Embers of Betrayal

Chapter 20: no regrets

Maxim and Bernadette's Home – Moments Later

Bernadette stood over the bodies of Maxim and Clarissa, her hand still gripping the gun tightly. Her heart pounded, but her face remained a mask of cold determination. She knew she had to act quickly; there was no time to waste. She grabbed her phone with her free hand and dialed Dr. Alexander, her trusted friend and physician.

Bernadette (on the phone, her voice steady but urgent): "Alexander, I need you to come to my house right now. There's been...an incident. I need you to call the police too. You’ll understand when you get here."

Dr. Alexander could hear the tension in her voice, but he didn’t question her. He was shocked but knew Bernadette well enough to sense the seriousness of the situation.

Dr. Alexander (concerned, yet calm): "I'm on my way, Bernadette. Just stay where you are and don't touch anything."

Bernadette hung up the phone and took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The sirens were already faintly audible in the distance, growing louder with each passing second. She could feel the weight of what she had done pressing down on her, but there was no turning back now.

Bernadette (to herself, her voice barely a whisper): "This is the only way. They left me no choice."

Moments Later – Outside Maxim and Bernadette's Home

The flashing blue and red lights of police cars illuminated the quiet street as they pulled up to the house. Officers quickly exited their vehicles, weapons drawn, and cautiously approached the front door.

Dr. Alexander arrived shortly after, parking his car behind the police vehicles. He rushed towards the house, his heart racing. He spotted Bernadette standing in the doorway, still holding the gun. She looked composed, but he could see the turmoil in her eyes.

Dr. Alexander (approaching carefully, his voice filled with concern): "Bernadette, what happened? Why are you holding that gun?"

Bernadette glanced at him, her expression unreadable. She knew she had to explain herself, but words failed her in that moment. The police officers moved in, cautiously disarming her and securing the scene.

Officer (firmly): "Ma'am, we need you to step back and put your hands where we can see them."

Bernadette complied, handing over the gun without resistance. Her eyes never left Dr. Alexander, who was now standing beside her, his face etched with concern and confusion.

Bernadette (softly, her voice trembling slightly): "I didn't mean for it to come to this, Alexander. But they were...they were betraying me. Right here, in our own home."

Dr. Alexander's face paled as he began to grasp the gravity of the situation. He could see the bodies of Maxim and Clarissa lying on the bed, their lifeless forms a stark reminder of the violent betrayal that had unfolded.

Dr. Alexander (shocked, almost whispering): "Bernadette...what have you done?"

Bernadette (tears welling in her eyes, her voice breaking): "What I had to. What they forced me to do."

The sound of the sirens grew louder, the police officers moving quickly to secure the scene. Dr. Alexander escorted Bernadette as ahe is led away by the officers, his mind reeling from the shock of it all. He knew there would be no easy answers, no simple explanations for what had transpired here tonight.

Bernadette Lacuesta sat calmly on the bench, her expression serene and her eyes fixed on the distant skyline. There was no trace of regret on her face, just a quiet acceptance of the choices she had made and the path that lay ahead.

Dr. Alexander approached her quietly and took a seat beside her. "I thought you could use some company," he said gently, glancing at her with a warm, reassuring smile.

Bernadette nodded, her lips curling into a soft smile. "Thank you, Alexander. I appreciate it. It’s nice to know someone’s here who understands and do not judge."

He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You’ve been through a lot, Bernadette, but you’ve handled everything with such grace. Whatever happens next, just remember you’re not alone... I am always with you,"

Bernadette:Are noy ashamed having a murderer friend?"

Dr. Alexander: " Never...Don't think of that,"

Before Bernadette could say a word, Atty. Santos arrived, his footsteps firm and deliberate. "Bernadette," he greeted, nodding respectfully. "How are you holding up?"

"I’m fine, Atty. Santos," she replied, her voice steady. "Just ready to move forward, whatever that means."

He gave a reassuring smile. "That’s the spirit. We have a strong case, and I’m here to make sure your voice is heard. We’ll take this one step at a time."

Bernadette took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Thank you, both of you. It means more than you know to have you here with me."

Dr. Alexander squeezed her fingers gently. "We’re in this together, Bernadette."

Atty. Santos nodded in agreement. "We’re with you every step of the way."

Bernadette smiled again, a little brighter this time, as she looked between the two men who had become her pillars of support. "I’m ready," she said quietly,

Dr. Cherene arrived, she comforts Bernadette, expressing her unwavering friendship:

Dr. Cherene:"Bernadette, I'm here now. I can see how much you're hurting, and I'm so sorry you're going through this."

Bernadette: "Cherene... I have no regrets. They pushed me the edge."

Dr. Cherene: "Hey, look at me." (She gently lifts Bernadette's chin, her eyes filled with empathy.) "You are not alone in this. I'm your friend, and I will always be here for you, no matter what. We’ve been through so much together, and that’s not going to change..Here is Dr. Alexander, Atty. Santos... We are here for you."

Bernadette:(Tears well up in her eyes.) "Thank you, Cherene. I just dont want to be a burden,"

Dr. Cherene:(Leaning in closer, she wraps an arm around Bernadette's shoulders, pulling her into a comforting embrace.)* "You could never be a burden to me, to us- Dr Alexander and Atty Santos,Bernadette. Lean on us as much as you need to. We’ll get through this, one step at a time, together."

Bernadette:(Softly, resting her head on Cherene's shoulder.) "I'm so grateful for you, Cherene. To the three of you. Truly."

Dr. Cherene:(With a gentle smile.) "Always, my friend. You’ve got a strong heart, and I believe in you. Whatever happens, you have our support, now and always,"

Dr. Alexander wrapped his arms around Bernadette, his embrace conveying what words could not. The room was silent, but the warmth of his hug spoke volumes. Bernadette could feel his concern and support, a gentle reminder that he was there for her, no matter what she was going through. The way he held her close made it clear just how much he cared.

Cherene found solace in Dr. Alexander's embrace, feeling a wave of comfort wash over her. His arms around her were strong yet gentle, providing a safe haven amidst her turmoil. The steady beat of his heart and the warmth of his touch reassured her that she wasn't alone, allowing her to momentarily forget her worries and simply breathe. In that quiet moment, she felt an unspoken understanding between them, a deep sense of care that words could never fully capture.