Marrying Mr. Shaw - Chapter Eighteen - Strength
(A/N): SORRY THIS CHAPTER WAS MEANT TO BE BEFORE GRADUATION!
Nothing else so destroys the power to stand alone as the habit of leaning upon others. If you lean, you will never be strong or original. Stand alone or bury your ambition to be somebody in the world.
- Orison Swett Marden
I couldn't be more relieved over the fact that Tiffany and I have finally had some quality time of our own. I had to admit that ever since I've met Chris, I've been thoroughly busy and haven't had enough time to spend with my best friend who's been there for me through thick and thin.
I leaned my back on a white building that stood out from the London town I was present in. Tiffany and I decided to go to Hyde Park stables and ride the horses.
When me and Tiffany were 10, we would always go there every week-end afternoon, riding horses until the sky grew darker.
I smiled at the strangers who were riding horses, going past me illustrating a wave. I can say, 99% of the horse riders wore posh, rich outfits with white, long sleeves tops and sweater vest. Typical British tradition, my mother says.
I sighed. I stared down at the clothes I was wearing and now I was feeling a little insecure. I was wearing a white and red checked shirt with dark skinny jeans and dark brown boots.
I watched some of the females my age or older, riding their horses, their long straight hair shinning from the afternoon sunlight. Their clothes seemed fitted it caused their body to look thin and I envied the perfect body shape they had.
I grimaced at the reflection of myself when a bus drove past me. I left my wavy hair loose and now regretted it as the wind wouldn't stop swooshing so my hair looked like a broom stick.
"Little one, you shouldn't feel so insecure." I heard a familiar voice behind me.
I turned around and smiled at the man I call my second father. Jimmy. He was in the white building, standing where I could see him through the window- well you could say that without glass.
He finished brushing one of his horses's hairs and stepped out of the building, standing opposite me with a friendly smile.
Jimmy is incredibly tall, in his early 40's that demonstrated small wrinkles under his eyes. Thick groomed moustache, wide forehead and deep blue eyes, dark hair. He looked pretty good for his age.
"I'm not." I defended with a small chuckle.
Jimmy shook his head, crossing his arms.
"You are just like your mother when she was young." He commented.
Jimmy and my mum used to be best friends when they were young. He has always supported her after dad left my mother. My mother always supported Jimmy too because he also went through a hell of a time after his wife, Sandara died.
Not only was Jimmy supporting my mother but he supported me and Josh too and told us we could visit him anytime in the stables. He owned the London stables and my mother told me many stories about Jimmy's admiration with horses. He loved the way those beautiful creature looked, how they ran with courage, how they are strong enough to lift us human, to guide us, to fight for us.
There were many nights when Jimmy invited me and my family, telling us stories about his past adventures. They were so exciting and I loved sipping hot chocolate listening to his stories.
Jimmy cleared his throat, causing me to snap out of my thoughts.
"You zone out a lot. Maybe you're not like your mother after all!" He said, laughing a little.
I smiled at his open arms. I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his chest. His hugs were ever so warm, like a father figure. My father was never so friendly and never accepted embraces. He never even knew the meaning of love and Jimmy? Jimmy was everything you would want as a father.
In-fact Jimmy is a father of a boy around my age called Jason.
"How's Jason?" I asked, pulling away. Jimmy smiled.
"Jason is absolutely fine. He's doing well in his studies. I see a bright future in him, ya know." He replied.
"Wow," I chuckled. "Who knew the boy who shut down the world would ever be so bright." I commented causing Jimmy to laugh.
"Oh yes. Those were the days."
Jason has always been that dumb, cute type of guy. You know, the ones who were quiet and every time they would speak, it would seem like they are from a different dimension. Yep, that's how dumb he was. No-one would ever expect him to be like this educational type of guy so Jimmy's words really did surprise me.
"I heard you are getting married, little one." Jimmy said.
I blushed.
"Y-yeah. I guess." I replied.
Suddenly I felt a rush of guiltiness. Chris said that he wanted our engagement party to be taken place in Australia and also the wedding. So it was highly impossible for Jimmy to go to Australia just to see me married.
Jimmy chuckled, ruffling my hair.
"I know you're getting married in Australia. Your mother is not very good at secrets." He said.
I sighed.
"I-I can always ask Chris to arrange the wedding here in London." I replied.
Jimmy shook his head.
"Oh Lucy. Do not fret, little one!" He said, laughing. "It's okay! As long as I get to see the photographs of the wedding, young lady!"
I smiled weakly at Jimmy, feeling my eyes build up with tears.
"You're not...judging me for getting married young?" I questioned. I didn't know why I asked that, but the looks I was receiving in school and public over-all had judgment in their faces.
