BB&B Prologue.

It is 2010.

The sky is overcast; Heavy, grey rain clouds loom threateningly over the Crematorium and a bitter wind whistles through the trees, causing the branches to quiver in anticipation. A polished, black hearse crunches painstakingly up the gravel driveway, bound towards a freshly-dug grave at the peak of Amethyst Hill.

The occupants of the hearse are silent, their heads bowed in reverence. However, above all, there is one family member in particular who is suffering the loss of her elder sister more than anyone else. She sits with her legs crossed, her hands rested in her lap as her gaze lingers outside of the hearse, watching intently as graves flicker by the window like the frames of an old-fashioned movie.

Her short, blonde hair rests upon her shoulders, framing her round face and her piercing blue eyes seek something reassuring in her surroundings - Something pledging that there is hope for her derisory existence. She reaches for the silver bracelet around her wrist and rolls the crystal charm around in her fingers, her eyes wandering back into her lap, where she is not reminded of her desolate environment.

The hearse groans and comes to a halt at the peak of the hill. The girl pushes open the door, sliding out of her seat and positioning herself beside her family, facing out onto the gaping hole in the soil.

Slowly, people begin to assemble beside her: Some crying, others murmuring to those beside them, the rest standing in solemn silence. Her Mother pats her hand reassuringly and swallows, choking back the lump in her throat.

The girl is vaguely aware of the priest’s humble voice breaking the silence, however her mind cannot settle on the words he is saying. Her thoughts escape into the past, a more happy place.

Juliet is laying on the girls bed, in her memory they are around thirteen and fourteen years old. Juliet’s head is propped up on her hand and her green eyes are twinkling with excitement.

“He kissed me, Nancy-Pants!” The girl smiles at the nickname. “I can’t believe it!”

Both girls are increasingly grinning as the younger girl nibbles on a strawberry lace, her hand tucked under her chin. Her eyes are growing wide with fascination and the glow from the candles illuminating the room dance and flicker across her cherub face.

“What was it like?” Her voice is barely a whisper.

“It was beautiful,” she murmurs back and leans in towards her little sister. “He told me he loved me!”

The young girl gasps and giggles, placing a hand over her mouth. The young girl cherishes these conversations and, in her head, she replays the summer nights spent draped over her bed, talking tirelessly until the morning sun broke through the curtains.

“Eternal rest grant unto her, O’ Lord.” The priest calls, rousing the young girl from her thoughts. “And may perpetual light shine upon her.”

She raises her head, her gaze lingering on the coffin lowering into the grave. Without delay, the wind whistles lowly, causing the foliage in the crematorium to stir and wind chimes to peal. A fine rain begins to tumble from the sky, pattering soothingly on the coffin.

“May she and all the faithful departed, through your mercy and grace, rest in peace,” the priest concludes, blessing the coffin and observing quietly as it descends beneath the grass.

Slowly, people begin to slink away down the hill in wordless respect. The rain has rapidly turned into a shower, soaking the bottom of the young girls heels in congealing mud. Her eyes are brimming with emotion and a lonely tear streams down her sodden cheek. Her Mother taps her shoulder and they return quietly to the hearse.