Disclaimer: It's probably a good thing I don't own it with the amount of time it's taken me to update!
Team-chaser: Now, what ploy would that be? (I actually don't know) And of course Marina's back-you know, to add dramatic tension, to give Alister some more romance...and to annoy you, of course...n about da plushies, I suppose you can have them back-unless you've already kidnapped them using your plushie-finder 300, which I wouldn't doubt-thanks 4 reviewing lolx
The Third Demi-God: Yes well, I got it thought of it when I was bored, and just thought I should get Kurtis's head in the banister, cos it's oddly amusing. And what's that about Final Fantasy??? You've got good taste, my friend. Good luck with the voodoo doll-thanks 4 reviewing lolx
jacob love: You and Team-chaser should get together and compare notes on how evil I'm being about Marina...hehe...btw, am really loving your story! And don't be so impatient-the chocs and plushies will always be with you in your heart-thanks 4 reviewing lolx
Sweet Christabel: First of all, love the name! Second, finally, someone who doesn't condemn me to death or beatings (looks at Team-chaser and The Third Demi-God) cos of the Kurtis/Lara pairing. And I'm just glad everyone's taken to the Alister/Lara pairing...ne-ways, yes I am a Doctor Who fan. When's it going to come back??? (coughs nervously) Yes-thanks 4 reviewing lolx
A/N Yes, I know it's been over a month since I last updated and I am SO sorry, but the dreaded writer's block hit me, and I rewrote this chapter like six times until I was happy with it! But anyway, it's done, so please R&R!
Lara's POV
I never expected this. Of all the people to…why her? She was-she was innocent! She never got involved with anything too drastic, meeting me that time was an exception. She-what could she have done to have made her a target? The obit's quite clear-death by gun-shot wound. I realise she doesn't live in the safest place in the world, but she was…she was innocent.
Alister's POV
When I read her name, I wasn't really sure what to think. I wasn't sure if my eyes were deceiving me, or if it was even the right person. The name can't be that uncommon. If they hadn't added the photo, I may well have kept quiet-and not because I was trying to be malicious, but because I could have got her worked up over nothing.
Lara's been handling this surprisingly well, given how she's 'coped' with everything else that's happened recently. She hasn't cried, she's more in shock than anything. She can't understand it-nor can I, really. I mean, I never actually knew her, but I never got the impression from what Lara told us that she would have been a prime target for murder. It's how Lara sees it-murder. I'm not certain what to believe…it's just…another one of Lara's escapades. I don't need to understand them, I just need to know it's important to her and do what I can to help.
Lara's POV
They haven't held her funeral yet, which is a small strike of fortune for me. The police withheld her body for investigations. All those weeks…it's just been lying there, tampered with daily, not allowed to just rest!
I'm flying out immediately-they gave the date of her funeral in the obit-it's in two days. I almost missed it. Thank God for Alister reading that newspaper, or I would never have known! They wouldn't have thought to contact me, because she never kept any of my contact details. It would make me harder to find, and it would prevent her from being a target because of me. I never questioned it-I'm infamous and hated worldwide, so it made sense.
If it was because of me they targeted her, I'm not sure I could forgive myself…
"Lara?" Kurtis says.
"Sorry," I mutter, snapping out of my daydream. We're packing our stuff together-he's said he'll come to the funeral with me. I told him there's really no need, but he insisted. I shrugged it off. It's not like it'd cost either of us anymore-no more than for one private plane which is what I'd require anyhow. And…I think it would probably do me good to have some moral support there. I imagine at one point it would have been Alister jumping up and volunteering to accompany me, but he hasn't said a word since he showed me the article. He barely even said anything then, Zip did all the talking. Alister followed me, that's true, but he didn't say a single word. When I looked back at him and our eyes met, there wasn't hostility in them, which is what I half-expected. It was more…pity, which is just as bad. He's pitied me before, but never in such a way that he thinks I'm not going to get through this, I'm at the bottom…usually, it's 'you can get over this, you just don't see it' pity if you see what I mean.
Alister's POV
It's been so hectic here since. Lara and Trent are trying to pack as fast as they can, Zip's trying to book them private planes and Winston's…being Winston, I suppose. He's hardly left Lara's side, though. He knows how upset she must be.
I'm being very callous about it all…to be honest, when I first read it, my initial thoughts were 'I have to try and help Lara through this'…but then I saw Trent again, and like before, that want to protect her just vanished. Besides, she needs to get over this on her own, it's what's best for her. She can't get through this properly if we're all mollycoddling her…like Trent. He's actually offered to go with her, can you believe that?! He's only been here five minutes, but he's suddenly her first choice travel companion! In a way, it makes me sick that only last week, it would have been me she'd have turned to…but I don't care. She's her own woman, if she wants to stick with Trent, well so be it. I wouldn't want to go down that road again.
"Uh, Lara?" Zip says tentatively.
