0 comments
Lily:
Cowering in the corner of my room, my hands matched the bloody hands that I had when I was seventeen. My faceless uncle held a glass bottle over his head, a searing pain throbbed in my head the moment he smashed it into my forehead. Touching my forehead, a piece of glass hung out of it. The room began to spin, his steel toed boots kicking me in the stomach repeatedly. Throwing a duffel bag over his shoulder, his greasy hands grabbed my hair. Dragging me to the door, the neighbors chose to do nothing as he kicked me onto the dirt. I didn't freaking do anything wrong.
“You can come back when you realize that you should be six feet in the ground instead of your parents.” He shouted drunkenly, silent tears staining my cheeks. “Take this, you useless brat.” Throwing the duffel bag into my bruised stomach, a coughing fit wracked my body. Storm clouds rumbled to life, heavy raindrops soaked me to my bone. Why would my luck get any fucking better, I mumbled to myself. Now I had no clothes or a roof over his head until he sobered up enough to let me back in. Struggling to my feet, I placed the bag over my shoulders. Matty’s mother would be at a week-long seminar for her nursing job. Limping to Matty’s house, every step felt like I was walking through thick mud. Pausing in front of his door, he hadn’t seen me since my parents died a week ago. Knocking on the door, the hinges groaned as he opened it slightly. Horror rounded his eyes, his phone clattering to the floor. Yanking me in, his words faded in and out. Pity was the last thing I needed, a mere loving touch was all I desired. I never wanted Matty to see me like this. Guiding me to the couch, his mother rushed down the stairs with a suitcase. Dropping it to the ground, a small scream escaped her lips. Coughing up blood, she raised her phone to dial. Stopping her with a weak cry of protest, a quiet rage brewed in her eyes. If she called the cops the abuse would only get worse, this was going to be the last time I visited here.
“I can’t have you call the cops.” I groaned tiredly, plucking the glass from my forehead. “I have nowhere to go so I have to take my uncle and aunt’s abuse. Please stitch me up so I can go find a place to sleep.” Pressing her lips into a thin line, she set the phone on the table. Seeing the pain on her face caused guilt to eat at me. Picking up the needle, Matty paced back and forth while she stitched me with grace. Her worn face noticed my soaked clothes, her head turned towards her son. Oh no, what was she going to do next?
“Set up the spare bedroom and let her borrow one of her clothes.” She ordered calmly, lifting up my shirt. “You need to rest for a few days. I will bring home some drugs to help you out. I have to go but Matty can watch you. Let me know when I can call the cops. I find it hard to stand idly by while they hurt my favorite girl.” Scarlet colored my cheeks, her finger lifting up my chin. Rising to her feet, she scooped up her suitcase. Leaving us alone, he offered me his hand. Accepting it cautiously, the only thing I could focus on was his black band shirt and ripped jeans. Drawing up a bath, shame dimmed my eyes. Of course I was damaged beyond repair. How pathetic could one person be?
“I will look away but it looks like you need help cleaning up.” He sighed dejectedly, rubbing the back of his neck. Peeling off my filthy dress, Matty turned his back. Climbing into the water, he dumped in a cupful of his mother’s bath salts. Attempting to lift up my arms, a snarl twitched on my lips at my body telling me no. Gathering all of my courage, it took a couple of attempts.
“Can you wash my hair and my body?” I choked out oddly, Matty falling back on the floor. “Is it really that hard to stay on your feet? I don’t care what you see. I am an ugly mess.” Crawling over to the edge of the tub, his shy gaze met mine. Saying nothing, he sprayed my hair down. Massaging in his mother’s shampoo, embarrassment colored my face. This made me feel pathetic. Rinsing it out, he moved on to washing me. A silent agreement passed between us, his strong hands helping me out. Drying me off, he draped the giant towel over my head. Wishing he would just date me already, my common sense perished the thought.
“I will be back with one of my t-shirts. Then I will start a load of laundry.” He promised sweetly, sitting me down on the toilet. “Sit tight.” Running out, my body refused to move. The damage of that latest session hit me, a tiny yelp escaping my lips. Coming in with one of his t-shirts, a simple drop over my head had me dressed. Protesting as he picked me up, he laid me down on the couch. Running off to start a load with my wet clothes, he was back with the machine banging in the background. Climbing onto the couch, he turned on our favorite show. Crawling over to his lap, a short gasp bounced off the wall. Please don't refuse me. Playing with my hair, sweet slumber soon stole me away.
