Six Strings, One Curse (18+)

Trigger Warning: This story is erotica and intended for mature audiences. It contains discussions and descriptions of sexual abuse, suicide, and substance abuse that can be triggering for some. Reader's discretion advised. Please protect your mental health.

Bea’s eyes examined the tall, stone steps of the church that stood adjacent to her. Its surface lined with people dressed in black, its arching height shadowed them as they slowly made their way inside. Scanning the faces of each patron that entered, she held her breath hoping none of them would look familiar.

Please don't be here... please don't be here.

She begged internally, though she knew the likelihood of that wish coming true was slim. If she was here, they were here, at least one of them. As if she'd willed it, the rev of an expensive car filled her ears as it pulled up beside hers. Turning, she locked eyes with the driver, who immediately motioned for her to roll down her window.

“Oh my gosh, Bea, is that you?!” Evelyn asked. Grinning widely, she shut off her engine and bustled to Bea's driver's side door.

“Hey Evelyn,” Bea replied as she turned off her car and slowly exited. Leaning against its metal frame, she gave her a small smile in return. “It’s great to see you,” she said.

Evelyn nodded. “Yeah, same, although I wish it were under better circumstances. Nobody wants to reunite with their college best friends because one of them died.” She folded her arms across her chest. “I really wish Peyton would have gotten some help. Whatever she was struggling with, she should have seen someone about it.”

Bea pursed her lips and looked at Evelyn, noting that the years hadn't changed her. Every hair on her head was still perfectly in place, her makeup was still flawless as ever. The hue of her blemish free porcelain skin made it clear that she still took her skincare routine seriously. She looked perfect–then again Bea couldn't remember a day when Evelyn didn't, and even though it had been years, she wasn't surprised at all by the fact. “I heard you're a doctor now,” Bea said, pushing through her intrusive thoughts.

Evelyn's smile widened. “Chief of Staff, but don't let the fancy title fool you. It's not as glamorous as it seems.” Reaching out, she embraced Bea. “I really can't believe you're here. I kept in contact with everyone over the years, but it was like you fell off the face of the earth.”

Pulling away, Bea distanced the space between them. “Yeah...” she murmured, not knowing what else to say. She sighed in relief and nerves, hearing another voice from behind her.

“What's up, bitches?!” Riley shouted, hugging Bea around the waist.

Wrenching free, Bea turned to her. “Hey Riley,” she said.

Riley twisted her lips to the side. “Is that anyway to greet your soror? I mean, I know we haven't talked in a little minute, but you still could at least act like you're excited to see me.”

“Have some class Riley, we're at a funeral... of our sorority sister,” Kamryn said as she approached. “Maybe Bea isn't as cheerful because she's in mourning like everyone else here is.”

Riley rolled her eyes. Pulling out her YSL lipstick, she strategically applied it. “Saw your post this morning, Kam. Forty thousand views in four hours after posting about your dead friend... must be a new record for you.”

Kamryn tilted her head at Riley's expensive purse. “It was. Oh, and nice purse. Who did you TrimSpa to get your hands on it?” she sneered.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Guys, can we not do this today?” Bea asked, cutting off the argument. Already uncomfortable with her surroundings, she shook her head. “I don't want to fight today. Today is about Peyton, so let's just be about Peyton.”

“She’s right,” Evelyn said, giving her another small smile. “Plus, it really is nice to have the old gang back together.”

Giving her a nod, Kamryn playfully nudged Riley. “Sorry, Riles.”

Riley smiled. “Me too.”

Bea fought through her urge to dart away from the group. Rubbing her hand up and down her arm, she soothed her nerves as best she could. “Has anyone seen Anais?” she asked.

“Now you know her ass is gonna be late,” Riley said, waving her off. “She's the same as she's always been. Anything that requires her to put in some effort she's going to avoid or do it when she's ready.” Evelyn cut her eyes at her, and she rubbed the back of her neck. “What? Y'all know it’s true,” she said, bashfully. “Anyway, we all shou–” Her words came to a screeching halt when they all saw someone approach the church doors. “What is she doing here?”