"Yes?"
"Bad news. There are no private jets available right now-not until two weeks away."
"Well, that's not bloody good enough, the funeral's in two days!"
"I know, I know…you could try commercial flights?" Yeah, right-like Lady Croft would be seen on a commercial plane! Oh, she's nodding. "There's no guarantee of first-class seats, though-"
"Zip, I don't care if it's not first-class, I don't care if it's not business class, I don't care if they shove us in the fucking hold, just find me a plane that'll get me there by Thursday! Okay, Thursday!"
"I'll make some calls."
"Thank you, Zip," she says gratefully. He smiles at her and turns back to the phone. She turns around and catches my eye, but I look away, pretending as though it never happened. I'm still watching her out of the corner of my eye, though.
"Alister?" she says from right behind me.
"What is it, Lara?" I grunt.
"Alister, I-"
"Lara?" Zip calls.
"Yes, Zip?"
"I can get you a flight from Cardiff at seven tonight!"
"Great, book it!"
"Yeah, here's the catch-it's only a single flight. If you take it, you could end up stranded."
"I don't care, Zip, just get me on that flight!" she replies impatiently. "And just because we fly out from Cardiff doesn't mean we have to fly back in again-wait, there are two seats available?"
"Yep, both Business class. First-class booked up."
"That's fine," she tells him. "Book them." She turns back to me. "Well," she smiles. "Looks like I'm off again."
Lara's POV
Remind me to never again accept Kurtis Trent as my travel companion! And while we're on the subject, I'd advise you to do the same! Unless you want to sit next to a chattering idiot for the two hour journey to Cardiff International, be dragged around nearly all Duty Free shops in said airport-and buying a very ridiculous hat!-and then board with said chattering idiot going on about he's scared of flying! 'Well, not the flying, just take-off…and the landing…and I get really bored after the first ten minutes…', so prepare yourself for a very long flight, only to have him jabbering on 'look! Look!' while you're watching a very good film, look at what the fuss is and notice it's just some clouds, and question his excitement and he says' but it looks just like you'. Honestly, that is what he said, I'm not joking! In the end, I simply asked to swap seats with a young woman who was eyeing him up for the full five hours we'd been flying!
"Just cos you can't appreciate the artistic eye," he mutters, hurt at my non-enthusiasm at the cloud apparently shaped like me.
"I'm sorry," I mutter. "Why don't I buy you a lolly next time the nice woman selling things come over? Would that make you feel better?"
"Now you're just taking the piss," he mutters moodily. I snort with laughter. Why did I agree to this again? I hear a small giggle coming from across the aisle. Kurtis looks over when I do, and we spy a young blond, staring over at Kurtis, with a flirtatious look in her eyes. She shoots him a 'sexy' smile when she catches his eye, to which he smiles his 'sexy smile' back. Jesus Christ. She's been doing this since we boarded!
"Excuse me?" I call to the woman, an idea forming in my mind. "Would you like to swap seats with me? It's just that you two have been flirting for the last-ooh, five hours, and I just feel like I'm getting in the way. What do you think?" It might work-and the man she's next to is asleep, so maybe I'll get a peaceful remainder of the flight!
"All right," she agrees, to my surprise. I didn't actually expect her to agree. I turn to see Kurtis giving me a hurt look.
"What's your problem?" I ask. "I've just landed you a hot date to keep you entertained for the rest of the flight." He nods thoughtfully. I smile and stop my film and grab my hand luggage to swap seats.
"Hi," I hear her say flirtatiously as she sits down.
"Hello." Dear God, if they're at this for the rest of the flight, I won't need the comedy on the screen to keep me entertained!
"I like your hat," she smiles. Oh yes, you heard correctly. That hat he bought? He claimed it was 'because it's hot there!' and he actually wore it onto the plane!
"Really? She doesn't," he replies, pointing at me.
"She obviously has no fashion sense," she drools. He nods, and gives me a triumphant look, and mouths 'see!' I shake my head and turn back to my film…
"Whatcha thinking about?" Kurtis asks, interrupting my thoughts.
"That slut you got talking to on the plane."
"She was not a slut!" he argues. "Besides, you're the one who got us together!"
"Kurtis, she had her hands all over you! If they'd given us blankets she would have tried to get it on with you!" He considers it for a moment, looking thoughtful and nodding. "Oh, Christ!"
"Hey, come on," he protests, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. "You know I wouldn't, you're the only one."
"Don't," I mutter, moving his hands off. It's too soon…the last time somebody said that to me, I broke their heart…
"Aw, are you jealous?" he coos.
"Of what, you and some cheap slag nearly getting it off together in public? Yeah, I don't know how I'll go on now!"
"Well, I could always make it up-"
"Just don't, Kurtis!"
"Sorry, sorry," he apologises. "Jeez, you're touchy," he mutters.
