The Sacred Bride – Episodes 16, 17 & 18

The Sacred Bride L

Written by Bunmi B. Gabriel.

Brought from BB Gabe’s Ambry.

please don’t claim my work.

Segment 16

Leila

 

I stroke Bloom’s hair as she slept peacefully, she cried herself to sleep after narrating what happened back at his mother’s house. It’s difficult believing such a sexy man like Alisdair is gay. I tried to invade his dream but something was blocking me and when I tried accessing his memories while he slept, all I saw was him working and working; the guy have spent almost all his life working his a$$ out. I wish Dark was awake, he would have been able to access his dreams better but Dark was in a somewhat coma.

I sighed and tapped her arm gently, it was morning already and she needs to get ready for work. ‘Bloom, it’s morning, wake up.’ On a normal day, I would scream her to her feet but she don’t need that right now.

‘Five more minutes,’

‘Wake up or I’ll scream,’ I threatened. She sighed and raised herself up like a zombie. She eventually did look like a zombie with puffy eyes and swollen face….okay, not zombie but you know what I mean. ‘Get ready for work,’

‘Yeah,’ she smiled skeptically. ‘Work.’

‘Don’t be like that, get up and move it, okay?’

‘Yeah yeah,’ she murmured. I stood up and walked out of her room, my phone was ringing on my bed. I picked up the phone and answered the call with a sigh.

‘Hello, good morning Eric,’

‘Uh oh,’

‘What?’ I asked walking into my bathroom.

‘What happened this time?’

‘Why do you think anything happened?’

‘Anytime Leila Wellington speaks softly or tiredly, something is definitely up.’

‘I am guessing you are aware that your friend just tricked my sister into accepting to marry him, he is gay.’

‘Gay? Alisdair is gay?’ He asked puzzledly.

‘Don’t lie to me, Alisdair told her yesterday and that made her accept, why is he so selfish….’

‘Oh! Alis is gay, seriously,’ he said almost incredulously and with a very awkward tone. ‘I never believed he would tell anyone, we are the only one who knows. I’m sorry Leila, I didn’t think it was wise to involve myself in his plans…’

‘I told you about it! Asked you if you had any idea but you denied it!’ I yelled angrily. This is my sister we are talking about here!’

‘Leila, calm down,’ he said worriedly. ‘Look, if you were in my shoes, would you have betrayed your own friend?’ Why does he have to make sense. I scoffed and hung up, boys and their protecting one another’s secret. I sighed and dropped the phone on the bathroom counter, just hope dad won’t agree to this.

 

??????? Alisdair ???????

 

I stared back at Mr and Mrs. Wellington quietly as they stared back at me in confusion. I came to see them and haven’t said a word since I got there, it was confusing them. ‘Young man,’ Mrs. Wellington said frowningly. ‘Are you gonna talk or are you still gonna be staring at us like a brainless idiot,’ she spat, she’s just like my biological mother, abusive. I believe she’s better though, she cares about her children.

‘Doretta,’ Mr. Wellington whispered, nudging her gently.

‘What? He left his state only to come here and stare at us. I had places to be you know, places.’

‘What will happen if I say I’m interested in marrying your daughter?’ I finally spoke, she frowned.

‘That depends on which of them you want to marry, if it’s Bloom, forget about it.’ Mr. Wellington said seriously.

‘She told me you all will find it difficult to let her go and that’s why I’m here myself,’ I leaned forward and rest my elbows on my knees. ‘It can be under a contract,’

‘Why is that? What do you want her for?’

‘My foster mother is sick and her last wish is that I get married, Bloom seems to be the only one I can marry right now.’

‘And later you divorce or force her to have a child, no. You see Alis, one is that divorce has never been recorded in our lineage and my daughter won’t be the first to change that record. Two, Bloom is the most valuable daughter in our family, the entire Wellington family as large as we are. Taking her under a contract won’t work for reasons best known to us.’

‘Is it about us having a child? I don’t plan….’

‘Bloom cannot be touched, believe it or not, she’s sacred and that’s all I can tell you.’ Since I knew him, he have never been so serious, he’s usually humble and well, polite, jovial.

‘I’m gay, I won’t touch your daughter,’

‘You are what?!’ His wife yelled. ‘No way! Hell way! There is no way a none straight man is going to enter my family…. So the rumour are true! Get out of my house you gender confuse nitwit!’

‘Can you be quiet,’ I snapped. ‘I’m talking to your husband, not you.’ She pinned her lips immediately, didn’t plan to be harsh to my future in-law but she talks too much.

‘And I’m supposing I will gain from this deal, my entire family will, right?’

‘Seriously, you are buying his lies?’ His wife asked with disbelief. ‘Why Bloom of all people? Why not Leila?’

‘One, she’s my best friend’s girlfriend and two, Bloom is the only woman I’m comfortable with, the one who knows my secret and accept me the way I am, she’s my friend.’

‘And she agreed to this?’ I nodded. ‘Who is your foster mother?’

‘You know her, Mrs. Hailey Snapper….’

‘What!!!’ Mrs. Wellington roared, rising to her feet. ‘That husband….’

‘Doretta!’ He yelled angrily. ‘Be quiet!’ She bite down at her lower lip and glared at me. ‘Hailey is sick?’ I nodded. ‘How sick?’

‘One or two years left,’

‘Damn, Bloom knows?’

‘She recently found out, didn’t even know they knew each other.’

He wiped his face with his palm. ‘This is too much money to reject, a good offer….’

‘We are not poor, why can’t you remove your eyes….’

‘I will have to speak to Leila about this, she is the only one that can convince me to accept,’ he said briskly. Why her sister? Hmmm, I need Eric to help then.

‘Alright, I’ll be waiting for your reply.’

 

???? Leila ????

