"ʏᴏᴜ'ʟʟ ʙᴜʀɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴜꜱ"

Chapter 24: Family

I sighed as I finally stepped into my house. I hope my car gets fixed soon. I called to get it taken to the mechanic shop, they said it should be done by XD tomorrow.

I locked the door behind me as I showered and got ready to dress for the funeral, in black clothing of course. I had to drink almost a gallon of coffee before I went, considering it was gonna be boring as hell.

Maybe I could get Michael to drive me, hope he's feeling considerate.

~~~

I sat next to Michael in the car, every once in awhile we would strike up a conversation but for most of the car ride it was a peaceful silence.

"So Mike, how is your mother doing?" I asked, hoping for good news for his sake.

He smiled, "Oh she just got released from the hospital yesterday, she still has a few injuries but she is alive and breathing thankfully." I softly smiled back at him, "Glad to hear it."

There was a moment of silence, as if Michael wanted to speak but didn't have the words yet. He cleared his throat, "I'm very sorry about what happened to your father...I know how it feels to lose people-" I cut him off before the conversation got sad, "No no, it's okay... we never really got along to be honest." He hummed, "Oh, I see."

We arrived at the church that was hosting the funeral.

Michael asked me if I wanted him to attend the funeral with me to keep me from feeling nervous, but I waved him off, not wanting to trouble him any further. Plus, my family often made assumptions... and that would make things very awkward.

I sent Mike a smile before entering the church.

When I walked in, I saw that there was probably over 50 people there, all family members that I hardly knew. I became nervous when some of their eyes landed on me, and judgmental looks of disgust crossed their faces.

Of course, they didn't approve of my simple outfit.

"Staring is rude." I stated and sent a fake smile towards them, the kind that makes you look like you're trying not to fuck them up. I heard a few scoffs and mumbles as they turned around, I continued on and sat in the front row.

I looked around, but strangely enough I didn't see my mother... Weird.

~~~

Time had passed since I sat down and I was hardly able to stay awake because of how boring it was. The preacher found it strange that I didn't want to give a speech, so I had to pretend like I was too devastated and sad that I couldn't give a speech.

~~~

Eventually we were outside and they were about to bury the coffin, when one of my annoying aunts approached me with a disgusted look, "Ah shit here we go again..." I mumbled.

"So you're not broke now huh?" She started, I hate this conversation already. I shook my head quietly, not looking at her. "Well, I guess you haven't spent any of that money on your clothes yet... did you buy a house yet? I heard your mother sold your fathers house to put money from it into your inheritance, you should be grateful."  I finally turned to her with confusion, "Wait she did what? Where will she stay if there's no house??" I asked with a hint of concern.

She shook her head, "That's all I've heard, I have no idea where that woman is staying." I sighed and started to move away from my aunt slowly. "Alright well I must be going I have a family to tend to, have fun paying debts from your father." She waved as I stood there watching her walk away with knitted brows. What debts? Oh of course, it always is too good to be true isn't it?

~~~
Michael was a good friend, and even though we didn't talk a whole lot, I was grateful for him.

"Do you mind telling me more about your father?" I asked, fiddling with my thumbs. He seemed to tense up and I quickly began to worry "Ig you don't want to talk about him that's o-" he cut me off "No no, it's okay, I mean he's probably dead now... so I shouldn't be worried..." now it was my turn to tense up. A lump formed in my throat, "Can we talk about it in your place though? If you're okay with it."Michael asked, I nodded. "Yeah that's fine."

~~~~

I poured a cup of coffee "You want some coffee Mike?" I offered "Sure." I made him a cup too as I brought both cups to the table and sat across from Michael. He thanked me and cleared his throat, "So my father... he uh... was good at what he did, he was an excellent engineer and made great technological advancements in his company 'Afton Robotics'. He even invented the springlock suit, which was basic a robot that could be worn or function by itself. I heard those didn't do well though, I think there were people who died by them." He pondered for a moment.

You mean William invented something that killed him? Stupid idiot, what a moron. "Anyways, despite all of that...he was far from a good man. He often neglected our family and was hardly ever around, all he ever did was work on his...machines." Michael paused, looking down. I stayed quiet and listened, patiently waiting for him to continue.

"I try to tell myself it was all by accident...the incidents... but when I found out that he- that he was a cold blooded...murderer- I feel like there was more to it." He took a deep breath, now looking up.

"I guess you could say...I've been looking for answers ever since then..." his face showed determination, "and if my father is still out there...hurting more people... I will  find him.... and stop him." He breathed. Hearing that he was also investigating the history of the place made my eyes light up.

"Michael" I started. "You're not the only one who is looking for answers..." he looked at me in surprise, I decided it's time to tell him.

"And I think that you'll find that the answers you are seeking... are right under your nose." I smiled.