“They are planning to hurt you, I suggest you should call your parents and I think we should report this to the police station for your safety.” Seeing him lost in thoughts I gently placed my hand on his shoulder, studying his face for any signs of distress.
There was an undeniable unease in his expressions, although I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. However, I knew something was not right.
"Vincent, is there something you're not telling me?" I inquired, my eyes locked with his as I firmly grasped his shoulders.
He shook his head, although beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "It's nothing," he replied, taking a deep breath.
Then he finally told me what bothered him "I happened to see them near Mr. Fernandez's grave that evening, and they saw me watching them. Perhaps that's what bothered them. I didn't pay much attention to it, convincing myself that I was overthinking.
Considering the events of that day, I blamed it on my tired brain." He smirked burying his hands in his pockets.
"We will talk about this with Sheriff too! Till then, please be safe," I urged, offering him a reassuring smile.
Just as I turned to leave, he suddenly grabbed my wrist and drew closer to me, his eyes locked with mine. In a hushed voice, he whispered, "You too."
I held onto my wrist, lost in my thoughts. "What got into him?" I wondered.
Upon arriving home, I couldn't shake off the thought that the individuals pursuing Vincent were somehow connected to the unsettling incident at the funeral.
I realized that by telling my mother too much about my troubles, I was actually putting her in danger.
Deciding to keep the details to myself, I did, however, discuss with her what Sheriff Newton had informed me about the casket and everything else that had happened that day.
"Mom I'm afraid, we have no choice but to allow them to take Dad and the casket to the forensic." I stood behind the couch, lowering myself and placing my hands on it.
Her face was already turning red. "Honey... I don't think it's a wise decision!" She tried to remain calm with me as much as possible.
"Mom, I understand. I don't like this anymore than you do, but if the entire town is in danger, I believe we should let him investigate. That's what Dad would want!" I approached her and held her hands in mine.
"We won't say yes unless it's your choice!" I cradled her face in my hands.
She nodded in agreement. "I hope it's worth it!" she said.
I called Sheriff Newton and informed him that we are granting him permission to investigate. Perhaps this will lead us to the truth about what happened to Dad?
Before getting into bed, I glanced out of the window and noticed Mr. Darkwood's curtain moving.
My heart skipped a beat as I waited for the curtain to rise, but then I saw Amaya behind it. She pulled down the window to close it and then turned around dropping the curtain once again.
"Where are you?" I whispered under my breath, then sank onto the bed.
In the morning, I woke up to a loud knock on my door. I opened it and saw Christine and Willow standing there.
"Get your little butt ready, we're going shopping!" Willow playfully slapped my butt.
"Ouch, that was... not weird at all?" I raised an eyebrow as they both settled on my bed.
I hurried into the bathroom and took a shower. "Wear this!" Willow tossed a pink crop top and high-waisted jeans at me.
"Outfits like these suits you so much! I really wish I could be taller like you," she exclaimed before closing her lips tightly.
As we entered the shopping mall, the vibrant sounds of conversations and the dazzling displays of the stores created a lively atmosphere.
Leading the way with a confident stride, Christine suggested, "Let's start at that new boutique," as she pointed toward a store showcasing elegant dresses in the window. "I've heard they have some fabulous collections."
Willow, always the one to keep up with the latest trends, nodded in agreement. "That's a great idea! Oh, I would love to be crowned prom queen!" Willow turned her face toward us and walked backward.
"Plus, I've been searching for a new dress for our upcoming party."
My eyes widened with excitement. "I've never been to a mall since I've arrived," I admitted, a small smile tugging at my lips.
As we entered the boutique, we were greeted by the soft strains of music and the warm scent of vanilla candles.
Christine immediately began browsing through a rack of floral dresses, her eyes scanning for the perfect pick. "What do you think of this one, Willow?" she asked, holding up a pale blue dress with intricate lace detailing.
Willow tilted her head, considering it. "It's lovely, but I think something a bit bolder would suit you better," she said, pulling out a vibrant red dress. "Try this."
"It will go perfectly with your height!" I added.
Christine chuckled. "You're right. Let's see how it looks."
While Christine went to try on the dress, Willow turned to me. "What about you, Evi? See anything you like?"
I hesitated, then pointed to a simple yet elegant green dress. "I really like that one, but I'm not sure it would look good on me."
Willow smiled encouragingly. "Why don't you try it on? You never know until you do."
I took a deep breath, gathering courage. "Okay, I'll give it a shot."
A few minutes later, Christine emerged from the fitting room, looking stunning in the red dress. Willow clapped her hands together. "It looks amazing on you, Christine! Definitely a winner."
Christine twirled, laughing. "You have a great eye, Willow. I'll get it."
Just then, I stepped out, after changing.
This green dress, was a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity.
It was made from a soft, flowy chiffon fabric that gently caressed my skin, moving gracefully with each step I took.