The Letters To Her Heart

Chapter 6: Peace

They say death is more peaceful, you're no longer suffering, all your pain has vanished. That's how my mother must feel, relieved.

As I stand in front of my vanity, I'm hesitant about opening letter number two. I slowly open the drawer and snatch the letter out hastily. I opened it up without even thinking and my eyes browsed the short letter:

Marissa,

Today may seem like a low point in your life but you're surrounded by people who love you, remember that. 

Love always,

Mom

"Hey, my mom has breakfast ready, you don't have to come down just yet though." Cole knocked on my door and then excused himself to give me some privacy.

I took a deep breath and sighed, I will not be able to continue this day on an empty stomach. I walked down the stairs and joined my new family at the table although I don't think I consider Cole as a brother, I'm starting to feel something more for him.

"Marissa! I'm so glad you decided to join us!" Cassandra said in that super happy voice of hers.

"Mom, dial it down a little." Cole advised and Cassandra zipped her mouth.

"So, do you have an outfit picked out for this afternoon?" Cassandra really didn't know how to make small talk, that was evident so I just nod my head as I ate the eggs.

"Mom, would you stop for one minute and let this girl breathe?" Cole whispered-yelled in his mom's face.

"Sorry." Her eyes adverted to mine and kept quiet the remainder of breakfast.

"Thanks for the breakfast." I speedily brought my plate to the kitchen sink and silently walked up the stairs.

"Dammit Cassandra, can't you keep your mouth shut for ten minutes!" Mr. Greer shouted from the kitchen. I still stood on the stairs, listening on their conversation.

"I feel bad for the poor girl. I knew her mother all my life, I'm heartbroken too. I don't know what to say." Cassandra fired back.

I then heard footsteps coming closer so I bolted up the stairs and into my room, shutting my door behind me. My breathing became labored and I took deep breaths to regain control again. Man, I'm out of shape.

"Marissa?" Cole knocked on my door, damn.

I blew out a strong breath and braced myself as I opened my door.

"Yeah?" I asked kind of nervously, I could feel the beads of sweat at the top of my forehead.

"Have you seen my black tie anywhere? Mom swears she put it in my laundry basket but I didn't see it." 

"Um... no, sorry." I leaned against the door then, wishing he would just get out of my way.

"Are you okay, you look a little white?" He touched my sweaty forehead with the back of his hand and I cringed, why, why, why did he have to touch my sweaty forehead???

"You're sweating, are you feeling okay?" He genuinely asked.

"I'm fine, really. I'm just... I don't know. I feel lost and angry and I'm overwhelmed." I smacked my forehead at my stupidity, he doesn't care about you ranting Marissa, just get him out of your room already!

"Can I be alone please?" I blurted out, shoving him out of my room.

"Y-yeah." He stumbled, looking back at me confused.

Gosh Marissa, aren't you just the smoothest person out there? I'm such an embarrassment.

To clear my thoughts, I sat at my vanity and put on my makeup for the day. I went for a lighter look today considering today's event was not a fashion show, it was a day of remembrance. The remembrance of the greatest woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.