Distant Fallacy || 13 Reasons Why [ 2 ]

7

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' In some families, secrets build up over years. Lifetimes, even. But death has a way of shaking things loose. '

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Low chatter echoed within the church as Bailey walked in wearing her Liberty jersey over her black dress, people filling almost every pew. She stood with Monty and Charlie amongst the other boys; Zach and Chloe up the front of the church, the boy asked to speak. She sent a tight smile to Justin and Clay when they walked in, Lainie and Matt behind them.

They began to file into the pew toward the back of the church, the girl sitting between Monty, who was constantly fidgeting, and Charlie. Monty was never one to show much emotion besides anger and cockiness in front of a crowd, so being at his best friend's funeral was a struggle for him. Her gaze followed Justin as he came to sit with them, shuffling up a little to let him in. She fiddled with her funeral program, trying to avoid looking down the building at Bryce's picture.

She looked up when a boisterous voice sounded on the other side of the church, watching as Mr Walker strode in. She watched him interact with a small group of people, before Nora Walker moved to take him to his seat. Bailey looked away then, glancing at Justin before she let out a soft sigh.

'Barry Walker,' Bryce's grandfather called from the front of the church; 'There he is!'

The man sat down at the end of the pew up the front, the chatter quietening within the church.

'I'm gonna go see Mr Walker,' Monty whispered before he stood.

'I'll come with you,' She stood.

They shuffled out of the pew and headed down the front, Bailey sending Nora a tight smile as Monty greeted Barry.

'Mr. Walker, it's good to see you,' Monty hugged the man; 'I'm sorry... If I knew what to say...'

'It's alright,' Barry waved him off; 'Bailey, my sweet, sweet girl.'

'Hey, Mr Walker,' She hugged the man; 'I'm so sorry for your loss.'

'Thank you. Now, how's the season going?'

'Better then last year,' Monty nodded.

'I heard you're doing pretty good, young man.'

'You taught me everything I know.'

The man laughed, patting him on the chest; 'And how about you, Bailey?'

'Yeh, alright. Need to work on my throwing a little more, but I'm in good condition,' She smiled.

'Scouts will scoop you both right up.'

'We hope so,' Monty chuckled.

'We'll leave you to it,' Bailey suggested; 'Again, sorry for your loss, both of you.'