The Handsome Devil II: Redemption

Chapter 68 & 69 - Encounters

Deya's hands trembled as she turned the tap and proceeded to splash her face, hoping that the cold sensation would help her tame her heartbeat.

However, as she looked up to the mirror, tiny droplets cascading down her features, she neither saw nor felt any improvement.

Perhaps to the contrary.

God knows how she managed to stay strong throughout the day. But now that she found herself alone in the washroom, there was no pressure of being in the eye of public keeping her from breaking down. Her head feeling dizzy as she reached out for the paper towel and gently dabbed it against her skin.

Another funeral.

She leaned against the sink.

After having to part with Timmy and later her father, she haven't thought there would be another one so soon that would cause her as much grief. And yet, here she was. Feeling like another piece was cut off of her heart after seeing Patrick's body in the coffin, looking ever so peaceful.

The last goodbye.

She had to give it to Max, it was obvious that no expense was spared in planning the ceremony. From the ornamented coffin to the sizeable marble clad crematory that could easily fit hundred people and some more. And if the fact that it was nearly full capacity didn't prove just how many lives did Patrick touch, the dozens of stories she heard them share as a part of their speeches did just that. From the mischief he got into with his friends, to the help he rained on those close to his heart. Including Max whom she couldn't get her eyes off of the whole time he spoke.

Nonetheless, as much as she wanted to follow their suit, to tell them about all the ways in which he enriched her life. About all the times he saved her. About the brother he's become to her.. Her feet refused to listen, leaving her glued to her seat until the ceremony was over, much to her shame.

Who could blame her, though?

For how can you possibly talk about all the sacrifices someone made for you, when exactly that cost them their life in the end? And every time she accidentally locked eyes with someone else in the room, she couldn't help but feel that they knew. Giving her disapproving glares for the mere fact that she had the audacity to turn up.

Suddenly, the door swang open as a middle aged woman walked in. Her curls bouncing with each step she took. And despite her startle, Deya forced a polite smile before hastily gathering herself to leave.

"Don't rush out on my account, darling," The woman stopped her on her way to the door. "These things can be.. hard,"

And perhaps it was the soothing tone of her voice or the sympathetic look of those silver eyes but Deya found herself frozen in place, hand lingering on the door handle.

Where have I seen her before? Her inner voice wondered.

Nonetheless, she didn't get to ponder it for too long, for the next time her lips parted, she felt her stomach do a painful somersault. Sending her into one of the cubicles at a speed of light to empty the contents of her stomach.

Well, she sure won't forget you anytime soon. Deya couldn't help but think as she knelt down on the floor. Regretting that she wasn't able to at least shut the door as she ran in and shield herself from the embarrassment.

Then again, it turned out that perhaps the woman didn't mind as much. For she appeared by her side in an instant and scooped her raven hair out of the way in a motherly gesture.

"There, there," She murmured as she gently rubbed her back. "Just get it all out,"

And let's just say, Deya didn't need the prompting. Her stomach spasming every twenty seconds or so for what felt like eternity but really only lasted ten minutes. The ordeal leaving her sweaty and exhausted.