Footprints in the Sand

19. Muted Bells

The half muted bells rang out throughout Exeter. Hundreds of people had descended upon Exeter Cathedral, some even having to crowd outside in order to attend. I had never seen anything like it. Of course, media was there, but only for outside; no one would let them inside. I prefer not to talk of the funeral, but everyone in the family came, attended, and wore black, even the Blake’s. I could see that Amelia-Jane and Johanna were still turning their noses up at them, though not at Charlie and Lewis who managed to stand in utter silence throughout the entire service. Once it was over, we pooled out of the cathedral, and ambled towards the black limos that awaited our presence. Nick, Charlie, Lewis, and all of the Shadow Children, as we were later named by the tabloids, went in one, the adults and my cousins in the other, though Mum, Seb, and Becks, went in the hearse. No one spoke a word as we sat in the limo to my home. No one wanted to. I guess they were all surprised I hadn’t cried. I wasn’t one for crying, let alone when I was this numb. We arrived home, not even uttering a word, and emptied out of the car, and trundled inside. Mum saw me, her cheeks were tearstained; her eyes were red, and she hugged me tight, and sobbed silently into my black-clad shoulder.

            “It’s okay.” I whispered, rubbing her back as she hiccupped through her silent sobs. “You might hurt now, but it will get better, promise.”

            “When did you become so smart?” She whispered through her sobs.

            “When I learnt that pausing a life won’t work; time passes whether we like it or not.” I whispered. The numbness was still there.

            “I know, honey, I know, but I haven’t lived without him since I was 20.”

            “But you have! You brought me up on your own, and I will always be here for you, as will Rory. He’s basically yours now. And you have Eliza.” I looked Mum in her stony eyes, and for a second, just a second, I saw her brighten,

“Thank you.” Mum whispered and kissed my cheek. She took my hand, knitted her fingers between mine, and walked towards the guests that were beginning to arrive. The afternoon dragged on, and guests slowly left. Not one photo or video was taken, and eventually everyone left, and I was glad of the peace. Mum walked solemnly to her room, and I left her in peace. I walked into the lounge and sat on the sofa, flicked through the TV channels and sighed,

“Everyone’s gone.” Rory whispered, sitting next to me. Nick sat the other side and I rested head upon his shoulder. He knew what I was going through, and understood me completely.

“School tomorrow?” Nick whispered,

“Some of us have to.” I smiled a little at my boyfriend.

“Get educated and escape?”

“That’s the plan.” I nodded.

“Few more months now, just keep working.”

“9 months, you noob.”

“And by then I’ll be finished for my 1st year.”

“You hope.” I giggled.

“I will.” He kissed me gently. And for the first time in months, I was truly happy, despite the fact it was meant to be a sad day.

**************

A/N

This is the final chapter, though I am putting in an epilogue in a minute, it was going to be the next part, but there isn't really much more story to tell. If I get any more bright ideas, it will become another section of it. Editing will commence oneday, though not today!

Meggieissi