Chapter Four

“This is Blake Altura, reporting live from the KRC24 studio, right here in Illinois, Chicago.” The news reporter said promptly, stacking a bunch of papers on top of each other and straightening his posture. I looked on from the side curtains, preparing to step into the spotlight any second now. My sweaty hands were shoved in my pockets and my heart thumped in my ribcage.

I still couldn’t believe it. It had all happened so fast, that I didn’t even know how to feel or what to say. “Hey, are you okay?” Corinne whispered, looking up at me. She was right beside me, her petite body leaning into my muscular body.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine.” I choked out, trying to maintain my composure. She rubbed a thumb over my hand in soothing circles. “Look, this isn’t easy on any of us. Let’s just get out there, and get this thing over with alright?” She encouraged, with her tiny voice.

I nodded, peeling my eyes away from her and redirecting my focus to Blake. “On today’s news, an accident that has taken the nation by storm.” He cleared his throat, “We’ll be right back for the headline of the day, sit tight people.” He said with a smile, and the cameramen cut off the camera, switching the program to advertisements.

“I hope you’re ready. You’ll be going live in 3 minutes.” The stage director said, fixing a small mic onto Corinne and I’s clothes. Her parents didn’t come, which I deemed understandable, since this wasn’t the easiest conversation to have.

In a few minutes, I took a deep breath, grabbed a hold of Corinne’s hand, and stepped into the spotlight. The scene had changed and there was now a couch there with Blake sitting right there across them.

“Welcome, Corrine, and Ashton, is it?” Blake welcomed them with a flashy smile, shaking each of their hands. “Yes, how are you doing, Blake?” I asked, taking a seat.

“I’m alright, thank you.”

“Great, so I’d love to begin by saying, I’m so sorry for your loss. It has taken Chicago by storm and it’s so saddening.” Blake said, maintaining eye contact.

I took a harsh gulp, squeezing Corinne’s hand firmly, “The rain that fell a couple of days ago was horrendous, but we never thought it’d take one of our loved ones away from us so quickly. It’s heartbreaking.” Corrine said, dabbing at the corner of her teary eyes with tissue paper.

Her voice shook as she spoke, “Never in a million years would I have known that my own sister would leave me this soon. It’s a terrible thing—one that I don’t pray for anyone to experience.”

I stared at the camera, my breath hitched in my throat until I felt a soft nudge come from Corinne, “I miss her every day, and I don’t know what on earth she was doing on the road that late.

Her car was found in a disastrous state, and whoever did this to her—to us— will suffer the consequences.” I stated firmly, and with that I walked off the stage, unable to contain my own emotions. The tapes rolled off, and another news reporter popped in to give the full story.

The ride back home was silent, neither I nor Corinne said a word to each other. Was Pearl really gone? I had seen the news just yesterday morning while kissing her sister in bed and the dread washed over me like a tidal wave.

It felt like there was a devil on my shoulder, always serving as a reminder of that night.

“You did it.” I heard a devilish whisper in my ear and turned to Corinne, puzzled.

“Huh? What do you mean?” My brows creased, as my eyes flickered from the road to her face. “Why would you say that?”

“Are you feeling okay?” Corrine sat up straight, pulling her elbow off the window’s edge.

“You just said something, I heard you.” My grip tightened on the steering wheel as my heart sank. I stepped on the acceleration, whizzing past the accident site. Words couldn’t describe how disgusted I felt with myself, and with the girl that sat beside me. How could I?

“No, I didn’t say anything. You’re just overthinking things, calm down.” She pleaded, with a gentle touch on my forearm.

“Please, don’t touch me,” I murmured, focusing on the road, my mind racing with different thoughts. Corinne looked at me with a bizarre look, almost as if she thought I was going crazy.

“Okay, Jesus. Calm down, alright?” She snorted, retracting into her seat, “I’ve told you already. This accident affected everyone, the best you can do is suck it up like a man.”

I slowed the acceleration of the car, now on a silent road, leading to the mansion, “Are you sure it affected you, Corrine?” I asked in an ill-chosen tone. “Or are you glad she’s gone?”

Corinne let out a gasp, slamming her hand against the dashboard. The car screeched to a halt and I parked on the side, “ Oh my goodness, why would you even say that?” She shrieked between broken sobs. “I love my sister more than anything!” She buried her face in her hands as I watched tears flow.

“I-I’m sorry, Corrine. I have no idea what’s gotten into me.” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, as I pulled her into my chest, rubbing her back comfortingly. “I’m sorry.”

~~

“Take her to the morgue. We’ll have the coroner examine her as soon as possible.” The male doctor instructed through his mask.

The nurse nodded. “Alright. Will do, boss.” She began wheeling the body down the hallway, pushing the vital monitor alongside. Humming softly, she froze when a small, distinct beep came from the monitor.

“Doctor! Doctor!” She quickly ran down the hallway, calling his attention.

“What is it?” He turned, irritated by her sudden interruption.

“You have to see this.” She urged, and they both walked down to where Pearl’s body lay on the stretcher. The monitor began to beep at a more irregular rate, a bit louder than before. The doctor’s eyes widened as he checked for a pulse with his stethoscope, leaning into the body.

“What do we have, Doctor?”

“My God…. The girl is alive.