Clara Spencer

Chapter 15

Edited by SayWatt74

2017/Present - Buckingham Palace

Clara set down her teacup and matching saucer as she braced herself for one of the most difficult parts of the story.

"We spent a whole hour at June's getting ready to hit up some nightclubs. I'd muted my phone the whole night out, so I didn't receive any calls. I'll admit, I've never felt freer than I did at that moment. Celebrating my birthday and living my life the way I wanted for the first time." Clara looked out past the window, a hint of a smile on her face. She swallowed hard. "However, it also meant I didn't know when the calls from my parents stopped and the ones from the police began.

"Around 2 A.M., June suggested we look for an open corner shop to get a snack. It was only once we went outside that I finally looked at my phone just in time to receive another incoming call from the police. I answered, and my world shattered."

There was a pregnant pause that followed. Clara could not bear to look at them. For if she did, she feared she would cry, and she could not cry. Clara had done her research on the Royal Family, and they had shown themselves not to be emotional. They could offer their warmest sympathies and condolences, but they themselves were not ones to shed tears.

Taking a deep breath, Clara composed herself. "I can't say I remember much that happened after that phone call– bits and pieces here and there." Clara looked down at her hands and proceeded to rub that spot on her wrist. "The biggest thing I can recall from that time is how good a friend June was to me. She managed everything when I couldn't. I didn't even plan the funeral..."

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2014

Clara listened to the buzz of the worn-down lightbulb in her room, staring at the lavender wall in her bedroom. She was off in her own world, mulling over thoughts. None were pleasant. The knock at her door did not even disturb her.

A warm hand on her shoulder pulled Clara out of her dark thoughts. June offered her a sympathetic smile. She was wearing her signature black color, but this time it was morbidly appropriate for the occasion: her parents' funeral.

"It's time, Clara," June spoke softly.

Clara stood up with a nod, tugging at her own black dress. June reached for her arm comfortingly but Clara quickly brushed her off.

"I'm fine. I can walk on my own."

"Alright, just know that I'm right here," June assured, but Clara made no remark.

When they left the house, they were greeted by Zach, standing in front of the car. He rocked back and forth on his heels, hands tucked in his trousers, clearly skittish.

"He insisted on staying for the funeral," June explained, "He wanted to come see you much sooner, but I told him you weren't up for visitors."

"June, can you give us a minute?" Clara asked, glancing at June.

"Sure, I'll be in the car." She glared at Zach as she walked past him as if warning him to mind what he says, though it should be Clara June should be worried about. She took a deep breath once June was in the car.

"I thought you had plans with your family." Clara wrung her hands.

Zach stopped his fidgeting. "I can meet them some other time. They know it would be wrong to leave you at a time like this," he said grimly. "I'm your boyfriend, I want to support you through your grief. I'm so sorry for your loss."

Clara blinked at his words. She knew several people would say the same words to her today, but they distressed her. Why would they apologize? They didn't cause the accident or cause her parents to go out driving at such a late hour. No, the person responsible was her.