114 Funeral (1/2)

Porter started to laugh uncontrollably.”All your faces... they look so serious... just because of some made up story!” He said in between his laughs, soon tears were starting to form in his eyes as he letgo of his sides and started pounding the table.

When he finally caught his breath and calmed down, he saw that Eli's and Blair's faces had overhanging shadows. He gulped and decided to pick the steak off the ground then to steal a glance at Olivia. After a good moment of awkward silence Olivia moved to the sink and fetched a bowl of warm water and a small rag.She brought it over to Porter and started to gently clean his face.

”No this is not just a story.” She began to say as she moved the rag over his skin. ”The only living relative on my mother's side of the family is my uncle Robin. I don't know how my grandparents died but they have been orphaned since mom was in middle school....” Porter's eyes grew wide in horror, his mouth started to purse together and turn white.

Olivia sighed as she locked her eyes with his. ”There's more...” She said with so much conviction is caused Porter to immediately pale. After Olivia told him everything, Porter couldn't stomach it.He immediately rushed towards the kitchen sink, clung onto the counter as if his life depended on it and started to throw up. ”Why?!” He started to say but Blair cut him off. ”I'm sorry Porter but we don't have time. I need to go and see if I can get Autumn to help.”

Porter looked at Blair with surprise. ”Why wouldn't she help?” He asked as he turned on the tap to get the water running, he tilted his head sideways and started to collect water in his mouth. Blair pulled out her phone and paled. ”Seriously we all need to leave the visitation for the funeral starts in 10 minutes! We all stayed too long.”

They heard the stack of papers crinkle as Eli clenched his hands into fists.”We can't leave her.” Eli said coolly. Olivia walked over and gently pried his fists apart, allowing him to release the documents from his grasps and have them fall on to the floor.”I'll be ok... just... just let me know how things go at the funeral.” She said with a gentle smile that it caused Eli to quickly came back to his senses.They needed to keep things going at least for her sake.

Olivia walked the three of them to the door and watched as the car disappeared from view.She slowly closed the door as she choked back her tears.She needed to go back into the basement and get the anklet back on before her baby brain kicked in.

She dragged herself into her room and unenthusiastically changed into her maid outfit.With a heavy sigh, she opened up the basement and descended down the stairs.When she looked at the anklet on the coffee table she felt dread bubble up from her stomach and lodge itself in her throat.Every heart beat sounded like thunder ringing in between her ears, as she took a step closer towards the anklet.

She stretched out her hand to grab the device when a thought hit her.She didn't have to suffer, she could let Agni win and have everything.She could run away with Eli and live a life of happiness.Sure it meant that she would be looking over her shoulder constantly but that was a small price to pay for her freedom. The small dream washed over her and warmed her body with delight.She wanted to give in to temptation so bad but then it would mean she would die early just like her mother.

She quickly shook the thoughts from her head and put the device back around her ankle. She couldn't do it she would most likely give birth and have the curse hang over her child's heador it would jump to her niece.With tears streaming down her face she turn locked the anklet in place.

She smiled to herself as she clutched the fabric over her abdomen. Her freedom would be bitter sweet.It would only be her and no one else, she needed to bring Agni down to get justice for what she did to her family and break this stupid curse.

After a moment it finally hit her. ”FAMILY!” She practically shouted to herself. She jumped to her feet and started to pace the room.She slapped herself internally, she had forgotten to find out how her uncle Robin and his family were doing, Edmond and her grandmother.She saw Edmond's state before he saved her grandmother.

She looked at the time on Eli's old phone and tried to think of what to do.It was a little after one, the service would last a few hours but where could he be.She couldn't risk sending him a message and she didn't know who else to ask, without endangering someone's life.

The reality of the situation got to her, causing her to fall onto her knees, she needed to rely on her friends. She couldn't possibly look at everything and handle her own dilemma, she knew that she had to be selfish and ask for help. She knew that the key to bringing Agni down and breaking the curse were the people closets to her but it also meant that their lives and their loved ones would be in danger.

She turned and looked at the couch. Had she found out enough for Sakura to speak to her properly now? She bit her bottom lip, after a few minutes she finally decided that it was not time.She needed to make everything at home seem normal.She dragged herself up the stairs in order to prepare dinner.

....

While at the funeral home ...

Loreley was disgusted that Agni's plan was working perfectly.People were starting to question Olivia's mom integrity as the celebration of life commenced at the funeral home. She could hear the whispers in every corner of the room as people were eyeing her and her sister. She wondered if they could make their thoughts anymore transparent, they were eligible to marry and they eyed her father's company and money.

She kept her gloomy appearance for both her sisters sake and walked around the room absentmindedly.She didn't want to think about how she lost another father and every so often she looked at the door, waiting for Eli to make his appearance.She figured that he would have gone back to the house to speak with Olivia in private.

She pulled out her phone and looked at the time, she internally groaned.It was 2:30 p.m. and Eli hadn't made his appearance yet.Agni was going to take this out on Olivia the moment they got home. She could feel sweat start to collect on the back of her neck.

She tucked her phone away into her clutch and started to walk towards Laila, who was standing near the entrance. She politely greeted the few guest who stopped by and pointed towards Agni's direction.”Did anyone we know finally pop in?” She asked as she stepped beside her.”Yes.” Laila responded without hesitation. ”Where are they?” Loreley asked as she slightly bowed to a guest while Laila greeted another.

”My mother is towards the back right corner of the room. Oh I'm sorry it seems she has moved towards the center of the room. She's right in front of the slideshow presentation.” She said politely to a guest. Loreley thought it was strange for Laila not toknow where the she beast was s she had been directing traffic her way for the last little bit.She lifted up her head and looked at the guest, her eyes went wide as she faced Robin. She took a quick glance at Agni, seeing as the were in the clear she grabbed his hand and dragged him to the closest corner.

She looked towards Agni's direction and held her breath.As far as she could tell Agni hadn't noticed him come in or made an effort to look for her.She was too busy soaking up everyone's condolences.She exhaled as she kept her guard up. ”How is everyone?” she asked while keeping her gaze fixed in Agni's direction.”We are fine you don't need to worry about us. Amy and the kids are in a safe location, how are you and your sisters holding up?” he said as he affectionately rubbed her head.

Loreley couldn't hold back any more, she turned and shoved her face into his chest and hugged him tightly.”That monster is playing everyone, she wants everyone to think the Grace was a home wrecker and wouldn't let Olivia come here!” Robin hugged her back before he gently pushed her away so he could see her face.”Why do you think I'm late? Eli filled me in, so I'm here to crash the party.” He said with a wide grin.