Yawning groggily, Sammy’s face lit up at me sitting up. My face fell at the bridal shop looming in front of me while his mother couldn’t keep her happiness contained. Keep yourself together, I yelled at myself. Panic attacks weren't allowed in public due to them being unladylike. Taking a deep breath, the very thought of getting into a white dress sending chills up my spine. I had agreed because I wanted to be his wife, this part frightening the hell out of me. Getting out, my eyes caught the faint scar from that night. Fixing my bangs, Sammy dragged me in. A wide grin danced across her lips, her mint knee-length dress looked far superior to my blue fifties style cotton dress. Even his mother had dressed up, her nice ruby blouse complimented the dark jeans. Why couldn't I have fun? My crippling depression returned with a vengeance, my body beginning to tremble. Presenting me to the bitter blonde, tears welled up in my eyes. She was one of my biggest haters. Sticking her nose in the air, her next words shattered me.
“We overbooked your appointment so no one can help you.” She smirked smugly, leaving me to stew in the rejection. Standing numbly in my spot, my fingers traced my scar. Of course, they knew me here as well. This was where my mother bought her wedding dress, the owner having been her best friend in high school. Glaring at me from the office, my hands began to tremble. Please don't kick me out and embarrass my future mother-in-law and new friend for being associated with me.
“I could just wear something from my cl-” I stammered, a warm embrace from his mother stopping me mid-sentence. Shaking in her arms, the bell rang. My aunt entered in with her stern bun on top of her head, her gray dress screaming of boredom. Every breath grew shorter, the burning in my chest growing worse by the second. Boom! Boom! My poor heart seemed seconds from pumping out of my chest. Violent sobs wracked my body, Sammy’s eyes falling on my aunt. Were they picking up on my internal strife?
“You don’t intend on serving this foul piece of trash.” She sneered at the owner, my heart sinking into my stomach. Bursting from his mother's arm, my worn boots pounded out to the sidewalk. Running until I couldn’t, I collapsed into a bench across from the gas station. Matty was busy helping another customer, salty tears hitting the top of my hands. Why did she have to be the fucking mayor! Rising to my feet, every step brought me closer to home. Letting myself in, my cellphone refused to shut up. Burying my face into a pillow, scream after scream flooded from my lips. I had ruined a key moment in my life and it was my fault as usual. Texting them that I was home, the damn phone finally shut the hell up. Hours passed of me staring numbly out the window, the lock clicking. Matty stepped in with his mother and Sammy in tow. A single bag rested on his mother’s arms, the worn expressions on their faces weighed me down with further guilt. Had I made them search around blindly and make Matty leave his shift early? Why was I such a mess? Plopping down next to me, she set an old box on my lap. Her wild mane brushed against my neck, her eager eyes watching me open up the box. A vintage fifties' wedding gown greeted my vision, my shaking hands pulling it out. Simple white silk shimmered in the light, my fingers tracing the pearl buttons lining the back. This was the one, fresh tears flowed freely from my cheeks. Why did these tears feel different? Could this be what pure happiness was?
“That was my grandmother’s wedding dress. She was your size and when your aunt told her not to sell a dress to us I had to come up with something.” She wept softly, her eyes falling on my scar. “How we keep such an evil bitch in charge is beyond me. Let me help you get it on.” Following her to our bedroom, she laid the dress on the bed. Excusing herself, my current dress dropped to the cheap rug. Pulling the other one over my head, she rushed in like a mother hen. Buttoning up the back, the top hugged my breasts perfectly while the skirt floated from right above my waist. Fixing my hair into a simple bun, she placed the matching veil over my head. Silent tears stained my cheeks, my heart wishing that my mother was here for this moment. Wanting to crumble into a ball, it took everything to keep my composure.
“My grandmother was pregnant with my mother on her wedding day so she had the skirt lifted up a bit.” She explained serenely, spinning me around. “You look so beautiful. I am sorry that she hates you that much. I never understood it. Take a look for yourself.” Placing me in front of my mirror, fear mixed with joy. The sweetheart neckline emphasized my ample chest while the waist placement hid my bump. Sobbing violently, she buried my head into her shoulder. How pathetic could I be! Matty stepped in for a second, his mother pushing him out with the door. Mumbling something about bad luck, she sat me down on the bed. The last thing I wanted to do was burden this poor woman with my shitty mental health, my mind falling back on that night she helped me.
