14:15 PM, Sarah Anderson, Master Room.
One more day of school finally ended. "See-sh..." I let out a sigh and fell flat on the grass; I knew that, if I let myself close my eyes, I probably would just fall asleep right there, laying on the grass of my heavenly garden, from the exhaustion and tiredness I was feeling. The grass waved harmoniously like the soft waves in a beach at sunset, catching perfectly the light in a way that it only knew how. My fingertips played with some of the herbage near me; the light sensation made me giggle. "How I've missed this sensation..." I sighed once again and smiled, now overwhelmed with the feeling of nostalgia and longing for a long, hot, and sunny day. I was so glad that finally, the rainy days had ended. And it was almost summer! Vacations! No more school! What could I be doing during that time? Of course, I would be spending my vacations here, alone, away from my parents; sometimes my father could be a very stubborn and squared person. W-Well--! Don't get me w-wrong... I didn't mind! After all, I wouldn't be spending my time all by myself since I had the boys with me. But my father didn't know that so, shame on him for letting his daughter by herself! "So." I shifted myself on the grass, getting comfier for thinking. With one hand underneath my chin and the other caressing softly the tiny petals of a daisy that was in front of me, I tried to come up with some easy solutions. "Books?" I thought. My grandfather had this huge library with lots of diversified books: Romantic novels; Criminal novels; Poetry; Science fiction, etc. It definitely would occupy me. "I like reading but... turning my summer all about that... I don't know... maybe it would turn out to be too boring for me... Hmm..." I decided to try again. "Drawing? Nah! I'm sure the inspiration would fly right away. Then, doing something related to music like... singing? Uh-uh! I suck at singing!" I immediately dismissed that idea. I sang like a cracked reed, so no. "Hmm, what about dancing? I could sign up for dance classes, I bet it would be fun and would keep me occupied!" I thought. It was an excellent idea, except for the part that it would rob me a lot of time. I growled and shifted again of position; now I was facing the clear, blue sky. Seeing the birds high in the sky, I wished. I wished I was free like them, not earthbound. If I could, I would do it without thinking twice. But I couldn't. I wasn't a bird, I was human for crying out loud. "I can't' think of anything else to do!" I yelled frustrated. Then, one particular thought suddenly popped into my mind out of nowhere! It made me blush so bad that I felt the need to hide my face, despite no one being there to see it. "N-No!" I refused to give in to temptation. "I couldn't possibly do that all summer! My lips would be sore from all that kissing...! Why would I even think about that?! What do I have in my head? Air?!" I turned and faced the Gazebo. Memories flowing back and forward in my mind. "This was..." I started, smoothing the grass again. "This was the spot where Erik and I kissed. Second time yes but, the first time willingly." Concluded. How things have changed since then; it was like the butterfly effect. All begun with an act of altruism, so to speak... [not everyone would be so open to something like giving your sexual energy to a demon nor to the idea of demons existing, in the first place]... and, soon enough, turned out to be so much more. It's common knowledge that the fluttering of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world."I didn't realize I was making memories until this very moment..." I realized. A million feelings. A thousand thoughts. A hundred memories. One person. "My eyes feel... really heavy... b-but why...?" I asked myself, already closing slowly and involuntarily my eyelashes."I need to... t--..." The warmth from the sun wasn't helping at all. It was making things even more difficult! "... st--tay... awa--ke..." But, despite the efforts, I drifted to sleep, embracing the darkness of slumber.
~
Have you ever had a dream so real you were confused when you woke up?
Well...
That evening, it was one of those dreams.
