Perception by Strauss Lee & Strauss Elle

Author:Strauss, Lee & Strauss, Elle [Strauss, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: ESB Publishing
Published: 2012-09-02T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Heat radiated from the sand, trapped by the greyness of a dense, oppressive fog. It pressed against the mourners and beads of sweat formed on their brows. They eagerly accepted the cold, fizzy drinks being offered by the hired wait staff.

An over-sized video screen rattled in the wind on the second tier of the Vanderveen property, with images of Liam fluttering like a flag. White roses had been delivered by the truckload. White petals peeled off and floated away in the saline breeze whishing off the ocean. A string quartet was set up in the corner of the stone-tiled patio playing soft, melancholy tunes.

The worst was over, or at least I hoped it was. Paul had choked up while giving the eulogy with Alison sniffing loudly while standing behind him. I thought Jackson would say something, but apparently he was too grief stricken to do so.

As was I.

Grandpa V had said a few words before he and Paul ceremoniously scattered Liam’s ashes into the ocean, and clusters of people gathered around my parents, cooing their condolences. A larger group formed, enamored by the words of wisdom flowing like oil from the Senator’s mouth.

My lips pulled down into a hard frown. If only everyone would just go home.

I chose an empty lounge chair by the pool and lay back, closing my eyes. My thoughts returned to the ride home on the sky train from Anthony’s. Noah had claimed the last empty seat and had pulled me onto his lap for the ride. I’d nuzzled my face into his neck and sobbed quietly.

I’d felt embarrassed for breaking down in public, but Noah didn’t seem to care what the people on the train thought. He didn’t shush me or tell me everything would be okay. He just stroked my back and let me soak his shirt with my tears.

My eyes were still red from crying about myself, but it was a good look for a memorial. All I’d had to do was switch into my black dress.

I sorrowed for my lost brother and now for the loss of my own identity, but my emotions over the latter had simmered into rage. A couple weeks ago I was blissfully unaware that my whole life was a lie. I had been barely aware of the world outside of Sol City gates, never wanting to leave my wonderland.

Now I couldn’t wait to leave.

I spotted Jackson standing on the opposite side of the pool, watching me warily. When he saw that I’d caught him staring, he skirted around the people to get to me. My nerves set off, and I breathed in, wishing the impending confrontation wouldn’t happen.

“Are you okay?” he said when he reached me.

I felt my teeth grind as my jaw tightened. No, I wasn’t okay.

He sat at the bottom of my lounge chair, and rested his hand on my leg, looking at me with wide, hopeful eyes. “We’ll get through this somehow.”

I didn’t want him touching me. I pulled my legs away, sitting up.

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