Bloom returned from work glumly because according to her, Alis didn’t show up at work. She was in the living room with me filing her nails. It hurts to see her in so much depression and not be able to do anything. Dark was still sleeping, I could feel he was trying to reach out to me but the link was wavering. As for what I was doing now, I was walking to the door to answer who was there since I ordered for pizza and Bloom wasn’t making a move. I opened the door lazily, it was a guy wearing a hood but no pizza.

‘Where’s the pizza I ordered?’

‘The car broke down and I ate all the pizza because I was bored,’ I slammed the door shut, Eric. I walked back inside, he opened the door and came in muttering under his breath. ‘Things I do for friendship,’ was the only thing I heard. ‘Hey Bloom,’ she averted her eyes to him and rolled it back to her nails. ‘Nice apartment you have got here.’

I stopped walking and folded my hands under my breasts. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘I came to apologize,’ he smiled, leaning on the headrest of the chair Bloom sat; right behind her. ‘We haven’t really met well Bloom, I’m Eric.’

‘Waou,’ she said unenthusiastically.

‘Look, I know Leila did ask me if Alis had any motive behind inviting you over, I said no because I couldn’t tell on my friend, I’m sorry.’

‘Why are you apologizing? I don’t even know you,’

‘It’s affecting my relationship with Leila, she won’t talk to me again,’ I rolled my eyes.

‘It shouldn’t matter if I talk to you, all that matters is that I help you clear your scandal and that’s it. Why should you care….’

‘You’re my friend Leila,’ she said softly. ‘I care about all my friends, you have to forgive me, please. Alis was sad, confuse, desperate and depress. He was starting to drink, ate less and increased his workaholism which was bad. He never had Bloom in mind until the day Sebastiano came to the office and saw her, the way they vibe was cool and okay. Alisdair was scared, he knew Bloom won’t agree so he resolved to tricking her by Seb’s advice….’ Who the f**k is this Seb? ‘Bloom, you know his mother, she was once someone who cared for you according to her, don’t you think it’s right to help her?’

I admit I owe Hailey for all she did for Bloom, encouraging her to live happily. She does deserve this and since Alis is gay, no big deal, right? If only Dark could confirm this for me. ‘Since when have Alis been gay? Who’s Sebastiano?’ Wait, isn’t that his cousin? I’ve forgotten how he looks like.

‘My cousin, he’s Alisdair’s boyfriend,’ Eric said not looking at my eyes. ‘Sebastiano is handsome and all but he’s a bisexual, Alisdair’s lover.’ Wow, that’s deep. Bloom scoffed and threw her file away.

‘I already agreed to help, what else does he want from me?’ She asked rhetorically.

‘Leila, he spoke to your parents and they said only you can make them accept,’ by me, they mean Dark; they want him to confirm if they won’t get in trouble.

‘And then he sent you here to persuade me, whoopee,’ I said ironically. ‘Just leave Eric, I’ll think about it, this is too much.’

‘Okay, I’m sorry.’

‘Get out of my house,’ he looked at Bloom who didn’t spare him a glance.

‘Goodnight girls,’ he ruffled her hair, earning a pout from her before he left. I sighed and sat at the arm of the chair Dark was sleeping on.

‘He’s cute,’ Bloom chuckled.

‘Yeah,’ we remained silent, at least not until my phone rang. I sighed and brought it to me with my telekinesis. I scrunched my nose at the caller, dad. I put the call in loudspeaker and answered it. ‘Good evening dad,’

‘Evening Leila, where’s Bloom?’

‘Sleeping, is this about the marriage thing with Alisdair Kendrick?’

‘Yes, what do Dark say about it? The money might be interesting but I know better. What is his take on this?’ I looked at sleeping Dark and caressed his head gently. ‘Leila, you there?’

‘Yeah,’ I looked at Bloom who was staring at me pleadingly. ‘He said she can marry him. The divorce won’t hold because before them, Bloom will die. It will look like a normal death, everything will be fine.’

‘In that case,’ he said shrilly. ‘Let’s get the wedding ceremony started, no time to waste. I will inform the entire family about this, tell them the gain and see what they would all say. Get Dark ready to speak to them….oh, I’ve forgotten only us can see him. Get ready to confirm my claims. A merge with Kendrick empire will be a greater step to more power, I’ll call you back. Bloom have made us even more prouder, tell her that.’ With that he hung up, typical.

‘You better know what you are doing Bloom,’ I said almost inaudibly. Another bell rang. ‘Come in….’ Astra ran in waving her phone. ‘What do you want?’

‘Leila, you seriously broke up with Heartcode! You are dating him!’ She shrieked. I rolled my eyes with disgust. She sat down close to Bloom. ‘You are the first daughter of the Wellingtons, the main center Wellingtons and you have been double dating. You were dating Christian, how come Heartcode got involved in this case?’

‘If I’m a Wellington, won’t I have access,’ I scoffed. ‘Christian and I broke up weeks ago.’

‘What would happen if I post you and Christian’s pictures?’

‘Nothing. It wouldn’t bother me because I don’t give a sh*t about men and I don’t pretend like you do. Get out of my house Astra, I’m not in the mood for nonsense.’

‘We’ll see,’ she stood up and walked out. I sighed and slouched down from the chair, why is all this happening? I checked the message from Christian, the one he sent earlier. He congratulated me for being Leila, the girl who always get the good things. I would have ben happier if only I could spend a night with Eric and not die thinking about him every night. This arrangement isn’t going like I planned, things always go my way but I don’t understand why it won’t go my way and why I’m so stuck thinking about him and him alone.

I sighed again and went online to check if there was any new tweet that can lift my mood, I saw Eric’s new tweet. I sat down well and read the content. “I keep making mistakes, crazy and stupid mistake that pushes you away all the time. It seems I am bad luck, stealing your heart and continuously breaking em unknowingly. I wish you can forgive and take me back just this once again, let me correct the mistake I made 48 hours ago; I wish you can give me one more chance to prove that I can be the man your crazy heart will forever love.”

