Distant Mirage || 13 Reasons Why [ 0 ]

Epilogue

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NOVEMBER

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Low chatter echoed within the church as Bailey walked in wearing her Liberty jersey over her black dress, people filling almost every pew. She stood with Monty and Charlie amongst the other boys; Zach and Chloe up the front of the church, the boy asked to speak. She sent a tight smile to Justin and Clay when they walked in, Lainie and Matt behind them.

They began to file into the pew toward the back of the church, the girl sitting between Monty, who was constantly fidgeting, and Charlie. Monty was never one to show much emotion besides anger and cockiness in front of a crowd, so being at his best friend's funeral was a struggle for him. Her gaze followed Justin as he came to sit with them, shuffling up a little to let him in. She fiddled with her funeral program, trying to avoid looking down the building at the picture that stood at the front of the room. 

They all fell silent as she funeral began, Bailey sitting there doing her best not to cry. She dabbed her eyes, her hand never leaving Monty's as he stared glassy eyed up at the coffin. She swallowed when it was time for Zach to speak, blinking furiously to keep her tears at bay. She sniffled, setting her gaze on her best friend to listen to the words he had to say.

'He was a real competitor on the field,' Zach said after a second; 'He fought for his team. Always. He was loyal, and he was strong. He was... The kind of strong that I always wished that I could be. In a way... I didn't always agree with him... Or what he did. But I wonder sometimes if all we are is the sum of our actions in the end... Or if we're more than that... I want to believe that we're more than that.'

Bailey wiped her cheek as a tear fell, Monty looking to her at the sudden action; only to be sent a tight, sad smile. She leant her head on his shoulder, his hand squeezing her own gently.

'There was a time where I called him my brother,' Zach continued, tears glazing his eyes; 'And there was a time where I didn't. But we're all brothers and sisters. All of us. And whether I like it or not... I am my brother's keeper... So... I'm sorry. I'm sorry, and... And goodbye.'

The Matthews girl sniffled, a sob building in her throat that she refused to let out. She pressed her lips together as she glanced over at the coffin again, swallowing the building sob as she clenched her eyes shut; a tear falling down her cheek. 

That is the end of that.
Thank you all for reading!
 Make sure to check out Book 2 of the Bailey Matthews Series, DISTANT FALLACY.
See you there! xo