Page 210 of Breaking Point
“I’m not that great with my words, never have been.” Her lips purse before she blows out a breath. “It’s why my mom handed me a sketchbook, to allow me to express myself in a different way.”
Her hand in mine tightens.
“My mom was such an extraordinary person who was taken far too soon. She painted my life with color, and now that it’sgray without her, I’m afraid I’ll never experience any other shades.”
She stops suddenly, her throat working.
“But I’m grateful to have experienced a life with her that was full of color, even if it feels like someone stole her painting before she was able to finish it.”
Bella turns away, her lip quivering. I step in front of her, blocking her body from the large group of people that came to give their condolences to a beautiful woman taken too soon.
“Breathe, Blaze, breathe,” I coax gently.
“I-I can’t do this. I can’t say goodbye in front of everyone. These words aren’t for them.”
Realization dawns on me.
I motion the pastor to continue on as I wrap my arm around her, steering her toward her seat again, trying my hardest to block the sight of her crumbling from view.
Layla is on the other side doing the same despite tears pouring down her red, blotchy face. Layla’s family has been a godsend this past week, same as Layla. They’ve helped in every way they can, giving their support to Bella despite grieving themselves.
Bella is holding on by a thread but it snaps as the pastor asks her to come to the front and place the white rose she’s been clutching in her free hand on top of the casket.
“It’s time to say goodbye,” he says solemnly.
Those words.
They hit her physically.
Her face turns red, starting from her neck upwards, and the heaving her chest begins to do makes panic take over at the thought of her passing out.
“Three squeezes,” I remind her. “I’m right here.”
She nods furiously as tears pour freely down her cheeks.
Rising on wobbly legs, a small whimper escapes her. Layla stands with her, wrapping her arm through her best friend’s to add additional support. We all but carry her to the coffin.
Bella stumbles, her hands landing on it. Her lips move a milea minute but I can’t make out what she’s saying before she kisses the casket and gently places the rose on top of it.
With her hand still in mine as she steps back, I wrap my arm around her, trying to cocoon her with my body like I can shield her from the pain. The pastor gives a nod and the casket lowers.
Everyone behind us leaves, but Bella remains fixed.
Even after the casket is fully lowered, the seats behind us empty.
She never takes her gaze off the casket.
Until a deep male voice calls out behind us.
“Bella?”
Bella’s head snaps up so fast she almost falls over. Lifting her sunglasses, I expect tears to be filling her eyes but instead, there’s just pure vicious venom.
“You have some fucking nerve showing up here,” she spits.
Chapter 57
Bella
