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Post by Jo on Aug 23, 2007 2:32:03 GMT -5
Churchbells signaled the beginning of the ceremony, as men and women found their spots on the pews. The reverend took his position behind the podium, which was position next to the half opened casket. The halls went silent, as the minister began his speech.
"We are all gathered here today, to honor a very great man, Justin A. Valentine, he died at the age of twenty eight; and died in an unfortunate car accident on the night of January 10th, 2007. He was a beloved husband, a father, a philantropist, friend, brother, son and but of course a generous employer" the man started, he drabbled on a bit, saying something about how the man started his life.
Most of it was true but Justin having only dating three girls during high school and college? HA! That man was the biggest 'player' there ever was. She had half a nerve to tell everyone that they were wrong about his lonely image but she knew that it was sometimes better to preserve a wolf in sheep's clothing for respect to the family.
That dispicable man had played three crucial women to build his multi-million dollar empire. He owed everything to them and yet paid no attention to them. How they argued over him when they learned he was eaching on them with each other. It infuriated them to no limit. Causing a large rift between them.
And all three women had previously stated that all of them would be friends until they died. Seems like there long term plans was extinsguished by a typical american bastard who only wanted a piece of ass.
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Post by V on Aug 23, 2007 3:08:27 GMT -5
There was the clicking sound of high-heeled shoes, as they descended down the stone steps away from the church the ceremony was being held at. The woman appeared to be of eastern origin; black eyes peering out through slanted openings, skin tint was slightly yellow, and straight black hair stretched down to her shoulders. Like the stereo-type for Asians, she was rather slim in figure. Dressed for the service, and all though it was supposed to be one of those real fancy formal dress, she chose to dress in what was almost office attire; a white shirt covered by a grey coat, grey skirt, and nylons. She walked steadily to the parking, ignoring any remark made about Justin or herself her ears managed to catch, and pulled open the door of her black sedan, and took her place in the driver's seat. She wasn't going anywhere, only trying to hide. She had seen what used to be her two best friends at that very service. But, of course the bad blood stirred between made so she wanted as much distance from them as possible. She pulled the lever just to the right of the seat, let her seat recline, and closed her eyes. But a sudden knock on her window startled her, as she looked up to see who it was. It was one of the mourners, and he had her purse. She rolled down her window, for it seemed he had something to say. "Excuse me, miss, but I believe I say you walk in with this..but not out. Are you Yoko Musagi?" the young man asked her, and held out her driver's license. "Yes, I am. Thank you. I guess I was so...you know, I just left to quick without this." "I understand." Was his reply, and he simply left. Yoko returned everything removed back to her purse, placed them on the passenger seat, and just laid there.
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Post by D on Aug 23, 2007 15:37:49 GMT -5
While everyone was in the front, crying and such for the man's death, a brunette haired woman sat in the back, alone and away from people. Her hair was put into a bun, or what looked to be a bun. She was dressed in a white blouse and a black skirt, with some heels, and it was quite obvious that she was very uncomfortable wearing her clothing. Her sleepy brown eyes showed that she was extremely bored and would rather be in bed. The woman closed her eyes and listened to what the priest or pastor, or whatever he was, had to say,
"We are all gathered here today, to honor a very great man, Justin A. Valentine, he died at the age of twenty eight; and died in an unfortunate car accident on the night of January 10th, 2007. He was a beloved husband, a father, a philanthropist, friend, brother, son and but of course a generous employer..."
By the time he started with the word, Justin, she had fallen asleep, and snapped back awake when he was done. To be truthful, she didn't even know why she was here. She wasn't here for the dead man or for his family, so she really didn't know. She had probably came here so she could just do something and avoid something else. Yeah, that was it. She didn't want to go and help her parents with their gardening.
