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angel who had calmly informed her that she should still be alive. She felt a rage that she hadn’t known before, even worse than when the Next sale had started and a woman had taken the only size 12 black sparkly top out of her hands. A volcano was erupting inside her and Claire muttered a number of chosen expletives. Gabriella informed her that under no circumstances was this sort of behaviour permitted. Ignoring the angel, she lashed out, screaming then shouting and thrashing at them both and anything else that she could see around her. She felt a sharp painful prod and then nothing.
    *****
    Claire opened her eyes. She felt rough and didn’t know how much time had passed since she’d lost her temper. She was on her own and contemplated the information she’d been given. She understood that if further attention had been given to her predicament there would have been additional deaths as a result of the earthquake and tsunami. She had therefore been sacrificed so that many other people could live. Claire was glad that others hadn’t died but still felt cheated. She loved and missed her family and friends but that was nothing compared to what she felt at losing Jay. Every part of her soul ached for him and Claire thought she’d be consumed with grief forever. She still felt like she’d been cheated of a future and however much she tried, couldn’t get rid of the anger that was constantly bubbling under the surface. If this was what eternity was all about then the angels, Committee and Chairman, whoever they were, could shove it where the sun didn’t shine!
    As Claire wondered what was happening at home it was as if a massive screen opened below her and she watched with interest.
    *****
    Tash was sitting on Claire’s bed, crying.
    ‘I’m so sorry... So sorry!’ she repeated over and over and didn’t bother to wipe away her tears. After a little while she stood up and gave a mighty sigh. She ran a hand down her black dress, ensuring that it was crease free, then walked to the dressing table to check her eyes in the mirror. They were bloodshot but the waterproof mascara had done its job and hadn’t run at all. Tash returned to her own room, put on her black jacket and pinned the black fascinator to her hair. She heard a honk outside and after checking it was the taxi made her way downstairs.
    Jim and Tony were outside the church and Jim’s girlfriend was inside, seated in the row behind their parents. Tony opened the door when the taxi stopped. He looked at Tash and wondered if she had meant to attend a society wedding then remembered it was his sister’s funeral and she hadn’t had time to change.
    ‘It’s Claire’s funeral,’ was all he managed to say and Tash frowned.
    ‘Yes, Tony. That’s why I’m here.’
    ‘Go into the church and say hello to my parents. Then sit in the pew behind them with Fiona.’ Surprised at Tony’s curtness, she asked if Jay had arrived.
    ‘He’s with them.’ Tony turned and re-joined his brother who was leaning against a wall, smoking a cigarette. He offered one to his twin, who accepted. Tash was surprised, as both were super fit and health freaks. She hadn’t realized that either of them smoked, Jim certainly didn’t in work. Tony had seemed odd and distant too but that was understandable she supposed, under the circumstances.
    She entered the church and approached Jay and Claire’s parents. As soon as they turned to face her Tash saw the guilt on Jay’s face and, though Claire’s parents were shrouded in pain, she noticed their expressions change when they saw her. Tash knew that Jay had told them. Shit . She thought as she went to embrace Claire’s mother. Marion took a step back and Tash almost overbalanced. Embarrassed at the reaction she righted herself and muttered how sorry she was to both of them. Turning to Jay she said in barely a whisper.
    ‘Can we talk later?’ Before Jay had a chance to answer, Marion spoke.
    ‘You should both be ashamed of