Simply Audrey

Chapter 4

My mother and Dave enter my room, my mother holding a pale pink box; she lays it down on my lap and strokes my hair.

"Dave had this made for you," she starts.

"I can only imagine how important Jenna and Daniel were to you; you should have something special for their funeral. It's perfect for you." Dave says, gesturing for me to open his gift.

I open the box to find a gorgeous black dress. I thank them for the gift and my mother helps me to the bath.

I feel much stronger today, so I am able to do almost everything myself.

It's almost time to go as I stand in front of my full length mirror, looking at the spot where I was stabbed. The dress was well designed, it comes right above my knees, and it is high necked which hides the ugly cut, which's scar I believe will stay forever.

I grab my sheet of paper off my desk and make my way down to the car.

We drive to the funeral in silence, and when we arrive at the church my mother and Dave hug me, and we walk into the church together.

People look at me in complete and utter disgust, even Jenna's parents and older brother Sam. I can tell what their all thinking, why is she alive when Jenna and Daniel are dead?

I take my place close to the front of the church, and I look dully at the two shiny polished coffins covered in flowers and the pictures on them which stand on top of each coffin.

Both so young with so much future ahead of them. How could they have died?

I think back to my dream to try and calm me.

I tune out most of the service until I hear my name to go up and say something.

I walk unsurely up onto stage, unsure if what I have got written down is the right thing to say. I see everyone looking up at me with distaste.

I nervously play with my page and then I start speaking, my voice shaking more than it ever has before.

"Uhm, well I don't think any of us expected to be here quiet so soon..." I say, and I see Sam roll his eyes. "Jenna was the greatest friend I could ever have wished for, she was always there for me, when I was sad, happy or just needed a good laugh. She was the greatest vice-captain in cheerleading ever, and I just miss her so, so much. I wish I could have been there for her more. Had just one more conversation with her. I wish that I could have saved her but I didn't. And I really hope that she is in heaven right now singing with the angels. Daniel as well, no I didn't know him for very long, but he was the greatest maths partner I could ever have wished for. And I really love them both and wish they were still around. But the simple truth is, they were too good and too pure for this world. This world is far too evil for people like them... And that's all I have to say... I really am sorry..."

The reverend comes back onto stage and I stoop away to the bathroom for the rest of the service.

When the service ends I walk out of the bathroom, straight into Sam.

"Oh hey," I say going in for a hug.

"Hi." He says very bluntly and rejects my hug.

"I am sorry about your loss," I say, looking at him awkwardly. Being an only child and having spent hours upon hours at Jenna's house, Sam was the closest thing I have ever had to a brother, but now it's awkward, like two strangers who crash into each other at the supermarket.

"You should be."

"I really wish I could have done something to help-"

"Oh yea?" he cuts me off, "Why didn't you then?"