Three Red Lines (21)

"She died." I didn't know who he was talking about.
"Travis, who are you talking about?"
"The doctors called us twenty minutes ago. Lauren died." I was too shocked to say anything. "I saw it coming, but I didn't think it would actually happen."
It was sad to see him cry. It just didn't seem like him.
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Will you come to her funeral? I don't want to go alone." There's no way I would say no to that.
"Of course. You do so much for me. So, I'll be there." He smiled at me.
"Thanks. Why are you so dressed up?"
"Oh, we go out to dinner once a month. I don't want to go though."
"Well you look very pretty." He smiled and kissed my forehead. "I guess I should let you go. So I'll see you later on." I waved goodbye and walked back in.
Just to annoy Ella even more, I put on my UGGs. When she walked down the stairs she looked so mad. I just smiled and waved at her.
"I'm not going to even argue with you. So just get in the car. We're all ready to go."
On the way to the resturaunt, everyone was talking except me. George was talking to Clark about playing football for college and Ella was complaining because 'her baby will be leaving.' They need to get over themselves.
I tuned them out by thinking of Travis. I can't believed Lauren died. I didn't expect that.
"Scarlette, come on." I got lost in my thoughts I hadn't even noticed that we were at the resturaunt. George was looking as frusterated as Ella.
I looked around at all the faces in the place. They all looked so stuck up. Tonight is going to be so long.
I had to sit next to Clark. I refused to look or even speak to him.
"So Scarlette, how was your day with Travis."
"Fine." She suddenly became interested in what I do.
"Well, what did you two do?"
"We went to see his sister in the hospital." I was choking back tears now.
"Is she alright?"
"I'd rather not talk about it." I looked down at my menu pretending to seem interested. The good thing about this resturaunt is that the food is really small. So I can just get a salad and finish everything without feeling guilty.
Once our waitor came and took our orders, I took out my phone and started texting Travis.
'Hey, are you okay?'
'None of us are.'
'Aw, I'll try and call you soon if I can.'
"Put your phone away. We're at dinner." I ignored everyone and continued. "I'm sure whoever you're texting can wait."
"No, they can't actually." Clark looked over to see who I was texting.
"She's texting Travis." What a jerk.
"Tell Travis you're eating with your family, and that you'll talk to him later." Ella tried to take my phone from me but I pulled away fast enough so she couldn't. "Give it to me. He's not that important right now."
Now I was mad. "You know what, his sister just died today. I think he needs someone to talk to. So if you don't mind, I'm going to go call him."
I got up without another word and walked outside as I called Travis.
"Hey, you called earlier than I thought you probably woud."
"Yeah, I got into an arguement with my everyone."
"That's no fun. And Lauren's funeral is going to be on Wednesday."
"Okay, I'll be there! Is it all day?"
"Yes, so it might be easier if you just crash at my house on Tuesday night."
"Okay sounds good. As much as I don't want to, I have to get back to dinner. Hope everything goes okay."
"Alright, have fun."
I walked back to my table and saw my food was at the table already. My parents and Clark were all staring at me. I sat quietly and started picking at my food.
The rest of dinner was the same. Everyone was talking but me. It was so easy for them to forget about me and just continue on in conversation.
When we got home I went upstairs to my room just sat there. My eyes always focused on my viola. I imagine myself playing it, but can never bring myself to actually do it.
So for now, it just stays there alone. Like me.