Why is Eric so unpredictable? He does weird things sometimes and leaves me speechless. This is the exact reason why I said things aren’t going my way, he isn’t sticking to the plan!

‘And she’s giggling like the love of her life sent her a text,’ I looked at Bloom who was smiling. ‘What did Eric do this time to make you blush so much?’

‘I’m not blushing,’ I said sheepishly, touching my flushed cheeks. ‘He is just unpredictable, very. See what he uploaded immediately he left here,’ I stretched the phone over to her. She took it and smiled more.

‘You meet your match Leila, he knows what to do to melt you like butter.’

‘No he don’t,’ I disagreed.

‘Ye….sh*t!’

‘What?’

‘Astra commented on the post with an upload of a picture of you and Christian, kissing.’

‘That b***h,’ I whimpered.

‘The gurl you are trying to apologize to is a bloody cheat. She have been dating this guy for three months now and I know that because I live right next door to her. Stop wasting your time dear, she’s the worst b***h on earth.’ I clenched my fists, how dare her.

‘I’m going to ki*ll her!’ I hollered angrily.

‘Before you retaliate, Eric replied.’ I calmed down and stared at her curiously.

‘What did he say?’

‘Looks like Astra commented before she came here and he tweeted this hours ago, you didn’t check. He replied with this…. “My mother and hers have been friends for years, we have known each other for long even if we weren’t public about it. I broke up with her after we dated two years ago and later dated someone else. I’ve tried different girls and now I know no one is or can ever be like her, she’s special, the only woman who truly understands and loves me the way I am; flaws and all. You claim she dated that guy for three months, right? Christian by name, I know. Dated is past tense, me dating her now and trying to fix the mistake I made again is present. Don’t add to my problems, please.” That’s what he commented. 29 people already replied to that comment. In conclusion, Astra will never comment on any post for the rest of her life.’ I took the phone and read the replies, my co savage replier were dealing with her. I laughed when I saw one lady that lives down the street’s reply, she hates Astra with passion. She always knew Astra was fake and that was enough insult for her.

‘Take that Astra! My fake boyfriend loves me,’ I squealed delightedly. I happily commented with a crying emoji and “you talk too much Eric, must you make everything public?! Why not settle things quietly?!”

‘Happy you,’ Bloom sighed. I ignored her lamenting and deleted the comment, that’s too much. I logged out and called him instead. He picked in a heartbeat.

‘You are increasing the scandal you wish to clear,’ I said feigning nonchalance.

‘I’m actually playing the guy who is madly in love with a girl he dated before and then returned to her after realising no one is better than she is. One, it will make you outstanding, the very woman who is the best. Two, me accepting my fault is a good thing and apologising is another. Three, our love story will make sense. After departing for two years, we still came back together because loving each other is the best.’

‘And when we later end the agreement?’

‘That time will solve itself, forgive me now?’

‘Whatever,’ I hung up and smiled at my phone like I would kiss it soon. I winced when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my head, accompanied by a loud bell. ‘Aaaah, what’s this?’ My eyes zoned out, I found myself in a claret cloud. I know this cloud anywhere. ‘What do you want?’

‘You are not doing your job Leila, not one bit,’ his deep voice came from everywhere. ‘Bloom is not allowed to near a man, especially him. What do you think you are doing, accepting to marry her off when you should be against it?’ He asked calmly.

‘Dark is not complaining so I know nothing will happen, he’s gay afterwards.’

‘I cannot see him!’ He yelled. ‘When I look at him, all I see is nothing, a man and that’s it. I can’t see his past or future, see what is life is like and such men are dangerous. She must not marry him or the consequences will be dear.’

‘Whatever, she’s gonna marry him and you know you have no right to make decisions for us, your only right is given when the time comes and that’s not now. For the little time she has left, she’s doing this. Don’t summon me again.’ I clapped my hands, a pump explosive like sound deafened my ears before I found myself back in the living room, Bloom trying to shake me back to reality.

‘Megan Blues,’ a voice whispered in my ear before the ringing sound stopped.

‘Are you alright Leila?’ Bloom asked shakily.

‘I’m fine,’

‘That was him, right?’ She asked frightfully.

‘Dark, he wanted to speak to me.’ I lied, she heaved a sigh of relief. Now, who the hell is Megan Blues?

.

Segment 17

Alisdair

I stared at Eric as he preached what I already know to us. Of course I know what I’m doing is wrong but what choice do I have? I have to do what it takes to get what I want to make the one I love happy. His nic nac boo boo was boring me and Seb, he shouldn’t make me feel so bad more than I already do. The door opened, the last human being I wanted to see came in, I whimpered while Sebastiano scoffed. She walked in slowly, her hands buried into her overcoat pockets. She stopped walking five feet from us without a smile, her angry eyes on me.

‘Look, I know it’s bad but I was desperate,’ I said lowly.

‘If Eric didn’t call me, you seriously wouldn’t have told me, right?’ We glared at Eric, he shrugged. ‘Alis, how could you be so stupid to fall victim of Sebastiano’s trick? This idiot of all the idiots….’

‘Don’t even start Kristal, I’m older than you remember?’ Seb said, since when have she cared.

‘And so? Should I applause to the fact that I was born after a nonentity? f**k my life Seb, mom gave birth to you with your brains shoved deep into your anus. You shouldn’t speak when people are speaking, your stupidity can rub off on us.’

‘That’s all you ever know how to do, sass someone and that’s why Clinton dumped your a$$ for a respectful lass.’

‘So says the guy who have been married three times and divorced. You are so useless you can’t even settle down, even that pretty a$$ black haired girl damaged your already condemned balls.’

‘My balls ain’t condemned!’

‘The f**k bro, you were married three times and not even one of your whores could come up with a fake pregnancy or even miscarriage. Don’t involve yourself where correct men speak and if you dare interrupt my speech again, I will go Kristal 9.0 on you.’ She threatened, Seb shut up immediately.

‘Kristal, calm down….’

