[right][sub][color=crimson]LOCATION[/color] ⤑ [color=hotpink]Augustine Funeral Home[/color]
[color=crimson]TIME[/color] ⤑ [color=hotpink]Late Afternoon[/color]
[color=crimson]INTERACTING WITH[/color] ⤑ Arthur [Boyfriend], Marshall [Stepfather]
[color=crimson]FEELING[/color] ⤑ [color=hotpink]Relatively neutral.[/color]
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'Passionate' was definitely accurate, though 'possessive' was the word that popped into Alyssa's head at first. She didn't know why, but somehow she felt if Arthur knew about a past boyfriend, he'd probably react badly. Then again, with the way Eva clung onto him, Arthur had nothing to worry about. She shrugged it off, although at Alexander's warning, she spotted Helene and Terrance, the redhead laughing. Well, [I]someone[/I] was feeling better, after watching Helene mope around it was good to see her cheerful again. Except, the realization hit her, and Alyssa scowled at the pair. Gigi watched them with a mild amusement, though she said nothing. It looked like Helene had thrown caution to the wind. She just hoped she wouldn't come to regret it. "[color=orangered]It's alright. I can always walk,[/color]" She told Alexander. 

[hr]

A low buzzing noise disturbed Gigi's sleep, although it didn't usually take much for the light sleeper to wake. She may have had a little too much fun last night; all that sugar had kept her up longer than she thought. Getting out of bed to see what it was, however, was an entirely different story. Determining where it was coming from, she realized it wasn't her cellphone as she initially assumed. Forcing herself out of bed, she dragged herself to her dresser, pulling the second drawer open. After digging through some of her clothes, she pulled out the beeper. She had honestly forgotten she had it, though the fact that she was getting that and nothing on her cellphone seemed to catch her attention through her sleepiness. She had no idea what the code meant, though it couldn't be good news. Picking up her earpiece, she placed it as she dialed a number on her cellphone, waiting for someone to pick up.

"[color=#CD7F32]Good morning![/color]" Jun's much too cheery voice rang through.

"[color=orangered]Is there an update I should know about?[/color]" She croaked, clearing her throat before going further. "[color=orangered]I got a...010 on my pager.[/color]"

"[color=#CD7F32]Pager? You still have that?[/color]" He seemed more interested in the actual device than the message. "[color=#CD7F32]Hmm...010...I [I]think[/I] it means something's changed? God, I can't remember, those dinosaur devices were way too specific. Although I haven't gotten anything, so it might be from upstairs. I'll go ahead and transfer you.[/color]"

The calming elevator music nearly put Gigi back to sleep as she sat back down on her bed, though she was spared having to wait too long. "[color=#CD7F32]I'm glad you've received my message,[/color]" A very quiet, stern voice was now on the other line. "[color=#CD7F32]My name is Kota, I'll be your temporary intelligence officer until further notice. As of this moment, your outstanding contract is currently suspended. Your orders are to standby while negotiations are fulfilled.[/color]"

This was news to her. Her only contract at the moment was bodyguarding Helene, but she often took side jobs all the time. If it was being negotiated, someone else must have wanted her for another job. Still, it wasn't the first time people had asked for her, so why did it result in a suspension? Her tired mind couldn't find an answer, so there was no point in asking. "[color=orangered]I have a previous engagement with my current charge. It would be noticed if I didn't attend,[/color]" She said.

"[color=#CD7F32]That's alright. However, while on standby you have no obligations to protect Helene Carbone. Should anything occur, you are not held responsible,[/color]" That much seemed to wake Gigi up completely. He may as well have stated that [I]something[/I] was going to happen. "[color=#CD7F32]Negotiations will continue as per our standard procedures, so an update should come later on.[/color]"

"[color=orangered]Do my employers know this?[/color]" Gigi asked.

"[color=#CD7F32]Yes, but as you know I am not at liberty to say who is negotiating nor can I answer any further questions,[/color]" Gigi had to bite her tongue. "[color=#CD7F32]Enjoy the rest of your day.[/color]"

Once the call ended, Gigi tossed her earpiece onto her nightstand, her mind racing as she checked her cellphone. So Evan knew her contract was suspended, but she didn't get any messages from him? There was something about all this that didn't sit well with her. She was tempted to call Evan, but maybe staying ignorant would work in her favor. There were a few possible routes this situation could take and she didn't like any of them. But as always, she was a professional, and so she decided she would simply wait for the next order. At least that was what she told herself as she decided to get ready. 

[hr]

"I'm sorry for your loss."

How many times had Eva heard this? She thought she had heard it plenty during the week, but now that the funeral itself had arrived, it seemed to be the first thing out of people's mouth when they approached her. Of course, that was the normal thing to say. They were sorry that she had lost her mother, they were sorry that she had to go through something most people wouldn't wish on anyone. But as they spoke to her, Eva felt like they shouldn't be sorry. It was an odd sensation, watching pity and genuine sympathy in their eyes that she knew she didn't deserve. Of course, she accepted their wishes, giving them a kind smile as thanks, but the entire experience was just bizarre. Should she admit that she wasn't as sad as everyone assumed she was? She should be. She wasn't happy her mother was gone, but she wasn't upset. Truthfully, she felt completely empty since she was given the news and had no idea what to think. Maybe she was just in shock, but if she looked deep enough, she knew how she felt and didn't want to admit it. So rather than confront it Eva just kept pushing it further and further. But seeing Marshall and his grief had brought that feeling back to the surface, and Eva realized what it was.