"Kurtis, in the last week I've had my heart broken, made another unsuccessful attempt at trying to contact the one person I should be able to call whenever it suits me and have discovered that one of my friends has died and has been dead for six weeks, so excuse me for being a bit cranky!" I turn away from him and try to contain the sob that wants to make its way out. Save it for the funeral-it's tomorrow after all.
"Sorry," he smiles at me. He holds out his arms to me, and I gratefully walk into his embrace, leaning against his strong chest. "Who'd you try to contact?"
"My…never mind," I mumble. He nods.
"So, what do you think of La Paz?" he asks me as we move out of our hug.
"Pretty much the same, really," I tell him. "I was only here about two months ago."
"You, too, huh?"
"What do you mean?" I ask in confusion.
"I spent a little time here before tracking you down." I didn't know that-bit of an odd coincidence. Spooky, almost. "What were you doing here?"
"Oh, just…exploring," I lie. He nods.
"Pretty much the same. Nice place, huh?"
"Yeah," I agree. I remember one time when I really was here just to explore, and how Anaya would get so passionate about all her favourite areas. Amanda and I would act like complete tourists ooh-ing and ah-ing at everything she pointed out and we must have gone through about six rolls of film in the first week! Anaya knew we were taking the piss, but she just laughed, and acted like a serious tour guide-she even did the voice! I swear she would have bought a microphone if she'd have found one!
At the memory, I find myself overwhelmed with grief as I think about it, and before I know what's happening, I hear myself sobbing and feel the tears that had been aching to come out finally roll down my cheeks. Kurtis pulls me back into his arms, and strokes my head occasionally as he whispers to me.
"Christ, what's wrong with me?" I say thickly as he leads me to a seat.
"Your best friend just died, Lara-you're grieving, it's normal," he soothes. He hands me a tissue which I gratefully accept. I blow my nose, and throw it in the bin next to me.
"Kurtis, tell me something."
"What?" he replies, sitting next to me, a box of tissues in one hand.
"Why did you want to come with me?" I ask. It's something that's been niggling at me. He shrugs.
"I figured you could use the support."
"But you didn't know her. You barely know me! Why are you being so…nice about everything?"
"It's just who I am, Lara. I know I can be a complete dumbarse sometimes, but I'm a good friend, seriously-ask Lily if you don't believe me."
"Lily?!" I exclaim. He looks a bit shocked at my outburst.
Christ, Lara, keep it together! There are thousands of girls called Lily in this world-millions! What are the chances that the Lily he's talking about also just happens to be your daughter?
I know, I know…
"Sorry," I mutter. "It's just-oh this is stupid-I know someone called Lily, and I just-oh I don't know. Just forget it." He nods.
"What's her last name?" he asks interestedly.
"Wickets."
"Wickets…" his voice trails off, and I'm left looking at him trying to figure it out, before he finally shakes his head. "No, that's not it." I nod.
"Well, how likely was it, really?" I smile.
"You never know," he smirks mysteriously. God, that smirk's annoying. He wore that same bloody smirk when he was feeling me up at the Louvre!
The memory of that brings a smile to my face, and I snort with laughter. "What?" he asks, but I shake my head.
"I was thinking about that time in the Louvre," I tell him.
"Ah," he smirks. "What about it? How much you enjoyed it?"
"Which part, having my painting stolen by a sexual predator or almost being killed…again?"
"Sexual predator, huh?"
"Well, you were!" I protest. "I didn't know who you were, and there you are, just feeling me up from behind!"
"I thought you were a bad guy! And in my defence, I was only disarming you. Besides, you did the same to me in the airlock."
"Revenge, Kurtis, is all." He shrugs.
"I guess it was justified," he says casually.
"I like to think so." He puts an arm around my shoulders. I smile and sink into it. I sigh deeply.
"What?" I shake my head.
"Nothing," I say. "Nothing at all." He hugs my shoulders and I look up into his face…into those deep azure eyes. They're so entrancing…I find my face inching closer to his, and our lips meet in a tender kiss. He applies light pressure, and deepens it as I place a hand on his shoulder. He brings his other arm around until he's supporting me in both arms as we continue to kiss. He places a hand on my chest and gently starts to push me down…
…until I break off and push him back. "I can't," I tell him. "I just can't."
"Cos of your friend?" he asks. I nod.
"Yes." Well, partly anyhow. It just-it doesn't feel right. He nods.
"Lara, it's okay," he reassures me. "I-" he breaks off as we hear a 'Crazy Frog' tune start to go off. He looks embarrassed and slightly pissed off.
"Your ring tone?" I guess.
"Yep," he nods, smiling awkwardly. I start to laugh inside as he fumbles about inside his pockets, searching for his mobile. "Hello? Hey, how you doing?" he greets enthusiastically. "I'm cool, I'm cool, what about you?" He nods as they reply. "Aw, why are you sad? Me? Why should I be upset?" Who's he talking to?
