The Alpha's Rejected Mate novel Chapter 5

"Now, tell me. What secret are you and Mom hiding from me, Belly?"

Belly scoffed and began to laugh. "I have no idea what prank you are pulling, but you can trust me Scar, Mom and I are not hiding anything from you."

Slowly, Scarlett nodded. "Okay. I'll end the conversation if you say so. That's Mia you're looking for." Scarlett said as she peered over Belly's shoulder. I will find my way back to the car." She whirled around and started moving once more. When she arrived at the car, she unlocked the door when a recognizable head suddenly emerged and startled her by blowing confetti in her face. "What are you two doing here? You scared me." It was her very best pal. Cornelia and Avery.

Cornelia and Avery have been Scarlett's friends right from childhood, and their parents are also each other's best friends.

Avery has long black hair. She wore an ankle boot over her short, pink leather skirt. She was standing next to Cornelia, who was petite. She wore a long blue jean trouser with an open back top, and she has neck-length black hair. Her earlobes are pierced three times each. 

"I'm sorry, but I warned her against it. She just wouldn't listen." Avery said while giving Cornelia a scathing glare.

"Scar, I'm sorry. I believed it would make you feel better." Cornelia said.

After rolling her eyes, Scarlett made room for her friends to exit the vehicle. As she cleared the last of the confetti from her face and clothing, she questioned, "How would confetti make me feel happier on a funeral day? And how did you two enter the car without using keys?"

The keys were brought out, and Cornelia jiggled them in front of her. "I kind of stole the extra one from the driver." Scarlett gave her a look. "When he wasn't looking." Feeling awkward, Cornelia said what she had to say.

"We just want everything to go well for you today, Scarlett." Avery said.

"Well, no, it isn't." She put the umbrella away inside the vehicle after closing it. "Guys, I just need to be by myself. Please."

Avery gave Cornelia a brief glance before turning to face Scarlett. "Because of you, we chose to attend a party today. You need the distraction. It will help you. Do not decline, please."

Scarlett groaned. "You don't understand! He was my best friend. I can't go to a party because my dad was recently buried. I need some space, guys." As she entered the car furiously, she slammed the door behind her.

As she started to sob, she leaned back against the chair. The window wasn't transparent, so she won't even be seen if anyone tries to peer through. With her necklace in hand, Scarlett started thinking back on old times. That was a gift from her father given to her for her birthday last year and she hasn't taken it off since. Scarlett couldn't help but cry as she recalled that her dad also owned the same necklace. Her father won't be visiting her anymore. He won't be returning with a lot of presents or hugs anymore.

She picked up her phone and sent her friends a text. "Does the invitation still stand?" As soon as she asked, she heard a knock on the door. Scarlett opened it, and there in front of her were her two closest friends.

"I had a feeling you'd turn around." said Cornelia. "But we can't allow you to attend a party wearing the funeral clothes," she added.