The Babysitter

Chapter 9

Everyone was getting ready for funeral. A lump formed in Willow's throat as she got into her dark dress--a dress her mom sewed herself. I can't do this... Everyone was silent, serious and somber, including Cole. Though he looked a tad bit annoyed, why did always have to be so selfish?

Willow felt her eyes tear up as she got into the car and they drove to the cemetery. Others were there, all of them friends near and far. All her other relatives either dead or dying in hospitals.

Gripping a bundle of pristine, white lilies, Willow approached the casket which held Krystal's mutilated body.

"Goodbye Krystal."

She sobbed softly.

"Krystal, I'm so sorry I couldn't help, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

She put her head on the smooth wood of the casket and cried, feeling the tears soak into the coffin's wood. Why did have to be you? Krystal. It's all my fault, I let you let that psycho in and let hurt you. I'm really sorry, sorry, sorry...

Willow felt the gentle hand of Sandy gently grabbing her. Willow looked up to the mournful faces of her friends and the friends of Krystal.

"It's go-gonna start."

She sniffed, wiping her red eyes with a tissue. Willow gulped, the crack in Sandy's voice when she was about cry was painful to hear. They sat down, listening to the priest. Finally they got to a part where they were showing a video of Krystal's life. The music was somber, yet with a hidden joy in it if one could understand. It showed pictures of Krystal and her friends, they happy, exuberant eyes sparkling with happiness.

Petra and Cassidy, two of the closest fiends of Krystal, wailed with sadness. Tears streaming down their cheeks, unable to watch the video of their late friend.

But something else unnerved Willow besides grief, like a ghastly presence was watching, stalking waiting...

The funeral pierced Willow's insides, where grief and all the happy times spilled out like a rapid river. I know I can't last any longer like this.

*****

Back at Sandy's place, everyone had a quiet dinner, no one talked, no one smiled. Willow dropped her spoon and made her descent up the stairs. Throwing herself onto he bed, her tears spilled down her cheeks and peppering the covers with little wet spots.

At night, when Willow was drifting off to sleep, she heard the distance yet clear voice of her mom.

"Be strong, Willow. Never give up, I'm watching over you, I believe in you."

Willow smiled weakly, before she entered the world of dreams.

"Okay, mom. I try..."