"Well, okay, put it like that-I am not devoid of feelings, I-Lara!" he turns to me. "Be honest, am I devoid of feeling?"
"Uh…not really, I suppose," I answer as honestly as I can.
"See, Lara agrees with me," he says triumphantly into his mobile. "Yeah, she's here. You wanna talk to her?" Who is he talking to? "Are you sure, she can be real sweet…hey that was harsh!…You've really upset me now…what do you mean that was the idea? You're mean." Well, whoever they are, he's obviously got a crush on them-I'm just sincerely hoping-for my own sake as well as his-that it's a female! "You sure you got nothing to say-okay, okay, no then! Jeez!" He gives me a look as though to say 'what's up with them?!'. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow-wait, how's that gonna happen?...you're in La Paz, too? Why?" He nods as they answers, muttering 'uh-huh' and 'yeah, of course', and surprisingly, not doing a silly face routine like I expect he usually would. They must mean something to him if he's actually listening!
I turn my head away from him to stare at the slowly sinking sun on the horizon. It's been so long since I've been able to check into a hotel room and just…relax, enjoy the landscape from my balcony without having to worry about catching up on sleep to check out as fast as possible to avoid being caught up with. I get up and head for the door and slide it open, stepping outside. The humid air hits my skin as soon as my feet touch down on the slabbed surface of the floor. I close the door behind me to give Kurtis some privacy…and to be alone. I walk to the edge and lean against the railing, staring ahead of me as the sun sinks behind a mountain.
I really wish I knew what had happened to her…I've asked Zip to see if he can get a copy of her autopsy report for me, but he hasn't had any luck yet. He's said he'll call, but if he doesn't succeed, I'll have to fight the case myself. I'm already in La Paz, so I may as well try. It's the least I can do-if she was murdered, to avenge her. I owe it to her…
"To be perfectly honest, I think this is a terrible idea," Anaya says, snapping me back to reality. "Everyone agreed to leave things as they were."
"I will as much as I can," I say defiantly, though not sure whether I'm trying to convince her or myself. "But from what Rutland said, I'm sure there's a clue down there as to what killed my mother. I have to go back."
"There's no use trying to enter at the same point," Anaya argues. "It's caved in."
"The river had to get in there somehow," I reason.
"I'll leave you to figure out the how," Anaya says suddenly. "I can't go down there. I'm sorry."
"It's fine, really," I smile reassuringly at her. "If there's any trouble," I warn. "Call Zip, and he'll patch you through. Don't take any chances," I add. "I'm not losing any more of my friends."
That was the last time I saw her, even spoke to her! With everything that had happened since, I didn't even give her a second's thought. It was nine weeks ago. She died three week after…just three weeks. To be fair, a lot had happened in that time. I realised that the dais here was never going to work, my daughter found me, and I'd…I was probably in the coma by then.
Why do I keep using that dais and Lily as excuses? If it hadn't been for Anaya, I wouldn't have even known about the dais here! And even if I was shocked at the outcome, it doesn't mean I couldn't have called her. And as for Lily…I never even tried to forge a relationship with her…I was such a bitch. In an odd way, I really hope she's here…but why would she be? She knew Amanda, not Anaya, and as far as I know, Anaya was none-the-wiser about Amanda's existence anymore than I was. I just have to accept it, don't I? I've lost her…
"Hey, Lara, do you wanna get something to eat?" Kurtis interrupts. I don't say anything. "What's wrong? Except for the Anaya thing, I mean."
"Nothing," I tell him, though not turning around. "Why don't you go? I'm not hungry."
"You sure?" I nod. "Would you like me to bring you something back?" I shake my head. "I don't have to-"
"Kurtis, please, don't take this the wrong way, but just leave me alone."
"Right," he whispers. "Sorry." I hear him try to step back quietly, but it's always then when you're noisiest, isn't it? I hear him slide the door behind him, and leaving me to my thoughts once more…
"I hope you found what you were looking for, because I am never coming here again!" Anaya says adamantly, still shell-shocked about her near-death ordeals.
"I was right," I mutter. "This is all Amanda left behind." I hand her the boot I found among the rocks that should have crushed her all those years ago.
"She got out and didn't tell us?!" Anaya gasps, examining the boot. "Why has she been hiding all these years?"
"Maybe not hiding exactly," I say. "Just not keeping in touch with old friends. Perhaps she found or learned something down there she wanted to keep to herself." I turn towards her Jeep, ready to climb in when I hear a small whimper behind me. I quickly spin around, drawing my guns, but there's no-one there. "Anaya?" I call. "Anaya!"
I hear a rustle and spin around again, pointing one gun at the bushes. "Amanda?" I gasp as she emerges. "Where's Anaya?" I demand. Amanda just snorts and draws a gun of her own. Well, I can't say I wasn't anticipating that. She shoots me a malicious smirk. "Where's Anaya?" I repeat forcefully.
