Ophidian's Genesis (UNDER REVISION)

CHAPTER 4

A week had passed since the death of Seline. Jessica blames herself for leaving her alone and causing the fight. She stared off into space, thinking about her friend at the funeral. 

The scent of lilies, usually so sweet, now filled Jessica with a suffocating sadness. It reminded her of the day she and Seline attempted to plant lilies in her garden and accidentally flooded the flowerbed. They'd spent the remainder of the afternoon drenched in mud and giggling uncontrollably. Now the aroma had brought tears to her eyes. 

She shut her eyes, and a torrent of other memories flooded in: late-night study sessions fueled by junk food, whispered secrets beneath the starry sky, and the exhilaration of winning their first robotics tournament. Each recollection brought a searing sting of grief, reminding her of what she had lost. Seline was gone, and with her went a piece of Jessica that could never be restored.

She opened her eyes, blinking away tears that threatened to spill over. As the ceremony came to a close, people began to rise from their seats. Jessica felt a kind hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Melanie, Seline's mother, with red and puffy eyes.

Melanie's touch was warm, but her eyes held a profound sadness that mirrored Jessica's own. "Jessica, dear," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you for coming." Beside her stood Mr. Jones, his face etched with grief, his arm protectively around Melanie. He offered Jessica a weak, sad smile.

Jessica swallowed hard, trying to find her voice. "I... I wouldn't have missed it for the world," she managed to say, her voice thick with emotion. She looked from Melanie to Simeon, seeing the raw pain reflected in their faces. It was a pain she shared, a pain that bound them together in their shared loss.

Melanie's eyes welled up again. "She... she talked about you all the time," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She cherished your friendship."

Simeon nodded, his voice hoarse. "You were like a sister to her." He paused, his gaze drifting to the empty space where the coffin had been. "She loved you very much."

Jessica's tears finally spilled over, streaming down her face. She couldn't speak, couldn't find the words to express the overwhelming grief that consumed her. She simply nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor, the image of Seline's smiling face flashing through her mind.

Melanie reached out and gently took Jessica's hand, her touch offering a small measure of comfort in the midst of their shared sorrow. "We're so glad she had you," she said softly. "You were a true friend to her."

Jessica squeezed Melanie's hand, a silent promise forming in her heart. She would never forget Seline. She would carry her memory with her always. Jessica held Melanie's hand, a little promise developing in her heart. She wouldn't forget Seline. She will always keep her memories with her. She softly drew away, giving her parents a faint, sorrowful smile. "I should... I should go," she said, her voice still full of tears. She had no idea where she was heading, but she couldn't remain there any longer. The weight of their anguish, mixed with her own, seemed too much to bear.

As the redhead teen moved away from the small group of mourners, she observed a figure standing alone toward the back of the chapel. It was Melody, Seline's younger sister. She was partially obscured by a massive oak tree, her stance stiff and slumped. Jessica paused for a time, uncertain if she should approach. But something about Melody's isolated figure, the way she appeared to be attempting to blend into the shadows, tugged at Jessica's heartstrings. She approached her gently.

Melody was shocked when Jessica approached, so she hurriedly shoved something behind her back. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her cheeks were smudged with tears. Jessica flashed a sad, knowing grin. "It's okay," she said quietly. "I know."