Ahh! Funerals. The gloomy atmosphere, the strange somber faces, the black outfits. It gives off a creepy vibe, which I absolutely adore. After the surprising conclusion of Nicole's death, a funeral was arranged and my mom made all of us go.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not some horrible monster. I dig funerals, but the people make me uncomfortable.
Cold stinging showers of rain pelt my skin, causing my black dress to get a little damp, but it isn't ruined. I watch tiredly as the priest talks a little, sitting straight when Lizzie mounts the stadium.
Mr. and Mrs. Walters weren't stable enough to give a speech so they made Lizzie do it. They figured it would clear her bad image. She's dressed in a black turtle neck and dark loose cotton pants, curly red hair packed in a rough bun.
" Hello everyone. I want to thank you all for coming, it means a lot. Lately, speculations have been going around, speculations like I killed Nicole, but the autopsy report came in and indeed it was an animal. " She takes a moment to sniff, dabbing her eyes with a white napkin.
" I would never hurt Nicole, not only was she a friend, she was like a sister to me. I still can't believe she's gone, but there's a reason for everything and I just hope she's happy wherever she is. "
Everyone applauds her speech and her mother leads her from the stage. As the priest mounts the stage, I stare at the brown coffin in front of the podium, a picture of Nicole Walters on top.
Tyres screech in, spitting gravels beneath it and everyone turns back to look at the black SUV that parks under a tree. The driver alights, holding out an umbrella as he opens the back door.
A stylish couple emerges, looking sophisticated and snobbish in designer outfits. A younger boy follows after them, clothed in a simple black shirt and pants, holding a small umbrella over his head.
He looks familiar.
They take their seats just as the funeral is about to round up. The coffin is lowered, prayers are said, everyone is silent for a bit and the ceremony is over. Mom goes over to console the family of the deceased, I approach a disoriented Lizzie.
" Are you okay? "
She scoffs. " People have gotta stop asking me that. Do I look okay? "
" I wanna ask you something, Todd and I want you to be completely honest with me. "
" Wow. We're on last name basis now. "
" I'm serious, " I grit. " Did you and Veronica fight? "
She's not smiling anymore, instead, she walks closely to me, our noses almost touching. Her eyes conveys a deep warning, some kind of threat.
" I don't know why you're interested in this, but I'm warning you. Stay. Out. Of. My. Business. " She turns away from me, retreating.
I'm left staring at her back. Funny thing is, I don't even know why I'm so interested In this. Maybe it's due to my love for mystery novels or my curiosity or the fact that I'm so damn bored.
I wanna go back to Chicago.