Conspiracies

19. The art of the War.

How long had it been since I saw my mother? How many times had she lied to me throughout my life? What was the last memory I shared with her? Questions assailed me as I looked at her smiling face, with black eyes fixed on me and snappy dark hair.

I did not know what to say. Really, I didn't know if I was going to see her again after the last time.

She was dressed in flowy, high-waisted pants with a floral print and a matching jacket, a white shirt, and heels of a different color, black and white. She was not wearing jewelry, she was not wearing makeup. She was still as young as I remembered her.

"Are you going to stand there watching us for the rest of the day? I'm telling you because we have many things to do and to tell you." My mother said in her sweet voice.

"Your mother is right. We have to talk about many things and there is no time. We are sorry to have surprised you in this way. But it was the only way." Jannick said.

Jannik was more elegant than expected, wearing a light blue suit blazer, with a classic peak lapel with a decorative pin, and a black tie, as were his shiny shoes.

"What's going on? What are you doing here?" I stammered.

"There will be time to explain all this. We can't do it now with your husband and his people hanging around here. Come tonight to this address. And come alone." My mother gave me a small piece of paper with an address on it. I quickly put it in my pocket.

"Lasse must be getting worried. You have to go so he doesn't get suspicious, Alicia." Jannik warned me.

I was as confused as if I had been in a whirlwind and had just escaped. Everything was spinning as I tried to understand what was happening. I couldn't say anything. I just nodded and tried to walk.

I came out of the bathroom, they came out right behind me and were gone in seconds. I still didn't believe my mother was here. What were they planning? What were they doing together? Walking felt like my legs were shaking. I had to assimilate everything.

When I got back to the funeral, there was hardly anyone there. Just Lasse and her sister Line, in which it seemed like a lively conversation as they couldn't stop laughing. I'd like to know what they laughed at the funeral of their own son and nephew.

Almost at his side, Lasse fell silent and cleared his throat when he saw me arrive.

"Honey, you've been too long. We were getting worried." Lasse said in a comforting voice.

"Yes. I can see that." I replied curtly.

Line and Lasse were surprised by my answer and lowered their heads in embarrassment. All I wanted now was to go home. Apparently, Lasse read my mind.

"Well, Line, I think it's time we go home to deal with the pain."

Line, without saying anything, nodded and vanished as soon as she could.

Lasse politely walked me to the car, where he opened the door for me to enter. He had never been so kind to me. Whatever he does, I will never forget what he has done. Nothing will erase the past.

"Are you alright honey?" Lasse asked me as he started the car and we drove out of the cemetery.

I stared at him and didn't reply. He knew that my look always said it all. And I was sending him a very clear message. I don't want to hear you talk.

"I see you're still... Upset about what happened." Lasse told me, interrupting my thoughts.

"Upset? That's all? Do you think I'm just upset about what you've done to Jens?" I didn't want to talk to him. But that comment had bothered me enough and I reacted unexpectedly.