5: Teary Day

Asher laughed. A burst of full belly laughter, which fuelled Isabella's anger. “What's funny?” She snapped her heaving up and down erratically.

“You, ma'am,” Asher said simply. “You are what is funny for thinking you can just fire me, yet you didn't employ me. Tsk tsk…”

Isabella got on her feet suddenly, pushing her half-eaten plate carelessly.

“You are gonna regret this.” She promised with a deathly glare. She then turned to Marcia and Paul with a smile. “I will see you later,” she hurried out of the kitchen, and Asher had no option but to scurry after her. She banged her bedroom door to his face, and a minute later Maroon 5 blasted on her speakers.

Asher felt his replacement for the night couldn't have come sooner. The spoiled brat was definitely trying to drive him insane.

*****

The following day was the hardest for Isabella. She put on a short lacy dress ready to go talk about her best friend in the past tense, and it was daunting. Luckily, Marcia was coming with her, for the older lady knew how traumatic funerals are to Isabella.

With a deep exhale, Isabella picked up a joint and hit a few puffs and chewed a mint gum before putting eye contacts on. She briefly stared at the photo of her and Silvia mounted on her dresser, wondering what words she could use to describe the legend that is her best friend. As if on cue, Marcia knocked.

“Come in,” Isabella called back shakily. Marcia opened the door and peeked in.

“Ready to go?”

“In a sec,” Isabella whispered. She had begun having cold feet. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go to the funeral anymore. Marcia stepped further into the room and pulled a trembling Isabella in her arms.

“Shhh…” Marcia rubbed her back soothingly. It was as if a dam broke and all the tears she had been holding in came rushing forth.

“Sh… she is really gone,” she breathed as the harsh reality finally slammed in. For the past few days, she had been in denial, and a part of her expected Silvia to waltz right back in and scream prank.

“She is, sweetheart,” Marcia confirmed sadly. She had met Silvia a couple of times in the very same room, and the girl was a lively one. When Isabella began hiccuping, Marcia led her back to the bed and sat. She cupped Isabella's face in her palms and looked straight into her eyes. “You have to be strong, sweetie.” She said, wiping the flowing tears with her thumbs. “Today is Silvia's day, and you know she would want you to be on time. And make her shine.” That got a shaky chuckle from Isabella.

“You are right,” she croaked, sniffing. “I will do something about this.” She pointed at her makeup-smudged face. She rose and once again sat on her dresser chair and began fixing herself up. A few minutes later, she was ready to go. But instead of contacts this time, she settled for dark glasses.

“Let's go.” She announced, leading the way. “We wouldn't want to keep her highness waiting.”

Marcia chuckled, following closely. After settling in the SUV, Asher tore out of the driveway, and in under half an hour, they had arrived at the cemetery.

Elton spotted them from afar. He had been anxiously waiting for Isabella. To some extent, he knew he could draw her strength. Apart from the relationship between Isabella and his sister, Elton had dated Isabella briefly back in high school. And though the two didn't work together, they parted on good terms and have always been so.

“Sorry I am late,” she whispered, kissing his cheek before giving him a heartfelt hug. Elton, who hadn't cried since he received the news, broke down and wailed like a baby. Right there in front of the many people attending. And Isabella didn't let go of him even for a second. If anything, she cried with him.

Asher watched for a far and wished nothing more than to bear some of Isabella's pain. Though she was a brat, he admitted to himself he didn't like seeing her sad. It didn't help when Marcia began crying, Silvia's mother followed suit, and her husband Jim was barely holding it in. It was a sad funeral. And Isabella's tribute made it even sadder.

“It's a tragedy, and I am still reeling from your sudden death.” She began with a trembling voice. “This is so you, making impromptu decisions and me having to take time before I catch up. I am dumb like that, you said. But you loved me regardless.” She paused and gulped, exhaling deeply through her mouth. “Right now, wherever you are, I am sure you are pitying the suckers left crying over you after the awesome life you've led.” Light chuckles went up in the air.

“You are probably wondering who will tell them to cry over their own sorry lives.” At that juncture, anyone who truly knew Silvia burst out laughing. She would have said something close to that. “So I will tell them for you, bestie…” she trailed, lifting her eyes to stare at the attendees. “Cry over your own sorry lives…” She trailed with a shaky chuckle before lowering her eyes. “Until we meet again, I will miss you. I am sure you've already seized a perfect spot for us. That is, if they are allowing you to do that. Rest in peace, babe.” There was no dry eye in the vicinity. Even if the priest had to clear his throat a couple of times before uttering anything coherent.

As Isabella watched her best friend's casket lower to the ground, she thought of all the good times they've had together, being called spoiled brats and every other name the rich kids are called. It had been a ride and Isabella was damn sure she won't be finding a friend worthy like Silvia was. Jim and Agnes approached her when everyone began dispersing and commended her tribute. “You did my baby justice," Agnes moaned. “And I hope we will still see you around. Our home is open for you always.” An emotional Isabella hugged the couple and after everyone else left, she and Elton stayed put. And watched until the grave was filled up as they reminisced on Silvia's badass moments.

Asher and Marcia waited in the car patiently.