Chapter 19

May 6

DEADLINE

*

-James-

            "Welcome everyone," Patt greeted at the podium. The crowd stood with candles in their hands. Rosalind had a blank expression, while every one surrounding her had tears rolling down their faces.

            "We are all here to remember the loss of two loved ones," she looked away and stepped down from the podium.

            A tall man holding papers stepped up to the podium. My guess, is that everyone who wants to say a few words about the deceased, will now. But they usually always end up being more then a few words, from what I recall.

            "Um, I'm Michael, Richard and Selina's brother in-law, and I have been here before. For my wife, Mercedes. She was their sister. She is buried in this cemetery as well. Mercedes died when she was 23, in 2010. She was killed in a car accident, because the other driver was distracted and texting," tears started pouring down his face, "That was three years ago. I have been a widow ever since. I hope Richard and Selina have the same peace as Mercedes does. Thank you."

            Rosalind held index cards in her hands and went up to the podium.

            "Hi everyone," she paused and glanced at a card, "I don't exactly know who this Richard guy is, but I feel everyone's grief. It is a pity that his sister died also. You may be wondering why I'm up here talking then, since I barely know him? Well, I just want you all to know that a little piece of me has died along with him," she paused and her eyes scanned the room like she was participating in a scavenger hunt, "That's all."

            Rosalind hurried her little feet away from the podium gripping the cards so hard, you could see her nail imprints. She tossed them in the air angrily.

            "Screw everyone!" she shouted.

            I held onto her upper arm, and she turned around. Her brown eyes stared directly into mine. It felt like forever since we had hung out. Everything was always so complicated with her. She would wanna be with me, but also want to be with Richard at the same time. I noticed Patt just feet away from us. I didn't want to leave Rosalind, but there were still some unanswered questions. I let go of Rosalind's arm and walked over to Patt.

            She stood holding a cup of water in her hand, "Hey, James."

            "Hey," I replied nervously.

            "What's up?" Patt asked.

            "Hey, so who was the other victim in Rosalind's accident?" I asked straight out.

            Patt took a sip of her water, "It doesn't matter now," she replied and walked away.

            What? I couldn't process it. Patt's a cop, excuse me, police woman, and she can't even tell me who almost killed Rosalind? That seems a little unfair. Oh well, I don't wanna get charged with harassment, so I won't ask further.