Chapter 12. Peer Pressure

ASHLENE

Grace met me at the entrance of the bar. Loud music was dominating the place, and the place was dimly lit. I imagined the indoors would be filled with dancing lights and drunk people, but I wanted to get out of the mansion today. There were thoughts I’d rather drown.

The wake would start tomorrow, though it wouldn’t be open to the public. Just for our small family to say our goodbyes and start our life. Mentally, I was not there yet.

In my head, I was still thinking of Mom as someone I could call when I was upset. Perhaps on a vacation in a faraway place, but only gone momentarily. My mind couldn’t grasp the concept of permanent oblivion. Aside from that, I was also thinking of my future. It was weird that it took my mother’s loss for me to actually realize what I wanted most… and what I deprived myself of because I followed my heart. Because of love.

“HEY, GIRL!” Finally, the queen has arrived.

I was dressed in a simple grey halter dress that w