Studying The Star Crossed Lovers

❧Chapter 5☙

The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch, which hurts and is desired.

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Claire sat in her bed crying. She was devastated. There were so many memories of her and her cousin. They were so close. Claire was curled up in bed mourning her cousin. She had found out about the death a day before and she was still in so much pain. She had to be carried into her bed the night before as she sobbed into somebodies arms. She didn't care who it was. She knew it wasn't Justin so she didn't care.

More tears welled in her eyes as she went through photos of the pair on her phone. She thought about all the times they did silly things together. The times when Claire would text her cousin that she was having a bad day and he would pick her up. He would take her to the movies or the park or they would just drive until Claire forgot all about her bad day. 

When Claire finally found the energy to get into the shower and go downstairs for food her house was packed. People that worked for the family were running around carrying food and flowers around the house. 

"Ah finally sleeping beauty is up. I got my stylist to pick out some lovely black outfits for you to wear. Now go shower and I'll call Annie to come. Now my hair and makeup people will be up for you in a minute. We have a funeral to plan dear so chop-chop while you eat breakfast. I would hate for you to disrupt the caters." Said Claire's mother as she pushed her daughter towards the kitchen.

When Claire got out of the shower Annie was waiting for her on her bed. Claire was relieved to see a familiar face as she burst into tears in Annie's arms. 

Once Claire calmed down they could finally talk. Claire wiped her eyes and the pair curled up onto the bed together.

"I think my mother has lost her mind."

"Well in her defense she was in love with your cousin." 

"But look at her she isn't mourning. Instead, she is planning the most bloody extravagant funeral of the decade. It hasn't even been a day. I know it's her way of coping but still, it's horrid."

"Well, she can't exactly cry like she lost her lover in front of your father."

"Poor Justin. Why did he have to go?" Said Claire which sent her into another round of crying.

One must understand the relationship between Claire's mother and Justin was very inappropriate. Claire and Annie were two of the very few people who knew about the affair. It began when Justin was sixteen and it had continued over the years. Annie had always suspected that the reason Mrs. Whiting had fallen for Justin was because Mr. Whiting would never kill his own flesh and blood if the affair was discovered. 

Claire remembered when she had first discovered the affair. Justin was eighteen at the time and Claire had sought out her mother for advice. Upon entering her bedroom she saw her mother in the arms of her cousin before they kissed. They never saw Claire but as she walked away from the room there was a photo of the moment in her phone just in case. Claire only ever told Annie about what she saw.

Over the years, however, Claire distanced herself from her mother. She could no longer look at her the same and putting up with her antics was no longer worth it. However, Claire never let it change her relationship to Justin. It made sense though why Justin followed Mr. Whiting's orders without fail. He must have felt some quilt and he made up for it by following his uncle's orders without fail. 

When Claire and Annie went downstairs to ask Claire's mother when the funeral would be they found Claire's Aunt Miriam, the mother of Justin. Now Claire knew her Aunt was strong and the woman had never failed to prove that even in the toughest of times. 

Even with her son dead Miriam was the most composed in the room. Claire's Mother was sobbing after issues with the funeral arrangements caused her to break down over the loss of Justin. Claire had red eyes and was clearly not functioning. Claire's father was long gone most likely driving as he often did when something devastating or hard happened. Miriam, however, was sat there with complete calm. 

Miriam was a strong woman. She always knew her son would possibly die. She had grown up in gang culture and she was used to the sudden death of family members. When she first was informed of her son's death she was devastated. At first, she cried and cried sending only a short text to her brother, asking for her to be left alone for the day but that Justin was dead. 

"I am so sorry for your loss Mrs. Masters." Said Annie as she hugged her friend's aunt. Annie often spent a lot of time with the Whiting family which meant she knew Miriam Masters and Justin Masters well. 

"Thank you so much, Annie." Said Mrs. Masters and then she leaned in close and whispered to her "Just make sure you look after Claire. I know how close they were and she is just going to need some extra support." 

Annie nodded knowing she wouldn't dare leave Claire in such a time. The two had a tight bond as best friends but when bad things happened Claire and Annie would become far closer. They would never let the other feel such pain without support and help. 

"Claire, would you like to stay at my house until the funeral?" Asked Annie. She knew that her friend wouldn't be able to cope at her house as her mother planned an extravagant funeral. It would only be for a few nights as the funeral would be in three days but it would give Annie a chance to mourn in peace. After asking a few parents and packing a bag of things the pair were off to Annie's house.