Behind the face

14- When We Walk

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Black was a color which signified one thing- death. Black coats, black hats, black sunshades, black umbrellas. All of that made Laura sick in her stomach especially since she was also clothed in it- Black. Her worst color.

It was Aria's funeral at her mother's town house in Denver, and even when Laura knew she wasn't invited that didn't stop her either. She had an unshakable feeling that she needed to be there. Not just because of the feeling of guilt and indebtedness she felt towards Aria, but because of the fact that the killer might be there. Watching, acting and doing a mental victory dance that he had fooled them all.

She stood behind the crowd of friends and mourners as they lowered Aria down the ground, trying to block out the wails and cries of the crowd.

Laura wasn't an emotional person but funerals had a way of breaking even the strongest of walls. Taking a handkerchief from her breast pocket, she wiped her face with it, stopping the tears that threatened to roll.

"You came." Someone said taking a stand beside her.

"Yeah." Putting her hands in her coat's pocket, she answered casually, not in the mood for their usual banter.

"I'm not sure you were invited though."

"And neither were you." The priest was beside the grave saying the final prayer. She walked out of the gathering before she created a scene, especially with him by her side.

She noticed he was quiet as he followed her which made her anxious. Him being quiet means he was about to say something stupid. Or do something stupid.

"I need to talk to you." She wasn't surprised by his statement and she wasn't ready. She knew that sooner or later they would have to talk about it like proper adults but she chose the latter.

"You are talking now." She didn't stop walking. She needed to talk to a few people here and he was slowing her down.

"You know that's not what I mean."

Laura turned and faced him. "What do you mean Nathan? What do we have to talk about anymore? Because I thought I was pretty clear the last time."

"One last date" His statement made her pause with her brows arched in total confusion. "-no dinner. I meant dinner."

"Why? What are you trying to achieve? We broke up okay! It's over. The end. Fin. In what language do I have to say it for you to understand?"

"I know but I think I deserve this-"

"You deserve nothing." She cut him off. She was tired of his self-absorbing ass.

"I'm sorry. Not I- We. We have known each other for so long and I think we need a proper way to end it. We still work at this same place."

"I resigned."

"Temporarily I hope." His face showed how nervous he was and the way he was being persistent, if only he was showing this much interest when they were dating then he wouldn't have been her ex.

"Look Nat, where are you going at? We'll have a dinner, talk about old times, say what we regret and reopen old wounds. We aren't going to get the closure you think we will but we are just going to be more confused."

"You don't know that for sure. Please, just one last dinner. I promise you wouldn't regret it."

Nathan wasn't among the best lawyers in Denver just because of circumstances. He was his father's son and had the spirit of persuasion mixed with his pigheadedness. It was why they were attracted to each other at first. They were so similar yet so different. Laura the stubborn, hot-tempered and passionate girl. And Nathan, the obstinate, calculated and hardworking guy. They were the perfect duo. Or she taught they were.