Purgatech: Jess' Horror

Chapter 2

She was only 21 but Jess had been to enough funerals to last a lifetime. It started with a bunny when she was five and ended with her parents last year. And now Gram. Poor, sweet Gram. She always felt like there was some sort of curse on her family.

Sitting in the living room while people talked in hushed tones didn't make her feel any sense of comfort. In fact, the longer they tried to make small talk about the weather or the upcoming game at the college, she wanted them to get the hell out so she could grieve in peace.

"Jessica dear, how are you holding up?"

She felt a soft, cold hand on her arm and when she looked up was face-to-face with Mrs. Parker, her Gram's best friend.

"As well as can be expected," she said. She'd learned to say the things people expected of her instead of what she really felt.

"Well, your Gram was very proud of you for pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and getting into the college."

Jess smiled but all she could think of was the fact that Mrs. Parker's wig was on crooked and it made her look like some crazed lunatic.

"I know this is hard for you after everything you've been through, dear," she said as she patted Jess on her hand. "But you can feel some sort of comfort knowing that your Gram isn't alone."

It was the one thing Jess didn't want anyone to say to her. Of all the cookie cutter sentiments people liked to trot out for these types of occasions, and here Mrs. Parker and her crazy wig and her clammy, wrinkly soft hands that felt just like Gram's hands, hands Jess would never be able to hold again. The very thought of it made Jess' anger rise up from the pit of her stomach.

She gritted her teeth to keep herself from saying anything, but Mrs. Parker kept patting her hand like she was a sad dog.

"Your Gram is in a better place. She's with your mom and dad now."

"I know she is," Jess said, unable to control herself. "She's dead! Just like my mom! Just like my dad! Everyone I love is dead! Thanks for reminding me!"

Jess jumped up and bolted across the room, shoving aside anyone who stood in her way. She made it to the back door, yanking it open and staggering out onto the porch, planting her hands on the railing and squeezing her eyes closed.

Footsteps raced through the kitchen toward her.

Please don't come out here. Please, please, please.

The door squeaked open.

"Oh my god! Jess! Are you okay?"

Jess shook her head and turned, opening her eyes to find not only Erica but Corey, Erica's boyfriend, and Corey, his best friend, staring at her. Kyle stood awkwardly in the doorway staring at her like she'd grown a second head.

"I just couldn't take the lame attempts at all those people in there trying to make me feel better."

"Well, you made your point pretty clear," Corey said, moving beside Jess and shoving a flask toward her.

"That's the last thing Jess needs," Kyle said, finally stepping out onto the deck.

Jess glared at him. How dare he? Always trying to tell Jess what she wanted, what she needed, how she should act. What gave him the right? With the way he'd chastised her and then bailed on her the other day, he had a lot of nerve even showing up here.

"You know what?" she said, grabbing he flask and popping off the top. "Maybe this is exactly what I need."

She took a long swig from the metal container, keeping her eyes focused on Kyle. He kept his teeth clenched together so tightly that his jaw twitched.