They had all been to the same funeral, the girls dealing with their own emotions and memories of the deceased.
As they drove, the only sound was the soft hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of clothing as they shifted in their seats.
Snow's head rested on Minnie's shoulder, her eyes closed as if lost in thought. Oliver gazed out the window, his expression contemplative. William sat quietly, his eyes fixed on some point beyond the dashboard.
Leo's eyes flicked between the road and the rearview mirror, his expression a bit sympathetic.
He had barely met Minnie's mom before but he knew Minnie quite for some time now. He didn't want to see her hurt.
The silence was eventually broken by Leo's gentle voice. "We're getting close to the hotel. Let's get some rest and talk about this tomorrow."
The group's nods were almost imperceptible, but they seemed to understand that sometimes, words weren't necessary.
Sometimes, all you needed was the presence of people who cared.
*****
AFTER PARTY- 10PM
Miss Ella's eyes blazed with anger as she strode across the room, her heels clicking on the polished floor.
Mister Bryan Smith, Bryan to his acquaintances, stood tall, a glass of whiskey cradled in his hand.
His eyes, a piercing blue, met hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
"Bryan," Miss Ella said, her voice low and even, but laced with a hint of venom.
She shook her drink, the ice clinking softly, as she approached him.
"Ella," he replied, his tone smooth as silk. "I never expected you to speak to me like this in public."
Miss Ella's face twisted in a scowl. "I have nothing to hide," she said, her voice rising.
Bryan's lips curled into a smirk. "You're still as fiery as you were all those years ago," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Miss Ella's anger simmered just below the surface. "People never change," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "They just get better at hiding their true selves."
Bryan chuckled, the sound low and husky. "Why are you here?" he asked, his eyes never leaving hers.
Miss Ella's eyes flashed with anger. "That's exactly what I should be asking you," she said, her voice biting. "What are you doing here, Are you stalking my daughter and I?"
Bryan's laughter was like a spark to dry tinder. "Oh, this is just a coincidence," he said, his eyes glinting with mirth. "I was beginning to think this party was going to be dull, but I think the fun is just starting."
Miss Ella's face turned red with rage. "I don't want to see you near my daughter or me ever again," she spat, her voice venomous.
Bryan's smile grew wider. "You're so predictable, Ella," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I was beginning to get bored, but you've certainly livened things up."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Miss Ella seething with anger.
The sound of her drink shattering on the floor was the only sound that broke the silence that followed.
★
Miss Ella dabbed at her clothes with a damp cloth, she looked up to see Violet's mother standing by the sink, a warm smile on her face. "Oh, hi, Ella!" Violet's mother exclaimed, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
Miss Ella returned the smile, feeling a sense of warmth towards the woman. "Hi, how have you been?" she asked, genuinely interested.
The two women chatted about their lives, exchanging pleasantries about their families.
When Miss Ella asked about Violet's sister, Annabelle, Violet's mother beamed with pride. "She's doing great, senior high," she said.
Miss Ella's eyes lit up with interest. "That's wonderful! I'm sure she's excited," she replied.
The atmosphere was relaxed, a stark contrast to the tension Miss Ella had experienced with Mister Bryan earlier.
They stood in the bathroom, exchanging pleasantries, the conversation flowed easily.
After discussing Annabelle's preparations for college, Violet's mother mentioned, "You know, it's crazy how we have to meet again after half a year, and it's at one of our acquaintances' burials."
Miss Ella nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's so sad," she said, her voice tinged with empathy.
Violet's mother mentioned Minnie's mother, and they both spoke fondly of her. "She was the sweetest chick ever," Violet's mother said, her eyes welling up with tears.
Miss Ella nodded vigorously. "God knows what the hell she's been hearing," she said, her voice filled with compassion. "Her life ended so fast."
The conversation turned to the topic of the deceased, and they discussed how unfair life could be. Violet's mother sighed, "It's just so sad when people leave us too soon."
As they commiserated, they finalized their conversation with a somber note. "May God let us all rest in perfect peace," Violet's mother said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Miss Ella nodded, her eyes closed in reverence. "Amen," she said softly, echoing the sentiment.
***
Minnie received a text from William while she was in the hotel room with her friends.
The message asked her if she wanted to hang out, and Minnie agreed. She told her friends that she would be back soon and slipped out of the room.
As she made her way to the hotel restaurant, she saw William sitting at a table. "Isn't it too late for a date tonight?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
William's response was smooth. "Nothing is ever too late for you," he said, his eyes locked on hers.
Minnie smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. They ordered steak and chatted, their conversation flowing easily.
William asked her about her day, and Minnie opened up about her emotions.
As they talked, William shared his concern about her well-being. "I'm sure it's been really hard on you tonight," he said. "You never really expected it to happen to your mom."
Minnie nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I know, but I kinda did," she said. "I told my mom every day about her so-called husband."
William listened attentively, his expression sympathetic. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to make you cry."
Minnie shook her head. "You're not making me cry," she said. "I'll say it. He is not my biological father."
William's eyes widened in surprise. "What happened?" he asked gently.
Minnie took a deep breath and shared her story. "My mom was never loved," she said. "She got married to this beast of a man who never loved her. He technically killed my mother."
As she spoke, William stood up and sat down next to her, wrapping his arms around her in a warm hug. "It's okay," he whispered. "It's gonna be fine."
Minnie felt a sense of comfort and solace in his arms, and she let her tears flow freely.