~
I woke up, feeling the soft sheets underneath me caressing my exposed skin. I was in bed; in a very comfy bed. But how? I was sure I fell asleep on the grass. Confused, I immediately jumped up and looked around my surroundings. I sighed in relief. I was in my room, thank God. "One of the boys must have seen me outside, sleeping carefree on the grass, and brought me inside." I hoped it had been Erik. Would he have kiss my forehead and wish me a good night? I instantly felt my cheeks grow hotter at the thought. Of course, he would. He cared that much for me. "Well, it's morning already. But, what time is it?" I grabbed my phone, pressed the 'on' button, and looked at the time. "What?!" I yelled shocked."It's already noon! Dang it! I missed school! How could no one have woken me?" Dulled with the fact that would have a lot to catch up on tomorrow, I let myself fall back in bed, giving in to despair. "But, wait a second..." I got up right away. "If that were the case, then why don't I have a thousand missed calls from Suzu or Naomi?!" I searched my phone, digging deeper and deeper into my list of missing calls. "So weird..." Once returned to the main window, I noticed something. "The date is off... what's going on?!" I got up from my bed and rushed to the room's door. However, I halted by the standing mirror. I stood in front of it, staring astonished at my complexion as a million different thoughts ran through my mind. My jaw almost dropped at my gown; I was hearing a chapel princess wedding dress with a flower train off-the-shoulder and an open-back. I was speechless. The dress was indeed stunning and dreamy-like, fitting me perfectly like a glove but, why was I hearing a wedding dress in the first place?! No. I should be asking... when was I proposed?! Until yesterday I was still in high school if I remember right! How Dad allowed this?! Who was I going to marry?! Was it an arranged one? Was I going to marry one of my dad's colleagues' sons? Or was I going to marry--? This must be a joke... perhaps a costume party? Yeah, that makes a lot more sense! Then, a knock on my door broke me out of my thoughts, startling me."W-Who is it?"
"Are you okay in there Sarah?" The sweet and concerned voice that belonged to one of my dearest friends, Naomi, addressed me from the other side of the door. "Are you sure you don't need your bridesmaids in there with you?" She asked.
"Bridesmaids?" I whispered to myself in shock. So this was happening.
"Anderson, if you're having doubts, we can land you a hand!"
"Suzu!" Naomi immediately scolded her. "Not helping!"
"Hey, I was just trying to lighten up the mood." Suzu stated it was justified behavior, "It was strange enough when she started to cry all of the sudden, and ask to be alone. Don't ya think?"
"You surely have heard that a wedding day is always stressful for the bride. It's hard to manage everything at the same time, you know? The guests, the photographer, the wedding reception, and the wedding itself, the catering, the music... all that stuff." Naomi explained.
"Yeah, yeah." Suzu dismissed Naomi's explanation. I could almost see her rolling her eyes at Naomi, "But it's even more difficult when you're about to marry someone you don't love or at least have a care." then, addressed to me again. "If you to get out of here, my bike is ready for departure."
"Suzu! Don't mind her Sarah, she's just grumpy because Rika didn't make it."
"Hey! I'm not grumpy! And leave Rika out of this!"
"Hey girls? Can you guys go ahead? I just need a few more minutes." I told them.
"Oh? Sure! See you in a few minutes then." Naomi said cheerfully, tho I knew she didn't felt like it.
"Yeah, Anderson. See ya soon."
I waited a few minutes to make sure they were gone-gone before opening the door. I peeked through and analyzed the perimeter."The coast is clear." I let myself know. "Let's find out what's going on here." I made up my mind and got out of the room. As I was descending the stairs, I could already hear people chatting. They were talking about all sorts of things; from 'how it was a lovely wedding' to 'how people were elegantly dressing'. I slowly approached the room where the chattering was coming from. The room buzzed with excited chatter and children running between the tables in a good game of tag. There were so many people I didn't recognize. Mom was near the dolphin icy statue talking joyfully to a woman in a greenish-blue gown. And dad... Where was dad anyway? Ah there! He's outside, near the entrance of the garden. I squinted my eyes. "Who is that guy in the white suit?" It was not Erik but, it was definitely the groom. "Who the hell is--?"
"Sarah! Wow, you look... I-I don't even have the words to describe how that gown suits you! I'll just say... you look hot!"
I turned my wheels at the sudden compliment, I think. I watched Naomi and Suzu looking at me with complete awe-struck stares.
"You look... hey! What's up with your hair? It's all messy! And, where is your veil?? You can't show up at the ceremony like that! You want to give your poor mother a heart attack??" Naomi stated, obviously panicking. "Suzu! Go to Sarah's room and bring me the tiara and the veil. I'll go find the hairdresser and the makeup artist."
