I stared at the black off shoulder dress I wore in the mirror. My fingers felt the white fabric that went across my chest. I sat down on my bed and sobbed. "Kyra?", mom knocked and opened the door. "Oh baby",she cooed and came over and rubbed my back.
"She didn't want me to leave and now she left me". "She's in a better place". "Heaven? Yeah. I'm glad. At least she won't be in pain any longer". I felt mom's arms wrap around me in a hug. "You have to hurry up so we can get to the funeral on time". "I don't think I can stand being at the funeral". "You don't wanna go?" I shook my head, tears still running down my face. "Maybe we can go for condolences instead".
Mom sighed. "I think you need some time alone to recollect your emotions". I burst out into more tears as soon as I heard the door close.
****
I willed my ears to listen to the clacking of my boot heels, and not the murmurs of condolers that filled the Salvatore home. Mom helped me curl my hair and now I was looking older than 13.
I gasped and held dad's hand as I saw Alex. He offered me a soft smile and walked towards us. "Hello. I'm Det. Alex Ford". "I'm Noah. My wife, Staysie". "Hello, Alea". I stared up at Alex. He looked so nice in his black suit.
"My name's not Alea. It's Kyra". "I'm sorry". "That's okay". Alex cocked his head. I looked behind me. My parents weren't there anymore. I looked into the living room and saw mom talking with…. "That's her mother, Astrid". "Oh". "You look ravishing. Even more prettier than the last time I saw you. That was like 2 years ago, right?" I nodded slowly. " You look great yourself. But I'm wondering where your tie went". Alex chuckled. "I gave him a vacation".
We stood in silence for a while. "I didn't see you at the funeral". I blinked quickly, fighting the tears. "I couldn't do it. I feel guilty, Alex. I haven't gone to see her in two years and now she's dead. I don't think I deserve this ring". He furrowed his brows and stared down at my fingers. "Why'd she give it to you?" "It's a promise ring. A promise we'd always be friends. I didn't keep my part of it".
Alex tilted my chin to look up at him. " You shouldn't do this to yourself. Henrietta wasn't hurt you didn't come to visit. She understood your restrictions and never for once was she pissed at you". I let out a deep breath.
" You're good Ky". I rolled my lips into my mouth and nodded. My eyes caught the bloodshot and pale face of Nigel Salvatore. " Thanks Alex. But there's something I need to do". He nodded and I walked past him and over to Nigel. " Hello Nigel". " Kyra", he responded and finished up the last of the alcohol in his glass and grimaced a bit.
" I hope you won't use this to cope with her loss". Nigel took in a deep breath and let it out, shuddering. "I came to return something". I took off the emerald studded ring I wore on my left hand and took his hand in mine and placed the ring into the palm of his hand.
"Why?" "I broke my promise". "Kyra…" " Nigel, I failed her". " You didn't. You were a source of strength, light and hope to her. Kyra, she saw you as a blessing". " I know", I said quietly, " But you keep the ring, I'll hold on to the locket. I'll do exactly what she asked for with it". Nigel frowned and nodded.
****
"I'll go get started on dinner", dad said and dropped the keys on the coffee table. " I'm not hungry", mom and I said at the same time. " Phew! Thank God", dad said and slumped on the couch.
I walked up the stairs en route to my bedroom, not caring to turn on any lights, though it was dark. Entering my room, I turned on the light and stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My hands caressed the locket around my neck. I turned off the light and watched the blue gemstone glow in the dark.
"Thank you so much Henrietta".