Page 31 of Breaking Hudson

“Mmm. Not in the least,” he says, kissing me. “They don’t know if they hit you or not. As far as anyone else is concerned, you are dead.”

“And if I’m dead, we will get more support,” I say.

“We will get support either way, but making everyone think you are dead will buy us some time so we can plan,” he says. “We do a closed casket funeral. I’ll make an announcement of sorts to vow to find who killed my wife without pointing fingers. After the funeral, we will get trusted people together and plan how to go after them.”

“Can I go to my own funeral?” I ask.

“Yeah. We can have all the women wear black dresses and black veils, so no one will know who anyone is. We say it’s in honor of you and it is just customary in our family. This will allow you, and even Victoria, to attend,” he says.

“And I’ll be safe?” I ask.

“Absolutely. All the women will stay with who they came with at all times. I’ll have you go with Dallas because you can’t exactly come with me,” he says.

“Yeah, that would be shitty to go to your wife’s funeral with another woman,” I laugh.

“Exactly,” he says.

“Can you get a hold of a real body?” Dad asks. “What if someone looks in the casket? If would be sketchy if it was locked or empty.”

“Yeah. I have a friend who runs a funeral home. They have a woman there that is similar in build to Colette that shot herself. She doesn’t have family or an identity, so we are going to bury her in place of Colette. We won’t do a headstone, but we can just tell people it’s being ordered,” Hudson says.

“She will get a headstone though, right?” I ask.

“Yes. It will just be in honor of her, not you,” he says.

“Good,” I say. “So… I’m dead?”

“Yep,” he says. “You need to stay indoors at all times until the funeral. Really, don’t even go near the windows.”

“I’ll just lie in bed and read,” I shrug. “Haven’t been able to do that in a while.”

“You got shot. Make them bring you things,” Makayla laughs. “We will all be here to help still.”

“Ya know… it’s nice not being lonely,” I say.

“Yeah?” Hudson asks.

“Mhmm. I thought I liked being alone but… I like you guys more,” I confirm with a smile.

“I’m glad I pulled you out of your bubble,” he says, kissing me again.

“Me too,” I say happily.

Chapter Eight

Colette

Three days later

How many people cansay they’ve gone to their own funeral? I shouldn’t find this so cool, but I do. This is cool. It’s also sad, because there is an actual body in that casket. I’m glad she will still get a burial, though.

I have been stuck to Dallas all day. The veil is nice because no one knows who I am. All the women have taken to silence, and it’s just being explained that it is a part of our family customs. Mainly, this is so no one tries to get me or Victoria to talk. She is terrified, but stuck to Doug. I am fairly certain they’re fucking, but I am so happy for them. They seem so happy in one another’spresence. She deserves happiness and I think Doug brings her happiness. She gets along great with Mom, Dad, and Hudson’s parents.

The funeral is over now, but the burial is soon. It’s weird to hear people talk about me as if I’m dead, but they don’t know that. Luckily, I have been able to sit between Hudson and Dallas all day. Although, Hudson cannot touch me. I need someone to touch me, and I’m hoping that will be soon.

Everyone leaves the room and it’s just Dallas and I now. “How are you?” Dallas asks, pulling my veil back. My back is to the door, so no one can see if they come in.

“I miss Hudson but I’m glad I get to be with you,” I say. “I feel touch deprived though.”

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