"Of course not! You're in love, it happens plus you are like my daughter right? Why would a father judge his daughter?" He replied.
Now my eyes build up with tears and I couldn't control them so gave them permission to fall down my cheeks.
"Oh Lucy." He came out with, pulling me in for another hug.
I let my tears drop on his chest and mumbled, "I've missed you, Jimmy."
"You too, little one. You too." He whispered, patting my back.
Sniffing, I pulled away when I spotted a blond figure approaching us. My eyes widened at the figure.
"Tiffany!" I shouted, running up to her with open arms.
She did the same and we both collapsed on each other, hugging and laughing our asses off. Yeah, typical best friend scene.
"God, I'm so glad you planned this!" She chirped, flicking some of her loose blond hair behind her shoulder.
"Wow Tiffany, you look beautiful." I commented.
Just when earlier I thought I looked crap—I couldn't be feeling more and utterly ugly after viewing Tiffany. She looked stunning with skinny, denim jeans, dark boots with a slight heel, a white tank-top and a bright a orange top that revealed most of her shoulders.
She giggled.
"So do you!" She said, walking into the stables after a small hi to Jimmy.
I frowned because I knew deep down, she was totally lying.
We walked down the stables but stopped when we found what we were looking for.
Garnet and Star.
Tiffany and mine's horses.
My horse was called Star and she was one beautiful, bay horse. Her coat glowed-reflecting light; her mane and dark tail were soft, not matted, lumpy, or coarse, and her hindquarters were dappled with a dark, bay-brown colour that looked more perfect in the afternoon light.
I glanced at Tiffany, embracing her white horse, Garnet. Garnet was also a wonderful horse that was pure white that had a blond mane not like Star who had more of a black mane.
I stepped closer to Star, unlocking the stable gate to release her. She instantly recognised me and dropped her head, making a full skyward circle with her nose on my stomach. I laughed, pushing her head slightly.
"Star!" I said, through my laughs.
I knew she was in her eager, playful mood so I gripped the halter gently and pulled her out on the fields. The was she strolled to the field with her prancing with her ears straight forward, her nostrils flaring, tail up and her head pointed downward on arched neck showed no other than pride.
"You're incredible, you know that?" I whispered, rubbing my hand behind her ear.
She pricked her ears forward and muzzled down, raising her head. I laughed.
I knew Star could understand me. I've always petted Star ever since I was ten so Jimmy eventually gave in and let me keep her. So every time visitors came to take or borrow horses, they would never touch Star or Garnet.
"I've missed you, Star. I'm so sorry." I said, my voice cracking at the end. I swallowed a lump to avoid myself from crying but how can I ever stop my eyes from filling up? I knew I was sensitive, that's why.
Star's ears turned back then flopped down motionless to the sides, her head hanging down as if she just wanted to collapse on the ground, her eyes looking blank then she instantly groaned in pain. She knew the pain.
"Hey, don't be upset. I'm here aren't I?" I said, quickly wiping my tear drop with the back of my hand. Star didn't reply with any action what so ever. I sighed.
"Come on Star, let's meet Tiffany and Garnet."
Star's head raised with her nose, eyes, ears pointing straight ahead to where Tiffany was, sitting on Garnet as she trotted around the field. It seemed like they were having a conversation too.
I sat on her top line, gripping the halter with both of my hands. I pulled it slightly in which caused Star to begin running towards Tiffany and Garnet.
"Hey." I said as Star stopped opposite them. Garnet raised her head high, showing a glowing appearance.
"Hey Lucy! Man, Garnet missed me a lot." She said, giggling as she began brushing Garnet's mane.
I smiled.
"Yeah, they did. How are you Garnet?" I asked, leaning forward carefully as I was still sitting on Star, rubbing Garnet's mane too.
Garnet arched her neck as a reply then suddenly, curled her upper lip, fully exposing the upper front teeth. Me and Tiffany burst out laughing.
"LUCY!" Someone yelled and the sound seemed like it was getting closer...
I turned my head to the side, furrowing my eyebrows at a figure running.
My eyes widened.
"Jason!?" I alerted.
Jason stretched his smile across his face, revealing his teeth. His skin radiantly and perfectly glowed like a sun gleaming, the way his straight, dark hair that spiked in different direction framed his smooth face. I noticed his slightly tanned skin blended with those amazing dark hair. Loose strands of hair sticking out on his forehead perfectly framed his oval shaped head. Wide blue eyes brought out his natural skin. His thick dark eyebrows showed content, but friendly at the same time.
I couldn't help but notice that he looked the exact version of his father, Jimmy but younger.
"You recognise me, after so many years!" He shouted.