"Come and see," Amanda whispers, pointing to the bush behind me. Trepidation gripping me, I slowly step forward, keeping one gun pointed at Amanda. I stop as I reach her, and she points to the bush behind her.
"What's in there?" I ask, though fearing I already know. She just smirks, and points to the bush again. I take another step forward, and peek into it, expecting to see Anaya's mangled corpse…but there's nothing. "Amanda, what-" I see her arm draw back and she smashes over the head with her gun, sending me into darkness…
…it's night…it's so dark. My head hurts. I blink and try to move, but my body screams in protest. I force myself onto my knees, and slowly crawl away, ignoring the aches of my bones. I'm still near the archaeological site. What's going on?
Suddenly, my eyes spy a figure moving through the darkness, heading towards the pit. As they step into the moonlight, I recognise it's Anaya. She walks to the edge, and hops down into the pit. I frown in confusion and crawl to the edge of the pit, still in pain. I look down and see her walk to the lake. The lake-where did that come from? It must have happened when the whole place flooded…
She kneels as she reaches the edge and looks down into the clear depths, as though…scanning them for something. What does she expect, Amanda to-? Amanda! This must have been the way she got out!
As I look on, I see Anaya stand up and remove her jacket and belt-anything that might weigh her down-and she dives straight in. Only one minute later, she emerges, taking deep breaths, but then dives down again. One minute passes by…and two…she doesn't return. She's going to drown!
"Anaya," I shout. "Anaya!" I force myself to stand up. I slide down into the pit, but collapse in a heap at the bottom. I don't care, I've got to get to her. I get up again and run to the lake, even though my legs are starting to tremor through weakness. "Anaya!" I shout again as I look into the water, collapsing onto my knees. I don't see her-I don't see anything. "Anaya!"
I stand to my full height and take a deep breath…and dive in. The water presses unusually hard against my chest, but I continue my descent. I know the way, I've done this before…what is-
A rise of black smoke suddenly envelopes itself through the water. Panicking, I kick for the surface. Come on, I can make it, I can make it! My lungs are screaming for air, my chest squeezes in pain, my legs are in agony at the overuse. Help, help…suddenly, the monster…that same monster that slaughtered our entire archaeology group appears in front of me…I open my mouth to scream, but I inhale the water instead. Water fills my chest and it starts to burn in pain…I'm dying…I'm dying…
My eyes snap open. I take several deep breaths, and check my surroundings. I'm all right, I'm all right, I'm just in that hotel room in La Paz. I can feel the cold sweat cling to my pyjamas, pressing against my body. Wow, that must have been quite a nightmare...
The mattress moves as Kurtis stirs next to me. Because we didn't book, we only got one room-a double. I had no idea La Paz was such a popular spot. Then again, there aren't that many hotels in this area, and ironically, this is where they like to hold a lot of conferences etc. I guess this would be the most obvious hotel-it's the most lavish, yet decently priced. I just chose it because it was the first one after the airport hotel, which I really didn't fancy.
I climb out of bed and check my watch on the desk. Quarter to nine. The funeral's in just over an hour, at ten. I suppose I should start getting ready. I go into the bathroom and start the shower running.
When I emerge, I see Kurtis still hasn't risen. Typical. I go over to my suitcase under the desk and pull it out. I start rooting around for my funeral dress.
"What are you doing?" Kurtis sighs behind me.
"Looking for my dress," I reply.
"Huh?"
"The funeral, Kurtis?" I remind him.
"Oh crap!" he groans. I give him a disapproving look. "Sorry. When is it?"
"In just under an hour so I suggest you start getting ready. I've got a taxi coming at half past."
"Half nine? You sure that gives us enough time?"
"Well if you'd got up-!"
"I mean to get there," he clarifies.
"It should only take fifteen minutes by car," I tell him. He nods and gets out of bed and heads for the bathroom. Unlike me, though, he doesn't take a shower. He's more of a bath person, I realised last night. He had one before going to bed…I'm not here to judge.
He comes out just as I'm taking my pyjama top off. I'm facing away from him, but I hear him come in. "I'll give you a minute," he mutters. I smile. We sleep in the same bed, have already slept together once-twice technically-, and now he's shy? I shake my head, and pull on the dress. I pull the bottoms down and walk to the mirror. Well, I certainly look different. "Can I come out yet?" Kurtis calls from the bathroom.
"Yes," I call back, and turn on the straighteners on the desk.
"Nice dress," he comments.
"Well, you have to try for funerals, don't you?" I say pointedly.
"Are you okay, Lara?"
"I'm going to a funeral, Kurtis," I begin as I pull the straighteners through my hair.
"Yeah, I know that, but are you okay?" I pause and put the straighteners down.