Suzu carried her hand to her forehead as if she was in the army and before an officer. "Yes, ma'am!" And she went upstairs faster than Flash itself.
"You, stay here." She guided me to sit on a chair leaning against one of the stairs' wings. "I'll be back before you can say 'the rat gnawed the cork from the bottle of the king of Russia', okay? Now stay put." And immediately ran off through the kitchen door.
I tried to stop both of them, but ended up sighing and stay put. Why would I want to get through all the trouble if the man I was going to marry wasn't Erik? Dang it. Right when I was about to figure out who was the person I was getting married to, they showed up. Don't get me wrong, I loved them very much, however, they always appeared at the most opportune moments. And that, kind of pissed me off. "I need a glass of wine..." I grunted, massaging my temples.
Then, a sudden 'clearing of throat' caught my attention. I turned my head and, there they were. All five of the Incubi brothers, dressed to nines of a perfect and high-classed gentleman. I was slightly taken aback by how great the boys looked in those black suits. Even Sam looked like an authentic and perfect gentleman. James gave me a smile and complimented me as well as my wedding gown. "As beautiful as a princess, miss."
Clumsily I got up from my seat and straightened the skirt of my dress, trying to make the wrinkles from sitting go away. "Thank you, James. You're too kind."
"So, the big hour is coming. Are you feeling ready?"
"Any second thoughts, ahn? Anh?" Matthew said playfully. I knew he was just saying that for the sake of a lighten-up joke but, it got me where it hurt.
I turned to see Erik, who had his gaze buried on his feet. A sad and frustrating frown was spread all across his perfect complexion. This couldn't be happening! Why was this happening? I didn't want to marry anyone else besides Erik! Why was the world trying to punish me? What did I ever do to deserve such an end? This was such a nightmare! I just wanted to curl over and cry myself to sleep.
"Miss?"
"Yeah, of course, I'm ready. It's a big step, but I'm ready to take it!" I lied. To be honest, I wasn't ready. Who would ever be ready in my shoes? No one wants to marry someone they don't love! I didn't want at least! What were the thoughts of the groom about this? Would he see things my way and feel the same way or the only thing he cared about was getting a good position, like the CEO position, in my grandfather's Toys Company?
They all tried to mask their sadness in their eyes at my response. They knew I was lying, that I wouldn't want any of this, even despite that, they tried to smile reassuringly at me, somehow aiming to bring me some peace of mind and soul.
James looked at Damien, who returned his gaze with a nod. "Damien, can you please come with me to the kitchen? The catering members need some guidance throughout the mansion and, since you were the one who organized the whole ceremony, I think you're the best person for that task."
"Of course. I'll be glad to help James." Damien replied.
"Then, let's go." Before leaving, James took my hand and kissed my knuckles. "See you at the ceremony miss."
"Y-Yeah--! I'll be the one in white!" I tried to make a joke about it but sucked at it.
Damien chuckled. "Don't be nervous, silly. It will go as plan. We have your back. I promise."
"Thank's Damien." I gave him my signature smile.
Damien smiled back. He knew exactly what I had in mind every damn time and, he always managed to say the right words.
"Now let's go. The catering members are waiting." After James saying that they both left. I watched their backs vanished through the kitchen door.
"Hey Matthew, do you know where Simon is?" Sam asked.
"Nop. Not a clue." Matthew replied light-hearted. After a few minutes, he gasps and grabs Sam by the shoulders, shaking him roughly. "What if Simon finds a way of ruin Sarah's wedding like he always manages to ruin everything?! We can't allow that!"
"Woah-woah! Take it easy, will ya? I'll give you a hand."
Matthew sighed and smiled. "Then let's not waste any more time! I'll save the day! See you soon Sarah!" And he also ran off.
Sam slipped his hands into his pocket... "Don't run off, 'ya doofus. It would be quite troublesome if you did it." and followed Matthew suit.
I've already considered that idea at some point, it wouldn't do me any good but anyway... The ones left were me and Erik. I gulped understanding why James and Damien, Sam and Matthew rushed to leave the hall. I looked deep into Erik's eyes, feeling his intent stare burying into my own skin. "Erik I..."
