Colors of Rain

Chapter 13: Realizations

All the guests have left and the three of them were sitting in the kitchen. They were mostly talking about Beth's life after Josephine died. The house that was once filled with life was now suffocating in sorrow.

"So, what are your plans?" Roger asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. After she disowned me, I just basically cut off all our ties and have no plans to see her until she dies." Evelyn replied rather coldly earning her a sad look from Eliza. They were quiet for a while, thinking of whatever solution they could find. Evelyn didn't think about it much because what's there to think about? She's no longer Beth's daughter, so why bother telling her about her life? But then again she was beaten by Roger's words insisting that the real Beth would never do that and that they had to find a way to fish her out of such a depressive state.

"We have to help Beth somehow. I think she has this goal of reuniting with Jo, but she won't be able to do that if she dies in the dark." Roger pointed out.

"Forgive me, but none of this is making any sense, sir." Evelyn furrowed her eyebrows trying to comprehend the situation.

"You're right. It's not making sense now, but it will later on."

"I don't even know if she's alive." Evelyn sighed.

"Oh, she's alive."

"How do you know?"

"Well have you heard any news that she died?" As much as she hated it, it did make sense. Beth was an icon and her death would indeed be publicly known somehow. A loud bang on the door was heard, making both women jump, except Roger, because he knew what would come next.

"Hey! Hey! It's time to partey!" Eliot came inside the house but was disappointed to find that there was no guest. "Damn! I just missed the party. Well, more food for me." He shrugged and headed to the kitchen.

"Hey pops! Hey Liz! Hey... stranger?" He tilted his head with a confused look. Roger stood up and without warning smacked Eliot on the head. "Where are your manners, boy? Have some respect for the lady." Before he could retort, it dawned on him.

"Oh your- well, it's nice to finally meet you. Forgive me, I'm Eliot John Blanchard, but you can call me Eliot or whatever fits yo' fancy." Evelyn then stood up and introduced herself as well as they shook hands. After the meeting, Eliot grabbed Roger by the shoulder, excusing themselves, and turned away from the women.

"All right old man, you owe me a hundred. It's a woman," he whispered in. Sighing in defeat, Roger took out his wallet and pulled out a hundred-dollar bill. Eliot beamed with delight and just as he was about to take it, Roger put it back.

"But you weren't here when she introduced her to me, thus nullifying the bet." Eliot was lost for words in disbelief. He squinted his eyes, throwing the old man a disgusted look. "You sneaky old bastard," he said, making Roger smirk at him.

"What are you guys doing?" They quickly turned back when they heard Eliza's voice.

"Oh, nothing. Hey why don't we eat, I bought food." Eliza's death stare sent shivers down his spine. "What?"

"I cooked Eli just in case you didn't notice."

"Well sorry, it was all I could think of to bring for the party, sheesh."

"Thank you for the offer, but we already ate." Evelyn pitched in.

"Okay. More for me then." Eliot shrugged and headed to his room. Roger only shook his head before finally looking back at Evelyn.

"My dear, it's a bit late. I suggest you stay in for the night. It wouldn't be nice to send my daughter-in-law home in the middle of the night now, wouldn't it?" he suggested, wiggling his eyebrows at Eliza who in turn blushed.