"Honestly, Kurtis, no, I'm not okay," I admit. "But I don't have time to dwell on that right now, because all I want to do is bury my friend. Can you please leave me to do that in peace?"
"Sure," he nods. "But you know, it's okay to show how you really feel. You don't need to hide behind a shell all the time." He gives me a small smile and heads back to the bathroom, suit in one arm. What did he mean by 'hide in a shell?'…oh sod that, I don't have time for this now! It's like I told Kurtis, all I want to do is bury my friend…and say goodbye.
We arrive promptly at quarter to nine, like I predicted. Her funeral is being held at the church in the centre of the city (A/N I don't know a lot about La Paz, so if there isn't a church in the middle, I'm sorry!) and her wake will be held where her father works. Kurtis kept shooting me odd glances all the way here, but I ignored him. If he expects me to snap and have a nervous breakdown, he's going to be sadly disappointed.
As we walk up to the church-having already deposited our wreaths-it seems we are the only ones here. Only her parents are standing outside. "Lara Croft," her father-Carlos-greets, shaking my hand. "Thank you for coming." I called as soon as I arrived, to let them know I would be coming.
"Of course I would," I assure him. "Anaya was a good friend to me." He nods gratefully. I look over to his wife, and-like most mothers would be-she is distraught. I give her a small smile, and she pulls me into a hug, sobbing on my shoulder. I pat her back comfortingly. "It's all right, Rosa," I say calmly. She pulls out of the embrace.
"Others are gathered inside, if you would like to take a seat," Carlos says. I nod and smile.
"Thank you." I walk into the dark entryway-followed by Kurtis, who I notice also shook Carlos's hand. I have to admit, I didn't think he'd come to the actual ceremony. Surely he can't be here just for support…perhaps he knew her and is simply being discrete about it, for whatever reason.
I walk into the grand church, and find it is much colder inside. There are several others gathered here already, muttering quietly amongst themselves. As we enter, all heads turn and the room goes silent. Nobody says anything for a few moments, and I feel a slight blush of embarrassment rise up to my face. Christ, what's wrong with me?! There have been plenty a room gone silent because I entered. With all the dignity I can muster, I find myself a seat at the front-as Carlos directed when I phoned him-and sit down, with Kurtis next to me. I ignore the stares, though I feel them subside as the room goes back into quiet murmuring.
"Are you always such a head-turner, or-" Kurtis begins.
"Not now, Kurtis."
"I'm being serious."
"Well, it seems wherever I tread, trouble follows. I suppose the rumour must have spread," is all I grant him. I know why they're really staring…many think I killed her.
Kurtis's POV
My God, it was such a beautiful ceremony. You got to hand it to the Catholics-they do grief better than anybody! There were so many hymns and prayers I couldn't keep up! The fact that I speak no Spanish is of little significance.
They even asked Lara to do a reading. I don't think even she knew, cos she looked as shocked as me when they announced it. But, like a pro, she got up there and did it. She even began with 'I don't have anything prepared' like all memorable speeches...on TV, anyway. It was so emotional-she was close to tears when she came down. So was everyone, I think. It sounded like it really came from the heart, you know?
Lara hasn't said a word since. We've been at the wake for a half hour, but she hasn't said or done anything except to get herself a drink. I've asked her if she's okay, but she keeps pushing me off. I guess I should leave her to it. This is probably just her way of grieving. She's gotta be, if her speech is anything to go by;
"I don't have anything prepared," she begins, sounding way more confident than I'd have thought. "But…Anaya was one of my oldest friends. She's the first one I met at University. She was a budding, enthusiastic Engineering student. Even from the start, she had this…personality about her that I liked. She wasn't afraid, she preferred to live life, be involved, rather than let it pass by while she watched on from the sides. That's not to say she took centre stage all the time but life certainly wasn't wasted on her."
"She, um, was probably the one I confided in most, as she was so loyal. You could rely on her for anything-but she was no pushover. God no, if she thought you were being a complete plonker, she was the first to let you know! A useful trait if you ask me."
"I lost touch with her shortly after we both graduated, but not for long. We met again-quite by chance-at an archaeological dig in Peru. She was in charge of the engineering processes. She was-she was the one who stayed behind to ensure everyone got out safely each night. She was, again, the one we could all count on in times of need."
"Until one day, my need got too great. I asked for help researching an archaeological site, and like a pro, she came through! If it hadn't been for her, I-I probably would never have found it. She stuck by me through all my excursions whenever I needed her, but this one-this one I couldn't have done it without her."
She's starting to sound thick. Come on, Lara, you can get through this.
"I'm so sorry, Anaya," she says, a tear running down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry for not…being there for you when you needed me most. I'm so sorry! I hope-I hope you can forgive me."
She stepped down after that, like I said, nearly in full-flow tears. She managed to keep it together, though. For being spontaneous, that was a hell of a show! I told her that, to try to make her feel better, but she just ignored me.
