The Final Beat

Chapter 4: Men in Black

A light knock came from the door as I dragged myself out of bed. The wood was cold beneath my feet but I had been numb for the past few days. I'd finally been allowed to return home but somehow it was harder to cope here as the ghosts of Eddie's childhood lingered around every corner. The doorbell hadn't stopped ringing from all the neighbours brining their condolences and our fridge was overflowing with pies and bakes - not that anyone was eating much. 

Another knock sounded at the door reminding me that there was someone there. I slowly moved forward and walked towards the door just as my mum started walking in.

"Sorry sweetie, I thought you were still asleep." She said. Her eyes were red as if she hadn't slept in days and her skin was pale and ashen. I turned around and started walking towards my bathroom to get ready. I felt bad for ignoring her but I couldn't bring myself to say anything. What could I say? 

The shower was warm as I stood under the flowing water that separated me from the world. The room became foggy and the sound of water rang through my ears sending me deeper into my own dark thoughts until I felt like I was drowning in the unanswered questions. 

When I finally came out my mum was gone and a black dress was left in her place. I sat in front of my mirror as I let my hair dry naturally. Staring at the girl in front of me was like looking into someone else's life. Her face was tired and grey as a blank, emotionless expression presented itself and her once vibrant, blue eyes were empty as if they had lost all hope. The thing that worried me most was that she didn't even look sad... Just broken and her pieces nowhere to be found.

I quickly slipped into the soft dress and put my hair into a single side braid. I hadn't left my room since I returned but the house still looked the same. The hallway was dark and family photos filled with smiles and joy canvased the walls. I skimmed my hand across the banister as I tip-toed down the stairs and threw on my white converse. Sneaking out the back door I ran to the edge of the small garden and hoped over the creaky gate. We didn't have to leave for about an hour so I decided that I needed to clear my head. As I walked further from my house and up the hill I neared the train track. There were no trains running due to rail work so it was peaceful and far enough away from the estate that you couldn't hear the shouting of kids in the street or the music streaming from stolen cars. Sitting on the wall I looked down over my home and wondered what was left for me there. If I didn't get out soon I'd end up like my brother but I couldn't just abandon my family. Without me who would look out for Diego and Carmen? Who would help Mum with all the housework while she looked for a job and Dad was in the office all day? There were so many people who depended on me and I couldn't just walk away. Could I?

After about half an hour I was walking back through the back door just as my mum walked in.

"I've been looking for you, can you help Carmen get ready? I have so much to prepare before we leave and your father has already left for the church to make sure everything is running smoothly. 

When I walked into the Twins' room it was a sight to behold. Clothes and books were strewn everywhere and Carmen was stood in the centre of the room looking around.

"I can't find Mr Snuggles." She whispered looking bewildered.
"He's in the den, where you left him" I smiled gently putting her hair in a ponytail. "We need to leave now, babydoll."

"Ok, but why hasn't Eddie come back from the hospital like you?"

I smiled at her sadly as I crouched down to her level.

"Eddie isn't coming back, Carms. We're going to say bye to him now but he won't be coming back."

"Not ever?" She asked innocently and I wanted to burst into tears just looking into her wide, shocked eyes.

"Not ever." I whispered gently lifting her and carrying her out of the room. She rested her head on my shoulder as I walked in silence as the empty space in my chest seemed to grow wider.

As I walked into the church behind my family people stopped their conversations to stare or apologise for the death of Eddie. I never understood why people felt the need to apologise for someone's death - it's not like they killed him but I guess it's just something to say to fill the silence. As my family fanned out to speak to friends and acquaintances of Eddie I was left alone in the middle of the crowded room. There were so many people but I'd never felt so lonely. 

Settling myself into a corner I watched all the people and their reactions. There were those who just wept in small groups and those who comforted them. Some people spoke to my parents with kind and sympathetic eyes whilst others lingered around the refreshment tables sipping tea and eating mini sandwiches.

I wondered towards the coffin and placed my hand on the sturdy wood. We had opted for a closed casket but there was a fairly recent picture of Eddie placed beside it. It was from before he finished sixth form and got into the wrong crowd. Before everything went bad. I remember that it was the hottest day of the year and the whole of London was taking advantage. Taking days off work and skipping school. On this day Eddie and I had taken the twins to the sea side at South end. I had just been attacked by seagulls and had lost my lunch to them and Eddie couldn't stop laughing at me. I had taken the mugshot as a joke to annoy him but it turned out better than I thought. His head was thrown back with a wide smile and his eyes were closed facing the sun, highlighting his dark tan. It was a perfect day of sibling bonding and life was perfect at that stage.

I had forgotten where I was - reliving the golden days - until I felt a presence next to me.
"Hey." Said a husky voice, making me jump. I looked up to see Callum, Eddie's best friend and our next door neighbour. They'd grown apart since Callum started University and Eddie had stayed behind and made new friends. Eddie had felt abandoned - not that he would admit it - and turned to the gang that destroyed his life.

Callum's eyes were glazed as he looked at the same picture I'd been staring at and he had a sad smile etched into his face.

"Hey. How've you been?" I asked looking up into his dark brown eyes as his blonde hair fell across his face. 

"I'm... Coping." He said pondering his word choice. "You?"

"Coping." I replied. It was nice to talk to someone around my age who was just as close to Eddie as I was. During the service neither one of us cried and in the evening we laughed and reminisced about our times with Eddie. It seemed everyone was so busy mourning his loss that no one remembered his life and how he brightened everyone's world. We were the only two to celebrate his life instead of cry over his death and it felt good to laugh considering I didn't think I would be able to again. 

The evening passed slowly but soon enough everyone had left and Callum and I were lying in the grass under the stars. 

"There!" I pointed to a few random stars. "Can you see where those stars cluster together? If you look closely you can see the image of a bear." I whispered.

"You're crazy!" Laughed Callum as he stared aimlessly at the sky. "There's nothing there, Princess! Next you'll be saying that plane is a shooting star." 

"Actually-" I started.

"Callum! Andi! Can you come to the living room please?!" Yelled my mum from the kitchen window as Callum helped me to my feet. Straightening out my dress I walked towards the door with Callum in toe. As we entered the room fell silent. The only people inside were my parents, Ava, her husband Ethan and a few other family members. All eyes were on us as we took our seats on the sofa closest to the door. 

"Mum... Your scaring me." I whispered looking at her for help.

"Don't worry, mi amor. It's good news... I think."

I looked around the room expectantly but everyone had on their best poker faces. 

"Mum..." I pleaded until finally her eyes softened and she opened her mouth to explain the elephant in the room. However, what came from her mouth was far from what I was expecting.

"Honey, the police have some news on Eddie's murderer."

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Dun, dun, dun!!!
Hope this chapter was long enough! Please don't be silent readers: comment and message me with your thoughts!! Please vote, follow and recommend to friends and I'll try to update soon! Have a good week!!😊😘❤️️xxx

---Love Whitney❤️💋️xxx