Chapter 43

It was time. Divina had dreaded the arrival of this day. In the back of her mind, she could feel the anxiety building. That didn't stop her from preparing for the inevitable. She had to remember her father. He was hardly able to keep his composure. She'd be a rock for them both in this time of need. Her mother served as the go-to person for all things family-related. Her sturdiness derived from her relationship with her. Divina had to face this day on her alone now that she was gone. She looked away from the mirror, wiping a tear from her eyes. Her eyes were red, and her skin was blotchy. She had cried for so long that the pain had left a visible scar on her face. Straightening her black dress, she flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder and stood. The funeral procession would be there soon. The guest had to be greeted.
She was utterly broken inside. She pasted a smile on her face for all to see. Something to cover her feelings. Her pain. She made her way slowly down the stairs and into the kitchen. Tin foil-wrapped food was strewn around the counter and table. Expendable resources that would otherwise be wasted. She'd ask a friend or family member to give it to the shelter.
To think about them and prepare meals for them was very village-like. However, there were just Divina and her father left, and they were unable to consume the entire amount of food that was provided to them. In addition, they had no desire to eat.
It was the window that held her father's attention. His chin was drooping. "I'm going to donate this food to the shelter." "Thank you for your generosity." Divina said to break the silence. The moment her father came face to face with her, she could see the widening of his eyes. He appeared to be getting older. The death of her mum and aged him beyond his years. His hair had begun to grey, and the corners of his eyes had started to wrinkle. He appeared to be a pale shadow of the man he used to be, and Divina was concerned.
"I think it's a fantastic idea, Honey." He was monotone in his delivery. The silence encompassed them like a noxious cloud, allowing their thoughts and feelings to bubble to the surface.
Divina was adamant about not saying goodbye. She had no idea she'd be forced to do this, but she was. No, not just now. Her mother was too young to be a mother. She still had a long and productive life ahead of her. However, it was her sense of shame that was weighing on her shoulders. It is possible that she would still be alive if it weren't for her.
A knock on the door brought her back to reality, thanks to her thoughts she felt more depressed than she did five minutes before. With a sigh, she tilted her head to gaze at her father, who had reverted to his previous position of staring blankly out of the window. She answered the door by bringing her shoulders back to her ears. Melisa grabbed and wrapped her in her arms. "Please accept my apologies, Di." The strength with which Melisa held on to Divina was beyond comprehension.
"Mel, I need to take a deep breath." Divina said this while feeling like her chest was about to burst.
"I'm sorry. This whole super strength thing is taking some getting accustomed to." Melissa responded in kind.
"Thank you so much for coming, Melissa." "However, is it a wise decision?" Divina was concerned that her newfound vampire status might bring her into conflict. It was something she didn't need and didn't want.
It's nothing to be concerned about." Fortunately, I've fed myself and I've brought a flask along with me in case anything goes wrong." Divina couldn't help but sigh when Melissa held up a whisky flask in front of her.
"Divina, there is nothing in the world that would prevent me from being here for you today. Never in a million years would I leave you to face this on your own." As soon as Melissa said those words, Divina burst into tears. Melissa gently slid Divina into her arms and rubbed her on the back of the neck.
"Divina, I'll be there for you. Always.” The words were spoken in hushed tones by Melissa.
After wiping her tears away, Divina took a step backward. "Please come in." she was secretly hoping that inviting Melissa into her home would not result in Melissa attempting to feast on her late at night. The notion was brushed aside. Whether she was a vampire or not, she was still her best friend.
"How is your father doing?" Melissa inquired as they sat in the living room.
"He's having a tough time." "I'm concerned he's not dealing with things very well." Divina admitted.
"Aiden is strong. He'll be able to get through this. You both will.” Melissa made a pledge.
Divina couldn't help but hope that she was correct. She was on the verge of breaking she felt like she was about to.
As time went on, more and more guests arrived. Divina greeted each of them individually. Some of them she had never met before. She had no idea what their names were or how they were related to her mother. She was enraged by this. She had questions like, "Did she even know who her mother was?" Every now and then, she would inquire of Melissa as to the identity of a particular individual. Melissa would tell her who they were and where they worked. She was perplexed as to how her mother knew these folks, but she didn't dwell on it.
"Amy was extremely well-liked." "I am confident that the entire community has gathered here." Melissa made a remark.
"Can you tell me where Kane is?" "I was expecting him to show up." Melissa added.
Divina could feel her heart ache even more. She didn't think it was possible.
"Mother's nasty witch twin cursed him," Divina whispered." "He will remain in wolf form for all of eternity." Divina spoke in hushed tones.
"Oh my God, no!" Melissa appeared to be taken aback. Divina couldn’t get into it more as the funeral procession pulled up. After she noticed the coffin in the back of the car. Divina's legs began to buckle. Her mind couldn't comprehend the fact that her mother was within that box. It appeared to be too small to her.
“I better tell dad its time to go.” Divina said in an unsteady voice and with shaky legs she made her way to the kitchen where her father remained staring out of the window.