The people had started trooping in and the place started filling out with chitter and laughter. The staring contest had ended a few minutes after they heard the loud noises outside, indicating the lot had arrived. Alanna and Sienna as usual had perched in a corner, not very noticeable at first glance but was if you looked very closely. Food and drinks had already been served and a lot of people were already munching their fill. Nobody however bothered to ask the two ladies perched at the side if they wanted something. It didn't ruffle them much as they actually wanted to be anywhere else at the moment.
''Did you see his widow?'' ''
''Yeah, she didn't come to the burial.''
''Do you think she's embarrassed or just guilty.''
''I think both."
''I mean, I do admire her spirit though. She's suspected of the murder and yet still had the courage to attend his funeral. I don't know about y'all but if it's not an act then I don't think she did it.''
"If her showing up here can convince you she didn't do it then I think if she's as cunning as people say, the reason is as clear as day as to why she's here.''
"And why is that?''
"To prove a point of course. If she's not afraid to step outside, then she's convincing the rest of us that she has nothing to hide and therefore doesn't have to go in hiding for a crime she didn't commit.''
The gossip started to die down but Alanna had heard most of it. Although she did agree with some of it. If she was as cunning as they thought her to be and she actually did do it, this is exactly what she would be doing to prove she wasn't guilty. Smart. It made her smile. They were quick-witted. Astrid and her brothers, including Lily, not surprising, were at one table, talking and laughing. Seemed they had finished crying. They had really gone out of their way to spoil her name to others because so far nobody had even come up to ask her where the washroom was.
Just as they were all sitting down, some chatting, enjoying their meal or simply walking around, the air around them suddenly felt chillier than usual. It was like everybody felt it because they all froze, looking at themselves to know why the air had turned humid all of a sudden. Their eyes went to the door, and they felt the doorknob turn, the creaking sound signifying the door's opening. They all held their breaths in anticipation of who was at the door. It finally opened and the person who came into view stepped aside, standing in a protective stance at the door as if awaiting another person much more important.
Everyone watched as a tall man entered the room finally and jaws were collectively on the floor. His black hair was tousled, as if he had spent quite a while outside in the strong wind. His dark brows framed brooding grey eyes as he surveyed the room with mock interest anything but happy to be there. There was this undeniable presence about him that made everyone lose their senses for a while.
''Brother!'' A shout broke out.
''Brother?''
Alanna's ears perked and she turned to the person who had come. It was subtle, barely noticeable and it quickly went just as it came but for the briefest moment, her eyes widened in shock.