THE CULPRIT'S VERDICT

I didn't know things would go this fast. If I had been at least informed that they will leave this world, I should have hugged mom longer, I should have at least took a good look at my father's face. I should have not been so rude to them. Why couldn't life or fate give us that privilege, that way, we wouldn't have many regrets in life?

"Max, let's go! The weather looks bad, it will rain anytime soon. We'll go back here another day, okay?" Juliet tapped me on my shoulder.

I placed my hand on her hand and looked her in the eyes. "No, you go. I'll stay here a little longer." I smiled, though it was a weary one, it was enough to let her feel that I would be fine.

"Max, I understand your situation. I am also in agony about what happened, but it's painful seeing you like this. Your parents won't be happy to see you in this state."

"Of course they won't be happy. But where are they?" I sneered. "Will they rise from the coffin to scold me for looking so pathetic? No, right?" The pain was excruciating, it was breaking my heart in two.

"I want to stand right here right now and start to fix my life, but my heart is too broke to cooperate with my mind." The tears and emotion I'd long been surpressing broke out and I hate it. I didn't want anyone to see me crying, I didn't want them to pity me. All I ever wanted was to look strong as always, but I didn't know why I couldn't at that moment.

"I feel so weak, Juliet. I don't want this feeling. I dispised it!" She placed my head on her shoulder and my tears continued to flow freely. She wasn't saying a thing, and I appreciated her for that. I knew that I was causing her pain, and I was already being a burden to her and to Lex as well. They'd been with me since I woke up from that tragedy which I earnestly prayed to be just a nightmare. My prayer just didn't work. I had to accept the truth, but each and every time, the tragedy kept playing in my head.

The wind was blowing heavily and it was getting colder and colder in our position. The rain started to fall, it seemed as though it was symphatizing. I wanted to get lost in my current state and let the abyss swallow me, but I suddenly felt concern about my friend.

"Let's go," I invited.

"Are you sure you want to go?" I nodded and plastered a smile. She was a real friend, and I must stop burdening her.

Suddenly, the rain poured much heavily but I realized that I was not getting wet. I looked up and saw an umbrella, Lex was holding it. Juliet stood up and guided me to stand. When I finally got on my feet, I caged myself in their solicitous hugs. "Thank you for not leaving me. I love you both."

I shall rise from this pain.

Lexter's POV

Juliet sent me a message that Max didn't want to go home when she had been sitting for almost half a day on her parents' grave.

I heard what Max said and despite her outburst, I knew she was still keeping so much in her heart. She was a tough girl, she didn't want other people to see her crying not even by her friends nor family.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Thank you for not leaving me. I love you both." I felt her left arm on my shoulder as she embraced us.

"Actually, I was planning to leave you but now that your spirit has finally come back, I decided I won't," I said, not really meaning it.

She sulked her lips and showed me her 'angry look'. I should be afraid, but I smiled instead. She was brave and adorable.

A smile crossed my lips. "You know I won't do that. I love you..." Juliet's face suddenly shifted on me and gave me a ridiculous smile. "guys," I added. "I love you guys."

"Thanks, Lex," she responded and released a deep breath. "Let's head home!" she said with a revived energy. It felt good to see her brought to life again.

"Good to see you stand again," Juliet commented.

"I have to. I can't let those who are responsible for my family's death celebrate their so-called victory. Life begets life. I will make them pay for what they've caused me." Mine and Juliet's smile faded as she said those words.

We've been in touch with the detectives that work on Max's case, but we hadn't heard any progress. It was quite difficult since there was no evidence to start with and it was too dangerous for her to show herself in public. Who knew someone was watching her.

I was in the hospital with her uncle when we saw the news on the television. We hurriedly went out to go to the place where it happened, but upon riding in, we noticed Max's bloody body inside of Mr. Danny's car.

We should have brought her body to the hospital, but her uncle drove the car fast, away from where she could have gotten good medication. He brought her to their private house and gave her the necessary treatment there. "Max, it's too dangerous. We don't know the culprit yet. You'll be safe if you stay away from It. Let the police and detectives do their job okay?" Juliet said with so much worry in her tone.

"Max, listen to what Juliet said," I pleaded but she just gave a short smile, a fake one. She was up to something. I didn't know if I could stop her.

"If the detectives and NBI can't find the lion then I'll have to make myself as a prey," she said with so much determination in her voice.

"What are you planning to do?" Juliet's question was left hanging in the air. Max didn't spill her plans, not in that instant.

I was worried she might figure out soon that her mother's and Alissa's DNA did not match any of the burnt body recovered at the crime scene. She didn't need to know, in that way, it'll be easy for her to move on and protect her life.