Chapter 24

Aria

Monday morning arrives mega quick. I wakened this morning, and I truthfully can’t bear in mind something I did on the weekend. From the second I requested Caleb to take me to Sophia’s funeral immediately, I felt like I used to be in a time machine. I don’t even really feel myself this morning. Perhaps that’s due to the straightforward indisputable fact that I’m leaving this compound and heading into the limelight.

I decide up my clutch bag and head all the way down to Caleb. I do know he’s prepared, as a result of I heard his room door shut some time in the past. I’m stalling for time, however I do know I have to get this over with.

Caleb and Clay have their backs to me, however they’re each wearing black fits. Clay has glasses on his head whereas he appears to be like via one thing on his cellphone. He by no means was a fan of sporting his glasses as a baby; they had been at all times in every single place aside from his eyes.

“Morning.” I clear my throat.

“Aria.” Caleb makes his option to my aspect and feels my brow with the again of his hand. “Are you okay?”

I push his hand away. “I’m superb. Simply coming down with a chilly or one thing. It’s typical at the moment of 12 months.”

I stroll into the kitchen to get a bottle of water. I can really feel Caleb’s eyes on my again, however I attempt to act as regular as potential. At the moment isn’t about me. It’s all about Sophia, and laying her to relaxation the place she’s now not struggling.

“I’ll go and begin the truck,” says Clay.

I flip round in time to see his broad again leaving the home. Caleb lifts my purse from the counter and holds his arm out for me.

“The ball is in your court docket immediately, babe. You wish to go away, you simply have to present me the nod and we’re out of there.”

“Thanks.” I hyperlink his arm and my legs flip to jello. I simply have to get immediately over with. I can take care of something if I’ve Caleb and Clay beside me.

After I step out of the home, my mum and brother are standing beside Clay’s truck. They’re all speaking till they see me. Spencer breaks away from his group and takes Caleb’s stairs two at a time to take me into his arms.

“What are you doing right here?” I ask.

“Do you actually assume we’d allow you to do that with out us?” asks Spencer.

I pull again and look down at his go well with. I by no means instructed them about immediately, so meaning they’ve heard about it from Caleb or Clay.

“Mother noticed the funeral discover within the paper. She requested Caleb what was taking place, so right here we’re.”

“Thanks.” I really feel the feelings threaten to spill over, however I swallow them down and straighten my again. I take Caleb’s arm once more and descend the steps fastidiously.

My mother engulfs me in her embrace the second I attain her, and he or she holds me tightly. “I hope you don’t thoughts us becoming a member of you immediately.”

I shake my head. “No. I may use all of the assist I can get.” As a lot as I may get via this with simply Caleb and Clay, it makes me really feel a little bit bit stronger figuring out my mother and brother are with me. Everybody wants assist, even when they don’t consider it.

Spencer will get within the entrance passenger seat beside Clay, and I sit in the midst of my mother and Caleb. Each take certainly one of my palms in theirs. I relaxation my head on Caleb’s shoulder and shut my eyes. I truthfully don’t wish to see or hear one other factor, however I simply know that immediately goes to be one of many longest days of my life.

***

The automobile involves a cease and Clay turns every little thing off. He turns to face us and Spencer does the identical.

“How do you wish to do that?” asks Clay.

I sit ahead and maintain my palms up in entrance of me. It’s clear that they’re shaking, however I can do that. I’m Aria Marshall. I’m sturdy.

“Let’s simply get out of the automobile and take it because it comes. I don’t need plans. Not immediately. I’ll give Caleb the nod if I wish to get out of there.”

Everyone seems to be silent for just a few moments, till Caleb opens his door and steps out. He holds out his hand for me and I smile at him for letting me simply be. I do know it have to be robust on him handy over this little bit of management, however I’m glad that he can.

The second the chilly air hits me, I soak up a pointy breath. Up forward on the cemetery gates there may be press in every single place. I knew they’d be right here. Properly, those that don’t give a shit in regards to the household and victims. Those that solely care about their treasured tales.

“You’ve acquired this, sweetheart,” says Caleb.

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