*Shelly's PoV*
I sighed and decided to go out and follow Frederick to the graveyard. It was a large plot of land with a bunch of tombstones. There were a few mausoleums and crypts too, likely for the founders of the family. It was a beautiful place, with a lot of trees and flowers. It was peaceful, and I felt a little better being here, despite my avoidance of the dead.
Frederick was standing over the hole on the ground, waiting for the burial. I walked up to him, my heart pounding. I was scared, but I had to talk to him. "Hi," I said.
"Hi," he said. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be inside?"
"I wanted to talk to you," I said. "I wanted to know more about my grandmother. What was she like when she was young?"
"Like I said, she was a beauty. She had a kind heart, and she was smart, despite being from a poor background. She took care of me and my older brother when we were sick and helped us with our homework."
I sighed. That was my grandmother, alright. She was always kind and caring. I missed her so much. "Thank you. It's nice to hear that."
He smiled at me. "I can see some of that in you. You have her hair. You're a bit short, though, but you're still growing."
I blushed. "Thanks."
He patted my head. "Don't let them get to you. They're not worth your time."
"I won't," I said. "But, I'm scared. They looked like they wanted to kill us."
"Don't worry," he said, smiling. "I won't let that happen. I'm not going to let anyone hurt my niece. I can only do so much, but I'll do everything I can to protect you."
I smiled. He was a good guy. "Thanks, uncle."
He gasped, taken aback, and then laughed. "Don't expect me to spoil you two. But I won't stand to the side while you're in danger. Got that, kid?"
"Sure," I said, giggling.
We stood there for a while, not saying anything. The wind was blowing, and the leaves were rustling. I felt a lot calmer now that I had an ally.
"Rawr!" Toren shouted as he ran from Damien who chased him. He was giggling and smiling, looking like he was having fun. "Rawr!"
I chuckled and shook my head. "Toren, stop that."
"Rawr," Toren said, pouting.
Damien laughed and walked over. "Hey, I found him hiding in the bushes. I think he's having fun."
I sighed. "I'm glad he is."
"So, how are you holding up?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. I'm still trying to process everything. I'm scared and angry. I don't want to be here. As soon as I get the money, I'm outta here."
He nodded. "I understand. I wouldn't want to be here either. But, you have to stick around for a bit longer. The will requires you stay in the mansion for at least two years. I tried to get him to shorten it, but he wouldn't budge. I'm sorry."
I gulped. Two years under the same roof with those people who hated us and would hurt us given the chance? I had to get out of here.
Uncle Fredrick sighed. "Money isn't everything, kid. Don't let it rule your life. That's how you end up like my mother."
I sighed. He was right. Money wasn't everything, but I had no job and rent on our old apartment was due soon. And Toren still had yet to go to school, given we couldn't afford it. The money was a necessity. "I'm sorry, I need the money."
He nodded. "It's okay, I understand. But, don't forget what's important. Family, friends, and love are all that matter in the end. Money is just a tool. A tool that can make your life easier or harder. It's up to you to decide how you use it."
Damien chuckled. "Grandpa and you are truly brothers!"
Frederick huffed. "I'm no philosopher like big bro. But, I've been in this world a long time and I've seen a lot. I know what I'm talking about."
"Ahh! You're still here!"
We turned to see the widow coming over. She had a scowl on her face, and her eyes were narrowed at Toren and me.
Frederick stood in front of us and glared back. "Mother, stop this madness. You're being a fool. Just leave them alone. Or did you forget how you treated your husband's other children?"
She glared at him, her nostrils flaring. "You will not speak to me like that! I am the Lady Veyron de Luthaine and your mother! You will respect me!"
Frederick rolled his eyes. "I don't give a shit about your title, and I've never seen you as my mother. I'm just trying to protect my niece. She's a sweet girl, unlike you."
The widow was fuming. She was about to say something, but she was as a few people joined us as the casket was being brought over.
Alexander sighed as he looked away, as if saddened by the situation. "This is a funeral, not a place to fight."
His grandmother huffed. "Fine. But I want them gone as soon as this is over."
Frederick growled and looked like he was about to shout again, but I grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Please, just let it go. I don't want to cause any more trouble. Please, uncle."
He sighed. "Fine, but don't expect me to keep my mouth shut forever. That old bat is getting on my nerves."
"Rawr?" Toren said, looking between me and Frederick, confused by what was happening.
"It's okay," I said, smiling at him.
Toren smiled back. He didn't seem to care about the drama that was going on. He was just happy to be around people who liked him.
The burial was quick. A few words were said by the priest, and then the casket was lowered into the ground. I didn't know my grandfather, and I didn't know if I could forgive him for hurting my grandmother and my mother, but I was still sad. He was still my grandfather. He was still family.
After the burial, only Damien, Alexander, Frederick, and an old guy watching from afar were the only ones who stayed to pay their respects to the grave. I sighed. It was sad that a man so powerful only had a handful of people who loved him in his life. Maybe he regretted that in the end and that was why he changed the will to include us.
I looked at Toren and smiled. At least we had each other. We would always be there for each other, no matter what. And, I guess we also had Damien, Zara, and Frederick. They were our new family. I just hoped they wouldn't betray us.