Alpha Simon

Scarlett's POV

On a Sunday afternoon, I was standing in front of a large group of mourners who had gathered in front of a coffin. They were holding umbrellas over their heads to protect themselves from the still-pouring rain.

As I stood next to my mother, I struggled to hold back tears in the hopes that it was all just a bad dream and that my father wasn't already gone. My auburn hair had recently been dyed black and was pulled back into a ponytail, and I was dressed in a long, black gown.

"Go on, Scarlett. Put the flowers on the casket," said my mother. As my mother's hand slipped from my shoulder, I walked over to my father's coffin to place the flower on it. "Say something to him so he can hear it," mom added.

I wasn't the kind of girl to hold those beliefs. I was the kind of girl who was knowledgeable about things that other people weren't. At two years old, I was already aware that the tooth fairy was a myth made up to make kids happy. I didn't go through financial hardship as a child because I was born wealthy and my parents were both financial loaders.

I'm not the stereotypical rich girl you might expect-often portrayed as a spoiled brat in books or movies. I was actually the complete opposite of that. I am tall, had a body fit for a model, excelled in school, and made a lot of friends. I'm accepted for who I am, but right now I'm standing in front of the coffin of my best friend. I still don't believe that he is gone for good.

The two of us had planned to go to a father-daughter game before he took his usual trip a month ago. I had always anticipated it, but two days ago he was brought home by some men, and we could only see his body lying on the floor, wrapped in a bag. It shocked all of us.

The cause of the death of my dad had been a question from my mom to the men who had brought him home. Instead, a man gave her an envelope with a medical report in it.

"He passed away from a heart attack. He was a diabetic patient, according to the doctor. Is that true?"

Mom nodded slightly. "Type 1. Thomas takes his health seriously. When it comes to his health, he always looks out for himself."

My sisters and I knew that the information we had learned about our dad was unbelievable. I don't think my dad will die from a heart attack. I asked while standing up, being the most intelligent of my siblings. "What about an autopsy?"

Mom turned around and looked at me. "Scarlett, they said he died after having a heart attack." Even my mother held back her tears. Despite her best efforts to appear strong in front of her kids, I could see that she was struggling to contain her tears.

My parents were happily married, and I had hoped to find the same kind of love. They were the reason I had such a strong belief in romantic love. The love between my parents had proven that true love existed.

"And that's what you believed?"

"He suffers from type 1 diabetes. It cannot be cured. Anything could occur." Mom replied.

I continued to live in denial. I had a gut feeling that my dad had not actually passed away from a heart attack. The most cautious man I have ever met was him. My dad was constantly aware of his surroundings. He was always conscious of his health, so a heart attack was impossible. It just doesn't make sense.

"I know Dad, Mom. He is aware of his state of health. He is constantly cautious." My mother was holding a report, which I took and read. "I still demand that my father have an autopsy." I was unable to get close to the covered body that was lying on the ground. I was hesitant to remove the cover for fear of seeing my father's pale body.

My younger sister, Mia, was told to go to her room, and my older sister, Isabella, sobbed quietly on the dining chair.

"Scarlett, hun, why don't you go inside? I'll settle this matter with this man right here." Softly, Mom said.

"You know, mom, I agree with Scarlett. I still don't think Daddy's death was caused by a heart attack." Isabella, who had been silent the minute the news was broken to us, finally spoke. "I believe we ought to ask for an autopsy."

Mom heaved a sigh. "That's what my daughters want. Perhaps we ought to do that." She said to the man. "If we conduct the autopsy, we can learn what actually happened to him, and if a heart attack caused it, they will be aware of that as well. It is preferable to dispel their doubts."

"All right ma'am, if you want an autopsy, I'll ask for one." When he invited some individuals inside, they removed the corsp.

For the first time, I bolted to my room and spent the entire day there by myself without the desire to pick up my book and read or have food in my stomach. As I sobbed helplessly on my bed, I just felt incredibly helpless and numb.

I was asked to get ready for the funeral two days later while wearing the dress my mother had bought. I finally left my room and made it to the venue just as the program was about to begin. At that point, it began to rain. The man Mom hired to perform the autopsy on Dad's case told Mom that the results of the investigation into the real cause of Dad's death would be available in a week.

I walked back to my mother's side after seeing my younger sister place flowers on the coffin.

"I will miss him," said Isabella.

I nodded, still fighting the urge to cry in front of the entire gathering. I knew that after the funeral, I would cry myself to sleep in my room for the entire following week. My best friend would not be coming back to me. He won't be coming back from trips with a big box of presents for me anymore. Sincerely, I would miss him.

I rested my head on Isabella's shoulder. With a sigh, I exhaled. "I too will miss him."

After the service, I saw mom leave to talk to those who had taken their time to attend.

"Scarlett, wait."

I turned to face my sister as I took my long dress in my hand. "Mom is with Grandpa if you're looking for her. They probably would have kept babbling nonsense to her."

Isabella came up to me and nearly filled the space between us. "They don't get along. We all know that Dad's family never warmed to her, and now they will hold her responsible for his passing." She shut her umbrella and let a light drizzle fall on her head. "There is less rain now. Are you alright?"

I nodded. "Everything is fine with me. Why?"

"You showed no tears. I was expecting you to cry. You were dad's favorite, and because of how well you two got along, I didn't have that opportunity with him. But I wish I had."

"Bella, I'm good." I made every effort to keep my voice from trembling. I do not have to sob in public. They'd assume I was frail if I did. I ought to cry alone in my room, which would be preferable. "The tears aren't coming out." I said instead.

"You know I'm here for you if you need anything, right? I may not be as close to you as you were to dad, but I will do my best to be here for you."

"Thank you, Belly. Coming from you, that means a lot."

"I will... I will go now. I need to find Mia."

I watched my sister walk away as I turned around and recommenced walking. All I wanted to do was leave the funeral home's grounds and return home. That would bring peace to my mind.

I walked up to the car and opened the door when a familiar head burst out and blew confetti in my face, startling me. "What are you two doing here? You scared me."

"Sorry, I told her it was a bad idea. She just wouldn't listen." Avery said, while glaring angrily at Cornelia.

"Scar, I'm sorry. I thought it would cheer you up." Cornelia said.

I rolled my eyes and moved out of the way for my friends to get out of the car. "How would confetti make me feel happier on a funeral day?" I asked while clearing the last of the confetti from my face and clothes. "How did you both get inside the vehicle without using keys?"

Cornelia brought out the keys and jiggled them in front of me. "I kind of stole the extra one from the driver?" I gave her a look. "When he wasn't looking?" Feeling awkward, Cornelia said what she had to say.

"We just want today to go well for you, Scarlett," said Avery.

"Well, no, it isn't." I closed the umbrella while still holding the handle and set it down on the ground. "Guys, I just need to remain alone. Please."

Avery looked at Cornelia for a moment before turning to look at me. "We decided to go to a party today because of you. You need the distraction. It will help you. Do not decline, please."

I groaned. "You don't get it! He was my best friend. I can't go to a party while my daddy was buried under the ground just a few minutes ago. I need some space guys."