Hide&Seek

Prologue

Prologue

"We are gathered here today to say goodbye to a mother, a sister, an auntie, a grandma and a dear friend. Maria Azizi was loved by everyone. She was a caring and good hearted person. She always had a way of putting a smile on the faces of people. She could light up a room with her outgoing personality and her presence. I am sure everyone present is going to miss her but she is going to be watching over everyone. She is in a better place. May God put you at rest."

The priest stands back and everyone falls silent. The only sound I can pick up being the cries and sniffles of those around me. I let go of my sister's- and only siblings- hand before making my way up to the top. I stand in front of everybody and take out the speech I prepared just last night. It was a sleepless night. I clear my throat before looking up. I notice everyone staring at me with pity and it makes me angry. I don't need the pity.

"My name is Reece Azizi and as everyone here knows I am the son of Maria... or mom as I knew her," I smile lightly at myself and I hear a few lighthearted chuckles, "My mother. I honestly have no idea what to say right now. Usually she would be telling me what to do, and me being a normal teenager I would ignore her. But this would only mean I would go back to her later on to ask her what she told me. Knowing my mother she would just tut at me and tell me that I will never learn. In all honesty she used to be right. I never used to learn, because if I learnt then she wouldn't be in that box right now with her heart at a standstill!", I point towards the coffin,

"If I came home on time like I was supposed to she would still be here with me and I wouldn't have to give this stupid speech. You know something? This paper is blank," I pick up and show them the paper just as I feel tears roll down my cheek. So much for staying strong, "Because there are no words to describe how I feel or how amazing this woman was! She was that neighbour that would always lend you a pint of milk. She was that person you would always see volenteering to help with charities. She was always that woman that was running family errands. She was the perfect wife who stuck by her husband even when he did wrong. She was the role model of so many people, but above all that she was a mother and an amazing one at that. She may not of been perfect but who wants perfection? Her flaws were what made her my mother and I would never change her for anything. You guys knew her as a friend, aunt, cousin, sister, daughter, collegue, neighbour, helper but I still know her as my mother because she will forever live on in my heart."

I feel someone tug at my hand and I see Belle tugging on it. I pick her up as she wraps her arms around my neck. I look at her coffin before looking up at the ceiling.

"You better look after her big man! Give her everything she wants. Treat her like the queen she is or else I will have to come and pay you a visit. Don't forget I know where you live and I am not afraid to break down your door. I will always love you Mom."

The day is grey and cold, reflecting how I feel.

I watch as her coffin gets lowered into the ground. Tears started to fall down my cheeks.That is my  mom in the coffin. My mom, my rock, my biggest supporter. This shouldn't be happening. I should have been there for her, I should have protected her like I'm supposed to. She is not meant to be dead. She is supposed to be here by my side telling me "everything is going to be alright" but now she has left me. She has gone so who till take her place now?

One by one everyone leaves but I stay. I take a seat near her headstone. All around her body and upon the soil which sits on it is covered in flowers and cards from all her loved ones.

I feel someone place their hand on my shoulder and I turn my head to see who it is. I feel anger course through me. "Not now Scarlett. Just leave." I hear her sigh before picking up the little boy and following the others out.

"How can you just leave so easily? How can you get up and just go after dad? I thought you were the one person who would never leave me. How could you mom? I guess it is my fault though. If I just came home on time, I could of saved you. I could have stopped them from... Mom, I am sorry I should have been there for you, I should have been looking out for you, but I have failed you. I won't let this go mom. I promise you I will not rest till I find out who has done this, I will make them pay. I promise you mom. I promise you."