‘Oh I should calm down and drink over your initiation to club moron, okay,’ she shrugged and sat down beside Eric. She took his drink and stirred it smirkingly. ‘What do we toast to? Oh yes, toast to my best friend’s new brain, 0 brain compatibility….’

‘Kristal….’

‘No!!! I get that Sebastiano will suggest such a sh*t because he wasn’t born with a brain. His own folly has been there since forever so hey, whatever but you, I expected better from you. You f****ng lied about your sexuality! That’s terrible! What if she finds out later?! What if she gets hurt!!!’

‘Kristal, I w….’

‘My f****ng ti*ts! I run a woman right organization, this feels like wickedness to me!’

‘Just calm down and let me explain!!!!’ I roared at her, she screamed in frustration and stood up.

‘I don’t need it, better propose to her properly and start preparing on how to fall in love with her or I’ll ruin your life with my mouth. Remember I owe all your secrets and yay me, I’m also a blogger. Watch what will happen when I start releasing secrets, better not hurt that girl.’

‘I’m not involve, right?’ Eric asked hopefully. She smacked his head harshly. ‘What did I do?!’

‘That’s for not telling me on time and supporting evil!’

‘I had no choice….’

‘f**k your brain dickhead! There’s always a choice. Sebastiano, God so help me I will sell your entire life to Kathy Globe and destroy your future!’

‘I’m your brother Kristal, what is wrong with you?!’

‘And I’m a mad woman who don’t care!’ She yelled at him. They were going to start exchanging words soon, they fight every single minute. I chuckled, she’s cute when yelling and the funny fact is that she looks exactly like Seb who she hates. Seb’s little sister with big mouth.

‘Kristal, can I talk to you outside, privately?’

‘No.’ She deadpanned.

‘Please?’ She rolled her eyes and walked out. She never listens, as long as Seb is in the same room with her. I stood up and followed her outside, she was still fuming. ‘I know you are angry….’

‘Furious, enraged, bitter….’

‘Why?’

‘Maybe because I know the girl you plan on using, she used to be an acquaintance back then in music school. She’s a kind person, too kind for what you plan to do to her. Bloom is so kind that she won’t see what you are planning to do even if it’s in the open. She’s too good for this.’

‘There is something about her Kristal,’ I said looking down from the balcony where we stood. ‘Something that increases my desire to marry her. I know it’s weird but I can’t help it, I can’t help the force dragging me to her. I feel like being with her is the right thing to do, like it’s all I have to do.’ I admitted. She looked down at the balcony and sighed.

‘When I met Bloom, she wasn’t a happy person. She smiled and laughed, acted like she was the happiest girl in a world of cupcakes and rainbows but she wasn’t. I know that because I’m very good at studying the emotions of people you know, the reason I own a large therapist company and woman right organization. There is something about her that gives her pain, like a thread holding her life together, one that can snap anytime.’

‘I know, hurting her however would be bad.’

‘You are already hurting her with your lies,’

‘One I will fix once we get married. I feel like she’s important and I will do anything I can to make her very comfortable, not just because I want something from her, but because I truly care.’ She smiled lopsidedly.

‘You like her,’

‘Since the very day my eyes set on her,’

‘Hmmm, have you talked to Mama about this?’

‘She’s the one that encouraged me, said it will help me get over my humanity hate.’

‘If you are going to trick her into carrying your child, make her love you dearly so she won’t regret it. Remember she can easily abort it or take pills to prevent it.’

‘I already have something planned out for tomorrow after work. I was hoping you could make it official for me, add some finishing touch?’

She grinned and nodded. ‘My specialty.’

 

Bloom

 

Well, life can’t get much difficult from here. Alis was acting too sweet, trying to make up obvious but whatever. I still can’t digest his sexuality disorder, that’s what I’ll call it. I finished giving his instructions to the workers, he had the entire staff members assemble in a hall and made me give out instructions while he worked in his office. According to what I know, that have never happened before and he gave orders that everyone respect me as much as they would respect him. The rumours was running everywhere, I bewitched the stony hearted Alisdair Kendrick.

If only they really knew how he really was on the inside.

‘You are all dismissed,’ I said tiredly, releasing my hair from it bun prison.

‘Yes ma’am.’ They chorused both with hate, respect and incredulity. I nodded and carried my files, I walked down from the podium. I walked out of the meeting hall wiping my sweat with my hanky, I was stressed out emotionally, mentally and physically. I wasn’t looking where I was going, my mind was somewhere else; with someone else.

I screamed something hot fell on my body, really hot. Someone dropped turned f****ng hot black coffee from the stairs above. I kept screaming as the hotness burned into my skin, from the left side of my face to my shoulder and hand. I was already crying while a woman poured cold water on me.

‘What happened?’ Alis asked, his voice was filled with concern and anger. How did he know? He pulled me into his arms and inspected my burn. ‘Who did this!!!’ He thundered. I was still crying like a baby, my skin is really delicate.

‘I don’t know sir, the coffee just….’

‘Find me that person or you are all fired!!!’ I was busy blowing my hand as I cried, I was certain Leila was feeling it too. ‘Bloom,’ his voice had soften. ‘Come, I have something that will help you.’ I nodded, He scooped me Into his arms bridal style, everyone was murmuring. The light began to glitch, cups were shaking slightly, Leila was feeling it.

‘I’m fine,’ I whimpered telepathically.

‘Your hand,’ she hissed in pain.

‘Slight accident, don’t worry.’

‘What happened?’

‘Later,’ he carried me into the elevator, I was still crying by the way, my hand was burning and I was soaked in cold water and stained in black coffee. After a while, I was in his office sniffing at interval as he sprayed something on my arm.

‘How are you feeling now?’

‘Better,’ I said looking at the whirling dark cloud behind him, Leila was watching me through it.

‘Just stay this way for ten minutes and then wash it off, okay?’ I nodded. ‘You are wet, you need a bath.’