I jumped out of Star, steadying myself on the ground before getting yanked at from Jason, giving me an enormous bear hug.
I gasped.
"Can't...breathe...Jason...let...go." I managed to mumble on his shoulder.
I heard Tiffany's laugh. Jason eventually put my down on the ground but before swinging me round in circles. I had to giggle because I was feeling dizzy. I know, weird.
I ran my fingers through my hair and slightly punched Jason's shoulder.
"Ouch." He fake-hurt rubbing his shoulder. "Still got the strength."
I laughed.
"Wow, Jason. You look totally-"
"Hot!" Blurted Tiffany then instantly blushed.
Jason's cheeks tinted a little red too as he looked down, kicking a little pebble with his boots. I must say, Jason's outfit looked fashionable with his jeans, his elegant black boots, half sleeved army printed t-shirt. Simple but well kept.
He walked over to Garnet and pulled Star to him, leaving me and Tiffany. Tiffany turned to me with a huge grin stretched across her face.
"He's hot, Lucy!"
I rolled my eyes.
"You already said that." I laughed at her cheeks turning red again. It was sweet that Tiffany liked Jason but somehow, they just didn't look like an item through my eyes.
"Would you like ask him if he likes me?" She requested. I raised my eyebrows, folding my arms.
"Why don't you?"
"Because my curfew has decreased to eight now. You know how protective dad can be." She replied, glancing at her watch.
I sighed with a small frown.
"Do you have to go? We didn't get to communicate much." I whined. Tiffany's lips curled up into a smile before replying,
"We're going to be friends forever, Lucy. If today was perfect then what's the point of having a tomorrow?" She said.
Tiffany awarded me a warm hug then left with Garnet, leaving me thinking of the words she clarified.
If only things were perfect. Waking up today, I just couldn't remove the thought of Mrs. Wood or Mrs. Simpson ruining the marriage. It was stuck in my head and I couldn't remove it no matter how busy I could get. I know they are up to a plan but what was it? I don't know but I will, somehow.
I felt strangely uncomfortable when Jason returned, holding Star's halter.
"The sky's dimming." He said, looking up.
I shrugged, walking over to a fence, sitting myself on it, steadily.
Jason followed me and did the same.
"You really have changed, Jason. I remember how dorky and dumb you was." I teased.
I smiled at the image of young Jason with his messy hair, sweater-vest t-shirt. You'd think he was a nerd but he was a complete opposite.
Jason smirked. "I would say the same to you but you're still the same."
I clicked my tongue.
"How?" I asked, some-what curious.
"Well," He started. "The differences are that your hair's grown longer but you still have those innocent big eyes and small dimples."
"Glad you remembered."
Jason smiled widely.
"So," I breathed, awkwardly, swinging my legs. "What do you think of Tiffany?"
Remembering what Tiffany told me earlier, I had to get that system out of me. Plus, the way Jason was staring at Tiffany earlier it seemed like he did actually like her. I mean, who wouldn't? Tiffany is beautiful.
"Want me to be honest?" He replied.
I nodded.
"I don't really find her that attractive." He muttered.
I gasped.
"H-how could you not? She's beautiful!"
I couldn't believe he just said that, I mean, yes not all guys would throw themselves at her like in school but still!
Jason pursed his lips before replying, "Beautiful would be you, Lucy."
I blinked repeatedly at what he just said. Did I just hear right? He thinks I'm beautiful and not Tiffany. Wow, that doesn't happen often!
"T-thanks." I said. His eyes brightened at my reaction as if he didn't expect that.
I jumped off the fence and gripped Star who looked awfully tired.
"It's getting dark," I muttered. "I'll drop her to the stables and head off."
Jason looked disappointed but shook it off and smiled.
"I could drop you off." He suggested.
I shook my head.
"No thanks, I bought a ride." I replied.
"Oh we—" Jason's eyes widened at my hand.
I knitted my eyebrows.
"What?" I noted.
"Er it's just," He murmured. "Your hand...finger...ring."
Realising what he said, I chuckled.
"I'm engaged."
"You're only 18 though."
"I'll be 19 in a few months." I defended.
"But you haven't graduated yet."
"Graduation is on Monday."
"But you're too young to get married! People get married when they are in their late 20's or something!" He shrieked.
I felt anger rise.
"I don't care when people get married, me and Chris love each other and we will get married. Your opinions are not concerned." I snapped.
"Chris?" He questioned with a hint of disgust.
"Yes, Chris. Bye Jason." I responded then left him standing on the fields alone, walking with Star to the stables.
"Is everything okay, Lucy?" Jimmy said, notifying the emotions on my face.
"I'm okay." I lied.