A/T This is a double update. Go back if you haven't read chapter 5 yet. 

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The realization of what she might have unleashed on herself settled on her shoulders with a heaviness that she couldn't explain.

"I just got cursed!" She repeated to Joshua who was busy wiping the saliva remnants off her face.

"No! you cannot believe such a thing. Curses do not exist. Those were the kicks of a dying horse. She was cornered and saw that you wouldn't take the bait so she decided to have the last word. She can't touch you now. You are free to give Ben the burial you want without running a hole through your bank account."

"He's right, you need to worry about yourself and the twins now. You are the one who needs to be looked after not be the host of a gluttonous crowd." Came Rose's voice. Maria turned to watch the elegantly clad woman who stood next to a nodding Anne.

"But...but the words she said could be...Oh my...why would she say such things?"

"To rattle you," said Anne.

"And it is working...do not let it." Joshua lowered Maria into the seat behind her and let her collect herself. "If you wish, we can resume planning tomorrow morning after we have all had some rest. Is that okay?" Maria looked into his eyes and her heart warmed at the compassion she saw within the brown orbs. She gave a gentle nod. "Okay, we will first help clean up."

"Where are the kids?" Maria asked.

"I took them up to your room when we heard the clan planning on moving the funeral. I put Moana on," said Anne.

"They love that movie," smiled Maria.

"It was Declan's idea...can we get you something to eat?" asked Rose.

"You guys do not need to stay. Rose must have a family waiting for her at home. It's really kind of you to have stayed all this while but you don't need to anymore. Really." Said Maria as she pulled herself from her sitting position.

There was silence among the three which prompted Maria to look up only to find concern etched all over Joshua's and Anne's faces. Her eyes landed on Rose who was facing down as if trying to mask a wave of emotions.

"Did I say something wrong?" Maria asked, looking to Anne and Joshua who only continued to watch their silent friend.

"Uhm, Rose lost her family a little over a year ago. Husband and a baby girl in a car accident." Said Anne finally.

"Oh, I am so sorry." Maria felt a sudden wave of sorrow for the lady. She watched as Rose worked to bury the memories that certainly brought on unfathomable grief.

"It is okay. You didn't know."

"I still shouldn't have made the assumption. Please know that I didn't mean to make you feel unwanted or unwelcome. I just...it has been a long day and I just want to curl up in bed and forget some things ever happened."

"We understand." Joshua pulled her into his arms. Maria sunk into him. Being held like this felt good and reassuring, it felt like she wasn't alone, or like everything would work out fine. "I'm not going anywhere." He whispered, " Anne has to see Rose off and then go home and relive some workers we had there. I am staying just in case you or the boys need anything."

He pulled away from her and held her at arm's length, "you hear me?" She gave a hesitant nod but it was enough for him. He then walked over to his wife, held her hand, and guided her outside where they could speak in private. 

Maria turned to Rose. "I am so sorry once more."

"It's okay." Rose nodded stretching out her hand for a handshake. Maria pulled her in for a hug instead which was well reciprocated. "I will see you tomorrow. I would like to help in any way I can. I have been where you are before and I have learned a few things that may come in handy. Am I welcome back?"

"Certainly," Maria pulled back and looked into the most alluring eyes she had ever seen in anyone. Green eyes didn't typically come packaged in olive skin but Rose had them and she wore them with pride. "It was really nice meeting you."

"Likewise." Rose turned around and walked to the front door where Joshua was sneaking a goodnight kiss to his wife.

Maria turned to go look for her boys. Once she was outside her room, she opened the door carefully and peeked into the dimly lit room. The twins were sprawled on her bed eyes closed. The movie was on full display on the mounted screen. She walked into the room and after switching off the tv, she pulled a comforter over them and then climbed in next to Dean. She lay in the darkness a little while longer as the events of the day played themselves over in her mind. Finally, she shut her eyes and allowed sleep to consume her. Her reality morphed in her sleeping mind into a nightmare she couldn't run from. 

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June