‘I don’t have anything to wear,’

‘I’ll have Estella hurry to a shop and go buy you something to wear,’ he said stroking my hair gently. ‘I’ll be back, okay?’ I nodded. He pinched the bridge of my nose and stood up straight from his leaning position. ‘Wait,’ he smiled and walked out. The cloud took Leila’s form immediately.

‘You’ll heal completely in a minute, how will you explain that to him?’

‘I don’t know,’ I shrugged. She walked to me and sighed, I was sitting on his swivel chair. ‘Any luck finding out who Meghan Blues is?’

‘No, not one. I tried searching the internet, asked the relatives at the confirmation meeting but nothing. Dark is my only hope now but he’s still in a coma.’ I looked down at my feet guiltily.

‘If I didn’t attempt suicide, he would have been okay now, I miss him.’

‘Me too,’ she sat down on the table and folded her hands. We remained in silence, deep in thoughts. ‘The relatives accepted, your wedding with Alisdair will hold within a week or two.’

‘Uhm,’ I sniffed. She took my hand and smiled.

‘I’ll find her Leila, I promise.’

‘You’re Leila,’ I laughed. She hit her head and laughed with me. ‘Thank you Leila, you’re the best.’

‘I know. If I don’t be the best, who else will,’ she said with a playful smug smile. I chuckled. ‘Gotta go now, your fianc�’s coming,’ she said with a wink. ‘Ta ta!’ She poofed out of sight. Alisdair walked in with Theo, remember that his bodyguard?

‘You took long,’

‘I went to buy it myself, the store was just down the lane….’ He left his word hanging as he pointed to where Theo would drop the shopping bag. ‘Fred got the person, a lady with red lipstick problem,’ he said that part with amusement. I know what that feels like. ‘I was so stunned, I couldn’t stop looking at her lips. My first thought was….’

‘Did she add palm oil to her lips after smearing the lipstick on?’ We said simultaneously. Theo chuckled but Alis’ cold glare made him straighten his face.

‘Sir,’ he bowed and walked out.

‘You can use my bathroom,’ he pointed at the other door I have never been through. There’s a room there, you can change.’ I nodded and stood up.

‘What did you do to her?’

‘Detained her for assault,’ I nodded, serves her right. I walked to the bag Theo dropped on the chaise longue and picked it up. I opened the door with excitement, the secret room. I walked in and shut the door after me, the lights turned on automatically.

‘Nice,’ the room was dark but the darkness brought out the beauty. I walked straight to the bathroom, need to change.

 

Alisdair

‘…I already have the cameras set and ready to go, just try not to mess things up for me.’ Kristal bossed me like she was my mother.

‘For you?’ I snorted.

‘What? I spent so much time forcing you to add those special words, I’ve dreamt about this all my life so yes, me.’

‘It’s not a real proposal,’ I said with an eye roll. She snorted.

‘Don’t mess up,’ she hung up, brat. The intercom buzzed, I sighed and pressed the button.

‘What is it?’ I snapped.

‘Miss Valentina is here to see you,’

‘Urgh! Tell her I’m dead,’ I groaned. On second thoughts… ‘Let her in,’ I cut the intercom off and smirked. The woman won’t let me be, using business as an excuse to pester me. Sooner than expected, she walked into my already opened office with her bad legs. She walks like her knees are fist bumping each other.

‘Alisdair,’

‘What?’ I asked coldly.

‘You’re mean you know,’ she purred, sliding into the guest seat. ‘You don’t check on me….’

‘And why should I check on you?’

‘As your partner and friend, what if I was dead?’

‘I attend your funeral if invited,’ she winced and laughed painfully.

‘I heard you have a b***h now, who’s the lucky whore?’ I was about to answer her stupid question when I heard Bloom screaming my name. I jumped to my feet and rushed into the room to check on her. I opened the bathroom door a little, in case she was naked.

‘Bloom, you okay in there?’

‘Something tangled my hair,’ she cried. ‘I can’t see and the floor is awfully slippery, help.’

‘Do you have anything on?’ I whispered, staring at Valentina who was at the door.

‘No, but I’m sure it won’t bother you, right?’ I understood, right, I lied that I’m gay. I opened the door wider and walked in, don’t think Alis. I shut the door back and walked to the shower glass.

‘I’m coming in,’ I opened the door gently, she was tangled somehow against the shower pipeline. How come? ‘How did you get entangled?’

‘I don’t know,’ she whined childishly. f**k! She’s naked. I kept my eyes up at her face with great struggle, avoiding staring at her breasts which were slightly covered by foam. I walked closer to her.

‘You are clumsy,’

‘Shut up,’ she whispered. I slowly untangled her hair. Soap was allover her face. I stepped back immediately, laughing away my nervously. ‘Thanking you,’ she giggled. Oh God! My eyes went down. I hurried out of the bathroom, f**k! I’m sweating. I walked out of the room back to the office, the woman was gone. I rest my hands on the table and shook my head, I will never get that image out of my head.

Bloom

I stared at Alis as he ate quietly, I was still blushing from what I did, I had no choice, I was stuck. He took me out to a beach for dinner, the candles and lanterns were so romantic and it was making my heart flutter. He saw me naked, he’s gay so no big deal, right? Ah! He didn’t ask about my hand again.

‘Bloom,’

‘Yup!’ I popped, acting normal. He stood up, is it me or does he look hot in his opened beach shirt and white trousers. Oh ki*ll me with opened chest shirt, I’ll die in an instant. He smiled nervously, what? ‘What?’ I asked looking at my body. I wore a dark red dress with black lacing around the edges. It clung to my figure and stopped mid-thigh in a black lace fringe and black sandal heels. It was okay, right? ‘Is it what I’m wearing?’

‘Not really,’ he smiled, taking my hand gently. ‘Dance with me,’

‘Okay,’ I said uncertainly. He pulled me up and wrapped his arm around my waist. I put my hand on his chest laughing nervously. He used his other hand to turn on the stereo.

