Heart Beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone?
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow
A thousand years, Christina Perri
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Two souls but a single thought,
Two hearts that beat as one.
- John Keats
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Present
I stood in front of the mirror contemplating whether or not to run .
' The car's just outside ' Miranda's voice ran in my head. Although I had accepted my defeat and fate, I somehow wanted to try one last time.
" Ready Ashley? ", dad entered. He looked marvelous in his black suit.
I just gave a slight nod.
" Look Ashley, I know you're doing it for the sake of me. But, sweetheart, if you're not happy, don't do it. I love you and the last thing I would want is for you to have a miserable life, a loveless marriage. But remember Ashley, Natasha and Derek are good people and they really love you. I don't know what's going on between you and Liam. And I wouldn't ask. But it shall all pass. I'm your father and I know this for sure. Call it sixth sense, but you'll be happy. Trust me. It'll all be okay. "
" Stop dad, I can't mess my make up again. ", I sniffed.
" Oh darling ", he laughed as he hugged me with tears brimming his eyes.
"Cmon. Don't wannabe late now. ", I laughed nervously.
I can't. I just can't. All my life, it has always been my father who was beside me through everything. I can't do this to my parents. I can't run. I have to do this. I don't want to be a coward who ran away from fear. I will marry him.
I will marry Liam.
Plan A didn't work and you don't want to know why. Turns out Natasha loved the evening and I quote, " Trust me Linda, Saturday was the best night in the last ten years. "
She forgot all about the burps and farts. Such much onion and garlic for nothing! And Derek too, had forgotten half of what had happened on Saturday. Well, I don't blame them.
I can't believe I'm actually marrying a caveman.
And as for Liam, he didn't show up to work on Monday. I was ecstatic. Well, that plus the squealing and jumping on the office couch. Yes, the temporary invisibility of Liam takes me to cloud nine. Oh how ironical to think such things on my wedding day.
" Ashley? "
Miranda's voice brought me out of my trance.
" Hey ", I said weakly.
" Is everything okay? ", she asked.
" Everything is fine. And, umm, I'm not going to run. ", I smiled.
" I understand Ashley. Trust me, I do. But -"
" No Mira. I can't run. I can't do this to my parents. I'm sorry but they have taken care of me for twenty five years. I can't Mira. I owe this to them. And Natasha and Derek? I can never do this to them. They are lovely people. It's against my principles. "
" But about about your happiness Ashley? What about you? ", she whispered trying to make me understand.
" Yes, Miranda. I won't be happy if I marry Liam today. But if I run..", I sigh shaking my head, ".... I'll be miserable. And I know this for sure. If I run, it'll haunt me forever in life, how I betrayed four wonderful people. "
Miranda smiled at me, " Just so you know, you'll always have me. And if this is what you want, this is what shall be. We all love you. "
" I know. ", we had a moment as we hugged each other.
******
It's time. I can do this. Breathe in and breathe out. 'A thousand years ' began playing as I interlocked my arm with my father's.
" You'll be okay, kiddo. "
" I love you, dad. "
" Love you too, honey. "
I quickly pulled down my Veil as we entered the church hall. The music got louder as the doors opened and everyone got up. I could see all the people looking at us with smiling faces.
And then my eyes fell on Liam. He looked breathtaking in his tux. I immediately looked down as I could feel blush creep up my face.
I kissed my dad on the cheek as I left his hand and stood in front of Liam, with the priest at the side.
" Dearly beloved", the priest began, "we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join this man, and this woman in holy matrimony. If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace. "
No one spoke. Well, hello? Me! Ugh, wishful thinking.
" Okay then let's get started. We'll start with Liam first. Do you, Liam Anderson, take Ashley Payne, as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"
" I do. ", his voice sent shivers down my spine.
" Very well. Now, Do you, Ashley Payne, take Liam Anderson as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"
" I - I do. " , I sighed.
" Alright. Now we shall exchange the rings. "
I saw Theo approach with a small velvet box from which Liam took out a golden ring.
" With this ring, I thee wed. ", the cold metal brushed against my fingers.
"With this ring, I thee wed. ", I pushed down the ring into his fingers.
" By the virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Michigan, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride. ", the priest finished.
Oh no. I'm not ready for this. A kiss from an enemy? Oh hell naw!
Liam lifted off my Veil and I looked into his brown orbs. For a moment it felt like he was fighting a feeling, an emotion. Felt like he will kiss me senseless. As he approached, I tightly shut my eyes, only the kiss landed at the corner of my lips. I slowly opened my eyes as everyone began clapping and shouting.
It's done.
We're married.
*********
We were sitting inside his car that would take us to the Anderson Mansion. Dramatic drumrolls, someone?
I was getting bored out of my mind. Liam hadn't talked to me since Saturday. Well, that and the vows we exchanged. But not a single word otherwise.
Not even when I asked if he was holding back a fart. I think I should give him a tutorial on how to fart.
Yes, staying silent for that long, gives me crazy ideas.
We reached the oh-so-fashionable palace. Dramatic, I know. The dress was killing me. I hate this dress. Oh but let's not forget that black dress I wore on Saturday. That one would definitely top the charts.
Liam went out without a word. Well, I don't mind.
" Should I take your bags inside, ma'am? ", George, Liam's driver asked.
" Thanks George. ", I was too tired to carry them inside.
I stepped into the house and the chandelier caught my attention. It was just so beautiful.
" Hello there. ", a voice spoke.
I flinched at the sudden noise and turned around.
" Oh my god, you scared me. ", I breathed.
" My name is Abigail. I'm the chief maid here. And I shall always be at your service, ma'am. "
" Oh no no, please just call me Ashely. You're way older than me. It would sound rude. "
"Can I show you your room? "
" Yes please.", I beamed.
We entered a room large enough for five people to live in. A bed lied in the middle and a large mirror by its side.
" This is the bathroom. And here's the walk in closet. All your clothes are already inside. If you need anything, just ask, okay,? "
" Okay. " , I nodded like a small child.
She left and I was all alone inside. I didn't even ask which room Liam was in. And the thought of us not staying in the same room, gave me comfort. I stripped out of the dress and got inside the shower. After scrubbing my make up out and pulling out all the pins from my hair, I stood below the warm water and let the pleasure engulf me.
Wrapping a towel, I walked into the closet. A cool air brushed against my wet skin and I shivered. Quickly putting on my comfortable sweater top along with my pajamas, I got below the blankets.
Tomorrow will be a new day. A new me. A new leaf.
I'm ready Liam Anderson.
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THEY GOT MARRIED!
Well, it's no surprise. But, me being me, just had to be a bit dramatic about it.
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