This event to her was just a way to waste time. "...I should go to sleep..." The woman muttered before standing up and going over to a book. It was one of those books that you signed and told the family about how sorry you were for them or how much you missed the person. Screw him, she thought, I should just write 'I hope he goes to hell, that bastard man of your's. From, Katrina Lopez.' After having the thought, her tanned hand reached for the pen next to the book about to scribble her words, but stopped, and instead, scribbled the words,
'Sorry for him. -Katrina Lopez'
"Sorry for him...I guess I feel a little sorry for myself too... but I guess he was good, right?" She asked herself quietly, before shaking herself and sighing. "Nope..." She checked the time on her watch and sat back down. Her parents would probably be calling her right now.
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Post by Jo on Aug 23, 2007 16:03:54 GMT -5
Blah, Blah, Blah. How many of his relatives did this man dupe? He wasn't as generous or kind when she had known him. Oh how the long hours she thought they would be friends forever. And now what? She had ruined the greatest relationship with two of her best friends. Technically ex-best friends now.
Since there drift from there college days. The young Indian(from India) had turned to several choice of drugs. Going through poverty and withdrawls. Going into rehab a year later after her tragic fall. This experience had garnered her book, becoming a Best Seller world wide. She had also withdrawn from the world of writer for a time to pursue a career in Modelling. Beating hundreds of other girls for becoming an Image girl. Winning a contract with the most prestigious modelling company world wide.
From there one she graced the covers of Elle magazine, Seventeen magaince and even the american version of Vogue. She even had a few cameo roles in select movies. From there on it was smooth sailing as it said in her recent interview with the ladies of The View.
She also was a guest on Project Runway with Heidi Klum, the German SuperModel. Where the contestants would have to design a dress for her for a red carpet event. Interesting how life turned out for her huh?
Natalia Sen, the twenty five year old walked out of the service when it ended. Spying more or less on her former friends. A one Yoko Musagi and Katrina Lopez. Then she spied the widow of Mr. Valentine, actress Marylin Valentine. She walked over and played the sympathy card. Saying how sorry she was for his loss. Then the widoer asked her how she had knew her husband. And lying through her teeth the Indian model had said she was once friends with him during her college years.
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Post by V on Aug 23, 2007 16:40:58 GMT -5
She couldn't say she missed Justin and meant it. No, he had pulled her away from her two best friends, only too marry a woman she'd never really known about. She peeked around through the rear window of her car, and spotted one the women leaving the service, and talked to the widow. Even after these few years, she was still able to recognize her; Natalia Sen. She quickly ducked her head afterwards.
Probably like most people, she used this ceremony as an excuse to get away from something. In this case, it was the coroner's office where she worked at. And although not as experienced as the colleagues, she was still expected to give a Time of Death for the bodies as well as a Cause of Death. And if she was incorrect, she could expect a lecture from her supervisor. She sighed and reached for her door latch. In an act of boredom, perhaps she would see if she could locate Katrina...not in person of course, but just with her eyes. Assuming that was her she saw at the service of course.
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Post by D on Aug 23, 2007 17:09:44 GMT -5
Katrina sighed and walked out, slowly and careful not to trip in her heels. She was never one to like wearing the clothing she had on now. The woman walked to her car and opened the trunk, revealing large rolls of papers and other stuff she used for her job. She even had a model for the new college she was designing. "I love that." She said, before tossing her shoes into the trunk and closing it. Her feet were sore and she hated that.
She walked to the driver's seat and entered her car quickly. She had forgotten about the drift with her friends and pretty much her college years. If there was something she didn't want to remember it was her college years. Justin was in it and that was enough to make her forget.
Katrina looked around for anyone she could possibly know. She looked at Natalia for one moment, wondering if she had known her, and then moved on to look for someone else. She had seen the widow somewhere, and didn't care, and have met his parents, and she didn't like them much either.
"...I thought I would know a few more people. In college there was some big fight that got me so pissed off with that man...but I can't see to remember what it was about...I know Justin and I were involved...Who else...?"
She was never really one to be good at remembering things. In high school, she was the worst at remembering and she almost failed her freshmen year because she forgot about some homework assignments.
