Into The Domain

Chapter 1 I drove myself to the funeral instead of riding with my parents and sisters. It had been chaotic at my house this morning, and all I wanted was some peace and quiet. Since getting my driver’s license four months ago, I prefer to drive myself places if it gets me out of the craziness of my family. They’re great but noisy. Now that I’m at the church, though, I don’t know what to do. I’m early, and I don’t really want to go into the sanctuary yet. I opt to sit on one of the couches in the foyer. I check the time and decide I have enough for a video chat with my best friend, Zoe. She has only been gone for a week, but I miss having her by my side for things like this. We have been best friends since she moved in next door when we were in kindergarten. I think back to the day we met. I was playing outside, and my big brother had taken one of my dolls from me. I was crying, and she came over from her yard to see what was going on. She picked up some rocks and started throwing them at him. I quickly caught on and started doing the same. My brother, who never backed down, dropped the doll and went back into the house. We were inseparable after that. So it only makes sense to call her and have her with me, at least by phone. She answers my video call on the first ring. It’s like she was waiting for my call, which she probably was. “Hey,” she says. “I almost called you, but I thought you might still be driving.” “I’m here. I wish you were.” I take in everything about her. She has raven-black hair, olive skin, and an infectious smile. I’ve always been jealous of her hair and skin. I have dirty-blond hair and pale skin that burns quickly in the sun. “Thanks to technology, I am there.” It’s not the same, I think, but I don’t want her to feel bad, so I keep that thought to myself. Instead I ask, “So have you met any cute guys there?” She laughs. “Some, but I really haven’t gotten to know any of them yet. I’m still figuring things out. I haven’t lived anywhere but our small town for as long as I can remember. This place is a lot bigger.” “Tell me about it.” “Well, school isn’t as fun here, but the parties are epic. I’ve been to one every night.” “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” As soon as I say the words, I think, I sound like my mother. “Probably not.” She laughs. “I just hate going home to an empty apartment. The free housing here sucks. As soon as I get a job, I will start saving up for a better apartment.” We’re quiet for a moment. Then she says, “You could join me here if you want. Then we can be roommates.” “I miss you, but I don’t know if I’m ready for a change like that.” “Yeah,” she says. “That wasn’t fair of me to ask. You would be giving up a lot.” “One day we’ll be roommates.” “I look forward to it.” I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I hear my mom say, “Evie, we should probably go in and find a seat.” I get up and head for the doors. I hold my phone out so Zoe can see how the church is decorated for the funeral. She exclaims, “Ooh, show me the body! I want to see!” I laugh and walk up to the casket. I put my face close to the corpse’s face and make a peace sign. Zoe laughs and says, “Ew, the corpse looks gross!” I hear some of the older people around me muttering about how disrespectful we’re being. I’m just as annoyed with them as they are with us. Zoe’s mom, Mrs. Shaw, approaches and says, “You girls need to end the video chat so the funeral can start. Zoe, go ahead and switch to livestream so you can observe quietly until it’s your turn to speak.” Zoe groans. “Do I have to speak? This whole thing is so pointless!” Mrs. Shaw answers, “It’s your chance to say goodbye.” Zoe says, “But why do I have to say goodbye? I’m still here.” I think, But you’re really not, not like before. How can you be? You’re dead….