Grant Ward - Prey

Part 1

Today was the day. The day I had been dreading for a few weeks now. The day I was not ready for at all. I always had thoughts of how it would have happened, how I would of reacted at the time but nothing could've prepared me for this. Nothing could prepare me for the heartache and sickening depression flooding over me as I lay down two roses for my parents coffins. I was only 28 and now I had no parents by my side.

They were too young. It was just so unexpected. It just seemed like another normal day when I got the phone call. The scene kept replaying in my head over and over as if It was today. They told me there had been a car crash where my parents were killed on impact, the other driver was fine as he ran away. I had so many emotions running through my mind then but now...I just feel dead.

I wasn't angry at the driver anymore, instead I focused my anger on my brother. There were friends and family at the funeral, all gathered around to see my parents one last time and to say their last goodbye to them but my brother, their son was nowhere to be seen. He moved away for a job and we never saw him after that. He's a nice guy, typical brother...Annoying but I still expected him to turn up today, we all did.

I looked around to see everyone crying, men holding their wives to comfort them and I stood there alone and blank. I wasn't crying, not at the minute anyway. I suppose this whole thing hasn't properly kicked in yet, maybe I was just in shock?

Everyone slowly started walking away yet I was glued to the spot. I didn't want to leave them, I never wanted to leave them. Soon I was standing alone and fear washed over me. I was truly alone.

"They were nice people" Someone approached me from behind and I glanced to see a tall man in a black suit looking at the graves. "I'm sorry for your loss" He whispered, turning to face me. I studied him, trying to figure out who he was. I've never seen him before in my life and I've never seen him with my parents. He had dark eyes which matched his hair, a slight cut on his lip and cheek. He was even American which was weird since we live in England and don't know any American's.

"Who are you" I croaked and wiped my eyes quickly to find a tear had snuck down my cheek. "Sorry" I whispered, I know it was a sad time but I didn't have to be rude.

"A friend of Hunters" He whispered then smiled again. "I don't think we've met" He held out his hand, "Grant Ward. I used to work with your brother" I shook his hand slowly and looked down.

"I thought he'd be here" So his friend came but he didn't? I wonder what excuse he will use this time.

"I haven't seen him for a while but he's probably caught up in a job" Grant explained but I shook my head and stared at him.

"That's no excuse to miss your own parents funeral" I felt like I was taking my anger out on him, it wasn't his fault. My emotions were all over the place, speaking to people was a bad idea. "I'm really sorry..."

"Don't be. I know how hard it is to lose your parents. I've been in the same position as you" He said softly and looked around. "I find a drink helps" Was he hitting on me or was he just being kind? He didn't seem the type to pick on the vulnerable but I didn't know much about him."If you like, I could try and call him? He'll be happy to speak to you"

"Okay" I whispered looking at my parents grave one last time. "I'm not sure if I want him to come now or not, I feel like I'm going to kill him. He'll make up an excuse and I'll get angry, then he'll get angry and it'll become a bloodbath" I sighed and heard Grant chuckle.

"I think he'll be more focused on killing me then you" I looked up at him confused and he shook his head stepping forwards a little. "Are you ready?" To be honest, I don't think that I'll ever be ready. I didn't want to tell him that even though he told me that he was in the same position. I could always come back to the graves and speak to them after. I just felt terrible leaving them for a guy I just met for a drink. It wasn't in a love type of way, especially not to me. I just needed someone to talk to, to be near even if it was a complete stranger.

"Ready" I whispered, he began walking and I followed slowly. A lump was forming in my throat and I swallowed hard to keep the tears away.

I wonder when it starts to get easier. I know that tomorrow I won't be happy, I know this pain won't magically disappear because that would be too easy. Life is never that easy.

"How are you holding up?" He slowed down a little, watching me as I matched his pace.

"Honestly, I'm not sure how to answer that question" He seemed to understand and nodded. We walked round a corner and he walked to a cafe, opening the door for me as I entered.

"Drinks on me" He smiled and I didn't have the energy to argue.

"When you said go for a drink, I didn't think you meant coffee" I smiled slightly but soon dropped it, I felt terrible for smiling on such a tragic day. "I'll just have a latte" I whispered and walked over to a table, sitting down. I kept looking around and saw he kept watching me whilst ordering. I didn't want to say the wrong thing or come across rude but I wasn't sure how to keep a hold of my emotions. I wanted to ask him about his parents and how he dealt with it but it might upset him.

"Here you go" He whispered placing the coffee in front of me. I must of zoned out because I didn't see him walk over. "Do you mind if I borrow your phone? I think I left mine at home. I'll call Hunter" He asked and I nodded, reaching in my pocket and giving him my phone. "Thanks" He whispered and walked outside with it.

I picked the coffee up and drank a little, it was boiling hot and I knew it burnt my tongue but it didn't really hurt. My emotions were too strong for the pain to fully hit me.

I wonder if my parents were in pain? I know they told me they died on impact but I'm sure they tell a lot of people that just to comfort them. I couldn't imagine them being in pain, the thought destroyed me.

I cried silently, trying to hide it from the people in the cafe. I hid my face and kept wiping away the tears as soon as they came. I had to keep this under control in public, I couldn't let people see me weak.

I soon stopped crying, I knew my face was red raw but that couldn't be helped. I began drinking the coffee again hoping the warmth would spread through my cold body. I had to get through this, they'd be watching over me worried.

Grant walked in smiling at me until he saw my face. He sat next to me and slipped the phone into my pocket and put an arm around me for comfort.

"Hey, I know it's hard but it'll get a lot easier soon...And hey, I have some good news! Your brothers coming" He gave me a sympathetic smile and I nodded.

"Thank you. Even though I'm pissed, I need him"

"He's family, you'll need each other" He dropped his arm and stood back up. "I'm really sorry but I have to go. I need to take care of something but Hunter will be here in about 30 minutes"

"Okay, thanks for the coffee and chat" I smiled at him making him smile back.

"I'll see you again, Jess" He whispered before walking off. I watched him confused, how did he know my name? It was probably Hunter. Another thought crossed my mind, why didn't he have a drink? I was being so paranoid but it was just a gut feeling. A really weird gut feeling.

I quickly finished my coffee off and started to look around. I was exhausted, all I wanted to do was sleep. I think I could sleep my life away at this point in time. All the crying I did, all the pain I felt and still do feel... It's taken it out of me.

I felt my eyes become heavier and frowned. Hunter better hurry up. At this point I think I'd sleep right here in the cafe. I didn't care anymore. My head started to drop and I looked up when I saw someone barge through the entrance.

"Lance" I whispered before my head slammed onto the table and I drifted off into first a painful...But now a relaxing sleep.