? Mm
Mm, mm…? the song played…oh! I love this song! Justin Timberlake’s perfect for me. He wrapped his arms around my waists while mine stayed on his shoulders.

‘Look at me,’ as if I was looking at his shadow before.

? I know your favorite song
I hear it everyday
Whoever made your smile
Made it to get in my way
And every time you laugh
You make that little sound
It’s just the hardest thing
To love you but not know how

So I spend all my nights
In the dark and afraid
‘Cause I’ve tried to forget you
But these things just don’t go away

I hate that you’re perfect,
Perfect for me
If I didn’t know better,
Then I would believe
We were made for each other,
But I’d know the truth
You’re no good for me,
I’m no good for you
And I hate that you’re perfect
You’re perfect for me
I hate that you’re perfect
You’re perfect for me…? just looking into his eyes and swaying slowly to the song is making my heart thump again, my eyes were glistening with tears, he’s gay. He spun me around thrice.

? What good are words
When they always
Just get in our way
And it hurts the most
Just to know that you
Don’t feel the same, the same
So sometimes
I get down on my knees
And I pray things will change
But life is what happens
When things they don’t work out our way, our way….? I rest my head on his shoulder so I won’t cry, does anyone realise he’s gay? It’s breaking me.

? So I spend all my nights
In the dark and afraid, mm
‘Cause I’ve tried to forget you
But these things just don’t go away, away

I hate that you’re perfect,
Perfect for me
If I didn’t know better,
Then I would believe
We were made for each other,
But I’d know the truth
You’re no good for me,
I’m no good for you
And I hate that you’re perfect
You’re perfect for me
I hate that you’re perfect
You’re perfect for me….? he sat me back on the chair as the song ended. He went on one knee, eh? Can somebody explain what is going on?

‘Bloom,’ he clasped our hands together. ‘You know I suck at being romantic…’ Do I know you? ‘The day I met you will never leave my head, ever. To me, you will always be that sunset that beautifies my day, the glow that bright up my night. It’s funny how I’m actually kneeling here and proposing to a woman because I never thought I would do it once. You have become a very important part of my life Bloom, and again I’m sorry for forgetting the ring the first time but now I’m going to ask again,’ he removed his hand and brought out a ring from his pocket. Oh my God! ‘Bloom, will you marry me?’

I fanned my face, I wasn’t expecting him to do such and it was making my body vibrate too much. ‘Alis…’

‘I know marriage is a big step for us, something we can’t separate from but it’s a path I want to take with you. Please don’t reject me again,’ oh now I get, cameras. Tears ran down my cheeks, all fake, he’s gay.

‘I’ll think about it,’ I said chucklingly, stroking my chin dramatically. He whimpered and pouted.

‘Babe, please?’

‘Marriage is a very big deal, don’t you think?’

‘I promise not to hurt you, I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I can’t fully vouch for myself but just shut up and accept this ring, my knee is killing me.’ I rolled my eyes and wiggled my fingers.

‘I’ll accept your ring next year,’ I said with a cartoonish voice. He burst into laughter, what did I say? ‘What?’ I laughed.

‘What type of voice is that?’ He asked between his laugh.

‘I don’t know,’ I said with the voice again. He snorted and flicked my head. He slipped the ring into my finger. I burst into tears well and fanned my face. ‘You finally bought me a ring, you’re not poor….’

‘Very funny,’ he chuckled pulled me up along with him. He encircled my waist again while we laughed for our own different reason. Mmm, let me say it again, he’s gay. ‘I love you Bloom,’ my heart skipped.

‘I love me too,’ I said still crying by the way. He chuckled and closed the distance between our lips. My stomach rumbled, this lips were cold yet oh my God! I’m kissing Alisdair!

My hands slipped around his neck and into his hair, I deepened the kiss with great pleasure, he kissed back. Wait? Is he sure he is gay? The way his tongue moved in my mouth, the way he was kissing me was…well, unbelievable. I broke the kiss and peered at him suspiciously. ‘What?’ He asked chucklingly.

‘Are you sure this is your first time kissing a girl?’ He rolled his eyes with a laugh. ‘Tell me, who disvirgined your lips?’

Hey! Act funny and die inside, it’s alright.

 

 

 

I threw my bag on my bed and flung myself on it. I puffed heavily and stared at my ringed finger. Such a beautiful ring. ‘Hey sis,’ Leila chirped. ‘Oooh! Nice ring!’ She squealed. She sat on the bed and took my hand. ‘Gorgeous.’

‘Thank you,’

‘See what is threading on Kathy Globe news, released an hour ago.’ She said showing me her phone. I sat up and took the phone. “Famous business tycoon Alisdair Kendrick has a girlfriend! Watch proposing video” Was the headline. I didn’t bother asking Alis but I knew this would happen.

‘Phew,’ I laid on the bed back.

‘According to Kathy, someone shot the video and sent it to her, true life. Other medias are picking it up, it’s official.’

‘I know, happy married life to me.’

.

.

Segment 18

Bloom

I stared at Leila chuckling silently, she was trying to hide her face from Sebastiano, Alisdair’s boyfriend. It stung watching the man dragging my soon to be husband with me but what choice do I have? Sebastiano’s sister put together a little party for both of us, me and Alisdair. I wore a purple lace gown that clung to my figure and stopped above my knees. The inner material was chiffon and way shorter than the lace. The dress was backless but the front had scoop neckline. I just threw on silver stilettos and grabbed a silver clutch bag. I wasn’t happy, my wedding was tomorrow and Leila ruined my wedding dress. Mom was still waiting for my new order. The next painful part, Seb and Alis were dancing like lovers, waltzing around as everyone laughed.

The party was just me, my siblings, Eric, two of his friends, Kristal and a friend and Sebastiano. Three of my cousins were present too, one trying hard to flirt with Eric but Leila was showing her fire.

