Amelia Roberts - The Person She Could've Been

CHAPTER FIVE

Mia's mother, Katherine, stood in the middle of the office, her voice breaking the silence.
"It's been so long Amelia, and since your father's anniversary is coming up soon, I thought we should take the time and honor the person he once was - before he left us, of course. "

Amelia, stood against the door, suddenly looked up.
"My father's what?"

Roger, sitting in a nearby armchair, clenched his fist, silently urging Katherine to stop. But Katherine unknowingly ignored him and repeated herself, "His death anniversary."

Amelia was in a state of shock, her face pale. "His... death anniversary? What do you mean?"
The readhead could hardly believe what she was hearing.

Katherine, confused by her daughter's reaction, replied, "Yes, why are you acting so surprised? As if you didn't know?"

Amelia turned to Roger, her eyes widening, pleading for an explanation. Roger, caught off guard, muttered, "Well, that took an unexpected turn."

"What is she talking about?" Amelia's voice trembled with disbelief.

Katherine glanced at Roger, realization dawning on her.
"Oh my God, you haven't told her?"

Roger quickly intervened, trying to end the conversation.
"Alright, that's enough, Katherine. I believe you've done enough." he threatened.

Amelia's anger started to rise. "He is dead?" she demanded, her voice steady.

Roger looked at her coldly and said, "Yes."

Amelia turned to her mother, her eyes wide with shock.
"How long has he been dead for?"

Without a word, Katherine walked towards Amelia, attempting to hug her, but Amelia stepped back, rejecting the gesture.
"Over nine years," Katherine said softly. "It'll be ten soon." 
She looked into her daughter's eyes, trying to get her attention, but it was as if the life had suddenly been drained from her.

Amelia, still unable to process what she has just heard, turned to Roger, who had already stood up, trying to escape the situation. The room seemed to close in around her as she struggled to comprehend the horrifying truth she had just learned.

___________________________________________

A/N: Longer chapter this time! What do you think Amelia's reaction will be like? ;)