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Chapter Thirty-one

author's note: hey everyone! you all must be so surprised to see a second update withinn days! believe me, i'm surprised too. i will say though, that i have you all to thank for the motivation and i do hope i can keep up with it for the rest of this week at the most. so as some of you can tell, i changed the book cover for the story. i figured it needed a switch and i hope this cover is a little better than the last. i would like to hear about your thoughts on the cover and if it conveys enough of what the story is about. okay, i won't stall you any longer because this chapter is very special to me and my absolute favorite thus far. so without further adue, i present to you: Chapter Thirty-One :)

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the day of the funeral was upon them and Nolwazi prayed that Henri and Madam Sonja would be able to make it through the day togather. She hadn't attended the funeral itself but did prep the house for the guests to arrive after the service and the body was buried. Nolwazi wondered how she felt about seeing Henri behave so calmly before he left the in the morning. she truly hoped he would grieve over his father's death, even though deep down she had no right to think that way of him. 

it was late afternoon and the apartment was filled with guests. friends of Henri's and of his parents, as well as several policemen that worked closely wiht his father were present. Nolwazi served the guests but closely watched Henri with every encounter he had with someone. she sensed the guests' concern for him, for he didn't show any distress nor sadness, and she was beginning to worry as well. she'd asked Madam Sonja if he indeed was alright, to which she replied, "He's trying to be strong for everyone. he'll grieve in his own time." she said unsure of her answer. 

Nolwazi noticed that Bernard's parents were present, but Bernard wasn't. she watched closely as they approached him, their expressions sad as they gave him hugs which he accepted naturally and when Bernard's mother leaned in to whisper in Henri's ear (unsure of what she said), Henri shrugged and accepted a letter he was given, thanking them for the delivery. whatever the letter was, Nolwazi hoped it was Benrard offering his condolences to his friend. Henri's female friend, Lenina, was present. she offered Henri a bouquet of flowers and a lingering kiss to his cheek and a smile that attempted comfort and sympathy. Henri didn't want to seem easily uncomfortable, but the lack of interraction with her spoke for itself. Nolwazi glanced at the pair, watching as Lenina whispered something in Henri's ear, all the while brushing her hand down his chest. she hadn't found a second to think on her actions before she realised she'd walked over to them and said, "May i offer you some refreshments?" 

The subtle look of relief on Henri's face made Nolwazi giggle inside, however, the look on Lenina's was the opposite. she threw on a stiff smile and took a glass from the tray, and just as she wanted to continue her coversation with Henri, she was called by her mother; signalling  her exit. Henri watched her leave before turning to Nolwazi, a slgiht curve at his lips showed he didn't want to show he was smiling at her; but she caught it and whispered, "You're welcome." and she faded into the crowd again. 

Night had eventually fallen by the time the guests had left. it was quiet in the apartment and Nolwazi could finally get started on cleaning the place. she gathered all the dirty cups and plates and sent them off the kitchen when she heard the front door open. she walked out of the kitchen to see Henri had returned from dismissing the guests. she watched him take his blazer off and hang it before making his way to the living room, where he sat the table and sighed deeply. 

Today was a hard day, Henri thought to himself. it wasn't hard in the sense that he was hurting, but hard in that he had comfort the others that were and it was mentally exhausting and he was happy he could finally have a few moments of peace to himself.