The sharp crack of an open palm striking a cheek echoed through the silent church, completely drowning out the soft organ music.
Brenda: You don't get to cry here!
Chloe: Brenda, lower your voice. People are looking.
Brenda: Let them look! I want everyone to see what a fraud you are.
Chloe: I am just here to pay my respects.
A collective gasp rippled through the rows of funeral attendees as Brenda leaned closer, her face turning red.
Brenda: Respect? You don't know the meaning of the word.
Chloe: She was my mother too, Brenda.
Brenda: Step-mother! And she never even liked you.
Chloe: That is simply not true.
Brenda: You disappeared for five years, Chloe. Five years!
Chloe: I was working. I called her every Sunday.
Brenda: Phone calls don't count when she was sick in that massive mansion all alone.
Chloe: You lived down the street from her.
Brenda: I took care of her! I managed her care, and now you show up looking for money.
Chloe calmly looked up from the pew, her green eyes locking onto Brenda's furious stare.
Chloe: Are you sure about that?
Brenda: Excuse me?
Chloe: Are you sure I'm the one who only cares about the money?
Brenda: How dare you speak to me that way at my mother's funeral!
Brenda's arm flew back again, the fabric of her teal suit snapping as she wound up for a second, much harder slap.
Mr. Vance: I would highly advise against doing that again.
Brenda froze as a tall, bald man in a crisp grey suit caught her wrist mid-air.
Brenda: Let go of me!
Mr. Vance: Gladly. Just keep your hands to yourself.
Brenda: Who the hell are you?
Mr. Vance: The estate attorney.