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Post by Jo on Aug 23, 2007 17:40:46 GMT -5
Out of the corner of her eyes she spotted an old friend. Katrina. She had own had the opportunity to own one of the very first houses she ever designed but had quickly stated she hated it, but truly she loved how it was so much like home to her. Yet that terrible fight still burned brightly within her at the time. Since coming to this funeral she had several thoughts going through her and many of them caused her to re-evaluate her life and her morals, etc. On her mind was mostly how horrible she felt.
Those two girls were virtually sisters to her, it also helped that they were apart of the same sorority as well. She lightly smiled, telling the parents of Justin about a memory she actually liked of them. They were crying of course, and Natalia and the crying mother were hugging.
Finally after all of the so called grieving the Indian model walked over to her car, pausing ever so slightly. By now she had noticed that she was parked right beside Yoko Musagi. The woman bit down on her lower lip, trying to find the courage to face the former friend. A large sigh erupted from her, it was hopefully time to reconnect with an old friend finally.
Pushing aside the raising fear and embarrassment she knocked on the window of the Asian woman's sedan and waiting to see what Yoko would actually do.
This all came down to a coin flip essentially. Tails the woman would drive off, heads she would talk to her. Either way the twenty five year old lady had to wait for her choice. Taking a quick look in the side mirror, she fixed her hair slightly and took in her appearance for the first time since she put on her outfit.
She wore a charcoal gray, knee length dress and a structured jacket ending just before her hips. Her black Prada shows tapped nervously in the winter's snow.
' Come on already just do something. It's effing freezing out here in this weather. And Seattle isn't known for it's sizzling hot winter's' she bitterly thought. She shivered, and wrapped her arms around her mid-section. ' God if your there please just make this place warmer then it is!' of course that prayer wasn't going to be answered. In her opinion God was one sadistic bastard.
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Post by V on Aug 23, 2007 18:05:25 GMT -5
Yoko looked up from the latch to the window. It was Natalia, and how she managed to get so fast was a mystery to her. Something came to her however. It was she who was trying to get her attention. She must have wanted to speak with her...or at least interact with her in some other way. She waved the woman to clear the door path, so she didn't hit her, and opened it. Having stepped outside, she got a good look at her before speaking. "Hello Natalia. I'm surprised to see you here...I've seen you on magazine covers and some commercials. You've seemed to have had a great life after college..." -The death of this man must be bonus- she merely thought to herself, before forcing a smile. "Do you remember me?"
Yoko wished her life had turned out as successful as hers. She was a full two years older then Natalia. But instead of camera's flashing her, and interview's with the magazine, it was she flashing camera's on cadaver's and giving very detailed descriptions of mutilations to forensic scientists. Hell, even her formal wear was much more elegant than her own.
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Post by D on Aug 23, 2007 18:35:20 GMT -5
Katrina put on her favorite red and black jacket over her blouse and turned the knob to the red zone. When she finally turned on her car, a blast of heat hit her face and she smiled. It felt good being out of the cold and in a nice and warm car. She closed her eyes and thought of what she would have to drop off at the office. She needed to drop off the model and the rolls of projects.
She didn't really like working as an architect. Although she was sucessful and people chose her work and were quite happy with the results, she always had the fear of her work being rejected. Katrina was always afraid of being told that they hated her work and wanted nothing of it. Whenever someone told her that, she'd take it hard. Katrina always took it hard when being told that her work was hated. She took her job very seriously and put a lot into designing buildings. She didn't know why she would get so upset, but she bet it was probably something that had happened to her before.
The woman bit her lip as she backed up. " I hope...I hope they like my designs for the college...I hope....that Mendoza doesn't get this one again." The last school had picked Mendoza over her. For a whole week, she rejected requests for her and on some days arrived late, due to drinking on the nights before. Katrina didn't drink much and usually only took bottles on the nights when she was really down. She had developed this small habit of her's somewhere after college because of the big fight, which she couldn't and refused to remember.