“Do you like it? She liked vintage things as well. The more I get to know you the more you seem like her.” She commented with a broken smile, guilt dimming my eyes. “That’s not a bad thing. She had a way of making life in this town better for everyone. She was the loveliest lady I ever knew. Just like you.” Scarlet burned my cheeks the moment her hands cupped mine. I didn't deserve this, damn it!
“It’s not that. I am scared that I am going to screw everything up.” I blubbered uncontrollably, my shoulders shuddering with every sob. “The whole town hates me along with my freaking family. I can’t win with those assholes. I should move away but I stay to help the people who need it. You didn’t have to do this. I don’t deserve a damn thing. I killed my parents, didn’t I?” Popping to her feet, she placed her hands on her hips. Flashing me a Cheshire Cat grin, several takeout menus danced in her palms. What was her game?
“Pick your favorite place and I will pay for dinner.” She offered sincerely, my head shaking. “You can’t say no to your future mother-in-law.” Knowing she wouldn’t drop it, I picked the Chinese food menu. Setting them on the bed, she helped me out of the dress. Tugging on a clean violet sweatshirt dress, she placed the dress back into the box. Hiding it in the back of the closet, she exited the room to order what we used to devour for dinner in the old days. Wiping away my tears, I ran into Matty’s chest. Smelling his deodorant melted a touch of my stress away, the fact that he was going to be my husband caused my heart to flutter. Someone was missing, my mind falling on Sammy. Sammy had left for home, my attention turning back to him. His loving gaze fell on me, his hand wiping away a few stray tears. Kissing the top of my head, a tender blush rose to my cheeks.
“I think you deserve all the happiness in the world.” He whispered gently into my ear, yanking me into one of his loving embraces. “Screw the town. I know the real you and I feel blessed about that. Can I admit something to you? I kissed you that night when you were sleeping. It felt like I was going to lose you at any time after seeing you in such a state. I am sorry for not telling you.” All the breath left my body, I had thought that was a dream. A warmth bathed me at how it had felt in that sweet dream, my lips parting to speak several times. So he had kissed me for real.
“I thought it was all a dream and I wanted more.” I stammered nervously, a deep red coloring his cheeks while his eyes rounded. “Don’t worry, I loved it.” Bouncing off to help set the table with his mother, stories of her grandmother flooded my ears. Listening with full attention, the doorbell rang. Rushing to the door, her mane bounced as she paid the bill. People like her were angels, her warmth able to melt any amount of iciness away. Taking the bag into her hands, excitement buzzed in her eyes. Setting everything out, something about her seemed at ease. Dishing out the food we wanted, a small smile dawned on my lips. These had always been my favorite nights, the spare moments showing me what family could be like. Perking up at my growing smile, their hearts were made of gold. My new family was amazing, every part of me wanting it to never end. Maybe I deserved happiness and good fortune but did I really?
“Thank you for the meal, mom.” Matty thanked her with his million dollar smile, picking up his chopstick. “Let’s eat.” Chatting with them about wedding plans felt natural, the initial fear from today fading slightly. The desire to be his wife burned in my heart, a touch from his hand woke me from my train of thought. Kissing the top of my hand, his eyes wouldn’t leave my engagement ring. A question sat on the tip of his tongue, his mother clearing her throat.
“I have to go. I have work after all.” She chirped cheerfully, kissing the tops of our heads. “Be safe, kiddos.” Waving goodbye, it certainly was nice to have her in our lives. Closing the door behind her, he pulled me onto his lap. Holding me by my bump, his lips brushed against the nape of my neck. Hungry for something else, he desired his dessert. Sinking into another empty trance, his voice snapped me back to reality.
“What are you thinking about, Lily?” He growled huskily in my ear, his fingers playing with my hair. Rubbing my thighs together, he knew how to get me riled up. Tilting my head to face him, his cocky grin woke something else up. Was he really going to be my husband? Did I really get to wake up next to him everyday? How could one girl be so lucky?
“I was thinking about how I can’t wait to be your wife.” I returned lovingly, cupping his face. “That is all, Matty.” Kissing his lips hungrily, time stopped. Our heartbeats echoed in our ears, the sounds of our town coming back to life the moment I released him from my spell. Scooping me up, he took us to the bedroom for our nightly activities.
You must sign up or log in to submit a comment.
0 comments