MYSTERIES OF HER PAST

CHAPTER FOUR

Sister Veronica held Melinda tightly while she sobbed as Jasmines coffin was carried towards the grave. Melinda and everyone else had just finished paying their tribute to her.

Melinda couldn't believe Jasmine was dead as she looked at her molded body in the coffin before it was closed and carried towards the grave.

Melinda watched as her body was lowered into the grave and she cried loudly, the tears flowing freely from her eyes. She thought about the things Jasmine did for her and she regretted not doing anything for Jasmine. She was always receiving and never giving and she cried some more when she remembered Jasmines last moment trying to protect her.

Sister Veronica cuddled her and kissed her on her cheek. "Go pay your last tribute to her," she whispered and loosened her grip on Melinda.

Melinda wiped her tears and took slow steps towards Jasmines grave. She took a handful of sand and stopped right in front of Melina's grave.

She looked down at her coffin and the tears  welled up in her eyes again.

"Ja..Jass I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you go there. I should have stopped you. Now your...your gone. I... I...caused it. You shouldn't forgive me but I miss you so much. I'm sorry I'm so...so sorry," Melinda said tears dripping freely from her eyes.

"You loved me so much that you promised to be my guardian angel. A...a...and I love you too.
I want you to forgive me but you shouldn't. I caused it, I caused it. I should not have let you go, I should have protected you. I...I should've..."
She closed her eyes and took a shaky breath.

"....I should've stood up for myself like you always begged me to. I promise I'll do that, I...I'll try with all my heart and all my strength. I wouldn't be bullied again Jasmine I promise."

"I'll always remember you, I'll never forget you. I'll remember our memories and everything you did for me.... I...lo...love you Jasmine," she sobbed and let the send slip away from her hand.

                                       ***

"Good morning children," Sister Veronica said after kissing each child on their cheek and forehead. She had just woken them up and it as time to say their morning prayer.

"Before we say our prayers I have something important to tell you."
The children looked at her enthusiastically.

"A charity event will be hosted here and some very important people are coming," Sister Veronica squealed and the children jumped in excitement. "If we're so lucky, one or more of you can get adopted. So be of good behavior so that we can give good reports about you.

"When are they coming Sister Veronica?" a girl asked.

"A week from now. It was supposed to be a month ago but something came up and it got postponed".

"Look girls I wasn't supposed to tell you this, it was meant to be a surprise do pretend you don't know and don't act too excited", She warned. They all nodded in agreement and she looked over to where Melinda was sitting. She had no emotion on her face.

"Melinda come over here". Sister Veronica said and she stood up and walked towards her. Sister Veronica ushered her out of the room. And they stood just behind the door.

"What's going on Melinda?"

"Nothing".

"Are you still mourning?"

"Ye...yeah"

"It's been a month already Melinda. I know Jasmine was a good friend and a sweet little girl but you're also a good friend and a sweet little girl too. Yes she's gone and everyone misses her but that doesn't mean we shouldn't live our lives. You've got to be strong and  try your best to be happy again. I'm not saying you shouldn't miss her or cry sometimes, but you should know that she wouldn't want you to stop living or being happy because of her", Sister Veronica said soothing a crying Melinda.