The crowd was thinning towards the end of the session, though Eva just wanted to leave. It was hard to see Marshall so upset, and her own mixed feelings weren't helping things. A majority of the attendees had been Evelyn's coworkers, most of which lamented the loss of such a strong figure in the company, but even as they spoke to Eva she could tell there was some semblance of satisfaction and resentment. Even at work her mother managed to rub people the wrong way, it seemed. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she looked to see Marshall. He was considerably calmer now, though he looked broken. Eva didn't understand how her mother could have gotten such a dedicated man. "[Color=darkred]How are you holding up?[/color]" He asked her. Even with Evelyn gone, he still cared about her.

She was fine. Or at least, she thought she was. "[Color=pink]I'm okay. It's almost over,[/color] She shrugged slightly, watching a few people leave. 

"[Color=darkred]I'm glad,[/color]" His response made her feel guilty, though she was positive he didn't mean to. "[Color=darkred]This might not be a good time, but...I thought you should know that I'm selling the house. I don't think I can manage without your mom there. I'll probably go back to Hillsdale with my brother.[/color]"

Of course not. She didn't blame him, since she had anything important already with her at Arthur's house, her desire to return lessened significantly. It was actually a little relieving to know she wouldn't have to go back. "[Color=pink]Thanks for letting me know,[/color]" She replied. "[Color=pink]I kind of saw it coming if I'm being honest. I don't really blame you, either. But...I'll miss you.[/color]"

He smiled, probably the first genuine smile he had given all day. "[Color=darkred]I'm just a phone call away,[/color]" He assured her, patting her head. 

Eva looked away absentmindedly, her eyes falling on a brown haired man. He stood in front of the casket holding a folder, but didn't speak to anyone. Looking at the back of his head, Eva felt that she recognized him. Could it be...? Excusing herself from Marshall, she quietly approached the man, though he seemed to have noticed her, turning just as Eva reached out for him. She retracted her hand nervously, her eyes wide as she looked at the man she knew as Brett. "[color=pink]...Dad?[/color]" It came out without her thinking, holding a slight longing she had held back for a long time.

He stared at her for a moment, though his expression was unreadable. He wasn't happy to see her, though he didn't seem angry either. For a split second Eva found herself disappointed, still wishing for his affection. "[b]It's been a while, Eve,[/b]" He finally replied, turning towards her. "[b]You look surprised to see me.[/b]"

"[color=pink]I didn't think you'd come,[/color]" She admitted quietly. "[color=pink]How have you been?[/color]"

"[b]Do you really want to know, or are you asking as a courtesy?[/b]" His question was rather sharp. She couldn't help but wince slightly. His expression softened slightly, and he ended up looking away from her. "[b]I'm sorry.[/b]"

"[color=pink]You don't have to apologize.[/color]"

"[b]Yeah, I do. You didn't do anything wrong, Eve. None of what happened was your fault. You didn't pick your parents, you didn't decide who your real father was,[/b]" Brett sighed, scratching the back of his head. "[b]You were just a little girl who wanted her dad. But when the truth came out...I wasn't strong enough to do what was right. If I'm being honest, I still can't.[/b]"

She didn't know what to think of his confession, but it made her feel worse. He blamed himself, she blamed herself, and the actual culprit was no longer around, leaving them in pieces. The damage was done. As much as Eva wanted to, she couldn't bring herself to ask for another attempt at repairing their relationship. Even now, she could tell he had trouble looking at her. He probably only saw her birth father's face, a constant reminder of Evelyn's betrayal. "[color=pink]If I'm being honest...I really, really hated her for driving you away,[/color]" Eva said. "[color=pink]It was...it was hell after you left.[/color]"

He nodded in understanding, and after a moment of silence fell between them, he handed her the folder he had. "[b]This won't make up for me disappearing on you, but...you deserve to know. She never did tell you about your birth father, did she?[/b]" He asked, watching Eva's eyes widen as he spoke. "[b]I figured as much. I can't really tell you where he is, he's always moving from one place to the next. But who knows...[/b]" He looked at the casket one more time, and then patted Eva's shoulder. "[b]Take care of yourself.[/b]"

"[color=pink]You too.[/color]" She nodded, watching as he walked out. Turning her attention to the folders, the first thing she noticed was a really old document. Legal papers? It was faded, though she quickly realized what it was as she read 'Evangeline Iris Salvador' in a little box. Was this her birth certificate? But the one she had in Arthur's house read 'Evangeline Donna Esperanza', this one had a completely different middle and last name. She looked down, reading her mother's name with her maiden name, and stopped as she read 'Victor Liam Salvador'. That was her birth father's name? Closing the folder, she held it to her chest. Now that she had a name, would she find him? But the revelation just seemed to pile onto her problems, and she felt sick.

Eva nearly screamed as Marshall placed his hand on her arm, so absorbed in her thoughts that she hadn't seen him approach her. "[color=darkred]You look really pale, are you feeling okay?[/color]" He asked her, concerned.

"[color=pink]I'm fine,[/color]" She lied, trying to ignore the urge to throw up.

Luckily Marshall wasn't convinced. "[color=darkred]Have Arthur take you somewhere you can lie down, you look like you're about to faint,[/color]" He insisted.

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