The Funeral

Chapter 11

I reluctantly went to Henry. I told him that I was very sorry for the night, and that Aunt Amelia would be fine. I could feel anger building inside of him due to my presence as if it was all my mistake. But I tend to keep me graceful.

I was sitting with Kevin, when the doctor came. He told my father that they were unable to save her. Only if they would have brought her earlier than there would be any hope.  Saying that he went away.

What followed was a worse sight. My mom was crying bitterly with my father consoling her. Henry and Kevin were also surrounded by a pool of tears of themselves. John had fallen to the ground, losing his senses all to the wet tears. I was depressed too. But this time also went by.

The day passed and her funeral was held. John and my father covered all the expenses. After her burial, my father was somehow in a reasonable state of mind to think. He told Henry and Kevin that they would live with us. John was still trying to get out of the cold truce.

But I couldn't understand. Why was John so sad. I mean, my aunt Amelia was my aunt. She was my father's cousin. John had no family connections with her. But maybe I was thinking selfishly. She always treated him like his own son. He did have much affection for her.

As for Henry, I could feel his anger change into hatred. He was not talking to anyone. He had just gone to one of the rooms upstairs and locked himself up. I dared not speak with him.

I went up to John. I wanted him to talk to me. He sits outside on the steps. I was worried as he had been so silent all this time. He was probably thinking about his mother. I gained courage and sat beside him. Breaking the silence, I said:

"John?"

He was still lost in his thoughts. I placed my hand on his shoulders and went at it again.

"John?"

" Oh, yes. Cassie. You were saying anything?"

"I am worried about you John. It will be fine. Everything is gonna be fine. Please take care of yourself."

John looked at me with emotions in his eyes that I couldn't understand. His eyes were all black now. I wanted him to share his feelings with me. John was always there whenever I faced any difficulties. It was now my time to make him feel better.

" John, please. Don't look at me like that. Please tell me that's bothering you. Did Henry say anything to you. Tell me."

" No Belles. It's just.. things happening lately will have a huge impact in our lives. They can never go back to what they used to be. I am worried about everything. About you."

I smiled softly. "John, why are you worried about everything. Have a little faith. And you don't need to be worried about me."

We were interrupted by my father, clearing his throat. John looked behind. They both shared unblink, intense looks. He asked John to come with him. And they both went somewhere out of my sight. I wonder what was going on. It seemed like they all were hiding something for me. Something may be too dangerous for me to know now. But now, I have grown curious. This meant that things couldn't stay uncovered for long. And everyone knew that now.

John's P.O.V

He took me to the backyard. He had concern in his eyes. But I could see he was searching for the right words to say to me.

"Are you alright, John?"

"Yes, I am." I let out a deep sigh.

"Son, I know it's hard for you. It's hard for me too, Rose also. I want to tell you that I will always try my best to fulfill my responsibilities. To take care of your children. I certainly cannot fill her void, but I hope everything will be fine soon." He patted me on the back.

" Cassie is curious." My words again filled him with concern." I don't think it will be long until she finds the truth about herself".

"John, I want you to keep her away from this, as best as you can. I know truth can never be hidden, but the least we can do is to hide it until she is strong enough to endure it. After all, she is our responsibility."

"You are right. I'll try my best. You don't need to worry." I replied.

" Her college will be over soon. I have decided to send her to California for higher studies. I feel it is necessary now. Knowing Henry will also be here, I feel he would create a fuss."

Saying this, he hugged me and then went away. I felt good for a little while. But I could not stop thinking about the storm that was yet to come. If only I could figure out how it would happen for Cassie, I would save her.

But nature is something too cruel to save our dear ones from getting hurt. As for me, I couldn't tell when I was going to be healed. I never did try to set an exact time limit.I firmly believed that Faith, not time, determined when the cure will be affected. Time heals many wounds but this loss becomes the defining sadness of your life. I was now afraid to lose anything dear to me. But at the same time, I also wanted to get a little distant from them, thinking I would become less careful for them. But I guess, it never worked for me.

I sometimes feel that my heart will explode and my eyes will bulge wide with fear. My body wants to either run fast for the safety of them or to the crate of weaponry for myself but instead I remain where I am. Life does teach us to be calm.

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