Almost instantly, Erik approached and hushed my lips. "Shh... you don't have to say anything, princess." We were so close that I swear I could hear my heartbeat beating in sync with his. "I understand." He simply said. "I understand why you're doing this."
"Y-You do? Because I don't Erik." My voice must have sounded weak as I felt it trembling out my vocal cords. My heart was on the line here; I needed answers and I wasn't getting any.
"Princess, I..." Erik cupped my cheek with his hand and fixed my lips with his gaze; he was trembling and his eyes were watery. A slight brush of a finger caressed my lower lip. "I can't believe I won't be kissing those lips anymore." He said, letting himself get carried away by the possible melancholy of our past memories.
"D-Don't say that...!" Tears began to stream down my face and stain my gown. "D-Don't.... sa--ay... t-that...!"
He was able to wipe away some of the tears from my eyes. "Don't cry, princess. Don't cry, please."
"I-I-I ca-an't he--l--lp it...!" My sobbing was making my words imperceptible. "I-I lov--v--e yo--oo--ou!"
He had sad eyes, like me, although he kept smiling. Gently, he pulled me to him and whispered in my ear. "Time to wake up, my princess."
My eyes widened in surprise. What? What did he--?
We parted from each other's arms. He remained there, looking at me, with a soft smile and tears dripping from his eyes, repeating the very same words. "Time to wake up." The worry and the sadness he carried didn't match his voice tone nor why he was saying those words.
--Time to wake up -- Time to wake up -- Time to wake up -- Time to wake up --
-- Tick, Tack -- Tick, Tack -- Tick, Tack -- Tick, Tack -- Tick, Tack --
I stared up at Erik, unable to say anything. And, as everything went black, my demon lover disappeared in thin air. I stepped back, frightened, and as I did it, I fell down into a bottomless hole of darkness. "AHHHHHHH--hhhhh-hhhh-hhh--hh--h--...!" I shouted my lungs out.
~~
As I was being held by the darkness around me, finally, I felt the world once again settle into a low, peaceful hum. All the negativity from that scene vanished as the arms around me rocked me comfortingly. Slowly, though, my eyes fluttered open and I looked up at the person holding me. Erik was carrying me bridal-style throughout the garden and back inside the mansion. "You're finally awake. It took you long enough."
"E-Erik...!" I stared into his eyes; his face was painted with so much worry and concern. Why?
"I was just arriving home when I saw you by the gazebo, laying on the grass. And, since you weren't moving, I thought something bad had happened to you. You got me worried there."
"S-Sorry... it wasn't my intention..." I babbled embarrassed. Why did I always manage to get Erik to worry? I sighed in dismay with myself. "Wait... you said you were arriving home when you found me, right? So you weren't home?" I asked confused. Where was he then? Did he went back to the Demon world and paid his ex-bride-to-be a quick visit? I mentally shook that thought and slapped myself in the face. That was not a possibility! The Demon world was the last place the boys would want to go. Erik wouldn't go... he wouldn't leave me... I'm sure...
"No, I wasn't. I had to take care of some affairs downtown, but don't worry your pretty head about it... Now, back to the issue, did you fell asleep there just like that? It's a normal thing to do?" Erik asked confused; 'till this day he was still not acquainted with human habits. "Do you take naps outside, on the grass, from now on then?"
"Y-Yeah... I mean, n-no... I guess I'm not a person to do it very often, n-not that I usually do, t-that's not wh-what I mean, wh--hat I mean is that I-I was feeling very tired and it only took me a second and was sleeping!" I giggled nervously. "Y-You get the point." Tell me, why was I rambling again?
"Hm, I guess that could happen when you are not sleeping the necessary hours for your body to rest well." He noted, "So, do you normally make those weird expressions while sleeping, princess?"
I was not sure what to think of his question/statement. "That-That is sudden. Wh-What weird expressions? I-I don't make weird expressions while I sleep! S-Stop teasing me..." I gripped his shirt and buried my face into his chest. "Ugh-h... so embarrassing...."
Erik chuckled amused."Hehe, sorry. You just look cute when you're flustered."
I felt my face heat up only from his words. I gently squeezed each cheek trying to send my embarrassment away.
"But princess, I must ask you... were you having another bad dream?"