The Day Death Died

The Day Death Died - Chapter 8

Emily gave me a sharp side-eye, trying to figure out how to respond to Alex. I subtly shook my head, signaling her to drop the subject.

"Nothing," she said quickly. "Just talking."

Alex didn't seem convinced but played along. "Fun."

"Yeah," Emily mumbled, taking a long sip of her coffee. "We're, uh, figuring out our plan for homecoming."

Alex narrowed his eyes slightly, his concern evident as he looked back at me. "Are you really sure that's such a good idea, Maddy? I mean... you almost died."

I tried to offer him a reassuring smile, but it felt shaky even to me. "I'm fine, Alex. Really. I just want things to go back to normal."

His sigh was heavy, filled with worry and doubt. He sat down beside me on the porch swing, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and pulling me into his warmth. The scent of his cologne—fresh and woodsy—was soothing, familiar. Yet, despite the comfort of his embrace, a sudden chill ran through me, sending an involuntary shiver up my spine.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice soft as he leaned in, concern deepening in his gaze.

I nodded, but my eyes darted around the porch. I could feel the presence before I saw it. Across the porch, near the far edge, a faint mist swirled—just enough to catch my eye.

Edwin.

"So," Alex said, trying to sound casual, "what are your plans for today?"

"Well," I began, forcing my voice to sound normal, "we're picking up our dresses today. That's a definite. And then there are a few small things we still need—makeup, shoes, accessories." I glanced at Emily, who nodded in agreement.

"And," she added, turning to Alex with a teasing smile, "you've got to pick up the boutonnière and my corsage."

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I guess I do."

"No 'guess,'" I corrected, poking him playfully in the ribs. "You do."

He laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. I'll go to the florist after you guys leave."

"What time do you want to go?" Emily asked, sipping her coffee and glancing at me.

"Soon," I replied. "I want to make sure we have enough time for everything else."

Emily nodded. "Right. How about we go now?"

"Yeah, that sounds good."

Alex checked his watch. "Alright, if you're heading out for 'girl stuff,' I'll handle the flowers. See you tomorrow?"

"Of course," I said with a smile, feeling some of the tension leave my body. "What time is the car picking us up?" Emily asked as we all stood to leave.

"It should be here by six," I said, mentally ticking off the to-do list in my head.

"Got it," she said, grabbing her purse. "Bye, Mrs. Williams!" she called toward the house as she walked to her car.

Mom popped her head out from the kitchen, dish towel in hand. "You're leaving already?"

"Yeah," Emily replied, "we're going to pick up our dresses and grab a few more things."

Mom's gaze shifted to me, and I could see the unspoken worry in her eyes. "Do you want me to come with you?" she asked, her voice soft, maternal.

"No, Mom," I said, smiling and stepping over to her. "You stay home. Relax."

Her smile was faint, her eyes still clouded with concern. "I'd rather you not be alone."

"I won't be," I assured her. "I'll be with Emily. We'll be fine."