LEOPARD: THE ENEMY WITHIN

Trouble in paradise

“Does … does it matter?” I stuttered.

“No, it doesn’t. I, for one, am no virgin,” he pulled me up, getting me to wrap my legs round his waist. “Answer me, beautiful,” he looked into my eyes.

“I am. When my parents said I knew the condition for you to court me, they meant I must remain a virgin till I marry,” I whispered.       

Carter held my chin with the free hand, a smile on his face. He didn’t mind. He went for a kiss, then grabbed my butt and kept going. I loved it, wrapped my arms round his neck and giggled.

Carter was setting me up for what I was to have for the rest of our lives. We left the water close to an hour later. My body was cold, skin wrinkled and grey. But I sat on a rock for minutes, oiled my skin and soon enough, I was back to normal.        

We agreed to wed in the country. While I watched, Carter drafted a text and sent to his friends inviting them. We drafted our vows.

We would visit the registrar’s office the next morning and get the relevant documentation. Celine would be the maid of honour while Carter’s friend would arrive the following day. He couldn’t believe Carter was getting married so fast.

Well, neither could I but I liked it. I dreamt of babies with him, beautiful brown skin and those eyes. So we talked of babies. Maybe two or three. We would see. We got on the bike and Carter took me back home.

“I can’t wait to have you in my arms, beautiful. I can’t wait for the wedding night,” Carter said, standing by his bike.

“Where will we live?” I asked, changed the subject.“I know you are trying to change the subject. We will talk about it over lunch tomorrow. I had a lovely time today.” He held my hand.

“So did I. I can’t wait to be Mrs Carter,”

“It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it, Mrs Carter?” he watched me laugh.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr Carter,” I said, blew him a kiss and ran into the house.        

We had one very busy week I had trouble believing how we pulled it. When Carter’s family joined us, they came for one long meeting which I didn’t attend, punctuated with a lot of food.

The families got to know each other and foster connection. My family needed assurance that I was welcome to that home. Well, Carter’s family was open. The mother was warm and almost childly. Just talking to her made me giggle. She didn’t have a steel side like Mom and that was fine.         

Carter’s best friend Jay came. Right after he visited my home, we all went to town. I knew he wanted to make sure the friend was making the right choice so the moment we ordered drinks, I asked Carter to excuse us for a moment. Let me tell you, that interview was more intense than the one for joining Interpol. But I smiled and answered every question he asked till Carter got fed up with waiting and joined us. But he found us cordial. Jay was satisfied that much as Carter was rushing in, I had no ill motive.        

Come the wedding day, I was woken up early. It was 8 AM but it was early since I had willingly stayed on a video call with Carter till 2 AM yet I knew I would be with him beginning the very next day.

Now I was exhausted as Celine screamed in my face. I tackled her. Yes, I pulled her neck, pinned her on the bed and sat astride her while she laughed so hard.

Mom joined us. She had food. Looked like I wouldn’t have to cook. My nails had already been done so I ate then the make up. There was song and dance outside soon enough. Celine peeped. She couldn’t believe so many people were there to see me off and neither could I.