The Secret City: Into the Lair

Chapter 1

In which June leaves Sam's funeral with her new family, ready to enjoy a full life ahead.

June walked off the stage of the community hall in Ardmont. Taking her place beside Minerva, Iseral, and Barota, who went by "B," June held back tears. It was her first and best friend's funeral, and while only a small crowd was gathered in the hall, all had held Sam close to their hearts. June felt the death hit her the hardest because she had been in the room and watched her best friend's father pull the trigger on his own daughter. It was a horrifying concept, especially since Sam's dad had also murdered his son a few years prior. June had delivered a short speech, as was customary for funerals in Ardmont. Each person in the room was someone very close to or immediately related to Sam, and each had given a speech about Sam's impact on their own life. Since moving to Ardmont, June had been adopted by Minerva, Sam's mom, just hours before Sam's death. Even newer to Ardmont was Iseral and B, who were adopted the same day as June. While they hardly knew Sam, they were invited as they were new members of her immediate family.

"You did great Hun," Minerva comfortingly complimented June when she sat down, shaking.

June was by no means used to public speaking and in fact hated it because she was used to being laughed at by her former classmates. But she thanked Minerva anyway, knowing that she should be proud of how well she spoke about her friend. Also attending the funeral was Adi and Lok, Eta, and Sam's grandparents from both sides.

Thankfully missing from the scene, Sam's father, Jason, or Rexx as he was called by the dark side, was still to be found by June and her new community.

June stepped out of the community hall and took Minerva's hand. Iseral and B walked on the other side of their new mum, hand in hand. The new family would have many new dynamics to figure out, but together they each new they would make it through the following weeks, months, and years.

"You know," June began, "I think Sam wouldn't want us to just sit around and be sad the whole evening. What do you guys say we do something fun, in memory of her tonight?"
"Yeah June, that's a great idea!" Minerva agreed. "What do you boys say?"

"Sure, I'm down. She probably would want us to have some fun," B agreed.

"Sure!" Iseral nodded his head. "What are you guys thinking?"
"Do you guys have pizza here?" June asked.

"We sure do!" Minerva said. "Probably better than what you're used to even!"
"Wellllll then, can we start with some of that? It's almost dinner time!"
"Sounds good to me!" Iseral enthusiastically agreed.

"Uh, what's pizza?" B asked.

"WHAT?!!" June exclaimed in shock. "You HAVEN'T had pizza before?"
"Uh, no?"

"Well, I guess you will find out then. It's only the most amazing food on the planet!"

"Wow, ok I guess I will find out, let's go!" B excitedly concurred.

-*-

"Ok, you guys were right, that was AMAZING!" B exclaimed as they finished off their pizza.

"I knew you'd like it," Agreed Iseral.

"Me too," Commented June, "And Minerva, you were totally right, it was better than anything I've ever had before!"

"Well, I'm glad you liked it!" Minerva replied, smiling softly. "Let's head back to the house and rest up for tomorrow!"