Make Or Break

CHAPTER 1

All Rights Reserved © Salma N.

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

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"May his soul rest in eternal peace . . . "

"The priest is done. We should leave now before anyone sees us and gets suspicious."

"Come on man... I was really starting to get emotional right there... Don't you have a heart? In any case you should be the one crying your eyes out more than every other person in that funeral."

"You've said more than enough already. Lets get moving."

The black SUV roared to life leaving behind a cloud of heaviness and mystery hanging in the air like a nightmare that seemed to last longer than a night... but only one person could clear the air and offer everyone a much needed sigh of relief regarding Matt's death, although they were all oblivious.

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Hazel's P.O.V

Realizing I had been staring into space for far too long, I forced myself up with an aching heart and proceeded to throw a few petals into the grave of the only man I'd ever loved. Blinded by the tears that had started to gather on the brim of my eyes, I tried to move but  my whole body felt numb and pale... I could hardly feel the ground on which I was transfixed.

I'd give anything for you to come back Matty. I inwardly pleaded while trying with all my might to hide from the reality that was forcefully dawning on me.

Why didn't you tell me where you were going? Maybe if you didn't answer the anonymous call...

"Haze baby... lets go home now. You need some rest." Mom whispered kissing me softly on my cheek as I snuggled into the warmth of her embrace. "You'll be fine baby". Warm tears stung my eyes as they streamed down my cheeks involuntarily, leaving a large wet spot on my mom's black linen dress.

"I feel for Mrs. Ross. Her only son had to die mysteriously and at the bloom of his life. I can almost feel her pain. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy."

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A week later...

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BRRRRIIIIIINNNNNNGGGG!!!!!!!

I really wish the phone was ringing in my dream right now. Whoever is calling better have something important to say.

"Hello?" 

"Hazy! What do you call a girl with an hourglass figure?" I could literally feel the giddiness in Anna's voice, making me roll my swollen eyes for the umpteenth time.

"Anna, I'm not in the mood for jokes or puns right now. I'm still mourning." 

Silence...

"Hello? Anna? Are you still there?" Silence...

"Sigh. Okay then, what do we call a girl with an hourglass figure?"

"A complete waist of tiiiiime!! Hahahahaha!" I could picture Anna throwing back her head in laughter or slapping her thigh repeatedly. I don't know if it made the laugh any better but it sure was hilarious.

I didn't imagine I'd be laughing like that right after my fiancé's death. While it wouldn't be healthy to soak myself in despair and keep a forlorn face all day, I kind of felt that I needed to mourn a little longer just to show some respect.

"Haha... how could I live without you Anna?"

"I'm picking you up ten minutes from now. Start getting ready."

"What? I wasn't planning to get out of bed the whole of today, let alone leave the house. I'll join you next time. We both know that I need some time to..."

... and she hung up on me. At times I didn't quite understand my best friend. But the most important thing at the moment was that she finally let the sad mourner mourn in peace. Sneaking into my  cozy duvet, memories of Matt uninvitedly washed over my mind and while fighting the warm tears that were threatening to escape, I knew that I'd never be able to heal completely, even if it took ages and even if I got to fall in love again, which was next to impossible.

*knock**knock**knock*

"Hey sis where's that favorite blue pair of jeans of yours you wore on your birthday? That's what you're wearing. Breakfast is in the dining room. Anna's here already. Phew! at least I'm not alone in trying to cheer you up." My older sister declared without sparing a breath.

Oh snap!  "Lily what happened to the common courtesy of knocking and waiting to be invited? You even connived with Anna to rob me of my mourn time! Just what I needed." I complained while my sister merely crossed her arms across her chest and looked like she was listening to utter gibberish. 

Just then, Anna made her presence known unceremoniously by barging into MY room and pulling me out of MY own bed.

"eeww your mouth stinks... could you please pay the bathroom a visit while I decide what you'll wear? And don't you dare drown yourself."

Left with zero choices, I lazily dragged my feet to brush my teeth and freshen up. At least that was way easier than having to face those two unrelenting females.

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"Mmmmh... this smoothie is way out of this world!" I exclaimed as I savored the flavors tickling my taste buds. 

"See? I told you! This is the best restaurant in town. See how its crowded? At least you're not drowning yourself in sorrow."

"You know An, being outside like this, you know, living a normal life, all this feels really surreal. Like I'm actually living. Not just existing. My heart still aches for Matt but I want my life to go on. I desperately miss him and will forever miss him. I won't let his killers go unscathed."

"I feel you Hazy... I honestly can't begin to imagine losing Jake. He's my life. But I want you to know that I'll always be here for you. You're not in this alone." She reassured me while smiling sweetly.

"Thank you so much An"

As I enjoyed my smoothie and casually looked around the breathtaking patio, Anna suddenly poked my arm.

"Wow Hazy... Take a look at that Black SUV! Now that's the kind of car I want in my life!" Anna announced excitedly pointing to a black SUV that had just pulled into the parking lot. 

"It's beautiful right?"

"Helloo? You're not saying anything?"

"Anna, I think I've seen that car somewhere."

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