"I never seem to be able to say the right thing," I mutter.
"Well, it's not that, you just have awful timing," Lily tells me. I shrug.
"I was trying to make her feel better, you know, by complimenting her."
"Kurtis, she didn't just screw up real bad at something, she's just lost one of her best friends-compliments isn't what she needs right now," Lily sighs, taking a sip of her drink. "She just needs…I dunno, understanding, empathy."
"Are your minds joined together, or something?" She smirks.
"It's called common sense, Kurtis-you might wanna try it."
"I resent that!" I say in a hurt tone. "It's hard enough already today."
"Yeah, I know, honey. How do you feel?"
"Weird," I admit. "I mean, I barely knew her, but-" Lily gives me 'the look'. "Okay, okay, so I knew her quite well," I amend. "But, I dunno, I just feel…I can't describe it. I feel like I've lost her, even though I never really had her."
"Come on, Kurtis, you guys knew each other for weeks before you went to England."
"Yeah, but she was more of a…acquaintance," I argue.
"Is that why you went out with her?" she asks. I look at her in shock. Can she read minds?
"Who told you about that?!"
"It's how we met! Through her."
"Right, yeah," I remember. "I forgot that." She smiles.
"Look, it feels shitty now, but…it'll be okay. It'll take time, but you will move on, I promise."
"I know," I mumble. She touches my shoulder sympathetically and smiles up at me. I smile back and pull her into a hug. "I don't even know why I'm getting so bothered…Lara's the one I'm worried about."
"That doesn't mean you're not allowed to grieve." I hug her tightly. She's right, of course, but I mean it-I really am starting to get worried about Lara. She's in a 'silent phase'. Okay, I've never seen her in one of them before, so I can't really judge, but using personal experience with my mother, it's not a good sign. I let Lily go and she smiles up at me again. "I gotta go, okay? Gotta try and make Amanda at least look like she's upset."
"Okay," I nod. Ah, Amanda-I remember her…sorta. She's the blond chick with all the tattoos. A little overdone, if you ask me, but still hot.
I walk across the room in search of Lara. I spot her on the balcony sitting on her own.
"Hey, Lara," I greet.
"Oh, hello, Kurtis," she says back, sounding like she's not really with it.
"Whatcha doing out here?"
"It's really suffocating in there," she mumbles. I nod. "I just-had to get out." I nod again.
"Yeah, I can understand that," I agree, taking Lily's advice. She's usually annoyingly right about these things. Lara looks surprised, but smiles. "Sometimes, you just need to be on your own."
"You know what, that's exactly it," Lara agrees. "I know this will sound ridiculous, but I almost feel as if I'm the only one who remembers it's a wake!"
"Yeah, but all wakes are like this," I point out. "You're just one of those individuals who treats it like that instead of as a social get-together."
"I wouldn't phrase it like that, but I see what you mean," she says.
"Lara?" someone inside calls.
She looks around in confusion. "Oh, it's Rosa," Lara realises. "She said she was going to ask me to do the speech again for those who weren't at the burial."
"Right," I say. "It really was moving."
"Thanks, Kurtis," she smiles. "I suppose I'd better go. Are you coming?"
"No, I think I'll stay out here if that's okay?"
"Be my guest," she smiles.
Lara's POV
I've never really enjoyed speaking in public. Even when I was younger, the one time I held back at school was when we had to read our talks out. The problem was, they always picked the best ones to be read out in an assembly, and guess who was almost always chosen? I don't like to brag (often) but I could always write good speeches, I just hated reading them out. And this was worse-I had to 'spontaneously improvise' as my father would have called it.
Obviously I couldn't remember it word-for-word, but I don't think anyone noticed. Well, I wouldn't know really. I made a point of not looking at anyone while I spoke, or if I did, I only focused on them for a brief second. Some people were even bloody filming!
As soon as I stepped down, Rosa came up to me and thanked me for such a 'beautiful speech' and hugged me again. Even Carlos looked moved by it.
"It was the least I could do," I told them. This is, of course, a lie. The least I could do would be to find out what the hell happened! That, I tell myself, is a promise.
Not really sure what else to do, I head back to the balcony in pursuit of Kurtis. I stop to get a glass of water on the way. I notice Kurtis has been taking advantage of the free wine.
No, that's not fair. He's actually been very supportive about this. To be honest, I think I saw him cry a bit earlier. Maybe he did know her…a bit better than I originally thought at least.
I go towards the balcony, but see he's not there. "Fan-bloody-tastic," I mutter to myself. I'm about to turn around when someone bumps into me.
"Sorry," they mutter. I turn around and gasp. Right in front of me…is Lily…
She looks up into my face, and our gazes meet. Time seems to freeze around us as we keep looking at each other in shock. I see surprise, and even fear in her glistening brown eyes…but not hatred, like I half-expected.
I want to talk to her, to reach out and hug her like a mother should. But something's holding me back…and I can't do it, I just can't.
