been my ride and I don't want her worrying."
* * *
"No, please go ahead." Luke replied with a smile. At least she had some sense...
"Would my car be okay or do you rather wanna take a cab???" he enquired. Jenna swiftly answered as she retrieved her cell from her pocket. "No need. You're a detective... I'm sure I can trust you..."
Luke smirked mischievously... If only she knew... If only...
* * *
Luke headed through the graveyard towards the parking lot, and Jenna fell into step beside him. She nearly fell once, and after he righted her, she felt him put his seductive hand on the small of her back.
She shivered at this gesture, revelling in the warm sensation of his hand - which stayed in the place it had claimed until they reached his car. Jenna smirked when she saw the lightning-blue Shelby GT350 - glad she hadn't opted for the cab instead...
* * *
Luke removed his hand when he had to open the door for Jenna, and held the other to help her into his car. As he walked to the driver side he silently hoped for many more moments such as these...