Astrid Lelya LaWolfe

Just like she was expected to, she stood straight and tall; she said yes ma’m, no sir, and shook hands with everyone. She was the perfect child after all, and even if they were at a funeral, she knew she wasn’t allowed to step out of place.

The one thing she allowed herself to do, was hold Timber’s hand. She gave it a squeeze as they lowered the casket of her sister’s friend into the ground. She could feel her sister trembling as she tried to keep herself from crying. At that point Astrid let go of her sister’s hand and pulled her in close to her to allow her to cry.

The funeral was rough, the reception after, was rough. It was a rough day for Timber, and behind the scenes, for Astrid to. When they finally returned home and went their separate ways, Astrid headed for her room and closed the door.

All alone she slipped off her heels and slid to the floor, finally allowing herself to cry. As the tears flowed down her face she searched for the red box under her bed through blurry vision and pulled it out. Inside were letters, dried out flowers, knicks and knacks, and photos; Astrid and Timber’s friend, Bryson. She had never told Timber that she and Bryson had started dating, they both had agreed to keep it quiet.

Astrid smiled as she pulled out the photo of them at the Aquarium, that was one of her favorite days with him, wishing she could go back in time and stay there forever in front of that giant fish tank. They had watched the fish swim around for hours, holding hands, whispering secrets to each other, sneaking a kiss or two in the low-lit room.

She was sobbing now, as she pulled out the promise ring he had gotten her just days before the accident. She had been afraid to wear it, worried that Timber would see it and know that they had been sneaking around her back. Now she wished she had worn it, let him know she had loved him. She hugged the ring to her chest just as her door whipped open, and Timber entered the room.

Astrid whipped her head around just in time to see Timber’s eyes go from concern, to confusion as her sister looked down at the box of evidence of Astrid and Bryson’s betrayal. The confusion turned to anger as she turned on a heel and stormed out of Astrid’s room.