"Lily?" someone calls from the other side of room. She starts to turn, though still keeping her eyes locked on mine, before her whole head turns. Slowly, she starts to walk away.
"Lily," I whisper. Tears spring to my eyes as I utter that word…
"Lara, I've been looking everywhere for you!" Kurtis says as he comes up behind me. "Zip's been trying to get through to your cell, but apparently you switched it off?"
"I let her go," I whisper.
"What? Lara, are you listening? Zip got a hold of Anaya's police records! He says he's got everything you'd need to know," Kurtis tells me excitedly, but I don't acknowledge what he's saying. All I can think about is seeing her again…and I let her go, just like that, again. I don't know whether to be angry, or upset or…glad even, just for seeing her.
"Did he say how she died?" I ask out of the blue, my mind snapping back to Anaya.
"Gun-shot wound," Kurtis tells me.
"How?"
"They don't know-that's why they withheld her body for so long, they were doing investigations."
"Well they apparently didn't do a very good job!" I say, anger starting to rise inside of me. "Is that all they could deduce in six weeks? The fact that she was shot?!"
"I don't-you'd have to ask Zip, he's the one with the record!" he says desperately. Right, well, I will ask Zip! I open my bag and dig inside for my mobile. I turn it on and quickly dial the number.
"Lara?" he says as he answers.
"Those records-how much information have you got on cause of death?" I hear ruffling of papers, and a few curse words which I ignore.
"GSW, but you know that," he reads off. "One eyewitness account, also found to have one bullet in the arm."
"Who was the eyewitness?"
"One Amanda Everett." Cold fear floods into the pit of my stomach as I hear those two words.
"Amanda?" I check. "Are you sure you read it properly?"
"I even got a picture, Lara-it's her all right," Zip confirms.
"Okay, Amanda," I mutter to myself. "It's high time you and I had another little chat."
"Were there any murder suspects?" I ask.
"I'm still getting to that."
"Right-ring Kurtis when you have something. I want to remain undisturbed during our chat."
"You got it." He signs off. Oh, it feels good to be back; hacking into police records, going in pursuit of enemies-I have missed it.
"Kurtis, if your phone rings-" I begin.
"I know, I know-answer it," he finishes.
"And come and find me once you've got the information."
"Yes, ma'am," he nods. I ignore his tone and press on through the crowd, in reluctant pursuit of the one woman I'd really rather not have seen again. But I was just kidding myself-there was always going to be another confrontation. We left too much unresolved the last time. Just like with…I've got to keep on task! I need to sort things out with Lily-Amanda! There's something wrong with this, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it!
But before I do…I'm going to talk to Lily. I need to get things sorted with her first, and honestly, she takes priority. I never thought I'd say that over Anaya, but it'll be easy enough to track Amanda down, which I'd need to do anyway. I doubt if she's here. Lily I know isn't so easy…anyway, I just…I need to talk to her. Besides, it's too much of a coincidence-I mentioned earlier how I really hoped she'd be here and she is.
Having calmed down considerably after my initial anger towards Amanda, I go through the now smaller crowd, looking for Lily. I spot her almost instantly at the buffet table, getting herself a drink of water. Actually, why's she even here? Don't tell me she knew Anaya as well?!
I nervously go up to her, and find myself stopping only steps away from her. I-I can't do this, I've lost my nerve!
For God's sake, pull yourself together! You're not going to let her slip through again or you will regret it.
I approach her from behind, and reach out a hand and place it on her shoulder. She turns around and our eyes meet again. That cold pit of fear of adrenaline rushes through my stomach again, but I ignore it. "Ariadne-I mean, Lily-" Shit! Great start, Lara! She looks mildly surprised at my calling her Ariadne, but why shouldn't she be? She must think I got her name completely wrong!
"I'm sorry," I finally say. "I'm sorry for pushing you away, I'm sorry for how I treated you, I'm sorry for what I said to you in the hospital." I stop. "Look, I'm just bloody sorry, okay?" I finish thickly. "I'd be a useless mother." I turn around and make to walk away, tears finding their way out of my eyes again. I blink them away.
"Lara?" she whispers behind me. I turn to face her again. She looks…shocked, for lack of a better word. She smiles at me. "I'm sorry, too."
"What for?" I ask, smiling in confusion.
"I'm just…sorry." With that she walks away, leaving me in utter confusion. What could she possibly need to be sorry for? She just did what any daughter would do-she tried to track down her mother.
"Lily?" I call after her, but then spot something out of the corner of my eye. I gasp in shock again as my eyes rest on a blond, in black, a tattoo snaking up her revealed arm. A woman with piercing blue eyes and a careless expression on her face; Amanda…it's time we had our chat.
So, what did you think? I promise I will try to update quicker next time! Please review, and you will receive EXTRA chocs and plushies! Lolx