"God...I don't don't think even Richard can help...I've been drinking more..."
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Post by Jo on Aug 23, 2007 18:48:31 GMT -5
" Of course I do Yoko. Otherwise I wouldn't have talking to you. I came over to say that I'm sorry. For everything that I said and did after the event with Justin" after that little quip about the great life after college stung the woman. She hadn't thought her sucess would mean something so hateful to a former friend.
" Even you should know what comes with sucess. Before my career I struggled with an addiction problem with cocaine and during that time I was diagnosed with a severe case of depression which lead to alcoholism. And in turn caused me with an image problem, becoming dangerously underweight" she spoke softly. She backed up a tad, her head turning downwards in a moment of pure sadness.
" I missed you, you know. Same with Katrina. I was hoping that even with our differences we could have a cup of coffee or something. Perhaps on friday if your interesting. I'm free the entire day" after saying what plagued her previously she handed the asian woman with a piece of paper. " It's my home adress and phone number incase you'd like to talk".
A bitter-sweet smile graced her profile. And she opened the door to her car and stepped in. " And what I said earlier I truly am sorry for everything I did". Natalia closed the door and started the car, the heat slowly blasting cold air before it warmed up.
The once writer looked longingly at her friend and frowned at how one man screwed up such a powerful friendship. She waved a little bit and backed out, then drove off home. ' Now with Katrina.... I don't think I could ever really approach her...' pained with sorrow the woman sighed and continued her almost pleasent drive.
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Post by V on Aug 23, 2007 19:13:59 GMT -5
Yoko watched sadly as she drove away. She did want to speak some more, but the weather seemed intent on keeping these ones apart for just a bit longer. She studied the paper placed in her hand, reading the number in her head over and over, before finally stifling it into one of her pockets. She was all for going, and perhaps, she would see Katrina as well. But getting away from the crime lab...that would be difficult. She'd need to call in for a family emergency, or perhaps a day off. Feigning sick would be near impossible. She was a terrible actor, and her supervisor had experience as a doctor.
She slowly entered her car, and turned the dial to red, and set the vent power mid way. Today was her day off, and she had good amount of time left. Perhaps she could find something nice to wear for Friday...or even a gift for a reunion. Either way, she was happy to know that atleast Natalia was ready to speak with her again.
Yoko shifted the car into gear, and drove out of the lot. "Haha...I think I know what to get her...she's always been fond of shoes..."
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Post by D on Aug 23, 2007 19:25:36 GMT -5
"You came late..." A woman smirked at her. "M-mendoza, w-what are you saying? I came perfectly on time! Even five minutes early!" Katrina shouted at the woman in front of her, slamming down the great rolls of paper. "They chose my project, because you were late." Mendoza's smirk grew wider with the look of growing horror on Katrina's face. "These people want the school to last a long time and be nice for their students! You're cheap designs...Although if actually built will be cheaper, it won't last as long!" She shouted again, not understanding what was happening.
"You are right, but mine are classier." Mendoza crossed her arms and Katrina looked away. "They couldn't have accepted your's that easily! My designs are of the best materials within the funds and aren't ripped off like your's!" Mendoza laughed and walked away from her. "Too bad...They chose mine...They rejected your's and hate how you are so late, Lopez. It's a shame. I thought you would actually be as good as an architect as, well, me..."
Katrina looked up and smiled. "I guess so...I'll see you later then...bye." She said it calmly and then she walked away. When she knew that Mendoza was no longer in her sight, she walked faster to her car. She didn't cry or anything, but she picked up her phone and immediately called Richard. "Hey, babe...No, I'm fine. I'm coming home early. Bring home some chinese food. Bye, babe."
She rushed home and made her way to the kitchen. Richard would be mad if he found her drinking again, so she decided to sneak it later. "I can't believe...she got it again! She doesn't deserve to get these spots...She rips designs off of others...I can't stand her..." She buried her head into her arms and screamed, before finally quieting down. "I hate her..." Katrina tried not to cry like last time. She had kept Richard up because she was sobbing so loud, so this time she held it back.
