“Good. Because you wrecked my daughter’s wake!” Mari spat.
The manager began shoving Summer out, even though she kicked off.
“That cunt’s done,” Vortex promised. “I’ve got enough contacts to ensure that bitch is blacklisted no matter what state she ends up in.”
When we returned to the dining room, Summer was gone. The manager was falling over himself apologising, and even offered to comp the buffet.
“No. My daughter doesn’t get a comped meal. She deserves better,” Mari said quietly. The guy was beside himself, but Mari charmed him. He did promise some free meals in the future, which Mari accepted.
The remainder of the wake proceeded smoothly. Gossip about what had happened in the toilets was whispered, but most guests had common decency. As the afternoon wore on, people began to take their leave, leaving just us.
“Mari, come home with us tonight,” Papa said. Mari smiled wearily.
“Philip, that’s a nice offer. Maybe we can have a PJ night,” Mari replied.
“Nice idea. Amy, Vortex?” Dad offered.
“No thanks, Dad, I’m going to crash somewhere quiet,” I answered.
“A clubhouse is peaceful?” Papa demanded.
“No. But my room is. It’s on the second floor, so away from everyone,” I said.
“Okay. If you need us, you know where to find us.” Dad hugged me, and then Mari and Papa did. They shook Vortex’s hand and asked him to thank the other MCs for their help. Because of them, Natasha’s funeral hadn’t turned into a circus as it could have. At least she’d been laid to rest with peace and dignity.
Vortex
I don’t think Amy was aware, but I was still rooming opposite her. So, when Amy screamed, I was jolted awake and out of bed within minutes. Usually, I slept naked, but I’d taken to wearing shorts while Amy was here in case she needed me. I barged into her room and found Amy tangled up in the blankets. Her hands grasped at thin air, and sheer terror was on her face.
Worse, Amy remained asleep.
“Amy,” I whispered, shaking her gently. A wail escaped her lips, and I knew she was caught up in a nightmare.
“Come on, babe, wake up,” I ordered with a gentle shake again.
Amy sat bolt upright, and her eyes flew open. They latched onto me, and Amy flung herself into my arms moments later.
“I was aboard the Titanic of the Skies. The explosion had just happened, and I was thrown away from Natasha. Tash was screaming for me to help, and I couldn’t reach her, and then flames surrounded her.”
I rubbed Amy’s back in an attempt to soothe her. She was sobbing in my arms, and I knew the nightmare had been triggered by today. Slowly, Amy began to ease up, and her sobs grew softer until they stopped. I reached over and grabbed a box of tissues, and Amy made a weird hiccup noise.
“Sorry, I used you as a tissue,” Amy said, wiping my wet shoulder.
“That’s what I’m here for,” I replied. “Lie back down, I’ll go get some hot chocolate,” I offered.
“That would be nice,” Amy whispered as she lay down and stared at the wall. “Vortex?”
“Amy?”
“Will this grief ever end?”
“No. But the sharpness of the pain will fade, and you’ll be able to remember Natasha without breaking down. One day, the memories won’t hurt, and they’ll make you smile.”
“Promise?” Amy begged.
“Definitely, brave girl, I’ll be back soon.” I dropped a kiss on her forehead and left, leaving a lamp on. Somehow, I knew Amy didn’t want to be alone in the darkness.
“Amy alright?” Inglorious asked as I hit the kitchen.
