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CHAPTER 9
Scarlett sat up straight on the chair as her emerald green eyes watched Marceline like a hawk. She did not want to seem too assuming but she knows that that lady is up to no good in the guise of a heartfelt speech.
Marceline cleared her throat and wife off her nonexistent tears with her white handkerchief. Then she took a deep breath.
"Elena... Elena was my little sister. She was so naive and stubborn. But even if we did not get along too well, I still have memories of her. Whether good or bad," Marceline's voice was laced with tears.
The guests around started feeling sad for her. Scarlett could only roll her eyes in her mind.
'What a fine actress she is. If these people know what is under that sad and crying facade, they would never feel an ounce of sympathy for her,' Scarlett thought.
"But I told her... I told Elena that then she chose can it protect her. Look at how she ended up. Burnt down in her own home," Marceline blurted out.
Scarlett's brows furrowed. What does she mean by those words? Is she try g to insinuate that their father is the cause of the fire?
"Now she is gone. Leaving her two children behind. It was not my sister's destiny to die at least not like. If she had not married a man who can't even ensure safety in their own house, she would have still been here."
That was it. The last straw that broke the camel's back. Kayden could not sit back any longer. But before he could even say a word, angry Scarlett beat him to it.
"Please stop," she said, catching everyone's attention.
Most of them were not pleased with Marceline's words but they did not think it was their place to send her out. After all, she is a relative of the deceased and they are just colleagues, friends and neighbours.
But seeing Scarlett's reaction, they were shocked but pleased. They have not seen her react like that. Scarlett was always kind and gentle just like her father.
And she was shy and spoke only when necessary or when spoken to. But it turns out she also has a bottom line and knows how to get angry too.
They were well ready to support her in shutting this woman up if need be.
"Letty, what are you–"
"I said stop. Stop spouting nonsense about my dad," Scarlett repeated herself in a much firmer tone.
"Nonsense? It's not nonsense at all. It's the truth. That man is incompetent and unworthy of Elena," Marceline stated.
"That's enough, Aunt Marceline," Kayden voiced out from behind Scarlett.
"Now leave. I don't even know how you got here and who told you about their death. But I know you are not as sad as you pretend to be."
"Goodness, Letty. Don't be mean to your aunt. You are not the only one who has lost a relative. Elena is my sister," Marceline feigned hurt.
"Yes. I'm not the only one related to her but you are the only one who does not feel sad about mum's passing. It will do us all well if you just leave."
"Letty, you are being rude," Marceline frowned.
"Don't call me that. You are the one who is being rude and disrespectful to my parents. You have overstayed your welcome– In fact, you were never welcome here. So get out. Get out now," Scarlett pointed the way to the door.
"Why should I leave? The reception is not yet over."
"Aunt, I really think you should go. It is what is best for everyone and you. You will only end up bringing hate on yourself and enmity between you and Scarlett," Kayden tried to reason with her.
"There is already enmity between us. I don't even like you. You were not good to either of my parents. Don't play the best sister and aunty card here. Get. Out."
"Miss, I think you should leave. You are stressing the children more than they should right now," a lady from the little audience spoke up.
"Kayden, tell her to leave before I do something unbelievable," Scarlett turned to her brother.
Kayden went to Marceline. "I will see you out."
Marceline frowned as she clenched her fist so tight her knuckles turned white.
"I can see myself out. I know the way to the door."
"Then leave. Get out already," Scarlett raised her voice.
Marceline squinted her eyes at Scarlett. 'This little brat has grown too bold,' she thought.
Not wanting any more embarrassment, Marceline left the house. As soon as the clicking sounds of her heels faded away, there were sighs of relief and murmurs.
Scarlett shut her eyes closed to prevent the tears that were threatening to fall. It was one thing to see how Marceline treated their mother when she was alive.
But to allow her to continue such even after death, Scarlett won't allow it. Not now not ever.
"I don't feel so well. Please excuse me," she said before walking out of the living room to her room.
Everyone only watched as she left. None of them felt displeased with her leaving. They understood her.
So without much time spent, they decided to leave to give them space. At least enough for them to mourn and grieve their parents.
Kayden was glad of how understanding the guests were. Before leaving, some made it a necessity to tell him to give them a call whenever they needed anything.
He accepted without much argument. As soon as everyone was out and the whole place went back to being empty and quiet, Kayden quickly cleaned the not-so-messy living room.
He kept the food and drinks brought by the guest and then made his way to his sister's room. He wanted to leave her alone to cool down first, but he kicked against it.
He didn't want her to always lock herself in her room or be alone while dealing with her emotions. He wanted her to know that she could always reach out to him or call on him whenever she feels down.