‘Now, kiss,’ Kristal cheered. Alis and Seb eyed her. I laughed painfully.

‘You guys can kiss, I don’t mind,’ I smiled. Kristal eyed them and smirked.

‘I’m sure you won’t mind kissing your dunce head boyfriend, right Alis?’

‘Who are you calling dunce?’ Seb flared. ‘You blockhead whore….’

She gasped. ‘Me?! A whore! You call me a whore Seb, you are very very very on top of the universe stupid! Useless! If I sleep around, is it your business!’

‘So you accept it, huh?’

‘Hey guess what!’ She squealed. ‘You will never have a child of your own impotent dock,’

‘Seriously,’ Eric sighed. ‘This is the twentieth time you guys are quarrelling in two hours, can’t you both just breathe the same air in peace….’

‘Tell him to commit suicide so I can be happy. Big brothers do things to make their little sister happy but you never do. Can’t you die for the sake of my happiness? What wrong did I do to you? Why can’t you just die so I’ll be happy for life. Sebastiano, die!’

‘How is my death going to make you happy?! You’ll be alone….’

‘Was I with you before,’ she scoffed. ‘Oh pe-lease, being an only child would rock.’

‘You want to take my properties, I get it.’

‘Your poverty company? I’m f****ng rich and influential, stop talking sh*t….hey hey hey! Small bottle, get your hands off my expensive wine!’ She shouted at one of Eric’s friend. He took the wine and scurried away. ‘Short thief! Come back….I will be back for you,’ she said to Sebastiano. ‘Idiot,’ she smacked his head and ran after the guy raining swears on him.

‘Is she okay?’ Odyn whispered into my ear. I looked at him teasingly, he was crushing on Kristal.

‘Baby want a sugar mama,’ Leila teased. He rolled his eyes.

‘She’s not that old, just your age.’

‘Shut up,’ I scolded and sighed.

‘You feeling bad?’

‘I’m getting married to a homosexual, what do you expect?’

‘Nothing good,’ she chuckled. I sighed again.

‘How’s Dark?’ Odyn asked, changing the topic.

‘Not fine Odyn, he disappeared this morning.’

‘Why? My blood never affected him this way, I think he’s intentionally hiding.’

‘Yes, I think that too.’ Leila agreed.

‘We just have to keep looking for Meghan Blues,’

‘Yeah,’

‘Baby,’ Alis called, wiggling his way to me. I laughed and tilted my head. ‘My baby,’

‘Why are you wiggling like that?’ I asked.

‘I’m happy,’ he said nodding his head to the music. ‘And in the mood to sway your hips,’

‘My hips?’

‘I don’t have hips to sway,’ he said shaking his own hips. ‘Dance with me, please?’

‘Alright,’ I took his hand with a smile. He kissed the back of my palm princely, not taking his eyes off me. He knows how to make my heart flutter, almost like a playboy. He pulled me along to the middle of the room and took hold of my waist, imprisoned it. ‘This is not a waltz music,’

‘Yeah, it’s tango.’ I squealed as he swayed me around, I wasn’t much of a dancer so I had no way of knowing. It was fun, they clapped and cheered for us. After we finished dancing, Alis pulled me to the bar while the spirit of dancing possessed Leila again. Regent� lento by CNCO and Little Mix, away Leila went.

Seb was watching her with a look of recognition while Eric just videoed her with a grin. ‘What will happen if Sebastiano finds out she’s the one that kneed him?’

‘He’ll probably try to woo her again,’ Alis said calmly, handing me a glass of….what is this?

‘She’s with Eric,’

‘He knows it’s fake,’

‘And you don’t mind him going after a girl?’

‘Why should I mind?’ He asked nonchalantly and drank from his cup.

‘Maybe because he’s your boyfrie….’ He spat out his drink, choking on it. ‘Sorry,’ I said stroking his back with concern. ‘It’s okay, I know.’

‘Who told you that!’ He coughed.

‘Does it matter?’

‘What the f**k! Me and him?!’ Eric glanced at us. Alis huffed and snatched my hand, he took and drop my glass also. ‘Come,’ he pulled me out of the house to the parking lot.

‘Slow down, this heels is high,’

‘Look here,’ he said angrily, throwing me against his car. I groaned from the pain in my back. ‘Just because I told you I’m gay doesn’t mean you can go about assuming that I sleep around with all males. How could you think of me sleeping with my best friend!’ He whispered yelled. ‘He isn’t gay….’

‘My source is reliable,’

‘Tell that f****ng source that he or she is a bas***d!’ He yelled out. ‘It’s hard lying t….just get that useless thought out of your head,’ he said lowly. I scoffed.

‘I’m not judging you Alis, I understand if you love your….’

‘I don’t!’ He yelled, I screamed in fright. ‘Don’t tell me that!!!’ Why is he acting up? I burst into tears, he looks terrifying. His eyes softened, I moved away from him. ‘Bloom, I’m sorry I yelled….’ I ran away, heading straight to the gate. ‘Bloom! Bloom! Lock the gate!’ I stopped running when I heard that, the gateman will catch me. I ran the other way but stopped when I heard him howled in pain.

‘Alis, are you okay?’ He was holding his chest.

‘I can’t breathe, my heart….’ I ran back to him almost panicking.

‘Why? Is it because you yelled? I’m so sorry I made you yell, don’t die….’ He burst into laughter, like seriously? I huffed and made to stomp off but he imprisoned my waist still laughing. ‘You’re insane! You almost gave me an heart attack!’

‘My mommy, the sugarcane in my life, my honey,’ he teased, placing his chin on my shoulder while swaying us side to side.

‘Go away, you yelled at me,’ I sobbed. ‘No one yells at me, it scares me, you should know that.’

‘You know sometimes I can be an idiot, I’m sorry, what you said really angered me.’ He whispered into my ear, I giggled because of his breath tickling my ear.