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Post by Jo on Aug 23, 2007 20:14:28 GMT -5
As she returned home she stopped by a local coffee house and picked up a Chai Tea Latte. ' This is what I need something that can calm my nerves and not muck up my lungs with tar' she thought pleasently. The model had recently been struggling with quiting the nasty habit of smoking. It was a long battle, going on and off for the past six months.
Once at home finally, she pressed the button to open the garage door and slowly went in. Finally she exited the car, locked it up and closed the garage door on her way out. She unlocked her front door and slipped in. The harsh winds of winter blasted cold air and snow into the nice and cozy home.
She pressed the button for the answering machine and oddly had no messages. ' Fine by me' she thought.
The Indian tore off her jacket and shoes, going up stairs to the bathroom and rubbed off the make up and lether hair down. Natalia then dragged herself to her bedroom and changed into a large sweatshirt and a cotton-polyester blend pajama pants before settling in for a night's rest.
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For the rest of the week her busy schedule finally friday arrived and so far no call from Yoko. This sort of upset the woman. She had hoped, no wished that they could rekindle there relationship but so far it look like the offer was null and void.
Sighing heavily, she put on what the lady like to call her "ceremonial war paint". And chose a simple black turtle neck sweater and a pair of dark denim jeans, and of course how could she forget her nylons; incase she had to wear high heels.
Natalia made herself some hash browns, sausage and eggs with a glass of orange juice.
" It's like a college dinner all over again" she giggled. After done with the breakfast she washed the dishes and turned on the pot of prepared coffee. Walking over to the den, picking up the news paper along the way and turned to the sports section. She currently had a bet on the Seahawks would lose against the Patriots.
" YES!" she shouted. Finally she won, her brother-in-law bet her a hundred dollars that they would win against the Patriots and now she had something to shut him the hell up.
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Post by V on Aug 23, 2007 20:35:12 GMT -5
At this time, Yoko was at work, using a tool to dig into a body. She was to say if it was murder or natural cause. A mask and a visor shielded her face from flying blood and debris, as well as an apron. When having finally identified the body as a murder, she relayed her findings to the investigators, and headed for the lockers. She was on break right now, and had enough time for a phone call. Fiddling with the padlock, she got it undone, and opened it. Inside was her casual wear and a medium-sized rectangular box wrapped in gift wrap. A tag on it read; "To Natty." She remembered the pet name she gave her in college. She hoped that Natalia would be happy she did, as well.
She reached into the pocket of her jeans that were hanging in her locker, and pulled out the folded piece of white paper, the very one with Natalia's number on it. Then she reached for her phone, and began to dial. Her gloves were still on however, having been changed. As of now, she didn't think they would be much of a hindrance to her dialing. She missed one number, but the ring signal was sounding, so she didn't notice.
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Post by D on Aug 23, 2007 20:51:57 GMT -5
"Babe, you gotta call!" Richard shouted and Katrina groaned. "Another request...I'm tellin' them---" "No, No...It's someone else, not a company! Oh and I'm cooking eggs..." She groaned even louder, slamming her hand against the stand next to their bed. She felt around for the phone and picked it up. "Hello? This is Katrina Lopez on the line of the YLC architectural firm thing. Need a building design? If yes, then why don't you go and call Jenn Mendoza... instead..." She muttered, "That stupid bitch...I hate her...she should screw off..." She rolled over in bed and moaned again, feeling her forehead for temperature.
"If you are just here to talk...I don't think it's a good time...yeah, I've been drinking again...but whatever. I'll talk to you..." Katrina didn't even bother to ask who the person was and to be truthful she didn't care. She didn't ask, because on days like this, they were usually calls she liked to hang up on. They were annoying and this was the kind of day, she never wanted to be annoyed. Katrina sat up and looked to the door. "Richard, hun, can you get me another bottle? I'm thirsty..."
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