Warmth ✔

Chapter 34

When we're out of the cemetery, I see a familiar face coming my way. And I know why he is here.

When he stands infront of me, I ask, "Are you here to see Rebecca?"

Charles nods. He looks behind me, at Trey's and Ciara's parents. He questions me, "Why are you here? Is everything alright?"

"Everything is not alright," I say to him honestly. He gives me a confused look. "I'll tell you later. Can you do me a favour? Ciara is inside. Can you check on her?"

He nods and enters the cemetery.

*

It's about half and hour when Ciara and Charles come out of the cemetery. Ciara looks calm. "I want to go home," she says.

Ciara and her parents step in the car and we drive towards her home.

*

After we get to Ciara's home, Ciara goes to her room and lies on her bed. She tells us that she wants to be left alone. We do as she wishes and leave her room with the door open.

Ciara's parents and I are sitting in the living room in silence. Suddenly my phone starts ringing and I find that Matt is calling me. I answer his call and tell him about the situation.

After we are done with our conversation, I see Ciara going to the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" I call out to her.

"I was thirsty so I came to drink water," she replies and enters the kitchen. All of us see her drinking water. She looks normal for someone who doesn't know her. But we know that the cheerful girl is gone. It feels as if I don't even know her.

When she's about to return to her room, I ask her, "How are you feeling?"

She gives me a sad smile. "I'm not feeling good."

Ciara's Mom approaches and assures her, "We are there for you."

Ciara nods. "I know that."

She starts to go to her room but stops all of a sudden when a thought occurs to her. She looks at me and asks, "Can we go to Trey's house?"

I simply nod. I don't ask her why she wants to go. I'm just going to support her with any decision that she takes.

"I'll just wash my face and come," she says.

After she comes, we head to Trey's house in silence. When we reach his house, Ciara questions me, "You won't ask why we are here?"

I shake my head and say, "I'm just going to be there for you."

She gives me a half-smile. When she knocks at the front door, Trey's Mom's sad face greets us. "Can we come in?" Ciara asks.

She nods and invites us in. The three of us go to the living room where we find Trey's Dad.

After Ciara and I take a seat, he asks, "Ciara, how are you feeling?"

"To be honest, I'm not feeling good," Ciara responses.

Trey's Mom says, "I know it's hard for you but we had to tell you the truth."

"I understand," Ciara starts. "It must be hard for you too to recall how you lost your son." After a pause, she says, "You must be wondering why I'm here. Well, I'm here to know about my mate. So, can you tell me about Trey?"

Trey's parents share gazes before they start telling us about Trey. They share everything with us. They even show us his photo albums. Trey's parents and Ciara's eyes brim with tears at seeing photographs showing every moment in Trey's life. When Trey's parents are done, Ciara asks, "Can you show me his room?"

Trey's parents lead us to Trey's room. They open the door and Ciara enters the room. She walks around the room, taking a look at everything present there. She looks at the books he used to read, smells his clothes and looks at the photo frame kept on his bedside table. She lies on his bed and closes her eyes, trying to feel what it would've been like to lie next to him.

I'm standing at the doorway with Trey's parents. It's becoming difficult for me to see Ciara in pain. I can really feel her pain. And it's heartbreaking. Seeing her in this condition brings tears to my eyes. I quickly wipe them away when Ciara opens her eyes, gets up from the bed and walks towards us.

She looks at Trey's parents and asks, "Can I keep Trey's photo and one of his shirts?"

Trey's Mom nods, trying to keep herself from crying. She walks towards Trey's closet and takes out a sky blue shirt. Then she walks to Trey's bed and picks up the photo frame from the bedside table. She gives these two belongings of Trey to Ciara. Ciara hugs them to her chest.

Just before we are about to leave, Trey's Mom hugs Ciara and says, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask us. You can come here anytime you want. Our door will always be open for you."

Ciara nods.

After bidding farewell, we walk towards Ciara's house. When we get inside the house, she goes to her room without saying a word. I follow her and find her lying on her bed with her eyes closed while hugging Trey's belongings.

I realize that she has drifted off to sleep when her breathing becomes steady. Today was a long day for her. She must be tired. Before leaving, I look at her one last time. She looks peaceful. Getting to know her mate has calmed her. If she continues on this path then she'll be able to recover quickly from her heartbreak.

I go to the living room where I find Ciara's parents pacing. They enquire about their daughter and I tell them everything that happened. Hearing my words somewhat put them out of misery.

"She's handling the situation very well. She's coping with the loss her own way and that's a good thing. I can see some improvement in her." When I finish, Ciara's parents tell me that they are going to Ciara's room to watch over her. I nod and take my leave.

I head to my pack house. On the way, I keep replaying in my head all the things that Ciara went through today. What happened with Ciara makes me feel lucky to have a mate.

Just as I'm about to reach my pack house, I halt in my tracks. I need to do something.

I turn around and head towards my desired destination. After knocking at the front door, Daniel answers with a smile. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to see Alarick."