‘Don’t lie to me Alis, I don’t mind,’ he removed his chin and turned me around but his hands still held me waist.

‘Listen, I might be off track but I am single, I don’t date.’

‘Is that suppose to make me feel better!’ I squawked. He chuckled and dried my tears.

‘Don’t cry, please?’

‘Promise you won’t yell at me?’

‘Cross my heart,’ he grinned. ‘But seriously, I’m not dating Sebastiano.’ We were talking in low keys.

‘You sure?’

‘Yeah,’ I put my hands around his neck and smiled. ‘You are very beautiful Bloom, do you know I love your eyes?’

‘You tell me that every single day,’ I giggled. ‘It feels like we are dating,’ I whispered, his face was leaning closer.

‘We are getting married tomorrow Bloom, we are.’ He looked at his wristwatch and smirked.

‘Ten seconds?’

‘Count down,’

‘Ten,’ I counted.

‘Nine,’ he continued.

‘Eight,’

‘Seven,’

‘Six,’

‘Five,’

‘Four,’

‘Three, two, one,’ we counted together. ‘Happy wedding day!’ We cheered. Oh God! This is so cheesy. He slammed his lips on mine, completely knocking my breath away but I kissed back. I squealed into his mouth as he spun me around as we kissed. The universe tortured me more by making the moment more perfect by sending down rain.

I know it was complicated, he was gay but he liked kissing me and we were under the rain.

Happy wedding day to me.

 

~~~~~~~~~~ Alisdair ~~~~~~~~~~~

I stared at my wristwatch nervously, my heart was thumping viciously, what if she changes her mind? She was late, really late. People were murmuring, this can’t be happening. Bloom can’t just change her mind like that, what happened to us? I thought she cared…this will be a big blow to me. Sebastiano who was my best man was busy eye fighting with Kristal, really seriously.

The door pushed open, a bright light flashed, one that made us cover our eyes. It was like the sun invaded the church. ‘Argh, what’s this,’ Eric groaned. The light slowly died down, probably because the door was shut. I looked at the door, my breath left my mouth.

Bloom stood there with a sheepish smile, her entire body was really glowing, brought out the glow in her name. Her dress was complicated but really beautiful, not as beautiful as her face. Her father led her to me, am I really getting married to her? She’s breathtaking. ‘Hey,’ she smiled. That was when I realized my mouth was wide open, I closed my mouth and smiled back. ‘Sorry, the car got stuck in traffic.’ Her father gave me her hand, I squeezed it gently, feeling proud of being the one to marry her.

‘You look beautiful,’ I commented. ‘Like the sunset, you should be called Oriana.’

‘Thank you,’ we faced the pastor, she did but my eyes never left her face. I couldn’t help but admire her beauty, she felt like a blessing. Even as I said my vows, I never stopped looking at her; she’s too beautiful. The only thing I really heard was….

‘….you may kiss the bride,’ and that I did. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her deeply. She giggled on my lips, she’s clueless because if she was smart enough, she would know I’m not gay.

There’s no going back now, Bloom is already mine.

Bloom

I walked to Alis who was sitting on the bed with my phone in my hands, I was watching the video of Alis yelling at me last night and then us making up. Crazy Kristal got it on video but silent the voice and uploaded it on her blog to exaggerate his “love” for me. Now I know how romantic it all is, we look cute together. Our reception video was booming along with the dancing video of Leila Eric videoed last night. To say the least, Kristal and Leila snatched the dance floor from everyone at the reception, we only got to dance when Eric was performing live. The wedding video was mostly about Kristal and Leila owning my party.

I don’t mind though, it gave me enough chance to shamelessly ogle Alis with no one to notice. ‘Alisdair,’ I called, climbing the bed as I still watched the video.

‘Yeah,’ he answered, he was working.

‘Can you help me with my zipper?’

‘Can y….okay,’ I sat on the bed, my back to him. He zipped it down.

‘Help me unclasps the bra,’

‘Seriously?’

‘What?’ I asked shyly, he’s gay, right? He cursed under his breath before I felt his cold fingers brushed against my skin. I shuddered slightly, if only he could touch me. He gently unclasps the bra. I bit my lower lip as he slid the sleeves of the dress off my shoulders, along with my bra strap. ‘Thank you, I will handle it from h….’

‘Wait, you must be stressed out,’ he said with a husky tone, huh? He knelt up and slide his hands over my shoulders into my dress’s. I kept staring at his hands, my lower region was pooling up already. Just by that little touch…. Wait, what are we doing?

‘Alisdair, what are you doing?’

‘Undressing my wife,’

‘W….w…..w…’ I stammered. I tilted my head to the side as his cold lips met with my skin. My eyes shut instantly, he kept flattering my shoulder and neck with kisses, making me squirm endlessly as soft moans left my mouth. He slipped the upper covering of my dress off successfully, his hands squeezed my bosom delicately, causing more loud moans to escape my lips.

This isn’t happening Bloom, snap out of it!

I jolted away from him and covered my chest, my eyes were widened with shock. ‘Alis, I thought you said you are gay….?’

He smiled with eyes still shut. ‘I am, that doesn’t mean you aren’t active to a man’s touch. I was helping you relax.’

‘What kind of relaxation is that! You lied to me, didn’t you?!’ I yelled in tears.

‘Bloom,’ he called softly, opening his eyes. They twinkled brightly with floods of emotions, making my stomach squeeze nervously. He crawled closer to where I was and stared at me deep in the eyes, those eyes. ‘Do you trust me?’ I couldn’t break lose from the hypnotism.

‘Yes,’

‘Then don’t ever think I lied, I won’t try that again, I promise.’ I nodded.

‘I’m sleeping in the guest room,’

‘No, go wash up, get dressed and let’s go to bed.’ I nodded again, deep down, I knew my problems had just began.

.

.

.

.

.

To be continued.

Bloom is really clueless, isn’t she?

Authoress Bunmi B. Gabriel