A weekend with the Alpha novel Chapter 120

A week later...

Lionel had given me information about the venue of the funeral service and though he sent me the address, I couldn't locate it on the map and so he came and take me. The service would start by nine a.m. and he instructed me to be ready before seven-thirty a.m., so we could go on time.

I woke earlier than I had most days and got ready in my black square-necked gown, hat, and veil. These were my moaning attires. Aaron also woke up after a while of sleeping soundly and asked if he could come with. I told him no. I was going because Tia was my sister and I knew Betty would not be happy to see me, much less seeing him. Falling out with her because she was rude to Aaron or Zion was the last thing I wanted to do at Tia's funeral, so I insisted he stayed home to take care of Zion.

He didn't argue, but insisted that Damor came along with me for protection. The city wasn't safe, and I knew his enemies were still out there against him. I nodded and told him I was grateful for his care.

Lionel arrived at seven-thirty just like he had informed me, and I bid Aaron and Zion goodbye before following him out. Damor was already waiting in the car and I got inside with him while Lionel and Sesi drove off.

I wasn't ready to do what needed to be done today; I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Tia; we didn't plan on goodbyes, not this quick.

She was my little sister, and I loved her and I didn't know if saying goodbye would come easy. My eyes welled up, and I dug my hand into my small purse and pulled out my white handkerchief to mop the tears away before they spilt.

Damor glanced at me but remained silent and I felt grateful he said nothing. His silence was enough. We arrived at exactly eight-fifty a.m. and Damor stayed outside while I continued into the Chapel. The priest and a few friends of hers and Betty were around. It was a small gathering just like Betty wanted and, for once; I appreciate her wisdom in this.

When it was time, the priest officiating the funeral stepped forward and began the rites, calling into remembering the life she lived and who she was. I glanced at Lionel, who sat closer to Betty, and I found him wiping his face with a handkerchief. Her departure was a painful one, and I wasn't surprised that Lionel was heartbroken. I wondered who would be next.

The autopsy result came in and the pathologists who ran the rest cited no foul play and therefore had ruled her death on natural causes, but I knew better. I was afraid now more than ever for my family and friends. I couldn't keep them safe forever and I knew it was only a matter of time.

I didn't want to lose anyone anymore. I wouldn't survive the pain.

The service ended, and a few friends and family gave the Farewell speech. Lionel turned over to me, inquiring with his eyes if I had something to say, but I shook my head.

I barely gave my answer when I saw Owens take the stand to speak. My teeth gritted and I couldn't believe his audacity this painful time. He had hurt her and broken her heart while she yet lived and now he was here to give a speech. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe Betty allowed it. Then again, the old woman never saw Owens as the villain, not as much as she saw me.

The service ended, and undertakers came and took the casket away. I moved to Lionel, who was the only family and friendly face I had here. Sesi stood beside him and I knew that her presence was for his protection, as it was for his comfort.

"Hey," he placed his hand on my shoulder and I flashed him a small smile.

"Mom, stop it." Lionel intervened, stepping up between us. An act to shield me from her verbal assault.

"Why should I? Everyone needs to know the truth. If she had not bewitched my baby, she wouldn't have left for the city and she wouldn't be dead now." She repeated the same thing she told me at the hospital.

I didn't reply. I agree with her. If I had stayed out of their lives, perhaps this would have been different.

My eyes grew glassy, but I couldn't stand there and cry, so I walked away from them, not stopping even when Lionel called out to me.

I stepped into the bathroom stall and locked the door. I pressed my head against the door and tears came pouring out. Betty always knew the things to say to break me and even after ten years, she still found her way to do that. I hated crying, but it was the only outlet I had.

"It's never easy to lose the ones we love." a slightly familiar voice said from the side of the bathroom stall. My eyes flew open and my head darted to the side the voice came from.

There stood Nicole with her arms crossed over her head and her flaring eyes fixed on me.