Chapter 2: Paige
“This is all my fault,” I said and didn’t care who heard me. Everyone was up and leaving the funeral. The rain kept hitting us like we were slaves and had done something wrong. I didn’t like funerals, but who does? The celebration of life is what the officiant called it. No matter what you call it, though, it still hurts. Teresa is still dead. Worse, the reports on the news said they found signs of someone taking advantage of her. Her boyfriend Shalin is missing on top of that. That arrogant prick probably did it.
Liam walked up to me and put an arm around my shoulder. His jet black hair was styled for the occasion instead of the messy style he usually wore. He is short, I mean, short, like 5’1 to my 5’5. Pretty solid for someone who works out once in a blue moon. We all decided to wear black suits, white shirts, and red ties. Gertrude, Sarah, and I wore skirts. I HATED skirts, but the girls persisted, and I relented because of the occasion.
“I’m sorry, did you kill Teresa?” Liam asked. His tone sounded as if he wanted to joke around but knew better. The words processed, and my anger kicked up a notch. I glared at him, forget if the eyes could kill.
“Are you trying to be funny? Here of all places.”
He raised his hand to make his case with a frown that looks more like a kid who had his ice cream taken. “Sorry, Paige. You’re right as usual. I don’t understand why you feel this is your fault. You didn’t tell her to go to the party by herself.”
“I might as well have.” I snapped back, head lowered. I wouldn’t cry. Not here. I’m going to make this right, somehow. I thought back to that night. Our little group would meet up on Fridays after school to go to the local youth center, Serhant. Play some pool, watch a movie, and do typical teenage stuff. A few days ago, they threw a Halloween party, and we all made plans to go. Before Teresa and I got into an argument. It’s stupid now, I called her out on her bullshit and she didn’t like it. I didn’t care for Shalin, but dragging Eric into her relationship was a bad idea. Especially since we all know he is in love with Sarah.
“If it wasn’t for our fight, she would have left with us all.” I pushed Liam’s hand away and balled my fist with the other. Don’t get me wrong, Teresa and Eric are still wrong, even if Shalin did Teresa dirty. Teresa still didn’t deserve to die. If I could have smoothed things over with her, instead of hanging up on her. She could be with us still. It’s my fault, and I don’t care what anyone says…
Liam looked shocked at my aggressiveness. Guess he still has to learn to get used to me. We met last year and hit it off. He already knew Eric from some of the other parties they went to. So introducing him to the group came naturally. He made everyone laugh, which is what I don’t need right now. I need to feel this rage, I need to release this rage. God help Shalin if he did it, because I will make up for my mistake. By myself if I needed to.
“There is no way of knowing that. You’re going to drown if you put that responsibility onto yourself. ” I could hear concern in his voice. that still struggle with trying not to be funny. I know he means well, but he doesn’t understand.
“And there is no way of not knowing that.” I shot back. His eyes surrendered, seeing that he wouldn’t win this fight. He tried to point out my stubbornness. That is not what this is. This is hurt on another level. Teresa and I grew up and played softball together before I quit. We were close. She was a magnet, much like Eric. They held our group of 8 together, but now we’re down to seven. Liam is going to have to learn that if I’m being stubborn, it’s because I’m right.
“Don’t do this to yourself. Her death is not your fault.” He shocked me, he did give in after all. Point to him. He looked at his own trembling hands. He didn’t know Teresa all that well, but our group of eight was tight. This is my first time seeing physical trauma with him and her death. I wanted to hug him, but then something caught his eye.
“She’s beautiful.” He muttered, a smile forming on the sorrowful face that finished calling me stubborn. I looked over, and walking a few meters from us was a dark olive-skinned woman in a green dress. She smiled at Liam. Are you freaking serious, who smiles like THAT at a funeral. She couldn’t have known Teresa. Liam, on the other hand, should know better. I wanted to slap him, but I restrained. They flirted continuously before I asked him the silliest question.
“Are you flirting at a funeral?”
“You’re right.” Sorry. I’m here to support our friend group and grieve a friend. Not flirting with gorgeous strangers.” Again, his tone betrayed him. I don’t doubt he felt as we all do, but his flirting has no limits. His tone suggested he could do both and wanted to do both. I let out a heavy sigh as he turned his full attention back to me. He looked at my shoulder and reached out. “You got a spider on you.”
He flicked it off. “Thank you. I’m sorry too. I’m on the edge.” I admitted. He deserved that for calling me out. I respect that about others. Silence is acceptance, and I have a big mouth. I expect others to do the same. Keep us all honest.
“I hate spiders.” Liam almost wanted to jump as I flicked one off his jacket. He could be, as much as I hate to say it, more feminine than the other males in our group.
“I know. Thanks for being here for me and the others, but you know I would have been fine by myself. I don’t need help.” I felt he needed to hear me say that, and I needed to remind myself to be strong.
He watched the spider scurry away and looked at me. He gave into my eyes again.
“I know, Paige, I know.” Good. Glad he knows that he can save the sympathy. I will be alright. I will be better once they find Shalin.
