Caught By The Bad Boys

Chapter Seventy Three: Smile, Cry or Both

Thank you chevandre_8565 for the cover :)

Song: fragile

Artist: gnash feat. WRENN

Smile, Cry or Both

None of us would imagine the first week back at school to have a day off to go to Noel Brighton's funeral.

As I stand here surrounded by people in the cemetery I couldn't help but think of that night. After Benny calmed me down we slowly walked back to the beach. All of us were questioned by the police and Parker, Austin, Quinton and the Willis Twins were taken in again for further questioning.

Since Noel was a supposed drug addict, who was neglected by his family they believed the cause of death was overdosing. Yet Keene said Noel's drink must've been spiked with arsenic. I believed Keene because 1) Noel was not a drug addict, his parents forced him into rehab because they didn't want the family name going back, 2) He was the first one James ever dealt with and 3) Someone's going to die.

Those words echoed in my head the whole night even when we drove home I couldn't digest the information that someone has died. After that night, Keene never talked. Levi and I tried but he just remained quiet.

He was standing next to me wearing a black button up with a gloomy expression. The atmosphere was gloomy, nobody smiled just kept their gaze on the casket being lowered in front of us. It was depressing because Noel was such as great guy. I still remembered meeting him at his apartment and telling him that everyone has a story.

Ugh, why did he have to die? I feel like this is all my fault yet Benny keeps assuring me that it's not. Making things worse is Keene being silent, it makes me feel guilty.

As the casket lowered into the ground I could hear the sobs across us. Looking in that direction I saw Jennifer wiping her tears away. On her right was Kelly and on her left, was Melissa. Next to Melissa was Miranda followed by Tiffany and they were all silently crying.

I should be there too I thought but the guilt was just eating me up. I fiddled with the ring around my index finger watching as the casket went deeper and deeper until it was gone. Mrs. Brighton broke the silence when she stepped forward whilst looking at us.

I was on the other side with Keene, Benny, Levi, Jaden, Blake, Axel and my parents. Detective Kale had to be here too because Noel was involved with James. There were also a few journalists and not only because of the Brighton's but because of the case too.

"You." She said pointing at Keene and I noticed her smudged makeup. "You were such a bad influence on him! How dare you show your face here? Y-you...addict!"

Keene remained quiet as he stared at the ground. I wanted to say something but Levi seemed to beat me to it.

"With all due respect, ma'am don't blame Keene. All he ever was done was offer your son a place to stay after you kicked him out, after what you thought it would do to your family." Levi said as he stepped forward. "Keene was not only his flatmate but his friend!"

"Levi." My dad warned when Levi wanted to continue. Keene outstretched his arm and gripped on Levi's shoulder. I heard a click and turned my head to see a photographer taking photos.

After the casket was lowered people started to leave. Levi let out an exasperated sigh then followed Blake. Benny and I decided to stay with Keene once everyone was gone. I noticed someone opposite us as they approached the grave.

"This all my fault," Parker said. His blonde curls seemed off as they covered most of his face. He wore a beige shirt that seemed too large for him, black pants with his regular combat boots.