Below The Surface

Funeral Shopping

The following day, Caroline woke up and lied in the bed thinking about Naomi. A few minutes later, Alex walked in the room. "Caroline," he said "wake up, we have to get you something to wear to Naomi's funeral. I'll be down stairs waiting" She got up, showered, brushed her teeth, threw on some jeans and a pink shirt that Alex had brought over to his house, and walked down stairs where Alex is watching TV. "Alex," she says looking at the clock "how long was I asleep?" "A lot longer than usual," Alex says "I didn't want to wake you up. So I just waited until you woke up. Surprisingly, you sleep for about four more hours and don't wake up until three in the afternoon. Anyhow, we'll get something to eat on the way if you're hungry. Let's get going."

With that, the two of them got into Alex's car and made their way to the department store. On the way, Caroline looks and notices that the car is running low on gas. "Alex," she says "the car is almost out of gas" "Damn," Alex says looking at the alarm "you're right. Well there's a gas station at the end of this next block. No worries." Alex stops the and opens his door. "I'll be right back," he says to Caroline "wait here." As she is waiting, she noticing a familiar face walking towards her. It was Ron, her band instructor. "Caroline" he says with surprise and concern. "Ron" Caroline says with a surprised expression. "I heard what happened to Naomi," Ron says "And I know why I haven't seen you around school lately. I understand completely. Don't worry I'm not going to say anything to anyone. I promise." At that moment, Alex comes out and notices Ron talking to Caroline. "Who the hell are you?!" Alex asks in a hostile tone as he reaches in his pocket. "I'm Ron" Ron tells him "I'm the band instructor at Joseph Anderson High School." "Wrong answer" Alex says as he pulls a 8 inch switch blade from out of his pocket. "Relax," Caroline says in a worried tone "Ron isn't going to tell anyone that he saw me" "How do we know he isn't lying?" asks Alex as he looks at Caroline. "Trust me," she says "he won't." "Okay" Alex says putting the blade back into his pocket. "I have to get going," Ron says in a relieved way "see you guys later."

After Ron left, Alex pumped the gas, and he and Caroline continued their journey to the department store. "Alex" Caroline says as he is driving. "Yeah?" he responds. "Were you really going to use that knife on Ron?" Caroline asks. Alex can't help but chuckle at that question. "You think I've never used that on anyone," he says at last "I've went to jail for assault, breaking and entering, grand theft auto, and a lot of other things." "Really," Caroline says with shock "how are you not in jail right now". "Ethan has a lot of money and he's my best friend," Alex says "the guy bails me out every single time. He tells me that he talks to you on occasions. So I assume you know who he is" "Yeah," says Caroline "I know him." "Well now you know about his insane generousness towards his friends" Alex says as they pull up the department store.

They walk into the store and one of the workers walks up to them. "Alex Thomas," she says with such happiness "I haven't talked to you in forever. Who's this cute girl?" "This is Caroline," Alex says motioning to Caroline "my girlfriend" "Oh wow," the worker says as her eyes light up "nice to meet you. I'm is Gwen" "Nice to meet you too" Caroline says as she begins to glare at Alex. "Don't worry," Gwen says as she notices the glare "it's nothing like that. Alex and I went to the same middle school. That's all. So what can I get for you guys?" "We have a funeral to attend" Alex says. By this time, the glare given by Caroline has disappeared and she begins to feel slightly guilty. "Oh I'm sorry to that" Gwen says. "Thank you for the concern," Alex says as he begins to look at Caroline "pick out whatever you want." Caroline picks out a silk black dress. "That's amazing choice," Gwen says "you have good taste. I have to warn you. It's really expensive." Caroline looks at the price tag to find out that the dress was worth $750. "Don't worry about it" says Alex. Alex hands Gwen seven one-hundred dollar bills and a fifty dollar bill. "Well alright then," Gwen says surprised "the dress is all yours. Have a good day. It was really good to see you again Alex. And thanks for letting me meet your girl." "Not a problem," Alex says "I'll see you around."

With that, Alex and Caroline got into the black mustang and made their way back home. "How did you get that kind of money?" Caroline asks with extreme curiousness in her voice while they're on their way home. Alex hesitates for a moment, and then he speaks. "I do a lot of things for money," he says "but mainly, I sell drugs." "But that's illegal" Caroline says. "And whats your point," Alex asks "you have to do what you have to do to survive in the world. I personally couldn't care less what's right and what's wrong according to the law." "Well that's true," Caroline says "plus I'm in no position to say anything. I'm no angel myself. After all, I killed someone. I'm a murderer. Whether it was on accident or on purpose, it doesn't change that fact. And either way, Naomi is gone forever" Alex looks at her and can't help but be sympathetic. "Don't be so hard on yourself" Alex says. A few minutes later, they pull up in front of Alex's house. They enter with Alex holding the $750 dress. He hangs it up and looks at Caroline. "You're safe as long as you're with me," he says as he kisses Caroline "I love you" "I love you too" Caroline says with a smile.

TO BE CONTINUED......