Nothing could possibly get any worse.
Grandfather was dead, for one thing, so that meant Mother moping around the house like some sort of asylum patient. For another, I was missing a day of college classes for this funeral, and mainly, the biggest party of the year. All of my friends were going with or without me- and that sucked. In the morning I'd scroll through all of the Instagram photos, sans me, and sulk about how I missed it. My friends wouldn't stop talking about it for at least a week, either.
Mother, Father, James, and I were currently on our way to the church in a limousine that Mother had the common sense to rent (thank God, too), and no one was saying a word. I was wearing an itchy A-line dress from my junior year of high school homecoming that I hated, but it was the only black thing I owned. I hated the color black.
We finally arrived at the church and got out of the limo. Others were gathered on the front steps, talking amongst each other and looking somber. Mother ushered us inside.
Cass and her family were already inside, the only ones other than us. The two sisters met in an embrace, whispering softly. I crossed my arms and tried not to look bored out of my mind.
"Hey, Steph," someone said, making me look up. It was Bianca, my cousin. She had wide framed glasses and her hair was pulled back so tightly in a ponytail that I was surprised it wasn't ripping out of her skull. When she smiled, silver braces shone over her teeth.
"Uh, hey... Bianca..." I said, crossing my arms tighter. She was probably the biggest nerd I'd ever laid my eyes on. Also, she tried way too hard to be, well, cool. I'd been to her house and seen her mountain of products cluttering her vanity. Tweezers, nail polish, pimple cream, you name it. It was kind of sad.
It was a very brief encounter with my cousin, but it was enough for one day. I excused myself to find a bathroom, but I found that the door was locked. Great.
I would've gone back out, but I was stopped by the sound of voices. It was Mother and Aunt Cass, talking around the corner of the bathroom. I pressed myself against the wall and listened to what they were saying.
"I don't understand why the will isn't here," my mother said, obviously worried. "The reading is supposed to be right after the service."
"I heard that Jared is bringing it," Aunt Cass replied. "Dad gave it to him, I guess, right before he died."
Mother paused. "What for? Do you think..."
"Please, Cleo," Cass said. "We don't need this. Not today."
"I just want the money divide to be fair. Split three ways even."
"It will."
I heard their footsteps walk back down the hallway then, and I followed after a minute or so had passed.
The service went on, with lots of crying, lots of talking, and lots of organ music. Jared, Aunt Clarissa, and Uncle Steven showed up late. I saluted them in a way. It seemed like no one in the family ever wanted anything to be less than perfect.
It was all over after a while. The family gathered in a side room, privately, and the will was read. Property was split a few different ways, but the money- it split three ways even.
YOU ARE READING
You Don't Know Us - ✔️
غموض / إثارةBeauty. Money. Grace. This is what everyone sees when they look at the glittering façade of our family. But they don't know us. And neither do you.
