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Chapter 24
Aria
Monday morning arrives mega fast. I woke up this morning, and I honestly can’t remember anything I did at the weekend. From the moment I asked Caleb to take me to Sophia’s funeral today, I felt like I was in a time machine. I don’t even feel myself this morning. Maybe that’s because of the simple fact that I’m leaving this compound and heading into the limelight.
I pick up my clutch bag and head down to Caleb. I know he’s ready, because I heard his room door close a while ago. I’m stalling for time, but I know I need to get this over with.
Caleb and Clay have their backs to me, but they’re both dressed in black suits. Clay has glasses on his head while he looks through something on his phone. He never was a fan of wearing his glasses as a child; they were always everywhere other than his eyes.
“Morning.” I clear my throat.
“Aria.” Caleb makes his way to my side and feels my forehead with the back of his hand. “Are you okay?”
I push his hand away. “I’m fine. Just coming down with a cold or something. It’s typical at this time of year.”
I walk into the kitchen to get a bottle of water. I can feel Caleb’s eyes on my back, but I try to act as normal as possible. Today isn’t about me. It’s all about Sophia, and laying her to rest where she’s no longer suffering.
“I’ll go and start the truck,” says Clay.
I turn around in time to see his broad back leaving the house. Caleb lifts my purse from the counter and holds his arm out for me.
“The ball is in your court today, babe. You want to leave, you just have to give me the nod and we’re out of there.”
“Thanks.” I link his arm and my legs turn to jello. I just need to get today over with. I can deal with anything if I have Caleb and Clay beside me.
When I step out of the house, my mum and brother are standing beside Clay’s truck. They’re all talking until they see me. Spencer breaks away from his group and takes Caleb’s stairs two at a time to take me into his arms.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
“Do you really think we’d let you do this without us?” asks Spencer.
I pull back and look down at his suit. I never told them about today, so that means they’ve heard about it from Caleb or Clay.
“Mom spotted the funeral notice in the paper. She asked Caleb what was happening, so here we are.”
“Thank you.” I feel the emotions threaten to spill over, but I swallow them down and straighten my back. I take Caleb’s arm again and descend the steps carefully.
My mom engulfs me in her embrace the moment I reach her, and she holds me tightly. “I hope you don’t mind us joining you today.”
I shake my head. “No. I could use all the support I can get.” As much as I could get through this with just Caleb and Clay, it makes me feel a little bit stronger knowing my mom and brother are with me. Everyone needs support, even if they don’t believe it.
Spencer gets in the front passenger seat beside Clay, and I sit in the middle of my mom and Caleb. Both take one of my hands in theirs. I rest my head on Caleb’s shoulder and close my eyes. I honestly don’t want to see or hear another thing, but I just know that today is going to be one of the longest days of my life.
***
The car comes to a stop and Clay turns everything off. He turns to face us and Spencer does the same.
“How do you want to do this?” asks Clay.
I sit forward and hold my hands up in front of me. It’s clear that they’re shaking, but I can do this. I’m Aria Marshall. I’m strong.
“Let’s just get out of the car and take it as it comes. I don’t want plans. Not today. I’ll give Caleb the nod if I want to get out of there.”
Everyone is silent for a few moments, until Caleb opens his door and steps out. He holds out his hand for me and I smile at him for letting me just be. I know it must be tough on him to hand over this bit of control, but I’m glad that he can.
The moment the cold air hits me, I take in a sharp breath. Up ahead at the cemetery gates there is press everywhere. I knew they’d be here. Well, the ones that don’t give a shit about the family and victims. The ones that only care about their precious stories.
“You’ve got this, sweetheart,” says Caleb.
